Ch 70
Became a swordsmanship instructor at the academy
Chapter 70
Today is Saturday. Originally, I should have been doing makeup classes in the morning, but I made up an excuse about personal matters and canceled them, slipping out of school.
Ever since meeting Conrad Rowell, I've been wondering how I could make Se-jin win, but from what I can see, there's no answer.
So I'm thinking of seeking help from my master as a last resort.
When I arrived at Mount Seorak and packed my things to enter the portal, I saw my master standing at the entrance.
"You came early... Oh, you have more luggage than usual?"
Before coming, I bought a lot of ramen and snacks at the mart, and also stopped by an alcohol store I had looked up beforehand to purchase several bottles of Chinese liquor.
"I couldn't come last week, so I brought a bit more."
"Oh ho, really? Oh, there's alcohol too! Wait, Juk-yeop-cheong, Geom-nam-chun, and even Geum-jon-cheong... What's the occasion?"
"If someone heard you, they'd think I never buy you anything normally."
"Except for Juk-yeop-cheong, these are all first times, aren't they? And even Juk-yeop-cheong you only bought once before."
"I brought chicken too, so let's eat together."
"Chicken, you mean that fried chicken thing? That's good too, but let's boil water first."
"Water?"
"What I wanted to eat most was this sesame ramen."
I was worried he might be a bit irritated since I didn't come last week, but I'm glad I prepared well.
I brought a pot to boil water and was preparing when my master brought out a laptop.
"You brought '2 Days 1 Night' episode 501 and 'Infinite Challenge' episode 134, right? I'll cook the ramen, so hurry up and transfer those first. I want to watch while eating."
"Ah, 'Infinite Challenge' was canceled this week, so I only brought '2 Days 1 Night'... Let's watch a different video first."
"What video? Did a new variety show come out?"
"It's not a variety show, but first put the noodles in since the water is boiling."
While my master cooked the ramen, I transferred and played Bianca's match video that I had prepared on the laptop.
"A sparring match? Oh, it's interesting that she's a Semu person using sorcery."
"It's not sorcery, it's magic like I've mentioned several times before."
"Isn't sorcery and magic the same thing? So why are you showing me this?"
I explained everything that had happened as simply as possible for my master to understand.
"Why is it so complicated? Anyway, so you're saying that Semu person is going to compete with that Se-jin kid you're teaching?"
"Yes. In about two months. The swordswoman in the last video you saw is Se-jin."
"You mean that girl who lost so pathetically? She had no basics at all. Are you sure you taught her the Breaking Form?"
"What you saw was footage from almost a year ago. Still, she was the only one who dispelled the magic and moved, so isn't saying such bad things about her a bit harsh?"
"So did she win? She lost the same way as the others, unable to even attack once."
It feels a bit bad that he's speaking so harshly, but since it's a fact, I have nothing to say.
"If Se-jin can't win in two months, I'll be in quite a predicament. Isn't there some way?"
"Well, just from the video, they seem to be on completely different levels. To begin with, I haven't faced many sorcerers myself, so I'm not sure."
"So even my master has things that can't be helped."
"Hmm, it's not that there's absolutely no way. Wouldn't it work if you took that Se-jin child as a disciple and taught her martial arts?"
"Martial arts?"
"She probably gathered Qi in the same crude way you did at first, so wouldn't it be much better if you just converted that to Internal Energy?"
Actually, I had the same thought as my master.
Since martial arts was what transformed Kang Shin-hyeok from a mediocre B-rank hunter in the original work into a transcendent master.
But precisely because of that, I'm reluctant to share martial arts.
Martial arts is the source of power that made me who I am today and one of my biggest secrets.
I didn't even teach martial arts to the kids in our swordsmanship club who supported me during the Eunseo incident.
Honestly, if there weren't crises coming in the future, I'd want to hide it even from the protagonists of the original work.
Of course, as I thought before, I think I could share it with family or someone I love, but Se-jin and I don't have that kind of relationship.
"Why are you silent?"
"Isn't there another way besides teaching martial arts?"
"There isn't. Why, don't you have confidence in teaching? Then bring her to me."
"Teaching martial arts seems a bit difficult."
"Why?"
"Well... Students' outings are quite restricted."
I couldn't tell my master that I didn't want to teach it to others, so I made up an appropriate excuse.
"Outings are restricted? I know they live in dormitories, but schools should have things like vacations, right?"
"Vacations? Where did you hear about that?"
I never taught him words like vacation.
"Isn't a school break called vacation? In the '2 Days 1 Night' viewer special, several girls said they applied because it was vacation."
"Ah, well, that exists but..."
I never expected such scenes to appear in variety shows...
Fortunately, he doesn't seem to know that teachers also rest together, but I think I should check the videos I bring in advance from now on.
"Do you perhaps like that Se-jin child? Certainly, if she's your sweetheart, it would be a bit awkward to take her as a disciple."
"Wha... What nonsense are you talking about?"
"Why is it nonsense? Isn't everything that happened because of that child? Moreover, you even sparred with a master of a similar level to yours."
