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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Vine
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“My greatest wish has always been to be called a hero.”
Never ask about the past. If I’ve landed in another world, it’s just a petty story. I’ve always yearned for power and strength, and I considered it a stroke of luck to have arrived in a world where strength is everything.
“How humble. If I call you a hero, will your wish come true?”
Halfway up a high mountain in the heart of China. I didn’t know the name of the mountain or even where I was. Looking out the inn’s window, all I could see was a thick blanket of fog. The only thing I knew was that if I followed this road, I would reach the Mount Hua Sect.
As if to prove this point, sitting right before me with his legs stretched out was a young man in Mount Hua Sect attire, radiating an aura of formidable martial skill. He seemed to be pondering my dream as the innkeeper nervously polished his shoes, sweat dripping down his face.
The innkeeper was clearly intimidated by the man. I, however, was positioned opposite the man, smiling.
“I would be grateful if you called me a hero, but how can a man live with such a modest dream? My dream is… to stand on a high platform, with countless people cheering and calling me a hero. Power and strength. To have it all.”
“So, you seek fame and fortune. Everyone who enters the martial world dreams a similar dream.”
The man raised his hand. Behind him stood several men dressed similarly, who promptly filed out of the inn at his signal. He glanced at the innkeeper polishing his shoes.
“That’s enough. Go fetch some wine.”
“Ah, yes! Right away, sir!”
The innkeeper scurried off like a man fleeing a burning building. The man stared intently at me. His eyes, like a wolf’s, scanned me as if I were prey.
“What’s your name?”
“Park Do-cheol.”
The man tilted his head at my name. He blinked.
“Do-cheol?”
“Yes. My parents gave me a strong-sounding name so I would grow to be strong.”
The man nodded, seemingly satisfied with my explanation, though I had no clue what he was agreeing with.
“…I see. A very fitting name indeed. Your parents are skilled at naming. People like that survive well in these times.”
“You flatter me.”
“Here’s the wine!” the innkeeper rushed back, holding a tightly sealed bottle. The man tossed him some coins and picked up the bottle.
“You said you haven’t learned any martial arts?”
“No. I’ve just entered the world and don’t know much. I wish to join a sect and learn from the basics.”
The man smiled. It was an unpleasant smile, but in my position, I couldn’t afford to comment on his expression. I forced a smile back, ignoring the sneer hidden within his.
If I were stronger, I would have smashed that face, I thought bitterly.
“I hope you arrive safely. Mount Hua is a dangerous place; you’ll need luck.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, hero.”
“Then I’ll be going. Perhaps we’ll meet again if fate allows.”
The man turned to leave. I cautiously called out to him.
“Hero. Might I ask your name?”
The man looked back.
“It’s Gwak Ryong.”
He didn’t offer his title. He waved his hand dismissively, as if to indicate he wouldn’t answer any further questions, and walked away. The innkeeper sighed and returned to his work. I sat at the table, gazing in the direction Gwak Ryong had disappeared.
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hero or ero?