Rival (2) - Elena's Bombshell
Everyone present had to rack their brains to figure out what Elena Apocalipse meant by her bombshell remark.
"You want to meet alone?"
"S-Senior! What are you doing right now!?"
Before Seong Hyun-jin could even properly ask what she meant, Serena stepped forward. It was only natural for her—how could she stay quiet when another woman suggested meeting her boyfriend alone? Her response was predictably sharp, and seeing that, Elena tilted her head slightly.
"Huh? ...Oh, right."
Realizing too late why Serena was reacting so sensitively, Elena spoke with a slightly apologetic expression.
"Ah, sorry. I didn't think about you two and said something that could be misunderstood."
"...What? Misunderstood? How was that even remotely misunderstandable?"
Serena pressed her like she was interrogating.
"How am I supposed to take someone openly telling my boyfriend to meet her alone?"
"Th-that wasn't what I meant by meeting alone."
"Then what?"
"I'm interested in your sword, junior."
"...My sword?"
Hearing Elena's explanation, Serena faltered, her fiery demeanor softening just a bit.
"Yes, your sword. That's what I wanted to talk about."
"What for...?"
"Don't you think sparring is the most effective training for swordsmen, junior?"
Seong Hyun-jin readily agreed with Elena's question, as if it were obvious.
"Because it lets you experience something close to real combat."
Of course, that presupposed a solid foundation, but the young swordsmen here overflowed with that already.
"We're on the same page. I think nothing beats sparring for training."
Elena continued.
"And since the exchange program has basically fizzled out, the dean said I can head back anytime I want... So, I'd like to spar with you regularly once I'm back at Celestial Academy."
"...So when you said you wanted to meet Seong Hyun-jin alone, you meant sparring one-on-one?"
"Yes, that's it. Sorry for phrasing it in a way that caused a misunderstanding."
Elena clasped her hands together apologetically, flashing a cute smile. Serena couldn't stay mad at that. The misunderstanding had cleared up, after all.
"...Please word things so there's no misunderstanding in the future."
"I will. So, what do you think, Seong Hyun-jin junior?"
Elena beamed at him.
"I feel like I'd learn a ton sparring with you... Do you think I'd be any help to you?"
There was, of course, a reason Elena was making this proposal. During the clash with Abraham, the sword Seong Hyun-jin had shown. The swordsmanship of Sword Star Hakodate Karin, which he'd wielded free of the evil spirit Astaroth's control, adapted into his own style—she still couldn't forget it. Sparring with someone who could wield such a blade would surely teach her plenty.
"I like to think I know a thing or two about the sword myself. I can't guarantee it'll help a lot... but you won't walk away empty-handed."
For Elena, sparring with Seong Hyun-jin wasn't just idle curiosity. She desperately wanted it. Lately, her own swordsmanship had hit a plateau. She'd achieved so much as Terastial Academy's strongest, but stagnation was a swordsman's nightmare—especially since even she knew she wasn't a finished product yet. That halt felt like a trial from the heavens.
To her, Seong Hyun-jin's sword seemed to point a new path. Like a guiding star showing the direction she should pursue. To Elena, he wasn't just a junior; he was a milestone marker on the road ahead.
That's why she'd made the offer—and in her haste, she'd blurted something open to misinterpretation.
With the situation sorted, Elena asked earnestly once more.
"What do you say? You get to keep honing your sword steadily—nothing bad about that, right?"
Seong Hyun-jin pondered briefly before nodding readily.
"Sure, I'm in."
He'd wanted to cross blades with her anyway. He'd been disappointed there was no chance during the exchange event, but here it was, falling right into his lap.
"You'll really do it?"
"Yeah, it'd help me out too."
As he spoke, Seong Hyun-jin glanced at Karin. She seemed focused on leading the students and not paying attention, but with her senses at their peak, she couldn't possibly miss their conversation. Sure enough, she met his gaze the moment he looked and gave a subtle nod of approval.
"Then let's do it at a time that's convenient for you. Mornings good, or after classes in the afternoon?"
"I'm fine anytime, but..."
"May I join as well?"
