Chapter 5. Master and Maid. Cheonma.
The Cheonma. The absolute being who unified the martial world. Kang Ji-hyuk had received instruction from him multiple times as well.
By the logic of that world, where receiving even a single lesson made someone your master, the Cheonma could be called Ji-hyuk's teacher.
"A martial artist, they said. When we first met, I couldn't believe my eyes."
...Well, beings like that were exceedingly rare even here. In a place where powerhouses from every corner of the world gathered, those who could stand against the Cheonma could be counted on one hand.
"Well... no need to hide it. That was the first time I lost to a human. ...He's an incredible guy."
"I'd love to meet him someday."
"That day will come eventually."
"But... why bring him up now?"
Eizel's emerald eyes fixed steadily on Ji-hyuk.
"Because..."
She paused for a moment.
"I saw a bit of him in you."
...Spot on. Ji-hyuk's footwork was heavily borrowed from the Cheonma's techniques, after all. Eizel's insight was no joke, honed from raising countless talents.
"I see."
"Not that you're exactly the same, of course. Just a similar vibe. ...And that guy fought bare-handed, without a weapon."
Ji-hyuk feigned surprise.
"Bare-handed? That's impressive."
The fairy let out a light chuckle.
"At first, I thought he was insane."
Of course the crazy bastard was insane. No sane person would pull that off.
"Anyway, that's all. Nothing special. Seeing you just reminded me of him out of the blue..."
"Yes."
"If you keep at it, you can climb higher than him. I guarantee it. So no distractions—refine yourself endlessly. Got it?"
"Yes, Master."
"Good..."
She brushed off imaginary dust from her clothes half-heartedly.
"I'll head out then. Got some work piling up."
"I'll stay a bit longer."
"Alright."
The fairy left the clearing first. Ji-hyuk let out a deep sigh as he gazed up at the sky.
...Looking forward to the day he'd meet the Cheonma again.
Three months passed in the blink of an eye. Both Eizel and Ji-hyuk had grown accustomed to their cohabitation.
Eizel supported him wholeheartedly, and in return, he trained relentlessly without cease.
With such a diligent disciple, the fairy had no choice but to play the maid as well...
Still, she took pride in watching him grow day by day.
This one's going to be my greatest masterpiece.
She had retired long ago, stepping back from the brutal front lines, but Ji-hyuk had forced her to reverse that decision.
And he was worth it. She was prepared to pour everything she had into him one last time.
So naturally, she grew attached.
Cooking, laundry, cleaning... things a disciple should handle, yet the master did them all. At first, she grumbled inwardly, but she'd let that go. If it had to be done, better to do it with a good heart.
After finishing her morning training oversight and bustling through the housework, she prepared lunch. Soon after, Ji-hyuk returned.
He'd splashed water from the lake, leaving his bare torso and hair dripping wet.
"Hungry? Come eat."
These days, for richer meals, she foraged herbs from the forest. She spared no effort on anything good for the body. Thanks to her care, his frame had bulked up considerably from before.
Not to the brutish, orcish extent—limited by his race—but enough to look impressively sculpted.
"Thanks for the meal, Master."
Ji-hyuk devoured whatever she served with relish. She found that endearing.
...Well, considering the slop he'd have made himself, it was only natural.
As the two ate, they suddenly sensed someone approaching. Their gazes snapped to the same spot, then back to each other.
The fairy's face chilled instantly. She hated anyone invading her private space without permission—it bordered on pathological.
Worried Eizel might overreact, Ji-hyuk stood first.
"I'll check it out."
She didn't stop him.
Still shirtless, he stepped out of the cabin.
Two figures approached along the path—not one, but a man and a woman.
Arms crossed, Ji-hyuk stood blocking the door and watched them.
The older-looking man hesitated at the sight of him, brows furrowing sharply. Not a friendly expression.
Ji-hyuk had a hunch about the guy. Definitely a hero... but the name escaped him.
Probably not memorable enough to bother remembering.
The man strode right up to the cabin and stopped by the garden plot. The woman with him looked refined, dressed extravagantly.
Highborn, no doubt.
He felt like he'd seen her somewhere, but her identity didn't click either.
"Who are you?"
Ji-hyuk asked flatly.
The man stepped forward, brimming with confidence.
"Shouldn't you introduce yourself before asking others?"
"Is there a custom of giving your name to shady strangers first?"
Hmph.
The man's face soured. A young punk emerging from his master's cabin was irksome enough—now this insolent attitude on top.
"I'm the hero Jerin. Satisfied?"
"What do you want?"
"The nerve of that tone—!"
The man glared. Then the door creaked open.
The fairy emerged.
"Ah—!"
Jerin's face lit up instantly.
"Master—!"
But Eizel's expression wasn't welcoming. Bland, with a hint of displeasure.
"Jerin, what is this? Bursting into your master's home and raising your voice like that?"
The man who'd been snarling moments ago cowered before her.
"Ah, if I've offended you, my apologies. ...This punk was so rude, it raised my voice a bit."
