Chapter Index

    The day the ranking match is held.

    In my free time before the duel began, I took a walk in the garden with Yeon Sang-ha.

    “Ha… How can time overlap like this? I’m really annoyed… ”

    Yeon Myeong-ha grumbled in a very nervous voice.

    This week, in addition to the first year, a ranking match was scheduled for the second year.

    Because there were so many matches, it was scheduled to take place over several days, but in the meantime, my ranking match with Yeon Myeong-ha was scheduled for the same day. Even the time is the same.

    It certainly feels a bit unlucky to call it a coincidence.

    “Should I ask for a time change right now?”

    “Is it really necessary? Just do it.”

    “Are you saying you don’t need my support right now?”

    “Is that possible? But I think this is my first time seeing a ranking match for 2nd graders. Is it normally held in this cycle?”

    “Hmph, talking back… ”

    Yeon Myeong-ha responded innocently and turned her head away.

    “… Originally, the second year curriculum was a bit different from the first year. I usually assign more external tasks rather than internal tasks such as ranking matches. The country is already short on manpower, so there is no need to waste skilled workers internally.”

    Even in the midst of all this, it must be said that it is very characteristic of her to give explanations.

    I still felt ashamed when I looked at him pitifully, but thanks to her nonchalant treatment, I was able to forget my past mistakes.

    After all, a senior is still a senior…

    “And… ”

    While continuing the conversation.

    Yang Yeon-ha suddenly rummaged through the lining of the jacket she was wearing and pulled out something.

    “… Take this.”

    What Yeon Myeong-ha handed over was a bundle bound like a book.

    Dozens of small textile fabrics the size of a child’s palm. All natural colored fabrics have different textures, colors, and thicknesses.

    Some were so thin that your fingers could be seen through them. Another one is so soft that it slips as soon as you put your finger on it.

    On the outermost side, the name of a boutique was written along with decorations.

    What on earth is this?

    “Well, don’t stroke it too much… ”

    As I played with the bundle of fabric out of curiosity, Yeon Myeong-ha tried to dissuade me in a confused voice.

    I quickly removed my hand, wondering if it might be a valuable item.

    “What is this?”

    “Would you like to choose one of them? Whatever you like.”

    “Suddenly?”

    “Yes. Quickly.”

    Yeon Myeong-ha did not even answer the question, but instead urged him on.

    “I don’t have time. I have to go to the sparring hall in a little while.”

    “… ”

    I suddenly followed Yeon Gyeong-ha’s words and unfolded the bundle of fabric.

    Even if I were suddenly asked to choose something I liked, I would just be completely embarrassed. At least you have to know what it is to choose.

    Still, after looking through it a few times, I was able to choose one that was suitable.

    What I chose was dark gray cotton that was neither too soft nor too thin and had a moderately rough texture.

    I unfolded the fabric I had chosen and showed it to Yeon Yeon-ha.

    “I think this is what I like the most.”

    “… okay? Which part?”

    Gray is my favorite dark cloud on a rainy day.

    Also, I don’t really like the texture that feels too soft and luxurious. Whether it’s clothes or bedding.

    I once heard the manager say that he didn’t want to buy high-end products, but that couldn’t be changed.

    I actually liked the rough and rugged things that reminded me of the old place.

    “… As expected, I thought he liked rough things.”

    After hearing the reason, Yeon Dong-ha nodded as if she knew that would happen.

    “Yes? So, why did you ask me to choose this?”

    “… It’s a prize.”

    “A prize?”

    “Yes. Sang.”

    “… ”

    As he nodded his head with a calm face, I couldn’t guess his intention.

    Looking at his expression, he doesn’t seem to have any intention of answering any more than that right now.

    “First of all, I understand. But senior. I think I should go now. It’s already time… ”

    As I was choosing the fabric according to Yeon Yeon-ha’s words, it was already just before the ranking match was held.

    “I’ll go first. See you later… ”

    “Wait a minute.”

    As I was about to leave for Dalian after leaving my greetings, Yeon Myeong-ha caught me again.

    “Why are you doing that?”

    “… Be sure to win. Got it?”

    A glimpse of sadness and anger flashes through Sympathy’s eyes as she looks at me.

    I was reminded again of the fact that she hated Seongsan as much as Paecheon.

    Of course it is worth it. Seongsan was always giving strength to Paecheon who was putting pressure on Jeokhwa.

    Didn’t Seongsan’s successor, Choi I-re, personally attack with private soldiers during the last enemy invasion?

    Dealing with that younger brother won’t be any different.

    “Just lose. I know there will be no awards or anything at that time.”

    A cold voice that can be felt as pressure when heard by strangers.

    But I know.

    The fact that Yeon-sik’s words now are not pressure but support with their own power.

    Now that I think about it, was the comment about it being an award meant to encourage me? If you look at the brand that says “boutique,” you might be wondering if they are planning to make custom-made clothes for you.

