The Raksha Ghost Sword's Triumphant Return
After thoroughly practicing my martial arts, we set off again. I'd focused on thrusts, and Serin promised to show me manuals for sword or saber arts with thrusting techniques if the chance arose, then teach me more.
"But what should my nickname be now?"
"A nickname, you say?"
My current moniker was Raksha Killer. That was what others called me, though. I needed something to call myself when I was alone. Since I wielded ghost power like guigi, something like Ghost Swordsman could've worked, but it was too well-known, so pass.
"Basically, I'm a warrior who handles ghostly power. It'd be nice to have a self-title for when I'm solo."
"What the hell does that even mean?"
"What'd he just say?"
The two women tilted their heads in utter confusion, but this was a serious matter.
"Ghost Swordsman... nah, too meh. How about Ghost Wailer? That sounds solid."
That eerie wailing from when I'd cleaved the Hadong deputy leader with Guigyeok-cham. It still echoed in my ears. A literal ghost's howl, so claiming Ghost Wailer as my title wouldn't raise any eyebrows.
"Ghost Wailer? Dude, you're the Raksha Killer."
"Raksha Killer? What might that mean?"
"Huh? Serin doesn't know?"
"Geun-hyeop. What's this Raksha Killer business?"
Serin stared at me, her face full of questions.
"Oh, well, people have been calling me the Raksha Killer lately."
I explained it stemmed from that labyrinth incident last time.
"Hah. So that's it. I was startled—sounded like some demonic Sapa fiend's title."
"Heh heh, sorry for the late heads-up. Slipped my mind since it doesn't come up much."
"It's fine."
"Honestly, I kinda like Raksha Killer too... Ah! Hey, girls! How about tweaking it to Raksha Ghost Sword!"
Raksha Ghost Sword—I loved it!
"Hah. Why's he inventing a solo nickname like this? You get it?"
"Honestly? No."
Weird, they actually agreed for once.
"Whatever. When I'm alone, I'm the Raksha Ghost Sword. Got it?"
"Yes, understood. Raksha Ghost Sword, Great Hero."
"Oh...!"
Too perfect!
"She eats up the cutesy act so well. Heh heh, should I play along? Come here, Raksha Ghost Sword, sir."
"Gah!"
Suddenly, Ha-young latched onto my arm, and Serin grabbed the other side, all guarded-like.
"How dare you lay hands on a disciple before his master. Release him at once."
"Serin? Not letting go."
"So willful. Geun-hyeop, deal with her."
"Can't do it!"
With them tempting me like this...! We'd head back first! I'd give them both a proper scolding!
And so we returned to our hometown, Hyeon.
"Kyaa!"
Nothing beat Hyeon's air. If Anhui Province had the purest air and water, it was right here.
"Hmm... I might need a face veil after all."
Serin said as much.
"That uncomfortable?"
"First time traveling without guards. Didn't expect all these stares."
The closer we got to Hyeon, the more people there were. On the way, we'd drawn massive aggro, you could say. Everyone gawked at us.
"Everyone's staring at me."
"Yeah. Nah, they're eyeing me."
"Nonsense."
Serin cut off Ha-young, but I figured both were right. Two of the Murim's Four Beauties together? Bound to pull stares. Serin was the classic elegant swordswoman beauty, and Ha-young flaunted those massive tits half-exposed. The stares stung like daggers.
"Geun-hyeop, you okay? Passersby eyed you plenty too."
"Eh, doesn't faze me."
No biggie for me. The issue was rumors. A guy sandwiched between two Murim beauties? That'd spread like wildfire.
"Rumors might fly, though. Two Murim Flowers with one guy. Serin, you cool?"
"You're my disciple. No issue."
"Ha-young, you?"
"Who cares what rumors say? I don't."
She had that carefree side.
"..."
Even now, passersby glanced our way. Some shady ones lurked in alleys, watching. Rumors were inevitable, but fine by me. I was plotting something sinister: making those tempting swordswomen mine. Market talk of two Murim Flowers falling for one man? I'd make it reality.
"Geun-hyeop, shall I sell the loot first? It's cumbersome."
"Yeah. Let's go."
As Serin suggested, we hit a general store and offloaded the Hadong remnants. Decent price, but Serin barely reacted. Aristocrat vibes. No grasp of a laborer's daily grind—hell, the concept didn't exist for her.
