“Guang-ah. You’re here again?”

Yeon Guang turned his head.

His Master stood there, wiping his nose for no reason.

He wasn’t crying.

Just feeling down.

“I’m sorry, Master.”

“What are you sorry for? Aigoo. You care too much about what others think. Don’t even get me started on my own feelings. If you keep shrinking back like that, you won’t be able to do what you’re good at.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“You’re saying sorry as if I nagged you to say it!”

The Thunder Sword Master Yun So-mun grinned.

“Instead of that, how about a drink after a long time? Huh?”

“Master, maybe you should cut back on the drinking…”

“You’re too concerned about others’ opinions, but suddenly get straightforward when it comes to this?”

“Because you’re my Master.”

“But what about that? I already brought it.”

A small jar swayed in front of him. Yeon Guang reached out.

But his Master was quicker.

“Where do you think you’re going! Ten years is too early.”

—Pong.

The lid popped open. The fragrant smell of liquor wafted through the air.

Realizing he couldn’t stop it, Yeon Guang fell silent. Why does he love drinking so much when his health isn’t great?

Didn’t the doctor say to stay away from alcohol?

But his Master didn’t listen. He tilted the jar, claiming that he knows his own body better than anyone.

“Sometimes, you know,”

“Yes?”

“There are times when you really don’t need to consider others’ opinions.”

“I think we should listen to the doctor.”

“Hehe. Of course, that’s right. But what I’m talking about is something else.”

Receiving half the liquor, his Master continued.

“Of course, it’s important to be mindful of others in relationships. But if you only care about others’ opinions, you’ll end up withering away. Those who advise you aren’t responsible for your life, right?”

“…I’m not worried about others.”

“Then what?”

“Master.”

Holding tightly to the jar he received, he asked quietly,

“Why did you take me in as your disciple?”

“Why do you ask that?”

“I have no talent. I’m far from worthy of inheriting your sword.”

“If you thought that, you should have refused me from the start. Following me around happily.”

“B-but back then, you said I had talent…”

“That still holds true.”

His Master smiled slyly.

“If you have no talent, who in the world does? Honestly speaking, just looking at your perception alone is impressive, isn’t it? You can see the flow that others can’t, and that’s a greater talent than any.”

“I still can’t wield the Thunder Sword properly with just that.”

“Ugh. The Thunder Sword. My lifelong aspiration. Even at my age, it’s the only thing that leaves me flustered. Why on earth did I have to take on such a troublesome thing?”

“…”

“Is the Thunder Sword really that difficult?”

He didn’t answer. He just looked down at the swishing liquor at his fingertips.

He remained silent. As he tilted his head a bit more, the ground was all he could see.

Perhaps this view…

Is the most suitable for me.

The end of someone who tried to reach for something beyond their worth.

“Guang-ah.”

“…Yes.”

“Talent is talent, but isn’t there something else too?”

“……?”

“It’s better to have someone serious than a reckless one claiming they are strong. You might be too serious, but that’s still better than being lightheaded.”

He turned his head.

His Master was smiling.

“It’s silly for a bulky guy to be gloomy for no reason. Did you ask me why I took you as a disciple? You have talent. You’re just too scared to unleash it.”

“…But…”

“Is wielding a sword skillfully the only talent? No, no. Real talent lies within you.”

His Master raised his hand.

He pointed to his own chest.

“Weight. That’s your talent. You don’t take anything lightly. That’s why you’re concerned about others and can’t even throw a casual joke.”

“Isn’t that a flaw?”

“Whether it’s a strength or a weakness just comes down to a thin line between the two. Where’s the absolute in this world? Life is just a dance before we leave it all behind.”

“…….”

“I liked your weight. I really liked how you don’t act rashly. The Thunder Sword needs steadiness to unleash its power. Can a light-headed person’s scattered lightning be called a proper Thunder Sword?”

“I, I…”

“You can doubt it all you want. Everyone doubts themselves. No matter how strong a warrior you are, you always question your sword. Once you’re born with life, questions always linger around us. But with that…”

He lightly tapped the jar that held the liquor.

“Those who remain steady will rise even higher.”

“…….”

“The sunlight is going to evaporate the liquor. Hurry and drink.”

He tilted the jar.

Taking a sip,

“Guang-ah.”

“…Yes.”

“You bulky fellow. Straighten your shoulders. Don’t be discouraged just because there are strange rumors. In these six years that I’ve taught you, I’ve held many uncertainties. But never…”

The Thunder Sword smiled.

