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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: bchen3
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“Well, Sim In-wook. Is your body getting restless or something?”
Instructor Go Tae-sik taunted Sim In-wook, who had approached suddenly, in his usual manner.
Nevertheless.
“Yes. Please let me fight against An Il-han.”
Sim In-wook nodded with an unusual expression.
And he even mentioned me while doing so.
‘…Suddenly?’
An unexpected mention along with a request for a match.
Moreover, he kept his gaze fixed only on Instructor Go Tae-sik, without saying a word to me, the person in question.
In this somewhat abrupt situation, not only I but also Im Gang-cheol next to me opened our eyes wide.
‘It’s right to ask the instructor for permission since this is class.’
I couldn’t even begin to guess the reason.
Therefore, while waiting for Instructor Go Tae-sik’s answer.
I examined Sim In-wook’s expression to figure out his intention.
Then I felt something slightly different from his usual demeanor.
‘Hostility?’
An expression that was just slightly flushed.
But perhaps due to my mastery of the Bokmagukwon, I could feel it.
That hostility was subtly flowing out.
‘Because I fought well against his friends? He doesn’t seem like that type of character though.’
Just as I was tilting my head.
Suddenly Instructor Go Tae-sik opened his mouth toward Sim In-wook.
“Youngster, you must certainly know. The difference in level between you and the opponent you want to face right now.”
“…Yes.”
“And yet you still want to fight? Hmm.”
Instructor Go Tae-sik mumbled with a peculiar gaze.
“In matters like this, we should hear the opinion of the person involved. Hey, youngster!”
This time he turned his head toward me.
“Yes.”
“Listen well. Your growth has certainly been beyond imagination. However.”
He continued in an utterly serious tone.
“It’s still woefully insufficient. If both of you exert your full strength, you will inevitably lose. I believe you understand the reason without needing an explanation.”
If you don’t even know that, you’re truly a youngster. At his additional remark, I nodded.
‘I suppose that’s right.’
This was something I could understand just by looking at the results of my first real match.
Instructor Go Tae-sik evaluated the result like this.
-You’re a youngster, but you fought quite well!
My first experience of fighting 2 versus 1.
Yet I didn’t fall behind at all.
Rather, I was slightly ahead.
But it would be incorrect to say that I had won.
As for Sim In-wook?
‘Even though I haven’t seen him in a 2 versus 1 match, considering the usual structure.’
From techniques like footwork and martial arts to sense like judgment and response.
He had overwhelmed his opponents in every aspect and secured victory.
‘Moreover, that guy already knows how to handle mana to its final form.’
From using mana for protection to materializing mana.
As someone still at the level of body enhancement, not only landing a hit on him.
It would be impossible for me to even block Sim In-wook’s full power.
Despite knowing all this.
“If you give me the chance, I’d like to face him.”
I answered without hesitation.
Just like Sim In-wook did, I too didn’t even glance at him as I spoke.
At my answer, Instructor Go Tae-sik opened his mouth with a strange expression.
“You’ll be helplessly beaten. The level difference is so stark that you won’t even be able to attempt an attack, let alone a proper counterattack.”
Still want to try?
Since it seemed like that’s what he was asking, I answered again without hesitation.
“I think I’ll learn by getting hit, just as I’ve been doing so far.”
“What? Learn by getting hit?”
Instructor Go Tae-sik tilted his head as if dumbfounded.
“Kha-hah! This is quite a funny guy! Asked to learn how to get beaten, and it seems he’s developed a taste for it!”
He burst into uproarious laughter.
Beyond his lips twitching, they were fiercely twisting.
Judging by his reaction, it seemed he was quite satisfied with my answer.
Perhaps that’s why.
“Good. I allow it!”
Instructor Go Tae-sik readily granted permission.
At that moment.
Swish-
Sim In-wook expressionlessly took his stance.
As I was about to prepare as well.
“But there are conditions.”
