The Protagonists Are Murdered By Me Chapter 24: 121-125, a 13 tzameti fanfic

It all started with a small word from Yekaterina.

-Yes. Another League is looking to recruit ether craftsmen who are willing to create an 'essence dispenser' by combining magic and science with us….

However, at that time, Yekaterina didn't have any plan whatsoever. She thought it would be okay to start making a plan the day after she announces it. However, for numerous companies that were aiming for a new technology called 'magic', Yekaterina's words hits differently.

'Ey~ they will announce the general recruitment guideline first, right?'

'I don't think so. I think starting from tomorrow, they'll start the test right away.'

'What? In that case, shouldn't we bring a dispenser as an example?'

'Huh, it can't be! Let's bring everything we have and go!'

At first, companies were confused and took a 'wait and see' approach. But, after seeing their rivals starting to flock towards Another League's headquarters with a whole ether dispenser, they couldn't do that anymore. They couldn't let this opportunity pass by and got left behind.

As a result, craftsmens who were confident in their ether craftmanship skill gathered around the Another League's headquarters, and the very next morning, masters of ether science and craftmanships from all over the world had arrived.

"So much…!"

Yekaterina, who couldn't ignore so many people around Gangnam Square, was eventually forced to guide all of them to the Another League's hideout, the Floating Garden.

They had too many free buildings inside the hideout anyway. And also, there were as many as 50 spirits in the Floating Garden, so security was not a problem. And unlike before, the spirits had completely recovered their power through replenishment of life (farming), and could exert their original power in the Floating Garden.

Most of the spirits had power around A-rank, however, there were few spirits who had power around S-rank. So even if some hunters were dispatched to subjugate them, they wouldn't be able to do it.

For the spirits, it was unpleasant for outsiders to come to their dwelling, so their eyes lit up ferociously and they monitored and inspected each person coming in and going out strictly.

"It's amazing."

I was quietly watching the process.

"Hyu~ so many great engineers have gathered here. I'm so nervous."

"You don't have to be. You are the best ether firearms craftsman I know."

"You are exaggerating."

Lee Bongjuk. He was the owner of a firearm shop in 'Workshop Alley' located in Yongsan. His career may seem shabby because he only had 3rd grade craftsmanship license when other craftsmen gathered here were holders of at least 1st grade license or even named license. But I know him and his skill very well. He was the only one in Korea who could assemble my favourite essence magic bullet more intricately than anyone else.

From the rumours I heard, he had only been dealing with firearms throughout his life. Some said it was stupid, and some blamed him for not forgetting the old ways. Nevertheless, Lee Bongjuk didn't waver. He kept working as craftsmen of ether-based firearms.

Why? The reason was absurdly simple. It was because he loves guns.

As someone who also likes guns, it was a reason that touched my heart.

Of course, I didn't bring him here just because of that. He was the one who developed the 'Mega Shooter' and an excellent engineer who developed the 'Winchester 777', a prototype of magic-based firearms that I used against the male-leads in the previous mission.

For such a talented craftsman like him, who was capable of making such a magnificent gun in a small workshop, I would gladly assign him to the best workshops we had as well as giving him the assistance of the fire spirit who won't ever make even the slightest error.

I was quite pleased with the result of the 'Winchester 777', and if we start developing proper firearms, the possibilities are beyond imagination.

"To be honest… I am very grateful and burdened by this kind of support, I will try to support the development of essence-based equipment as much as possible."

"Thank you very much."

Since the time I first saw his mana, I knew that Lee Bongjuk had an innate talent of becoming a magician. And if he helps other technicians with his talent, the essence dispenser would surely become easier to develop.

-Hyung-nim, we're done with the paperwork!

"Oh… Okay."

After leaving Lee Bongjuk at his new workshop, I returned to my office. In the office, twenty-five spirits were moving in tandem. They were working with computers, organizing documents, or even sipping coffee.

Spirit was a creature that learned anything quickly. Even more so once they become older. I never expected things to become like this while Yekaterina was overworked with a ridiculous amount of work.

"Everything is okay?"

-No, it's not okay. I'm tired.

"…Of course, you are. That's why you are lazing off like that."

-I'm not lazing off! I'm in the middle of directing and supervising the field!

In the Floating Garden, there was a Spirit King who ruled all the spirits. Originally, the Spirit King is supposed to be equal to an SS-rank, but because he distributed his power to other spirits first, it could be said that he had yet recovered his original power.

I actually knew that he's not playing around but supervising other spirits through 'spiritual exchange'. That's why I always treated the Spirit King well, for example, serving him the best coffee beans on earth.

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-Oh, awesome! This is Earth's coffee beans! It tastes like waking up!

"You don't sleep, though."

-I think I can stay up all night today!

"You are always staying up at night."

-Everyone has a different perspective. I learned something good.

He was a spirit of fire and ice, so basically, he was taking the form of a blue fire that kept burning. That was why I couldn't hit him in the face, because I don't know where his face was.

"Whatever."

Still, thanks to the spirits, the piled up works had decreased significantly. The guild expenses also became less. They seemed to be working like this because they were grateful that I extended the life of the Floating Garden as well as giving their reasoning back. They also said that if the Floating Garden is fully revitalized, new spirits might be born inside the garden.

"What's this?"

-That is the armor that Madam Yekaterina loves!

"Ah, is it that armor?"

I looked at the suspicious black armor on top of Yekaterina's desk. I heard that it's a goblin's stuff or something. It was brought here because the people of Murim thought that Yekaterina, a magician, could dispose of it. But far from disposing of it, Yekaterina was hugging it every day.

They said that the sight of Yekaterina wandering through her office while hugging the armor that didn't fit her own body was a cute scene, but it was only funny for me.

"Take it to the warehouse."

-Okay, hyung-nim!

After the Spirit King answered vigorously, he reached out toward his armor.

-Oh? Oh oh? My body is sucked into the armor! Oh oh!

"What, what happened?"

Suddenly, the blue flame of the Spirit King penetrated into the armor and assimilated with it. I took a step back because I was quite surprised by it.

-Spirit…Synchronization….

"Spirit Synchronization? what is that?"

-Do not talk to me….

"…Wait… you're walking?"

The synchronization or whatever it is was completed, the Spirit King had grown considerably in size to match the size of the armor. He seems to be between 190cm and 200cm tall, his shoulders have become wider too.

From that spirit… we have confirmed that the dimensional bond has become loose.

'What are you talking about?'

It means that, that spirit could go outside this dimension.

'What, really?'

Clutching his fists, the Spirit King strikes a muscular people pose.

-Well! My whole body is full of power! I think I can do anything now.

He still had a foolish personality, but now, he actually had a great power. Although currently he was at S-rank level… If he regains his original power, he might be able to reach the SS-rank. Moreover, he could use his power outside too.

'…It means that I got a free S-rank powerhouse, right?'

At first glance, S-rank seems to be not a big deal since there were an SS-rank superhuman like Taylor Nine and Ha Sun-young in the guild, but it should be remembered that around the world there were only less than 60 SS-rank superhuman. So yes, S-rank was also very valuable.

I smiled happily in front of this unexpected gain. It would be nice to take him with me right away, however, for now, his task would be protecting Yekaterina, who often goes outside.

"Good. From now on, you are Yekaterina's exclusive bodyguard."

Three days have passed since then.

All the available buildings inside the Floating Garden were renovated into a workshop for craftsmens who were sponsored by companies, and also dozens of elite craftsmens who came because they're interested with magic. We also provide a swordsmanship training of at least the four basic-move to all 50 hunting supporters. (P/N: basically non-superhumans who went inside dungeons, so Seodam is trying to teach the supporters basic swordmanship so they aren't so helpless in a dungeon)

In the midst of various experiments, such as applying new technologies, a soldier came to find me.

His name was Ryu Gyeongsoo, he wore a sparkling star on his beret. it was not difficult to guess that he was a S-rank superhuman. Because these days, one needs to have practical combat experience in addition to political power in order to get a star.

"Nice to meet you, Hunter Yoo Seodam. I heard that you are a veteran hunter in your 16th year and have become 30 this year. I was so surprised when I saw you, because you look like you are still in your early-to-mid 20s."

"If that's the case, You are also in your early-to-mid 20s, Brigadier General Ryu Gyeongsu, Because it seems like you are someone around my age."

Humans who have reached S-rank start to age in reverse. It means that even if they live for several decades like Ha Sun-young, they would still look like a teenager in their twenties.

From his body language, I could tell that Ryu Gyeongsoo was curious about the small flames that flew around the office to make coffee or bring refreshments, but he didn't let it show on his face.

