How Could I Have Such Delusions!
Oh Sobang’s protest was met with a calm, level-headed response from Jeong Sam-seok. "Accept it? A practical duel is a test of swordsmanship. It is not a stage to see whose sword is sharper!"
"B-but..." Oh Sobang turned his head toward the spectator stands and shouted at the top of his lungs. "I cannot accept this! Dean Cho! Inspector! Jeong Sam-seok’s actions are biased toward Im Bukjin! Is this not a violation of the examination rules?!"
Oh Sobang was certain that Cho Heun would take his side. And then there was the Inspector, Lee Cheong-hyeon. Surely, neither of them would be fond of a delinquent like Im Bukjin.
"I cannot accept your opinion," Grade Dean Cho Heun replied clearly. Inspector Lee Cheong-hyeon remained silent, acting as if Oh Sobang’s protest wasn't even worth considering.
Oh Sobang’s expression turned to one of utter bewilderment. W-what is going on? Why have I lost the favor of the teachers?
Even the students standing below the sparring stage began to shout. "If you're so confident, defeat Im Bukjin with your actual skill! You should fight under the same conditions! Why are you bringing out a Masterwork Sword just to bully your opponent? Is that how a man acts?!"
"Exactly!"
"Do as Teacher Jeong Sam-seok says!"
"Im Bukjin! You're so cool!"
The voices of the Bukjin Fan Club were heard loud and clear. Their influence had grown to a point where they could no longer be ignored. Oh Sobang was so consumed by rage that his face turned a deep, angry crimson.
Bukjin, on the other hand, felt like he was about to burst out laughing. Without him even realizing it, his popularity had skyrocketed. A furious Oh Sobang gripped his sword tighter and let out a cold sneer.
"Hmph! Im Bukjin! Don't get too ahead of yourself! Even if you brought ten swords, I'll turn them all into scrap metal!"
With those words, Oh Sobang swung his blade and lunged at Bukjin. Seven flashes of light crossed rapidly, like a silver imugi baring its fangs. The sharp sword-light, resembling a massive serpent, descended upon Bukjin.
Bukjin let out a sharp kiai, drew the longsword in his hand, and charged forward. He thrust his blade deep into the oncoming attack.
Swish—!
The sword-light sliced through the air as he executed the same basic technique as before: the Close-body Triple Link.
Clang—!
The sound of clashing steel echoed across the stage. But this time, no blade shattered. The Seven-Ring Cold Sword was dismantled, and the serpent-like sword-light that had bared its fangs was split in two.
Thwack—!
The sound of steel burying itself into flesh followed.
"Gah...!" A pained groan escaped Oh Sobang’s lips. Bukjin’s sword had pierced straight through his left shoulder. Before Oh Sobang could even process what had happened, Bukjin yanked the blade out. In that instant, Oh Sobang heard the sickening sound of his own flesh and bone grinding against the steel. Goosebumps erupted over his skin as a wave of pure terror washed over him.
Flash—!
Once again, the sword in Bukjin’s hand gleamed. This time, his blade pierced through Oh Sobang’s right ear.
"Aaaagh! My ear...!" A desperate scream erupted. Bukjin continued his assault, refusing to give Oh Sobang even a moment's respite.
Thump—!
This time, Bukjin used the flat of his blade to strike Oh Sobang squarely on the forehead. His skin split open, blood began to flow, and Oh Sobang’s screams were cut short.
Crash—!
Losing his balance from the massive impact, Oh Sobang collapsed headfirst onto the floor of the stage. His face began to swell rapidly from the collision, and with the blood streaming down from his forehead, he looked like a complete mess.
Bukjin approached the fallen Oh Sobang and raised his foot. Then, he brought it down directly onto Oh Sobang’s face.
"One sword strike, one ear, and a face trampled..." Bukjin spoke each word with deliberate clarity. "These three things. I’m returning them to you on behalf of the students of Class 9."
"Ugh... uuuugh..." Oh Sobang shouted in a fit of rage. "Im Bukjin! You piece of trash! How dare you treat me like this! I won't let you get away with this! I'll make you regret it! You son of a—! Gack!"
"Shut your mouth." Bukjin delivered a powerful kick to Oh Sobang’s stomach. Oh Sobang’s body was sent flying nearly thirty feet away.
"I almost forgot. You kicked the students of Class 9 when you were bullying them, didn't you?"
Clutching his stomach and curled up like a shrimp, Oh Sobang felt an agonizing pain as if his internal organs were being torn apart. With the veins in his neck bulging, he let out a beastly roar, venting his pain and fury.
Bukjin looked down at the longsword in his hand. It was a simple weapon, devoid of any flashy decorations. The blade had a somewhat dark, subdued luster. However, it was incredibly sturdy. Despite clashing with Oh Sobang’s masterwork sword, Radiant Light, there wasn't a single nick on it. It was a fine sword.
Sheathe—!
Bukjin returned the sword to its scabbard. "I told you, didn't I? Nothing gives me more pleasure than stepping on a self-proclaimed genius like you. Do you understand now?"
Approaching Oh Sobang, Bukjin leaned down and whispered quietly into his ear. "Actually, I’m quite grateful to you. If it weren't for the twenty taels you gave me, I wouldn't have been able to reach my current level of strength. In a way, you're my benefactor. I’ll make sure to remember and thank you forever."
