Leaving behind the heated energy of the men.
Next, what caught my eye were the three club presidents.
Bong Jae-seok of the Magic Engineering Club, Ha Soo-yeon of the Great Mother Nature Club, and Mok Jong-hwa of the Emerald Magic Tower Club.
“…….”
When our eyes met, Mok Jong-hwa gave a small nod of greeting, and I bowed my head slightly in return.
He didn’t seem particularly friendly, but there was no hostility either.
It seemed that after clashing in the underdog duel battle, any lingering bad feelings had been cleared away.
Meanwhile, the other two presidents had friendly expressions on their faces.
Ha Soo-yeon spoke first with a faint smile on her lips.
“Na-ri talked a lot about the finals. She said it was a bit tough, but fun. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her that cheerful.”
“I plan to maintain a good relationship going forward.”
The corners of Ha Soo-yeon’s lips curved even more gently.
“I’d appreciate that. Please take good care of the Life Cube as well. It’s an important project for us, not just for magic engineering. The guild is also keeping an eye on it.”
Bong Jae-seok added a comment.
“We’ve already gotten full approval. Not only will there be full support, but there’ll also be rewards based on contributions.”
“That’s reassuring. You can consider success only a matter of time.”
I had already made it dozens of times, and even after entering this game world, I had made it again. There was no way it would fail.
Bong Jae-seok nodded in satisfaction.
“What matters is how well my younger sibling keeps up next year, but there’s no need to worry. I’ve said it many times. She’s a genius.”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
“Just don’t go seducing her and making things complicated.”
“No chance of that.”
I gave a slight smile, but Bong Jae-seok still looked unconvinced.
It felt like his gaze shifted slightly past me.
I was about to turn around to see if something was behind me when—
“So this is where you were.”
Two hands suddenly appeared and pinched both my cheeks.
As expected, the ones behind me were Dang Gyu-young, Jegal So-so, and Pang Mi-ryeong.
Feigning surprise, I said,
“So you were here.”
At that, the trio’s eyes narrowed at the same time, and they began stretching my cheeks as they attacked together.
“You came to congratulate us. Why are you wandering off elsewhere?!”
“Exactly! You should’ve come to us first!”
“Are we less important than Bong Jae-seok?”
“I cannot tolerate this disappointment!”
Even as my cheeks were being stretched mercilessly, I calmly explained,
“I just spoke in the order I ran into people. You two come first, of course, but it wouldn’t be polite to ignore the other seniors and pass them by.”
At that, Dang Gyu-young and Jegal So-so glanced at each other.
“Hmm… that’s not entirely without reason.”
“Still kind of annoying though.”
“Maybe he could’ve dodged better on his way over? Or not?”
“Right? This is guilty.”
Soon, they moved to either side of me, grabbed one of my arms each instead of my cheeks, and made a solemn declaration.
“Kim Ho, you are hereby sentenced to Sho-Qyu custody.”
“From now on, we move as one body.”
“Who are we going to congratulate next?”
It might seem like a nuisance, but I figured these two would be fine.
One is the vice president of the swordsmanship club, and the other is the president of the thieves’ club and they seem to be on good terms with many of the third-years.
So I decided not to separate from the Ho-Qyu-Sho fusion.
First, I bowed my head to Pang Mi-ryeong, who was nearby.
“Congratulations on your graduation, senior.”
“Thanks.”
Pang Mi-ryeong replied while looking at us like we were incorrigible.
My relationship with the swordsmanship club had started off on bad terms.
Back then, there was a priority bidding right for [Black Death], but we ignored it, barged in, and caused a mess.
However, I greatly improved the relationship by providing dungeon route info and strategy guides, and we even ended up clearing [Gathering of Villains] together.
Now, from the swordsmanship club’s perspective, I’m a reliable supplier who provides strategy guides and various hidden pieces.
From Pang Mi-ryeong’s perspective, I’m probably just a close friend’s younger acquaintance.
Considering her closeness with Sho-Qyu, there’s a good chance we’ll still see each other even after graduation.