Instructor Go Tae-sik began speaking toward Sim In-wook.
“Conditions, you say?”
“Yes. The match will not be today, but next Monday.”
“I’d like to know the reason.”
“Unlike you, An Il-han has just finished a match. Surely what you want isn’t to take advantage of someone weaker.”
“…I understand.”
At the provoking words, Sim In-wook reluctantly agreed.
But that wasn’t the end.
“Additionally, mana utilization is limited to body enhancement. And the match won’t be a real fight, but ‘three exchanges of offense and defense,’ with the winner determined by the number of effective hits.”
“…That’s!”
Restrictions on mana use, three exchanges, and the criteria for victory.
Especially the ‘three exchanges of offense and defense’ that Instructor Go Tae-sik mentioned was a method usually implemented in beginner courses.
It involved exchanging offense and defense once each to fully understand the techniques.
In short.
‘Is this a penalty for Sim In-wook?’
These were all things that would act as restrictions for him.
Unlike me who just widened my eyes at the unexpected rules, Sim In-wook seemed dissatisfied.
“I can understand the mana utilization and victory criteria, but the method you mentioned won’t help him either.”
Sim In-wook was trying his best to speak logically.
But it wasn’t of much use.
“Of course, just exchanging offense and defense won’t be very meaningful. So think of it as a match with a limit of 3 techniques for each of you.”
A match using only 3 techniques.
He then added that footwork usage would not be included in the techniques.
Lastly, as if making a finishing touch.
“What, don’t tell me you’re not confident you can subdue that youngster within 3 techniques?”
He concluded with his characteristic sarcastic tone.
After being told that, Sim In-wook had no other option.
“…I’ll do it that way.”
He reluctantly nodded.
Only then did Instructor Go Tae-sik turn to me.
“You don’t have any issues, right?”
His tone implied that there obviously wouldn’t be any issues.
Of course.
“Yes.”
I had no issues, let alone complaints.
On the contrary, I saw this as an opportunity.
‘Impossible to even attempt an attack, he said.’
That’s what Instructor Go Tae-sik had said.
The level difference between him and me appeared to be that stark.
This essentially meant that the longer the match, the more helplessly I would get beaten.
‘No matter what means I prepare, he would instantly break through it.’
That’s how unfair and absolute a level difference is.
I had keenly felt this through Instructor Go Tae-sik’s lessons.
But.
‘If it’s limited to three exchanges.’
There might be a way.
A way to move beyond merely experiencing Sim In-wook’s level and maybe land at least one hit.
Soon, a few seemingly good methods came to mind.
‘Next Monday, there’s plenty of time.’
As I was deeply engrossed in formulating a specific plan.
“That’s right.”
Instructor Go Tae-sik nodded once.
Then, after checking the time, he shouted loudly.
“Take a 10-minute break, then gather again! Dismissed!”
* * *
Several hours later.
When I gathered with my friends for dinner as usual.
I briefly explained to them what had happened during class.
The reason was simple.
“Virtual practice seems insufficient. Yoon Seol-ha, I’d like your help.”
It was to request assistance from my friends, especially Yoon Seol-ha, before the match.
After hearing my situation and request, her eyes widened like a rabbit’s.
Then, with a slightly hesitant look, she spoke.
“I don’t mind helping, but…”
“Thanks. I’ll ask the instructor for permission.”
“Um. But, will it be okay?”
“Hm?”
“Will I be of help? Honestly, my level is still…”
Yoon Seol-ha was more concerned about whether she would be helpful than about the match itself.
In reality, I could somewhat empathize.
Although Yoon Seol-ha was a genius, she was different from those like Baek Yu-jin or Sim In-wook.
Knowing this, I still shook my head.
“You’ll be plenty helpful.”
I had my own thoughts on this.
‘Although their achievements might differ, the basis of genius, such as sense, intuition, and judgment, would have some similar contexts.’
As the saying goes, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.
