Prelude: Loss, Win, Loss, Win, Win
Flashback
“I’m not really fond of this proposal.”
The room fell silent at the words of Seonyul, the Tarot Card Magician. Her eyes, shimmering with a mysterious light, scanned the room before she continued in a composed tone.
“Gathering those with special abilities into a single unit to prepare for unforeseen variables… It sounds like a five-minute standby squad to me.”
A five-minute standby squad. In a way, she wasn’t wrong. The issue was the subtle sarcasm laced in her voice.
“Hmm. User Seonyul, we’ll know more once we arrive, but there are two possible scenarios.”
“Yes or no.”
Seonyul nodded knowingly, and Goryeo Lord sighed, looking slightly uncomfortable.
“Exactly. The latter isn’t a problem, but if it’s the former, we need to be prepared. Barbara is practically the heart of the northern continent. Objectively, we have the upper hand in terms of strength. Yet, the fact that we haven’t moved suggests they might have something up their sleeve. We must prepare thoroughly for any unexpected situations…”
“Goryeo Lord, I understand what you’re saying, and I agree that preparation is important. But that’s not my issue.”
Despite Goryeo Lord’s earnest tone, Seonyul stood her ground. As I listened to their exchange, I found myself curious about her user information.
“I’m all for preparation. But why are we pulling people from their current units? I remember there was a lot of discussion about the formation even before we set out… Am I wrong?”
“Hmm…”
“It’s been a long time since we left the city, and we’re about to reach the midpoint. Take me, for example. I’ve just gotten used to leading my unit, and now I’m suddenly told to join a new group. Even if I set aside my own concerns, it could leave a bad impression on those currently following their leaders. If you really want to implement this proposal, shouldn’t it be done without disrupting the current formation?”
Having said her piece, Seonyul paused, crossing her legs leisurely. Then, with a voice dripping with allure, she added, “I hate to say it, but just looking around, we have enough people to form a group, don’t we? Haha.”
“Ugh, listen to her. She’s like an annoying pig.”
A youthful voice muttered nearby, and I glanced sideways.
Next to me sat Reverse Lord, arms crossed, looking no older than seventeen or eighteen. She clearly didn’t like the Tarot Card Magician, her face scrunched up in displeasure, her leg bouncing with impatience.
I turned my gaze back to Seonyul. She was the leader of the Third Unit, composed of the most crucial magic users in the force.
In essence, Seonyul was suggesting they recruit those who were idle rather than pulling people from their current roles.
I could understand why Reverse Lord reacted so strongly. Despite being the leader of a sizable clan, she hadn’t been given any command. The same went for me.
‘Does she think leading a unit is some great power?’
The real importance lay in performance during battle. I chuckled inwardly and activated my Third Eye.
Name: Seonyul (6th Year)
Class: Tarot Card Magician (Secret, Master)
Nation: Barbara
Clan: Magic’s Tower (Clan Rank: A Plus)
True Name · Nationality: Demure Enchantress · South Korea
Gender: Female (28)
Height · Weight: 170.8cm · 54.6kg
Disposition: Lady · Obscene
[Strength 42] [Endurance 48] [Agility 72(+2)] [Stamina 56] [Magic 98(+4)] [Luck 86]
(Remaining Stat Points: 0)
(Remaining Stat Points: 0)
[Strength 70] [Endurance 87] [Agility 91(+3)] [Stamina 97] [Magic 97(+2)] [Luck 95(+1)]
(Remaining Stat Points: 0)
[Strength 42] [Endurance 48] [Agility 72(+2)] [Stamina 56] [Magic 98(+4)] [Luck 86]
‘What?’
Seeing Seonyul’s user information left me puzzled. Her true name and disposition were particularly striking. Outwardly, she seemed like a mysterious, composed woman, but her inner self was quite the opposite.
‘You really can’t judge a book by its cover. This is why the Third Eye is so useful.’
