Chapter 69 - The Former Rascal's Bimu (2)

Im Seong-jun took a deep breath and drew his sword.

His Bimu opponent was Song Ju-seok, the successor of the Cheolyeong Sword Family.

‘What a shitty tradition.’

Im Seong-jun did not like this situation.

Why did the brats from prestigious families always sacrifice someone for their own grand debut?

Moreover, today's Bimu was a day where that detestable evil custom was maximized.

The numerous guests from various prestigious families and the reporters dispatched from media outlets.

He knew well that his role in front of them was that of a bloody sacrificial lamb.

“I look forward to a good match. Your name was Im Seong-jun, was it?”

Song Ju-seok belatedly came up onto the stage and spoke to him for the first time.

To treat a guest who had come a long way like this.

It was clear that he was treating him as a passing extra.

Just looking at his tone and expression said so.

Such an appearance was just disgusting.

“I also look forward to a good match. Your name was Song Ju-seok, was it?”

Im Seong-jun retorted in the same way.

Of course, Song Ju-seok just sneered.

“Interesting.”

“I don't find it very interesting.”

“…Is that so?”

Song Ju-seok's expression hardened coldly.

He was already in a bad mood because of Seo Ji-han, whom he had just met, and Im Seong-jun, who was his unit member, was also not to his liking.

Thus, he made a resolution.

To give him a huge public humiliation.

The Bimu began without delay.

Im Seong-jun gathered his mind.

Although he was chosen as today's sacrificial lamb, he had no intention of following the script that everyone expected.

He planned to struggle as much as possible and splash mud all over Song Ju-seok.

So that the arrogant young master could not have the grand debut he had planned.

“Hoo.”

Im Seong-jun controlled his breathing, moved his feet cautiously, and maintained his distance.

‘I have to drag him into my pace.’

For now, he decided to follow what he had practiced with Seo Ji-han.

He didn't know if it would truly be effective in today's Bimu, but his teachings were definitely special.

He had acted as a virtual Song Ju-seok and presented a customized strategy.

And it had been ridiculously effective in certain situations throughout their practice.

Of course, today's Bimu would be very different from practice.

Seo Ji-han was not Song Ju-seok, and the scene they had practiced so many times was unlikely to be reproduced exactly the same in the Bimu.

Chae-aeng!

Chae-ae-aeng!

As sword met sword, a rough metallic sound echoed through the training ground.

There was certainly a difference in the intensity of the mana imbued in the swords.

The tremor transmitted to his palm through the sword was no joke.

This was the reason why Song Ju-seok had been able to beat him and take the top spot in the license exam.

He could feel the power of the mana heart technique that the Cheolyeong Sword Family prided itself on.

Kwaaaaaang!

Im Seong-jun was pushed back a step by the soft yet heavy attack.

Even as he blocked the sword, admiration escaped him.

A sword style where strength and softness coexisted.

But there was another reason why Im Seong-jun was truly amazed.

‘It's familiar.’

Song Ju-seok's attack style was surprisingly familiar.

Of course, today was the first time he had met this guy.

And it wasn't as if he had crossed swords with people from the Cheolyeong Sword Family before.

Therefore, the conclusion was clear.

During the Bimu preparations, Seo Ji-han had perfectly become a virtual Song Ju-seok.

Chaeng!

The two men's swords clashed in the air once more.

In an instant, Song Ju-seok slid in and attempted a second attack.

It was a soft yet fast movement. But.

‘I can see it.’

Surprisingly, this fast movement was clearly imprinted in his eyes as if it were in slow motion.

Because it was so familiar.

The scene they had practiced so many times was being reenacted exactly as it was.

Whoosh!

Im Seong-jun unconsciously extended his sword.

With a momentary surge of mana, the sword drew a refreshing arc, and the tip of the sword pierced Song Ju-seok's hand.

Shwaak!

“Heop!”

As red blood splattered, gasps filled the venue.

A development no one had expected.

This was a kind of accident, and Song Ju-seok's expression was stiff.

Even Im Seong-jun himself, who had succeeded in the attack, felt a violent emotional turmoil wash over him belatedly.

‘No way!’

Was Seo Ji-han some kind of god?

At that moment, his eyes met with his, who was watching him from outside the stage.

That gaze that said this situation was only natural.

‘I have no idea!’

But for now, he decided to accept it.

Because the bloodstain on Song Ju-seok's hand was a clear reality.

“…I don't mind stopping here.”

Im Seong-jun looked at Song Ju-seok and feigned composure.

Of course, his inner thoughts were completely different.

Because an order had been delivered not to end it simply.

“Continue!!”

Song Ju-seok repositioned his sword and answered briefly.

Strong anger was embedded in his agitated tone.

“That's a relief.”

“What?”

“Nothing.”

Im Seong-jun gave a sneering smile.

He could now believe the meaning of what Seo Ji-han had said.

‘He said it was a fight I was bound to win.’

At first, he thought it was absurd.

It was true that he was skeptical until the Bimu began.

Because it was all too clear that he was at a disadvantage in terms of strength compared to Song Ju-seok.

But now he could be sure.

That this was a fight he would definitely win.

‘It's not because I'm stronger, but…’

It didn't matter at all.

Only a thrill washed over him at the thought of throwing a big middle finger at this shitty tradition.

***

Our role today was that of the villain.

Crashing the festival prepared by the Cheolyeong Sword Family.

After the Bimu ended, a chilly atmosphere lingered around the training ground.

The boisterous party atmosphere was nowhere to be found.

‘It was brutal.’

Song Ju-seok had been slowly crumbling throughout the Bimu.

Every time Im Seong-jun launched a decisive counterattack, a new wound was carved into his body.