Oh Sobang’s eyes bulged. Although he couldn't understand the exact meaning behind Bukjin’s words, he realized that he had made a catastrophic mistake somewhere along the line.
Bukjin smiled and said, "Now, I’ll give you one last gift!"
Thwack—!
With another kick from Bukjin, Oh Sobang rolled off the sparring stage. Not a single student below moved to catch him. Oh Sobang slammed into the ground and immediately lost consciousness.
The students remained silent. They all acted as if they hadn't even seen him. Normally, Oh Sobang was an arrogant and fierce student who loved to look down on others in Class 1. Consequently, there were many students who had been insulted by him. He had enjoyed being respected by others while flaunting his grades and skills. But now...
He had been beaten like a dog on a midsummer day by Bukjin. From now on, it would be difficult for Oh Sobang to walk around flaunting his skills. His reputation had completely hit rock bottom.
The students of Class 9, who had watched the entire scene, began to erupt in cheers.
"As expected of Im Bukjin! That was so refreshing!"
"Im Bukjin! I’m sorry for badmouthing you before! You’re the pride of our class!"
"We love you, Im Bukjin!"
The cheers were explosive. Among them was Im Seol-geum, the most beautiful girl in Class 9. Normally, she was very quiet and shy, but now she was cheering at the top of her lungs alongside the other girls who had joined the Bukjin Fan Club. Her face was flushed red with excitement.
And Jeong Go, Seol Ak, and Yun Yeok, who had been defeated by Oh Sobang in the previous matches, were shouting their thanks through their bandages while being supported by other students. They were deeply moved that Bukjin had settled their grudge for them.
Countless students from Class 9 began to admire Bukjin in their hearts. The labels of delinquent, trash, and disaster that had once followed him had long since vanished from their minds. Now, only one thought remained.
Im Bukjin! You’re the absolute best! You're a total legend!
In the spectator stands, Grade Dean Cho Heun let out a long sigh and sat back down. It felt as if his pounding heart had finally found its rhythm again.
"Oh my, Oh Sobang is injured? Quickly, take him to the infirmary for treatment!" Cho Heun shouted, acting as if he had only just noticed Oh Sobang’s injuries after a long delay.
The unconscious Oh Sobang was carried away to the infirmary by the teachers. Then, Jeong Sam-seok, acting as the supervisor, made a loud proclamation.
Winner: Im Bukjin
Cheers erupted from below the stage. Even some students from Class 1 joined in the celebration. The traces of the fierce duel on the stage were quickly cleared away. It was time for the match between the two female students, Mok Simwol and Ak Hong-hyang.
The spectating students began to buzz with excitement. Up in the stands, Cho Heun’s face was filled with pride and excitement. He turned his head and spoke.
"Brother Cheong-hyeon, what do you think? You can't say the opponent was too weak this time, can you?"
Lee Cheong-hyeon replied as if he found the whole thing absurd. "Are you really that desperate to hear praise for that delinquent from a fallen noble family?"
"Brother Cheong-hyeon, Im Bukjin is the number one genius of our 3rd Academy. Please refrain from calling him a delinquent," Cho Heun said with a respectful but firm tone.
Lee Cheong-hyeon was even more flabbergasted. Until recently, Im Bukjin had been the academy's biggest troublemaker, a literal parasite. And yet, now he was being called the academy's greatest genius. Lee Cheong-hyeon didn't want to say anything more, but Cho Heun was persistent.
"Haha, Brother Cheong-hyeon, say something. What do you think? Just one word. Please? What do you think of our academy's top genius? Is he enough to catch the eye of the man known as the 'Iron-Faced Poison Tongue'?"
Lee Cheong-hyeon felt a mix of annoyance and amusement. Finally, unable to withstand the pestering, he reluctantly offered his opinion.
"Based on what I've seen so far... he could be considered one of the first-rate geniuses of Unmong City."
"Wahahaha!" Cho Heun burst into a triumphant laugh upon hearing Lee Cheong-hyeon’s words.
A short while later, the preparations for the second semi-final match were complete. Both Mok Simwol and Ak Hong-hyang stepped onto the sparring stage.
It really is a beautiful sight! Bukjin, standing below the stage, couldn't help but marvel at the scene.
The 'Princess of the Masses,' Mok Simwol, was tall and slender, possessing an aura of elegance that overwhelmed those who looked at her. Her features and fair skin were so pristine that it felt as if nothing could ever tarnish them.
And Ak Hong-hyang, the top beauty of Class 8, had clear, bright eyes and a calm demeanor. She possessed a feminine grace and the temperament of a classic beauty that was rarely found in someone her age. The more one looked at her, the more captivating she became.
Hmm, Mok Simwol seems a bit taller? But Ak Hong-hyang looks more toned. I can't believe they both have such white skin! It's like porcelain! And they both have perfect figures. But I’m a man with a goal to return to Earth. These two will never have the chance to have a man like me. Anyway, I wonder whose swordsmanship is stronger? They both have their own strengths...
Slap—!
Thinking this far, Bukjin felt his face grow hot and gave himself a sharp slap across the cheek.
How could I have such delusions at a critical time like this!