Chapter 26

Chapter 25: Sword Mastery (1)

Jinhyuk slowly turned his head.

There stood a man holding a very old-looking sword.

...It's a sword I know.

A replica of a holy relic displayed at the National Central Museum.

It was the iron sword inscribed with 'Qianlong'.

That means...

This guy must be the bald-headed guy I've been challenging in the Tower of Trials.

Jinhyuk sized up his opponent.

Sharp features.

A solid build over 185cm tall.

He looks like a well-polished sword.

'He seemed so psychopathic in the game that I didn't realize he looks normal in real life.'

Well, to be precise, he looks like a model. His perfect proportions and chiseled face were hard to find even on TV.

It's a waste. Such a waste.

"Are you really not tired of this?"

Jinhyuk clicked his tongue.

Isn't it enough that you chased me around in the game?

Now you're even following me to ruins.

Honestly, if I go to hell, you'd probably chase me there too.

"That annoying face... Do you only see me like that?"

The man gritted his teeth.

At the same time, a fierce killing intent rose.

Ah, right.

This guy was deeply hurt by being ignored.

I forgot because it was just annoying to deal with.

"No, think about it logically. Who in their right mind would chase someone this far? And if you lost that badly, you should just accept it. Please."

"This time will be different. Since I'm starting from the beginning, there's no way I'll be outmatched by you."

There's no point in talking.

Actually, it never worked from the start.

Jinhyuk sighed softly and activated the 'Eye of Truth.'

[Skill activation canceled due to level difference.]

Of course, there's a level difference.

But it doesn't matter.

With the existing luck stat, adaptation stat, and the additional stats from the 'Song of Battle' effect, he was in a good position.

[Stat effects have nullified the level difference.]

[Penetrating the target's status window.]

---------------------------------------------------

Name: Cheonyuseong

Gender: Male

Age: 28

Level: 29

Strength 35 Agility 31 Vitality 18 Magic 10

Available Stat Points: 0

Available Coins: 0

Class: Swordsman

Unique Ability: Song of the Sword

Skills: Lv6 'Soul Chasing Sword Qi', Lv5 'Eyes of the Sage', Lv5 'Single Combat', Lv5 'Guardian Aura', Lv5 'Battlefield Selection', Lv4 'Soul Chasing Sword Dance', Lv4 'Dark Curtain Barrier', Lv3 'Endurance', Lv3 'Determination'...

---------------------------------------------------

[Copy Condition: Cheonyuseong believes he is stronger with the sword than anyone else. Overwhelm him with the 'sword' he is most confident in.]

The longest stat window I've ever seen appeared.

Did he recognize me through the 'Eyes of the Sage'? And given how much he stalked me, it's somewhat understandable why he chased me here.

'Cheonyuseong...'

So that's his name.

The Tower of Trials.

One of the old-timers there.

Cheonyuseong was among the most tenacious players Jinhyuk knew.

He was also very skilled.

People who had fought him with swords called him 'Sword Mastery' in awe and 'Sword Demon' in fear.

However.

'So this is the level, huh.'

Jinhyuk read the status window with a lackluster expression.

Level, skills, unique ability, stats.

If others saw this, they'd probably foam at the mouth, but it was just that.

Of course, I admit Cheonyuseong has gotten stronger than before.

His build to become a Sword Mastery was flawless.

But.

'So have I.'

The gap hasn't narrowed at all.

If anything, it's widened.

"If you insist on fighting, I won't stop you, but are you sure? I'm not the only one here."

Teresa, reacting to Cheonyuseong's killing intent, was approaching at high speed.

At most, 2-3 minutes.

After that, it won't be one-on-one but many-on-one.

"A saint... You've made a useless ally."

Hmm...

"There are two things I need to correct. First, Teresa is not an ally."

We're just temporarily working together because our interests align.

And second.

"I don't bring useless people around."

As soon as Jinhyuk finished speaking, a sound slicing through the air was heard.

Whoosh!

A silver shield flew over.

The faint energy emanating from its surface.

A holy weapon infused with divine power.

"Grk!?"

Cheonyuseong hastily swung his sword.

Boom!

He barely managed to deflect it.

But the impact was so great that thick veins bulged on his forehead.

That's why I told you not to be so overconfident.

"How about running away before I get here? It's not too late."

"I won't let any meddlers interfere in our duel."

[Cheonyuseong activates Lv5 'Battlefield Selection'!]

A transparent barrier began to form around Cheonyuseong's body.

Jinhyuk's lips curled upward in response.

Indeed.

A gentle scratch, and he reacts immediately.

The unique barrier 'Battlefield Selection' allows the user to choose their preferred battlefield.

It was the most powerful type of barrier among those Cheonyuseong possessed.

Whoosh!

A space about 50 meters wide was newly formed.

A training ground came into view, with broken marble and leftover wall fragments scattered around.

'A fitting place for him.'

To have such a consistent character... it's a talent, I suppose.

Cheonyuseong gripped his sword with both hands.

"Now, you won't receive any help from the outside."

A world cut off by the barrier.

Cheonyuseong immediately used the next skill.

[Cheonyuseong activates Lv5 'Single Combat'!]

[All of Cheonyuseong's stats increase by 10%!]

[The 'Song of the Battlefield' effect from Teresa is removed.]

[All stats decrease by 10%.]

Consecutive status messages appeared.

The result of being forcibly nerfed by 'Battlefield Selection' and 'Single Combat'.

It was because of these two skills that Cheonyuseong confidently challenged the fight.

And it was because of these two skills that Jinhyuk didn't avoid the fight.

'...Caught.'