Next, I headed toward the White Magic Club.
Club president Jeong Chong-myeong, executive member and also the president of the Ruby Magic Tower Hong Ye-hwa, Han Gyeol-woo who I got the Ice Wall from, and Choi Han-gil who provided the confinement pot ingredients.
Nearby, I could also spot family members and juniors like Jeong Jin-myeong and Hong Yeon-hwa.
As I approached, Jeong Chong-myeong noticed me and greeted first.
“Kim Ho, hey.”
“Hello, senior. Congratulations.”
“Thanks. But why are you all…?”
Naturally, his gaze at the fused Ho-Qyu-Sho was a bit strange.
On the other hand, Dang Gyu-young spoke as if it were nothing.
“He’s being punished.”
“Oh… I see.”
Deciding it was best not to dig deeper, Jeong Chong-myeong just accepted it and moved on.
He gestured toward Jeong Jin-myeong with his chin and spoke.
“I heard you completely wiped out his base? I was impressed when I heard. Keep beating him up regularly next year too. He needs it.”
“Hey, hyung!”
At his younger brother’s protest, he grinned.
“Half joke, half serious. Having a rival is good for improving your skills.”
“I’ll make sure to beat him diligently.”
“That’s the spirit. And I’ve already told the club members, so if you’ve got anything good, bring it over. Don’t go to the swordsmanship club.”
Jegal So-so, looking dumbfounded, pointed with the hand that was holding onto me.
“What’s with the sudden provocation? You want to go to auction again?”
“Of course I’m joking…..it’s just half of it.”
“And the other half is serious?”
“You’ve got to lay the groundwork in advance.”
“Is that so? Then me too.”
With a business smile, Jegal So-so said,
“If you need anything, come to the swordsmanship club. You know Namgong, right?”
“Of course. I’ll keep both of your advice in mind.”
Since I had no particular reason to take either side, I wrapped up the conversation in a way that left some room without committing.
In the brief lull, Hong Yeon-hwa came running over.
Behind her, Hong Ye-hwa followed with a complicated expression.
Out of courtesy, I bowed my head to the older sister first.
“Congratulations on your graduation, senior.”
“Thank you. I also appreciate all the help you’ve given Yeon-hwa in many ways.”
“It’s thanks to you for trusting me with her.”
At that, Hong Ye-hwa opened her mouth to say something, then cut herself short.
“Well… right.”
Then Dang Gyu-young and Jegal So-so quickly whispered to each other.
“‘I’ll keep trusting you with her from now on’ sounds a bit… kinda off, doesn’t it?”
“I wouldn’t trust him either. How many is it now?”
“Three? Or four?”
“Then with me, that makes five?”
“Hey, cut it out.”
While the two noonas bickered in hushed voices,
Hong Yeon-hwa who had just been rolling her eyes beside them quietly stepped forward.
She carefully asked me a question.
“During the break… will you keep staying there?”
“There” of course meant Dang Gyu-young’s family home.
I gave a light nod.
“Unless something comes up.”
“Ah…”
Hong Yeon-hwa’s expression quickly fell.
She looked at her older sister as if she wanted to go too, but Hong Ye-hwa firmly cut her off before the question could even be asked.
“I said no.”
“Just going to visit for a bit…?”
“Why are you bringing that up now?”
It seemed that, due to family circumstances, she had to stay at the Ruby Magic Tower for the entire winter break.
With even her last bit of resistance ending in failure, Hong Yeon-hwa wore the expression of a puppy staring at unappetizing food.
I smiled and said to her,
“Take care, and let’s keep in touch often.”
“Okay……”
Perhaps the thought that we could at least exchange messages was some comfort, because Hong Yeon-hwa’s expression brightened ever so slightly.
After saying our goodbyes to the Hong sisters,
We kept up our cheerful “Ho-Qyu-Sho” mode and looked around to see if there were any other familiar faces.
Then, as if she had spotted something, Dang Gyu-young suddenly came to a halt.
