episode_0105

“Geumgi, is that what you’ve decided to call it?”

“I just call it that for convenience. There must be another name for it originally.”

“No, what I established is the fake Geumgi. You are the first one to actually implement the Geumgi that Dakiya was chasing.”

The first one, huh.

I named it Geumgi based on the memory I saw in martial arts novels.

I don’t know if this actually embodies the characteristics of Geumgi expressed in martial arts novels.

“Hmm…”

Drawing the sword and extending it forward.

The energy flowing through the sword… or should I say vibration for now.

I can feel the vibration resonating with my hand’s tremor.

Of course, it’s not just physical vibration, it’s a process of aligning the resonance of the sword with my energy to make it a true ‘my sword.’

If I had heard the advice to ‘resonate’ when learning Geumgi, I would have struggled even more.

Just calling it resonance for convenience.

Because that’s not the essence.

In this context, it might be similar to the concept of Shin-Geom-Hapil.

In the process of concentration, magic control or basic stats are of no help.

They might even be a hindrance.

What’s needed in Dakiya-style Geumgi is only ‘sword’ and ‘me.’

Feeling myself, feeling the sword.

Everything else is either auxiliary help or useless.

But once I get used to Geumgi, strengthening the body through magic control might be quite helpful.

“Hah!”

Swinging with a reinforced body from the Paladin and magic control.

Shiiing!

Exceeding the limits of the sword.

The white Geumgi extends beyond the blade.

The much sharper and thicker Geumgi than before strikes the tree.

Thick branches are cut and fall to the ground.

If Rex had been hit by this, his arms and legs would have been severed.

But it still doesn’t have enough power to cut through the tree trunk.

“It’s become even more powerful. Does it matter what kind of sword you use?”

“If it’s in the form of a sword, probably.”

“What about a wooden sword?”

“Hmm… I’m not sure.”

The important thing is not the form of the sword.

The sword is ultimately just a tool.

The one who emits Geumgi is me.

“Maybe with more practice, you could even use a branch. It seems difficult without a steel sword for now.”

But perhaps due to a lack of realization, it’s difficult to find a resonance point with the tree.

Even trying to infuse energy into a branch is extremely difficult.

Of course, it’s just difficult, not impossible.

It might be possible in the distant future.

“In that case, what about a spear instead of a sword?”

“If you have to focus on a single point while emitting Geumgi through a thrust, it might be difficult.”

“Then what about a staff?”

“That might be easier than a wooden sword.”

Tran Sylvia keeps asking questions.

While answering, I realized that Dakiya-style Geumgi truly does not discriminate against the type of medium.

Of course, a long, straight, well-forged steel sword is more comfortable.

That way, it’s easier to maintain a consistent vibration frequency for resonance.

In fact, I gained insight by putting down my toothless sword and picking up a well-forged Dakiya sword.

But now the situation is different.

It seems like my skill has improved enough to emit Geumgi even with a toothless sword.

I’ve found the knack.

Whether it’s a single-edged sword or a double-edged sword doesn’t matter.

If we assume that skill is infinite, then no matter what we hold, we should be able to emit Geumgi.

If it doesn’t matter what we hold.

Then maybe even bare hands…?

It doesn’t seem impossible.

The problem is, it’s certain that I’ll grow old and die before reaching that level of mastery.

Even if one realizes enlightenment, not everyone reaches the same level.

When one reaches the level of flicking away a blade with their fingertips, that’s when they truly become a human weapon.

“What are your thoughts on enlightenment?”

“Thoughts?”

“Honest thoughts.”

Tran Silvia looks at me expectantly.

I pause for a moment as I choose my words carefully.

Honest thoughts, huh.

Tran Silvia seems to be anticipating a certain kind of response.

“Humans all seem like ants to me.”

