Chapter 8: The Duel (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 8: The Duel (2)
As I slowly sheathed my sword, a cool voice drifted from behind me.
It was Do Yeon, the Ice Jade Ice Sword.
"Since you used a practice sword, it was difficult to fully grasp the sword-intent, but your technique seems truly remarkable."
That’s exactly why I was doing it slowly, you know.
I turned around quietly and offered a martial salute. She returned the gesture.
The admiration in the Ice Jade Ice Sword’s eyes was unmistakable.
I had been worried she might mock me, but if someone of her caliber was offering praise, it meant my forms at least looked the part. I felt a surge of secret triumph.
"Not at all. I am merely at a level where I’m still stumbling, unsure of where my blade should even go."
She watched me in silence for a moment before speaking with renewed resolve.
"After seeing your display, Young Hero Eo, I feel that if I do not give my absolute best in our upcoming duel, I will face a bitter defeat. I shall give it my all, so please, guide me well. Seeing your swordplay has actually ignited my competitive spirit."
After delivering that long string of praise, the Ice Jade Ice Sword turned and walked away.
She didn't look like someone who had come just to say that, though.
"Twin Soaring Blood Brother, you’ve provoked my master, so you’d better take responsibility."
I jumped in surprise.
Mok Seon-hwa hadn't just suddenly appeared; she had come with Do Yeon, but I hadn't even sensed her presence. I had been far too focused on the Ice Jade Ice Sword.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Originally, Master came here to cancel the duel. She felt that challenging you was a sign of her own lack of discipline."
What? Wait, then why did she say all that before leaving?
As my eyes widened, Mok Seon-hwa continued.
"But after seeing your swordplay, she suddenly wanted to test herself against you. My master has a very strong competitive streak."
Dammit. If the duel had been canceled, I could have just stayed here, eating and playing around.
I tried to look cool and ended up ruining my own feast.
Once Mok Seon-hwa left the training grounds, my motivation to practice withered away.
However, the people around me still hadn't looked away. Their eyes were practically begging me to show them something impressive.
Tsk, tsk. Look at these small fry. Even the Ice Jade Ice Sword was impressed by the subtle beauty of my Ten Severing Soul Sword, yet these lot aren't satisfied? Fine, I’ll show them my one decent skill—the draw—and then head inside.
Checking the sky, I saw the timing was ripe and took a drawing stance.
I looked up at the sky for a moment, then fixed my gaze forward.
After confirming the sun's position, I gripped the hilt with the resolve of someone about to strike down a bird in flight, then relaxed every muscle in my body.
I gathered a tiny, fingernail-sized amount of internal energy into my right hand.
A fast draw—a quick sword—could never be achieved through brute force.
"The essence of the draw lies in the speed of the blade."
Those were the words of a third-rate master I once knew. And his teachings were actually quite useful.
Swish!
The sword flowed out of the scabbard like water.
The "water" was so fast that only a flash of transparent light flickered.
Don't ask me how I know. I’ve heard that exact compliment from countless people.
I told you, didn't I? If there were a competition for drawing and sheathing, the championship would be mine.
"Oh! So that’s the 'Draw Sword Instant Kill' technique!"
"I didn't even see the sword come out. I just saw a flash of light."
The onlookers were busy naming my techniques for me.
"Draw Sword Instant Kill" was a name some low-level martial artists had come up with after seeing me draw my sword to save Mok Seon-hwa.
Honestly, their standards are so low. Though, that is how I make my living.
In truth, those small fry had no idea how much I had planned this. I had timed the draw for the exact moment the sun would reflect off my blade.
When the sun has tilted slightly from its zenith, anyone watching a sword being drawn will experience a momentary, blinding glare.
I didn't oversleep just so I could draw my sword at this specific time, though. I’m not that meticulous.
I usually just live life as it comes, but I’m quite good at improvising.
Whish!
I spun the sword once and sheathed it.
To the eyes of these amateurs, such a flourish looked magnificent.
"Even the sheathing is a work of art."
I turned away. Disappointed groans echoed from all around.
Grumble!
As hunger set in, I suddenly began to worry about my duel with the Smiling Face Sword.
*
"Congratulations."
I offered my congratulations to Sim Geol, who had won his first match.
"Goodness, it’s quite embarrassing to receive praise for beating down a pathetic vagabond," Sim Geol replied.
"What are you talking about, Brother?" So Gu-chi chimed in. "With your old skills, the outcome of that fight wouldn't have been certain. But after listening to Young Hero Eo’s advice, your saber techniques became so much more refined that your opponent couldn't even touch you."
Sim Geol was highly encouraged by his victory.
"Hahaha! To be honest, I was surprised during the fight myself. I knew I’d gained some insight, but I didn't realize my skills had improved that much. I see now that the saying about masters gaining enlightenment and their strength leaping forward isn't a lie."
So Gu-chi laughed loudly, clearly delighted by his sworn brother's improvement.
"Hahaha! I can see it too, Brother. One day, I must get some advice from Young Hero Eo as well."
He stared at me intently as he said that, which made things quite awkward.
As a group of warriors headed toward the arena, Sim Geol turned to me.
"Brother Eo, Brother So’s match is about to start. Won't you come watch?"
"Is that so?"
My turn was after So Gu-chi’s, so I needed time to prepare.
But then again, I was always "prepared" to lose, so I didn't worry too much.
A moment later, So Gu-chi stepped onto the arena with his sword.