"I'm not lowly enough to have such feelings for a nineteen-year-old child."
"At nineteen, she's already old enough to be married and have two children. Why would that make you lowly?"
"That was only in the era when the master lived. The world has changed, and nowadays everyone marries late. And at my age, liking a 19-year-old would be a crime."
"Really? Then why don't you want to teach martial arts? What, do you think it's a waste to teach martial arts?"
For a moment, I thought my master had learned mind reading.
It felt like accidentally catching a mouse while backing up a cow, and I was about to immediately deny it, but I was flustered and missed the timing to respond.
"I was just saying it casually, but is it really like that?"
I thought about denying it even now, but looking at my master's expression, it didn't seem like it would work, so I honestly answered yes.
"Tsk tsk, pathetic fellow."
"Master, you wouldn't have taught martial arts to just anyone when you were wandering the martial world either, would you?"
"The situation is different. Isn't she your student?"
"As I said last time, students and disciples are different."
"If she learns from you and you teach her, isn't the essence the same? Then why did you step forward for that child? You said you don't like her."
He hit the nail on the head completely.
I clearly told Se-jin "You're my student" and "A teacher believes in their students" as I stepped forward.
And now I'm hesitating, saying that sharing martial arts is still different, which makes me feel incredibly hypocritical.
"Why have you become a mute who ate honey again?"
"Never mind. I'll just figure it out myself, so just eat your ramen."
"Are you worried that child might surpass you? If she's talented enough for the student to surpass the teacher, you should take her in even more. Can't you just work hard not to be overtaken?"
"It's not that."
"Then what is it? Narrow-minded fellow."
"If you keep that up, there won't be any ramen next time I come."
"Again being petty about food... Fine, you brat. It's your business, so you handle it yourself."
Leaving my master eating ramen behind, I went into the cave and lay down.
I silenced my master with threats, but my head is still chaos itself.
Actually, even if Se-jin doesn't win at WHCU, it doesn't necessarily mean she has to quit school and go to Ares Guild.
Though it's a bit forced, there are ways.
If I publicly challenge Kim Dae-chan to a duel, Kim Dae-chan, who values face and prestige above all else, would have no choice but to accept, and when I win, I could make the condition be nullifying the previous contract.
Originally, the winner of an honor duel cannot challenge the loser to another duel, but since our last duel had no clear outcome, there would be no institutional problems.
But solving it this way is too cowardly.
Of course, Kim Dae-chan was the one who acted cowardly first, but just because the opponent acted cowardly doesn't mean I want to become the same kind of person.
After all, I was the one who accepted Kim Dae-chan's proposal.
Moreover, Se-jin knows all the details, so if I solve it this way, I won't have the face to look at Se-jin, and Se-jin's problem won't be resolved.
Maybe I shouldn't have stepped forward from the beginning.
After all, even if I hadn't stepped forward, the original protagonist Kim Do-hyun would have saved Se-jin later.
***
The kids said the movie they want to see starts at 5:30, so I should probably start heading out soon.
As I was packing and preparing to leave, my master came over and lingered nearby.
Yesterday I threatened him with ramen, so I didn't even spar with him as usual and didn't talk to him, thinking he was thoroughly sulking, but it seems he's somewhat gotten over it now.
"Stop lingering and say what you want to say."
"Are you leaving already?"
"I have something to do in the afternoon. Write down what you need."
"Just buy whatever you think is good. Are you coming next week?"
"Yes. If there's nothing special, I'll come at the same time as yesterday."
From next Wednesday to Friday is the festival, so there are no makeup classes since the martial arts tournament will be over.
Of course, even after the festival ends, I have to help Se-jin prepare for the WHCU competition, and there are many dinner appointments with teachers that I've been putting off.
On top of that, final exams are in two weeks, so it seems like I'll still be busy, but it should be better than now.
"Have you decided? It seemed like you didn't sleep and were worrying about it."
"What? I wasn't worrying, it's just that the sleeping place was uncomfortable."
"You've never complained about sleeping arrangements before, and now you're complaining about the bed? From the way you're making excuses, it seems you still haven't decided."
As my master said, I worried all night but couldn't reach a conclusion.
My professional consciousness as a teacher and my selfishness of not wanting to share my specialness were too evenly matched.
Even if I teach Se-jin martial arts, it's impossible to start right away anyway.
During the semester, she has to attend classes, and during makeup class time, there's Eunsu as well as Se-jin.
There isn't much time left until the WHCU competition, but Se-jin probably hasn't accumulated that much magic, so it should take 1-2 weeks to convert it to Internal Energy.
Still, I need to make a decision by next week when the martial arts tournament ends, but I still have a little more time to think.
"Didn't you say to handle it myself?"
"Who said what? Ah, don't forget to buy that Yeon-yang-gaeng next time you come. You didn't buy it this time."
"Who wouldn't know you're an old-timer... Fine."
"Old-timer? Isn't that an insult?"
"Ah... No, it's the same as 'elder' but a bit more respectful."
"Really? I think I heard it in some video..."
Worried that my master might actually figure out the real meaning, I quickly said goodbye about seeing him next week and hurried out of the portal.
