Chapter 38
38 – Imperial Sword Technique.
Nam Hye-rin exerted all her power.
Imperial Sword Technique.
The swordsmanship of ascension could not succeed unless one exerted their full power.
A decisive technique that drew upon every bit of inner energy, lifting it all up for use.
“In the first place, using the Imperial Sword Technique is impossible. Because, in your terms… it’s a sword technique that can only be achieved after reaching a certain level of prestige,” Han Seo-jin’s words hinted.
In the first place.
Nam Hye-rin was a technique she shouldn’t be able to reach.
The Imperial Sword Technique that Han Seo-jin easily explained. In a short period, he had created a physique that could withstand it by stuffing his body with good herbs.
However, even if it was forcibly matched, she was still lacking in skill.
So, just once.
Nam Hye-rin made her move.
Or should it be said…
She couldn’t control the power.
That was the nature of the ascension technique.
The level of engraving oneself in the world.
It was about bringing out one’s inner image, overturning the laws of the world.
“No, it can’t be.”
Namgoong Miryeo must not die.
Even if she were to die, she shouldn’t die like this.
At the moment when everyone around her was astonished, Han Seojin pursed her lips.
“I’ve been thinking since I saw her last time.”
Principal.
Remembering the first time she saw her.
Childlike behavior.
She had quite an insight into such matters.
“She said it was a forced promotion.”
With such abilities, it’s not surprising for her to rise to the level of a transcendent being.
Sssk.
Something tore.
Into an empty space.
The only way to describe it was that the space was torn.
A black line was drawn there, and then a white finger emerged.
[That. Only.]
It was a voice that filled the space itself.
Within a radius of 1km, anyone could hear the voice.
“This… is a transcendent being created beyond the inherent characteristics.”
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Han Seojin smiled.
As if wielding the [Power of Gods].
However, it was not using the sanctity of a person.
A power built and meticulously piled up like a tower by oneself.
Kwoong!
Immaterial waves surrounded everything. As if time in the world had come to a halt, everything was [fixed].
The sword trying to pierce Nam Gung Mireyo came to a stop.
And the white fingers disappeared with a swish.
The intangible force that fixed themselves as well.
The audience was silent.
As if they had seen something sacred and unseen, their eyes looked around.
“W-what just happened?”
“It’s the intervention of a transcendent… Those recognized as inviolable by the principal’s territory weren’t here for nothing.”
“We witnessed something precious!”
A commotion arose.
Most were interested in the transcendent ability used by the principal, but others were different.
Those who saw the transcendence had the chance, but for those witnessing Nam Hyelin’s sword, it was their first time.
They scrutinized Nam Hyelin’s sword.
“That girl’s sword, isn’t it strange?”
“It was a blade force that achieved the extreme circulation of energy. If an average high or even top-grade martial artist takes that head-on, it wouldn’t be surprising if they were sent flying.”
—
“The trembling aura around the sword itself is dangerous, isn’t it? But what we should really focus on is how it overwhelmed its surroundings, like an emperor.”
The gaze of the person who uttered the last words was noticed.
Swordsmanship.
If it were something else, I wouldn’t know, but if it’s his words about the sword, they are trustworthy.
“Imperial Sword Style!!”
“Oh my goodness, was that the Imperial Sword Style just now? It wasn’t a simulation?”
“That sword-crazy maniac might not know about other things, but he is knowledgeable about swords.”
“So, does that mean the girl named Nam Hye-rin restored the Imperial Sword Style?”
Everyone’s gaze shifted towards Nam Hye-rin at the last words.
Amazement and praise. Jealousy and malice.
Or glances mixed with suspicion.
In an instant, an intense interest poured down on Nam Hye-rin.
In the midst of it all, the judge scanned the audience and declared the winner.
“…The winner is Nam Hye-rin.”
It was Nam Hye-rin’s victory.
*
Unified battles are always a spectacle.
But this time, there were even more things to see.
Nam Hye-rin led the first-year golden generation to clash with the third-year students.
“It was a great match.”
“…Jo, it was a good match.”
Seon Woo-hyun emerged victorious.
“Yahoo! I won! VV!”
“….”
Yoo Eun-chae, also known as the Problem Child, won.
“Hoo, that jerk is sulking.”
“You, you!!”
Seo Bo-ram won.
“Wh-why isn’t my magic working!!”
“It’s not even worth grumbling about.”
Shin Yu-ra won.
Winning, winning, they all won.
Every student of Han Seo-jin.
They all were acknowledged to have tremendous potential, surpassing even the third-year golden age.
But they were the previous golden age.
They were all exceptional compared to the first-year students, but they didn’t surpass the second years.
