I got into school for nothing-252
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I got into school for nothing (252)
Lesson 49. Casanova's Holiday - 2
Saturday evening, the Rebellion training room.
As always, Dokgo Yeon, clad in black martial arts attire, held one of the Stormrain Swords Ban Yuwon had lent her, striking a stance.
She had personally chosen it because it was crafted to be the same size as the Executioner's Longsword.
So, what was she planning to do with that sword in hand? It was a sword technique demonstration.
“Ahem... then, let’s begin.”
“Ah, if you understand, then learn well. If you learn well...”
In the early days of Dokgo Yeon teaching Ban Yuwon the sword, she hadn't focused on specific sword forms, but rather on the fundamental movements of wielding a sword, such as cutting, thrusting, swinging, and deflecting.
Even when teaching other sword arts, she had preferred a style of directly imprinting them onto his body rather than just demonstrating them... but now, perhaps thinking that Ban Yuwon had broken through a certain stage, she had suddenly stepped forward to display sword techniques representing famous sects from Murim.
“Any place worthy of being called a great sect usually possesses a core cultivation method that symbolizes it. In the process of cultivating the mind, internal energy suited to each sect’s teachings develops, and to properly wield this energy, sword techniques fitting its nature are created and practiced. The inverse is also true. Even if a sword is swung in the exact same manner, the results differ depending on the intent contained within it; thus, in the process of tracing the sword trajectories that naturally arise, one develops their internal energy.”
“Mmm-hmm.”
Dokgo Yeon straightened her back, gripped the sword in a dignified posture, and repeatedly brought it down through the air with the same motion.
However, just as she had said, with each downward swing, the internal energy and intent imbued in the sword changed, forcing Ban Yuwon, who stood opposite her, to devise new countermeasures every time.
“Of course, there are also sword techniques that developed under the influence of the environment where a sect originated, its topographical characteristics, or even the founder’s personality—but Hyunsingong can replicate the nature of all these internal energies, and the same is true for your Yugi. If it’s you, adept now at generating energy and controlling sword paths, you should be able to master them without difficulty.”
“Ugh, that hits a bit too close to home. My abilities have indeed developed, but recently my sword has become nothing more than simple...”
“That’s not necessarily bad. Even a sword imbued with the most complex sword intent can only be cut down if it’s met with an overwhelming force that cannot be countered. But Yuwon, if the total amount of power is the same, there’s no need to say who would win, is there?”
That, indeed, was the story of when Ban Yuwon and Dokgo Yeon crossed swords.
Of course, no matter how quickly Ban Yuwon had accumulated Won-gi, comparing his internal energy level to Dokgo Yeon’s was still absurd.
However, even if their total internal energy were equal, Ban Yuwon’s sword would not be able to surpass Dokgo Yeon’s.
Just recently, in the club-vs-club special competition, the internal energy she imbued into her sword when she swung it against a chimera ball the size of a building was at a level Ban Yuwon could also easily draw out. Yet, the resulting power far exceeded his imagination.
“You seem to be disparaging yourself, but even that is not an easily attainable realm. However, if you can become even stronger from there, there’s no need to hesitate, is there?”
Dokgo Yeon wore a faint smile on her lips, as if she had noticed what Ban Yuwon was thinking.
Ban Yuwon, who found her smile exceptionally beautiful, realized that she had applied a light touch of rouge to her lips.
Now that he thought about it, hadn't Asha scolded Dokgo Yeon about wearing makeup last time?
Back then, he hadn't paid it any mind due to the impending clashes with Cartro El Fassis, Woohyeolrin, and Exodus.
He had probably just dismissed it, thinking there was no way Dokgo Yeon would wear makeup.
But today, it was undeniable.
Which meant, she was currently...
As he pondered the implications, his brain felt as though it were boiling, and his thoughts came to a sudden halt.
Dokgo Yeon continued speaking nonchalantly, as if she hadn’t noticed his gaze.
“I know that even complex sword intent is often perceived as a single word by you. If you combine sword intent that you understand and have imbued yourself with the assistance of Giwon Sword, you will soon be able to exert power similar to mine. ...Won? Yuwon?”
“Huh? Oh!”
“...Are you saying you can’t focus, even though I’m taking time for you right now?”
Dammit!
Unable to honestly confess that he had been staring at her lips, Ban Yuwon hastily blurted out an excuse, but Dokgo Yeon raised her sword with a sulky expression.
“Very well, then. If you can’t properly execute all the sword techniques I demonstrate from now on, consider your sleep for tonight gone.”
“...How many will you do?”
Ban Yuwon asked cautiously.
Dokgo Yeon made a few slashes in the air with her sword, then retracted it and declared sternly.
“That will depend on your attitude.”
“I am concentrating, Master!”
Ban Yuwon immediately brightened his eyes, feigning intense concentration.
Normally, she would have narrowed her cross-shaped pupils and struck his forehead with her sword, and it wouldn't have been enough.
But now, she couldn’t do that, struggling to suppress the corners of her lips that kept tugging upwards as if someone were pulling them.
“Ahem, then watch closely.”
