Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Cho Clan's Ban (1)
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Fame is usually born in the Colosseum after the preliminaries advance to the main rounds.
That made sense, since during the qualifiers, it was impossible to even tell who was who right away. With over a hundred fighters clashing weapons all at once, it was hard to know where to focus your eyes.
Even so, Ban had drawn everyone's attention.
"...Brother, you're amazing."
The moment they returned to the lodging, Ikyeong greeted Ban with sparkling eyes. But he wasn't the only one waiting. The other Cho Clan warriors sighed as they looked at him.
"Aren't you a bit too strong, humanly speaking? He didn't use any of our swordsmanship—just thrusts to end it all."
"Looked like he was playing with the kids."
"You okay?"
Ban grinned and shrugged his shoulders. Hazelrek, who had been by his side, let out a sigh.
"The second I saw that thrust, I knew it was you. No one else pulls off a thrust that clean."
The Cho Clan warrior who had entered the qualifiers with him this time was Hazelrek. Since groups were assigned each day, there was no way to know who you'd fight alongside. Hazelrek shook his head.
"At least I wasn't nearby. Imagine getting sliced by that guy and dropping out of the qualifiers—what a disgrace that would be."
"If that happened, would you have cursed me?"
"A curse would be the least of it. I might've gone for revenge."
"Think you could pull that off with your skills?"
"...Wanna go a round?"
In the end, that day Hazelrek added another loss to his record against Ban.
*Too weak.*
It wasn't just because of Hazelrek and the other warriors. Today's qualifiers had been a string of disappointments, honestly. How could no one land even a proper attack on him?
Maybe it was only natural. Even the impressive lineup from the mighty Cho Clan couldn't match him in swordsmanship alone—what hope did the others have?
In a way, the lack of anyone stronger than him boosted his chances of winning, so there was no real reason to complain. But even so, Ban wanted a real opponent. Someone he could throw his full power at and still not beat.
*Am I asking for too much?*
But that greedy wish came true soon enough.
Four days later, on the day of the fifth qualifier.
Ban found his match.
§
The second, third, and fourth rounds weren't much different from the first. Sure, if you factored in people hiding their skills, there might be stronger fighters than expected—but even if they revealed everything, they probably wouldn't meet Ban's expectations.
The man had striking red hair poking out from under his mask. Dual-wielding broadswords, he gave the impression of a brute at first glance. Ban had rarely seen any proper dual-wielders.
But this guy was different.
He didn't seem to care that making the final eight was the most important thing in this match. He charged like a wild dog, biting and tearing. As if he were sick of this boring fight, he rushed out before anyone could come at him—like a legendary barbarian warrior.
The aspiring warriors who had entered the academy dreaming of a bright future became nothing but terrified sheep before him. Every time he approached, they couldn't even think to clash swords properly—they just got ripped apart. It was pathetic, but the crowd couldn't even jeer. That was the kind of fight it was. Overwhelming. The kind that made you think, *So that's what overwhelming looks like. That's a real warrior.*
*Can I stand up to him?*
With swordplay like that, he had to be gathering qi. At least 2-Star, maybe... 3-Star. Ban licked his lips. His fingers itched. He wanted to jump into that arena right now, clash swords with him, and suck in every bit of his life woven into those blades.
"...I thought you were the only obstacle."
Hazelrek muttered beside him with a sigh. It was understandable. That redhead was a monster no one had seen coming.
After that day, Ban ramped up his training intensity. Winning the qualifiers too easily had made him slack off for a moment.
*The world is vast.*
He thought back to his first encounter with Obun. He'd nearly died from a single thrust.
He was still far too arrogant.
So five days later, the hulking man he faced in the round of 64 was out of luck. Or rather, having to fight Ban from the start meant he'd never had any.
It was that massive guy.
"...I won't underestimate you."
In the waiting room, the man spoke as he eyed Ban. This time, he wore wolf-fur armor, and his weapon was a bigger, longer axe unlike before. He glanced at Ban's training robes and spoke.
"From the Cho Clan?"
"Yeah. Learned my swordsmanship there."
"...That explains how you're so strong. Are all Cho Clan warriors like that?"
"Well... I'm just a guy who sought shelter there. The blood heirs are on a whole other level—can't even compare."
Just sparring with Yeoryeong proved it. On the surface, it was a draw, but the realm Ban reached at the end of that training was barely not losing to her. Impressive, sure—but what if it had been real combat? If Yeoryeong came at him with killing intent...
"Name's Macdead."
"Ban."
"I admit you're strong, but don't think I'm easy. I'm the strongest warrior from my village."
"Strength, huh..."
Fighting strong warriors was, sadly, all too familiar. Macdead had clearly done a lot of thinking while watching Ban fight, but it wouldn't be enough. Ban smiled wryly as he wiped down his sword.
The trumpet blared. Ban stepped forward with the Cho Clan's longsword in hand. The crowd murmured at the sight of his clothes. Cho Clan warriors were regulars at this Colosseum, so their nods of admiration made sense.
— Warrior of the Cho Clan, Ban. Macdead of the Black Mountains. His Majesty the Great King shall witness your valor. Fight with all your might.
And again, the trumpet sounded.
"Uwooooooooh!"
Macdead pounded his chest and roared. It was an intimidating sight. Anyone unused to battle might have their legs give out from the shout alone.
But Ban wasn't that fragile—he'd been through far tougher times.
Macdead swung his axe. Impressively fast for his size. Maybe natural with that strength.
But still not enough.
"Proclaiming yourself a warrior when you've got so much fat on you..."
"Khut...!"
Being big could intimidate on its own, but it meant nothing against someone immune. If he'd come in full plate armor, it would've been different—no normal attack would dent him, and those big swings would make countering risky.
But he was only in leather armor.
"Cho Clan warriors don't wear armor, blood heirs or not. Know why?"
Macdead had no answer. No time—he was busy swinging his axe.
To spectators unfamiliar with combat, it looked like Macdead was overwhelming Ban. Ban hadn't swung his sword once.
But reality was different. Macdead's axe posed no threat to Ban. That huge frame telegraphed every move—the slightest muscle twitch showed where the axe was going.
An axe you could already predict—how could it hit?
"Whether it's a sword or a fist, we dodge what we see. For a warrior, speed is skill. Just like you haven't landed a single hit on me."
"Uoooooooh!"
"Roaring won't make you faster, Macdead. And..."
Ban trailed off. In that instant, his longsword flashed, slicing clean through the axe's handle. Macdead stared blankly at the headless weapon, and Ban spoke quietly.
"Raw power like that, all sloppy—means nothing."
"Ban...!"
"Surrender? Or want some scratches first?"
Macdead clenched his fists instead of answering. As he charged with a roar, Ban smirked.
"Dumb brute."
Ban didn't hate that dumbness.
He slipped past Macdead. A long gash already marred the man's chest. Macdead knelt, staring at his wound in disbelief...
And the cheers erupted.
Cho Clan's Ban.
That was the moment his name etched itself into the minds of Citadel's citizens.