    In any case, I am grateful for that feeling.

    At the beginning of the semester, just hearing that voice made me irritated.

    How on earth did this happen?

    “Don’t worry. Because I will definitely win. And I’m looking forward to the award. I’m not sure what it is… ”

    “… Sigh. okay… ”

    Yeon Myeong-ha nodded in a dull voice.

    Still in doubt, I headed to the sparring hall where my ranking match was held.

    The stands were already filled with first-year and second-year students who did not have a ranking match today.

    Other nearby sparring halls, which are usually empty, were also full, with shouts and voices pouring out.

    -Game 12! The winner is Ryu Seung-heon…

    -Game 15! The winner is Hong Se-ra… !

    The sound of another sparring hall echoing through the amplifier. Familiar names are also occasionally heard mixed in. At the same time, the rankings on the large real-time electronic display board constantly rise and fall.

    My name was still firmly in first place there. And Jin Ye-seo in second place. Third place is my opponent today, Woojin Choi.

    Now that I think about it, what happened to Jin Ye-seo? Did they postpone the ranked match due to injury?

    “Jinhyeon Yoo. Why are you so late?”

    Suddenly, someone’s voice coming from the other side of the sparring hall awakens me from my thoughts.

    He’s so bulky that you can’t possibly think of him as a student. Hair trimmed short. Second-year Choi I-re’s younger brother.

    Woojin Choi of Seongsan was walking towards me.

    “I have to go quickly. You thought I was scared again and left.”

    “That can’t be possible.”

    When I answered briefly, Woojin Choi actually smiled, showing his teeth.

    “Hehe, that’s a relief. I really wanted to fight with you. You don’t know how long I’ve been waiting for today.”

    “… ”

    His belligerent personality was already evident from the way he spoke.

    As far as I know, among the new members of this team, the one who has fought the most duels is Woojin Choi. Not to mention first graders, he also randomly thrust his head into second graders.

    Perhaps, if I hadn’t been away from the cradle often due to the South or the Red Army, I might have been challenged to a duel as well.

    However, his attitude somehow shows more curiosity than hostility.

    “Hey. Let me ask you one thing. My sister’s chin. Is that really what you did?”

    “… Why are you asking that?”

    “I’m just curious. No, no matter how much I asked, they wouldn’t tell me. Can you see it? It’s a glorious wound that came from asking about that incident.”

    He said, patting a long scar on his forehead. I wondered if he was trying to get revenge, but I still didn’t feel any emotions from him other than curiosity.

    I didn’t bother to answer what he said. There is no obligation to do so, and judging from Choi I-re’s response, I think it could be used as a means to pressure or provoke him later.

    However, Choi Woo-jin seemed to interpret my silence as a positive answer.

    “Hehehe, I guess it was real after all. There is no other humiliation like this. I understand why my sister is keeping her mouth shut… ”

    While Choi Woo-jin continued talking.

    Suddenly, a wave of noise began to spread from the stands behind me.

    Choi Woo-jin, who was frowning in that direction, suddenly looks a little surprised.

    “What is it? Why does he come here?”

    -This is senior Baek Seo-yeon!

    -Seniors… !

    “… ”

    his reaction. Someone’s name heard from the audience.

    Even without turning my head, I could clearly see who was here.

    “Why do you let your mentees compete? Did you hear anything from my sister?”

    Choi Woo-jin also seemed to have not expected that girl to appear at all. He was showing an ambiguous reaction, neither welcoming nor hostile. If it were Jin Ye-seo, I would have been so excited.

    In an instant, a large wave appears in my chest, disturbing my composure. I had to mentally struggle to calm him down.

    One.

    There was just one more spectator.

    There’s only one thing I have to worry about now. All I can do is bring victory to Yeon Myeong-ha.

    There is no need to turn your head.

    I didn’t know why she came in person, but… But there is no need to know.

    “… Hmm, well anyway… ”

    Woojin Choi, who had a shy expression on his face, turned his gaze towards me again.

    “So are you planning on breaking my chin today?”

    “… Because I saw you doing it. But today might be a little difficult. I decided to be more careful from now on.”

    “What? Puhahaha!”

    Choi Woo-jin, who heard what I said, opened his eyes and suddenly burst into laughter.

    “Well, from what I can see, Jin Ye-seo was a bit mean. Well, I never thought I would see such a pleasant sight in my lifetime.”

    -quantum! After saying hello, take your seats!

    He turns as the examiner’s voice comes through the amplifier.

    Then, before returning to his seat, he left me one last word.

    “If you want to break my jaw… You’ll have to do your best.”

    -Quantum preparation. one… two… three… !

    Soon, shouts pouring in from all directions announce the start of the duel.