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It was the work of Yekaterina. I was aware that she had some hobby in decorating things since the time we spent in 'Library of the White Witch'. That's why our guild office was fully decorated with magic, and frankly, there were a lot of things that I couldn't know what principle it worked on. Such as a sofa that completely unfamiliar with all of it, and it was hard to pretend that I know all of it just because of my pride.

'Now that I think about it, both the library and this office are mine…'

Knowing that all my space was filled with Yekaterina's presence, I couldn't help but feel like I'm the guest, not the owner.

"Thank you for your kind words, now let's get down to the business. Hunter Yoo Seodam, can you accept one request from the Korean Government as the Military Advisor of the Murim League?"

"As a Military Advisor you say?"

"That's right."

Not as a hunter, but as a military advisor. This request seems to be directed towards Murim League.

"Let's listen to the request first."

"There's….. a warrior of Murim who had infiltrated Korea."

"Warrior of Murim? I'm sure that our master is aware of the movement of the people of Murim of the Murim League…. I believe that the word 'infiltrated' is not correct."

"They are people who are not affiliated with the Murim League."

Ryu Gyeongsoo said.nov𝑬𝑳𝓤𝗌𝐁dot𝓬/o\𝑚

At those words, my face hardened.

A warrior of Murim who does not belong to the Murim League. It was something I know very well.

"Are you talking about Murim villains?"

"Yes, you are correct."

It's been 5 years since the people of Murim returned to Earth. During those five years, quite a lot of them weren't able to adapt to the present age and ran wild. Of course, 90% of the cases were resolved by the 'Supreme One', and those who broke the ban were all executed.

However, 'Supreme One' was not a perfect being, he couldn't resolve all of it. Those Murim villains who caused an accident in the time when Supreme Dharma wasn't active, were still freely roaming around without being caught.

"They started moving after calling themselves 'Murim Hohyanghoe'."

"That name means Murim people who miss their hometown."

I said.

In the past, Supreme Dharma put a 'ban' on the people of Murim. However, they were only pretending to be obedient while holding to their bloodlust. There were some of them who moved in groups to release their anger.

Dharma could only take care of them only after they carried out their atrocious act such as destroying a small country or even helping a terrorist group.

Even when Dharma solved most of the case, he couldn't solve all of it.

I know the reason well. It was because Dharma had his 'daily life'. If the Murim villains moved in the gap when Dharma was busy with his daily life, they couldn't be caught.

"Did you watch the news lately?"

"Are you perhaps talking about the news of China claiming the ownership over Mugong?"

"Yes. It may sound like bullshit at first, but all people of Murim who do not belong to the Murim League are flocking to China."

Ryu Gyeongsoo let out a long sigh.

There were quite a lot of Murim returnees who didn't join Murim League than I expected. Including those who had PTSD because of Mugong, those who were reluctant to use them, and those who returned without being able to master Mugong.

There were also those who wanted to go back to Murim and those who wanted to put the world under the rule of Murim's laws. Those radical people joined the Murim Villain Alliance and stuck to China.

Since their number will be at least at a few hundred, it was natural that China had become so arrogant.

However, there was one part that I couldn't understand.

'Does their claim make any sense? In the end, Murim League had numerous family heads as well as Seol Jungyeon.'

The Master of Murim League, Seol Jungyeon, gained strong support around the world, and recently, she was able to directly negotiate with the President of the United States.

Although the number of Murim League was only 3,000, they were now gaining more strength than before.

Despite all of that, just why did China claim the ownership Mugong all of a sudden?

"We are unable to find their motive, So on top of our previous request, we also want your cooperation regarding the matter with China."

"Well."

Since it was the request for Murim League, it was a wise move to ask for help from me, the Military Advisor of Murim League.

"First of all, I will accept it. I still need to talk with Master Seol Jungyeon, though."

"Thank you very much. And please, I beg you to do it as quietly as possible."

"Of course! Civilians would only be scared if we told them there's a Murim villain wandering in the street."

Ryu Gyeongsoo walked away from my office with a serious expression, and I also rubbed my face, which had become quite stiff.

'For what reason did the Murim villain infiltrate Korea?'

And, how the hell do I catch a Warrior of Murim?

The Another League Official YTUBE Channel broke through the mark of 4 million subscribers in mere 3 days before quickly surpassing 10 million subscribers. Even now, the number was still growing rapidly.

It was an astonishing growth. Each and every video posted on Another League's official channel dominated the real-time ranking for video search as well as the trending charts of numerous portal sites.

However, for Ha Sunyoung, Yekaterina, Taylor Nine, Celeste, and Ye Sa-hye, who appeared on the videos, they hadn't yet realized that they had become a great star.

Just like usual, Ha Sunyoung went to a convenience store around the guild hideout with sweats and a cap to celebrate the end of the day with beer and jerky. It was quite a luxurious spending for her who until recently lived with nothing but a small cup noodle for every meal.

Of course, she didn't recklessly go on a shopping spree. When she found a 6,300 won jerky and a 6,100 won jerky, she always chose the latter. Because, in her mind, when she bought the cheaper one, she had saved 200 won, and with that, she could eventually buy another pack of jerky.

"The total is 15,000 won……huh? Aren't you Ytuber Ha sunyoung?"

"Huh? I'm not a Ytuber, I'm a Hunter."

"Oh! That's right! Huh, awesome. I subscribed to your Mugong lesson and watched it every day! Look at this, even now I am still watching it!"

"Is that so…"

On the way to the convenience store earlier, Ha Sunyoung saw several people who were watching her video but she brushed it off as a simple coincidence. Unfortunately for her, Ha Sunyoung's ripple effect did not end just yet.

"What!?!?! Ytuber Ha Sunyoung?"

"No, I'm a hunter…."

"Wow! Awesome! Can I take just one photo with you? You're so pretty…."

Even though she wore a hat that halfway covered her face, there were some people who recognized her and talked to her. There were some people who also asked for her autograph as well as some advice regarding Mugong.

"Ah…."

Ha Sunyoung's lips parted widely, even though the excessive interest was rather embarrassing, the whole situation wasn't that bad.

Ever since she was young, her dream was to become an idol. She sang and danced more passionately than anyone else. Thanks to that, even when she was thrown into Murim, she was able to learn Mugong.

Her dream was still alive, as just recently, when Hellony jokingly asked about making a girl group, Ha Sunyoung was rather interested. If it wasn't for her age, she might have held Hellony's hand on the spot and asked to sign the contract right away.

Ha Sunyoung was quite old.

However, she was an expert who had achieved the realm of hwakyung, a realm that was extremely difficult to reach even for Murim people. Thanks to that, she had an outward appearance of a teen in their early 20s. And since Earth was a place where appearance means a lot, no one cared about her real age.

It was only natural that she had become so popular. It was because on top of her beautiful appearance, she was also a SS rank hunter who used Mugong really well and a very famous Ytuber.

So, while she was feeling rather awkward in receiving such attention… She seems to have finally found the reason for her life.

"That's right! Kid, this Noona is Ha Sunyoung!"

"But, I'm thirty years old…"

"My age is twice as yours, kid!!" (P/N: lmao she's so proud of it)

'This is rather exciting?'

She snorted as she received a bunch of gifts from her fans. It seems that today would be recorded as the most enjoyable day in her entire life rather than the day she ascended into the realm of hwakyung.

'I can give this cake to the white cat who is always sitting on Yoo Seodam's lap…. And this…. Maybe for the chick who is always always chasing Yoo Seodam?'

Lately Ha sunyoung enjoyed eating snacks, and every time she bought some, she would always share it with everyone from Another League including the 50 swordsmasters. It was part of her new habit of buying and eating things she previously couldn't eat because she didn't have money.

After walking away from the crowd of people who recognized her, Ha Sunyoung turned into a dark alleyway. She took an ice cream from the plastic bag and put it on her mouth before saying something without even turning her back.

"Are you a stalker? No matter how beautiful I am, I don't think what you do is right."

And then, three men in black masks appeared around her. One in front and two on the side.

Ha Sunyoung was eyeing them with a glimmering eye, she was gauging their power based on their naegong.

Based on what she saw, she knew that all of them were a transcendental expert.

"What are you doing? Do you want my sign that bad?"

"Singer Geom-hee, Ha Sunyoung. We come here today because we have something to discuss with you."

"Hey hey, you'll make my heart flutter if you call me like that, so stop."

"Leave Another League and return to where you belong."

"OHO! It's not even the transfer season yet, so why are you doing this? Hey friends, do you know that you'll be a nuisance to our guild master if you do this?"

Slowly, Ha Sunyoung realized that the other party was not a member of the New Murim. They would not behave like this if they were part of New Murim Since Yoo Seodam was the military Advisor of the New Murim League. Moreover, she was also part of the New Murim League.