There were no formal announcements; you simply signed the register at the foot of the stage when it was your turn and went up. With so many people, there wasn't time to call out every name.
The tournament followed a winner-takes-all format, where victors moved on to face other victors. Even those who lost fought among themselves to determine a ranking.
The purpose of these duels was to categorize everyone into ranks: Squad Member, Squad Leader, Fragrance Lord, Hall Master, or Squad Commander.
Most of the small fry gathered here were fighting for Squad Member or Squad Leader positions, while the true masters were competing for Hall Master and Squad Commander ranks.
Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress had already recruited many high-level masters, but they stayed in a different area, so it was rare to run into them.
The masters didn't even glance at these Squad Leader-level duels. Their pride was sky-high.
It was like a professional Go player refusing to spend time watching amateurs play. They’d likely say it "rotted their eyes" after just a few glimpses.
So Gu-chi’s swordsmanship exceeded my expectations.
"Oh! Brother So’s technique is quite impressive."
As it turned out, he was much stronger than Sim Geol. I had assumed he was at my level, but I was mistaken.
He drove his opponent into a corner with techniques so fast I could barely follow them.
However, So Gu-chi’s opponent was no pushover either. With So Gu-chi’s skill, he could have easily secured a Squad Leader position, but he had poor luck with the brackets.
After several close calls, he sustained five sword wounds across his body.
Since they weren't critical injuries, the duel continued. His opponent had also taken several hits.
As the bloody battle raged on, the opponent finally exposed a weakness to So Gu-chi’s unconventional swordplay.
Clang!
Struck by So Gu-chi’s blade, the opponent’s sword went flying into the air.
Sim Geol had been watching with clenched fists, his heart in his throat until the very end.
"I thought he’d win easily, but... I suppose many skilled warriors are indeed flocking to Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress."
To the slightly dejected Sim Geol, I said, "Let’s just be satisfied with the win for now. If vagabonds like us don't enjoy the moment, when will we?"
I offered a smile of consolation.
That seemed to provide some comfort, as Sim Geol grinned.
"As expected, Brother Eo, you are different. I want to learn that composure—the ability to enjoy the outcome regardless of victory or defeat."
I let out a hollow laugh.
Sim Geol really had a talent for misinterpreting my words. Since he had already decided I was a master, he interpreted every word and action through that lens.
Regardless, it wasn't a disadvantage for me, so I just gave an awkward smile.
So Gu-chi joined us after getting treated. Despite his victory, his face was a bit gloomy. He looked unsatisfied with his performance.
He stared at me blankly for a moment before sitting down without a word.
"It’ll be Young Hero Eo’s turn soon. You should go sign in."
Sim Geol and So Gu-chi stayed put, clearly intending to watch my match.
"Brother Eo, I know you’re a master so I’m not worried, but please be careful. The Smiling Face Sword is no joke."
Hearing their concern, I felt a sudden lump in my throat. It was just a small gesture, but it was the first kindness I’d received in a very long time.
As I turned around after signing the register, I ran into the Smiling Face Sword.
His name was Gu Ryong. I knew this because I’d seen it on the register.
Since he was nearly thirty, I addressed him with respect.
"It is an honor to duel with the Great Hero Gu Ryong."
The Smiling Face Sword was a swordsman known for his arrogance, even among the skilled vagabonds.
He frowned slightly at my greeting.
"The title 'Great Hero' is undeserved. Rather, I hope to learn a thing or two from you, Young Hero Eo. That is why I specifically requested this duel."
Huh? What? Is this guy crazy? Why would he do that?
No wonder the bracket looked suspicious.
In that case, I had to dampen his spirits a bit.
"How are the wounds you sustained the other day?"
I brought it up because I’d heard he’d recovered quickly thanks to the spiritual medicines I’d "wasted" on him. If he felt he owed me a debt, maybe he’d go easy.
Well, it didn't really matter how hard he fought. I could just forfeit before he even attacked.
"I am grateful for that as well. You are the first person to show me such kindness, Young Hero Eo. I shall not forget this debt. However, a debt is a debt, and a duel is a duel. I will not back down easily. I fear that if I were to hold back, I would be insulting your name."
Looking at the fighting spirit burning in his eyes, I hesitated, wondering if I should even step onto the stage.
Forget it. I should just make a run for it.
Just as I thought that, people around me suddenly started chanting my name.
"Eo Ja-seo! Eo Ja-seo!"
Wait, what are you people doing?
In the end, I was practically pushed onto the arena.
"If I stay here any longer, I’m going to die before my time."
Ugh, the things I do for money.
Standing on the stage, I couldn't stop my legs from trembling. Even when I was wandering from place to place pretending to be a martial artist, it was never this bad.
Back then, I’d fought duels according to the brackets just to survive for a month. But fighting while being the center of everyone’s attention like this was terrifying.
There were definitely masters among the crowd, and it would be all too easy for my true lack of skill to be exposed.
Ten Thousand Dragons Fortress wasn't just attracting small fry; masters were gathering here too, which was incredibly worrying.
If word got out that my skills weren't even up to the level of a common thug, I wouldn't be able to show my face anywhere. I’d truly have to follow my friend Tak-yeong and become a beggar.
I shook my head.
"At the very least, let’s avoid that. I’ll try to forfeit and lose without even drawing my sword."
Steeling my resolve once more, I moved toward my side of the arena.