Dokgo Yeon, barely suppressing her smile, cleared her throat and began the sword technique demonstration.
Despite her young age, she had already established her own domain with the sword, having collected and mastered all the sword techniques across Murim. As she demonstrated sword forms chosen for their profound and powerful sword intent, their movements and the fluidity of their concepts were worth billions, something one would eagerly pay to witness.
However, Ban Yuwon had to exert tremendous effort to avoid focusing solely on her tightly pressed, tense lips, the bare skin revealed between her fluttering sleeves, and the parts of her body that dynamically shifted with her movements.
...Was it just his imagination, or did the martial arts attire she wore today seem a little shorter and looser?
It had to be his imagination, right?!
The demonstration, which had filled Ban Yuwon with immense inspiration and enlightenment regarding sword concepts, as well as profound torment and excitement, came to an end.
Thanks to his excessively heightened concentration, Ban Yuwon had perfectly grasped all the sword techniques Dokgo Yeon had demonstrated. For the first time in a while, he showcased his talent for swordsmanship, mastering several techniques in a single go.
While concepts like circulation, swift sword, heavy sword, and illusionary sword, mixed with various other concepts, created countless variations, once he mastered them all, they ultimately merged into one within his Yugi.
Even if each individual concept wasn't extraordinary, their combination and patterns could create immense power, a miracle.
It bore a resemblance to the bomb Ban Yuwon had recently created by modifying Shatie’s Authority.
[The profundity of Giwon Sword has deepened by 20, reaching 1,250.]
Enlightenment soon brought about the growth of his martial arts.
From the moment one surpassed a profundity of 1,000, even a single point of growth in profundity was extraordinary. To grasp the essence of so many sword techniques in a short time and gain 20 points of profundity was an absurd level of achievement.
“...I knew it, but still.”
Dokgo Yeon was once again dumbfounded by Ban Yuwon's talent, who could grasp not just the form but the very essence of a sword technique just by seeing it once.
If he had been born into a great sect in Murim, regardless of how cheatingly powerful his innate Authority was, he might have been confined to a training hall, forced to do nothing but swing a sword, told that he should be pursuing the ultimate truth of the sword instead of dabbling in minor arts.
“You’ve mastered them all properly... You may go to sleep now.”
“Huh?”
As Dokgo Yeon declared this, with a mix of admiration, emptiness, and a hint of regret, Ban Yuwon, flustered, stopped his sword.
“It’s over already? There’s no more?”
“What I intended to teach today ends here. It’s not good to try and do too much in a short period, so let’s conclude for now.”
“No, but still...”
For Ban Yuwon, frankly, he wanted to savor the situation of being alone with Dokgo Yeon a little longer, rather than focusing on the sword techniques.
For some reason, at some point, Dokgo Yeon had started to be guarded by everyone, and whenever a situation arose where she might be left alone with Ban Yuwon, someone else would invariably pop up like a ghost.
Even today’s training session had only barely come to fruition after he was forced to defeat Asha in a duel (a real fight), as she had desperately tried to join, only to be ruthlessly driven away by Dokgo Yeon, who insisted on 'no unauthorized observers'.
However, Dokgo Yeon herself, satisfied with Ban Yuwon’s progress, handed him back the Stormrain Sword with a look that said ‘that’s enough,’ and stepped back.
“You said you’re departing tomorrow, didn’t you?”
“Ah, right. We decided to finish quickly and rest since we’re at it. Mercenary work seems to be like that.”
His departure tomorrow meant that Ban Yuwon would be undertaking a special activity on his own.
Special activities undertaken by a single student rarely happened, but Rebellion had already proven its ability to surpass such ordinary expectations during the recent Foundation Festival.
That was why the Chancellor had gladly approved the request from the nascent mercenary group ‘Rebel Force,’ dispatching Ban Yuwon.
‘Professor Yumina probably pushed for it... As expected, connections are everything in this world.’
Most special activities took place during the special activity week, which spanned from Friday to Sunday when students weren't entering the Tower during the semester. However, urgent requests couldn't be delayed until Friday, and special activities by small teams or individuals often occurred on weekdays.
In such cases, missed lectures were still counted as attendance, and depending on the activity’s evaluation, bonus points could even be earned, allowing one to aim for the Dorm Cup—no, rather, the Honor Student evaluation at the end of the semester. So there was absolutely no downside.
...Of course, there was no need to explain why the Rebel Force had specifically requested him for this special activity.
“That’s good. You’ll surely gain new insights when you apply what you’ve learned in a real situation.”
“Ah—what if my sister just watches and learns on her own? Is that okay?”
“It’s not my secret technique, so it doesn’t matter. ...But you’re not teaching her, and she’s just watching and learning? Surely your sister isn’t a monster like you?”
When Dokgo Yeon asked, dumbfounded, Ban Yuwon chuckled and explained.
“When it comes to swordsmanship, she’s incomparably better than me.”
“You said she was the woman who became the heir of Prominence, right? When I first saw that girl, Ulrike, after hearing that Prominence was famous for swords, I was just dumbfounded...”