Just as I marveled at the utility of the Third Eye, Goryeo Lord’s voice pulled me back to reality.
“Hmm. You do have a point.”
His tone suggested resignation, but Seonyul’s argument wasn’t entirely without merit. Even those who usually had a way with words were silent this time.
“We’ll need to think more about this and consider it carefully. Let’s try to minimize the impact. That concludes today’s meeting.”
With the meeting adjourned, a few users rose with satisfied expressions. Though they were in the minority.
“Oh, Sword Queen, could you stay a moment? I have something to discuss.”
As Goryeo Lord called out, Nam Da-eun sat back down, and I made my way out of the meeting room.
‘What did she hear back then?’
Realistically, there was no connection between the Sword Queen and me. Yet, the fact that she, known for her aversion to men, had called me out suggested she had a reason.
“How far are we going?”
We had been walking for quite some time, leaving the camp far behind. The camp was no longer in sight, and the field was shrouded in a desolate silence.
Suddenly, Nam Da-eun stopped. She glanced around before turning to face me.
“Mercenary Lord, you’re known as a Sword Specialist, a secret class in the swordsman category, correct?”
Though unexpected, it was already known, so I nodded.
“If you mean a sword expert, yes.”
“You’re still in your first year, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then… is it true you captured Baek Seoyeon, the Scorcher, one-on-one?”
I didn’t answer immediately. I watched Nam Da-eun quietly for a moment. Sensing my gaze, she quickly added, “I heard about your return from Mule. It’s a rumor.”
A rumor. A single word laden with enigmatic significance.
I didn’t want to be interrogated further, nor did I wish to linger with someone who disliked men, so I decided to take the initiative.
“Did Goryeo Lord tell you something during the last meeting?”
”…”
Nam Da-eun didn’t respond for a while. But soon, she gave a slight nod, confirming my suspicion.
“Goryeo Lord asked me for a favor. He’s very sensitive to potential variables and wants skilled individuals ready to respond quickly.”
“Hmm.”
“But most known skilled individuals are already in command, and they’re not very receptive to Goryeo Lord’s ideas.”
“So… Ah, that’s why you came to me.”
“Yes. You’re not currently a commander, but you might be a skilled individual.”
Selecting users who wouldn’t disrupt the current formation meant opening possibilities for hidden talents. But since they wouldn’t come forward on their own, she was actively seeking them out.
Though the word “possibility” was a bit concerning, I understood why Nam Da-eun had approached me. I was the Mercenary Clan’s Lord, and our clan was brimming with secret and rare classes.
“I understand.”
With that, I drew my sword.
“Would it be alright if we sparred?”
”…Sure.”
Nam Da-eun’s response was swift. Even before I was fully prepared, I felt a surge of explosive magical energy.
Her sword pointed directly at me. It was slender and beautiful, yet seemingly ordinary.
But as soon as I heard the hum of the sword, I had to revise my assessment. A mystical light enveloped the sword, transferring to Nam Da-eun, who began to emit a soft glow.
It was an aura. Hard to describe, but reminiscent of the majestic and noble presence of a “Valkyrie” from the Tower of Valhalla.
It felt like standing before the Queen of Swords.
‘Is she testing my skills, or is this a life-or-death duel? Or… is it a display of authority?’
I sighed softly and brought my hand to my ear.
A flash!
As soon as the earring emitted a clear light, it transformed into the beautiful form of “Victoria’s Glory.” It was a sight to behold, and even Nam Da-eun, who had been silent until now, couldn’t hide the flicker of surprise in her eyes.
And then, it happened.
“Activating latent ability, Divine Sword Unity (Rank: Extra).”
“The latent ability within ‘Victoria’s Glory,’ ‘Majesty of the King,’ is activated. User Kim Soo-hyun’s magic stat: 96. Luck stat: 90. Calculating… Determined as S-rank.”
