Chapter 100
Chapter 100
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ace
Chapter: 100
Chapter Title: Sparring with the Sword Saint
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“Ugh...”
-Ugh.
As the pure white light faded, Luen and Setsuna looked like they were on the verge of death once more.
Still, it was a relief—they had used a dimensional gate before, so they fared better than last time.
“Are you alright?”
Even as her own stomach churned, Luen checked on Lea first.
Lea was pale, but she seemed unfazed by this much upheaval, likely hardened by her grueling life.
Withdrawal symptoms tormented her more than the motion sickness, though.
“Drink plenty of water. I'll summon a healer the moment we reach the estate.”
“Ah... ugh...”
At Karan's words, Lea bowed her head repeatedly, at a complete loss.
“No need for that.”
Karan took her hand as he spoke.
“If you're my master's guest, you're a precious guest to me as well.”
‘Thanks.’
Woojin, standing behind Lea, mouthed the words to Karan where no one could hear.
“Whoa...”
Weden's exclamation shifted the mood.
“Motion sickness must have you disoriented, but take a look around. Master, you've seen Torn Bachman on the central continent, right? This puts Labyrinth Village to shame.”
As Peron said, the city sprawling before them was immense.
“Tekan's capital is the largest among the small kingdoms. We've got time, so explore at your leisure.”
Was it the homecoming? Karan's voice brimmed with excitement.
“Everyone, form up!!”
It was then.
Knight squads flooded the area in front of the portal, arraying themselves neatly before the group.
‘Red armor.’
Their identity was obvious.
The Red Knight Order, led by the Sword Emperor.
“The portal management office reported your arrival, young master. Thank goodness you're safe.”
A knight dismounted and removed his red helmet.
Long red hair cascaded alluringly, matching the helmet's hue.
A sharp-eyed female knight with sun-kissed skin.
A massive greatsword—twice her size—hung across her back.
“If you were so worried, you could've eased up on the knights, Lady Liliana.”
“My apologies. The lord forbade it...”
Her demeanor toward Karan was bashfully meek, belying the halberd's fearsome presence.
‘So that's her.’
Woojin eyed her with curiosity.
Vice-captain of the Red Knight Order.
Red Mane Liliana.
The Sword Emperor's first disciple.
“And these are...?”
She glanced at the group behind Karan.
“Ah, my master and companions. Precious guests—give them special attention.”
“M-Master...?”
Her gaze sharpened at his words.
‘Eyes like she's spotting a fraud.’
Woojin gave a wry smile.
It made sense.
The son of the continent's mightiest swordsman calling a fresh-faced youth his master.
“I'm Khan.”
Woojin offered his hand first.
“You look like an adventurer... Do you have a master?”
“I do, but you wouldn't know him.”
“If it's not too rude, might I ask the name?”
“Raoul.”
“...?”
Liliana cocked her head at the unfamiliar name.
Small wonder—Raoul was just a novice adventurer now.
“Never heard of him... but to teach swordsmanship to you, Lord Karan, he must be exceptional.”
“I only taught the basics. A genius can't grasp a mortal's woes.”
As noted on the official site, she was a genius among geniuses, true to her lineage as the Sword Emperor's disciple.
The youngest Sword Master.
Two sword masters in a single small kingdom was extraordinarily rare.
“If the chance arises, I'd love some instruction myself.”
“By all means.”
Her offer to test the dubious Woojin's skills suited him fine.
Zzzt—
A wary glare.
“Liliana, these are my honored guests. Escort them all to the mansion.”
“...Understood.”
Her prickly stare at the group contrasted sharply with her deference to Karan.
“Careful now!”
As Karan descended the portal stairs, she fussed over him like a toddler taking first steps.
‘Overprotective.’
Woojin wryly smiled at the sight.
He could see why Karan had stagnated in growth.
“Really... you sure about this?”
“Yes. Better than lounging at the mansion. I've got work to do.”
Karan couldn't mask his disappointment at Peron's reply.
“Quest?”
“Yeah. Detoured here after hearing about Master... Now that I'm back, time to push it forward.”
“What kind? Can you say?”
“Still... investigating. I'll fill you in once it's clear.”
Anticipation lit Peron's face.
Must be a high-grade quest.
‘Eager to head out first—sounds promising.’
Woojin nodded to him.
“Contact me if you need anything.”
“Then I'll tag along too!”
“No. You stay.”
“Ugh...”
Woojin shut him down flat; Weden pouted.
