Chapter 126 Growth is Surpassing the Past (2)
“…….”
For a long while, no words were exchanged. Only the sound of the cold wind swirling around them filled the silence.
Unable to wait for Choi Yu-seong’s answer, it was Yu-hyeon who broke the silence once again.
“The movement of your body when you swing the sword, your balance, your instinctive defensive posture, and so on. You do not look like someone who has only mastered the one-handed sword.”
“…….”
“And yet, Brother, you insist on using only one hand.”
He spoke as if Choi Yu-seong was even more stubborn about it than those who had actually specialized in the one-handed sword.
Yu-hyeon looked at Choi Yu-seong as he spoke.
There was not a single thing wrong with what Yu-hyeon said.
Even if someone usually used a one-handed sword, it was basic to use both hands in dangerous situations—for example, when being overpowered by strength and needing to add the force of both hands.
‘But Brother, you never did that.’
Choi Yu-seong insisted on only one hand regardless of the situation.
That was the version of Choi Yu-seong that Yu-hyeon had seen over the past three weeks.
Because of that, situations sometimes became more dangerous than they originally should have been.
‘This can be a fatal weakness against both monsters and humans.’
That was why this point had to be addressed.
If things went wrong, this issue could even cost Choi Yu-seong his life.
‘Well, truthfully, I do not really need to go this far…….’
Though they had joined hands, strictly speaking, they were strangers.
There was no real need to correct such minor issues one by one.
It was not as if he would be unable to protect the Saintess just because Choi Yu-seong was not there.
If Yu-hyeon set his mind to it, he could infiltrate Glory at any time, so what was the problem?
‘But when will I ever meet someone like Brother again?’
It was not just that their goals were the same.
The process through which they tried to achieve those goals was also remarkably similar.
Having met someone who matched him so well, Yu-hyeon was not a man so cold-hearted that he could not take care of something like this.
‘The things I said to Brother were never insincere.’
It was true that he had lived most of his life wearing the mask of hypocrisy.
However, the words he spoke to Choi Yu-seong were all genuine.
He truly liked how Choi Yu-seong pursued his goals even to the point of self-sacrifice.
Was it not true that self-sacrifice was easy to talk about but difficult to put into action?
‘Come to think of it, Blackie and Whitey were that type too, were they not?’
Two people suddenly came to Yu-hyeon’s mind.
Though he used the low-class nicknames "Blackie" and "Whitey," they were high-level experts who could never be ignored: Shin Yu-hwan and Baek Ha-seong.
One might wonder how Yu-hyeon knew about Baek Ha-seong, putting Shin Yu-hwan aside, but it was not strange when he thought about it.
After all, both were top players and villains, so it was only natural they might have crossed paths at least once.
‘Of course, Blackie and Whitey are different from Brother.’
In Yu-hyeon’s eyes, Shin Yu-hwan and Baek Ha-seong were also the same kind of humans.
But at the same time, they were humans of a different caliber than Choi Yu-seong.
Unlike Choi Yu-seong, those two were the type who would point their blades at each other’s throats if they met.
Yet, Choi Yu-seong had gathered all of them around him.
He had gathered people who were like oil and water—people of the same kind who normally could never mix.
‘I am not certain about Whitey, but my guess is likely correct.’
According to his information, the S-Rank villain the cadets met during Glory’s final exams was definitely Whitey.
Yet, not a single person had died, and they all returned alive.
This was absolutely impossible unless some kind of conversation had taken place.
‘And that conversation must have been between Brother and Whitey.’
He did not think anyone else could have persuaded Baek Ha-seong.
Just as Choi Yu-seong had once persuaded him, he must have done the same to Baek Ha-seong.
Thinking about it that way, it was impossible not to be interested.
He did not know exactly what Choi Yu-seong’s objective was, but with a scale like this, it certainly would not be anything light.
As Yu-hyeon was thinking about the future, which might be far or perhaps near.
“That……”
Choi Yu-seong’s mouth, which had been closed for a long time with no sign of opening, finally began to move.