“Have I wavered in taking you in.”

. . .

The wind blew.

I grasped my fleeting consciousness.

Yeon Guang raised his head. His body was swaying. His feet felt numb.

A precarious slope. He barely placed his foot down.

He walked.

Because there was someone in front blocking the wind.

He looked at that back. The path he wouldn’t have made it through alone, this person was leading him through.

His powerless body, unable to use internal energy, still hung in there against the strong winds. At times, it leaned precariously as if it would collapse.

But it didn’t fall.

Like a sturdy tree that never topples.

“…Warrior.”

Sleepiness washed over him. His body leaned against the cave. He felt like he would faint from exhaustion at any moment.

But he wanted to ask. How could one be so solid?

How…

“W-warrior. How do you keep walking…?”

How can you accept all that?

“Well…”

The answer was brief. His hand shaking slightly as he warmed the food.

Yeon Guang gritted his teeth. He was the one being stubborn.

Yet he didn’t curse himself. He quietly served the warm meal.

“First, I raise my foot. Then I step.”

“H-but my shoe’s sole is soaked with blood.”

“Then I extend another foot. Step with the other.”

He chewed his food.

“I eat my food. Let my body rest for a moment. I take a breath to stock up my strength for the journey ahead.”

“…….”

“There’s no one who isn’t shaken. Yeon, the Confucian scholar. Everyone wavers. I do too. But still, there’s one reason we walk.”

“…Why…”

“I’ve spent a shameful time. Being swayed by others, I had a phase where I lived without thinking. It’s not an exaggeration to say I was half-dead.”

He turned his head outside. Yeon Guang unwittingly followed that gaze.

The winds raged stronger. The peculiar weather was shaking like he had never seen before.

The dark clouds gathered. Whispering that it wouldn’t let him move forward.

“I wielded my sword back then too… but I had no purpose. I didn’t even know I loved the sword, just regarded it as today’s task.”

“……”

“There were those who guided me toward that direction. Some taught me how to build it all up. I hold those people dear. To an extent that I can’t exchange them for anything else.”

“…….”

“Someone who stays close and helps design the dream. Perhaps for you, that person is your Master.”

The campfire crackled.

“Were you asking why you can move forward, Yeon Confucian scholar?”

He smiled.

“Because it’s a dream I’ve embraced, I work hard, but… there’s another reason. Because someone has placed their hand on a dream that was once mine alone, it’s no longer just one person’s dream.”

“…….”

“I want to meet expectations. That’s probably a common trait for all disciples with a Master. The reason I stepped forward again, even with my inner energy sealed, is for one reason.”

He raised his arm.

He thrust out his fist.

“It’s only natural to want to lead those who share the same sentiment when they’re about to give up, isn’t it?”

“……!”

Yeon Guang quietly gazed at the outstretched arm.

His fingers formed a fist, and even without the support of internal energy, it appeared tougher than anything.

“H-but… there’s no need to go that far…”

“As I said earlier, it’s not for you, Yeon Confucian scholar. It’s for myself.”

He slightly flicked his hand.

“The greatest pain is always regret. And that’s because it has already passed and can’t be undone. I’ve wasted my time not living diligently. Even though I lament that, I can’t turn back time. So, I’m walking now to avoid having any regrets.”

“…….”

“If we share the same feeling, let’s encourage each other. Yeon Confucian scholar. That is…”

He grinned.

“I think it’s that of a martial artist.”

Yeon Guang raised his hand. Absently, he bumped his fist against it.

He withdrew his hand.

“Rest now. I will wake you in a moment.”

“…I will.”

The words slipped out unintentionally.

His body was exhausted, but the words pushed themselves out of his mouth. They whispered that if he simply closed his eyes, he would find some comfort…

Yet he still spoke.

As he said, to not have any regrets.

“I’ll wake you up. Just rest well.”

“…Are you sure?”

“I’m fine.”

The storm grew fiercer.

The goal was still far. But that’s okay.

Yeon Guang grasped the ruined sword.

“I’m fine, Warrior.”

He reaffirmed himself once more.

He simply wanted to do so.

. . .

“Ugh!”

A groan rose to the back of his throat. The pain intensified as the droplets mixed with rainwater.

It festered. That had to be it. Perhaps the wound had gone rotten. He wanted to check, but the moment he took off his shoes, he felt his resolve would crumble.

—Fwoosh!!

