The Return of the Talented Monopolist is Special

Time passed swiftly, and before long, Eugene had turned 12.

“Happy birthday, Eugene.”

“Thank you.”

“Eat before it gets cold.”

“Yes.”

Clink.

Eugene and Lilian began their meal.

The atmosphere was somewhat stiff for a conversation between mother and son, but both seemed used to it.

“Don’t you want anything for your birthday?”

“Hmm, not really. I’ll let you know if I think of something.”

“When you were a baby, just shaking a rattle would make you happy. Now you’re all grown up, huh? Hoho.”

Lilian chuckled softly as she looked at Eugene.

Since his mental age was already 30, it was difficult for Eugene to act like a child and seek attention from his mother.

Lilian didn’t know that, but she thought Eugene’s behavior was just his nature and left it at that.

As Lilian spooned some soup, she asked Eugene.

“Are you going to the training grounds today too? Maybe you should rest on a day like today.”

Eugene had started training as soon as he could walk.

Whether it was secretly or officially, he never neglected his physical training.

Especially after finding a martial arts teacher five years ago, he had become even more enthusiastic.

Thanks to this, Eugene had much stronger muscles and a more robust physique than children his age. This was the result of endless training and the effects of his “Mokkwang” (spiritual sense).

The fragile body he had in his past life was now a thing of the past.

But Eugene was not satisfied.

“It’s fine. If I’m going to do it, I might as well do it consistently.”

“Well, the determination is exactly like your father’s. Guess I’ll have to accept it.”

The reason Eugene had invited a martial arts teacher and had undergone rigorous training for years was simple.

*‘I need to pass the Trial of the Lion.’*

It was the “Trial of the Lion,” a bloodline proof ceremony held in the northern region, at the Penchel family’s estate.

Just as he had planned five years ago, Eugene needed to pass this trial to receive the Crowdsword-style (Crown-sword) two-sword technique.

In fact, Eugene had attempted this trial in his past life as well.

Although his body had been weak back then, he thought that if he trained and was recognized as a member of the Penchel family, something would change, so he had decided to challenge the trial.

Of course, Jade’s encouragement had been a big reason for his decision to try.

However, during the trial, Eugene had been severely injured, which led to a complete fallout between Lilian and Jade.

This time, Eugene was determined to pass the trial, be recognized as a member of the Penchel family, and learn the two-sword technique.

*‘On top of that, I’ll restore my mother’s relationship with my grandfather. It’s no good for me if the Penchel family and I grow distant.’*

The Penchel family held immense power and strength.

Only by being close to them could Eugene receive support from the family.

Having finished calculating this in his mind, Eugene got ready to leave.

* * *

Marcus and the three men were gathered in the training grounds, waiting for Eugene. The three men were martial arts instructors hired to help Eugene with his training.

Five years ago, the Robert family had hired a dozen martial arts instructors, and these were the ones who had remained.

Many had wanted to continue as Eugene’s teacher, but for various reasons, only these three remained.

They weren’t just martial arts teachers—they wanted to be Eugene’s *only* teacher, and every day they competed among themselves for that role.

Today was no different.

Marcus scanned each of them in turn.

First, ‘Geumgeom’.

With long black hair untied and a headband, he was a free-spirited knight who matched his outward appearance with a carefree personality.

When he first joined the Robert family, it was for the money.

However, after witnessing Eugene’s brilliant talent firsthand, he began to think about taking on a disciple for the first time.

It had already been five years.

But Eugene had repeatedly turned down Geumgeom’s offers to become his disciple.

His skills were comparable to those of a 7-star knight.

‘His personality is a bit rough, but his swordsmanship is high-level, and his free training methods suited Eugene well.’

Geumgeom was the martial arts teacher Eugene had followed the most. Because of that, Geumgeom had a special affection for Eugene.

Marcus briefly shifted his gaze to the man standing next to him.

Second, ‘Gungwi’.

With sharp eyes, Gungwi had a background similar to Geumgeom’s. He was an elite mercenary who had been captivated by Eugene’s talent.

He was an expert in monster hunting and highly knowledgeable, claiming that Eugene’s calmness and sharp mind were well-suited for monster hunting.

Gungwi had also stayed in the Robert family for five years and had been eyeing Eugene. As a result, he often clashed with Geumgeom over Eugene.

His skill was in the late stages of 6-star.

‘He does tend to focus a bit too much on monster hunting. But his expertise in defending against unexpected attacks and his fast footwork were enough to awaken Eugene’s potential.’

