Graduation Spar
Just a few months ago, Academy City launched an operation to weed out villains and turncoats who had infiltrated its ranks.
The operation, conducted with the cooperation of Geumgang Academy, Shield, Sword, and various other organizations, concluded successfully.
As a result, the Hunter forces were able to interrogate the enemies and obtain information capable of dealing a serious blow to their organization.
From that point on, speed was of the essence.
“It won’t be long before they realize we’ve rooted out their spies. One way or another, word will reach their ears. By then, it’ll be too late. So we must strike swiftly, before they have time to respond.”
Muyeong, the patriarch of the Jamyeong Yu Clan, as well as the patriarchs of the Ten Great Clans and the other leaders of the Hunter forces, came to largely the same conclusion.
And so, two months ago, as soon as the new year began, they launched a surprise attack on the villain forces.
Thanks to that, they were able to inflict considerable damage on the enemy, but….
“Curious.”
Unlike the majority of Hunters who were purely delighted to have earned merit.
Muyeong, who had monitored the progress of each operation via the Jamyeong Yu Clan’s intelligence network, could not be wholly satisfied.
He couldn’t shake off a sense of doubt.
*According to intel from the field, certain hideouts showed signs of preparing for a surprise attack. As if they knew about our operation… and in detail, at that.*
A room without lights.
In a room where a single stream of moonlight entered, Muyeong reflected on past events.
Tapping the desk with his fingers without meaning to.
*It’s not entirely impossible that the operation leaked. The spies we rooted out this time weren’t all of them. The problem is….*
For operations of the highest importance, in order to maintain secrecy, the participants were not informed of any details until just before commencement.
Aside from himself, the Chairman of the Hunter Association, and the patriarchs of the Ten Great Clans.
*…No, it can’t be the Chairman. The clan monitors his every move. If any suspicious movements had been observed, I would surely know. But the patriarchs… there are limits to watching them. They are bound by a pact not to encroach upon one another’s territories.*
Having followed that line of thought to its end, Muyeong leaned back against the chair and closed his eyes.
He muttered as if weighed down by worry.
“Could it be… that there is a traitor among the patriarchs of the Ten Great Clans.”
Doubt, doubt, and doubt again.
Such was the destiny of the patriarch of the Jamyeong Yu Clan.
Muyeong let out a long breath.
* * *
Before anyone knew it, the winter break was drawing to a close.
On this day, Do Sieun’s graduation ceremony was held.
I attended to celebrate her graduation.
Friends who had grown close to her over the past year had also made time to come.
Only Yeon Haneul….
*She must be backstage by now.*
Unfortunately, Yeon Haneul had to assist with the graduation proceedings as a student council member.
Because of that, my friends and I had no choice but to watch the ceremony separately from her.
Stuck between Gang Hanbyeol and Yong Haerang, I couldn’t help feeling disappointed that she wasn’t by my side.
Of course, I figured it wouldn’t be a problem if she just made a doppelganger, but….
She had flatly refused.
—I can’t do that. If people who don’t know the situation see me hanging out with you guys, what would they think?
—What would they think?
—The student council members are all working hard. They might get the wrong idea that I’m the only one relaxing. And word might spread among them. That I’m cutting corners, or that I can reduce my workload using my Gift… I hate either option. Lately, Senior Suhyeok has been subtly hinting that he wants me to use my Gift… No, I can’t do that. The experiences of my doppelgangers are still my experiences, after all. My work stress would just double.
—What? Senior Suhyeok? Seriously, this senior… Should I go talk to him? No, should I scold him? I’ll get the swordsmanship faction people to teach him a lesson….
—No, don’t do that. I don’t want to make a big deal out of nothing. If you do that, not only Senior Suhyeok but I’ll suffer too. Please bear with it for my sake, Gyeonu. Please….
—Tch, I was just worried. If you say so, it can’t be helped. Alright.
—Yeah, thanks. And thank you for caring about me.