"First, tell me where you belong…"

"We are from 'Murim Hohyanghoe'. It is not a fake Murim group created by warriors of Murim on Earth, but an alliance with a purpose of returning to the 'real Murim."

Real Murim. When those words came out, Ha Sunyoung's mischievous self completely disappeared. The man also continued speaking with the thought that the conversation had finally caught her attention.

"Ha Sunyoung, you were a famous person back in Murim. We still remember Geomhee, who freely walked through Murim, with her singing and dancing abilities."

Just like what they said, the existence of 'Geomhee' was quite unique in Murim. Although she was not recognized as a direct disciple in any school, she was a genius who created a completely new mugong by taking only good parts of one branch of mugong and combining it with another. Some said that if she was born into a lineage with decent swordsmanship, she would have become a higher expert in the Murim World.

But she didn't want to settle down in any particular school. All she did was roam around the wide Murim while singing her songs.

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And all those who had heard Geomhee's song, they always said that they couldn't forget her singing.

How could they forget the voice which was free yet lonely and happy yet depressed?

"The Murim Hohyanghoe is waiting for you."

"…Can we really go back?"

"Even though it's not possible just yet, our Lord said he knows the method."

"That lord of yours… who knows the way to return home, who is it? Don't tell me, he's not weaker than me, right?"

"No way!"

They looked at Ha Sunyoung who threw such a word towards their Lord.

"The Lord we respect so much is 'Bang Ho-win'-nim…. If you work hard for our cause just a little, we could soon return to Murim."

Bang Ho-win, it was a name that modern people may not know. However, Ha Sunyoung knew about him very well.

Because he was,

"Pu ha ha ha! Hey, are you talking about that 'Bang Ho-win'? That foolish and perverted man?"

"…….!"

She had no choice but to burst into laughter. Bang Ho-win was a notorious criminal in Murim who forcibly violated female warriors using his unique sorcery. By doing so, he grew stronger, and faster than anyone else. He even reached the realm of hwakyung (SS-rank on earth) right after Supreme Dharma.

'That man was still alive.'

Even though Ha Sunyoung laughed hard on the outside, inside, she couldn't feel the same.

It was embarrassing to talk about his sorcery arts which could also be called the lecherous arts. But even so, Bang Ho-win's strength was real.

'I thought he was killed by Supreme Dharma four years ago….'

Ha Sunyoung tried to pretend to be calm and said.

"Do you think I'm an idiot enough to agree to work under 'Saekma'?"

(T/N: Saekma means lecherous person.)

In order to become strong, a female warrior was absolutely necessary for Saekma. However, in modern times, the number of female warriors were so little, there was not enough prey for him.

'And in the midst of all that, he came to me?'

"So, you said that I just need to work hard as a girlfriend who is being sucked dry by him, right? But what can I do? I've already become Hellony's lover."

That's what she hoped for….

"…You must pay the price for insulting our Lord!!!!"

"Tsk tsk tsk! These idiots… I like modern times better. Don't you know that all the songs I used to sing at Murim were all pop songs??"

When Ha Sunyoung lived in Murim, she had never been happy even for a single day. She would rather drown herself in dish water and die than return to that hellish place. Yet, these guys had the guts to asked her to become a sex slave and give away the power she had accumulated painstakingly throughout her entire life to a bastard like Saekma? And it was all for the sake of returning to Murim when she was completely happy on modern Earth?

Ha Sunyoung thought about the time since she returned to Earth. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbow, but she was truly happy. Even more so after she met Yoo Seodam who undid the ban placed upon her and helped them take revenge on Dharma.

This dreamy life where people recognized her even though she only wandered around the street…

She never intends to throw it away.

"I had never thought that we could solve this with words alone."

"So what? Do you want to use force?"

"You are absolutely necessary for our purposes. I'm very sorry, but we'll have to take you by force."

"Ohhhh… Aren't you cool?"

Ha Sunyoung smiled as she watched the three warriors pull their swords out.

The difference between rank in a fight between superhumans was absolute. When a fighter with stats of 3 and stats of 5 collides, there is a 99% chance that the fighter with stats of 5 would win. However, in a battle between warriors of Murim, such a difference wasn't absolute.

In Murim, it was not uncommon to hear of a master who has reached the pinnacle being beaten by a third-rate warrior. Because, even if one was lacking in skills, there was always a way to win.

Pajik, Pajik!

Natural energy and mugong clashed with each other. Ha Sunyoung soon realized that there were a lot of talismans installed around her.

"….."

Her naegong shook wildly. It looks like the talismans installed around the place were a proper one because she wasn't aware of its existence.

Ha Sunyoung's expression hardened, and the three Murim warriors pointed their swords at her. They believed in the technique they used. It was a technique that had allowed them to kill a peak rank expert back in Murim.

No matter how skillful an Hwakyung expert is, it would be impossible for them to fight with all they got when their naegong was disturbed. Moreover, the three of them had become more powerful by cultivating their swordsmanship as well as their base. They believed that with their current strength, they would be able to beat a hwakyung expert.

But…..

"Are you kidding me?"nov𝖊𝓛𝑢𝗌𝚋.𝒸\o\𝓂

Thud!!

The three Murim warriors opened their eyes wide as they felt a sensation akin to a massive boulder squeezing their hearts.

In an instant, the air around them turned cold.

They could see that Ha Sunyoung was still standing at the same place as before with the exact same posture and expression. But somehow, they couldn't move closer to her.

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Their instincts as a veteran warrior warned them that if they moved even a muscle, they would die.

"Seriously… I looked forward to it because it seemed like you guys had prepared something for me… But… Did you really think this would work on me?"

It works. In the first place, they were confident because they already experimented this technique against an hwakyung expert.

However, they weren't aware.

The expert in front of them was different from an ordinary hwakyung expert.

Wheeiiinngggg!!

Ha Sunyoung rotates her naegong. However, it was something that the three of them hadn't seen before. It was a completely different form of mugong… A new 'something' that could hardly be identified.

'Th…that!! what the hell is that?!'

She tapped her necklace and ring and said.

"Seodam give me this… Uh.. What is it again? AH! Item! For emergency usage. Anyway, I want to test it out today.."

"…..!!"

"….But I think it wouldn't even be worth it to test it out against you guys."

When Ha Sunyoung pulled out two wooden chopsticks and threw them, the talismans on the wall were torn to shreds and disappeared. Then she pulled out a candle and threw it, it flew in the wind and burned three amulets that were cleverly hidden behind the fences and pillars in the distance.

After that, she pulled out a cake knife from the plastic bag.

That was the only weapon she needed. (T/N: This badassery~)

"Come on."

At the same time, the three Murim warriors rushed towards her at the same time. There were still several more talismans attached in the surroundings. Before she breaks all the talismans and weakens the effectiveness even more, she had to be subdued at all cost.

'Ho…how?'

The sword of one of the Murim warriors clashed against Ha Sunyoung's cake knife. The tip of both weapons keeps meeting each other like 2 opposite poles of magnets.

'Nonsense…..'

As Ha Sunyoung lightly knocked her cake knife up, the Murim warrior's sword bounced off and slashed the arm of another Murim warrior who was running from the side.

"What a waste… I was trying to cut your wrist."

Ha Sunyoung was completely relaxed. She even spit out such words with a playful tone as she swung her cake knife.

Her swordsmanship may look like it was lacking a lot of things at the first glance. However, when they took a closer look, it was a very powerful swordsmanship. Sometimes it was fast and heavy, and the other times it was light and slow. It was very unique even for the eyes of Murim experts who had clashed against numerous enemies their entire life.

It was only natural, because Ha Sunyoung's swordsmanship was the combination of her own swordsmanship which combines only the good things of numerous mugong techniques and Yoo Seodam's swordsmanship.

"This…..!!!!"

One of the Murim Warrior quickly stepped back and climbed onto the power pole. Shortly after, the power pole split in two, his mask was also torn.

"Ahhhhhh!"

"Oh, you shouldn't destroy the national property…!"

They judged that it was a battle with no chance to win. So, they quickly jumped into the next plan.

When all three of them started to run away, Ha Sunyoung smiled and soared into the sky.

She sprinted through the walls of the building as she swung her cake knife. They desperately tried to block her attack. And even though each of them were holding a modern ether blade, they couldn't even cut Ha Sunyoung's plastic cake knife.

'I can't believe it….!'

The three Murim warriors screamed internally.

Unlike them, Ha Sunyong was smirking. She was smiling despite the fact that she was still affected by the effect of the talismans. It hindered her naegong and demoted her to a S rank. That was why she couldn't show the explosive momentum that hwakyung expert had.

However, she was still as relaxed as ever because, with her pure swordsmanship alone, she was able to overpower three S rank at the same time.

