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There’s a story that people often gossip about.

At gatherings, when friends come together with nothing to say, while watching TV…

These are idle talks that pique the interest of many.

Among these gossip topics was one that caught everyone’s attention.

A question that could spark curiosity in people of all ages:

“Who is truly the strongest capable person?”

It’s a classic yet foolproof topic.

Who is the strongest?

Who is the mightiest?

This short but effective subject ignites excitement among people. Some mention the renowned battle wizards famous worldwide, while others speak of summoners wielding summon creatures that could easily be called divine beasts. Some talk about alchemists dragging around towering robots that seem ripped from the movies, while others reference those who have made contracts with transcendent beings, and some even claim that the warriors garnering fame all around the world are the strongest of all.

Naturally, such lively discussions known as ‘VS games’ come with countless scenarios.

“If the wizard has pre-cast big spells, then he’s the strongest.”

“How can we measure the power of summon creatures when they vary so much? The wizard might just fire a beam out of his mouth before even using magic and turn the wizard to dust.”

“Well, if that’s the case, the warrior is the strongest. If he approaches silently and chops off the opponent’s head, won’t they all die?”

“Then the contractor must be the strongest. Their divine powers are incredible…”

If.

Countless hypotheses and ‘what if’ scenarios.

People assert endlessly that their idea of the strongest is indeed the strongest, and this notion spreads beyond ordinary circles into the broadcasting realm, the upper echelons, and even among capable individuals. Especially in modern times, information spreads even faster and stronger.

However, most capable people find little interest in these ‘VS games.’

Let’s take a typical wizard as an example.

They acknowledge that battle wizards are strong.

But that’s about it.

How many wizards are currently working on research papers, and how many are striving to make a name in history through relentless research?

They recognize that battle wizards are strong, but can it be said that every other wizard falls beneath them?

It’s a different field altogether.

Most wizards prioritize research or working to make a living over ranking who’s the best fighter.

Of course, battle wizards have their own competitive spirit.

But considering that most of them are tied to the military, even if they do have that competitive edge… it’s hard to wield their power directly. If a battle wizard from one military were to seriously injure or even kill a battle wizard from another nation, it could lead to diplomatic tensions or, at worst, even war.

Summoners?

They do care about the strength of their summoned creatures, but… that’s about it.

Rather than pursuing fame for having the strongest summon, they strive for a happy future alongside their summoned creatures. Their tendencies lean toward being sociable and humble, embodying a demeanor more akin to gentle herbivores like elephants or rhinoceroses.

Alchemists?

They’re more obsessed with research than combat power.

If they feel competitive, it’s not regarding fighting strength but rather academic achievements in their field.

And as for contractors, they don’t push themselves to prove their worth. With a transcendent being affirming their existence, their need for validation is naturally much lower compared to other capable individuals.

And battle?

The transcendent being watching over them wouldn’t just sit idly by.

Instigating a fight or being drawn into one poses an immense threat to the transcendent beings.

If something were to happen to their beloved contractor, that would indeed be a calamity.

Thus, these beings would intervene to prevent their contractor from facing danger, and if danger arises, they would actively move their contractor out of harm’s way.

Other capable individuals are similarly inclined.

Witches are so busy with their research on youth that they believe having titles like ‘strongest’ diminishes their allure. Shamans, meanwhile, have their own goals to pursue and wish to stay clear of such trivialities.

In this manner, the question of who is the strongest doesn’t hold much weight for capable people.

Except for one group, that is.

Warriors.

Capable individuals who have mastered martial arts.

Those who handle qi and train their bodies.

Unlike other capable individuals, these warriors are particularly sensitive about hierarchy.

Is it because the martial arts they’ve mastered are tied to battlefields where losing could mean death or crippling? Or does mastering martial arts awaken an instinct for ranking and grouping?

The exact answer remains unclear.

Some scholars propose that during the process of mastering martial arts, the secretion of the hormone known as noradrenaline increases, a combat hormone. Others say that mastering martial arts stimulates survival instincts, making warriors more aggressive. Yet others speculate that as they perfect their martial arts, their sympathetic nervous systems develop, gradually transforming their bodies into optimal forms for battle.

Despite numerous hypotheses… sadly, nothing has been definitively proven.

However, one thing is certain: warriors have no qualms about creating hierarchies.

They don’t just see people’s entertaining ‘VS games’ as mere games; they wield real weapons sharp enough to cut through flesh to confirm who stands where.

This attitude is, of course, rather far removed from the ‘order’ that society demands.

For instance, the ancient warriors didn’t care much for the law.

In broad daylight, they would draw swords and engage in battles, sometimes storming dojos to kill students and challenge the masters, and at times destroying property or occupying homes just to provoke opponents who refused to duel…

They committed acts that, judging by common social norms, would be deemed ‘criminal acts’ and loudly proclaimed it as just another day in the life of a warrior.

However, it’s not like we’re in the middle ages where administrative power couldn’t reach every corner of the country, nor would such actions be tolerated in modern times, especially not now, when advanced weaponry is everywhere.

But one cannot simply dismiss it as unacceptable.

Every vessel has its limits, but desires know no bounds.

If we keep shutting it all down, we might face an explosion of desire that could spark incidents…

Thus, warriors sought ‘healthy’ ways to establish hierarchies, leading to martial arts tournaments to alleviate their ambitions.

Not the sort of tournaments kings held to pick competent arms, but festivals that laid the groundwork to ensure clear ranks and show off one’s martial arts… a celebration where killing was off-limits and where people, regardless of age or gender, could come watch and enjoy.

Such festivals quickly took hold with the support of warriors and governments alike.

And there was indeed such a festival in Korea.

That was none other than the ‘Chungju World Martial Arts Festival.’

This festival was held in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do since the 1990s; it was initially called the ‘World Martial Arts Festival.’ Yet, it changed its name to the World Martial Arts Festival at the suggestion that focusing on martial arts would attract more attention compared to traditional forms.

Consequently, rather than concentrating on general ‘martial arts,’ the festival shifted its focus to warriors who had mastered martial arts.

And this festival that underwent such a transformation…

Was a great success.

People’s interest surged, and perhaps due to the timing, warriors from China and Japan participated en masse. Other warriors from different nations soon joined in, gathering Northeast Asian warriors in common celebration, leading to tremendous success for the festival.

This acclaim has lasted, and even now, the festival has expanded beyond mere festivities.

It has also become a venue for warriors to bring their disciples for broader experiences, to mingle with others, and to forge sisterhood and cooperation between dojos.

With Chungju happily embracing this success, the city poured resources into the World Martial Arts Festival.

Improving the quality of the festival was a given, and they enhanced the infrastructure for warriors to stay comfortably. They also provided incentives for warriors to establish ‘branches’ in Chungju and connected builders and artisans from across the nation for dojo and training grounds.

Thanks to these efforts, Chungju developed rapidly.

It earned the nickname of ‘City of Warriors.’

But… not everything can be perfect.

Where there’s light, there’s shadow, and where there is the sun, so must there be darkness.

While Chungju succeeded in attracting many warriors and developing the city…

It also had to face considerable side effects.

And those side effects were connected to the nature of the warriors.

 

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