His pride in not giving up until the end was worthy of praise, but that was all.

The Cheolyeong Sword Family and Song Ju-seok lost too much today.

“Good work.”

The head of the Cheolyeong Sword Family gave me only a brief greeting.

“Thanks to you, our side has also learned a lot.”

I bowed my head lightly towards him.

“I'm not feeling well today, so I won't be able to see you off. There will be no meeting between the two families either, so feel free to look around and then return.”

And then he left immediately without looking back.

No matter how much I was just a mere unit leader, it was clearly a discourteous behavior.

Rosie looked annoyed at that sight.

“Ji-han Unit Leader. Should I just flip this place upside down?”

“Don't mess around.”

“Hmph. Aren't you in a bad mood too, Ji-han Unit Leader?”

There was no way I'd be in a bad mood.

The more they acted like this, the more miserable the Cheolyeong Sword Family would become. It was enough for us to show the composure of a victor.

“You wait here for a moment.”

“Why, where are you going?”

“I have to go and greet the biggest elder over there before I leave.”

The Grand Head of the Cheolyeong Sword Family, Song Yeong-pil, and next to him, Han Byeong-cheol was also there.

“Can't I go with you?”

“Why would you.”

“Because there's a human over there I'd like to challenge to a duel.”

Come to think of it, Rosie's gaze had been fixed on Han Byeong-cheol for a while now.

“Try it. Then see what I do to you.”

I looked at Rosie coldly.

“Ji-han Unit Leader, you're too mean! Humans can duel freely among themselves, right?”

“That's only if they're on the same level. Are you even a match for that person?”

“Why? You think I can't win?”

“Are you going to turn into a dragon and breathe fire or something?”

“N-No, it's not that, but.”

“Just quietly learn swordsmanship from Ho-joong.”

“Hmph. Okay. Ji-han Unit Leader.”

Rosie looked dejected, as if she had really intended to challenge him.

I left her alone and walked by myself to where Song Yeong-pil was.

He also looked uncomfortable as I approached.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

“Originally, we should be the ones thanking the Haewon Sword Family. Hmm, I can't seem to control my expression.”

“Our Haewon Sword Family believed that doing our best in today's Bimu was the proper etiquette.”

“That's a given. It's just that the result is bewildering.”

“I believe the young master showed plenty of fighting spirit. He could have given up at that point.”

“Fighting spirit. So you're saying it was a Bimu that left only that. Then in your opinion, does that mean we were completely defeated in terms of skill?”

“I'm sorry, but yes.”

“It was something I couldn't believe even after seeing it with my own eyes. Was that warrior from the Haewon Sword Family such a talented child today?”

“Not really. In my eyes, he's an endlessly dull fellow.”

In an instant, Song Yeong-pil's eyes shook violently.

“That's not a pleasant answer. If you say that, what does that make my grandson.”

“Please don't misunderstand. I had no intention of targeting the young master.”

Of course, it was a lie.

Because it was true that I had targeted him.

And now was the moment to land a stronger counter.

“It's just that the swordsmanship of the Haewon Sword Family was superior.”

“What did you say?”

This time, even Han Byeong-cheol, who was listening from the side, looked startled.

“Does that mean the swordsmanship of our Cheolyeong Sword Family is inferior?”

“Of course not. It's just that today, the Grand Head's youngest grandson made a remark that insulted our family, so I was just correcting that point.”

“Insult? What on earth did he say.”

Thus, I told him the truth.

The complexion of Song Yeong-pil, who was listening to me, had hardened by now.

It had become clear who had crossed the line first.

Now, the side that had to apologize and the side that had to receive it had been reversed.

“So our Ju-seok said such things to you.”

“I understand, as he is at an age full of vigor.”

“Regardless of his age, my grandson said something he shouldn't have, so I will apologize on his behalf. Will you accept it?”

Still, Song Yeong-pil, as the greatest elder of the family, was someone in this household who could hold a conversation.

It was just a shame that he hadn't educated his child and grandchild properly.

“Since you've put it that way, I will accept. I also have been very rude today.”

“Talking with you makes me feel ashamed. It seems Family Head Seo Joon-wook has raised his children very well.”

“You praise me too much.”

Thus, the conversation with Song Yeong-pil ended well, and with this, I had achieved all my objectives for coming to the Cheolyeong Sword Family.

Teaching Song Ju-seok a proper lesson, receiving an apology from the Cheolyeong Sword Family, and widely proclaiming the prestige of our family. All were satisfactory.

“Then it's my turn.”

Han Byeong-cheol had been sending signals that he had something to say to me for a while now, and he finally opened his mouth.

“Please speak, elder.”

“About today's Bimu, was it your work?”

“Why did you think so?”

“There's no particular evidence. It's just a thought that came to me while watching the flow of the Bimu.”

As expected, what an amazing eye.

“Since he's a fellow under my command, it's not unrelated.”

“I think it's more than just not unrelated.”

“I did teach him. Though it was cramming.”

“So it was like that.”

At my answer, Han Byeong-cheol gave a meaningful smile, and at that moment, a chilling feeling washed over me.

This old man. I had a feeling he would hold me here and open a long, long session of discussion.

In times like these, striking first and running is the best policy.

“Then I'll see you again next time. I have somewhere I need to hurry to today.”

“Hoho.”

Han Byeong-cheol immediately licked his lips and made a disappointed expression, which meant my guess was not wrong.

“What a shame. I had so much to talk about regarding today's Bimu. Would you come to the Muwon Sword Family soon and visit my study?”

No matter how I thought about it, it seemed this old man had handed over the position of Family Head too quickly.

To be this bored so often.