“Oh, it seems the opponent has arrived!”
Lost in various thoughts, I soon noticed the tournament opponent had shown up.
“It’s the match between Jo Chan-seok of Mansang Sect and Sacheon Outcast No. 28!”
“Twenty-eight, huh… a rookie?”
“I think I’ve heard about the twenty-seven, but this one seems fresh.”
Mansang Sect, huh… I don’t remember the precise details, but the name rings a bell. Looks like it’s a well-established sect in Sacheon City.
Jo Chan-seok was a warrior from the Iryu sect. Back when I was actively working as a Sacheon outcast, he would have been a formidable opponent I couldn’t underestimate.
Honestly, I thought I could disregard him just because he was bronze-ranked, but for a bronze-level player to bring this level of challenge?
Seems I was underestimating the standard of personal matches.
“This is Jo Chan-seok of Mansang Sect.”
“And I am Sacheon Outcast No. 28.”
As Jo Chan-seok drew his sword, he spoke.
“You’d best not underestimate a hunter’s challenge. If you’re the real Sacheon Outcast, you may be a few steps ahead of me, but how can someone who treats matches casually expect to improve? I shall take the initiative!”
“Wow. You’ve got some spirit!”
“Go ahead, let’s see what you’ve got!”
I chuckled softly. Jo Chan-seok seemed to be a seasoned player in Sacheon City. His display of bravado to the audience felt quite typical of the warriors here.
“Chahap! Mansang Sect!”
With flair, he launched a flashy attack. Ah, it brings me back. That sensation from when I was trying to coordinate with self-proclaimed heroes at the marketplace.
Therefore, I drew my sword.
Swooosh!!
“You’re too clumsy.”
In just a single exchange, I overwhelmed Jo Chan-seok. The harmony of my swift techniques outmatched him entirely, and his sword soared high…
Clang!
Helplessly, it dropped to the training stage.
Muttering softly towards the gaping Jo Chan-seok, I said,
“I didn’t even take a fee from you, buddy. Why would I hold back?”
A free service is something a troublesome customer only realizes after they’ve had their light turned off.
“Sacheon Outcast No. 28 wins!”
“Ugh, that guy’s skills are nothing compared to his bravado.”
“Rather than making a big show, he should have saved it for the real fight.”
Spectators looking for some excitement were left disappointed by the one-sided battle, and Jo Chan-seok fled like a red tomato.
At least with this level, I can probably handle another three matches today.
I’ll aim for a bronze medal.
* *
I swung my sword, feeling alive.
When was the last time I tasted victory? I can’t even remember. Recently, my only sparring was with the Black Cat in our closed session, and… while training within the Jeomchang Faction, I only received sparring guidance from the teachers. As for the thousand-mile illusion technique? That’s just fantasy…
No, wait, this is the first time I’m winning in front of others in Ho Cheon-an’s life, isn’t it?
Before I became a Sacheon Outcast, I was simply swinging my sword to survive amidst real bandits and outcasts. After becoming an outcast myself, I mostly accepted losses for the sake of performances. Once I reached first-rate status, I became too busy training to fight anyone weaker than me.
I haven’t even had experience fighting someone weaker until now.
What a refreshing taste of power!
Zzzziiinnng!!
“Urgh!”
Jo Chan-seok’s attempt to respond only resulted in him staggering back. Looking at his distorted expression made me think,
This feels exhilarating.
So this is why high-tier players log in under bronze IDs to rack up ten, twenty kills. Can’t I make alternate accounts for personal matches? I want to enjoy this more.
“Chahap!”
Finally catching his breath, Jo Chan-seok attempted a counter. As I dodged his strike, I remarked,
“You’re slow.”
Falling into the zhenwei (martial art), I unleashed the technique with keen precision.
Swish!
With a singular masterful strike from the zhenwei technique, I swept past him. Unable to withstand such refined swordplay, Jo Chan-seok dropped to his knees without a clue.
Thud.
“Even falling is a defeat.”
He was rendered powerless. He might still have energy for a spar, but after that last zhenwei strike, the match was decided.
My sword had already severed his fighting spirit.
Swishing back my blade into its sheath, I said,
“Rest easy. I struck you with the flat of my sword.”
The judge’s voice followed.
“Winner! Sacheon Outcast No. 28!”
“Phew.”
I took a moment to reflect on the indifference of victory.
Was my coldness startling to the Black Cat?
When I turned around, I noticed she was already far off, avoiding eye contact fiercely, turning her head this way and that.
“Seems winning the bronze is easy.”
“I’ll be challenging for the silver starting tomorrow, so you must come to watch again.”
I thought about expressing my gratitude to the audience for watching my matches tomorrow, but that felt like overstepping.