Another voice chimed in. It was Clarice Levatein, walking the same path of the sword. Ignoring Elena's puzzled look, she addressed Seong Hyun-jin directly.
"You promised to teach me too, Seong Hyun-jin."
"Oh, right."
"Wouldn't it be better to set aside time once and cover both me and Senior rather than splitting it? Let me join the sparring."
Seong Hyun-jin saw the logic in Clarice's request. It was more efficient than double-booking sessions—spar together and review their forms at the same time.
He nodded slightly.
"Sounds good. That okay with you, Senior?"
"Of course."
Elena smiled brightly.
"With Clarice junior there too, no more misunderstandings with Serena junior."
"...Eek."
Serena flinched, glancing between Seong Hyun-jin and Elena before mumbling.
"S-sorry for misunderstanding..."
"No, it's fine. It just made me realize how much you care for him, so I'll be more careful."
Elena turned to Seong Hyun-jin with a pleading look.
"So, can we spar once I'm back? If it's too much, we can start whenever you're ready..."
"I'm good. Not feeling off my game or anything."
Elena's face lit up at his positive reply. She looked genuinely thrilled, smiling radiantly.
"I can't wait!"
Seeing that smile, Seong Hyun-jin's eyes widened slightly without him realizing. It felt strangely familiar somehow—not like he'd met her before, but...
-Master, take a look at my practice swings today!
It was the beaming smile from his childhood, before his talent had fully blossomed, back when learning Karin's sword techniques one by one filled him with joy.
"......"
A smile he, having mastered his master's sword, might never wear again.
Under Karin's leadership, the Terastial Academy student representatives returned without incident.
"Everyone~!!"
Waiting to greet them—not in her true form, but as an old woman via her doll body—was Eleonora.
"You all did amazing! Such hard work—I'm so proud!"
She hugged each student with arms wide open, showering them with praise like a doting grandmother. It was a heartwarming sight, the dean acknowledging their efforts, and no one refused her embraces.
"Great job, Seong Hyun-jin! You too!"
"...I'm fine."
But Seong Hyun-jin recoiled. If it were her real self, he'd have been fine, but an old lady doll? No thanks.
Wrinkly...
He thought something terribly rude to himself and was the only student rep to refuse her hug. Ciela shot him a look like no way, but he didn't notice, inwardly soothing his regret.
Just hug me in your real form.
That would've been nice.
"You all did great! Go rest up now!"
"Yes, Dean."
The students dispersed one by one. Seong Hyun-jin lingered, seemingly planning to go with Karin, naturally joined by Serena and Ciela Teraport from the same dorm, ever-clingy Yeonhui, and Elena and Clarice, who had plans with him.
After encouraging the reps, Eleonora turned to Karin.
"You worked hard too, Lady Karin."
"Aye, this master longs for rest."
Karin looked weary in every way—not physically, but mentally drained. She preferred solitude over crowds, so the journey from Levatein Duchy to the academy exchange had been exhausting on her spirit.
Sensing her master's fatigue—or perhaps with some ulterior motive?—Seong Hyun-jin's eyes sparkled as he spoke up.
"Master, let this disciple give you a massage!"
"......"
Serena stared in disbelief at his obvious ploy, but surprisingly, Karin replied nonchalantly.
"Very well."
She was used to it from their mountain cabin days, so it felt natural. But the other girls thought differently.
She... allowed it?
She has to know what he's thinking...
...Why'd she say yes?
Ciela, Serena, and Yeonhui all shot confused looks at Karin, but she had no clue what was on their minds. To her, a disciple easing his weary master's tension was perfectly natural.
"Follow this master, then."
"Yes, Master!"
Seong Hyun-jin strode proudly after her, calling to Elena.
"Elena senior, I'll be right back—head to the training grounds first."
"Okay, sure."
As Seong Hyun-jin bounded off excitedly after Karin, Elena turned back for a moment on her way to the grounds.
"...!?"
And she saw it.
"...Does Lady Karin not realize what her junior's thinking?"
"...She's giving him all the wrong ideas."
"......Hah."
The three girls wore terrifying expressions, their responses icy cold.