Following her gaze, I saw Oh Se-hoon and Song Cheon-gi standing there.
Judging by how comfortably they were talking, it seemed they weren’t just student disciplinary committee president and student council president but also personally acquainted.
Come to think of it, they had also helped during the temporary storage infiltration.
Dang Gyu-young clicked her tongue in disappointment.
“…Damn, didn’t get to smack those guys around.”
Then she casually asked me,
“Wanna have one last round?”
“If you’d like.”
“Honestly, what do you think? Can I win?”
“Fifty-fifty, or maybe slightly unfavorable.”
Against Song Cheon-gi, about 4.5 to 5.5.
Against Oh Se-hoon, roughly 4 to 6.
Dang Gyu-young frowned at that.
“…That’s awkward.”
“Your ‘Shadow Extraction’ slots aren’t full yet.”
Recently, with the necromancer grimoire, the [Shadow Extraction] slots had been increased by two.
If we added two undead at the level of Lab Director and Shadow Lord, and got proficient at handling them, I figured her odds would rise to around 6 or 7.
But unfortunately, the dungeon building was closed, and even the semester had already ended.
As if sensing our gaze, Oh Se-hoon and Song Cheon-gi both turned to look our way.
Just like before, I bowed my head politely.
“Congratulations on your graduation.”
“Thanks, Kim Ho. Were you talking about us, by any chance?”
Dang Gyu-young answered in my place.
“I was thinking of challenging you to one last duel.”
“It’s been quite a while since we last faced off in a duel battle. Same for Cheon-gi.”
Song Cheon-gi lightly jerked his chin.
“Indeed. I wanted to see how much stronger you’ve become, but that’s unfortunate.”
“If you really want, we can make some time. What do you want to do?”
Instead, Oh Se-hoon made the offer first.
But Dang Gyu-young casually placed a hand on my shoulder, looking uninterested.
“I’ll pass. He says it’s 4 to 6.”
“4 to 6 is a big improvement, though. Isn’t it worth a try?”
“It’s not the kind of outcome I’m looking for.”
Well, what Dang Gyu-young wanted was to smack them down with brute force, not to barely scrape out a win after a fierce battle.
Still, it didn’t seem like she intended to give up on a rematch entirely, as she added one more line.
“Next time we meet, we fight.”
“Alright, I’ll be looking forward to it.”
Oh Se-hoon’s crescent-shaped eyes curved gently.
As we were leaving, Dang Gyu-young clenched her fist.
“A lady’s revenge is never too late, even if it takes ten years.”
“Ten years?”
“I mean, I’ll wait for the right time.”
And that time would come before long.
***
After the final moments with the graduates ended,
Seo Ye-in, Dang Gyu-young, and I finished cleaning up and headed to the platform on time.
Then we boarded the waiting train.
Dang Gyu-young who had been peeking through the cabin window spoke up.
“Hey, this one’s empty.”
Then she slid the door open and stepped inside.
“……”
“……”
Dang Gyu-young and Seo Ye-in looked at each other.
Then they glanced at the seats, looked at me, and then back at each other.
A silent battle of wits had begun.
When no one moved, I couldn’t just stand there and stepped in.
“I’ll sit first.”
As I was just about to sit down, Dang Gyu-young’s [Shadow Leap] activated.
With a swoosh, she seemed to sink beneath her feet and then instantly appeared in the seat next to me.
“Huhum.”
“…That’s cheating.”
“You should learn it too~”
Seo Ye-in stared at the seat across from us for a few seconds, then, as naturally as could be, sat on my lap.
Dang Gyu-young let out an incredulous scoff.
“The seat’s already uncomfortable. Why would you sit there?”
“First-class seat.”
“…Hey, come out for a second. Let me try sitting there too.”
“No.”
“Just for a moment.”
“No.”
As I watched the two bicker playfully, I suddenly glanced out the train window and spoke.
“It’s snowing outside.”
“……?”
At that, both Dang Gyu-young and Seo Ye-in turned their heads toward the same spot.
Pure white snow was falling softly in flakes.