"Hey! Stop running away! You motherfuckers!"

The story of four Murim warriors who ran around late evening in Gangnam, where moonlight and artificial light harmonized with each other to create a dull glow, would become the highlight of the news the very next morning.

[Big news! Another League member, Ha Sunyoung arrests Murim people who stayed illegally in Korea!]

[Ha Sunyoung: "I just did what I had to do"]

[Warrior of Murim Ha Sunyoung's outstanding performance!]

"To think you were able to subdue them only a day after I asked for it…. You are really amazing!"

Ryu Gyeongsoo laughed out loud as he asked me to shake hands. He seems to be genuinely pleased that the three Warriors of Murim were arrested only one day after he lodged the request. Because there was no risk factor, Ha Sunyoung's success was broadcasted nationwide to assure the citizens.

"I know you are someone different since you are a 16 years old veteran hunter who knows how to use both mugong and magic. Can you tell me how you found them so fast?"

Ryu Gyeongsoo praised me by saying that, but…

'I don't know what's going on either…'

Because I did nothing.

However, it would only confuse him more if I told him that. So….

"It's an industrial secret. Wouldn't all veteran have unique methods?"

"Indeed!"

Seodam… Do you have any conscience?

If I had such a thing, I wouldn't be the protagonist hunter.

Seol Jungyeon was in a good mood right now.

Because of her usual expressionless face, no one would be able to tell. But, Shin Hye-ji, who worked right next to her almost every day, was different. She could tell Seol Jungyeon's mood by looking at how her mouth slightly raised by 0.001mm or by the frequency of her tone.

What could be the reason for her good mood? The first is because she got a call from Yoo Seodam. The second was because she checked some news about Yoo Seodam on the media. And the third reason was she has just been fiddling with accessories that were given by Yoo Seodam. Even if nothing happened, there were times when she feels good just by thinking about Yoo Seodam.

However, Shin Hye-ji was the only one who could see it. Everyone else was always pressured when they sat face-to-face against Seol Jungyeon.

Seol Jungyeon was a former lord of the Cheonma Sect, and the current lord of New Murim Alliance. However, because of her extremely petite body as well as her soft and gentle impression, it was hard for her to give a charismatic impression befitting her title. That was why she would always put on an expressionless face when she met other people.

And now in front of her, an official from the International Hunter Association was acting humble.

"I come here today to inform you that you have to wear this armband when you become officially active."

Rikle Siers, a SS-rank body strengthening-type superhuman as well as the current president of International Hunter Association, personally come to the new Jungwon Murim to attach the 'SSS-rank' armband to Seol Jungyeon.

A pale pink SSS-rank armband. Seol Jungyeon was the first hunter on Earth who would work with an armband which has three S on it.

However, Seol Jungyeon had a small question.

"Do I really have to fit into the class system you have set?"

It was just a trivial question. However, she asked that question because people from Murim had a different rank system from the alphabetical rank system used by superhumans of Earth.

"By any chance, do you feel uncomfortable with it? If that is the case, we will introduce a completely different rank system for the Murim people."

The Chairman of the Association immediately agreed with Seol Jungyeon. She didn't ask the question because of that reason, nevertheless the result itself wasn't too bad, so she laughed happily. Of course, only Shin Hye-ji could recognize her smile.

"Thank you. Since you are considerate to us, Murim people, I will also be considerate."

"Oh, no…no… it's fine!"

"I can't do that. If you ever need our help, please let me know."

"Then… I will definitely tell you later!"

Including Rikle, there were 4 other people at this meeting. They were all from the Hunter Association and Superpower Association. So, it could be said that they were all bigshots. However, Shin Hye-ji couldn't help but sigh because all of these amazing people couldn't even look Seol Jungyeon in the eye as if being overwhelmed by her dignity.

However, the truth is…

'…It's not because of her dignity.'

Shin Hye-ji laughed inside.

Of course, the realm of Hyunkyung was something that was revered by both the superhumans and the people of Murim. When it comes to wielding a sword, they were people who would always make the best move. At first glance, it may sound like the 'true sword path' was nothing, however this 'true sword path' was the goal of every swordsman out there.

Those who fully understand and realize the 'true sword path'.

Those who could always come up with the best result for slightest movement.

Such people were called the hyunkyung expert.

However, the reason people in the meeting couldn't make eye contact with Seol Jungyeon was not because they were afraid of the overbearing pressure emitted by a hyunkyung expert as well as a Murim Lord. Rather, it was because Seol Jungyeon was much more attractive today.

Albeit lightly, Seol Jungyeon wore makeup that she usually despised because it was annoying. She also wore a light pink ether suit that looks like a combination between Hanbok and Mubok.

(T/N Mubok is Martial arts uniform.)

The reason she did things she usually wouldn't do was simple. It was because Yoo Seodam was going to visit today.

It was only that much, but all the high-ranking people who had seen quite a few beautiful women in their life were having a hard time making eye contact with Seol Jungyeon. So, Shin Hye-ji was also in a good mood. She wanted to keep Seol Jungyeon's mischievous smile for herself.

'It would be nice if master laughs like that every day.'

Her original appearance leaned towards innocence rather than a sharp and archaic face. It was a face that didn't match her personality. So when she laughs sometimes, she was so pretty, it was as if the entire world was shrouded by beautiful lights.

"Oh, and could you please attend the Hunter Meeting sometime later? If the only existing SSS-Rank Hunter is present, the value of the discussion will shine even more."

"Hmm. Such a place is very uncomfortable."

"Ah… I remember, Hunter Yoo Seodam would also attend the event…"

"I'm going."

In response to her immediate answer, Rikle opened his eyes widely. It seems that the rumour he had heard about Murim Lord and Yoo Seodam was indeed true. However, he wasn't foolish enough to keep using the same tactic over and over again in front of the wise lord of the New Murim Alliance. He didn't want to be on the receiving end of her animosity.

'What kind of relationship do they have? Is the rumor between the two of them true…?'

The leaders of the association returned with such curiosity on their mind.

And then, 30 minutes later.

Seol Jungyeon was depressed.

It was because she checked the Yoo Seodam's through her tablet.

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Others may say that she was expressionless, but thanks to the smile that had gone down as small as 0.001mm and the tone of her voice that had gone down by about 1 dB, Shin Hye-ji was able to tell.

"I wonder why there are so many women around this man……"

"……"

Seol Jungyeon's life was now tightly tied to Yoo Seodam. If it was not for him, she would have no other reason to live. However, aside from herself, there were also several other women around him.

Seol Jungyeon lamented as she looked at Yoo Seodam's photo that was taken by a reporter at the airport.

In one of the photos, she could see a woman with short silver hair putting her hand on the right arms of Yoo Seodam as she raised her sunglasses. In the other picture, Geom-hee was joking around with her hand on Yoo Seodam's neck (Yoo Seodam's expression was pale because he was being strangled), and in another picture, a tall girl with a blonder hair was staring at him and chasing after him.

She was aware of the identity of every woman in the photo. Yoo Seodam had told her about all of them when they spent the night together last time. She couldn't say anything to Yoo Seodam because all of the girls were someone with an unfortunate story.

She especially paid attention to a woman named Taylor Nine. She had been with Yoo Seodam for 16 years, she was also currently living together with Yoo Seodam.

From the story she heard, Taylor Nine was forced to stay away from Yoo Seodam because of her family. However, she gave up all of her privileges, including her own family, and chose to stay with him.

'If it means that I could be with him, I would love to give up the position of a lord…'nov𝞮𝓛𝒰𝑠𝔅/𝒸\o/𝓶

"Lord, You can't!"

"But I didn't say anything?"

"I know what you were thinking."

"Do you also have a mind reading ability?"

"Of course! Though it was a mind reading ability limited to Master's thought."

And then Shin Hye-ji realized that Seol Jungyeon's mood had improved. The reason was of course…

Yoo Seodam had arrived.

Seol Jungyeon tried to conceal her happiness and politely told Shin Hye-ji.

"The two of us want to spend time alone, so stay outside for a while."

Shin Hye-ji smiled at both of them and walked out of the room.

Seol Jungyeon, whom I hadn't met in a very long time, had become quite feisty.

"What took you so long?"

"…."

'I'm busy.', it was an excuse that a man should never make. Even more so when she was showing me pictures of Another League member on her tablet.

As I was embarrassed, I didn't know what to do. Then, with a gentle smile on her face, Seol Jungyeon got up from her seat and walked towards me with one hand sweeping the table.

She carefully grabbed my cheek with both of her hands and lifted my face so that I was forced to look into her eyes. She was quite short, so even when I was sitting down, I just had to look up slightly to gaze into her eyes.