Unfortunately, the words that came out were not a clear answer.
“Is that something I must explain in detail?”
Choi Yu-seong asked back, similar to when the topic of swordsmanship was brought up earlier.
However, the tone of his voice was different.
Earlier, it was a question out of genuine curiosity about whether he needed to know, but this time, it was thick with the feeling that he did not want to reveal it.
Therefore, Yu-hyeon had no choice but to respond the same way, even though the current issue was more critical than swordsmanship.
“You do not have to tell me if you want to keep it hidden.”
Was it because they were strangers and he did not need to care about every little thing?
That was definitely not it.
Yu-hyeon was not the type to easily change his mind once it was made, even if he needed time to deliberate before making a decision.
The reason Yu-hyeon said this was simple.
‘Volition and coercion are different matters.’
Even if he forced an answer and told him to fix it, would it really be that easy?
The most important thing was the heart of the person in question.
In the end, only when one feels the desire to speak and the desire to change can a proper result be produced.
Thus, Yu-hyeon did not impose any force and provided Choi Yu-seong with a choice.
“…Then I would rather not say.”
Choi Yu-seong ultimately chose not to speak.
In response, Yu-hyeon could not help but feel a sense of regret inwardly, though he did not show it on the outside.
‘I cannot help but feel a bit disappointed.’
Choi Yu-seong thought he was not that outstanding, but Yu-hyeon’s opinion was different.
No matter how great a master was, if the disciple was a dullard, there would be no answer.
From that perspective, Choi Yu-seong certainly had immense talent.
‘Because he has mastered everything without missing a single thing over the past three weeks.’
Yu-hyeon had only thrown out a few words regarding combat, yet Choi Yu-seong had made them all his own.
On top of that, he possessed a natural combat sense, so if this was not called talent, then what was?
That was why Yu-hyeon felt even more regretful.
It was essentially the same as giving up a means to increase his ability several times over.
‘…Is it trauma?’
He never used both hands, even in extremely dangerous moments.
That meant he subconsciously avoided using his left hand.
If he had excluded it consciously, his instincts would have eventually forced him to use his left hand to save his own life.
Therefore, no matter how he looked at it, he could only think that memories of the past were holding Choi Yu-seong back.
Otherwise, there was no reason for a naturally ambidextrous person to subconsciously exclude their left hand.
‘Moreover, to be honest, he is closer to being left-handed.’
Judging by the direction he twisted his body during combat and the position where his sword strikes began, his body balance leaned toward the left. If one had to be precise, he was closer to being left-handed.
‘Well, this is not something that will be solved just because I say something.’
Yu-hyeon also knew.
Trauma was not something that could be fixed just because one wanted to fix it one day.
To change it, there had to be a significant catalyst.
And that catalyst could never be something as simple as training.
‘A situation must arise where one has no choice but to break free from the trauma.’
Unfortunately, that was not his domain.
Think about it. What kind of situation would force someone to break free from trauma?
Would it not have to be an intense situation, like the risk of losing something truly precious?
But what if he were to stage such a situation himself?
If he did that, they would never be able to maintain a good relationship.
Thus, Yu-hyeon could only nod his head.
“I understand. If that is your wish, Brother.”
***
It had already been six days since I discussed my problems with Yu-hyeon.
“Huff, huff……”
I let out ragged breaths on the messy dirt ground as I recalled the events from six days ago.
‘It really was not much…….’
Yu-hyeon had told me that correcting a swordsmanship style already engraved into the body was not a big deal.
I could not stop wondering if that was actually possible, but in the end, Yu-hyeon’s words were true.
Thanks to that, I was able to recall a lesson I had forgotten long ago.
‘They say no one is a match for a good thrashing.’
After I stopped hunting monsters in the Gates, my sparring matches with Yu-hyeon continued for six days.
If I were to briefly describe those six days, it would be that I was beaten so hard that dust would fly even on a rainy day.
But did I not just say it? In the end, Yu-hyeon’s words were true.
‘If you do not just hit someone, but hit them with precision, they really do change.’
