Chapter 33
Chapter 33
Duel - 1
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“May I descend the mountain now, Master?”
The four days of special training were over.
It was Sunday evening.
With the duel scheduled for tomorrow, I playfully asked, having been granted a reprieve from training.
Naturally, I was met with my master’s disdain.
“…Are you writing a martial arts novel?”
“Just trying it out.”
“Don’t let your guard down.”
“Yes, Master.”
“Eat before you go. I asked I-na to prepare some restorative dishes.”
As expected of an S-rank master, her care was exceptional.
Training, coaching, and now recovery…
It felt like a full-course treatment.
“Yes, Master.”
“Come on. Renia, you join us too.”
“Thank you.”
We headed to the dining room.
It was a proper ‘dining room.’
No, it was more like a restaurant.
Not only was the interior luxurious, but it was also equipped with dazzling cooking utensils, and a personal chef was preparing the meal. It was practically a restaurant.
I-na, the maid, had told me that the chef possessed various [Runes] specialized in monster cuisine.
In other words, he was an expert in monster dishes, a master of creating meals that aided in the recovery of stamina, strength, endurance, and mana.
S-rank Hunters truly lived a different life.
I started eating, imagining myself as a successful Hunter, living in a mansion like this, with a personal chef and beautiful maids.
'This is a soup made with neutralized salamander venom.'
[Muscle soreness slightly alleviated.]
'’This is tea made from Oriental Ant mana leaves.'’
[Mana slowly replenishing in your core.]
'’This is a steak made from Red Drake meat.'’
'’This is smoked Looktarod rib roast.'’
[Fatigue slightly reduced.]
The effects of each dish spread throughout my body.
The chef’s cooking was so delicious and effective that I absurdly thought I could reach S-rank quickly if I ate like this every day.
‘’Thank you for the meal.’’
After the feast, which felt like a last supper, we stood at the entrance.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“You know what happens if you lose, right? You’re fired.”
“…Is that supposed to be encouragement?”
“Something like that.”
Park Na-yeon’s encouragement sounded more like a threat.
I chuckled, knowing it was her style, bowed playfully, and then asked, “Is there a reward if I win?”
“…A reward? I haven’t thought about that.”
“If losing means getting fired, there should be a reward for winning to balance things out…”
“Hmm, I suppose so.”
Park Na-yeon frowned, deep in thought.
I had simply expected some skill training as a reward, a small token of gratitude from my master, but her answer was far more motivating.
“If you win, I’ll give you my Heavenly Dragon Thunder Bow (Cheongangyonggung). I used it during raids. I don’t need it anymore.”
“…Your S-rank bow…?”
“What, is that not enough compared to being fired?”
“No, Master.”
Not enough?
It was complete overkill.
The Cheongangyonggung, as its name suggested, was said to be a weapon imbued with the power of the heavens and dragons.
It was the last masterpiece of the legendary blacksmith Park Seong-do, now deceased, crafted from Blue Adamantium, a material found only in S-rank dungeons.
It was a one-of-a-kind weapon, capable of maximizing the user’s abilities and granting them [New Skills] tailored to their strengths. Its value was immeasurable, and it wasn’t a weapon just anyone could wield.
“You’ve heard of the Heavenly Dragon Thunder Bow, right?”
“Of course. But you’re giving it to me…?”
“If you can even *draw* the Heavenly Dragon Thunder Bow, I’ll give it to you. How’s that for a deal?”
“…I will return victorious, Master!”
I bowed playfully again.
My fighting spirit surged.
It felt like I had received a main quest.
The Heavenly Dragon Thunder Bow was a dream weapon, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“But when you become a seasoned Hunter, you’ll pay me 30 million won every month, interest-free. Until I say you’re done.”
Of course, there was no such thing as a free lunch.
But Master…
Wasn’t that an ‘investment’ rather than a ‘reward’?