"It's a joke. I know how busy you are, how can I rush you? It's nice to be able to see your face from time to time like this."

With that said, she also put away her tablet, which she had taken out playfully.

Somehow, I felt sorry for her. I wanted to cry. But, a trash like me doesn't deserve to cry.

"Your expression is dark. Is there something troubling you?"

"There is no such thing…. It's just because there are a lot of tiring things happening these days."

"Tell me about it."

At her words, I completely forgot about the purpose of my visit and started telling her about all my problems. Seol Jungyeon was a splendid conversation partner. It wasn't because she was a good talker but rather, she was a good listener.

When I say something, she tries to understand me and sympathize with me. She also gave out advice when I needed it.

"Don't be like that. When you ask 'why', you are forcing the other person to make an excuse."

"I understand your feelings. I would have done the same…"

"It's interesting. I don't know that it's been popular these days."

(T/N: Yeah it's all Seol Jungyeon's dialogue.)

So I spent a long time with Seol Jungyeon talking about my personal problems before I remembered the true purpose of my visit.

'It's not the right time to be like this…….'

When I was in front of Taylor, I felt more comfortable than ever, so I tried to return to my original form and personality.

Similarly, when I was in front of Seol Jungyeon, I would always reveal all the worries I had hidden in my heart. I really don't know why.

"Actually, I have something to tell you. That's why I come here today."

"I know. It's probably because of the 'Murim Hohyanghoe'."

"…Yes."

I was surprised that she had already known, but when I remembered the fact that the New Murim League now had an information organization called 'Gaebang' which could rival the best information organization on the planet, it all made sense. Then I took out a tablet I had prepared and showed it to Seol Jungyeon.

[China : "China is the beginning of Mugong!"]

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[China says "Murim Expert has to return all their knowledge!"]

Lately, China has been actively claiming ownership of mugong. With the pretext of solving the special intellectual superpowers property disputes, they had requested Murim Lord, Seol Jungyeon to come to China.

Everyone in the world knows China's claim was nothing more than a bullshit.

'The world the returnees of Murim had been to is actually Ancient China!'

It's bullshit from the start. They claimed that it was not a different world but the past. But, their claim had its own ground. The current world was more fantasy than any movie. It was not a far cry to think that the door to the past actually existed when there were numerous doors to different worlds around the world.

Moreover, the language that the Murim people used in their world was close to Chinese character. Their architecture, culture, and customs were similar to those of Ancient China.

Murim people on Earth were all aware that the world they returned from wasn't China, but a completely different world. It wasn't a place in Asia continent itself, or a place with relation to China.

"It was important for us to know the reason why China made those claims."

"I've been pondering about that too…. They are really annoying, it stresses me out."

In the first place, Seol Jungyeon was the only officially active SSS-rank. Even the President of the United States showed great respect towards her. However, even when she received such treatment, in the end, the New Murim League was only at the level of a small to medium guild with about 3,000 members. It means that they couldn't compete against a country.

If China sincerely declares, 'Murim people will not be able to tread on this land in the future!', most Murim people would lose their homes and jobs.

"In addition, there were Murim people who appeared at the official event and said, 'Murim is actually the history of China.' I believe there is a reason why they said that."

Those Murim people were called 'Murim Hohyanghoe'.

"The way I saw it, China is trying to absorb Murim in order to boost their nation power…."

Seol Jungyeon closed her eyes as she listened to my words. Even now, hundreds of Murim people were already under China. If my reasoning from earlier was correct, is there any reason to claim the ownership of mugong itself? Or does China really want to absorb the Murim League itself?

"If not for that reason, would there be anything else?"

"….Noonim, have you heard that Bang Ho-win is alive?"

Seol Jungyeon's expression hardened.

"That was indeed surprising news."

She said.

Even if you weren't someone from Murim, Bang Ho-win was a name you might know if you had been in the hunter industry for a long time. He was a Murim expert who caused the worst terror in the history of Europe.

The number of S-rank hunters who died in the process of defeating him exceeded two digits. On top of that, SS-rank hunter Salvatore Costantini also lost his right arm to him. It was truly a terrible event.

"I heard that he is someone who had mastered mugong of extorting spirit of woman, called 'Saekgong'"

"You are right, he is the worst sorcerer ever."

(T/N Saekgong: Lecherous arts. And I also use 'sorcerer' because the hangul is different from 'magician' or 'wizard')

Seol Jungyeon frowned. She looks quite displeased.

From what I heard, Bang Ho-win was a really strong expert. Even before returning to earth, he was known as someone who was on the verge of breaking into the realm of hyunkyung. And four years had passed since then, it wasn't far-fetched to say that Bang Ho-win may have reached the realm of 'Hyunkyung' just like Seol Jungyeon.

If so…… the situation was rather serious.

"Maybe he is the reason why China did all of this."

"…What are you talking about?"

"I still can't figure out the reason why Bang Ho-win didn't personally show up. However, because he cannot enter the 'House of Goblins' he cannot directly harm you. And even if he could get in, he wouldn't be able to handle the 3000 Murim people residing there."

"That means?"

"He used China in order to bring you to China. If that really happens, I am sure Bang Ho-win will show up."

In other words, Bang Ho-win was aiming for Seol jungyeon.

That fact was somehow pissing me off.

I was on the verge of losing my composure several times on my way here. It was only after meeting her I could get my shit together. And now, another headache tried to piss me off. I'm really tired of seeing my loved one being targeted while I was too weak to fight against it.

'This is not an old martial arts world, to think such an obvious cliché is happening here….'

I had my speculation. Probably, all of this may have been an 'episode' related to the already dead Supreme Dharma. Because of clichés, about a lecherous person who aimed for the girls of the former hero of martial arts, was a must in any story.

[E/N: My my, look who has turned into a protagonist ‿] (P/N *put Obi-Wan's 'You were the chosen one!' meme here*)

'I wonder what would Dharma do in this situation….'

It's not like I don't have any idea. I believe the story would progress along the line of….

One of the women around Dharma was in crisis. Then, Dharma would come to rescue his girls in the most perfect timing possible just like any other protagonist out there.

And with the great kiss scene, they finished the episode!

(T/N don't tell me? You are not going to do exactly that right?)

But I'm not a protagonist. It means that if the crisis was something that didn't have any relation with probability… It was a real crisis. It wouldn't progress like those cliche crises in novels or movies.

In other words, I must avoid the crisis at all costs.

I pretended to be as calm as possible and said carefully to Seol Jungyeon.

"….Noonim, I have a really good idea."

-The New Murim League officially responded to China's claim!

On the news playing on the tablet, I could see my handso… Not so handsome face.

In the video, I was criticizing China's Murim Hohyanghoe for their attack on Geom-hee, Ha Sunyoung. I said many things related to the attack before finally coming to the main topic.

-However, New Murim League, which is filled with martial arts (武) and chivalry (俠) will give you the opportunity to prove your 'mugong'. If you want to claim mugong's ownership, please do it in Murim's way. If you can prove your ability in the upcoming 'Great Rift', we will gladly acknowledge your ownership of the martial arts and give up all rights we hold.

It was a truly peaceful yet ruthless suggestion that was welcomed by everyone.

There would be no direct conflict between the two sides, so there wouldn't be any useless trouble. Moreover, with the method I proposed, the national disaster called 'Great Rift' would also be cleared with the help of Murim people. And, by revealing their martial arts to the world, it would be easier to determine who the real martial artist is.

In other words, we, the New Murim League, declared that 'we will meet your demands, but we will not step on Chinese soil. And let's solve it in the Murim's way.'nov𝑒𝔩𝗎𝓈𝒃/𝚌/o\𝕞

Since the news had spread to every corner of the world, China could no longer say 'Ah we don't know, we still want you to come to our land.'

Plus, since the Great Rift would occur in six months, I had earned some time to prepare a countermeasure against the upcoming fights.

In the meantime, we had asked Ryu Gyeongsoo to thoroughly increase the surveillance level so that our guild members, including Ha Sunyoung, would not be attacked by the Murim people belonging to that faction.

Of course, even without my words, the Ministry of Defense was already highly alert due to the previous invasion. All in all, it was quite a relief.

'Bang Ho-win.'

In many ways, he is a headache.

I can't use most of my 'Protagonist Hunter' abilities against him. I don't know what skill he uses, how good the skill is, the back story, and what episodes would take place.

And when I think about it more, it is only natural.

He wasn't a protagonist. So, the ability to grasp the protagonist's correction wasn't needed. No matter how strong he is, there must be a way to kill him.

'….and it's not like I can't use my ability at all.'

When I was busy simulating the fight between me and Bang Ho-win, I could feel a presence approaching me.

"I am here."

