As the duel between Ahn Hyun and Lee Yoo-jung gradually neared its conclusion—
“Was she really that strong?”
Nam Da-eun, who had been soaking her feet in the central garden’s waterway, tilted her head in curiosity.
She had been watching the fight from the start—not out of particular interest, but simply because she happened to pass by the garden and saw them sparring. After all, there’s a saying: when it comes to watching fights, messy brawls are often the most entertaining.
But as the match unfolded, she found herself reconsidering her initial thoughts.
Lee Yoo-jung was exactly as expected, but Ahn Hyun was different. His movements weren’t flashy tricks meant to dazzle; instead, he stood his ground quietly and responded with solid, weighty counters. It was clear he had read all of his opponent’s moves and even identified her weaknesses. Of course, to a ‘Sword Master’ like herself, there were still some rough edges.
“Ahn Hyun has definitely grown.”
A firm yet calm voice suddenly spoke beside her.
“And he’s still improving. From what I hear, he trains every single day without fail.”
Someone carefully settled down next to Nam Da-eun, dipping their smooth, toned calves into the water. Glancing sideways, Nam Da-eun caught sight of Cha So-rim’s faint smile.
“It’s a bit hot. Is this okay?”
“…Sure. I’m not renting the place out or anything.”
The two women exchanged light nods and resumed watching the duel together.
“You said he trains every day?” Nam Da-eun asked first.
“Yes. In the Northern Continent, the Steel Mountain Range, even in Atlanta. He’s so earnest that I’ve occasionally given him some guidance without him even realizing it.”
“Without him realizing…? Even so, his movements are completely overwhelming. Has the gap always been this wide?”
“I believe Ahn Hyun reached the ‘Unity’ stage in the Steel Mountain Range. I saw it with my own eyes.”
“Ah, that explains it. Now that you mention it…”
‘Unity’ is a term commonly used among close-combat users who have reached a certain level—a state of complete harmony. It’s not something just anyone can achieve, so the difference between a user who has blossomed and one who hasn’t is inevitably stark.
Nam Da-eun nodded, her doubts now cleared.
“Ahn Hyun is in his third year, right? I awakened in my second year… not bad at all.”
“Heh. I awakened early in my third year. …Hmm? It’s almost over.”
Cha So-rim’s eyes sparkled as she smiled softly. Both women focused their gaze intently.
Just as Cha So-rim said, the battle was nearing its end—more precisely, since Ahn Hyun had made his move.
“…!”
The moment Ahn Hyun thrust his spear forward, Lee Yoo-jung, who had been charging enthusiastically, suddenly felt a strange sensation.
It was an indescribable feeling, as if the world had stopped and a ringing buzz filled her ears. She had only stabbed once, yet her entire body felt shackled, unable to move. Or rather, she couldn’t even figure out how to move. In reality, Ahn Hyun’s strike shattered all of Lee Yoo-jung’s movements, silencing her as it advanced in a straight line.
Just as she realized the spear’s tip was right before her eyes, a dazed look flashed in Lee Yoo-jung’s eyes as she desperately tried to retreat. But even the space she was trying to fall back to was being invaded by Ahn Hyun. She had just seen him charging head-on, so how was this possible?
It was the exact same situation as the pit battle. Ahn Hyun seemed to be charging simultaneously from the left, center, and right. This was the power of his ‘Spear Technique Shooting’ combined with ‘Divine Spear Unity’—an ability that, through explosive acceleration, created the illusion of three Ahn Hyuns.
At least Joo Hyun-ho had chosen to take out all three illusions, but Lee Yoo-jung wasn’t at that level. More importantly, even Joo Hyun-ho hadn’t realized that Ahn Hyun was striking from thin air.
She couldn’t retreat, nor could she escape.
All Lee Yoo-jung could do was freeze in place, eyes wide open.
Thud.
The spear that descended from above landed with a dull thud, and Lee Yoo-jung’s right shoulder sagged heavily.
But it wasn’t over. The attacks from the three directions struck her left shoulder, abdomen, and thigh in quick succession. The slight delay between each blow caused her body to shake violently and her legs to buckle with every hit. Thankfully, she had some control in her hands; if Ahn Hyun had gone all out, her head would have been split open on the first strike.
With a heavy collapse, Lee Yoo-jung crumpled to the ground, signaling the end of the fight. A clean, undeniable defeat. Compared to the rivalry they once thought they shared, the result was painfully anticlimactic. The difference between a user who endured pain and worked hard, and one who had grown complacent, was starkly revealed in this duel.
Ahn Hyun exhaled lightly and looked down. Lee Yoo-jung lay curled up on the ground, trembling like a leaf. Her lips quivered, barely holding back a scream. A pang of pity flickered in Ahn Hyun’s chest, but he felt no remorse. No matter how many times he thought about it, he could never forgive what Lee Yoo-jung had done—especially since it was his own brother.
