Thrush - Chapter 302: Who's Bullying Us? (2)
If you were to ask what the meaning of Silloynggwan's existence is.
In name, it would be called the greatest Sword Corps training institution.
The center of the Righteous faction.
A Sword Corps training institution created by the Murim Alliance.
It was a place that had not descended from the highest seat for several centuries.
Of course, that wasn't all.
If you were said to be from Silloynggwan.
Connections formed naturally, and because those who had entered Silloynggwan were from famous sects and clans.
Just opening up conversations or talking with one another couldn't help but be quite a large harvest.
For example, the Yongbong Conference held for a few days each year.
Considering that the majority of late-stage disciples who went there did so to form connections.
Silloynggwan was quite a decent thing.
Because just having gone there was a gain.
Moreover, though its significance had degraded in its own way.
As befitting the greatest training institution.
There were things it taught well, too.
'But at the end of the day, it probably isn't much different from what a clan teaches.'
Why is a famous clan a famous clan.
And why is a famous sect a famous sect.
Having established a framework over a long time.
And continuing to maintain that position and grow.
That is why they are famous sects and clans.
They must have recorded information and training methods within their organization to that extent.
If one asks whether Silloynggwan is better than them.
I think it would be a bit ambiguous.
Not just me.
Everyone else knows it, too.
Yet even so, they send their children or themselves to Silloynggwan.
That must mean the value of being from this place is that important.
The time of Silloynggwan's birth.
A few centuries ago.
After the Bloody Calamity caused by the Blood Demon passed.
Around the time the lands were barely left smoldering.
The Blood Demon had disappeared, but.
The Demon Realm Gate had not closed.
Moreover, it was a time when demonic creatures still rampaged.
The righteous faction gathered and began training Sword Corps.
That is the origin and beginning of Silloynggwan.
Naturally, they do not teach martial arts.
Because one's own clan or sect's martial arts already exist.
And in a situation where the learned martial arts might even be secret arts or single-heir succession techniques.
It would be strange for Silloynggwan to teach martial arts.
What martial arts could they even teach.
With directors and instructors changing every time.
There are also Murim Alliance exclusive martial arts.
But this is ultimately something learned by those directly affiliated with the Alliance.
It had nothing to do with the late-stage disciples.
Then.
Having come all this way, what on earth do the accepted late-stage disciples learn?
'They learn how to beat demonic creatures.'
Since it's a Sword Corps training institution, of course they learn how to face demonic creatures.
They didn't divide people by martial arts or weapons used for nothing.
The grades of demonic creatures.
The types of demonic creatures.
Differences between individual specimens of the same species.
Different methods of confrontation and theories for each.
Besides that, they also learn about the Demonic faction.
After pounding this into their heads over several years.
It could certainly be called decent education.
Whether clan or sect.
If one is a martial artist possessing internal energy, they would eventually have to face demonic creatures.
'Though before long, they'll be facing humans more than demonic creatures.'
That was what it meant, if it was before the Bloody Calamity occurred.
Anyway.
So that was why me coming here didn't hold much meaning.
Ways to face demonic creatures?
Just how many demonic stones had I sucked dry from demonic creatures with the Demonic Way Heavenly Absorption Technique, including my past life?
How many demonic creatures had I faced and killed?
If you add in the experience of facing red demonic creatures that have yet to appear.
At the very least, I would be stronger than the instructors here in both theory and practical combat.
Then, what next.
Network management?
When the Heavenly Demon emerges and causes the Bloody Calamity, it's all over anyway.
Screw connections.
Half the humans here will fall and become demons.
Whether they end up that way by falling into the Heavenly Demon's hands.
Or walking voluntarily to the Heavenly Demon and falling.
"Woo-cheol."
Sitting in a chair with a backrest, passing time listlessly.
I spoke to the guy next to me.
"...Y-yes. Hyung."
A martial artist with black hair and a massive build.
It was Paewucheol, who had become my roommate.
The guy who had taken a punch to the jaw from me last night and collapsed on the spot.
Moreover, since he rushed at me again as soon as he woke up, I had beaten him up a bit.
He had become quite docile.
As expected, people need to talk.
A conversation of bodies is still a conversation, isn't it?
Since my will was conveyed, this is definitely a conversation.
"We're in the same group, right? That's great."
" "
"Woo-cheol?"
"That's right. It's great."
Hehehe.
Paewucheol, whose hulking frame seemed unwieldy, smiled awkwardly.
It looked like a forced smile to seem like a nice person.
Since this guy looked just as scary as me.
His smile didn't feel endearing.
'So there are three groups in total.'
Three groups composed solely of combat types.
They said archery and special types were classified separately and put into groups.
Especially in the case of swords, which were numerous.
They were more than twice as many as the other groups.
Meaning there were that many sword users.
The odd part was that Dang Soyeol belonged to the sword users.
A short sword is technically a sword, but...