It was Celeste. She is back from the rank re-evaluation test. She is still wearing the white ether suit that stuck to her body, resembling a bike-riding suit. It had a 'B' letter attached to the shoulder.

When I recall that Celeste had just turned twenty, I am struck with the realization that she is probably the fastest growing body strengthening-type hunter in history.

As I looked at the 'B-rank _ promotion _ commemorative _ expressionless _ selfie' picture that she had sent me, I said,

"Congratulations on your promotion. If it's like this, you could get an A-rank within 3 years."

Celeste shook her head.

"It will be much faster than that."

"How much faster do you want? Considering your age right now, you're already overwhelmingly fast."

Superpower was a field that was determined by 99% talent and 1% effort. The higher the ether absorption rate, the higher the growth rate and the limit of growth one had. Celeste is an amazing superhuman. Her ether consumption rate occupied the top 0.01% among superhumans. Moreover, she trained her superpower to the limit, enduring the pain and after-effects of receiving ether injections.

But in the end, there was a limit even for superhuman growth rate. No matter how many times she ran faster than others, she couldn't run faster than her own speed limit. Even if she gained an 'enlightenment' just like a mugong practitioner, it was almost impossible to use mugong with energy other than naegong (internal energy).

"I heard… you gave Taylor sunbae-nim a gift when she gained SS-rank."

"Uh? Uh…. yeah, I think i did that."

After Taylor became a SS-rank hunter, she asked me why I wasn't present on her evaluation announcement day to congratulate her. Because I felt guilty and was scared that she was going to hit me, I couldn't refuse her request.

"Can you give me a gift too?"

"Becoming a B-rank is an incredible feat at your age. So of course, I will give you one. What do you want?"

Celeste's eyes twinkle as she said.

"I want to learn Simbeop and Bubeop."

(T/N: Simbeop: Literal translation: Heart's law.

Bubeop: Chinese Martial arts term refers to a footwork technique.

If there's someone who knows the use or the correct translation please leave a comment below or preferably come to our discord server and tell us about it.)

"It's impossible."

Ha Sunyoung sighed.

"And Bubeop is…. with the tip of the toe… what is it? Hey, easy words."

"You need a really fine control in order to use it. It is possible to use it with 'essence', but it is difficult to use it with 'ether'."

Ye Sa-hye gave further explanation to Celeste.

Naegong basically moves along the gimaek (氣脈) and hyeolmaek (血脈), and distributes evenly throughout the body, allowing someone to move it delicately. However, the energy source of superpower, ether can only move in the hyeolmaek. It can't move through the gimaek.

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(T/N I need an explanatiooooonnn….. I'm not a big Murim fan~ help me guys.)

"…Is it really impossible with hyeolmaek alone?"

Celeste asked.

"It's more difficult than drawing a square and drawing a circle simultaneously with one hand. Do you understand?"

Celeste nodded.

She was aware that one hand could only draw one shape at a time. Therefore, in order to draw different shapes, she needs to use both of her hands. However, drawing different shapes with both hands at the same time was also a difficult thing to do. So, it was ridiculous for someone who didn't know about naegong to circulate another energy in both gimaek and hyeolmaek. (P/N Naegong = internal energy, how it works is similar to ethers of superhumans, but for Murim warriors. Basically their source of power)

When Celeste became crestfallen, Ye Sa-hye quickly said,

"It wasn't something that was completely impossible. Master could show you how to do it with only hyeolmaek."

"Hey! Why did you tell her such a useless thing?"

Ha Sunyoung protested. However, she was already late.

"So, it is possible as long as I try hard enough?"

"······Ugh. Yes, it is possible, it is possible! But… I've heard that in the first place, 'ether injection' itself is very painful. The only way to learn Simbeop is to create it by yourself while enduring the pain of ether injection."

Ether injection was indeed a painful process. Celeste became dizzy just by recalling how painful the process was. However, she couldn't just let this opportunity slip through her hands.

'I can't help it since it is the fastest way to become stronger.'

Since Celeste's body was already filled with ether, it was impossible to build her Simbeop using naegong of essence energy. However, it was still possible to accelerate her 'absorption rate' further.

Once someone gets an ether injection, they shouldn't get another one for at least 1 – 3 months, because they have to wait until the ether is completely assimilated into the body.

If she successfully learns Simbeop, it may be possible to get an injection without any delay.

"…I'll try it."

"Okay!! Okay!! Dammit!! I don't think a B-rank hunter would die from the shock, so let's try it. I'll let you know how painful it is."

Ha Sunyoung severely warned her, but Celeste did not hesitate.

'…I need to do anything I can to grow stronger before the Great Rift occurs.'

Celeste was aware. With her own strength, she wouldn't be able to kill the man who ran away after cutting her father's arm.

Afterall, Bang Ho-win was a man who couldn't be killed even with the cooperation of her father who was a SS-rank hunter and numerous other S-rank hunters.

But still, with the opportunity of revenge clearly in front of her, she couldn't just sit back and suck her finger.

'I can overcome this pain.'

That night, Celeste yelled in pain as she learned about Simbeop from Ha Sunyoung. She howled in pain for nearly the entire process before passing out.

Ha Sunyoung's expression grew darker as she looked at Celeste who had fainted before letting go of Simbeop.

"What are you going to do?"

Yoo Seodam, who came to look at the progress of the training, asked.

"…we have to fix the Simbeop."

"Pardon?"

Yoo Seodam was left speechless when he heard Ha Sunyoung's answer.

Both swordsmanship and Simbeop was something that couldn't be fixed that easily. It takes over tens, hundreds, or even thousands of years of cultivation before reaching the swordsmanship and Simbeop we see nowadays. It can never be changed easily.

However, for some reason, Yoo Seodam had faith in Ha Sunyoung's words and felt like it was something that could be done.

Because, in the first place, Ha Sunyoung was someone who created her own mugong by combining only the best parts of numerous mugong in Murim…. In a way, she was a genius that surpassed even the Supreme Dharma. While she was clearly weaker than Seol Jungyeon in terms of mugong skills, her mugong development ability was literally leaps and bounds above Seol Jungyeon .

"But it's impossible for me alone. You need to help me."

"What are you talking about…."

"We need to remove the gimaek from the Simbeop that originally has to circulate on both gimaek and hyeolmaek. In terms of mathematics, we need to make a new formula by subtracting the 'sign'."

In the formula of '11=2', removing '' means the formula would be invalid and become an indefinite sequence of numbers and symbols. And currently, Ha Sunyoung's goal was to remove all the signs while still retaining the shape of the formula.

Yoo Seodam was flabbergasted. It was truly a crazy idea.

Ha Sunyoung was also aware of the fact that it was such a crazy idea. With a bitter expression on her face, she said,

"It's because, when I see her, it keeps reminding me of my past self. Anyway, all I have left is time. With the help of you and your magic… it might be possible."

In fact, Yoo Seodam had succeeded in creating a new 'form' by incorporating magic formula into superpower, and even now, numerous superhumans were able to control their ability more finely thanks to mathematics.

And since mugong was closer to magic rather than superpowers, he felt that there was nothing that was impossible.

"Let's try it."

Inside the dark hotel room, a man and a woman were entangled with each other without any piece of clothing on their body.

Whilst the woman was busy exploring the man's body like a broken puppet, the man was staring at the screen in the air without giving any attention to the woman.

The man was someone who had gained notoriety in Murim under the name of Saekma, Bang Ho-win.

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(T/N: Saekma means a lecherous person.)

He was an expert who utilized Saekgong as a means to exploit the spirit of female experts to build his own naegong. However, as his own level became higher and higher, he couldn't build more of his naegong with the spirits of ordinary experts anymore.

(T/N: Saekgong: Lecherous technique.)

That was why he really coveted the woman on the screen.

She was Seol Jungyeon, an expert that has reached the state of Hyunkyung, the strongest woman in the world as well as the most beautiful woman in the world. And because one's appearance was affected by Yin energy, if he could absorb Seol Jungyeon ……

"Oh, uh…!"

Suddenly, the woman on top of him trembled. As all of her vitality leaked out, she became a mummy and collapsed on Bang Ho-win. In the first place, it was impossible for a woman who had just begun learning mugong to endure even one round in front of Bang Ho-win, who had reached the state of Hyunkyung.

She was clearly not strong enough.

The stronger the woman, the more beautiful their appearances would become. At the same time, when the woman was stronger, Bang Ho-win would be able to extort the woman's spirit longer and also enjoy the sweeter taste of spirit.

He was in a hurry to build his power one again. That was why he kidnapped female criminals and made them learn some random, crappy martial arts.

It had been 4 years since he lived with only tasting the crappy taste of weak women. He couldn't stand it anymore.

"Remove this and bring a new one."

