Chapter 32
Chapter 32
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 32
Chapter Title: Master and Disciple
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Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art. Holy Flame Force Emission. Coiling Thunder Flash Art. Chaotic Sky Cloud Fist. Surface Wind Cloud Step.
'And the Clear Spirit Martial Harmony Method.'
Unlike in the game, there were no limits on the number of skills, martial arts, or spells one could learn in this world. But that didn't mean you could learn them indiscriminately.
Selection and focus. A common phrase, but one that was crucially important to Yuri right now.
'Focus the heart method on the Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art.'
It went without saying. A blazing inferno. A demonic art that might even consume and reduce him to ashes. Despite the risks, the Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art was a divine technique.
In the game Seronis, skills and items were divided by rank.
Common, Rare, Unique, Epic.
Dedicated skills or items dropped by named monsters level 80 and above bore the Epic label. Roughly speaking, level 80 and up could be considered Seventh Tier, making the Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art an undisputed Epic skill. Likewise, he decided the Holy Flame Force Emission passed down from Lorellia was also an Epic skill.
'The Clear Spirit Martial Harmony Method... being generous, maybe Rare?'
Better to focus on the Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art, which had a higher ceiling despite the risk of qi deviation, than on the Clear Spirit Martial Harmony Method, which offered stability but little else.
'Still, it doesn't seem like a penalty skill, at least.'
Penalty skills existed separately from Common, Rare, Unique, and Epic.
The Empty Hands Fist that sealed the equipment slots of Yuri—no, Lee Soo-hyuk's Padrip Immunity and forced him into underwear was a penalty skill.
The Empty Hands Fist came with the massive penalty of barring any equipment, but if you could cover that, its performance surpassed even Epic skills. All penalty skills were like that. They had fatal drawbacks, but their raw power was unmatched.
When the Hall of Fame first opened, anyone could claim first place. But once rankings solidified, no ordinary build could dream of number one.
Around then, incorporating one or two penalty skills became the meta, with the key to superiority lying in how well you mitigated those penalties.
'Penalty skills...'
A prime example among martial arts was the Virgin Boy Art.
As the name implied, it could only be learned by virgins. Once mastered, you had to remain celibate for life, with no turning back.
A horrific constraint, but it guaranteed progress faster than any divine technique.
But human affairs are unpredictable. Yuri had never considered learning something like the Virgin Boy Art, so he'd long abandoned any lingering attachment to penalty skills.
'Maybe if I really need it later.'
They weren't exactly like the game's penalty skills, but this world had plenty of ways to amplify power through taboos or sacrifices. For instance, the cult's holy knights drew strength by swearing oaths to their patron god.
If he were destitute and desperate, he might have looked into it, but fortunately, Yuri was well-off and had no need to.
'Not yet.'
The Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art didn't exist in the game, so he could only speculate on its rank, but he clearly remembered the Chaotic Sky Cloud Fist.
'Unique.'
Was the Surface Wind Cloud Step separately Unique? Or bundled with the Chaotic Sky Cloud Fist as Unique?
'The Coiling Thunder Flash Art... tricky.'
Even Heavenly Thunder Orca had referenced it, so it couldn't be low-ranked.
'Probably not Epic, so Unique?'
Two Epic skills, two Unique skills, one Rare skill...
In his current low-level phase, holding two Epics! Plus two solid, reliable Uniques? Even in the game, things had rarely gone this well.
'The problem is this isn't the game.'
Yuri swallowed a frustrated sigh and looked down at the two manuals.
Surface Wind Cloud Step and Coiling Thunder Flash Art. He'd read them through. He couldn't immediately comprehend and execute them, but he grasped what they were.
The more familiar one was the Surface Wind Cloud Step. In practicing the Chaotic Sky Cloud Fist, Yuri had already been using the necessary footwork, which matched the Surface Wind Cloud Step perfectly.
With his Chaotic Sky Cloud Fist already on a solid track, learning its complementary movement art shouldn't be hard.
