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Kuwuung–!! Kki-ki-ki-!

The energy and noise were growing more chaotic by the second.

With the cacophony echoing around me, my thoughts spiraled.

The swirling vortex created by the bets was enormous.

“Yikes—!”

The Sword Intent escaped the storm and targeted the Martial Artist.

Seeing that, I swiftly reached out and pulled the man back.

Kwa-kak—!

A thick scar remained where the man had just dodged. The barely saved man panted heavily.

“T-thank you… thank you.”

Instead of responding to his gratitude, I focused on releasing my Qi first.

Woo-woong—!!

Hooook—!

The heat burst forth accompanied by a tremor, encircling the surroundings.

Some others were trying to prevent the gusts from flowing outside, but their efforts proved insufficient.

Thus, I strained to erect an Energy Barrier, finally lessening the vibrations.

However, while the tremors outside dissipated, the Internal Sensation remained constant.

Kki-ki-! Kwa-ddeduk—!!

The ground shattered, and Qi scattered in every direction.

It was a sight unbearably rough just to witness.

It was too much to call a duel. It felt ambiguous to label it real combat.

Though there was no killing intent, the Qi was rampant in this battle.

The power was unbelievably strong.

‘…Huff.’

I could barely feel the barrier I had erected shake unsteadily.

If this continued, I wouldn’t even be able to maintain a muscled stance.

Ssss—!

The Qi I spent to create the barrier was depleting way too quickly.

Thanks to that, I could gather a bit more energy and glance to the side.

There stood the astonished Heated Strikes Sword, watching the chaos unfold. I grimaced as I asked him.

“What are you doing? Explain a bit, will you?”

“Ah, ah! That, um…!”

Upon my words, he began to fumble through an explanation with wide eyes.

Thus, the explanation went something like this.

First of all, once they took their places as expected, cracks immediately appeared.

The Martial Alliance folks seemed to unite at first, then, as predicted, the sparks of conflict ignited.

– What? Why should you be the Deputy Lord?!

– Of course, it’s right that I should! I hail from the Blue Dragon Clan!

– That’s absurd—! You said we’d unite, but now you want to be the one in charge? And what’s this about the Blue Dragon Clan?

It didn’t take long for the disputes to escalate.

Even those who were irritated by their arrival desired honor. Especially among the Martial Alliance’s members, sensitivity towards this matter was at its peak.

– Why is the Blue Dragon Clan even being brought up here? You came here only because you were summoned!

– Who do you think you are…? Are you saying that in front of me?!

– If you were so great, you would have already risen to a leadership position rather than be summoned and remain a long-term member. That’s a huge leap of ambition for someone like you.

– Hah. Now I’m hearing this kind of nonsense even from the Iron Dragon Clan brats? Ridiculous.

– You’re not entirely wrong.

– Not wrong? That’s just rude, buddy.

– Anyway, they say there’s no hierarchy. Should I treat you like a senior?

As the conversation continued, tempers flared.

Given that everyone was summoned, it was natural that emotions weren’t high. Not to mention, a small crack could lead to escalating tensions.

– You’re right. What does the Blue Dragon Clan matter? What are you even trying to imply? Just because the Blue Dragon Clan is impressive doesn’t mean you are!

– Last I heard, that person was crushed by my junior over the leadership position. Ah, so that’s why you’re here now.

– Is that true?

– I heard it straight from a buddy in the Flying Dragon Clan.

– Hah. No wonder the legendary member of the Blue Dragon Clan is here, having been chased off due to position disputes. He should be embarrassed.

– You little punks, really–!!

Seureung—!

As expected, the argument ended with sword drawing.

It felt like they were on the verge of a bloody fight, with tensions at their peak.

– You’re drawing swords? Wanna die?

– Damn right! There’s no hierarchy anyway, so why not just go all out? What I’ve seen from that person’s smugness has been irritating for ages!

– You think I’m going to let you slide? You want to die, huh?!

– What’s so special about a senior? A guy who can’t even pass promotion assessments and can’t even rise to class is talking big—!!

The men gritted their teeth, clearly readying themselves for combat.

It was obvious a fight would break out at any moment.

Meanwhile, the other onlookers watched in disbelief, their tongues clicking in disapproval.

– They’ve done nothing, and there’s already a fracture. Quite impressive.

– …They claim to be Martial Alliance Martial Artists, but I’m somewhat disappointed.

What could have changed so quickly? The expressions of the martial artists reflected their newly-found disappointment.

Still, this was the Martial Alliance.

No matter how many summoned people there were, I expected something different.

But that expectation crumbled.

Thus, I found myself further troubled.

– …Is it really okay for a Deputy Lord to emerge from among such people?

They had stated there would be one Deputy Lord from here and one from the Martial Alliance side, totaling two.

That means a Deputy Lord must emerge from within them.

– It’s hard to understand.

The martial artists struggled to grasp that notion.

With their level and in that state, could they really be respectable enough to serve someone as their superior?

