Chapter 87
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: Three Choices
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In the center of a room as dark and cool as the inside of a burrow stood a round, faintly glowing silver table, encircled by fourteen brown chairs.
The area where the table and chairs were located was so dark that one could only make out that someone was sitting in the chairs, but not whether they were men or women.
Let us begin.
From the figure seated at the head of the table, in the center, came the voice of a young man. The voice was so calm it was almost languid enough to induce a yawn.
Two seats are empty.
They are the seats of Salgwi and Yeonggoe.
In response to someones question from the middle, the voice of a woman, so young she sounded like a child, came from the head of the table to the left.
Salgwi was the name Sephiroth used for Beil, and Yeonggoe was the name for Aenin.
Yeonggoe, that perverted old man, often misses meetings, but isn't this a first for Salgwi? How strange.
The voice belonged to a man on the right side of the table, a silhouette more than twice the size of the others. His voice was as grand as his massive frame.
Isnt it time we gave Yeonggoe a warning?
Just because his ability is special, how long do you plan on letting him be? Ive had my eye on a new prospect who has abilities even greater than Yeonggoes. That one
This is not a marketplace. We cannot change members so easily.
Everyone, please be quiet. I will first tell you the reason I have convened you all two months earlier than our regular meeting.
As the silhouettes began to voice their opinions one by one, the young-voiced woman at the head of the table spoke, and everyone fell silent.
Yeonggoe is dead.
What?
What do you mean!
The remaining silhouettes, excluding the three at the head of the table, were so startled that they broke their postures.
The problem is, we have no idea how he died, who killed him, or why he died.
Cant you just summon Yeonggoes soul with Soul Recall?
His soul cannot be summoned. Its as if it has vanished somewhere
What nonsense is this! Your Soul Recall can summon even those who died ten years ago!
Yes. But I could not find his soul.
Hah
The large man gaped, as if he had just heard something utterly absurd.
Its true that Yeonggoe often misses meetings, but he always answers my calls. This time, however, the message magic was cut off before it could even activate. This happens in only one case: when the recipient of the magic is dead.
Thats
What in the world
There is one more thing I must tell you.
As the silhouettes frowned, the woman spoke again.
After confirming that Salgwi was not here today, I sent him a message as well. But
Dont tell me.
Just like with Yeonggoe, the message magic failed to activate. It seems Salgwi is also dead.
Silence fell once more. But this silence had a different atmosphere than the one that followed the news of Aenins death.
I just tried to recall his soul, but like Yeonggoe, he cannot be found.
Then the one who killed Yeonggoe
Yes. I believe it is the same person.
Impossible! Yeonggoe was admitted into Sephiroth for the uniqueness and rarity of his ability, but Salgwi is different! To kill him when his power is unleashed, youd need to bring in at least a Master.
The large mans eyes widened as he clenched his fists.
I was suspicious when I learned Yeonggoe had died, but with Salgwi also dead and their souls vanished, it is now certain.
The woman fell silent, and the man in the center slowly began to speak.
I do not know who it is, but there is someone targeting us.
Three martial arts
Below the message window prompting me to choose, there were three options.
Each option flashed with a different colorpurple, yellow, and redas if begging to be chosen.
Defeating Poison Palm
Incinerating Poison Hand
Battle Thunder Elephant Fist
Finally! Yes. This is what Ive been waiting for!
Even the Sichuan Tang Clan doesnt fight with just hidden weapons and poison. There was no way they didn't have martial arts that used fists or hands, and it seemed the lock on them was finally released now that I was 6-star.
Defeating Poison Palm is a palm technique.
A palm technique is a martial art that uses the palm of the hand as a weapon. A novice has to make direct contact with their palm, but masters can launch palm wind made of internal energy at distant enemies.
Incinerating Poison Hand is a hand technique.
A hand technique utilizes the hand itselfthe back of the hand, fingers, fist, or even the spaces between them. Techniques like Qinna or Small Hand Demonic Arts, which occasionally appear in martial arts stories, are examples of this.
And Battle Thunder Elephant Fist is a fist technique.
A fist technique is about punching. Among these three, its the most straightforward and powerful, and a wide variety of fist techniques exist. Even this fantasy world Ive entered has several.
So I have to choose one of these three.
Its already difficult just handling hidden weapons and poison, so mastering all three of these at once would be a challenge. It seemed they were giving me the choice to pick just one.
Defeating Poison Palm infuses potent poisons into palm strikes to poison the enemy, and Incinerating Poison Hand is a hand technique that constricts the opponent with a persistent poison.