And even loan sharks didn't offer indefinite repayment periods.
I almost blurted it out, but I swallowed my words.
After all, being able to rent the Heavenly Dragon Thunder Bow for 30 million won a month was an incredible privilege.
A playful bow wasn’t enough. [T/N: like bowing not the bow]
I stood at attention, chest puffed out, and saluted.
“Yes, Master!”
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
“Master, you have to win! Fighting!”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back.”
The next morning…
I left the hatchling in Bersha’s care and headed to school.
And as the afternoon sun began to set…
The duel was about to begin.
But…
…was this really necessary?
It was just a cadet ‘duel.’
As soon as I entered the gymnasium’s dueling arena, a question arose.
Graduating class duels were open to other cadets as a learning opportunity, since they didn’t have classes during that time.
Guild representatives were also allowed to observe.
‘But why are there news crews here?’
The spectator seats were packed.
And at the edges of the arena, I saw news crews with large cameras on their shoulders.
Several professors were also present, watching with interest.
This was excessive attention for a simple duel between cadets.
And when I entered, the crowd erupted in cheers.
It felt like I was entering a UFC match.
Choi Do-han, already in the arena, seemed to have anticipated this and stood there calmly, arms crossed.
“You brought daggers. I heard you received special training from Professor Park Na-yeon.”
“And I heard you became Professor Ella’s personal disciple.”
I had heard about it on my way to school.
Choi Do-han had become Ella’s personal disciple.
It seemed like a move to prevent the main heroines from drifting away and to gain an advantage in the duel. It felt like the lines were drawn:
[Choi Do-han, Han-na, Ella]
[Han Tae-jin, Yoo Soo-ah, Baek Mi-jin]
I hadn’t expected Ella to take him as her disciple.
But I didn’t blame her, nor did I feel any regret.
I was the one who rejected her offer, and that rejection led me to Park Na-yeon, a much bigger fish.
Anyway, with the original storyline going off the rails, Choi Do-han was also actively searching for solutions.
I heard he had personally asked Ella to take him as her disciple.
So, the protagonist was still the protagonist. I thought he was just a reckless psychopath, but he was capable of rational thought.
“Now-! Before we begin the duel, I’ll explain the rules.”
Choi Seok-min, the professor in charge of practical evaluations, entered the center of the arena and announced.
The rules were simple.
Treat it like a real battle, but attacks to the eyes, heart, and vital points were prohibited. The duel would continue until one side surrendered or collapsed.
“The use of artifacts is also permitted.”
“Yes.”
There were two types of duels:
[Regular Duels] for practical evaluations, and [Duels] like this one, held for personal reasons, such as resolving conflicts or improving skills.
The difference was the use of artifacts and the presence of a decisive victor.
In regular duels, the professor could stop the duel at their discretion, even without a clear winner, since the purpose was evaluation. But in duels, that wasn’t allowed.
And to cultivate skills and experience close to real combat, the use of artifacts was permitted.
I could use the [Ring of the Deceased] I acquired a few days ago.
Artifacts were created by alchemists and spellcasters, and even simple stat-boosting artifacts cost billions of won.
They usually took the form of accessories like earrings, necklaces, and rings. I didn’t see any on Choi Do-han.
Lending artifacts for duels was against the rules.
“Is everyone ready?”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
Choi Seok-min stepped out of the arena after explaining the rules, and the noisy crowd quieted down.
- *Whir.*
A translucent mana barrier rose around the circular arena.
I exhaled slowly and focused my mind.
I nocked a magic arrow onto my training bow, preparing for battle.
I didn’t draw the string just yet.
The battle would begin the moment I did.
Choi Do-han stood calmly, holding his club and shield.
“Here I come.”
I quickly drew the bowstring taut and aimed at him.
And with a roar from the crowd, the duel, which would rewrite the story, began.
'Begin!'
- *Whoosh!*
- *Kwang!*
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Raonjena, the undisputed top guild in Korea.