‘The Balan family—one of the continent's premier sword houses. Even for a tank like Weden who wields a blade, it'll be a golden opportunity.’
“Hey, everyone!!! Young master Karan has arrived!!”
At Liliana's shout, the mansion doors flew open, and servants poured out in a rush.
“Young master!!!”
Dozens of butlers and maids assembled in the garden to greet Karan.
“Young master, welcome back!!”
“How could you go without a single message all this time!”
“We fretted endlessly after your escorts returned first!”
Genuine emotion rang in their voices.
And despite their station, they treated Karan with flawless respect.
‘Rumor has it he's a wastrel... but he treats people well.’
True enough—the Karan Woojin knew wasn't a bad sort.
Just warped by years of pent-up inferiority.
“Father?”
“Yes, sir. In the study.”
Karan nodded tensely at the butler's response.
“Shall I accompany you?”
Liliana asked, concern etched on her face.
“No. I'm good.”
Karan turned to Woojin.
“Shall we?”
‘Lasers shooting from her eyes.’
As Karan chose Woojin, the spurned Liliana glared daggers.
‘That aside...’
An intangible aura seeped from beyond the mansion walls.
Like needles pricking the skin.
Kugugugu——.
The mansion doors creaked open, evoking the feel of entering a dungeon.
“Good to see you back.”
Gulp.
The presence felt from outside was no illusion.
Woojin swallowed dryly as the man set down his book and rose.
Slim of build, yet he loomed like a colossal mountain.
Unarmed, but Woojin's hand drifted repeatedly to his sword at his side.
Puk—!!
An invisible surge of aura blasted from him, shoving Woojin back.
“No manners.”
Trickle—.
Woojin slumped in a daze, blood trickling from his nose.
“My apologies. ...Setsuna. Apologize.”
Snapping to at the abrupt turn, Woojin pulled Setsuna from his arms where she'd hidden.
-S-Sorry.
Setsuna, tugged forward, mumbled sullenly to Aswell.
“Fairy...? No, something a bit different...”
Aswell eyed Setsuna with keen interest.
“A phantasm.”
“Remarkable. I'd only heard rumors... didn't expect one to exist.”
-Lord Aswell. Forgive my rudeness. Your overwhelming power—it slipped out unwittingly.
“No harm done. I had a rare experience myself.”
Thankfully, he let it slide.
‘Setsuna activating on her own... never happened before.’
Fear before a predator, perhaps.
Woojin soothed Setsuna as she clutched her head in bewilderment.
‘Level 93... what a monster.’
“Figured you'd ditched your escorts and holed up in the Dark Forest alone... You made it back in one piece.”
“Yes. Quite a few tales to tell—you'd find them entertaining.”
“Hmm.”
He regarded his son steadily, then nodded slowly.
“You've made progress.”
He'd spotted Karan's growth instantly.
“Yes. Thanks to my master.”
“...Master?”
‘Haha—.’
Just a glance, yet the pressure dwarfed Liliana's.
“You taught Karan the sword.”
“Can't call it swordsmanship. The Sword Emperor's prowess is known continent-wide.”
“Then what did you teach?”
“Fundamentals.”
Chill—.
The words seemed to irk Aswell further.
“Fundamentals? Implying I skipped them with my son?”
“Not at all. Merely that our standards differ.”
“Differ how...?”
“One born with wings can't fathom those who can't even toddle, much less fly.”
“I've trained many disciples. All turned out capable.”
“They were geniuses like you.”
“So my son lacks their talent?”
“Yes.”
Twitch—.
Aswell's face hardened at Woojin's unflinching reply.
“Mortals have mortal paths. I merely parted the waters at the start.”
“Parted the waters... Do you have a master?”
“Naturally.”
“Must be formidable, to critique my methods.”
“Yes.”
His stare blazed.
Woojin had bruised his pride proper.
“Well then. Shall we cross blades?”
‘Yes!’
Woojin cheered inwardly.
“I'd be honored for the lesson.”
“Doubt you'll learn much.”
Aswell rose and strode from the room.
“You sure you're okay?”
Karan's voice dripped worry.
“Yeah. Totally fine.”
Woojin could smile.
He'd seen this coming.
[Quest: Sword Emperor's Spar]
▶ Rank: B
▶ Endure three spars with Aswell Balan.
▶ Survive 1+ minute in any bout for success.
▶ Rewards scale with endurance time. (Max 10 min)
▶ Reward: Sword Emperor's skill
The quest window popped up the instant they stepped out.
Woojin's heart pounded fiercely.