The palm and hand techniques were martial arts that used the myriad poisons of the Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi. Rather than being overwhelmingly powerful, they had the effect of gradually weakening the opponent with poison.
On the other hand, Battle Thunder Elephant Fist is a fist technique that uses the lightning qi of the Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi.
Battle Thunder Elephant Fist was a technique that channeled lightning qi into the fist to produce great destructive power. Perhaps this fist technique could solve my biggest weaknesses: close-quarters combat and destructive force.
And the synergy with the Lightning Blade Body Technique should be the best.
Since it was a fist technique that used lightning qi, its harmony with the Lightning Blade Body Technique, which also used lightning qi, would likely be the best among the three.
Theyre all tempting, but I can only pick one.
Battle Thunder Elephant Fist was the most appealing, but since I couldn't reverse the choice once made, my hand hesitated.
Bbaek.
Bbaekbbaegi landed on my shoulder and flapped its wings, as if to ask why I was worrying over such a thing.
Right. Overthinking doesnt suit me. Considering close-quarters combat and the harmony with the Lightning Blade Body Technique, the fist is the way to go.
My deliberation was not long. Considering the characteristics of the Sichuan Tang Clan so far, a new poison art would surely appear later, so I decided to choose the lightning fist.
Click.
Without hesitation, I brought my finger to the last option.
Once chosen, it cannot be changed.
Would you like to select Battle Thunder Elephant Fist?
A mans choice is his fists!
You have learned Battle Thunder Elephant Fist.
As soon as I confirmed, a message appeared saying I had learned the technique, and the stances, internal energy guidance, and body movements of the Battle Thunder Elephant Fist were engraved into my mind.
It felt like I could perform all twelve forms of the Battle Thunder Elephant Fist right this instant.
But performing it properly is another matter.
I realized that after meeting Cheonsuamwang.
Learning a martial art through the system is just the foundation. To bring out its true power, I would need to put in blood-sweating effort and study.
I cant wait.
It was still afternoon, and since I would be heading to the royal palace at noon tomorrow anyway, I figured it would be fine to train until night.
Bbaekbbaegi. Lets go.
Bbaek.
Together with Bbaekbbaegi, who had been exploring my room, I left the mansion and headed for the Fourth Training Ground. As usual, the training ground was empty.
Go on, wander around and play.
Bbaek!
I let Bbaekbbaegi roam free and took my place in the middle of the training ground.
Half a step to the left, right hand high, left hand low.
This was the basic ready stance, Jeon-gung.
First Fist, Jeonsagwon.
Swoosh.
It was a simple and basic straight punch, thrusting my hand from my waist forward with speed and force. Though the punch was clumsy, it was filled with the accumulated lightning qi of the Myriad Poisons Magnetic Divine Qi.
Boom!
The sound of compressed air exploding echoed through the empty training ground.
That feels refreshing!
I was so glad I chose the fist technique. Thrusting a punch filled with internal energy gave me a different kind of thrill than practicing movement techniques or hidden weapons.
Second Fist, Iryongchulsu!
At twice the speed of the first fist, I threw both fists forward in a motion that looked as if dragons were bursting from my hands. I felt a pleasant heat from the acupoints used for Iryongchulsu.
I slowly tried the remaining ten forms of the Battle Thunder Elephant Fist, getting a feel for the technique.
Ding!
Proficiency in Battle Thunder Elephant Fist has increased.
After using all twelve forms, a message about my proficiency increasing appeared. A good amount of proficiency had been gained, but I paid it no mind.
I have to find the stance that brings out its true power.
Only by increasing the systems proficiency while finding the proper stance and power distribution could I master the true essence of the Battle Thunder Elephant Fist. This was no time to be happy about proficiency levels.
Shall we begin?
Thanks to my internal art, skipping a night of sleep would have no effect on me. I was having so much fun training with the Battle Thunder Elephant Fist that I decided to pull an all-nighter and return to the mansion in the morning.
Boom!
Pow!
With each punch, I could feel the air ripple, and my strength and speed gradually increased. The Battle Thunder Elephant Fist was a martial art of incredible charm and power.
Crackle.
As expected, the Battle Thunder Elephant Fist and the Lightning Blade Body Technique worked together as if they were created as a set, their synergy was perfect.
By combining the Lightning Blade Body Technique and the Battle Thunder Elephant Fist, I could probably create hundreds of different movements.
Fwoosh.
As I lost myself in the bliss of martial arts training, forgetting even the time, I felt my dark surroundings brighten.
Arin.
Youve returned.
Looking to the side, I saw Arin holding a torch. She had lit the fires in the training ground.