***
Everything was red.
From the man’s hair to his eyes, his martial attire, the sword in his hand, and even the stream of blood flowing beneath his feet.
If one followed the river-like flow of blood upstream, they would find a massive reptilian creature collapsed at its end—
Its once-majestic presence was gone. It was now lying dead with its tongue lolling out.
“……”
The man’s face appeared indifferent, as if he felt nothing at all.
But those who served him closely noticed immediately—
That he was in a foul mood.
The man stared at his sword and muttered to himself,
“…A trace of regret remains. As expected, must it be executed with the Blood Wind Sword?”
“My deepest apologies. It is due to the lack of ability of your subordinates.”
The blood-clad warriors all bowed their heads in unison.
Although not just one or two elder-level figures had been dispatched to Dungeon Island, they had not only failed to retrieve the Blood Wind Sword, but had not even properly determined its whereabouts.
They had withdrawn for the time being, unable to waste any more of their strength, but it was also true that they had failed to carry out the command properly.
As members of the Blood Cult, they could not help but feel deeply apologetic.
At this, the man…the Blood Demon spoke in an indifferent tone.
“It is enough. A famed sword chooses its master. There exists no one more suitable than I, so when the time comes, it will return of its own accord.”
With that, he handed the sword to the side, and the blood-clad warrior quickly received it and stored it inside a large, elongated case resembling a golf bag.
“…….”
With his arms hanging loosely at his sides, the Blood Demon gazed into the distance.
At the end of his line of sight were two small dots.
They soon approached at a terrifying speed, then came to an abrupt halt in midair.
Two dragons.
One was covered in ochre-colored scales, the other in purple.
Their voices resounded throughout the area.
– It seems we are already too late.
– A battle between the strong can become a drawn-out battle, but it can also end in an instant.
Upon seeing the devastation before them, they appeared to grasp the situation at once.
The two dragons’ gazes focused on the Blood Demon.
– ……Blood Cult Leader.
– Though it was foreseen, have you truly become a madman in the end?
– Until now, we deliberately let you live. Stirring chaos in the human world served our interests as well.
– But now, there is no turning back. Having slain our own kind, you too shall pay the price.
– If you have any last words, speak them.
The Blood Demon silently stared at them for a while.
Then, as if speaking to himself, he began,
“In order to break through the wall of transcendence, I tried adopting the outdated methods of those orthodox factions. Deep penitence. Contemplating the inner self, and spending time assimilating into the state of selflessness…”
– ……
“It was not without some gain, but in the end, I arrived at a single conclusion. The essence of a martial artist is that of a bloodthirsty fiend who kills and is killed. Only the unending clash between life and death can break through that wall.”
The Blood Demon slowly extended his left hand.
At once, the Left Guardian who had been waiting nearby approached carrying the earlier golf bag and presented a sword.
The Blood Demon accepted it with a motion as natural as a gentleman receiving an 8-iron.
Shring—
A jet-black blade, different from the one that had been put away earlier, slid out from its sheath.
The Blood Demon continued,
“The history of our sect too has been written in blood. Now, I shall finish writing that history myself.”
At this, all the blood-clad warriors in the area chanted in unison.
– Blood shall reign under heaven! Glory to the Blood Demon!
The dragons, who had been silently looking down, had their pupils slit vertically.
As if the power they had been suppressing was released, the ground trembled violently and the very space around them warped.
– Humans always place blind faith in the power they possess.
– Without ever realizing how insignificant it is, like that of insects…
– Your history ends here.
“Whether there is one lizard or two makes no difference. Come.”
With those words, the battle began.
Magic circles rose one after another, filling the entire area, while the blood-clad warriors formed a combined formation.
Meanwhile, the Blood Demon’s sword moved incomparably slowly.
As if he were painting a picture in the air with a brush.
At that, the blood pooled on the ground rose in droplets as though defying gravity, then transformed into a crimson gale that swept across the surroundings.
[Heavenly Demon Blood Wind Sword Technique]
“Blood Flow.”
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