Clap, clap, clap, clap.
After a moment, light applause broke out. Kim Soo-hyun, who had been watching from the sidelines, was clapping.
“It’s over, Ahn Hyun. Congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
“Well, I guess she’s accepted the loss. As promised, Lee Yoo-jung’s rank drops by one level.”
“…”
“Ahn Hyun, go get a priest and have her treated.”
“…Understood.”
Kim Soo-hyun spoke with a casual tone, as if the outcome was no surprise, then turned and walked away.
Ahn Hyun watched Kim Soo-hyun’s retreating back with a complicated expression before quickening his pace. He glanced at Lee Yoo-jung on the way but had no intention of showing off or offering comfort. Even if Ahn Hyun was blunt, he knew that any words now would only wound Lee Yoo-jung’s pride.
Left alone where Kim Soo-hyun and Ahn Hyun had departed, Lee Yoo-jung remained sprawled on the ground.
Her trembling had subsided, but her vacant gaze lingered. All she could see were the two katanas carelessly scattered on the floor and the slowly receding figures of the two who had left.
She stayed face down, motionless, until Ahn Hyun returned with the priest.
Tap.
Tap, tap.
Perhaps it wasn’t just her mood, but the sky itself had darkened. Suddenly, storm clouds rolled in, and small raindrops began to fall.
A sharp wind swept past the castle, scattering the newly fallen drops in all directions.
That day, Lee Yoo-jung became the first clan member to have her rank lowered since the implementation of the ranking system.
The introduction of the ranking system certainly caused a significant stir within the mercenaries. Not a positive one, mind you. Many clan members were dissatisfied with their ranks, and several even came to confront me. Lee Yoo-jung had taken it too far.
Of course, it was too early to make any definitive judgments. I intended to observe the changes positively over time, because I had witnessed some promising signs.
Though a minority, some clan members had accepted the ranking system. A few even approached me to discuss various matters. They had begun to think and act on their own, rather than simply following orders.
Among them, Woo Jung-min’s story surprised me somewhat.
“You want to revive the Vagabond Extermination Squad?”
“Yes. If you give me permission.”
Woo Jung-min passionately argued for the squad’s necessity. He wasn’t wrong. Every user harbored resentment toward the vagabonds, and after the war two years ago, that hatred had only deepened. Whenever rumors spread that a vagabond had been caught, people would cheer with delight. Our mercenaries’ reputation had soared after capturing Baek Seo-yeon, a former vagabond leader.
If Woo Jung-min could accomplish something similar, it would directly boost our mercenaries’ prestige.
“Hmm. Fine. You have my permission. It’s a very good idea.”
“Really? You’re serious?”
Perhaps surprised at how easily I agreed, Woo Jung-min stared at me in disbelief.
“Of course. Come to think of it, while we were focusing on the Steel Mountain Range, those bastards might have been growing stronger. It’s about time we put them down.”
I wasn’t just giving permission blindly—I had faith in him. Woo Jung-min, the ‘Red Fang,’ was the one who severed the vicious ties between users and vagabonds during the first campaign. Knowing his past, I couldn’t think of anyone better suited to lead the Vagabond Extermination.
“Anyway, it’s a good idea. But why the sudden change of heart?”
“Heh. Sun Yoo-woon kept bragging, and I got a little jealous seeing him treated like an S-rank.”
“Oh? Is your rank too low?”
“No, not at all. I admit I’ve been complacent. Even if you’d put me on the F-rank list, I wouldn’t have minded. …I mean that.”
Feeling pleased at having received permission, Woo Jung-min smiled quietly. I smiled back gently. ‘Gratitude as vast as the ocean, revenge as sharp as a blade.’ Woo Jung-min was living up to that proverb perfectly.
“And actually, it was Seon Yoo-woon who brought up this matter first. He said he’d help, so I should just go ahead and mention it.”
“Hmm~ The user Seon Yoo-woon is offering to help, huh? Well, if you’re going to do it, why not talk to Nam Da-eun too? When it comes to hatred for vagrants, Da-eun’s no different.”
“Oh… If Geomhu joins us, there’s nothing to fear. And…”
“……?”
That’s when it happened. A sudden shadow of worry crossed Woo Jung-min’s face. He only ever made that expression in one situation.
“Come to think of it, how’s Won Hye-soo doing these days?”
“She’s… managing.”
“From what I hear, there don’t seem to be any particular problems.”
“…That’s exactly the problem.”
The moment Hye-soo’s name came up, Woo Jung-min’s voice grew heavy. He hesitated briefly, as if debating whether to say more, but then spoke.
“It’s clear she’s got something weighing on her heart. But she won’t let it out. I wish she’d just let it all out once and for all, but she doesn’t. On the surface, she’s living normally, but she’s just bottling it all up. The kid situation is the same.”
“…The kid situation? You mean as a mother…?”