I intended to counter a genius with another genius.
‘Anyway, if it’s not a real match, virtual practice is the only option.’
For sure, sparring with Yoon Seol-ha would be much more helpful than virtual practice based on set patterns.
Moreover, that wasn’t the only reason.
‘To recall that sensation I felt during today’s match, I need real combat experience.’
The sensation that allowed me to gain the upper hand against two opponents.
That sensation, which felt like inheriting someone else’s experience, had unfortunately disappeared after the match.
But.
‘It still remains in my memory.’
What decisions I made in specific situations and how I moved.
It was already clearly etched in my mind.
‘If I can practice and embody this before I forget.’
It would certainly be of great help.
These two points were the strategies I had formulated after much deliberation.
As I was organizing my thoughts, Yoon Seol-ha suddenly spoke to me.
“By the way, you’re amazing.”
“What?”
“Honestly, it’s sudden and could be unpleasant. But instead, you’re burning with fighting spirit?”
Her reaction was valid.
Moreover, it was just a match after all.
Yet, the reason I wanted to give it my all was simple.
“I think that’s how I can become stronger.”
Sim In-wook was like an insurmountable wall for my current self.
And skill always grows significantly when faced with situations one cannot handle.
I knew this from experiencing Instructor Go Tae-sik’s lessons and personal tutoring with my whole body.
Hearing my words, Yoon Seol-ha replied with a smile.
“Well, it seems reckless yet just like you.”
Then, as if resolved, she continued with a distinctive gaze.
“Yes, I’ll help you with whatever I can.”
Her answer felt truly reassuring.
Additionally, Im Gang-cheol, who had been listening all along, chimed in.
“That’s just like you, Il-han! As a comrade walking the same path of the Gauntlet, I’ll lend a hand too!”
“Thank you.”
After setting an appointment to meet on the weekend.
Yoon Seol-ha lastly.
“Eun-wol, do you want to join too?”
She asked Cha Eun-wol, who had been unusually quiet.
Only then awakening from her reverie, she stammered.
“Huh? What time did you say?”
“10 AM. Let’s practice sparring and then have lunch together.”
“Um. Okay.”
Cha Eun-wol nodded absent-mindedly.
I was slightly puzzled by her state, but soon moved on to other thoughts.
‘Ah, and I need to leave a memo for him tonight.’
The sensation I experienced during the match.
I should ask about its identity.
With that determination, I once again focused on my meal.
* * *
That night.
The shadow stood in the middle of the magic training room and thought.
‘A match with Sim In-wook.’
Due to the succession still being at a basic stage, what he had seen was just a fleeting moment.
But that was enough.
Sim In-wook, one of the personnel related to the mission.
It was sufficient to recognize that they had become entangled faster than expected.
‘Not bad.’
It was like the last time.
Things had progressed differently from the initially presumed situation.
But it was fine.
Rather, it could be said to be better than ever.
‘It was just when I was planning to accelerate the pace.’
According to the inherent memory, Sim In-wook at this point.
He had not fully established his own position.
Far surpassing ordinary people, but not reaching the ‘real ones’.
An ambiguous genius.
This incomplete identity was a gap, a crack that illusion magic could exploit perfectly.
Thus, one consumed by malice was not easy to deal with.
In fact, I heard that severe damage had occurred.
This was especially true because he was at a level that was not ordinary, approaching the realm of genius in an ambiguous way.
Therefore.
‘I must win without fail.’
Of course, once might not be enough.
But if victories continue, the story will change.
‘Win, and win again. Furthermore, become an existence that cannot be ignored.’
Until Sim In-wook’s perception is completely overturned.
‘You just need to focus on the match.’
I will provide the means.
With that thought, the shadow gauged the current power.
Woefully insufficient, but there was a way.
The moment he thought of it, he raised his arm with the smartwatch.
He then opened his mouth.
“You still don’t know the true value of the Hyuncheon Ganggi.”
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