The Coiling Thunder Flash Art was foreign. Alien. It required converting the internal energy accumulated in his dantian to thunder attribute, and handling it efficiently and powerfully.
It should have been difficult... yet strangely, it didn't feel that way.
Heart methods like internal arts or the Coiling Thunder Flash Art demanded high mana affinity and comprehension.
The sensation he'd felt reading Grandmaster Arsen Lucionel's public spellbook.
The feeling of the incantation forcibly engraving itself into his mind.
'As long as my tier keeps up, I could execute it, but not yet.'
He'd postpone serious study of the Coiling Thunder Flash Art until he reached Fourth Tier. For now, focus on the Heavenly Principle Annihilating Evil Art, Chaotic Sky Cloud Fist, Surface Wind Cloud Step. And external training.
"..."
Something was off.
Things he'd ignored until now suddenly demanded attention.
'Why am I so good at this?'
At first, he attributed it to Lorellia's training. Lorellia, one of the Five Sages of the Supreme Lord, the Fierce Heart.
If anything, she was Yuri—no, Lee Soo-hyuk's first master. Before becoming Yuri, Lee Soo-hyuk had learned how to throw punches and fight from her.
Those ingrained sensations hadn't vanished upon possession. They enabled him to kill the Oh brothers and dodge or block Namgung Jin's attacks.
Was that really it?
Orca had told Yuri he had talent for martial arts. She didn't know about mana, but said he was naturally gifted with physical techniques.
Bakerd had marveled watching Yuri perform the Chaotic Sky Cloud Fist alone.
Even Full Moon Reveler acknowledged Yuri's martial talent.
—This doesn't make sense.
Yuri retained memories from before possession.
The 'real' Yuri—orphan from Oldor, pickpocket turned Black Snake Gang runt—had no martial talent.
He'd fought often since childhood and held his own decently, but never to the level of 'talent.' His fights were brawls between similar scrappers, won through grit and viciousness rather than skill.
After joining the Black Snake Gang, he'd learned dagger work from senior Jang San, but it was mediocre. Not great, not terrible. Threaten, stab, slash. In the real Yuri's world, that sufficed.
What about now? The Derusia Magic Tower Lord, a Sixth Tier martial artist, and a Supreme Lord's emissary all recognized his talent. And Yuri knew there was no exaggeration in their praise.
Watching Bakerd and Full Moon Reveler's spar.
And immersing in the Chaotic Sky Cloud Fist, feeling it disassemble and recombine in his mind.
It was anything but ordinary. The current Yuri possessed a talent the real Yuri lacked. Lee Soo-hyuk's talent? Absurd. The guy who only knew keyboards had no such gift.
'Why did this appear?'
It differed from a possessor's usual talent. But it had to stem from the 'possession.' Nothing else fit.
What set Lee Soo-hyuk apart from other possessors?
'Clear time?'
The Hall of Fame ranked by fastest clear times on hidden bosses.
Padrip Immunity's record was overwhelmingly fast—dozens of years ahead in this world's time, perhaps insurmountable for a lifetime.
Did faster clear times grant extra perks?
A possessor's soul from another world held special power in itself.
Possessors awakened blessed mana affinity and comprehension upon inhabiting a body.
This awakening wasn't a gift from the God of Chaos.
Then, was the extra talent from the Goddess of Order? He pondered, but had no way to know. The Goddess of Order slumbered after expending her divinity, and the Order Church secluded in some sanctuary.
They weren't people you could meet on a whim. Yuri caressed his neck, where the Veil of Deception hung.
'Too many secrets.'
Including mine.
Yuri sighed deeply and assumed a cross-legged position.
Lack of talent could be a problem, but having it rarely was. Especially in this world, where the law of the jungle reigned: weak died, strong survived.
Fortunately, Yuri's talent exceeded a typical possessor's.
If his status as a possessor ever leaked, he'd need steady power growth for that day.
