Chapter 55
Chapter 55
************************-
Translator: uly
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: The Finest Sword
************************-
"Gwang-ah. Still hanging around here?"
Yeon-gwang turned his head.
His master stood there. He rubbed his nose for no reason.
It's not because I'm crying.
Just feeling down, that's all.
"I'm sorry, Master."
"What do you have to be sorry for? Tch. You pay too much attention to others' opinions. Especially mine, of course. You're shrinking back for no reason, and that's why you can't even do the things you're good at."
"...I'm sorry."
"Hah! Now it sounds like I was nagging just to hear you apologize!"
Thunderclap Sword Yeon So-mun grinned.
"Forget that and let's have a drink for old times' sake... eh? What do you say?"
"Master, maybe cut back on the drinking a bit..."
"Hah, you watch everyone else's eyes like a hawk, but now you're speaking your mind straight?"
"Because it's you, Master."
"Too bad. I already brought it."
A gourd flask dangled before his eyes. Yeon-gwang reached out.
But his master's hand was faster.
"Not so fast! You're at least ten years too early for that."
---Pop.
The stopper came off. A fragrant aroma of liquor wafted to his nose.
Realizing he couldn't stop it, Yeon-gwang fell silent. His body wasn't in good shape-why did he love drink so much?
Didn't the physician say to avoid alcohol?
But his master ignored it. Claiming he knew his own body best, he tilted the gourd.
"Sometimes..."
"Pardon?"
"There are times when you truly don't need to watch others' eyes."
"...I think you should listen to the physician."
"Heh heh. Of course, you're right. But that's not what I meant."
He handed over the half-empty gourd.
"Of course, reading the room is important in relationships. But if you only watch others, you'll wither away. Those giving advice aren't the ones living your life, are they?"
"...It's not about others."
"Then what?"
"Master."
He quietly gripped the offered gourd.
"Why... did you take me as your disciple?"
"Why ask that now?"
"I have no talent. I'm woefully inadequate to inherit your sword."
"If you thought that, why didn't you refuse at first? You begged to come along."
"B-back then, you said I had talent..."
"And I still say the same."
His master grinned.
"If you have no talent, who in the world does? To be blunt, even your qi sense is outstanding. You can perceive flows others can't-that's talent like no other."
"That alone wasn't enough to wield the Thunder Force Sword properly."
"Ugh. Thunder Force Sword. My lifelong obsession. Even at my age, nothing plagues me like that sword. What a hassle it was to pass it on. Tch."
"......."
"Is the Thunder Force Sword that difficult?"
He didn't answer. He just stared at the liquor sloshing in his hand.
Silence. Lowering his head further, all he saw was the ground.
This view probably...
Suits me best.
The end for one who reached beyond his station.
"Gwang-ah."
"...Yes."
"Talent is talent, but other things are other things, right?"
"......?"
"I'd rather have a steadfast guy than one who shows off his strength. You're too heavy, though. Still better than flighty."
He turned his head.
His master was smiling.
"A mountain of a man moping around. You asked why I took you as disciple? You have talent. You're just scared to show it."
"...B-but... I..."
"Is talent just gripping a sword and swinging it well? No. True talent is in here."
His master raised his hand.
Pointed to his own chest.
"Weight. That's your talent. You don't take anything lightly. That's why you watch others' eyes and can't even joke carelessly."
"Isn't that... a flaw?"
"Advantage or flaw-they're separated by a thin line. Nothing in this world is absolute. Life full of worries is just a dance that passes by."
"......."
"I liked your weight. Loved how you don't act rashly. The Thunder Force Sword only shows its power from unshakeable solidity. Can lightning scattered by a light, windy fellow be called true Thunder Force Sword?"
"I... I..."
"Doubt yourself. Everyone does. Even the strongest warrior questions his own sword. As long as we live, doubt circles us. But to that..."
The Thunder Force Sword tapped the gourd he held.
"The unshaken will rise higher."
"......."
"The sun's drying it out-the liquor'll evaporate. Drink up, you fool."
He tilted the gourd.
Took a sip.
"Gwang-ah."
"...Yes."
"You mountain of a man. Straighten your shoulders. Don't mope over weird rumors. This master, in the six years teaching you, held many doubts. But never..."
The Thunder Force Sword smiled.
"Did I ever doubt taking you in."
...
The wind blew.
He snapped out of his momentary daze.
Yeon-gwang raised his head. His body shook. He could no longer feel his feet.
A precarious slope. He barely planted his foot.
He walked.
Because someone ahead blocked the wind.
He stared at that back. The man led a path he could never traverse alone.
His back, unable to use inner power, shook in the intensifying gale. Sometimes it swayed as if collapsing.
But it didn't fall.
Like an ancient tree that never topples.
"...Warrior."
Sleep poured down. Leaning against the cave wall, exhaustion soaked him-he felt he'd pass out any moment.
But he wanted to ask. How could he be so steadfast?
How...
"Warrior... how are you walking...?"