Dang Soyeol himself seemed to have no idea why he was lumped in there.
I'll tease him when I see him later.
So I sat still in my seat waiting since morning.
*Squeak.*
Finally, the person I was waiting for opened the door and came in.
A build as large as Paewucheol or Hwangbo Cheolwi.
It was a middle-aged man wearing a blue hero's headband.
That headband meant he was an instructor affiliated with the Murim Alliance.
"Welcome."
A weighty voice matching his build was heard.
Moreover, internal energy was infused into his voice.
Enough to fill the spacious room.
Looking at the strength and control.
He seemed to be a figure who had lightly surpassed the Peak.
'Who is he?'
At this level, I should know who he is.
Especially since we're in the same combat division.
"Kkeuk...."
"Keok...."
The disciples who couldn't handle the heavy internal energy groaned as if suffocating.
It seemed to be an aura suppression.
It definitely seemed effective.
Because the eyes of those who had looked listless changed.
The instructor continuously exuded internal energy while scanning his surroundings.
A fierce gaze passed over each disciple, examining them.
'He's sorting them out.'
I could tell the instructor was gauging the level of the others.
I glanced to check on Paewucheol next to me.
He was frowning, but didn't particularly look strained.
'Oh, this guy is more capable than I thought?'
He wasn't a bad guy.
I had thought he was a nobody because he went down in one punch.
But he was a guy who lived up to his size more than I expected.
Besides Paewucheol, a few others.
There were guys enduring or letting the energy flow past them.
Four men, including Paewucheol.
One woman.
All faces I didn't know, but.
They seemed to be ones who could hold their own.
The instructor's gaze passed over them one by one.
Finally, it turned toward me.
The moment he saw me, the instructor's shoulder flinched.
I saw his eyes widen and his pupils tremble.
His startled reaction was amusing.
'He sees it.'
It was an internal injury indeed, and I had hidden it well.
The instructor's level seemed higher than expected.
'Should I show him a little?'
I wondered whether to release a bit and tease him.
But decided to stay as I was.
Just giving a slight smile.
"Ahem."
Whether the instructor had calmed down, he shifted his gaze again.
"This instructor is Cheol Hwan-o, Vice Commander of the Blue Dragon Corps under the Murim Alliance."
'Oh.'
I let out an exclamation internally upon hearing the name.
I had wondered who he was, but hearing the name, I could tell.
"Vice Commander, you say...?"
"If it's Cheol Hwan-o... Uicheon Cheonggwon...!?"
Sounds of commotion were heard from the surroundings.
Uicheon Cheonggwon, Cheol Hwan-o.
He seemed to be a martial artist whose name had quite spread.
But the name value of being the Blue Dragon Corps' Vice Commander seemed bigger.
Of course, in my head, Cheol Hwan-o was remembered as a different figure.
Looking at the instructor with thick features, I recalled.
'He's the Sword Demon's subordinate.'
A snort of laughter came out as soon as I recalled.
The Sword Demon, saying he's training the single-heir martial arts his master left behind.
That crazy guy holed up in the mountains and not coming out.
Cheonsal Star, consumed by madness.
I don't know which mountain he's holed up in, so I couldn't find him, but.
He was a guy who would probably show his face in the Central Plains within a few years.
In my past life, Cheol Hwan-o was one of the subordinates that lunatic kept around.
The Sword Demon's subordinates all wore masks.
...
..
So I didn't know his face.
But hearing the name, I could tell.
'I had heard he was from the Murim Alliance, but.'
To think he was a guy who served as Vice Commander of the Blue Dragon Corps.
It's a fresh feeling.
To think even a human who was Vice Commander of the Blue Dragon Corps.
Would fall and become a demon. It was utterly absurd.
"For the next half year. I am the instructor who will teach you the Sword Corps way."
Half a year.
Considering Silloynggwan's training period is two years.
It is a long yet short period.
"Any questions?"
The simple greeting ended.
Unlike Cheonghae Ilgeom, it was an incomparably light greeting.
I really like it.
To the question of whether there were questions.
A few guys raised their hands high.
"I have a question."
"Name."
"I am Cheon Ilseon of the Cheonil Clan."
"I'm not taking that. When introducing yourself, only state your name. I'm sure you were clearly warned, no?"
He cut it off sharply.
Because Silloynggwan had to maintain the pretext that everyone received education from the same standing, outside of clans and sects.
It seemed they had told them such things, but.
'...As if that would work.'
I was still full of skepticism.
"I am Hyo Unbyeok. Why has the Vice Commander of the Blue Dragon Corps come as an instructor?"
Having sacrificed one person to set an example.
Fortunately, the next guy changed the question tactfully.
It was quite a direct question.
Cheol Hwan-o thought for a moment about the question.
He smirked and answered.
"I had time to spare. And I was merely curious if there were any noticeable fellows."