“It’s unbelievable.”
A languid voice.
“All of them have unbelievably improved their skills. The period between the midterms and the joint battle was only a month and a half.”
“Some of them showed a difference between the entrance ceremony and the midterms, but that can be understood as the academy’s ‘baptism.'”
This has become too intense.
Their bodies have indeed become stronger, but they all mock their opponents lightly.
It’s not that they are putting all their power into it, but it’s a fact that there are things hidden, something you can clearly know.
“It seems like the report didn’t go as well as expected.”
“Most of those who actually receive education tend to gloss over it. Still, this is too much…”
“It seems like we need to edit the budget again.”
“In two years, the day they are released into the market is anticipated.”
Words from an academy official.
As much as the academy invests, the more they receive a good market value, the more the amount they receive increases.
If they show such expectations, Han Seojin will likely recover the budget she tore apart and even have some left.
The academy official smiled with satisfaction.
*
“Oh, who’s this? Isn’t it our head professor?”
Approaching with a bright smile.
“Is there something you want to drink? Anything you say.”
“You seem to be in a good mood. Make me a fantastic hot chocolate.”
“You really say anything. Well, it exists, but…”
As the principal clapped his hands, a glass bottle appeared on the table.
It was a hot chocolate with plenty of chocolate and chocolate syrup sprinkled.
As I took a sip, my mouth was filled with a sweet taste.
“Our principal, you’re quite skilled, aren’t you.”
“Well, I am quite skilled.”
“I saw what you did at the stadium.”
“…And you’re not surprised by that?”
“I’ve had quite a bit of experience.”
The principal’s violet eyes turned towards me.
‘What else are you hiding?’ It was as if he was scrutinizing me.
“Hmm, you really aren’t just boasting. By any chance, are you older than me, Seo Ji?”
“My apologies.”
“No, why the solemn expression…?”
I may be a peerless genius with both literary and military talents, but still, if someone over twice my age asks if they’re older than me, it’s a bit much.
“Anyway, it’s beyond imagination. Did you really think I could outdo the kids with basic techniques and strategies?”
“But it was dazzling, wasn’t it?”
“…No, did you really get angry just because I said I’m older than you?”
He shrugged and smiled, and the principal’s face became even more enigmatic.
“Hmm, judging by how sensitive you are about age, it’s clear that you’re younger than me. So, are you perhaps 70? 80?”
“…?”
“No, are we going even lower here?”
He looked at me incredulously, with a look of disbelief.
“Anyway, I want to talk about something different.”
“Yeah, sure. I have something I want to talk about too.”
“Okay, let me start.”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“Even if I don’t say it out loud, do you think we’ve really raised our kids well?”
“Wait a minute. I’m the one who allocated a lot of the budget for that….”
“Oh, come on. If we’re going to get into that, I could have raised them even without the budget.”
“No, I already took 5% of the budget!! That’s a huge amount of money! It’s the annual disposable budget for a small country, you know?”
“That’s not pocket money. Besides, if we want to upgrade the training room and various other things, we’ll need more money.”
“What exactly do you want to do?”
“Just putting some magic essence in one room.”
“…Do you know how dangerous that is?”
“I’m aware.”
“That will take some time. It’s not impossible, but we also don’t know how effective it will be, and more importantly, how risky it is for the kids.”
“It’s possible, right? Just looking at that side, they seem to belong to a confident lineage.”
“…Even if my spatial manipulation ability is excellent, it requires a permanent enchantment.”
“It’s possible.”
I pointed at myself.
“With my ability.”
Originally, it couldn’t have been possible.
However, in this battle, I harnessed the power of my unique characteristics.
“…Think about it for a moment. Is this your final decision?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Then, let me state my opinion.”
“Go ahead.”
“I have a request for you… and for your students.”
“A request?”
He tilted his head and his eyes sparkled.
It seems like he’s trying to create a pretext for exerting his influence.
‘If I play this right, I can gain even more leverage…’
I looked at the headmaster.
He seemed cheerful, but also slightly annoyed.
If it was all just a joke until now, and if I go a little further, it might reveal his true nature.
‘Hmm, is this as far as it goes?’
Containing the influence in the first place is an enormous and laborious task, so maybe I should be satisfied with this.
“So, what is the request?”
Just then.
Instead of speaking, the headmaster flicked his finger.
A hologram appeared between the headmaster and me.
It was a map.
The principal originally pointed to Incheon on the map.
“Incheon. This is where Nam Gungsae’s land is.”
“…Nam Gungsae.”
“It’s where Nam Hyelin was persecuted. The article she wrote this time, it’s about the Emperor Sword trial, right?”
“That’s right.”
The principal’s expression changed at my confirmation.