"Mm, wanna book a room?"
Ha-young said.
We needed lodging, but where?
"What're you saying? Geophwa Buyong, you heading back?"
"What? So much research ahead."
—Swoosh.
Ha-young sidled up to me.
"Gonna keep researching. Means sticking with me, got it?"
"Y-yeah... of course."
"Hah. Geun-hyeop, you stay with me. Master and disciple, right?"
"We can move as a trio like now."
"Tch."
Lodging first.
"Where to book, though? Kinda funny, but I don't know Hyeon worth shit."
Serin and Ha-young were top-tier experts. No way they'd slum it in cheap dives.
"I'll guide you. Follow."
"Sure."
We trailed Serin.
We arrived at a solid—hell, top-notch—inn called Sangrugak. Looked pricey as fuck.
"Serin, ain't this too expensive?"
"Isn't it fitting?"
Your sense of money's on another level.
"No worries. Caring for my disciple is a master's duty. I'll cover the rooms."
"Thanks, Serin...!"
"Serve me well."
"I will!"
My savior!
"Not bad here. Rent a whole floor with three rooms?"
"Sounds good."
Serin and Ha-young pulled out cash to settle up. Watching them pay my way? Deep satisfaction. Still, a bummer—no excuse to share a room. But easy fix: sneak in at night.
"Fourth floor's ours."
"Up we go?"
"Yes. Need a rest first."
We headed to the fourth floor. Three rooms total, all ours. We split into our rooms.
"Ooh."
Not quite Serin's annex or Ha-young's place, but damn fine digs. Fully equipped for comfort. After unpacking, I prepped to head out, then swung by Serin's room.
"Serin."
"Ah, what is it?"
"Gonna say hi to a buddy since I'm back."
"Understood. Go ahead."
Next, Ha-young's room.
"Kyaa! Why barge in like that?!"
A shriek right as I entered.
"Shit, sorry!"
Changing clothes!
"Sorry for what? Kidding. Kyahaha!"
"What the hell."
Deeper in, Ha-young lounged on a chair.
"Help unpack since you're here?"
"Do your own shit."
"Unpack and I'll toss you a talisman."
"A t-talisman?!"
This sly temptation! Hell yeah! I'd strip 'em all off her tonight!
"Heh heh, why so shocked? Kidding!"
"Fuck it! Off to see my friend!"
"Whatever."
Heart pounding. I bolted from Sangrugak.
"Thump thump."
Heading to Jae Mi-son after so long? Hyped. That bastard didn't believe me about meeting Geophwa Buyong. Today, I'd rub it in. Stroking the Hadong shell, a prime trophy I'd kept. Arm-sized, perfect for a shield if processed right. Spear guy Jae Mi-son would love it. With that in mind, I tracked him down.
"Great Hero! He went out on a job yesterday and hasn't returned!"
"Damn."
Missed him again. Guy was too damn diligent. As Anhui Twin Heroes, I should've tagged along. Shrugging, I turned back.
"Grab some snacks at least."
Ha-young loved the sweets last time. Women crave candy from guys who come home. Even Aunt devoured chocolates I brought, pretending otherwise. Bought some and returned to Sangrugak, calling everyone.
"Ho, sweets? Commendable."
"Right? What a stand-up guy!"
Spot-on reactions.
"Mouth was bored anyway."
Tasty, but the more I ate, the more I missed Earth's stuff. Big letdown.
"Ah. How'd the friend meet go?"
"Nah, he was out working. No dice."
"Shame. But no worries. I'm here tonight."
Better than Jae Mi-son!
"Kya!"
Couldn't help but cheer. We munched sweets, chatting away. Their main interest? My stories. Begged for more, so I obliged. Time flew; night fell. Sangrugak served meals, so we ordered, ate together, then retired.
"Whew."
Everyone gone. In my room's bath, I washed with cold water, focusing to calm my raging yang energy. That Hadong yodan? After the grind, chilling with girls in comfort... I was losing it. Tempted to pounce at the first chance, hot urges surging.
"Hoo!"
Cleaned up, hit the bed. Serin and Ha-young's faces and bodies floated endlessly. Their pale skin, soft flesh, scents. Felt tangible. Both tempted me. Rejecting? Insulted their pride and shamed me as a man. As I vowed to embrace them all—
—Click.
The locked door opened.
"Geun-hyeop. Are you asleep?"
Serin entered!