In an instant, the wind swept against him, nearly bending him over. It became even harder to breathe at this heightened altitude.

The one leading the way lowered himself as well, as if to suggest that he too had a hard time. The cold wind brushed his entire body, making his breath white with mist.

“Warrior! Let’s change places…!”

“I’m fine, Yeon Confucian scholar.”

He fixed his gaze ahead.

“I can hold on. Let’s keep going.”

“……”

Yeon Guang pulled back his extended hand.

Desperately, he placed his feet down.

It was distant. Too far to see.

The one ahead was still far away. No matter how hard he tried, it was clear they were separated by more than a day’s journey.

The speed was slow. It was slowing down even more because of himself.

Another gust of wind blew. The warrior’s body, which had seemed on the brink of collapse, suddenly swayed backward.

Yeon Guang immediately grabbed him. With his body wobbling in the turbulent wind, he laid him down on the ground.

His body was cold. A body that could not use inner energy was only slightly better than an ordinary person.

His already tattered body was battered by ice mixed with wind. He could see some parts of his flesh showing signs of rot.

His body was ruined. Yet after a brief breath, he stood up again.

“It looks like we will be late.”

“W-why…?!”

“Didn’t I say it yesterday?”

He said, his expression unwavering as he spoke.

“I don’t want to leave any regrets.”

“…….”

Yeon Guang gritted his teeth.

He had never seen this person before. No matter what others said, he walked his own path solemnly.

That back resembled someone. A person whom others questioned why he would teach such a child…

—The one whose expression never changed.

“You’re just a bulky fellow. Straighten your shoulders. Don’t be discouraged just because there are strange rumors. In these six years that I’ve taught you, I’ve held many uncertainties. But never…”

He rose.

He took a breath. Straightening his waist.

For the first time, he confidently stretched his wide shoulders.

It’s the same.

He too is the same.

“I have never wavered in taking you in.”

He didn’t want to leave with regrets.

“I too feel the same way, Warrior.”

He stood up. He moved ahead of him.

In that moment, he felt the weight that he carried with him through his whole body. The unending wind now proved that he had walked the easier path.

…So.

So from now on.

I will walk ahead for a moment.

“I don’t want to regret it. That’s why I’m here.”

“Yeon Confucian scholar?”

“I’ve seen traces of sorrow drawn continuously. I can find my own path. So… so…”

He lowered his body.

To take a step forward.

Left foot first. Then the right foot follows.

The next part is simple. Extend the left foot again. Make the right follow it.

Taking one step.

Then another.

Holding on so as not to fall…

“I will lead.”

Walking forward.

I don’t know how to loosen up. I’ve always held my strength in my step.

Having lived like this my entire life, I probably will never learn how to take things lightly.

So I will just walk harder.

Beyond just bearing the weight…

Heavily enough not to fall.

“…It can…”

His voice came from behind.

“Can you do it?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t ask any further.

Yeon Guang also didn’t say anything further.

He simply moved. Instead of swallowing tears and moans, he narrowed his eyes.

Instead of saying even one more word, he sought to stretch out his foot just one more time.

He currently placed all his remaining inner energy at his toes.

He cradled the damaged sword in his arms.

…Master.

There are many things I couldn’t show you in your lifetime.

So…

“Ugh.”

The Thunder Sword was born from the storm, wasn’t it?

I dare to attempt to be born.

Even if it’s belated.

. . .

Leader of the Fokma Clan Na So-wan looked outside.

It was dark. At the same time, threatening.

The gathering storm seemed to be weeping.

Goon Cheon-gyeong spoke up.

“Leader, is it going to be okay?”

“What do you mean?”

“That Bi Cheon guy.”

“He’ll figure it out.”

“Do you think he will arrive on time?”

Leader Na So-wan shook his head.

It was a perilous path. Not a place anyone could climb without internal energy.

Of course, it would be possible for himself. But he wasn’t himself.

A normal warrior couldn’t make it up there. Even a peak… no,

Even an extraordinary warrior would take time to get up without internal energy.

Even if they could make it up, they wouldn’t be able to match the timing. Their speed would surely drop by half.

“Hahaha! Without that gloomy guy, the atmosphere is good, isn’t it? Lady So?”

Jin Wi-lyang’s boisterous voice could be heard. Na So-wan clicked his tongue.

A show-off kind of guy. If it weren’t for Shinwon Jin Clan and Manma Jongma, he would’ve sliced his head off as payback for his insolence.