—If you know, give me a peck. No, a kiss.
—What? Fine. Come here. Lower your head. Good boy?
…I want to do it again.
As soon as I meet Yeon Haneul later, I’ll steal a deep kiss from her.
Awoken from my sweet reverie, I looked toward the stage.
Seong Dasom, who had taken office as student council president, was delivering a congratulatory address to the graduates.
Afterward followed the valedictory address by Do Sieun, the valedictorian of the 143rd class.
Time passed after that.
[With this, we conclude the graduation ceremony. We pray that only shining glory awaits the Hunters taking their first steps into the world. Thank you.]
With So Hyeyul’s final closing remarks, the ceremony came to an end.
The people in the hall began moving about freely.
Some left without lingering, while others took photos to preserve memories.
“Let’s go to Sieun.”
My friends and I were among the latter.
We rose from our seats and hurried toward Do Sieun.
Finding her wasn’t difficult.
She was surrounded by countless people, as if proving her renown as a Single Number, the academy’s top ranker, and former student council president.
“Excuse me, coming through.”
It was no exaggeration to say that practically everyone around had flocked to Do Sieun.
Flustered to the point of shock, we had to push our way through the crowd.
Fortunately, people who knew of my relationship with her kindly made way.
“Haneul, take my hand.”
“Ah! Gyeonu.”
I ran into Yeon Haneul along the way.
Spotting rabbit ears poking out from the crowd, I quickly reached out my hand.
After pulling her out like that, we barely managed to approach Do Sieun.
“Noona, congratulations on graduating. This is your graduation gift.”
“Ah… Gyeonu, thank you. It’s beautiful. You and Haneul came too. Thank you so much for coming.”
The people around us tactfully made space for us.
Meanwhile, Do Sieun, having received the bouquet from me, smiled softly.
Then she spoke as if to confirm.
“You know we have a spar later, right? I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“….”
It was about the graduation spar.
Before long, Do Sieun and I were scheduled to cross swords.
There was no way I could have forgotten, so I simply shrugged my shoulders lightly.
“I remember. You sent me a message about it yesterday too.”
“Right, I did. If I spar with you, I don’t think I’ll have any lingering regrets about my academy life.”
“Wait for me with your guard up.”
“Yeah, you too.”
Facing each other, Do Sieun and I let out snickers.
After that, we all took photos together.
Haneul and I, Go Eunbi, Min Arin, Lisa, and others took some photos in pairs too.
It was then that the crowd suddenly parted widely, creating a path.
“Sieun! Our proud granddaughter!”
“….”
The patriarch of the Divine Sword Do Clan, Suwang Do Ye-ik.
Her grandfather, appearing together with Do Sieun’s family, was walking down the path.
His wrinkled face wreathed in smiles.
“Patriarch, to what do we owe this honor….”
“What do you mean, honor? Do I need a reason to come see my granddaughter’s graduation? Sieun, congratulations on your graduation. And congratulations on becoming a Hunter. Now you’ve become a fine lion yourself. I hope you can contribute to the clan’s glory going forward.”
With the sudden appearance of a clan patriarch who occupied one of the seats among the Ten Great Clans, it was no surprise that everyone around, including us, was startled.
Nevertheless, Grandfather paid no heed and burst into hearty laughter, encouraging Do Sieun as if showing her off.
“…Thank you, Patriarch. I will continue to show you good form.”
“Yes, yes! You truly have a way with words, Sieun!”
Do Sieun seemed somewhat bewildered.
Still, she quickly composed her expression and bowed her head to Grandfather.
Grandfather was pleased by this and patted her shoulder.
*I wondered what brought Grandfather here… but of course, it’s Sieun noona’s graduation, so it’s only natural. She’s a prodigy the clan has high expectations for.*
The Thunderbolt Blossom of the Divine Sword Do Clan, Do Sieun.
Among his grandchildren, Grandfather cherished her especially.