“Exactly! You too! When you reach enlightenment, humans all seem weak and inferior, like ants being looked down upon from the sky-”

“No, not to that extent. Just, it feels like I could easily defeat anyone who gathers in a group, unless they’re at a superhuman level.”

Tran Silvia seems taken aback, so I hold back for a moment.

Saying that people look like ants doesn’t mean I’m looking down on them.

It means that just as ants perish mercilessly under a person’s footstep, regular soldiers wouldn’t be able to stop me even if hundreds or thousands came at me.

I did have some confidence in one-on-one combat before.

But that was only up to three opponents at most.

After mastering Yeomdong, I was confident enough to take on up to five skilled mercenaries at once.

But if the numbers increased and I was surrounded from all sides, I didn’t have the confidence to win.

But now, after mastering Darkia’s enlightenment, it’s different.

The power of the blade can pierce through even the bodies of elves who have burned through their entire lifespan.

No matter how many come at me to surround me, they will all be cut down before they can even approach me.

“Hmm. Our perspectives may differ slightly, but overall, the thoughts of those who step into the realm of the superhuman are similar.”

“I don’t like to admit it, but…”

“Human lives seem trivial. You can easily decide the life and death of a person without much effort.”

This is the world of the superhuman.

A wall that criminals can never cross.

I am also a criminal, but I have repeatedly overcome regression and devoured fate to barely surpass it.

As I cross that wall, I feel my perspective changing.

Even if I don’t want to, my eyes see people differently.

Human lives can’t help but seem as light as flies.

‘This is the weight and fear of power.’

I feel my underlying nature slowly revealing itself.

The things I believed were my morals are fading away.

The primal instincts that were merely suppressed by the logic of power are coming alive.

“That’s why you should think even more. I didn’t think or make an effort at all. When weaker beings crawled up, I killed them all. Most problems were solved by killing, so I chose the easy path. In the end, what was completed was a monster, a killer named Tran Silvia.”

“…”

“Don’t stop thinking. Don’t stop pondering. I stopped pondering that long ago. I could have had a monster’s body with a human heart, but I rejected that opportunity. How will you live? Will you have a monster’s mind in a human body, or will you remain human? It’s all up to you.”

Tran Silvia gives me a bitter look as he presents me with the dilemmas he gave up long ago.

Tran Silvia has crossed a river that cannot be crossed back.

He has become a monster in body and mind.

The thought that this could be my future makes me dizzy.

If the undecided or main heroines die before my eyes.

Will I be able to maintain control over this power?

Can I remain a human, not a monster?

‘I need to grow stronger.’

The conclusion is always the same.

If you have strong power, you won’t lose anything.

I must become stronger.

[Attribute: Mental Strength Enhancement]

[A strong mind is imbued in a strong body. Mental strength is enhanced proportionally to overall stats.]

Furthermore, I have the Mental Strength Enhancement attribute.

As I grow stronger, my mental strength will also increase.

Having a strong power but having a weak mental state that can contaminate the mind and cause adverse effects is not something to worry about.

“What! The atmosphere got tense! But isn’t getting stronger a good thing! So, how about we test our skills for once? Since we can’t cause a disturbance, let’s fight without magic, only using our bodies and swords.”

“Sounds good.”

Drawing her sword, Trancillvia pointed the tip of the blade at me.

In the past, I would have been terrified and moved away, but now I can accept it.

I have awakened to the true essence of swordsmanship within me.

And unlike Trancillvia, it is the essence of the original style.

Mine is clearly superior.

Furthermore, limiting the use of magic gives me an advantage.

I can maintain my stats through the Guardian Knight.

“Ready.”

With Mijung raising her hand to signal the start,

Trancillvia and I walk to opposite sides, keeping a distance between us.

And then we both draw our swords.

Although my teeth are missing from the battle with Rex, it’s okay.

After all, it’s just a duel, and I won’t be aiming for Trancillvia’s neck.

I’ll deal with her later.

“Go!”