“She does what she has to—breastfeeding, calming the baby when it cries, that kind of thing. She’s not neglecting her duties. But anyone watching would say she’s doing it reluctantly.”
“Hmm…”
“Honestly, it’s a huge source of stress. I try to think of the kid as my own and do my best, but the kid keeps looking for the mother. I get it, though. The kid’s at that age where it naturally wants its mom. But Hye-soo…”
“……”
Woo Jung-min, who usually spoke quickly, trailed off and shook his head.
“I don’t even know why I’m telling you this… Sorry. I guess I just needed to vent somewhere. Just pretend you didn’t hear any of it.”
“No, it’s okay. I probably shouldn’t have asked.”
He gave a bitter smile and stood up.
“Anyway, thanks for letting me talk. I’ll get everything ready properly and come back soon.”
He turned to leave, but stopped after only a few steps.
“Oh, right. I forgot to tell you—the temple sent for you.”
“Huh? The temple?”
“I saw the resident messenger coming up from the first floor. I said I’d pass the message along, but I completely forgot.”
“Ah…”
I stood up immediately, guessing why I was being summoned. It was probably to confirm the reward for completing the rescue request. I wasn’t exactly eager to see the angel, but I had to collect the reward.
After Woo Jung-min left, I quickly got ready and headed out. Just as I was about to go down the stairs, I spotted a little girl toddling up from below, accompanied by a small, stout Pegasus. It was Mar and Dodo.
“Daddy!”
Mar spotted me and climbed the stairs energetically, beaming.
What could make her so happy? Watching her twitching, pointed ears, I quietly asked,
“Hey, Mar. Where were you headed?”
“I was going with Dodo to see Daddy!”
Mar lifted the baby Pegasus with both hands as she spoke. Dodo, upon seeing me, opened his mouth wide and started clicking his teeth together. …That little rascal.
“But where are you going now, Daddy?”
No, where am I going now? Hearing that from such an innocent face made my chest tighten for some reason.
“Oh? Ah… haha. I have some business at the temple. What should I do?”
“The temple?”
But Mar wasn’t intimidated at all. Instead, her eyes sparkled, and not only her ears but even the wings on her back fluttered gently. Why was she suddenly like this?
“Daddy, can I come with you?”
“You? To the temple? Why?”
“Just… I want to go out with you for a change… and…”
“…And?”
“And I want to see Mom too… Hehe.”
“……”
Mar smiled brightly as she spoke.
But suddenly, a wave of sadness washed over me.
“Mom…? Ah.”
At the same time, I felt a pang of realization. I must have let it slip. Though only for a moment, Mar’s face stiffened as she looked at me, disappointment flickering in her eyes.
She forced a smile, but it was different from before—more strained. Her ears, which had been twitching busily, drooped.
“I’m sorry, Daddy. I shouldn’t have asked for something like that…”
“No, no, it’s okay. And…”
I almost said, ‘That angel isn’t your mom,’ but stopped myself. She already looked so disappointed; I couldn’t be that cruel. Despite growing fast, Mar was still just a child.
“…I’m sorry.”
“Really, I’m sorry, Daddy.”
“It’s okay. I’ll be back soon, alright?”
I gently stroked Mar’s head, who kept apologizing, and slowly made my way down the stairs.
As I descended, an inexplicable guilt lingered, but it was unavoidable. The Seraph wasn’t Mar’s mother. Besides, I’d already told her not to worry about bringing Mar along anymore after the last visit.
Yeah. I truly had no intention of taking Mar to the summoning chamber again.
But, still…
‘The kid keeps looking for her mom. I get it. She’s at that age where she naturally wants her mom.’
Why did those words keep flashing in my mind, overlapping with Mar’s downcast face?
‘Damn it. I shouldn’t have asked…’
In the end, I stopped walking. Climbing back up the stairs as fast as I could, I caught sight of Mar’s sulky figure still walking down the hallway.
“Mar!”
I called out in a slightly higher voice. Mar stopped in her tracks and slowly turned to look at me.
“Wanna… come with me?”
At once, Mar’s eyes lit up like a rabbit’s.
“Yes! No, I do!”
Her wings, which had been drooping toward the ground, suddenly shot up toward the sky.
She ran over and threw herself into my arms.
All the way to the Northern Continent, I heard nothing but “Daddy’s the best,” and “I love you, Daddy.”
A little later.
Holding Mar, who kept rubbing her face against my chest, we entered the temple and finally stepped into the summoning chamber.
“I’ve been waiting for you, User Kim…?”
And then, I realized something surprising.
“Mommy!”
The Seraph’s eyes widened as she saw Mar.
“Ah… ah…!”
Her usually calm wings fluttered wildly.
…Funny how they both react the same way when surprised.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
‘The wife’s mood has improved!’
‘Unique skill, Husband Support, has ranked up to EX!’