And the grandchild he cherished just as much was none other than….
“Hello, Patriarch.”
…me.
I had been waiting for a chance to interject and greeted Grandfather.
Grandfather turned his gaze from Do Sieun and nodded as though pleased.
“So, Gyeonu was here too. It seems you came to celebrate Sieun’s graduation. It’s good to see such close affection between cousins. Is this the result of my efforts after all?”
“…We’ve always been close. Not just Sieun noona, but the other cousins too. It was only that punk Do Seungu who I didn’t get along with.”
“Haha, you rascal. You truly have no hesitation in speaking your mind. That aside, I heard. You’ll be having a graduation spar with Sieun today? To think that members of the Divine Sword Do Clan will spar before so many people—my heart swells with pride. It is the clan’s glory. I shall look forward to it. But please, do not tarnish the clan’s name.”
“Yes, Patriarch. I will bear that in mind.”
Grandfather stroked his beard and chuckled.
Soon, Grandfather’s gaze shifted to my friends.
“By the way… Gyeonu, the children behind you seem to be your friends. Won’t you introduce them to me?”
“Ah… yes, Patriarch.”
A strange light gleamed in Grandfather’s eyes.
Though I wasn’t too keen on it, I had no choice but to introduce my friends.
The friends greeted Grandfather one by one, not overlapping.
…Except Nam Yuri.
“Hello, Patriarch of the Divine Sword Do Clan! I am Nam Yuri of the Yeonseong Nam Clan!”
“Yes, it’s good to see you so outgoing. Your patriarch is quite gloomy, however.”
“Wow! That’s right! Our patriarch does have quite a gloomy side. Patriarch, you really get me!”
“Hehe. What an amusing child.”
Still, Grandfather didn’t frown at Nam Yuri’s attitude.
On the contrary, he seemed to find her candid and bold personality rather agreeable.
Almost as if he were dealing with Yeeun….
*I sometimes think that Yuri would really hit it off with Yeeun. So I must never let the two of them meet. I don’t think I could handle both at the same time.*
Meanwhile, the friends who caught Grandfather’s interest were Gang Hanbyeol, Lisa, and Cha Eunsol.
First, in Gang Hanbyeol’s case.
“So, you are the disciple of Tugwi. How has that fellow been lately?”
“I only hear from him occasionally, so I’m not well informed of Master’s recent activities. Most recently, I heard he cleared a Blue Gate in Seosan. Rather than that… Patriarch, might I learn a thing or two from you?”
“You wish to spar with me? How bold. As the disciple of Tugwi, I shall gladly accept your challenge anytime. However, before you challenge me, you must first defeat Sieun and Gyeonu. I heard you weren’t able to beat Gyeonu.”
“…Tch, you’re right. I’ll have to postpone it, regrettably.”
“I shall look forward to the day I cross blades with you.”
Grandfather smiled.
Next, in Lisa’s case.
“So you are the princess of Grace. It must be hard being in a foreign land. If you face any difficulties living in Korea, tell Gyeonu anytime. The clan will spare no effort in helping you.”
“Ah… thank you so much for Suwang’s consideration.”
“Suwang? That sounds so distant. Call me Grandfather.”
“…Excuse me?”
“The Patriarch is joking. Right, Patriarch? How could you do that to the princess of an empire?”
“You rascal… My apologies. My joke went too far. If I was rude, I formally apologize.”
“Ah, yes… it’s fine. I’m alright, so you don’t need to apologize.”
Caught off guard by Grandfather’s sudden remark, Lisa blinked her blue eyes blankly, unable to grasp the situation.
Not wanting to put her in an awkward position, I quickly intervened in the conversation.
Grandfather seemed displeased but reined in his intentions.
Finally, in Cha Eunsol’s case.
“Hello, Patriarch of the Divine Sword Do Clan. I’m Cha Eunsol. As for my clan… I don’t have one.”