“They’ll need to issue the bronze medals, so please follow me, Sacheon Outcast No. 28.”
As I walked toward the officiating building with the judge, naturally, Black Cat trailed behind, pinching my side.
“Ouch! That hurts!”
“Senior! You should be a little embarrassed! If you keep acting like that tomorrow, I’ll just rest at the inn!”
“Is that so? A day off isn’t a bad choice.”
“Ugh.”
“How about you take the chance to challenge someone in the ranking matches?”
“No thanks.”
The Black Cat is now undoubtedly a Peak Expert. Though it hasn’t been long since she reached that level, she trained alongside me during our closed sessions. Throughout the winter, she honed her skills, and now she’s become well-versed in the peak stage of martial arts. In Sacheon City, she probably has only two worthy rivals.
The intermediary, who had reported to the judge, vanished briefly before returning with the bronze medal.
“Here is your bronze medal. It’s composed of two pieces, with one side sealed in wax, so don’t break the seal.”
“What’s the seal for?”
“You might not know, but there’s been a rise in counterfeits with these mineral tokens. There’s a number inside that proves your token is authentic, and if that gets out, your token loses its certification.”
“Ahh.”
I never imagined they’d have counterfeiting measures in place. So soon, counterfeiters are starting to pop up…
“Now the Tang Clan ranks them from bronze to platinum.”
“Huh? How did you know? These days, kids beg for platinum tokens incessantly…”
I was left speechless.
“Oh, and if you’re thinking of challenging for the silver rank, you’d better make a reservation first.”
“A reservation?”
“Unlike bronze, it’s not easy to set up an instant match with those holding silver tokens. If you’re looking to challenge someone, you better find an opponent beforehand.”
After all, even the warriors competing in ranked matches have lives. It’s odd to see them loitering around the fighting area all the time.
“In that case, I’ll apply for a reservation.”
“Understood. Just know there’s a chance you won’t find an opponent.”
Silver rank opponents, huh.
“They must be first-rate fighters, right?”
“Considering today’s matches, that seems likely.”
My heart raced. Objectively speaking, I’m strong within the first-rate ranks. Honestly, I could probably rise to gold with ease since most of the outcasts here are at least gold-ranked or higher.
However, the silver tier is still a first-rate level, so I can’t help but be excited. Since we’re on equal grounds, winning would certainly feel better, and I might pick up a thing or two.
I wonder what kind of lines I’ll throw at my opponents tomorrow.
After all, the opponent is me, right? “I lost, but I fought well”?
“…Honestly, Senior, if you pull something weird tomorrow again, I’ll just leave for the special fighting arena!”
The Black Cat poked me insistently in the side.
“What?”
“It’s embarrassing!”
As I playfully bickered with the Black Cat, we finally arrived at the Outcast Inn.
“Long time no see, Honorable Person.”
Yeo Il-ye greeted me warmly.
* *
“Did you wrap up your business well?”
“Yes, the traveling money you sent was a great help.”
“It wasn’t just benevolence; I mentioned it was a compensation for your work.”
“Ha ha, you’re still the same.”
Yeo Il-ye seemed different somehow. There was a newfound warmth, almost like her capacity has grown. It felt like a fresh change from the last moment we parted.
“Your growth is impressive. I heard rumors about your achievements and guessed you were studying in the Jeomchang Faction, but I never imagined you’d progress this much…”
“Ha ha. A slight achievement, indeed.”
“And… Black Cat has achieved quite a bit too.”
“Thanks to Great Hero Hyeok Gi-rin, I’ve been given significant help.”
The eyes of Yeo Il-ye and Black Cat crossed. Speaking of which, these two… it’d be an understatement to say they were uncomfortable with each other.
“Thank you for the information you provided.”
“No need to worry about it. I benefited substantially from it as well.”
However, now there were some connections between the two. Firstly, they collaborated to eliminate Yeo Il-ye’s enemies in Sacheon City, achieving a common goal, and there was a mutual acquaintance in Hyeok Gi-rin tying them together.
Neither seemed hostile toward the other, but they also clearly showed no desire for friendship.
“So… do you plan to return to the Jeomchang Faction now?”
“Is that what you think?”
A mischievous smile danced on Yeo Il-ye’s lips. That memory suddenly flickered back to me.
It tasted sweet…
No, that’s not what I meant.
“Since I’ve repaid my grievances, I should also repay my kindness. It’d be best if I can help you to a degree.”
“That is…”
Just as I was about to say something, Black Cat reached out, stopping me.
“Hmm. You’ve been away from the sect for quite a while. Isn’t returning to the sect your priority?”
“Oh?”
The gazes of Black Cat and Yeo Il-ye met.