Goon Cheon-gyeong offered a beef jerky. Leader Na So-wan bit into it.

Goon Cheon-gyeong looked outward.

“He should arrive by tomorrow. As soon as he arrives, will you head straight to Fengma Cave?”

“That’s right. To fit the timing, we have to.”

“Then if Yeon Guang arrives late…”

“Don’t let him in. It’s a dangerous place. If he doesn’t enter with me, I won’t be able to let him out in time. If you don’t want to deal with a corpse, hold him back.”

“That’s correct, Leader.”

Na So-wan turned his head. Jin Wi-lyang, who had approached at some point, grinned.

“As expected, you are fair-minded, Leader. I’ve been moved once more.”

“I told you not to talk to me.”

“Haha. I guess I got a bit excited since the journey’s end is in sight. I’ll apologize again. I hope you’ll forgive this inadequately rude junior for momentarily being blinded by excitement.”

What an arrogant thing to say.

Na So-wan extended his hand coldly. Jin Wi-lyang raised his eyebrow.

“What for…?”

“Hand over the antidote for the Poisonous Wild Gotu Kola. If you try to weasel out of it, I might just smash your head right now.”

“Oh dear, I completely forgot. Of course, Leader. It would be foolish of me to mix a lie with words directed at you.”

He reached into his jacket, pulling out a transparent liquid.

Leader Na So-wan handed it to Goon Cheon-gyeong.

“Give it to Bi Cheon when he arrives.”

“Understood, Leader.”

Jin Wi-lyang chuckled.

“If you’re worried about that Fokma member, it might be better to go down yourself. It’s obvious he can’t make it up here unscathed.”

“That’s my business.”

“Oh dear. I’m sorry. But I just spoke out of concern.”

He laughed.

A snake-like smile.

“Yeon Guang too. That Bi Cheon… It’s disappointing, but it’s clear that coming this far is impossible for them, right? They are probably resting halfway up the path by now. They’ve long since given up.”

“…….”

“Don’t you actually think so, Leader? If it’s impossible, it’s simply impossible. There are things that can’t be done no matter how much effort you put in. Is it not so that rumors had it that Yeon Guang was the worst disciple of the Thunder Sword?”

“…….”

“There can’t be smoke without fire.”

Jin Wi-lyang turned his head, slightly elevating his voice.

As if reveling in the current situation that had gripped the audience.

“Everyone here knows. Yeon Guang’s qualifications to be here are woefully insufficient compared to you all…”

“Leader!”

Suddenly interrupted, Goon Cheon-gyeong pointed ahead. Na So-wan squinted his eyes along his hand.

Something was approaching. At first, he thought it was clothing blown by the wind but soon changed his mind.

It was a person.

A person resembling torn rags.

One person leading, another supporting from behind.

Their forms were guiding each other. Jin Wi-lyang’s face contorted in an instant.

“…What nonsensical…?!”

Nonsensical, indeed.

It was true.

An absurd situation unfolded right in front of his eyes.

But he felt no displeasure.

Na So-wan laughed. He laughed wholeheartedly.

Hadn’t he thought the same? That those two would never arrive on time.

It was a disappointing but natural fact. Given their talents and spirit, it surely seemed so.

But what was this?

What were the ones in front of him?

An impossible event had occurred.

So he asked the ones who had finally arrived belatedly.

“When was the last time you had a drink?”

“I… four days ago…”

The onewalking ahead, wearing ragged clothes battered by the storm and ice, opened his mouth.

His trembling lips were soaked in pain. But the gaze was unbroken.

In fact, it was clearer than when he had seen them before.

“Is it… too late?”

Yeon Guang, still standing strong, questioned, and Bi Cheon faced him while gasping for breath.

Standing side by side, they were as sharp as any sword. Forged by the storm, exuding a wickedness that had climbed towards their goal till the end.

Talent?

It was significant. Talent in martial arts consistently drags others forward.

But when you look back at the end, only a few remain. Those who flaunted their talents died early, while those who silently wielded their swords survived.

In the end, that’s what the sword is.

Those who spout dreams atop an insipid life of relentless repetition.

…Martial artists.

“It’s not too late.”

Yes.

Them? They are born martial artists.

“It’s even early. You two are excellent. Bi Cheon. Yeon Guang. You’re…”

Na So-wan’s lips curled up into a smirk.

Words had slipped through his strict lips that he had never uttered before.

“The best swords I’ve ever seen.”

 

---