– Do we really need to select one of these losers…? I can’t understand the intentions of the Star King… or the Great Lord.

Questions loomed over the choices made.

Everyone gathered had the same commonality.

– It’s equally perplexing, but surely there must be a reason behind it.

– Yes. No one but him would.

– …Ugh.

As the murmurings surfaced, the man swallowed hard and nodded.

That was right.

Even if it didn’t make sense, if it was the Star King who orchestrated all this…

If he was the one who tried to rescue people by burning himself during those horrific ambushes… surely, he must have some purpose in mind.

– They say geniuses are typically misunderstood by others. The same applies for the Great Lord.

– Right. Without a doubt.

Strangely, despite their backgrounds as members of renowned clans and sects, they seemed to forget and chuckle amongst themselves.

While one side was brimming with killing intent, the other side radiated a contrasting atmosphere.

– Then, we need to decide on someone as well, don’t we?

– What do you mean…? Ah, that’s about the Deputy Lord position, right?

– Precisely. Regardless of how it goes, if the Great Lord has commanded it, we must decide.

Well, the Deputy Lord must be established.

That’s precisely why the others were fighting so fiercely!

As such, we also needed to finalize our decision somehow.

– For us, it’s already decided, right?

There was little reason for concern.

– True. We have that person on our side.

With those words, all gazes turned towards one place. At the end of their sight, stood a woman.

With white hair and a sleep-deprived look, her appearance was not one to simply gaze upon.

The daughter of the current Sword King, her name was growing along with her fame in Hanam.

The Sword Dance Hero Nangong Bi-ah.

She, surrounded by lookout eyes, tilted her head inquisitively.

– If we must choose a Deputy Lord… shouldn’t it be based on strength, at least for now?

– Agreed. If you manage to defeat the Great Lord, that provides sufficient justification.

– Huh? She defeated Eunranggeom? Is that rumor true?

– Ah, it’s Pitan Oseom. You wouldn’t have seen it since you passed the test the next day.

– Really…? So that young woman must have truly defeated the Iron Dragon Lord…?

Nangong Bi-ah, daughter of Nangong Clan, had made herself a topic of local gossip since that incident.

While those who had witnessed it unanimously supported her for the Deputy Lord position.

If she possessed the strength to defeat the Great Lord, what other justification could exist?

Thus, everyone wished to appoint Nangong Bi-ah and end the discussion peacefully.

– Why?

Suddenly, a voice interjected, drawing everyone’s attention.

Thud.

– Huh…!

– Hmm?

The owner of the voice stepped forward slowly, despite the envious stares.

With each step, the golden hair swayed gracefully.

This wasn’t even about attention because of Nangong Bi-ah’s rumors; she was captivating in her own right.

Belonging to the Three Eminent Beings and the former Alliance Leader, she was known as the Sword Moonblade Wi Seol-Ah.

Thud.

As she moved closer, she finally stood before Nangong Bi-ah and asked the crowd,

– Why should my sister be the Deputy Lord?

Why should Nangong Bi-ah become the Deputy Lord?

Her question brimmed with curiosity, and none dared to speak.

The justifications were numerous. Based on strength alone, she was surely qualified.

First, it should be the Sword Dance Hero selected.

All these murmurs stirred, but the atmosphere was heavy.

Wi Seol-Ah’s voice turned icily cold.

As everyone became silent at her piercing question.

– Seol-Ah.

Nangong Bi-ah suddenly called out to Wi Seol-Ah.

At that, Wi Seol-Ah turned her gaze toward Nangong Bi-ah.

– Yes, sister.

– Do you want it?

Do you want to be the Deputy Lord? To that question, Wi Seol-Ah answered.

– Yes.

It was a resolute voice.

– If to obtain this, I need to do anything, I would gladly follow.

Her words elicited reactions all around.

If something must be done, she wouldn’t hesitate.

This meant she was willing to settle disputes through combat, showcasing her confidence in being stronger than the rest.

Because of that, the expressions of those who understood her words crumpled in an instant.

The atmosphere shifted dramatically.

Could this statement spark a fire on this side too?

As I nervously observed, suddenly—

– …It doesn’t matter anyway.

Incredibly, Nangong Bi-ah said she didn’t care about who became Deputy Lord.

No matter who took the position, it was irrelevant to her.

However.

– …Whoever it may be… as long as they are strong, I don’t mind.

A meaningful glint surfaced in Nangong Bi-ah’s gaze.

– As long as they possess enough strength to protect that person, anyone will do.

There was a languid tone to her voice, yet an underlying energy spread through.

The low yet potent tone of Nangong Bi-ah radiated a tense atmosphere.

– What do you mean…?

– But.

Nangong Bi-ah’s gaze briefly swept over Wi Seol-Ah.

Then she concluded with,

– Seol-Ah isn’t ready yet.

– …

– Seol-Ah is still weaker than me. Therefore, it must be me who takes this role.