When Bang Ho-win said so, a man who was hiding like a shadow in the corner appeared. He had dark hair and dark eyes which were darker than even his own shadow. It would be difficult to feel his presence if he had not moved his head.

"Salute."

Smiling Shadow, he was the man who appeared on TV and represented China on their claim of mugong. He peeked at Bang Ho-win while removing the dead woman's body.

"What about the offering I ordered the other day?"

The offering he meant was 'Geom-hee'.

"….Sorry. I will prepare it faster."

"Tsk. It was way too slow. Do it right!"

Smiling Shadow smiled at him and lowered his head. If Bang Ho-win did not have Supreme Dharma's 'relic' in his hands, he would never have followed him. With such thoughts, Smiling Shadow quietly disappeared into the shadow, and Bang Ho-win's gaze turned into a deep obsession as he stared at Seol Jungyeon on the screen.

'Soon….'

Bang Ho-win tried to feel the power in his body as he clenched his fists. It was still difficult to move directly because of the wound he had suffered four years ago. He had not fully recovered. However, as long as he could successfully bring that woman to China…

At that time, Bang Ho-win's eyes widened as he watched the news on the TV.

-The New Murim Alliance responded to China's request!

The one who spoke on the news wasn't Seol Jungyeon but a man with black hair and white eyes.

-Your opinion is valid. However, we question the identity of those who claim themselves to be true Murim people after they ordered some people to trespass Korea and secretly attack. Wasn't Murim all about martial arts and chivalry?

At the same time, the screen showed the identity of 3 Murim experts who had attacked Geom-hee. The news also explained that all of them were members of China's Murim Hohyanghoe.

Bang Ho-win gritted his teeth.

On top of being caught, they also leak the information about Murim Hohyanghoe. Bang Ho-win didn't expect them to be completely loyal to him in the first place… but he also didn't expect them to open their mouths that easily.

-However, New Murim League, which is filled with martial arts (武) and chivalry (俠) will give you the opportunity to prove your 'mugong'. If you want to claim mugong's ownership, please do it in Murim way. If you can prove your ability in the upcoming 'Great Rift', we will gladly acknowledge your ownership of the martial arts and give up all rights we hold.

Despite being the victim of both the sneak attack and mugong ownership dispute, the New Murim League still proposed an extremely modern and justified solution. The entire world would be rejoicing at their wise proposal.

With the public opinion on the New Murim League side, it was now impossible for China to avoid the arrows of criticism. It also means that their 'Mugong Claim' plan couldn't be executed anymore. Moreover, they couldn't force Seol Jungyeon to come to their land anymore… If China's government becomes extremely pushy and employs some restriction towards the New Murim League, there's a chance that another nation would attack China using the 'Great Rift' as the pretext.

-That's why…..

The man on the screen stared at the camera lens as if he was looking straight at Bang Ho-win and said.

-Saekma, Bang Ho-win. Stop hiding and manipulating things from the shadow!! Show yourself!!

Then, another news came up one after another.

It was a statement from the United States regarding the disputes between the two Murim groups.

-In case of Superpower Intellectual Property Right, a hearing is a must to determine who's in the right and who's in the wrong. However, in the case of mugong, exceptions will be made. The authorities do not recognize the old Murim's laws, where everything is decided by force. However, we acknowledge the modern New Murim League's laws that target monsters. Therefore, we demand China to show some evidence that backs their claims as the true owner of mugong!

Wooong!!! Crash!!!

Bang Ho-win clenched his hand and the remote control in his hand crumbled. At the same time, a shockwave burst from his body breaking all the glass in the room.

'That face…. I remember it…..'

Even though he wasn't present back then, he was aware of the face of the man who brought together Murim people under one banner and killed the Supreme Dharma.

'Yoo Seodam!!!'

Bang Ho-win gritted his teeth. He was convinced that Yoo Seodam had figured out the danger that awaited Seol Jungyeon in china. That was why he said all of those things in the news.

However, he chose the wrong opponent.

Back then, the Supreme Dharma they fought was alone, moreover, he was severely weakened. However, Bang Ho-win believed that he was different from Dharma. He had numerous subordinates under him, he also had backing of China with him.

'Do you want me to fall for your trick?'

Yoo Seodam wanted to keep Seol Jungyeon as far as possible from Bang Ho-win. But… it was useless. The fact that he knew where Seol Jungyeon would appear was enough for him.

He took out a half-cracked sword he had hidden in his arms. It was a memento that was hidden by The Supreme Dharma. It was a mystical sword that could cut a dimension and allow Murim people to return to earth from Murim.

Even though his level of existence was too low to use it right now, it doesn't matter. Because as long as he succeeds in capturing Seol Jungyeon and sucks her spirit, he would be able to use it as much as he wants.

"I will personally come for you."

Twenty years ago, tens of thousands of people around the world suddenly disappeared. The event, which was later documented as the first 'dimensional transition' on Earth, resulted in a lot of casualties.

However, the so-called 'casualties' did not include those who were transported to the world of Murim. Because, the incident itself happened right at the moment when they were kidnapped. Those who were classified as 'casualties' were those who were exposed to the 'unidentified wave' that spread over a 3m radius from the people who were kidnapped.

At that time, humanity was not yet familiar with dimensions. We were still in the process of figuring out why did dungeon and rift occur, where did they come from and what was the identity of the Hell Gate?

So, it was only natural that we didn't know anything about the 'unidentified wave' that occurred that day. However, one thing that humanity knows about the wave was the fact that anything exposed to it would disappear.

Someone who dreams of being a track and field runner lost their legs.

Someone who was working as an active hunter lost both of their arms. And people who were enjoying a date by holding their lover's hand and dreaming of marriage, lost their lover along with their right arm in that moment.

The wave even destroyed a main pillar that supported a building, leading to hundreds of people being buried under the collapsing building, causing the casualty rate to rise even more.

Who was the perpetrator?

Was it the fault of returnees who were abducted to the world of Murim out of nowhere?

Or is it the fault of those who were hurt just because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time?

No one knows. No one was at fault, so no one could blame anyone.

The development of 'Superpower-Only Simbeop' ended in failure. No matter how much of a genius Ha Sunyoung was in the field of developing mugong, there was still a limit to what she could do.

She spent three months conducting research all day and all night, but during those three months she always felt like she was solving a multiple-choice problem that didn't exist in the first place.

However, amidst her failure,

"……heupp!"

From Celeste's body, I could feel ether bursting out. She had successfully used her Simbeop despite the immense pain that she felt all over her body.

"I can't believe it."

Right next to me, Director Kim, the director of the Geumgang Gymnasium and a C-rank body strengthening-type hunter, muttered.

He was one of the best superhumans in Korea in terms of 'body strengthening theory' and 'body strengthening control'. I invited him here three months ago to dig into the theory of Simbeop. At that time, the conclusion Director Kim made was 'impossible'.

He said that controlling ether was a hundred times more difficult than controlling essence. Therefore, even if it was possible to create a Simbeop that only needed a hyeolmaek, the difficulty of using it with ether would be extremely high.

However, that conclusion was made because all of us weren't aware of Celeste's talent. When I first met Celeste, I only thought that she was a girl with excellent talent. However, she turned out to be a girl with monstrous talent.

In mere three months since she started leaning Simbeop, her swordsmanship become sharper and sharper. Moreover, now she was able to perfectly control the ether inside her body.

Because of full-fledged geniuses like Seol Jungyeon, Ha Sunyoung and Taylor Nine around me, I overlooked Celeste's talent.

Besides, it wasn't just a matter of talent.

She had the mentality as well as the effort to grow stronger. She literally shed blood and tears to grow stronger. While looking at her, I even felt like my own effort of the last sixteen years wasn't anything serious. Perhaps that is why I am still weak right now.

It can't be, Seodam. You've done everything you can to the best of your ability.

'…Yeah, thank you for your comforting words.'

Even Ha Sunyoung looked at Celeste with confused eyes.

"…Eyaa~ It was very surprising. How is that even possible?"

Although it is impossible to draw natural energy by using Simbeop that runs on ether, the circulating energy in the body itself moves at an outrageous speed. The ether that has not yet integrated into Celeste's body was being dissolved swiftly.

"She's a real monster."

Ha Sunyoung remarked.

The mysterious art called mugong was something that gives the weak human body a power called 'naegong'. By utilizing that power, humans are able to exert more stronger power than they originally could.

And body strengthening superpower is a power that strengthens the human body itself, allowing it to generate more powerful power.

So, when both of those powers mixed together, what would happen?

"In that state, can you walk?"

When Ha Sunyoung asked, Celeste clenched her fist and raised her foot. At first, I thought she was just walking normally. However I was wrong. What Celeste did right now was 'Bubeop' taught to her by Ha Sunyoung.