    ***

    When the time comes, Moon Yeo-ul, dressed in a defense uniform for the ranking match, steps into the sparring hall.

    At the same time, loud cheers poured out from all directions. Today’s match was even more popular because both Baek Seo-yeon’s mentees were ladies from famous families.

    Baek Seo-yeon had already informed her that she would not be attending for fairness reasons, but Moon Yeo-ul did not care at all.

    In the first place, I didn’t follow her to die like Jin Ye-seo, so I didn’t feel any regret.

    “… ”

    Yeoul was not swayed by the passionate atmosphere and just stared ahead with a cold gaze.

    Coincidentally, her partner today had also just appeared from the doorway across from her.

    Rich blond hair, eyes resembling beryl, a dazzling beauty that could only be found in fairy tales from western regions.

    But a pale complexion. Although the cast was forcibly removed, the right arm still appears to have difficulty moving. And even the bandages wrapped around the extremities of the limbs.

    “… Ha.”

    Yeo-wool, seeing Jin Ye-seo’s face like that, let out a laugh.

    She also took a step and stood in the center of the sparring hall.

    Jin Ye-seo, who was facing the front, opened her mouth first.

    “Hello, Yeoul. Even though it ended up like this, we both did our best… ”

    “That’s it. Looks like they decided to go ahead with it in the end.”

    “… ”

    Jin Ye-seo closed her mouth again at Yeo-ul’s voice, which did not sound friendly at all.

    “… however. Is there any problem?”

    “… Ha.”

    After hearing Jin Ye-seo’s rebuttal, Yeo-wool smiled coldly.

    “Is there a problem? Of course there is.”

    The past days when she had never been able to win against Jin Ye-seo over the past few years, the back of Jin Ye-seo who was always a few steps ahead of her even though she had proven her outstanding qualities throughout, and the opinions of people around her who compared herself to her friend.

    Nothing changed even after entering the cradle.

    Jin Ye-seo is consistently taking second place. However, Yeoul stayed in the top 10.

    Cradle’s ranking table that allows you to measure differences with more objective and quantitative indicators.

    This was enough to worsen Yeoul’s inferiority complex and nervousness.

    “Jin Ye-seo. How low are you looking at me?”

    “Suddenly what is that… ”

    Jin Ye-seo looked confused at Yeo-ul’s words as she gritted her teeth.

    Especially because it was Yeo-wool who always took his side kindly even when he was at odds with Choi Woo-jin.

    “If you respected me, you should have postponed the ranked match. Don’t say you couldn’t do it. It is possible to postpone a ranking match due to an injury.”

    “I… ”

    “But you didn’t do that. Even when I said it, they didn’t listen. Why would you do that? I guess he did it because he thought he could win even if he came out injured! That’s because it’s an easy opponent that I’ve always beaten!!”

    “Moon Yeo-ul. I’m not like that… ”

    “Don’t say no! Because it’s disgusting!!”

    Her old emotions were gradually coming out, using Jin Ye-seo’s actions as a catalyst.

    “If you thought it was a fight you couldn’t win, you wouldn’t have come forward like this. Of course it is. I’m so hung up on my grades.”

    There was no way Yeo-ul, who had known Jin Ye-seo’s situation for over 10 years, would not know.

    “Tell me if I’m wrong. Would you have turned out like this even if it had been someone else instead of me? Even if the other person was that kid named Yoo Jin-hyeon? At least… Even if that monkey was Woojin Choi?”

    “I… I am… ”

    Jin Ye-seo hesitated, but ultimately could not give an answer. Even if her opponent had been anyone other than Yeo Wool, she wouldn’t have put off the ranking match. She has never once avoided a fight.

    However, the words that Yeo-wool vomited hit right into a part of Jin Ye-seo that was hidden in a corner of her consciousness.

    If, as she said, the opponent was Yu Jin-hyeon, or at least Choi Woo-jin.

    Would it have been possible to make the decision to proceed with the ranking match as quickly and simply as now, without any hesitation?

    Could we have been as sure of victory as we are now?

    In the series of thought processes that proceeded like inertia, there was absolutely no respect for the ‘friend’ who was naturally looked down upon.

    It was only later that Jin Ye-seo realized that fact.

    “… I knew that would happen.”

    Yeoul, who had been waiting for an answer, raised the corners of her mouth coldly again.

    “You ended up… I was just trying to use this duel as a means to restore your pride.”

    -quantum! After saying hello, everyone go to their seats!

    “Let’s do our best? don’t worry. Because I thought so even if I didn’t say it.”

    -one… two… three… !

    -Dismissal… It’s shaky…

    Along with a tingling sensation that made her hair stand on end, a dark purple electric current began to splash across Yeoul’s arms where she had drawn the magic formula.

    “How arrogant your actions were… I will make you feel it painfully.”

    Yeo-wool glared at Ye-seo and muttered in a low voice.

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