"...Does that mean you are here to recruit new members for the Blue Dragon Corps?"
"I won't entertain questions beyond this."
Cheol Hwan-o finished his answer, but.
Those words contained many meanings.
Don't cross the line.
He dropped the words casually.
If one stands out here.
It meant the expectation that one might be scouted for the Blue Dragon Corps.
A few who grasped that meaning lit up their eyes.
From my standpoint, I'd ask what I'd do going to some mere Alliance Sword Corps.
The Blue Dragon Corps is an upper-ranking unit among the Sword Corps currently belonging to the Murim Alliance.
It was also a place where Changcheon Sword King Namgung Jin stayed as commander.
A place where only considerable strong ones among those affiliated with the Righteous faction could belong.
Naturally, it must be difficult to enter.
In that sense, the words the instructor just uttered held considerable value.
Probably, I'm not the only one listening half-heartedly here.
After that, the instructor received and answered a few more questions.
What they could learn from the instructor.
Why he only teaches for half a year.
Meanwhile, personal questions were refused outright.
Seeing this.
'It seems he dropped the Blue Dragon Corps matter on purpose.'
The reason was either to fire up the disciples' passion.
Or to take away those he was really interested in.
Whatever the reason, it wasn't important.
"I'll take questions up to here."
Many were still raising their hands after that, but.
The instructor ended his words.
It seemed to be about time.
Ah, so I'm hearing this.
I failed to pass in my previous life.
So I couldn't even hear what they teach at Silloynggwan.
Murmuring sounds were heard softly.
Perhaps because of the exchanged questions, the atmosphere had loosened somewhat.
At that moment, fighting spirit burst forth from Cheol Hwan-o's body to the fullest.
Fwoooosh-!
An energy of a different dimension than before.
A heavy energy to the point they couldn't even groan.
The slightly relaxed atmosphere.
Tightened in an instant.
"This is the first training."
Cheol Hwan-o continued speaking without releasing his energy.
"Other groups are probably starting with explanations of theory. This instructor is different."
Theories about each grade.
It was a boring part just to imagine.
"A martial artist must directly face demonic creatures, not just theories."
*Crack.*
A sound came from Cheol Hwan-o's forearm.
"However, unfortunately, I cannot bring demonic creatures before you cadets from the first training."
At the same time, the corner of his mouth rose.
The appearance and face felt intertwined with fighting spirit.
They were dyed with hostility.
"This instructor shall volunteer to play the role of a demonic creature. It's a simple method; you cadets just need to slay the demonic creature."
As soon as I heard the words, I tilted my head.
Starting off intense.
That meant nearly twenty people.
He was saying he'd face them alone.
I didn't expect him to do this from the start.
'This is such a crude method.'
I understand the intention.
The moment he uttered those words.
Among the disciples who couldn't even make a small sound due to the fighting spirit.
Small doubts were already rising on their faces.
'No matter how strong, this many alone?'
That's roughly what they'd be thinking.
Even if he's the Blue Dragon Corps' Vice Commander.
Even if he's a strong martial artist.
How could he face this many at once?
They'd be thinking that.
The plan was to destroy such complacent thoughts from the start.
That must be Cheol Hwan-o's plan.
Not bad.
They need to come to their senses first to make proper effort.
Moreover.
If it's Cheol Hwan-o, he would be at a level to put such thoughts into action and succeed.
However, there was indeed one problem he couldn't foresee.
"Instructor."
Under Cheol Hwan-o's overwhelming energy and heavy presence.
While everyone was groaning, unable to breathe.
Someone raised their hand nonchalantly and spoke.
"...!"
The instructor showed a big reaction to the unexpected situation.
An expression saying he truly hadn't expected anyone to raise their hand so nonchalantly.
Amidst this atmosphere, the one who spoke up.
Was me.
"I have a question."
"...Didn't I say I wouldn't take any more questions?"
"It's an important question. Can't I?"
I asked with a smile. The instructor's eyebrows furrowed.
"Your name is?"
"I'm Guyangcheon."
There was no particular reaction upon hearing the name.
He seemed to have known about me already anyway.
"What is the question?"
"Ah, it's nothing much."
It was an out-of-the-blue situation, but I felt better than expected.
I.
Intended to finish Silloynggwan, which I thought would take two years, within one year and get out.
To do so, some rather complicated and bothersome procedures were needed.
In that sense.
A situation like now couldn't not be the situation I really wanted.
"Can't I do it alone?"
"...What?"
At my words, the instructor's face fully crumpled.
He looked quite angry, but.
It was fine.
Enjoying that expression.
I spoke with a smile.
"I'm asking if I can't do the demon hunt you mentioned alone."
As if understanding the meaning of my words.
Cheol Hwan-o's fighting spirit thickened bit by bit.
It seemed to have rubbed him the wrong way.
Naturally.
What I said meant this.
That to hunt you.
There was no need for a group. It meant I alone was enough.