Naturally, Dokgo Yeon and the other Rebellion members knew all about what Ban Yuwon had experienced on Earth during the summer break, and its background.
...So everyone, while pretending not to, was keeping an eye on Ban Yumi.
“Hearing you say that, it seems what I heard wasn’t entirely baseless after all. Please let me meet her someday.”
“...Want to come with me tomorrow?”
“It’s a solo activity. I’m fine. ...Besides, even if I could go, the beast and the fool would run wild.”
Dokgo Yeon covered the corner of her mouth with her hand and chuckled.
“Go and rest. Oh, tell the fool to come to the training room. If she wanted to train with me so much, I suppose I should humor her.”
“Yeah. Good night, Yeon.”
“Good night, Yuwon.”
Asha probably hadn't meant this kind of situation when she said she wanted to train together, but Ban Yuwon decided not to nitpick.
Once Ban Yuwon had left, Dokgo Yeon drew a small dagger, checked her reflection and expression in its blade... and only after a long moment, let out a sigh of relief before sheathing it and opening her Mirror.
—Heukseol: How was it, Young Lady? Did the fluttering, seductive martial attire have some effect?
A message had arrived from Heukseol, Dokgo Yeon’s bodyguard, who was likely in Murim by now.
Normally, bringing in or even touching items from other dimensions was strictly forbidden in Dokgo Yeon’s dimension. However, after the Grand Master’s declaration of ‘Bring that scoundrel here,’ a frantic Heukseol had begged Dokgo Yeon to inherit the Mirror before she left.
Dokgo Yeon had been disgusted by Heukseol, who had stepped forward to advance their relationship, but it was undeniable that she was now conversing with her like this.
—Me: I hate to admit it, but...
—Heukseol: See? I told you.
—Me: I haven’t even properly explained yet.
—Heukseol: No matter how good something is, you shouldn’t just rush in headfirst. When they feel a little regret, you have to pull back a step, and then they’ll seek you out more eagerly. But if you look at the Rebellion channel, most of the women are completely smitten with him and are desperate. Especially with such a popular person! It’s easy for them to fall for a woman who is as noble and proud as you, Young Lady, but also occasionally a little gentle only to him!
—Me: Heukseol, why are you so adept at typing messages?
—Heukseol: But you must not be mistaken. That man has many women besides you, Young Lady! You mustn’t give too little room, nor seem too easy. And as an added bonus, you must maintain contact that gives him a subtle sense of anticipation, as if there’s room only for you, not for other men! Only then will he become even more...
—Me: I don’t want to test his feelings.
—Heukseol: Oh.
Oh?
Oh?!
Hadn’t an exclamation that a cold-blooded and cruel assassin of the Shin-gyo should never utter just flown through the message?
—Heukseol: Ah, I apologize, Young Lady. It’s set to voice input, and I accidentally sent it in a moment of carelessness.
—Me: That’s a function I didn’t even know about...
—Heukseol: Anyway, to return to the main point, it truly seems like love, Young Lady.
—Me: Heukseol, what exactly is love?
—Heukseol: Oh dear.
—Me: You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you? Heukseol, you’re making fun of me because I’m not in front of you, aren’t you?
—Heukseol: It’s your fault for being so cute, Young Lady.
—Me: When vacation comes, be prepared.
—Heukseol: Of course, I’ll prepare the bridal chamber and welcome the two of you!
—Me: ...
As Dokgo Yeon stared at the Mirror, contemplating what punishment she should mete out to Heukseol to alleviate the humiliation she was currently feeling, another long message soon arrived.
—Heukseol: If you stay up all night worrying about what to wear the next day because of one man, or if you feel like applying rouge when you’ve never done so in your life, or if you inadvertently want to hold his hand when you see it, or if your gaze unconsciously drifts to his lips, or if you feel inexplicably proud or find yourself smiling when you look at him, or if you feel a strange sadness watching his back as he turns away...
—Heukseol: ...That, Young Lady, is love.
—Me: Don’t think you can get away with teasing me so much with some nice words. I’m remembering everything. And I know you’ve never been in a relationship either.
Dokgo Yeon snorted, a 'hmph' escaping her lips, and closed the Mirror.
As she brought her hand to her lips, intending to wipe off the rouge before Asha arrived, she suddenly recalled how Ban Yuwon’s gaze had been fixed on her lips earlier while they discussed swords.
She had pretended not to know, but in truth, she had known all along.
Phuh, an uncontrollable chuckle finally escaped her.
Then, feeling an urge to inexplicably shout, she hastily covered her mouth.
Even if no one was watching, she couldn’t possibly do something so undignified.
“Pfft, pfffttt...”
But even so, she couldn’t stop the laughter from bubbling out.
As she continued to hold her mouth with both hands, letting out suppressed laughter for a long while, she soon spotted Asha glaring at her with a displeased expression.
“Playing alone, just the two of you... Was it that good?”
“Heehee... Yes.”
“Huh?!”
She would rather die than admit it in front of him, but with Asha, it would probably be fine.
Dokgo Yeon decided to nod honestly, following her heart’s command.
“It was absolutely wonderful.”
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