Chapter 13. C-Rank Hero
Ah—. Kang Ji-hyuk woke from sleep. He buried his face in the pillow. Fragrant herb leaves stuffed inside released a subtle scent that filled his nostrils. He inhaled deeply, savoring it, then rose from bed. His bare feet touched the wooden floor, and the last traces of drowsiness vanished in an instant. He flung open the window. The landscape beyond burst into view. The dawn forest stretched out like a painting. Aside from the occasional birdcall, silence reigned. A cozy tranquility enveloped the place. All the anguish, worry, and fatigue from the expedition washed away, leaving him refreshed.
He stepped out of the room. The fairy was already awake, bustling about to prepare a special breakfast. …Just a few years ago, this fierce warrior woman who raised heroes had transformed into a perfect newlywed.
"You're up?"
"Yes, Master. Did you sleep well?"
"Mm. It's not ready yet. Go wash up."
The fairy was too focused on the food to notice much else. Ji-hyuk headed straight outside to the lake. He plunged naked into the cool water for a refreshing dawn bath, then returned home. He scattered feed for the chickens, swept the yard with a broom, and dusted with a whisk broom. The fairy occasionally glanced out the window, watching her disciple with a warm smile as he tended to the chores.
This has to be real. Only after being left alone did she realize how happy those times had been. She was overjoyed at his return. For the first time, she understood just how starved for affection she had been. Not that she preferred the chaotic city life—it was the simple joy of sharing days with someone who understood her.
"Ji-hyuk. Food's ready. Come eat."
Eizel called to him through the window. Ji-hyuk came inside. A savory aroma filled the air. She'd even roasted chicken, which was unusual.
"Quite the feast today."
"It's been a while since you visited."
"Thanks for the meal, Master."
They sat facing each other at the table. The food was delicious. He filled his empty stomach from the night before. She watched with a contented smile, as if just seeing him eat made her full. He devoured it heartily. Breakfast lasted far longer than usual. They ate leisurely, then cleared the plates and enjoyed tea afterward.
"Good for recovering fatigue," she said, promising to pack plenty for his departure. He didn't refuse.
Silence fell, lasting until their cups were half-empty. The master, who had been quietly observing her disciple, fiddled with her teacup and spoke.
"How was the mission?"
Ji-hyuk, who had been gazing at the brightening dawn outside, turned back to his fairy master. She now felt like a mother watching her grown child.
"Eh, not bad. Manageable."
"It was a perfect score, wasn't it? Must've been tough. …I was really worried, you know. Afraid something might happen to you. But what can I do? You've already made your choice."
"I was confident. You know me. I wouldn't pick something reckless."
"…Right. You're not that kind of kid. I know."
The fairy took a slow sip of her tea.
"Anyway, tell me about it. I'm curious."
"You won't believe half of what I went through."
And so Ji-hyuk began his tale. Eizel lost track of time, utterly absorbed. It felt like listening to a true hero's saga. …Or perhaps it really would become one. If he became a great hero, he'd surely be revered as such.
"Well, that's how I made it this far."
"…So, what's your plan now?"
"Keep doing hero work, and I'm planning to start a guild."
"A guild?"
That was news to her. He'd never mentioned it before.
"Do you have to? That's a lot to manage on top of everything. You're a hero now— that'll keep you busy enough."
"…Master."
"Yes?"
Ji-hyuk's voice grew serious, his expression grave.
"I didn't become a hero for fame or fortune."
"…I know that."
"Not even to reach the pinnacle of martial prowess."
…That, she hadn't known. She'd assumed he sought the sword's ultimate edge.
"Then why?"
"A storm of blood is coming to the continent."
"What do you mean?"
He'd chosen "bloodstorm" deliberately, emphasizing the grim negativity. Her mind raced with possibilities.
"…War?"
"War it is. …Ah, not wars between cities, though."
"Then?"
Ji-hyuk stared at her steadily before answering.
"War with the demons."
—!
"Do you think the continent can keep this fragile peace forever, Master?"
"But war with demons… isn't that too extreme?"
"Not at all. …You'll see soon enough anyway. It's not far off."
He didn't mention the even greater entity lurking behind the demons. It might sound too far-fetched to her now, undermining his credibility.
"That's why I'm building the guild. To raise heroes."
"…Heroes?"
"Yes. A massive force of arms."
That was a dangerous idea. Would the imperial family allow it?
Ji-hyuk caught her concern immediately.
"Don't worry. I won't let it grow big enough to draw the palace's attention."
"I'm… honestly anxious."
She wanted nothing more than for her disciple to thrive unharmed. She knew power and force were inseparable, but she didn't want him corrupted by it. Hadn't she fled the capital right after retiring, fearing she'd be used?
"That's why I wanted to ask…"
She knew what was coming before he finished. She cut him off.
"No… You're my last disciple. I won't take on any more. I'm done."
…As expected. Eizel refused firmly. He'd figured it was a long shot. Especially with her—she kept her word to the death. …Raising Ji-hyuk had been her one true exception.
"Understood. …I figured as much. Just testing the waters."