Fwoooshh~~

Celeste made an explosive leap as if she was a cannonball that had been shot. In that state, she rushed towards Ha Sunyoung like an arrow with a wooden sword on her hand.

PUK!!

Although Ha Sunyoung stopped it without any difficulty, her mouth was still hung open.

"The instantaneous speed… is almost equal to an S-rank."

Celeste, who was only a B-rank hunter, produced an S-rank power output albeit momentarily.

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"Just what will happen if she grows more than this? At first, I thought that she was a tiger cub because she was Salvatore's daughter, but I was wrong. She turned out to be a dragon cub."

Flop!

After only one leap and one swing, Celeste fell to the floor and passed out.

"…….."

"………"

We couldn't say anything for a while.

While Celeste was busy learning under Ha Sunyoung, I wasn't just watching her and doing nothing either.

In the Floating Garden, there's a small passage that leads to the House of Goblin, meaning that I could visit Seol Jungyeon whenever I wanted.

In the near future, I was going to face an SSS-rank expert. Therefore, I decided that it would be better to train by facing another SSS-rank expert, which was my Noonim.

"Noonim, please spar with me."

The spar started.

Then I was defeated.

"Huh…?"

Less than 0.3 seconds since the spar began, I found myself lying on the floor. The only thing that I knew was that I had been beaten by something.

The sixth sense? Intuition? Insight?

All the prediction types of skill in my arsenal couldn't even follow Seol Jungyeon's single blow.

'This is the real power of an SSS-rank.'

It was an obvious result because the difference between our skill is like heaven and earth.

Let's take some time to objectively evaluate myself.

My current level was 152, it was equal to S-rank.

However, just because I had become an S-rank, does it mean that my swordsmanship was also S-rank? Of course not.

Talent and skills that I possessed could be categorized as an S-rank, however, my own skill couldn't.

I have been slacking in my swordsmanship training, and I'm sure that if I compete against a swordsman of a similar level who uses real 'swordsmanship', I would be defeated.

It was my own stupidity and arrogance to think that I would be able to fight against Seol Jungyeon noonim who had become one with the sword as a Hyunkyung Expert.

I tried to recall the past when I overpowered SS-rank Salvatore with my F-rank physical abilities. At that time, I managed to win against him by using numerous tanks to lure him into a power plant and then destroy the whole power plant… The important part was that I had never directly clashed with him.

I could only win against him because I had been working with him for a long time and could think of a way to defeat him.

And it would be nice if I could think of a way to defeat Seol Jungyeon noonim.

However, I was aware that it was impossible. Because, forget about parrying her strike, I can't even see her sword!

When I was on the verge of having a mental breakdown, Seol Jungyeon noonim said,

"If so, why don't you take your time and think about it a little more?"

"Pardon?"

After she said that word, she walked away from me and pointed her sword in the air. Then, things like pink cherry blossoms, things like pink lotus flowers, things like pink plum blossoms began to flutter in the air.

Wheeing…!

The hem of her clothes fluttered, then the sword in her hand began to let out a very smooth hum. Every time she steps forwards, a lotus flower blooms on the ground under her footsteps.

I was aware that If I touched it, I would die. Nevertheless, I kept reaching out towards it.

Who would believe that something as beautiful as that was in truth the Cheonma Singong?

How could this be the most evil sword art in the world?

I can't believe it.

I felt like I would lose my mind to the sweet scent of lotus as well as the smooth hum that came to my ears. If I died by her hand, it wouldn't be because of the fierce swordsmanship she had, but rather because of her beauty.

After some time passed, other Murim people began to crowd around Seol Jungyeon. Even for those who had risen to the heights of Hwakyung and become the top 0.000001% of the world's strongest humans, Seol Jungyeon's swordsmanship was still an unknown realm that could never be imitated. However, it didn't seem like they came here to learn about the swordsmanship of the best swordsman, Seol Jungyeon.

Maybe they come just to see the rare scenery of Seol Jungyeon's dancing.

"Ah…"

Someone let out a gap as Seol Jungyeon put her sword back into her sheath. Then she looked at me with a smile that resembles a fully bloomed lotus flower.

"So, did you find something that could help you out?"

I couldn't answer her question.

I couldn't tell her that I wasn't able to concentrate on the swordsmanship at all.

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Like that, about three months passed.

Gooooong~~!!

Together with the sounds that resemble a gong being hit violently, I stopped Seol Jungyeon noonim's plastic sword with my metal sword.

With this exchange alone, I feel like my arm was going to break.

"Ugh…!"

Actually, I was only able to stop her attack because she was adjusting her strength in order to not injure my arm. On top of it, Noonim was only swinging her sword roughly without any naegong or her true skill. It was because if an Expert of Hyunkyung like her became serious, I would be killed almost instantly.

Nevertheless, her attack was still difficult to deal with.

"Heo-eok, huh!"

The side-effect of sparring with noonim for hours started to take a toll on my body. My vision was getting darker and darker, and the world kept spinning around in front of my eyes.

"…Let's take a break."

"No, we can't. If it's just this much…."

I know that at this moment, Celeste was also sweating blood in order to grow stronger. And as her senior in the hunter industry, I had no intention of giving up and taking it easy.

With a worried expression on her face, noonim asked.

"Is there any reason for you to take it this far?"

"Yes. That man will surely come to the Great Rift."

It was a wild guess and a conviction at the same time. If Bang Ho-win really had the way to return to Murim, why was he still on earth?

The system told me that in case of Supreme Dharma, he used his own energy to move the Murim people from Murim to Earth. I think that the method Bang Ho-win had would be similar to that.

That was why the answer I came up with was because he doesn't have enough 'energy' to do so.

"This is my first and last chance to call him out. We have to deal with him on the spot."

"….Sparring with the strong will certainly be a great help in improving your skills. However, you can't fight against a Hyunkyung Expert with only three months of preparation. Don't rush."

"No, three months is enough."

I raised my sword and aimed it towards her again.

"I will win."

This sparring was a way for me to study 'how to deal with the strong'.

Swordsmanship training? It was something that I could do later.

If I don't kill Saekma, I'm afraid I'll be insecure to even wander around with my guild members including Seol Jungyeon.

"But still….."

Noonim looked at me with a worried expression on her face.

It was understandable. Since both her and Bang Ho-win had similar strength, my claim of killing him might sound unrealistic to her when I can't even land a hit on her.

I was aware that what I was doing right now was like an ordinary human practicing avoiding bullets.

Just like how it was impossible for humans to avoid a bullet no matter how many times they practiced, it was also impossible for a mere S-rank to stop the attack of a Hyunkyung Expert. However….. I intend to change the subject from 'bullet' to 'a human with a gun'.

It's still difficult to deal with, but at least a human with a gun had a preparatory motion before they shot. So even if it was impossible to win, it's not impossible to run away with a quick reaction or surviving through hiding behind hurdles.

My goal wasn't to defeat Bang Ho-win in a one-on-one fight but to survive as long as I could to carry out my plan.

Whooong…!!

"…..!"

Seol Jungyeon noonim's eyes opened wide as she saw me avoiding her surprise attack. Of course it wasn't a serious attack from her. But nevertheless, I was able to avoid an attack from Hyunkyung Expert who bore the title of the 'best swordsman'.

Little by little, I feel that my body is growing. My body, my bones, my flesh, my skin, my blood, my head, my heart, and my soul feel different from before.

Then, I reached into the air and opened my inventory. It's time to grow more stronger with things that I stole but couldn't equip before.

[Brilliant Vow of the 'Bright Season' has been equipped.]

[The setting twilight, the 'Lost Morning Star' has been equipped.]

[Desire of 'Windstep' who longs for the sky has been equipped.]

(T/N In case you guys forgot the effect of the armor, you could find the first two on chapter 102 and the last one is at chapter 97.)

A pure white armor that gave off a pure white light was automatically equipped around my body. Then in my hand, a beautiful white sword with ominous red letters written on the blade appeared. Finally, a white boots matching the colour of the armor appeared and wrapped themselves warmly around my ankles and calves. As soon as I equipped it, my body instantly became lighter.

All of the equipment I wore right now was completely different from my usual equipment which had a dull colour of black.

So far, I had only used one sword while sparring in order to improve my physical stats. But from now on I'm going to properly gear up like how I would in a real hunt. This was in order to survive as long as I could.

"From now on, please do it sincerely."

"I am always sincere to you."

"…well, I know that too."

Then, Seol Jungyeon suddenly laughed as she saw my exhausted self. It seems like she was having fun. Because I like the laughing Seol Jungyeon, I also laughed just like her.

On that day, I was able to endure for 3 minutes and 17 seconds against the Supreme Cheonma.