As Mijung’s starting signal bursts out,

A fierce energy surrounds us as Trancillvia and I both push the ground at the same time, causing it to vibrate.

I thought there would be a big clash, but unexpectedly, it was calm.

We pushed the ground, but neither of us could move forward and just stood still.

No one could move forward rashly.

“Darn it. Can’t find an opening.”

The essence of Darkia’s swordsmanship expands the attack range of the sword significantly.

For swordsmen who haven’t realized the essence, they must approach and fight by clashing swords.

But since both Trancillvia and I have realized the essence, no matter where we stand, we are within the attack range of the swords.

So, we must consider not only the enemy’s charge but also long-range sword attacks coming from a distance.

Finding each other’s weaknesses, we continue the intense battle from a distance.

“This is annoying. I might get killed by a glare. I hate these mind games!”

Swish!

Trancillvia strikes first with her sword, creating a gust of wind.

The thin gust of wind that extends from the tip of the sword cuts through the grass and rushes towards me.

Certainly, although different from the original style, this can also be called Darkia’s essence.

The flow of wind is difficult to track with the eyes, so ultimately, one must deduce the direction and form of the sword attack from the opponent’s posture.

However, there was one fatal flaw.

Since she had to use wind as a medium, Trancillvia’s speed was greatly restricted.

“I can react to this.”

Trancillvia’s sword strike is as fast as lightning.

I couldn’t follow it with my eyes, but I could see and react to the wind extending from the sword.

Swoosh!

A diagonal slash downwards.

My sword, infused with my energy, cuts through the air, creating a fierce sword energy.

My sword energy and Trancillvia’s sword strike collide at the midpoint.

Crack!

“What?!”

Of course, my sword energy was the winner.

Passing through Trancillvia’s wind, my sword energy scatters the wind and continues forward.

Although the impact weakened, it was still powerful enough.

Trancillvia directly blocks my sword energy with her sword and steps back.

“Heh… Sharpness may be sharper with wind, but the difference in strength is evident. The matchup isn’t in my favor.”

Trancillvia’s wind can cut down trees, while mine can only cut branches.

However, regardless of that, it seems my sword energy is superior.

Even though we both wield Darkia’s essence, Trancillvia has to wield her sword once more to block.

It’s a game she can’t win.

“Overcoming the matchup difference! That’s the key!!!”

At that moment.

Tran Silvia charges forward, creating variables.

Recognizing the difference in strength and speed, the decision is made to strike before the approach.

A very correct judgment.

In reality, Tran Silvia’s bare body is faster than a paladin like me.

Allowing the approach means no chance of winning.

But on the other hand.

Of course, I cannot allow Tran Silvia to approach.

“Dakia-style Oi.”

Inhaling deeply.

Taking on the form of Dakia-style 0.

Unable to rely on magic control, I overload my body to achieve maximum speed.

Twisting my joints and engraving gold into my bones, I exert strength on my body.

And then, striking with my sword.

Releasing the energy imbued in the sword.

“Iron Blood Storm Strike!”

Shiiing!

Combining with Dakia’s style 0, I unleash a flurry of strikes at top speed.

The sword’s edge covers every direction.

The sword energy emanating from it overlaps and fills the air with a blinding white light.

Truly a desperate situation.

The inescapable net of sword energy.

Tran Silvia, who was rushing at a fast speed, now has no way to change direction and escape.

Caught.

“Ugh!”

I thought so, but.

Instead of avoiding the net of sword energy, Tran Silvia jumps into the center and begins to counterattack.

Dealing with the sword energies where it’s impossible to tell which is first or last, front or back.

Each one is deflected and countered.

The severed sword energy quickly disappears, but just before it vanishes in front of Tran Silvia, the tip grazes his arm, leaving a cut.

Nevertheless, Tran Silvia doesn’t stop but instead moves forward, deflecting my sword energies.

“Ha…”

An involuntary exclamation of admiration.