Its been a while. About that time
I felt a pang of guilt seeing her, since I had lied to send her back home.
Its alright.
Huh?
Arin lit the last torch and walked over to me.
I know you sent me back because I was weak.
No, thats not it
I will become stronger.
Arin, who had been staring at the sand on the training ground floor, lifted her head. In her eyes, which had been frozen like ice, I could see a fierce will sprouting like a new bud.
I received an order from the Marquis to protect you, Grand Prince. At first, it was just an order, but as I watched you change, his command became my own will.
Arin looked me straight in the eye and gave a faint smile.
But you grew strong far faster than I ever imagined, to the point where instead of protecting you, I was constantly receiving your help.
Thats
At sea, in the North, on Mount Pimera, and in the demonized region, you were always ahead of me.
A slight tremble could be heard in Arins voice.
But from now on, I will change through my own will.
The tremor in her voice vanished, leaving only resolute determination.
I will become stronger than anyone else, and I will wield my sword not behind you, Grand Prince, but in front of you.
I said nothing and observed her closely.
Blood-soaked bandages wrapped around her hands, worn-out boots, and her clothes and face caked in dirt and dust.
From her appearance, it seemed she had done nothing but swing her sword since returning to the marquisate.
There was only one thing I could say to her.
Alright. Ill believe in you.
Thank you.
Arin seemed satisfied with my answer and smiled slightly.
We depart at noon tomorrow, so dont overdo it.
Youre going too.
Yes. I heard I was summoned as well.
I wasnt the only one summoned to the royal palace. Arin, who had gone to Iocal with me, had also been called by the king. She didn't seem to care much about going to the palace.
Bbaek!
Bbaekbbaegi, its been a while!
Bbaek.
Bbaekbbaegi, who had been sleeping in a tree, came down and nuzzled its face against Arins cheek.
Look how thin he is.
Thin? Him?
Just today, he had eaten a bunch of grapes, three cherries, and an apple given by the Marquis. The little guy had eaten more than his own body weight, and she was calling him thin.
I brought some just in case, so this is perfect.
Bbaek.
Arin offered pieces of fruit to Bbaekbbaegi. Judging by the size they were cut into, she must have prepared them in advance.
You havent had dinner either, Grand Prince.
Is there some for me too?
Yes. I brought some.
Ah. This is
Even without her opening the lunchbox in her hand, I knew what was inside.
Chirein soup.
Yes. I thought you might be training, so I brought it.
Ah
I hadnt eaten Chirein soup in a while, so rather than feeling tired of it, I felt a sense of nostalgia.
The Fourth Training Ground, Arin, Chirein soupit all reminded me of the time I spent here losing weight, praying for the Sichuan Tang Clan system to unlock.
It didn't feel like that long ago, yet so much had changed. Chewing on the memory, I gulped down the Chirein soup, stood up, and took my stance again.
Its too early to get lost in nostalgia. Theres still much to do.
Arin and I trained at the training ground until after midnight before returning to the mansion.
Dont cause any trouble, and if they give you something, just say, Your Majestys grace is boundless, and accept it. Talk less.
I know. This is the fifth time youve said that.
Its the first time Im sending you alone, so Im worried.
Its fine. I know how to conduct myself in society.
Hahahaha!
The Marquis burst into a hearty laugh at my words.
I suppose Ive been treating you too much like a child. You did well in Iocal, so youll handle yourself just fine. My apologies. Haha!
Ill be going then.
Alright. Have a safe trip. And if youre going to wander off somewhere else, please just tell me beforehand.
I wont wander off. Ill be right back. Im ready.
Understood.
When I spoke to the mages dispatched from the royal palace, they nodded and began to channel mana into the magic circle.
Please step on.
As Arin and I stepped on, the magic circle turned blue, connecting to the royal palace.
Flash.
On a completely different level from Pomeras teleportationwith no shaking or headache at allwe arrived at the same warp location as before.
Are you Sir Yuren Lox?
Yes, I am.
A scribe in blue clothes stepped forward.
I am Baron Viditz, and I will be your guide during your stay at the royal palace.
I am Yuren Lox. Its a pleasure to meet you.
Baron Viditz bowed his head again in greeting, and I returned the gesture.
The audience is scheduled for this evening. Please rest here, and I will come for you later.
Thank you.
He assigned us a place to rest. As I was inside, scratching Bbaekbbaegis head, I heard a knock on the door.
Thinking it might be Arin coming to see Bbaekbbaegi, I opened the door, only to find an unexpectedly beautiful woman standing before me.
Why are you here?