Gungwi was also a highly skilled martial artist, teaching Eugene different techniques and strengths that Geumgeom could not.

Finally, the third, ‘Tugwi’.

With thick lips, dark skin, and a very taciturn personality, Tugwi had spent his entire life focusing on body techniques, walking the path of ascetic training.

He had come to the Robert family to earn money for his daughter’s medical bills, and now his daughter was much better and healthy.

However, he was grateful for Eugene’s talent and kindness, and he had willingly stayed by Eugene’s side.

He also seemed to hope that his body techniques would be passed down through Eugene, tying his daughter’s legacy to Eugene’s.

It had been five years since he had stayed at the Robert family. His skill was on par with a 7-star knight.

‘Though he’s too silent, which can be frustrating, his straightforward and orthodox training methods have helped Eugene remain steady and unshaken.’

As Eugene had observed, the three teachers did their best from their respective positions and were the greatest help to him.

They had spent five long years with Eugene, enduring many hardships and training together.

The three men stood with their arms crossed, eagerly awaiting Eugene’s appearance.

“What should we teach today? What would benefit our young master the most… wait a second—”

Geumgeom muttered.

“I’ll be teaching our young master today. What are you talking about? You’re wasting your efforts.”

Gungwi retorted.

“…Ahem!”

Tugwi cleared his throat and silently awaited Eugene.

Marcus glanced at them and shook his head in amusement.

‘I thought they only came here for the money at first, but now they’re all ready to offer their arms to take Eugene as their disciple. Ha.’

Of course, Eugene was truly remarkable.

Marcus, unknowingly smiling like a proud father, snapped back to reality and spoke.

“By the way, Geumgeom, didn’t your contract end quite a while ago? Why are you still lingering here like a vengeful spirit?”

Marcus asked, knowing the answer, because he found the situation amusing.

At that, Geumgeom raised both hands to his waist.

“Vengeance! People, even if they speak of it… well, I still have plenty to teach the young master! Training itself… When you learn the back, you adjust the front, and when you adjust the front, you must revisit the back…”

“I get it. I get it. Gungwi, I assume you’re the same, right?”

Gungwi scratched his chin.

“The monsters are everywhere and can appear at any time. New monsters are discovered every year, so I, Gungwi, am the true heir who should stay by Young Master Eugene’s side, don’t you think?”

Geumgeom was getting angry.

“Monsters? That’s nothing. You just tear them apart. Why are you following him around like a puppy?”

“Shut your mouth. You’re about to make yourself look foolish.”

“Foolish? I’d rather be foolish and strong than be a clever fool like you.”

“Ah, this guy…!”

Watching the two bicker over who would claim Eugene as their disciple, Marcus sighed deeply.

And then, finally, Tugwi spoke.

“…I have my own purpose. The commander of the knight order knows this.”

He preemptively took the lead.

But Marcus tilted his head.

‘What purpose… I don’t know…’

At that moment.

– Creak.

Eugene appeared at the training ground.

As soon as he did, the three men greeted him warmly and rushed over.

Despite their positions as teachers, they didn’t run, but their hurried steps and the aura they carried clearly revealed their intentions.

“Young Master Eugene! Today, I, Geumgeom, will teach you my special technique, something far stronger than anything these two weaklings can offer—”

“Shut up, Geumgeom. What Young Master needs is practical, real-life training. I caught a monster today, and I suggest we use it for some live combat training—”

“You’re both idiots. I’m the best.”

Eugene shook his head.

“Wait, wait, teachers. I get it, I get it, but let me say something too.”

“Go ahead! Who will you train with today?”

“A wise choice can change one’s life.”

“You’re both idiots. I’m the best.”

With a bitter look on his face, Eugene spoke.

“I’m going to the North. I won’t be able to see you much anymore.”

“……!”

“……!”

“……”

Geumgeom, Gungwi, and Tugwi were stunned, frozen in shock.

Eugene, too, had grown attached to them over the years, so it was with a heavy heart that he made this announcement.

“Sorry for telling you like this, teachers.”

“Ah….”

The three teachers, unable to speak, awkwardly forced smiles.

But then Geumgeom, desperately grasping at any hope, stammered.

“Wait a moment, would Eugene still want to go to the North after seeing this technique? Huh? Haha…!”

Suddenly, Geumgeom rushed to the center of the training ground and demonstrated his swordsmanship.

Swish, ssshh—!

The sword’s afterimage formed a crescent moon shape. A hundred crescents left their marks in the air, shining as if they could blind the eyes.