Throwing an inescapable net, but tearing through it.

He’s a crazy talented guy.

Even without using magic, but with his bare body…

He has no right to call himself a commoner.

Like a talented madman.

“Iron Blood Storm Strike. I really like the name. Should I make it into a headline in the newspaper? Dakia’s successor, establishing Oi and naming it Iron Blood Storm Strike…”

“Quiet down, you.”

Exchanging meaningless words, we check each other’s condition.

Tran Silvia’s wounds are superficial.

My body is full of shallow cuts from the fragments of my sword energies.

It feels awkward that blood isn’t flowing from the open flesh.

“This side is not lightly injured either.”

I also suffered recoil from using Iron Blood Storm Strike with my bare body.

My wrist and shoulder couldn’t bear it and gave out.

My ankle is also throbbing.

Feels like I aged eighty years after using Oi once.

“You look like you’re struggling! Can you keep going?”

“Are you sure you’re okay? One mistake and you could lose your life.”

“I can’t afford to make a mistake!”

While I reset my wrist and joints, Tran Silvia waits.

As soon as I readjust my stance, Tran Silvia leaps in with a crazed smile.

Shiik!

It’s impossible to use my messed-up arm to unleash Iron Blood Storm Strike again.

I send out a light 3-strike combo with two basic strikes, containing sword energy.

“Hahaha! Seems like you rely on strength!”

Tran Silvia deflects all the strikes without missing a beat, making it look easy.

But this time, the sword energy will be a bit different.

“Huh?!”

Realizing that the fragments of the sword energy can cause damage, I have to use it.

The sword energy flies at a precise angle, breaking the waist of the sword and shattering into fragments.

Shards return behind Transylvania’s ankle, severing the Achilles tendon.

It’s as if asking if I calculated this as well.

Transylvania’s eyes widen with a look of confusion.

“Are you going to give up?!”

Immediately kicking the ground with the broken foot and running again.

Retreating backwards and a double strike.

Unlike a little while ago when she just thoughtlessly pushed away and broke the waist of the sword.

This time, Transylvania thinks about the angle at which the shards fly, safely removing the sword.

Once again, the second strike doesn’t work.

“I caught up······!”

In an instant, the distance closes.

Transylvania, with a red glint in her eyes, skillfully puts me within the sharp radius of her sword.

“Kagak······!”

“You blocked with your foot?!”

Since I’ve come this far and been cornered, using Dakiaryu is meaningless.

I cast a Frost-style technique more suitable for the situation.

Blocking the sword with steel-plated shoes, Transylvania’s eyes once again fill with astonishment.

“What kind of hybrid combination is this······!”

Then, I switch to Meridaryu.

Trying to push the tip of the sword into the weakness of the sword that can only defend with one blade.

Transylvania, although surprised, skillfully retreats one step back, avoiding the attack.

Thus, gaining a slight distance.

And even causing Transylvania’s posture to collapse in a hurry.

‘I knew I would be pushed back in terms of speed. I have to end it with the unpredictable combination of the Three-Stage Swordsmanship!’

My attack turn has come again.

I must finish it this turn.

I immediately activate the Weak Point attribute.

“Uh······?”

Activate it. I should attack right away.

I can’t see Transylvania’s weakness.

Or more accurately.

There is a weakness, but it keeps moving around.

If I find and aim for one weakness, Transylvania’s posture subtly changes and moves to another.

There is a flaw, but all I see is a future where attacking anywhere will be blocked.

I can’t break through.

At least without using magic, I can’t break through that thick defense.

Even though one Achilles tendon of one foot is cut.

“I lost. I surrender.”

“What! That’s no fun!”

Dropping the sword and raising my hands, Transylvania gets angry.

Well, since I was looking forward to having fun from now on, I can’t help but get angry.

There is something that can be known without even confronting.

Before the approach, it is a well-established fact that Transylvania is undoubtedly the strongest.