There was a reason for putting himself in an unfavorable situation.

The special condition attached to 'Fusion'.

-If the situation becomes overwhelmingly unfavorable compared to the original copy condition, the copy condition will be modified accordingly.

And in this case...

[Copy condition modified.]

[Pre-copy, post-condition achievement is recognized.]

[Achieve the condition within 10 minutes.]

The condition changed.

First, copy the ability, then achieve the condition.

"I will copy Cheonyuseong's unique ability."

[Copying unique ability 'Song of the Sword (S)'.]

['Song of the Sword': Understanding of bladed weapons increases by 200%. The body naturally finds efficient sword paths, and all senses become extremely acute.]

[One of the essential abilities required to earn the title of Sword Mastery.]

Until now, the fight was based on experience and reflexes.

But with this ability, it becomes possible to understand the sword and fight as one with it.

Swish.

Jinhyuk adjusted his grip on the dagger in his right hand.

Then, he wagged his left index finger at Cheonyuseong.

"Don't pretend to be so relaxed!"

Cheonyuseong gritted his teeth.

At the same time.

Boom!

He kicked off the ground and charged at Jinhyuk.

The distance closed in an instant.

Fast.

But.

Clang!

Jinhyuk deflected the attack aimed at his side.

Immediately, the next attack followed.

Clang! Clang!

Several sword strikes exchanged in less than a second.

Each one aimed at vital points.

Right then.

Cheonyuseong's face twisted even more viciously.

"What... What are you up to?"

"Huh? What?"

"Don't pretend! Your specialty is mid-range, not close combat. Why are you facing me with just a dagger?"

Because they've fought so many times, Cheonyuseong knew Jinhyuk's style.

He preferred to fight at a distance rather than close combat.

That's true.

It is true, but...

"It's enough with this for now."

Since I need to overwhelm him with the sword, I can't use anything else.

Moreover, with the 'Song of the Sword', I can handle him with just a dagger.

Of course, this is from Jinhyuk's perspective.

From Cheonyuseong's perspective, he naturally had to be angry.

"I'll kill you!"

Enraged, Cheonyuseong swung his sword.

***

Clang!

Clang! Clang! Clang!

Dozens... no, hundreds of exchanges took place.

'What is this?'

The longer it went on, the less Cheonyuseong understood the situation.

The optimal battlefield for him.

And the opponent, who was giving up his specialty and engaging in close combat.

All conditions were overwhelmingly in his favor.

He thought he would win easily...

But the balance remained stubbornly even.

And the reason for this was one.

'Swordsmanship?'

It's not just mimicry.

A seasoned skill that felt like it had been honed over countless years.

Moreover, the unconventional and innovative moves that occasionally caught him off guard. Honestly, it was impressive enough to make him admire.

Cheonyuseong stepped back to catch his breath.

He had overused skills in a short time, which took a toll on him.

"I don't know what you did, but it's impressive. To have learned swordsmanship to this level without me knowing."

"I've been practicing recently. It turned out to be more fun than I thought."

More precisely, just a moment ago.

And I learned it from you.

If I said that, this guy would probably flip out.

Jinhyuk's taunt made Cheonyuseong's face stiffen.

"Fine. Even if you gave up your specialty, I would have struggled to face you with just swordsmanship. It was my mistake to be complacent against a monster like you."

He had to admit.

He couldn't win without going all out.

Suddenly, the atmosphere changed.

The straight sword.

From there.

[Cheonyuseong activates Lv6 'Soul Chasing Sword Qi'!]

Swoosh!

A blue magic aura formed along the blade.

The ultimate technique that cuts through everything it touches, 'Sword Qi'.

"Damn. Isn't that a bit much? Using Sword Qi against a beginner who just started learning the sword?"

"Your assumption that you're a beginner is just nonsense."

Cheonyuseong dismissed it with a single stroke.

Boom!

Scattering the sword qi, he charged at Jinhyuk.

Jinhyuk alternated his gaze between Cheonyuseong and the dagger.

'If I face this, I'll be cut to pieces.'

Even a 10-strong sword can't withstand sword qi.

It's not called the strongest for nothing.

Then...

I'll create it.

An ability to counter sword qi.

No, an ability to surpass sword qi.

Jinhyuk picked up the black pill on the rock.

"I will fuse 'Song of the Sword' and 'Demon Soul Pill'."

Whoosh!

As soon as he finished speaking, a blinding light erupted.

[Fusion successful!]

[You have obtained the unique ability 'Grave of Swords (SS)'.]

['Grave of Swords': Understanding of bladed weapons increases by 500%. The body finds the optimal sword path, and all senses reach their peak.]

[One of the essential talents required to earn the title of Sword Demon.]

[The copied ability is stored in 'Memory of the World'.]

If possible...

I wanted to use this ability after absorbing 'Frozen Tears'.

But.

If the opponent pushes it, I have to show something to match.

[The unique ability 'Grave of Swords' is activated.]

Those who reached the pinnacle of swordsmanship became Sword Mastery, but those who broke through the pinnacle became Sword Demon.

The strongest and the worst talent.

That's why no one remembers him.

All that remains is a sword planted on an unnamed grave.

This is the story of that demon.

Rumble!

An unimaginably ominous aura began to surge.

The marble powder on the ground slowly rose into the air.

At that moment.

[Lv1 'Black Moon Night' is activated!]

A black moon enveloped Jinhyuk's dagger.

A crescent moon as dark as pitch, dyeing even the barrier's light.

"W-What kind of ridiculous power is this..."

Cheonyuseong, who was charging, froze in place.

This is...

Dangerous.