One Month as Disciple: Sword Lessons and the Master's Probing Questions
An interview? I'm Park Hyunwoo, 20 years old!
It's been a month since I became her disciple. Under Master Ryu Ga-eul's guidance, I've grown stronger at an astonishing pace. Things like how to grip the sword, where to place my feet, or how to swing with minimal effort... Thanks to learning these practical techniques, I could see my skills improving by leaps and bounds.
"You've got talent."
Master muttered it like she couldn't believe it. Looks like I'm one of those naturally gifted types.
"I should've noticed when you absorbed mana so quickly... What the hell is this?"
"Ahem."
"Hate to say it, but if you keep growing like this, you might end up stronger than me."
It was unimaginable. Master was overwhelmingly powerful even among famous Players. Proof? She was a frequent star in those YouTube Korea-pride videos. The idea of surpassing someone like that...
"You're enjoying this too much, aren't you? It's just a guess, mind you."
"Ahaha..."
"Anyway, you've got the basics down solid. Time to teach you some real swordsmanship."
Finally!
I was going to learn the sword techniques from the Sword Saint herself.
"What level are you again?"
"LV.10."
"Right. Master one form before you hit LV.15. Your Trait is Double Slash, yeah?"
Traits vary depending on a person's innate talents and skills. For example, a baseball player might get a throwing-specialized one, while someone in chemistry gets a high chance at potion brewing.
"Yes. They say it's the best one..."
"Total talent freak. That's a rare pull—even I don't have it."
"Huh?!"
"Swift sword path suits you way better. Hit fast, hit precise."
Master's swordsmanship falls into two main styles.
The first: swift sword. Chain multiple techniques rapidly to drive strikes home.
The second: heavy sword. Big motions, wide range, devastating impacts.
"Um, Master, sorry to ask, but... could I learn both?"
"No. Even with your talent, focus on one first."
Her explanation was simple enough even for a dummy like me.
"Half-ass both, and your Traits might mix into something mediocre. Hybrids sound good in theory, but they're jack-of-all-trades in practice. Top Traits have some broken ones—you gotta prioritize those."
Master herself started with heavy sword as a low-level Player, then developed swift techniques as backups.
"Your base is already swift. Switching to heavy now would be too late."
And so, I decided to learn the basics of swift sword from her first.
"Let's start with the foundational Overtake—get it down proper."
Was I really talented like she said? Learning the sword wasn't that hard.
"Overtake is the absolute basics. React faster than their move—even this alone will make you strong quick."
"Yes...!"
Read the subtle pre-motion before an opponent's attack and cut first. The starter for swift sword styles, where most combos begin. Sounds tricky from the description, but thanks to the Sword Ghost's eye, it clicked fast.
"Not bad? Thought it'd take you a week at least."
"Ehehe..."
"Talent's a good thing. Hell yeah it is. Ngh, you're making it real hard to hold back."
"Huh?"
"Nothing. That's enough for today!"
Basic lessons hadn't felt like much growth before. But today? Different story. At this level, I could proudly call myself a Player anywhere. Level's still low, though.
"Oh, right—your stuff all moved in?"
"Yes! Didn't have much, so it was quick."
"Good, good. Perfect... No escaping now."
"Huh?"
"It's nothing! Rest up. Got something to say at dinner."
Her face looked oddly flushed. Not mad... Sick maybe? Never heard of Players catching colds.
Anyway, I decided to follow her orders.
Evening came, and Park Hyunwoo was summoned to Ryu Ga-eul's room.
Never been in Master's room before.
His first time in a woman's room brought a strange mix of excitement and nerves.
A girl's room in this gender-reversed world—hope it's not littered with weird toys or mags.
Thankfully, no adult toys or strange mags in sight.
Whoa...
Instead, total chaos.
Dented beer cans stacked like towers. Ashtray overflowing with butts. Trash everywhere—no room to step. And for some reason, tons of tissues. Especially tissues.
"Kinda messy, huh? Get someone in once a month to clean, so don't sweat it."
"Y-yes..."
"Anyway, it's been about a month since we met. I think master and disciple should get close."
Ryu Ga-eul cut straight to it. Beating around the bush wasn't her style.
"Like... a married couple! Get what I mean?"
"Y-yes!"
Odd analogy. Usually it's parent-child, right? Weird word choice gave him pause, but Hyunwoo brushed it off quick.
"Quick on the uptake—nice. Let's start then."
She set up a camcorder on a tripod she'd prepped, then climbed onto the bed.
"What're you waiting for? Get over here beside me."
"Uh, this is a bit..."
"Weird? Worried I'll pounce? Kid, the power gap between us—you think I'd have waited if I wanted to?"
So she could jump me right now if she wanted...
But with all the trust built up in his master, Hyunwoo stopped questioning and obeyed.
"I'm gonna ask you questions now. Answer honestly—no lies."
"Yes..."
"First question! Ideal girl type?"
What kind of question was this? Why pry into his private life?
"I, uh, like quiet girls. You know, kind, gentle..."
"Physically?"
"Around my height."
"Hmmm~"
The late-170s cm Ryu Ga-eul rested her chin, smirking.
Ridiculous. She'd fix that preference to tall women from now on.
"Next: How many kids if you marry later?"
"One maybe...? Girl would be nice."
"Just one? Nah, too few."
Ryu Ga-eul leaned back on her arms, subtly showing off her lower belly.
Hyunwoo's libido—same as his old world—couldn't help sneaking a peek at her sleek, abs-lined stomach. Ignoring him, the Sword Saint patted it with her palm.
Like saying she could pop out plenty. Flaunting her fertile body to prove herself to a male she liked.
"Uh... Th-three then?"
"Still low."
"F-five!"
"Aim higher."
"S-seven sounds right. More than that'd be tough with all the hassle."
Seven... Perfect number.
Any more would be hard. Thinking that, Ryu Ga-eul sidled up to her disciple.
"Next question. Getting sensitive now."
Wasn't it already? Must be normal here. Hyunwoo nodded.
"Ever had sex?"
"Wha—? N-no, never..."
"Told you it's sensitive. Skip if it's hard."
He thought a moment. No deep intent—just flirty banter with someone she felt close to.
Figuring his master was the same, Hyunwoo answered straight.
"N-none at all. Guess I'm not women's type."
"Hm. So, how would you want it if you did?"
"Dunno what you mean."
"Dunno? Or playing dumb?"
Ryu Ga-eul stopped there. She'd gotten all she needed.
Time to lock in those tastes.
Harvest season was here. This tiny ripe thing couldn't handle the debt note due in two days.
Master's kinda weird after all.
How's she gonna manage when she marries someday...? Hyunwoo wondered.