'I am the flame that executes heavenly punishment, the asura that annihilates evil, the apostle that upholds heaven's principles.'
'My hands cradle holy flame, my feet trample demons.'
—Whoosh.
As his consciousness sank deep, he heard flames crackling.
*
Bakerd visited the mansion four days later.
"It's real..."
Yuri marveled at Bakerd's unbandaged body.
"As a martial artist rises in tier, do internal injuries heal faster?"
"Depends on the injury."
"What about minor ailments? No colds even sleeping exposed?"
"I rarely get them, but I use a sleeping bag when roughing it."
"What about weird stuff—grasses, mushrooms... dodgy meat where you're not sure if it's spoiled? No stomach issues?"
"What do you think martial artists are?"
"Just curious."
"You planning to leave?"
The question came abruptly.
"Yes."
No point lying, so Yuri nodded. Bakerd stared at his face a moment, then shifted gaze to the mansion behind.
"Nice place."
Bakerd spoke.
"No inconveniences in life... and if any arise, or you need something, Golden Lily will provide as you wish."
"..."
"Any reason to leave?"
"Can't freeload forever."
"Embarrassed around Golden Lily?"
"Not that."
"Wandering life has few merits."
He hefted his pack with a chuckle.
"But you have your reasons. I won't pry."
"Nothing major. No big secret."
"Then why?"
"I thought staying here alone wouldn't make me stronger."
Bakerd let out a low laugh at Yuri's answer.
"Fair point. Late to say it, but I misjudged you from the start."
"How so?"
"Thought you were Golden Lily's boy toy."
"Can't help the misunderstanding, but we're not."
"I know."
He'd visited almost daily for a month, guiding Yuri. He'd rarely crossed paths with the owner, Golden Lily, but could tell they weren't lovers.
"Where to after leaving?"
"Not decided. Wherever my feet take me."
"The world outside cities isn't peaceful. Full of dangers."
"I know."
Bakerd eyed Yuri again. No hesitation. His mind was set.
'Come with me?'
Was that appropriate? He didn't dwell long.
Bakerd had already drawn a line with Yuri.
Revenge. That burden belonged solely to him, Raspeon Family's lone survivor. He hadn't taken Yuri as disciple because he didn't want to share that karma.
"Don't die."
Bakerd smiled faintly and extended a hand.
"Yes."
Yuri smiled back and clasped it.
An odd feeling.
Watching Bakerd's departing back, that thought came.
In the end, Yuri never became the disciple, nor Bakerd the master. But over that month, Bakerd had acted the master, and Yuri the disciple.
'Will we meet again?'
Bakerd had spoken of 'revenge.'
But not its reasons.
He'd considered following.
He couldn't. The 'secret' of being a possessor couldn't be shared even with Bakerd, and Yuri knew his weakness. Even setting secrets aside, tagging along on a month's acquaintance would only hinder.
Raspeon bastard. Ronin wandering twenty years for unacknowledged family revenge. His exact emotions toward it were unknowable, but one thing was certain.
'I can't interfere.'
Watching Bakerd recede, he thought of FS. In Yuri's knowledge, FS best utilized the Raspeon Sword Art in the community.
'Was FS the one who massacred the Raspeon Family?'
From what he'd pieced together, three culprits in the Raspeon Massacre. FS might be one... but no certainty.
FS wasn't the type?
'?'
Not normal, in a different way from Ox God Head. Thinking back, everyone except Yuri—Lee Soo-hyuk—was abnormal.
Not a killer? Yuri himself had killed two within ten minutes of possession.
That's how this world was.
'The Raspeon Sword Art wasn't known only to FS anyway.'
It was popular enough for over ten top-ranked builds. The massacre was twenty years ago; growing capable would take time, so the culprits were likely early possessors.
FS took Hall of Fame first after Ox God Head.
'Not from the absolute start, but...'
No clue. Yuri sighed deeply. Bakerd's back had vanished.
"Later."
Personally, he hoped Bakerd succeeded in revenge.