How could he silently endure it all?
"Who knows."
The answer was curt. The hands warming food trembled slightly.
Yeon-gwang gritted his teeth. He'd been the stubborn one.
He had no right to speak even if cursed.
But no curses came. Quietly warmed food was handed over.
"First, lift your foot. Then step forward."
"B-but the soles are already soaked in blood, ruined..."
"Then extend the other foot. Step with the remaining one."
He chewed the food.
"Chew the food. Give your body a brief rest. Catch your breath to store strength for ahead."
"......."
"No one is unshaken, Young Master Yeon. Everyone wavers. Even me. But we walk for one reason."
"...Why..."
"I wasted time in shame. Days swayed by others' words, living thoughtlessly-half-dead, really."
He turned his gaze outside. Yeon-gwang followed unconsciously.
The storm raged fiercer. The erratic weather shook like never before.
Gathering dark clouds whispered they couldn't advance.
"I swung my sword then too... but without purpose. Didn't even know if I liked it-just daily drudgery."
"......"
"Someone gave me direction. Taught me how to build it. I cherish them irreplaceably."
"......."
"Someone by your side, helping design your dream. For you, that's your master, right?"
The campfire crackled.
"You asked why I press on, Young Master Yeon."
He smiled.
"I work hard for the dream I hold... but there's more. Someone placed their hand on my solitary dream, making it not mine alone."
"......."
"I want to live up to expectations. Probably common to all disciples. Why I stepped up, sealing my inner power? That's why I keep walking."
He raised his arm.
Thrust out his fist.
"When someone sharing your heart tries to quit beside you, isn't it natural to lead?"
"......!"
Yeon-gwang gazed at the quietly extended arm.
Fingers clenched into a fist.
Even without inner power, it looked firmer than anything.
"B-but... no need to go that far..."
"As I said, it's not for you, Young Master Yeon. It's for me."
He wiggled his hand.
"The greatest pain is always regret. Because it's irreversible. I regret time not lived fully. Can't turn it back, so I walk now to avoid more regrets."
"......."
"If we share the heart, let's push together. That's what..."
He grinned.
"I think makes a martial artist."
Yeon-gwang raised his hand. Unthinkingly bumped his fist against it.
He withdrew his hand.
"Rest. I'll wake you in an hour."
"...I'll..."
The words slipped out.
Body exhausted, yet words escaped. Closing his eyes would bring brief relief, it whispered...
Still, he spoke.
To have no regrets, as he said.
"I'll wake you. Rest well."
"...You sure?"
"Yes."
The storm grew fiercer.
The goal remained distant. But it was fine.
Yeon-gwang gripped his ruined sword.
"It's fine, Warrior."
He repeated it to himself.
Simply because he wanted to.
...
"...Urk!"
A groan rose to his throat. Where sensation had vanished, rain mixed in intensified the pain.
Infected. Probably. The wound might be festering. He wanted to check but didn't-afraid even his resolve would crumble if he removed his shoes.
---Whoooosh!!
A gust bent his body momentarily. At this higher altitude, even breathing was hard.
The leader ahead crouched low too. Cold wind brushed his body, turning his breath white.
"Warrior! Switch pla-!"
"I'm fine, Young Master Yeon."
He glared ahead.
"I can endure. Keep going."
"......"
Yeon-gwang withdrew his hand.
Desperately stepped forward.
Far. Too far to see.
The one ahead was still distant. No matter the effort, clearly over a day behind.
Slow. Getting slower because of me.
Another gale hit. The warrior's staggering body flung back.
Yeon-gwang grabbed him instantly. In wind that would blow him away, he laid him on the ground.
Body cold. Without inner power, barely better than a commoner.
His tattered body was shredded by ice in the wind. Peeking bruises showed rot.
Body broken. Yet after one breath, he stood.
"We'll be late like this."
"Wh-why..."
"I told you yesterday."
He spoke.
With an unshakable expression impossible to catch.
"No more regrets."
"......."
Yeon-gwang gritted his teeth.
A man he'd never seen before. One who walked his path silently, no matter what others said.
That back resembled someone. Even when asked why teach such a child...
---A face unchanging.
「You mountain of a man. Straighten your shoulders. Don't mope over weird rumors. This master, in six years teaching you, held many doubts. But never...」
...Raised his body.
Took a breath. Straightened his waist.
For the first time, fully squared his broad shoulders.
The same.
Me too.
「Did I ever doubt taking you in.」
No regrets.
"I... feel the same, Warrior."
Stood. Passed him.
Felt the weight he bore in that instant. Relentless wind proved his easy path till now.
...So.
From now on.
Walk ahead, even briefly.
"No regrets. That's why I'm here."
"Young Master Yeon?"
"I've seen traces nonstop. I can find the path. So... so..."
Crouched low.
Extended his foot to advance.
Left foot forward. Then right.
Next was simple. Left again. Bring right along.
One step.
Another.
To not collapse...
"I'll lead."
Walked forward.
Didn't know how to relax. Always tensed his feet through life.