Then, nonchalantly, Nangong Bi-ah spoke.

– …

In that instant,

Sreung—!

Wi Seol-Ah immediately drew her sword, igniting the ignition of this incident.

“…So, that’s how they began to fight?”

“…Yes.”

“I can’t believe this.”

Upon hearing the incident’s unfolding, the range of responses I could muster was limited.

Honestly, I expected them to fight.

Well, the Martial Alliance members were likely set to bicker, and tensions were certainly predictable.

But I never believed it would be between Nangong Bi-ah and Wi Seol-Ah.

Especially not with such sincerity.

Kwaddeuduk–!!!

Clang—! Clang—! Kki-ki-ki-!

Their Sword Intents of different colors clashed in dozens under the flickering flame.

Sparks continued to explode forth, and the shockwaves created whirlwinds of pressure.

The scene was almost storm-like.

‘…What should I do?’

The other martial artists were dumbstruck, watching the spectacle unfold.

It seemed they never anticipated that these two young women could create such chaos.

Kki-ki-!

Wi Seol-Ah twisted at her waist and swung her sword.

As the rotating blade produced a massive Sword Intent, the golden energy projectiles rushed towards Nangong Bi-ah like relentless waves.

This caused them to widen their eyes.

‘There are more energy projectiles now?’

It seemed two additional ones had appeared since the last time I saw her.

Had her mastery level increased in such a short period?

‘At this rate…’

In a few years, she might just catch up to the Divine Sword.

The Divine Sword wielded countless energy projectiles—at least dozens.

She had once laid waste to a multitude of demons using those projectiles, images dancing into my mind.

And then…

Pa-di-jik—!!!

As if responding to Wi Seol-Ah’s energy, Thunder Qi erupted from all directions.

Thung—!

Though it couldn’t quite destroy the energy projectiles, it deflected them, allowing for evasive maneuvers.

It even interfered with her footwork.

Ku-rung—!

A thunderous noise echoed.

It was akin to the premonition of lightning.

The epicenter of this noise was none other than Nangong Bi-ah’s sword.

The Thunder Qi was so infused into the sword that it resonated with such magnitude.

One could only guess how violently it had been compressed.

Without hesitation, Nangong Bi-ah directed the Thunder Qi toward Wi Seol-Ah.

Kwa-ru-rrung—!!!

“Ugh!”

“Be careful!”

A thunderbolt rained down on the sword.

The Thunder Qi swept across the floor.

Feeling this, Wi Seol-Ah’s body thrummed with energy.

Clad in golden light, Wi Seol-Ah dashed forward, evading the lightning at breakneck speed.

Yet.

“…!”

Along with the lightning, Nangong Bi-ah too had closed in.

Nangong Bi-ah darted to Wi Seol-Ah, shocking her.

Realizing this, Wi Seol-Ah hastily drew her sword, but—

Kwang—!

“Ugh!”

Before her blade could intercept, Nangong Bi-ah’s foot struck her in the abdomen.

‘How crafty.’

She was aiming for the upper path with her sword, only to follow up with a kick!

It was a lapse in situational judgment.

With that attack, Wi Seol-Ah was knocked flying.

At a glance, it seemed Nangong Bi-ah’s assault had worked flawlessly.

However.

“…”

Nangong Bi-ah’s brows furrowed suddenly, and she began to rub her stomach.

The moment she had kicked Wi Seol-Ah, Wi Seol-Ah too successfully counterattacked.

Though it was executed hurriedly and lacked power, at that fleeting moment, her response was undeniable.

Whaaa—!

As the storm subsided and the pressure waned gradually, astonished gasps escaped the spectators.

“…What did we just witness?”

“What a fierce battle…”

They seemed unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed.

Clearly, they recognized that the two had drawn differences.

“Kough.”

As the dust settled, Wi Seol-Ah cleared her throat. She already stood firm and ready.

Though she had been knocked away, she still emanated killing intent.

“…Hoo.”

It seemed she was far from finished as she gasped for air while clutching her sword tightly.

Seeing that, I found myself rubbing my forehead.

‘She hasn’t fully recovered from her injuries yet.’

Even if she were close to full health, pain would linger.

Yet here I was, taken aback by her audacity.

‘That was my miscalculation.’

Yes, I had miscalculated.

To not predict these two would fight was just an excuse.

I should’ve at least anticipated the possibility.

I had simply forgotten in the midst of more pressing matters.

“Ssssss.”

What should I do?

Would it be better to intervene now?

‘Yeah, this is a bit out of hand.’

I genuinely needed to intervene.

If left unchecked, disaster was imminent.

Convinced of this, I tried to step in.

– …Don’t… stop me.

– Don’t stop us.

“…”

– If you intervene… I will resent you… Today…

– Not forever… I’ll just avoid you for a few days, Prince…

Both Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah sent me the same telepathic communication.

Replete with a subtle hint of menace behind their words.

 

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