“They’ll probably use this as an excuse to harass Nam Hyelin. It shouldn’t be the case, but because they annoy me a lot, should I take up the case and investigate?”
“Annoy?”
“Yeah. They can’t forget their experience as local nobles, so they treat local people like their own. They don’t even pay them properly.”
“The Nam Gung family has always been like that.”
“…Anyway, the government is really eager this time. Oh Daese is in power, and it’s understandable that they are cautious, but I can’t stand a single family below them acting up.”
“So, the request is?”
“Just bring one of Nam Gung’s faults. Something that seems quite fatal. Then I’ll take care of everything.”
“Will you be the one to step up?”
“If I step up, it will be over, but then I’ll have a lot on my plate.”
“But won’t people recognize me as your person, Principal?”
“That’s fine.”
The principal smiled gently.
“I can push it through with my power.”
“So, as long as I don’t step up directly.”
I crossed my legs.
I took another sip of the chocolate latte. It feels like my head is spinning a bit better now.
“How much can you cover during the process of exposing Chi Bu?”
“All of it.”
The principal said with a smile.
‘All of it.’
I grinned.
That was originally my plan.
Breaking Nam Hye-rin’s sword, the one belonging to that girl, Nam Gung Mi-re.
It can’t just be broken.
Her pride had to be completely shattered.
That’s why I passed on the Imperial Swordsmanship to her.
I wanted to crush Nam Gung’s pride.
‘But.’
If it goes like this, the story will change again.
Breaking Nam Gung.
Isn’t it saying I can really do it directly?
“I accept the request. Will that establish the contract for the task?”
“I can’t do much. Maybe just a regular room?”
“That’s fine.”
I didn’t have high expectations for the proposal I just glanced at.
“I was planning to do something other than Yeongmaek.”
Even I have a conscience, so I thought it was a bit too much to ask Yeongmaek to do that.
“If it’s Yeongmaek, anything would be beneficial.”
“Then I’ll consider taking on the request.”
“I’ll leave it to you, customer.”
“Sigh… Please show me more respect from now on, Chief Professor. Maybe it’s because you have a good-looking face. It makes me feel good.”
“Yes, yes.”
*
“Let go of my hand.”
“Hey, Hye-rin.”
It was noisy outside.
Nam Hye-rin was being held by someone.
It was a middle-aged man.
But his face was quite neat. In his younger days, he must have been quite popular with the ladies.
“If Nam Hye-rin and Nam Gung Mire’s faces are here.”
Then is that person Nam Gung’s master?
Tall stature, long legs, and hands. Even if he were a model, it wouldn’t be surprising.
But there’s a strong aura.
His eyes are murky, and his posture is not upright.
Is that Namgoong’s guest?
I almost burst out laughing.
As I approached, the expressions of the two changed.
The guest looked uncomfortable, and Nam Hye-rin’s face turned pale.
“Professor!”
“You’re the professor who taught our Hye-rin?”
He says with a bright smile.
It seemed to be filled with sticky malice.
“But?”
“…Your tone is not polite.”
“You have no manners, and you have no talent. Rude, murky, and full of negative energy on that subject.”
“I’ve figured it out since you came closer.”
A color that feeds on the opponent’s energy.
“Do you believe in the principal, or the Iron Blood Swordsmen? How long will they protect you?”
“It’s a stale threat. If the Iron Blood Swordsmen and the principal fought with you, whose side do you think they would take? It seems like you’ve not only devoured a few women.”
“…!”
The expression changed. I felt a chill for a moment.
Considering the contemplative expression, it seemed like they might even be contemplating killing us here.
“Are you planning to fight us here? If you can’t kill with one move, the headmaster will rush in like a raging storm, and both your family and ours will be implicated.”
“…I apologize.”
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As if he had second thoughts, he released his grip on Nam Hye-rin.
He looked at me, as if trying to figure out who I was.
“But I’d like to offer you a piece of advice.”
“I’ve never survived by taking anyone’s advice.”
“Don’t act arrogantly. Namgung’s influence extends everywhere.”
“Can I offer some advice too? Is there anyone afraid of a broken and rusty sword?”
“…Ig!”
Seemingly angry, but he doesn’t go all the way.
Thank goodness.
If I draw a sword here, I might not see the scene I desire.
“Hyelin, let’s go.”
“Yes, Professor!”
Nam Hye-rin came towards me at my words.
He looked at Namgung Gaju.
Jealousy, greed, lust, and resentment.
All sorts of emotions were mixed as he watched us.
Perhaps in my imagination, I’ve been killed dozens of times.
“Well, imagination is free.”
I, too, am anticipating.
The day we’ll meet again.