***
Exactly 3 days a year. The school festival has begun, when even ordinary people who aren't hunters can visit Hunter School.
And I've been a gatekeeper since morning.
I thought I wouldn't have to do other work since I'm in charge of makeup classes for the martial arts tournament, which could be called the flower of the Hunter School festival, but all teachers who don't serve as homeroom teachers like me were drafted into visitor guidance duties on a rotation basis.
BEEP! BEEP!
"Sir over there, just a moment."
"Me?"
"Aren't you carrying a cell phone or other electronic devices?"
"I have mine. I submitted my wife's ID and phone over there earlier."
"You only need to submit one person's ID, but you need to submit all phones and other devices capable of filming, including those of your companions."
"Then how do we take pictures with our kid?"
He spoke with a frown, and this is already several times - it's so stressful.
"You can film with your child's phone in areas where filming is allowed. Your child should know where filming is permitted."
"I run a business and might get an important call today. Come on, don't be so strict and let it slide."
"I'm sorry, but since our school is a national security facility, we ask for your cooperation."
Eventually, he goes back to the reception desk with a displeased expression and submits his phone before entering.
To avoid such friction, they supposedly educated students to inform their parents about these matters in advance, but there are some parents like this, probably because students didn't convey the information properly.
When there are parents who argue like this, I think there would have been none if I had threatened to give penalty points to the students... But would that be too harsh?
Looking at the long line of people in black, I can barely breathe.
Dealing with the flood of visitors, it's already 11:30 before I know it.
I finally got relieved, but since I promised to do final checks with the kids, I don't have leisure time to enjoy the festival.
I quickly ate lunch and came to the swordsmanship training hall.
The martial arts tournament round of 32 starts at 2 PM, so I planned to do it lightly and give just a bit of advice.
I made a cup of instant coffee and was catching my breath while sipping it, and when it was time, I went out but neither of the two had arrived.
I was thinking about calling when I saw Eunsu walking from far away.
What's that?
She's wearing some kind of cat ear headband.
"Seong Eunsu, 2 minutes late."
"Please overlook it-nya."
"Overlook it-nya?"
"Our class is doing a cat concept cafe. I guess it stuck to my mouth. Still, isn't it cute-nya. Ack!"
"Isn't 'isn't it-nya' informal speech, you brat. It's creepy, so stop it and hurry up and get ready."
"Too harsh-nya."
"...Our Eunsu, seems like you want to get penalty points on festival day?"
"Se-jin senior hasn't come yet either. Are you only picking on me?"
"No. That girl is late too, but... Well, Se-jin doesn't need final checks or anything since she'll do well anyway. It's 'Eou-kim' after all."
"Eou-kim?"
"Anyway, Kim Se-jin will win. Kids these days abbreviate things like this."
"Tsk, I'm a bit hurt. I made it to the main tournament too. Since you're the 1st year swordsmanship teacher, you should cheer for me."
"Then are you confident you can win if you face Se-jin?"
"...Actually, since yesterday I've been praying to meet senior last."
"I'll pray too, so hurry up and get ready. And take off that headband."
Wait a minute. Come to think of it, if Eunsu wins and Se-jin gets eliminated, wouldn't she be unable to participate in the WHCU competition, automatically nullifying the contract with Kim Dae-chan?
But the possibility of Eunsu beating Se-jin is zero, and other students besides Eunsu would find it difficult too.
I can't tell Se-jin to lose on purpose either.
"Teacher, I'm all ready-nya."
I told her not to do it, but she's doing it again, just like Jinsu.
Usually she's lively but generally listens well... She must be a bit excited because it's the festival.
I was going to go easy since the martial arts tournament is coming up soon, but I should make the sparring a bit strict.
***
After finishing sparring, I sent Eunsu to eat and headed to the Magic Arena where the martial arts tournament is held.
Se-jin didn't come until the sparring with Eunsu was over.
I called her after sending Eunsu away, but she didn't answer.
Being student council president, she must be very busy.
When I arrived at the Magic Arena, the tournament starts at 2 o'clock, so there's still over an hour left, but there are quite a few people.
I can see people who appear to be reporters and students being interviewed, so I wondered if Se-jin might be here too and went to look, but I don't see Se-jin.
"Oh? Teacher Kang, have you eaten?"
"I ate right after being relieved. How about you, Teacher Hong?"
"I ate too. But have you seen Se-jin by any chance? A broadcasting station wants to do an interview, but she hasn't been reachable since earlier and I can't see her."
"Se-jin? Actually, I told her to come to the swordsmanship training hall by 12 for one last check, but only Eunsu came and Se-jin didn't show up. Being president, she must be very busy, don't you think?"
"She's not in her classroom either, and I went to the organizing committee, but the kids said they haven't seen her since this morning after the opening ceremony."
"Isn't she probably working while going around here and there? She'll come when it's time."
Se-jin isn't the type to hide somewhere and slack off.
At first, I didn't think much of it.
But lunch time ended and Eunsu and most other students arrived, but Se-jin was nowhere to be seen.