The mysterious pressure that had been weighing me down vanished the moment I held “Victoria’s Glory.” The overwhelming aura of the queen hesitated for a brief moment. Countering with the Majesty of the King was indeed the right move.
“Well, one of the right moves, anyway.”
Regardless, the battle had already begun. The moment I felt the pressure, the first strike had been made. Sitting back and taking it wasn’t my style. It was only polite to return the favor, with interest.
“Then, shall we begin?”
With a nod to courtesy, I launched myself toward Nam Da-eun, aiming for her chest.
Clang!
But she was ready. She angled her sword to block my strike. My blade met hers, and soon, both our swords were enveloped in a blue aura.
I pressed down with all my strength.
Screeech…!
“Huh?”
“Pfft.”
I almost burst out laughing at the uncharacteristic yelp from the Sword Queen, but managed to hold it in. Still, the slight puff of air I let out was enough to make her expression change rapidly.
Swish!
The Sword Queen deflected my blade and swiftly retreated, only to lunge forward with a precise thrust. Her meteor-like strike aimed for my chest, but I tracked its path and brought my sword down hard.
Boom!
The impact was so loud it seemed like the sword might break. The shockwave was strong enough to tear the grass from the field.
Fortunately, her sword remained intact. But the slight tremor at its tip and her furrowed brow suggested the recoil had affected her wrist.
Two things were clear now: I had more strength than the Sword Queen, and my magic surpassed hers. Or perhaps it was the effect of my equipment.
The Sword Queen quickly widened the distance between us, her chest heaving as she caught her breath. Though her face showed signs of surprise, her eyes remained calm. It was commendable that she didn’t underestimate any opponent, no matter how challenging the situation.
“Mercenary Lord, you’ve been striking with the flat of your blade.”
“Hitting with the edge would be a problem.”
She was right, and it was intentional on my part. Striking with the edge could damage the sword, and I didn’t want to hear complaints about that.
This wasn’t a life-or-death duel, just a test of skill. I considered ending it here, but then I saw the Sword Queen readying herself again.
”…”
I hesitated for a moment but decided to oblige. A determined opponent rarely admits defeat. It was better to decisively end it now to avoid future hassle.
I studied her stance closely, ready to finish it in one move.
“Another thrust?”
She had been using thrusts repeatedly. They had their advantages—hard to block and quick to accelerate. But they were predictable and simple. If you couldn’t outpace your opponent, a thrust was easy to counter.
I decided to end it quickly and shifted my weight forward, angling my body and knees. With a push from my back foot, I surged forward.
Bang!
Simultaneously, the Sword Queen lunged with a thrust aimed directly at me.
Just before we entered each other’s range, I saw her arm extend. My sword was still raised. She intended to aim for my neck before I could react.
At that moment, I was certain of my victory.
In a real battle, who knows? But without the intent to kill, skill differences decide the outcome.
Just before her blade reached my neck, I leaned slightly to the left. My left hand touched the ground as I bent low, channeling magic into the earth and pulling it back up.
Swoosh.
Her blade narrowly grazed my cheek.
She hadn’t expected me to bend even lower, and her eyes widened in surprise. Instead of sliding past, I used the magic in my left hand to propel myself into a spin. My body flipped in an instant.
I saw the sky, and to my right, her elegant sword slicing through the air, followed by her slender right arm.
Without hesitation, I struck her right arm with the flat of my blade.
Thud!
“Aaah!”
As expected, a high-pitched scream echoed, and her sword flew from her grasp.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Apologies, no replies today.
Sigh… I’m really at my wit’s end.
Is it always this hard to get back to normal after a holiday? Everyone’s faces looked the same today… hahaha.
The fact that it’s Monday is making me feel so down.
If it’s this tough for a student like me, I can’t even imagine how it is for working adults. Sigh. Just endless sighs. Haha.
Anyway, hang in there, everyone, and let’s overcome the Monday blues + post-holiday blues.
I’ll combine the replies with the next chapter. (__)