"Sorry. But that's how I feel. I don't want to get tangled up with others anymore. …I've done that for decades. It's enough."
"No need to apologize. You've already given me more grace than I deserve by raising me. I'm the bad disciple for even asking."
"No. You're my proudest. I just…"
The fairy trailed off.
"Never mind. I believe in you. My view of the world is too cynical. You understand it better. …But remember this."
"I'm listening."
"You can't fight every current. Sometimes, you have to go with the flow. …I trust you get what I mean."
"I'll engrave your wise words in my heart."
"Good."
The fairy's somber expression cleared. She smiled faintly and stood.
"Shall I check my disciple's progress after so long? Hm? See how much you've grown."
"You'll be shocked."
"Still surprises left?"
They laughed. They left the house and headed to the training ground. The fairy gripping her sword was no longer a gentle master. She transformed into a warrior—a sword fairy who had once dominated the front lines, mentor to countless heroes. She was undeniably strong. Few on the continent could match her. It was a shame to let such talent rot in this backwater, but what could be done if she didn't want it? If Ji-hyuk pushed relentlessly, recruiting her to the guild wasn't impossible—but he wouldn't ruin her happiness for it. She'd already given plenty as his master. Demanding more would be selfish.
They sparred fiercely for a good while. Not to the death, of course—just enough give and take. The bout ended at a natural lull.
"You've improved a lot."
"Still no match for you, Master."
They walked side by side along the lakeshore. It was a moment of pure peace. Both were truly happy. She often glanced at him with a fond smile as they strolled. He smiled back. They wandered until sunset, then returned home. They ate a simple dinner and retired to their rooms. Ji-hyuk hadn't felt such mental calm in ages. It soothed his weary body and soul. …But he knew it couldn't last. He had to leave soon. That made the time all the more precious. He lay in bed. The quiet night deepened.
· · ·
A week flew by like an arrow. Ji-hyuk and Eizel spent truly happy days together. But as each day passed, she grew restless. He would have to leave eventually. …Once her disciple was gone, she'd face long nights of loneliness again. But she was used to it. She could wait. That was a master's final duty—to be a sanctuary where her weary disciple could always return to heal. On the morning of departure, the fairy felt downcast. But she hid it. She couldn't burden him. She prepared a lavish spread. He ate every bite with gratitude. They went about their routine: chores, training, conversation. It felt so normal that she almost deluded herself the farewell wasn't today, but tomorrow. …Yet his packed bags confirmed it was.
They drank tea. She sipped slowly, savoring it. Emptying the cup meant he'd leave. But the time came.
"Master… I'll be heading out."
Her heart sank at the words. But she forced a natural smile. She had to send him off well.
"…Alright."
They rose. Ji-hyuk shouldered his bag. The fairy circled him, checking for anything missing.
"Nothing forgotten? You packed the tea leaves?"
"Yes, all set."
"Good… good."
Her heart pounded. Her nose stung oddly. She held back tears, smiling through it. The two stepped slowly outside. Before leaving, the disciple hugged his master tightly.
"Take care."
"Yes, Master. …I'll be off."
Ji-hyuk turned and walked away slowly. He glanced back now and then. The master waved, until tears finally spilled over. Ah—. She whipped around in surprise. She couldn't stop the flood. Eizel, the fairy who had lived steadfastly without a single tear, wept for the first time.
Ji-hyuk, Ji-hyuk, don't go, don't go…
She covered her face with her hands.
I'll cook every day. Do your laundry. Clean. No complaints. Just… stay with me.
She wanted to say it. Shout it. But she couldn't. She was his master. He was destined for greatness. Needed by the continent. She couldn't trap him in this humble cabin.
Ah, aah—.
Suddenly, strong hands seized her shoulders and spun her around.
Eh…?
It was her departing disciple. He'd come back. Into her arms. The beautiful fairy looked up at him through tear-streaked eyes. …The boy who once seemed so young had grown into a man. He cupped her cheeks and kissed her.
Mmph—!
The startled master's eyes widened. Then slowly closed. Her pretty, plump lips parted, welcoming his tongue. It was sweet. She'd never known a kiss could be so sweet. Every nerve focused on her tongue. Her movements were clumsy but filled with affection. The master forgot he was her disciple, lost in the kiss. After an eternity, they parted slightly.
…Ah…!
Realizing her impropriety, the master pulled away from her disciple's embrace. She should scold herself, yet she'd clung even more eagerly. Disqualified as a master. Ji-hyuk smiled meaningfully.
"Then, this unworthy disciple will truly be going."
"…Go on."
"Next time I return, I'll prepare something even deeper."
"Don't tease your master—hurry up and go."
Ji-hyuk turned with a laugh. The master stamped her feet anxiously, calling after his back.
"Th-that just now? Forget it. Got it? It never happened. Hey? Answer me. Hey, Kang Ji-hyuk! …That brat."
Yet her lips twitched upward oddly. She smiled. The kiss replayed endlessly. His lips, his tongue, his touch. Ecstasy. Enough to make her forget everything. She'd become a foolish master.