And that the target wasn't FS.
Just, everything resolving well.
So one day, reuniting with Bakerd, they could drink and reminisce as he'd said.
If, just if, Bakerd failed.
"Don't die. Let's meet again alive."
If not...
'I might want revenge too.'
Yuri swallowed the bitter taste.
Probably.
*
Bakerd halted en route to the gates, forgoing a carriage. He furrowed his brow slightly, tilting his head as he scanned around.
A needle-sharp aura pricked his senses.
"...?"
At the blatant summons, Bakerd turned with a mix of surprise and puzzlement. Between buildings. Deep in the alley.
"Not a place that suits you."
Full Moon Reveler leaned against the wall.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Don't you prefer bright, flashy venues?"
"Can't deny it. But sometimes I enjoy the shadows. Like the Dark Knight."
Bakerd wondered if there was hidden meaning, but couldn't grasp it.
"No idea what you mean. Why call me?"
"Bakerd Raspeon."
His face stiffened at the sudden name.
"Leaving today?"
"How do you know that name...?"
He stammered, then stiffened further.
"I see. Full Moon Reveler... you're a possessor."
Possessor. Beings from another world inhabiting locals. Their arrival had been known for decades.
"Did I exist in that 'game' too?"
"Yes."
"As Bakerd Raspeon?"
"No. Even in that shitty game, your name was Bakerd."
"..."
"But you were still the Raspeon Family bastard there."
Crunch. Bakerd ground his teeth, glaring.
"Why tell me now?"
"Figured no need."
"No need? You decided?"
"Honestly, Fist Wolf, I'd forgotten your name was Bakerd."
Full Moon Reveler said it with utmost seriousness.
"What...?"
"Fist Wolf title. Sixth Tier martial artist. You weren't worth remembering. No ties, no strong impression."
Sincere? If so, a grave insult. But Bakerd clenched his fist without snapping.
"But now I know who you are. Made an impression. Thought you a shame to kill."
"What are you getting at?"
"Seen the path to Seventh Tier?"
Bakerd's cheek twitched. The recent spar. Those sensations still lived in him.
An invaluable experience never to forget. Full Moon Reveler had shown him the path—a benefactor.
"I... have."
"How was it?"
"Far. Very... very far."
"Seeing it means you can reach it."
Full Moon Reveler's face stayed grave. Famous for jesting even seriously, but Bakerd sensed no mockery now.
"Set revenge aside until Seventh Tier."
"What...?"
"The Raspeon Massacre culprits are beyond you."
Bakerd's eyes widened.
"Beyond? They're a group?"
"No more info."
"Why?"
"You'd dig deeper and die."
"I'm not fool enough to chase revenge without power."
"I'll say it again."
Full Moon Reveler's eyes narrowed. —Whooo...! Suppressed pressure crushed Bakerd.
"If you want revenge, reach Seventh Tier at least."
"They're... possessors?"
"Told you no."
"Still...!"
"Find me after Seventh Tier."
"!"
"I'll answer then."
The crushing pressure vanished. Bakerd steadied himself, gulping air.
Full Moon Reveler stared silently. Forcing words impossible. Bakerd glared briefly, then sighed shortly.
"Thank you."
Twenty years, no leads. He bowed sincerely.
"You not revealing all... hard to accept, infuriating, but I'll take it."
"Wise."
"A realm I yearned for, now a must."
Bakerd smiled wryly, lifting his head.
"Seventh Tier. I'll reach it. Then find you, Full Moon Reveler."
"Don't keep me waiting too long."
Full Moon Reveler finally smiled faintly.
"But leaving alone? That disciple-like kid?"
"Not taking him."
"Still not a disciple, huh?"
"My karma's too heavy for one. Interested? You take him."
"Me? Hahaha!"
Full Moon Reveler laughed loudly.
"Tempting, but I can't take disciples either."
"Is that so?"
"Well..."
Full Moon Reveler grinned skyward.
"Someday, I plan to."