“Geumwolbaekcham (Gold Moon Hundred Slashes), my special technique that can cut down a hundred people with one strike! This is far better than going to the North—!”

Gungwi and Tugwi, watching the Geumwolbaekcham, had their eyes wide open in awe.

“Wait, isn’t that a secret technique? You’re showing everything now?”

“Oooh…”

The Geumwolbaekcham was a highly advanced technique Geumgeom had been hiding, one that he had prepared to teach Eugene when he became his disciple.

However, Eugene silently walked over to Geumgeom, stood by his side, and immediately demonstrated the same technique.

Swish, ssshh—!

The exact same sound of the sword splitting the air rang out.

Of course, the power wasn’t as strong as the one Geumgeom, a 7-star knight, had unleashed, but Eugene had become a monster who could perfectly replicate any technique he saw, and no one on the continent could match his ability to mimic.

It wasn’t just that.

Eugene’s movements as he mimicked Geumgeom’s Geumwolbaekcham were strangely different from Geumgeom’s own.

While the upper body movements were identical to Geumgeom’s—fluid, unconventional, and free-flowing, capturing the essence of Geumgeom’s swordsmanship—the lower body and footwork, however, were lighter, more agile, and far livelier, resembling Gungwi’s movements rather than Geumgeom’s.

Because of this, the harmony between the upper and lower body could have easily fallen out of sync.

But—

*Crack—*

As Eugene finished the Geumwolbaekcham and stood up, there wasn’t even the slightest wobble.

This was due to the core strength developed by Tugwi’s disciplined training.

What Eugene had imagined five years ago, the unique combination of traits from his three teachers, had now become his own distinctive posture and martial arts style, deeply ingrained in his body.

“……Ah.”

Geumgeom was speechless, while Gungwi and Tugwi sat down on the ground, dumbfounded.

“My little Eugene… is leaving…”

In truth, Gungwi and Tugwi had already run out of things to teach Eugene.

Eugene gave his teachers one last look and forced a bitter smile.

‘Thank you for everything. I… need to rise higher.’

Eugene, as if to sever ties with them, deliberately bowed deeply in gratitude.

“Thank you.”

Then, he turned and walked away without a second glance.

The three men, along with Marcus, understood the deeper meaning behind Eugene’s cold demeanor.

In the training ground, after Eugene’s departure, Geumgeom, Gungwi, and Tugwi huddled together.

“What should we do?”

“What do we do now?”

“…Hmm.”

Geumgeom opened his mouth.

“We can’t just let Eugene be taken by the North.”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

“Eugene is like our own child. Even if he goes to the Pencel family, he’ll still be our disciple.”

“So, we must protect him until the end.”

“That’s right. I agree.”

However, no matter how respected they were, it would be impractical for all three of them to go charging to the Pencel family.

As they anxiously discussed possible solutions, Marcus, who had been watching from the side, gave them a simple suggestion.

“In the trial of the Lion, one additional person can accompany the candidate as a servant.”

A servant.

Given their extraordinary abilities, it was an undignified suggestion for them, but…

“…For Young Master, being a servant might be acceptable.”

All three of them shared a look, and their eyes sparkled with a new determination.

“Let’s choose one.”

“Criteria?”

“Just like usual.”

The last one standing on two feet will be the winner.

That day, the training ground of the Robel family echoed with a violent noise.

* * *

Richard, Lilian, and Eugene sat in front of the magic stove in the living room, talking.

“As you probably guessed, I want to go to the North. I want to take the trial of the Lion.”

“……”

Lilian remained silent, sipping her tea.

She had seen Eugene train without fail every day, so this was expected. However, her concern was inevitable.

“…Are you sure?”

“Yes. It’s my decision to go.”

Lilian wrapped her arms around Eugene’s shoulders and sighed softly.

As a parent, sometimes she couldn’t help but feel pity for him, wondering what was driving him so hard.

But…

Eugene smiled.

“I’ll come back as someone greater.”

Lilian nodded.

“The trial is in a week. You do know that, right? Are you sure you’re saying this now?”

“Yes, I know. If you hadn’t approved, I was planning to go secretly.”

Richard burst out laughing.

“Haha! Luckily, the plan to run away is off the table. Thank goodness.”

Lilian smacked Richard’s arm.

“What are you saying?”

“Oops, my mistake, my mistake.”

Though this situation resembled the past life, one thing was clearly different from before.

‘I am different now.’

It was Eugene’s body and mindset.

Thus, Eugene’s journey to the North was set in motion.

The return of the talent monopolizer is special.