It was the strongest guild, boasting nine S-rank Hunters, 73 A-rank Hunters, 1,063 B-rank Hunters, and 6,131 C-rank Hunters. It was a dream guild for many.
It had 20 branches nationwide.
Hunters below D-rank weren't even allowed to apply, and even among C-rank Hunters, only those with superior skills were accepted.
And this guild was currently keeping an eye on five cadets.
Choi Do-han, Yoo Soo-ah, Han-na, Baek Mi-jin…
…and Han Tae-jin.
They were all expected to reach at least C-rank upon graduation, although Han Tae-jin wasn’t fully assessed yet.
He had only recently caught their attention, so they didn’t have much information on him.
That’s why he was attracting even more interest.
And…
The news of Choi Do-han and Han Tae-jin’s duel spread quickly among the guilds and reached the ears of Han Baek-ho, the head of Raonjena.
Han-na’s father and the founder of Raonjena.
“I’ll go see it myself.”
“Guildmaster, you will?”
“Reschedule my Monday afternoon appointments.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
He wanted to see it firsthand.
Their duel.
The fact that even the Academy cadets and professors couldn’t predict the outcome piqued his interest.
Although most cautiously predicted Choi Do-han’s victory due to Han Tae-jin’s seemingly stagnating growth.
And the news that Hunter Park Na-yeon, whom he had tried so hard to recruit, had taken Han Tae-jin as her personal disciple turned his interest into genuine curiosity.
‘Choi Do-han is already showing C-rank level skills. Han Tae-jin is below that… why did she take *him* as her disciple?’
He wondered about her reasons.
An S-rank Hunter wouldn't make such a decision lightly.
So, he went to observe the duel with his aide, watching intently from among the crowd.
- *Kwang!*
- *Bang!*
- *Thud!*
- *Whoosh—!*
It was a close match.
He had initially thought the rumors about Han Tae-jin were exaggerated.
His growth seemed to have plateaued recently.
Honestly, he had expected Choi Do-han to win, but Han Tae-jin was putting up an unexpected fight.
Their exchange was fierce, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. And Han Tae-jin was even displaying surprisingly proficient dagger skills.
He started to anticipate an upset.
And then…
- *Kaaa-boom—!!*
A massive explosion erupted, creating a magical storm, and he gulped.
“Wh-what happened?”
“Who is it? Who won?”
A cloud of dust, mixed with blue and red mana, engulfed the arena.
Some spectators even stood up.
The sounds of battle ceased.
Their final attacks had clearly collided.
A deathly silence fell over the arena; no one dared to predict the outcome.
But soon…
As the magical storm subsided and the dust began to settle, the arena erupted in commotion again.
“Wh-who is it? Is it Choi Do-han?”
“I-I think so! It’s Choi Do-han, as expected!”
A figure stood amidst the dust cloud.
Everyone assumed it was Choi Do-han.
It was where he had been standing right before the final attack.
But Han Baek-ho had seen Han Tae-jin lunging towards Choi Do-han the moment the magical storm erupted.
“…Let’s go.”
“W-what? Guildmaster…!”
He stood up and left the gymnasium.
He had seen Han Tae-jin grow increasingly dominant as the duel progressed.
He considered it a natural outcome.
Han Tae-jin’s victory.
“Whoa—?! I-it’s Han Tae-jin?!”
“Han Tae-jin defeated Choi Do-han?!!”
“He did it—!! Han Tae-jin wins!!”
A moment later, the arena erupted in cheers and shocked cries.
Hearing the commotion, Han Baek-ho thought:
That Han Tae-jin, what an interesting kid.
“Professor Park Na-yeon may lack the ability to choose a guild, but… she seems to have an excellent eye for disciples. Haha.”
A bitter chuckle escaped his lips.
“Aide, prepare to recruit Cadet Han Tae-jin.”
“Yes, sir.”