“Yes, so you’re the child of the Cha family. Whatever the circumstances may be, I hear you’ve received Gyeonwoo’s backing this time. However, as Gyeonwoo is a member of the Divine Sword Do Family, I would like you to think of the support you receive as carrying the same weight as the Divine Sword Do Family’s. If there is ever anything you need, tell us at any time. The Divine Sword Do Family will protect you fully.”
“…Is that so? I’m truly grateful for your kindness, Patriarch. Then…”
“If there’s anything you need, tell me. I’ll take care of it.”
“…Even if I tell you, you won’t do it.”
Cha Eunsol is a beauty when she keeps her mouth shut.
I covered her mouth so she wouldn’t say anything unnecessary and risk displeasing Grandfather.
With her mouth suddenly blocked by my hand, she seemed sullen.
She complained in that state.
‘…You got spit on your hand.’
Sorry, but I ignored her.
I rubbed my palm on my clothes.
Aside from that, Grandfather exchanged brief conversations with my friends.
Lastly, in Yeon Haneul’s case.
“Hello, Patriarch of the Divine Sword Do Family. I am Bunny Yeon Haneul, disciple of the Seven-Colored Witch. It is an honor to meet you.”
“…Yes, you’re Gyeonwoo’s childhood friend. I’ve heard a great deal about you from Gyeonwoo.”
“Thank you. For the Patriarch to know me…”
“Continue to get along well with Gyeonwoo from now on.”
“…Yes, Patriarch.”
Fortunately.
Contrary to my worries, Grandfather did not treat Yeon Haneul coldly.
Though his attitude was somewhat indifferent, he did accept her greeting.
Watching Grandfather leave, I felt relieved inside.
Even so.
‘She looks down.’
Yeon Haneul’s rabbit ears were drooping.
To comfort her, I took her hand and interlaced our fingers.
* * *
I brought up my status window.
[Personal Information]
Name: Do Gyeonwoo (Male · 18 years old)
Alias: Thunder Cat and 1 other [+Detailed List]
Affiliation: Geumgang Academy
[Possessed Gift]
Evasion Instinct
[Physical Abilities]
Stamina: 69(66+3) → 80(73+7)
Strength: 63 → 73(69+4)
Durability: 60 → 70(65+5)
Agility: 76(72+4) → 89(80+9)
Magic Power: 65(57+8) → 79(66+13)
Luck: 40(38+2) → 48(43+6)
Remaining Points: 0 [+Detailed List]
As a result of maximizing my growth efficiency as much as possible, my physical abilities had risen considerably compared to when I entered the academy.
My pure agility and stamina had reached the ranks of 80 and 70, and my pure strength was also on the verge of 70.
Most importantly, my pure magic power was now 66, a level that did not fall short even for someone in the swordsmanship line.
‘If I add the values corrected by artifacts on top of this…’
Agility and magic power would likely enter the ranks of 90 and 80 respectively during the next semester.
At this level, I seemed more than qualified to be treated as a named figure who surpassed active Hunters and even led them.
With my graduation sparring match against Do Sieun ahead of me, I felt deeply moved.
‘Whether I can fully handle this power in this world, rather than in the game, is a separate issue… but I am curious.’
Just how strong am I now?
I want to find out.
Before long.
‘…Is it time?’
Having finished my preparations in the waiting room, I rose from my seat.
I walked down the corridor and made my way to the sparring arena.
As the people who filled the stands welcomed me with heated gazes and cheers.
“…”
From the opposite side, Do Sieun, dressed in her school uniform, was stepping up into the sparring arena.
Her blue eyes, fixed on me, already seemed to convey her fighting spirit.
Then, she silently moved her lips.
‘I’ve been waiting for this day.’
That was exactly what she seemed to be saying.
In response, I lifted the corners of my mouth and silently moved my lips as well.
‘Me too.’
And so, the graduation sparring match began.
I Became the Childhood Friend of the Mid-Boss