‘Monsters are monsters.’

Transylvania is not using any specific swordsmanship.

After years of familiarizing and embodying countless swordsmanship techniques, she has become one with all of them.

‘I, who have only mastered three swordsmanship techniques, was not an opponent who could surprisingly win.’

The ultimate form that brings only the advantages of all swordsmanship and complements the disadvantages.

Even if the opponent shows unconventional movements, she is at a level where she can respond to all of them.

Lacking talent is all about learning through time.

Transylvania is the history of swords itself.

“Ouch. It hurts.”

“Do you feel pain as a vampire too?”

“Of course. If you can’t feel pain, you won’t even notice if you bump into things and break. That would be a big problem.”

“I, well. Don’t, feel it.”

“That’s just because you’re dull.”

Applying a potion to Transylvania’s arms and legs.

They exchange various small talk.

Of course, the potion here is not a low-grade potion.

Low-grade potions only increase the body’s healing power, so they don’t work on a dead body like a vampire.

So you have to use a high-grade potion that actually heals the wound, and I’ve already emptied three of them.

I feel like I should ask for reimbursement.

“Impressive. If we combine the power of magic there, how much stronger will the sword become? Perhaps I won’t be able to block it, or even if I do, the shrapnel might be deadly enough to sever limbs. If we unleash all our power and go all out, it’s clear that I will lose.”

“······.”

“Why the silence? Are your thoughts opposed to mine?”

“Yes. I believe that if we both go all out, Tran Silvia, you will win.”

“Hahaha! Both of us are far from humble beings! This is quite peculiar!”

Tran Silvia bursts into laughter.

Here, opinions are divided.

If we both go all out, I naturally thought Tran Silvia would win.

Tran Silvia thought the opposite.

In actual combat, there are so many variables that we won’t know what will happen until we face each other head-on.

But surely, that won’t happen.

Just the training alone has left both of us exhausted.

If we exert all our strength, one of us will surely be at a disadvantage.

“It’s so frustrating. Normally, I wouldn’t care whether I die or my opponent dies. But the problem is that you’re my opponent. I don’t want you to die, and I don’t want to die without seeing the future you envision······.”

I feel the same way.

I have a strong desire to engage in a life-and-death battle, to test each other’s limits.

Even though I’ve never understood those who find thrill in fighting throughout my life.

I never thought I would understand that feeling by facing Tran Silvia.

Mixing our swords, we feel a connection between our souls.

“It looks like you got cut on the side. Stop the nonsense and show me your wound.”

“Oh, that. It’s just a scratch.”

“It left a scar. Show me.”

“What’s wrong with a swordsman having scars? You, are you afraid of having scars on your body even though you’re a swordsman-”

“Come on. I don’t care, but it’s because your skin is so fair. If you had a scar on your flawless body, it would look strange. Stop the nonsense and show me.”

“Hmph······.”

After arguing, Tran Silvia obediently removes his clothes.

His abs gradually revealed from below.

I thought I would see well-defined six-pack abs.

Surprisingly, it’s a cross-shaped abs.

“Oh.”

The shape is quite pretty.

The sight of his soft lower abdomen made me want to press it firmly, but I had to suppress the urge.

‘What am I doing with a man.’

This is a man’s abdomen. This is a man’s abdomen. This is a man’s abdomen.

I close my eyes tightly and shout three times in my mind before opening them again.

But what I see in front of me is a completely unexpected sight.

“Hmm? Huh? What’s this?”

“What’s the problem?”

“Do you have gynecomastia?”

Tran Silvia’s chest is tightly wrapped in bandages.

Even though it seems to be tightly compressed, it looks like his chest is about to burst out.

That’s definitely fat, not muscle, right?

“Gynecomastia? What does that mean? It’s normal for a woman’s breasts to be this big.”

“Oh.”

After a moment of delay.

I realize what Tran Silvia means.

I.

I’m not gay.