Victory's Aftermath: Growth Pains and a Baby's Cry
Thanks to Soso's grace, I spotted Hong Yeonhwa hopping around joyfully in the distance, her breasts swaying freely with every bounce. That was when certainty finally hit me. I really won!
But it was too hasty a conclusion. The moment my focus slipped for just a second, Martial Spirit Divine Art released, and an overwhelming wave of fatigue crashed over me. My body staggered under the irresistible exhaustion. Hong Yeonhwa startled, sensing something wrong, and rushed toward me—that was the last thing I saw before my vision blurred.
When I came to, a full day had passed.
The familiar ceiling of the Paeng family mansion came into view. Staring up at it blankly, a natural grumble escaped my lips.
"...My body won't move."
"That's only natural, you know. No matter how amazing the divine art, unleashing power that surpasses your limits can't come without side effects."
Hong Yeonhwa, straddling me, poked and pressed various spots as she replied. This wasn't her usual cursory Poking Blood Acupuncture—it felt like proper treatment after a long time. Her soft body brushed against me without a care, her defenseless posture making blood rush below despite myself. I wanted to grope her everywhere right then, but...
This time, I was the one getting groped. Waking up after just a day was lucky, but the muscle pain everywhere left me completely immobile.
"This feels so unfair. I learned Iron King Heart Protection Art precisely for times like this. Is it even effective? Maybe it was so useless that's why we killed those guys?"
"Pfft. You're only this okay because you have a decent external art. Without it, you'd be suffering twice as much right now. Enough—say 'ahh,' Jin-gaga."
"Ahh."
Paeng Soso, sitting beside us, giggled and fed me a perfectly bite-sized piece of meat atop a spoonful of rice.
...Delicious.
I could probably feed myself if I just endured the pain, but no need when she's offering. I gulped down whatever Paeng Soso fed me obediently, which sparked a sudden question.
"So, how long do I have to stay like this?"
"Hmm? From what I've checked, you'll be bedridden today, and you shouldn't push yourself for at least a week after."
"That long? It feels worse than when Cheok An Geum Gwi slashed me before..."
"Back then, it was just treating an injury. But this pain isn't from damage—there's no pill for it, you see."
According to Hong Yeonhwa's explanation, this was a mix of growing pains and muscle fatigue. The first time I used sword qi, my body was already near its limit, so no big issue. But this time, fresh off reaching Peak, I swung power nearing Super Peak, straining my body. Normally, even with enlightenment, you only advance one or two steps—no pain, just feeling refreshed with a stronger body and more inner energy.
But I skipped ahead several stages with Martial Spirit Divine Art, making it worse. Like how rapid growth spurts make your joints ache. Something like that.
Of course, I'm not at true Super Peak yet. My body will be tougher, and Martial Spirit Divine Art's boosts stronger, but I probably can't freely wield that sword flame I showed. Still, like before, tasting a higher realm gives me a clue. With diligent training, I might reach proper Super Peak someday.
...Though right now, I can't even eat alone!
"Wait. What about the Yongbong Tournament?!"
Participants were thinning out, shortening wait times between matches. In a week, the next round would start easily.
"What else? Forfeit. Just say you're organizing your new enlightenment—everyone will understand."
"Soso's right. No need for us to worry. Focus on recovering and fully digesting what you gained."
"I guess... Kinda disappointing. Next was the semifinals."
With Namgung Hyeok as a top contender, I had hopes of winning if things went well... Tch.
Winning the tournament isn't crucial anymore, so prioritizing enlightenment as Hong Yeonhwa said. I nodded, my expression sinking a bit, when she suddenly stopped and stared intently.
"You there. Just to check... where on earth did you get this enlightenment from?"
"Huh? Oh?"
Her face mixed fidgety anxiety, unease, and faint hope—I instantly knew why. She thought I got it from something weird again.
Considering past enlightenments, fair suspicion. Breast ban made me realize their value, then post-threesome sage time... Yeah, reasonable doubt.
Of course, this time it's off-base.
"Let me think, where to start... Midway through the match, Namgung Hyeok suddenly says my sword holds nothing, nothing to learn."
I explained how that forced me to confront what I'd ignored. Hong Yeonhwa nodded seriously.
"I see. One addition: that Namgung kid was wrong."
"Eh? Really? Sounded plausible to me."
She shook her head slowly.
"Seeing the sword as a mere tool is your mindset too. The heart knows no right or wrong, high or low."
"Ah... like that?"
"Exactly. Arrogance in thinking only one's view is right is common in young geniuses—don't take it to heart."
"Forgot it the moment I won."
Winners are always right. His fancy technique shattered before greater power anyway—mine's correct. Nodding inwardly, Hong Yeonhwa beamed prouder than me, puffing out her jiggly breasts.
"Anyway, this is proper enlightenment! Do you know how long I've waited for this day?!"
Her pink eyes sparkled like bursting stars.
"If you can't infuse intent into the sword, hold the sword in your intent... Brilliant! That's enlightenment! Yes indeed!"
"That good?"
"Of course! I've always been proud of you, but today you shine even brighter!"
She grinned, ruffling my hair wildly. Meanwhile, Paeng Soso fell quiet, mulling the conversation. Only when Hong Yeonhwa's petting paused did she speak.
"But Jin-gaga, wasn't what you did the proper way to use Martial Spirit Divine Art?"
"Huh?"
"Normally, arts using intent recall related things—like 'must cut' or 'unbreakable.'"
"...Probably."
"But you've always used it thinking of Hong-unnie."
"Reproducing what worked once led there."
"Not entirely wrong at first. But that's for desperate moments or extra boosts."
"...Yeah, rings true."
My first hurdle with Martial Spirit Divine Art was emotional erosion. Fear of losing Hong Yeonhwa fueled desperation, and it responded. But emotions fade. How to stay desperate when she's safe? I solved it by imprinting her image in my intent—direct contact or sensing her presence.
Now I get it: inefficient circling, unstable foundation on another person.
"Plus, it's made solely for you. Your master watched you long enough to craft it fixing your issues."
"......"
Everything clicked—I was speechless!
Why'd I misuse it so long?! Paeng Soso had the answer.
"If you liked Hong-unnie even a bit less, or never got enlightenment from her breasts, it wouldn't work right."
"Ah..."
Hong Yeonhwa reached the same conclusion, lifting her breasts from below in exasperation, then gleefully teased me.
"You there. How much do you like this lady? Huh? And how much do you like this lady's breasts?"
"Well, that's..."
"Don't tell me you like the breasts more than this lady?"
"Ow! Of course you're better, Yeonhwa."
"Then I can confiscate them."
"Why?!"
"Don't like that? Fine, grope the breasts, but no kissing!"
"No way!"
Paeng Soso watched our banter enviously, then guided my hand to her breast. Firm, soft fullness filled my palm.
"M-mine are pretty big too, right? Not as much as Hong-unnie, but nowhere near small!"
"Not you too, Soso?!"
"Oh yeah, you love my butt, don't you?"
"True, but you have your own charms—no need to compare!"
"Then where? Say it, or I won't know~"
Hong Yeonhwa smothered my face in her breasts, demanding if I like her more or them, how much. Paeng Soso rubbed my hands everywhere, asking her best parts beyond breasts. Normally, I'd pounce showing them directly—but pain pinned me.
Desperate situations breed mad ideas. If I can't move, make them move.
With a whatever-happens attitude, I wailed.
"Waaah! Baby Sochan wants milkies!"