At first, I wondered if he had a grudge against me and was beating me up like this, but that was not it at all.
It was a succession of precise attacks that forced my sword path and made it sink into my body.
‘I am so glad he is not my enemy.’
Even among high-rank villains, there were those who simply relied on their innate talent.
Separately, there were those who had a solid foundation from the start.
It was an obvious point, but the latter was always the more difficult opponent to face.
And Yu-hyeon, of course, belonged to the latter group.
It was truly a relief that I had established a friendly relationship with this guy.
‘Phew. So, I cannot stop.’
By now, I knew that Yu-hyeon’s ability as a teacher could be called the best.
So, even though there was not much time left, should I not learn at least one more thing?
In my current situation, I had to do whatever it took to get stronger.
Because of that, I tried to drag my exhausted body up once more.
“Ah. You can just stay lying down. We are done for today.”
The words I heard were a denial.
“Is today not practically the last day?”
“There is not much point in going further. Any more than this would just damage your body.”
“But……”
“I am serious. You have already learned all the basics you can learn. The rest must be mastered in real combat.”
Well, if he was going that far, I had no choice.
Considering the dead serious attitude he showed while teaching, those words were probably true.
Therefore, I accepted Yu-hyeon’s words and decided to continue my sweet rest.
“By the way, your natural talent is truly remarkable.”
“Do not say things you do not mean.”
“I am being serious. Normally, one cannot absorb things like a sponge like this. Not unless they have extraordinary talent.”
In my opinion, if it were Kim Su-hyeok, he would have cut the time it took me by a third.
But was there any need to keep arguing when he was giving me a compliment?
“Then will this much be effective in real combat to some extent?”
“Haha, it probably will. In terms of pure weapon techniques, even I would take a long time against you, Brother.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Though, if you were to use both hands, I doubt I could guarantee the outcome of the match.”
Yu-hyeon spoke with a hint of laughter, but at the same time, he was serious.
I had no choice but to shut my mouth instantly at those words that suddenly cut in.
At the same time, the conversation from a week ago, which I had briefly forgotten, came back to me.
‘…Actually, I cannot deny those words.’
There was nothing wrong with what Yu-hyeon said.
The fact that I originally used a swordsmanship style that utilized both hands, and the fact that it would definitely be better than using just one.
However…….
‘What can I do? It is not easy.’
Would I hate to choose the path of improvement?
If there were a path to becoming stronger, would I really want to walk the difficult path instead?
This was not a matter I could handle just by wanting to.
Just as I was thinking that, my left hand unintentionally tightened.
“Brother. Your expression seems too stiff.”
Yu-hyeon’s voice cut through my complicated thoughts.
At that, I escaped from my deepening reflections and looked back at Yu-hyeon’s face.
How should I put it? He had his usual smiling face, but it was a playful, mischievous grin as if he had thought of a fun plan.
“…Why are you smirking like that?”
“Hmm. Just because I thought of something fun.”
“Something fun?”
“Yes. Practically speaking, is your learning from me not finished as of this moment?”
That was true.
But why was he suddenly saying that after unsettling my heart like that?
Thus, I waited in suspense, determined not to be flustered this time by whatever he said.
“So……”
The words that followed were unexpected and beyond my imagination.
“How about we have a wrap-up party to celebrate?”
“…What?”
“Do not pretend you did not hear me when you clearly did.”
No, a wrap-up party?
I was perfectly serious just now because of you, and suddenly what? A party?
Given the context of the situation, those words did not fit at all.
“There is only you and me here right now?”
“Ah. Of course, I am not talking about a normal one. What would two men even do together?”
“Then what kind of wrap-up party are you talking about?”
“It is just something simple.”
Had there ever been anything simple among the things this guy called simple?
As expected, the proposal Yu-hyeon made next was absolutely not simple.
“Just a simple session where the two of us candidly ask each other about things we are curious about? How does that sound?”
In other words, Yu-hyeon was saying this to me.
That the two of us should nicely play a truth game.
…But it was a truth game seasoned with extremely sensitive topics that one would normally never be able to ask about.
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