Lived that way forever-no knowing relaxation ahead.
So he walked stronger.
Beyond mere heaviness...
Heavy enough not to fall.
"...Can you...?"
He asked from behind.
"Can you manage?"
"Yes."
He asked no more.
Yeon-gwang spoke no more.
Just moved. Swallowed tears and groans, narrowed his eyes instead.
To extend one more step instead of one more word.
Loaded scant remaining inner power into his toes.
Hugged his ruined sword.
...Master.
So much I couldn't show you in life.
So...
"...Crunch."
Thunderclouds aren't born outside storms, are they?
Daring to be born.
Late, but.
...
Subduing Demon Squad Leader Na So-wan gazed outside.
Dark. And brutal.
The storm seemed to wail.
Gun Cheon-gyeong spoke.
"Squad Leader. Will they be okay?"
"What?"
"The Bicheon guy."
"He'll manage."
"You think on time?"
Subduing Demon Squad Leader shook his head.
A harsh path. Not for climbing without inner power.
Of course, he could. But the other wasn't him.
Not for ordinary warriors. Even...
Peak experts would take time without inner power.
Even if possible, not on time. Speed halved for sure.
"Haha! Without that gloomy one, the mood's great, right? Silver something?"
Jin Wi-ryang's boisterous voice rang. Na So-wan clicked his tongue.
A show-off. Without Shin Won-jin Clan and Ten Thousand Demons Sect behind, he'd have taken his head for insolence.
Gun Cheon-gyeong offered jerky. Subduing Demon Squad Leader chewed.
Gun Cheon-gyeong looked out.
"Tomorrow we arrive. Straight to Sealing Demon Cave upon arrival?"
"Yes. To make time."
"If Yeon-gwang arrives late...?"
"Don't let him in. Dangerous. Can't send him out on time without me. Block him if you don't want another corpse."
"You're right, Squad Leader."
Na So-wan turned. Jin Wi-ryang, who approached unnoticed, grinned.
"As expected, Squad Leader is fair. Impressed again."
"I said don't talk to me."
"Haha. End of journey in sight-got excited. Apologies again. Forgive this junior's rudeness from blinded eyes."
Arrogant bastard.
Na So-wan coldly extended his hand. Jin Wi-ryang tilted his head.
"What...?"
"Hand over the antidote for San-gong Poison. If you stall, I'll crush your head now."
"Oh dear, forgot. Of course, Squad Leader. Mixing lies with words to you? Foolish beyond measure."
He reached into his bosom. Pulled out transparent liquid.
Subduing Demon Squad Leader passed it to Gun Cheon-gyeong.
"Give to Bicheon when he arrives."
"Understood, Squad Leader."
Jin Wi-ryang sneered.
"If worried about that Subduing Demon Squad member, go down. He can't climb bare-handed to here."
"My business."
"Sorry. Just worried."
He smiled.
A snakelike smile.
"Young Master Yeon, that nameless warrior... regrettable, but obvious they can't reach here. Probably resting midway now. Long given up."
"......."
"Don't you think so too, Squad Leader? What can't be done can't. Some things effort can't conquer. Young Master Yeon was rumored bad from start, right? Thunder Force Sword picking worst disciple-even for Squad Leader."
"......."
"No smoke without fire."
Jin Wi-ryang turned. Raised his voice slightly.
As if savoring his dominance.
"Everyone knows. Young Master Yeon's qualifications don't match us here..."
"S-Squad Leader."
Gun Cheon-gyeong cut in, pointing ahead. Na So-wan narrowed his eyes following.
Something approached. Thought wind-tossed cloth at first, but soon changed.
A person.
A rag of a person.
One led, the other supported from behind.
Mutual support. Jin Wi-ryang's face twisted.
"...What nonsense...?!"
Nonsense.
Yes.
Utterly impossible before his eyes.
But not displeased.
Na So-wan laughed. Genuinely amused.
Hadn't he thought the same? They'd never make it on time.
Regrettable but natural. By talent, aura-clearly.
Then what was this?
What the hell were these guys?
The impossible happened.
So he asked. Those arriving late before him.
"When'd you last eat?"
"F-four... days ago..."
The leader, clutching storm-torn clothes, spoke.
Trembling lips soaked in pain. But eyes uncrushed.
Sharper than before.
"La... late?"
Shaken but unbroken Yeon-gwang asked.
Bicheon stared straight, gasping.
Side by side, sharp as swords. Evil tenacity crawling to goal through storm.
Talent?
Important. In martial arts, talent leads ahead.
But looking back at end, few remained. Show-offs died early; silent sword-swayers survived, repeating.
That's the sword.
In brutal repetition, those spitting dreams on bladeless edges.
...Martial artists.
"Not late."
Yes.
Born martial artists.
"Faster than expected. Impressive. Bicheon. Yeon-gwang. You two..."
Na So-wan crooked his lips.
His stern mouth uttered words never before spoken.
"Are the finest sword I've ever seen."