"He's my cherished disciple."
"...Pardon?"
Eizel had clearly retired. Just three years ago, she'd declared no more disciples, content with a leisurely life.
"What brings you here?"
"Ah..., well, here..."
Jerin quickly introduced the woman beside him.
"This is the youngest daughter of Valkan Duke."
"Elizabeth Dolores de Balkan."
"...Yes, Eizel Raspiña. But what brings you all the way here...?"
Even Eizel couldn't be too curt with a duke's daughter. Still, her discomfort showed.
She had every right to that attitude.
"Ah, Master, you see..."
"I asked her."
"...My apologies."
Jerin bowed his head. His pent-up frustration boiled over.
"Milady, what brings you here?"
"...I want a letter of recommendation."
"A recommendation?"
Hmph.
The fairy snorted. Elizabeth's brow twitched.
"I can't give those to just anyone. My honor's on the line."
"I know that much."
"Then you've wasted your trip. No recommendation."
Jerin jumped in again.
"Milady's talent is exceptional. She could be a hero right now without issue. I vouch for her, Master."
"Then go to the academy. Why come here?"
"The academy has requirements."
"That's your problem."
Hmm.
Jerin exhaled sharply, looking troubled. He hadn't expected such a harsh reception.
...The closeness he'd thought they shared crumbled right there.
"Someone of milady's caliber must have other recommenders lined up. Why me specifically?"
"The weight's different."
From that answer, Ji-hyuk gleaned her excessive self-pride. Eizel, sharp as ever, caught it too.
She snorted again.
"And sorry, but my recommendation's already spoken for."
"...What?"
Elizabeth's brow furrowed. Jerin glanced suspiciously at Ji-hyuk beside his master.
"Him...?"
"Yes."
Jerin was exasperated. Valkan Duke's own daughter had come all this way personally, yet the flat refusal.
He knew her stubborn streak, but this was excessive. Once she dug in, no blade to the throat would change her mind.
So he abandoned persuasion.
"But he doesn't strike me as recommendation-worthy..."
"...Is that so?"
Eizel smiled meaningfully. Normally she'd explode—"Dare doubt my eyes?!"—but her reaction was off.
Still, Jerin pressed on. He'd boasted to the duke he'd secure it. Face and interests were at stake.
"Milady's talent is renowned even in the empire. Even I can count on one hand those who surpass her."
The fairy laughed louder. Elizabeth seethed, taking it as mockery.
"Want to see who's truly superior?"
"Gladly."
Jerin bit eagerly at her proposal—he'd planned to suggest it himself.
"Winner takes the recommendation..."
Blunt, but he steeled his face. She could refuse, but accepted readily.
Staring straight at Elizabeth, the fairy said:
"Fine. If milady loses, leave immediately. And never come back."
"Deal."
Elizabeth's pride was wounded too. She'd come in good faith, only to face this humiliation.
Rumors already hailed her as hero-ready. She knew her genius among geniuses.
She dreamed of becoming a hero, showcasing her brilliance to the world, basking in awe.
Imagining that gaze thrilled her.
Thinks she's hot shit after training a few hero wannabes. Pathetic!
She disliked the fairy too. Without the recommendation, she'd have stormed off.
Coming personally to honor her achievements, yet this reception...
The rumors of eccentricity were understated—worse, even.
And that punk disciple... worthless commoner trash.
She hated him too. Everything.
She resolved to flaunt her skills, declare no need for the recommendation, and leave. The perfect revenge.
Imagining the fairy's despair, she smirked inwardly.
Punishment for failing to recognize true genius.
Elizabeth and Ji-hyuk faced off in the clearing. She drew her sword.
He stood arms crossed, weaponless, smiling.
It irked her.
"What're you doing? ...Scared?"
Elizabeth sneered expertly—noble gossip-mongering at its finest.
But Ji-hyuk matched her wit.
"Weapons feel unfair. Gotta match your level."
Her face darkened.
This fucking punk—
Her swing carried killing intent.
But it missed.
She swung faster. Air only.
This, fucking—!
Gritting her teeth, she slashed wildly. Not a hair touched.
Ah.
Jerin's triumphant face froze. Instinct screamed something was wrong.
Stop now.
"Milady! Milady—wait! Just...!"
Too late. Her eyes spun mad. His voice didn't reach.
Fucking, hit, you bastard, hit already—!
Exhausting herself, she swung desperately. Ji-hyuk dodged effortlessly, a faint smile playing.
Should I show this bitch the heavens?
For some twisted reason, toying with overconfident scrubs was his greatest joy. Especially smug ones.
Her swings slowed visibly, strength fading.
Time to start.
He stomped her exposed midsection.
Urk—
She tumbled ignobly, finery ruined.
"Milady—!"
Jerin cried desperately.
But Ji-hyuk wasn't done.
"Lying there doing what? ...That it already?"
Eyes bloodshot, she ground her teeth and rose.
"Not... over—!!"
Ji-hyuk grinned.
Good. Scrubs with spirit were the most fun.