#107: C-Couple? — Starborn Cheat Character

“…Huh.”

Peng Jin-ah unconsciously let out an exclamation.

Although it was the first time she directly saw Yu Seha’s [Status Window], she hadn’t mentioned it before because it wasn’t hard to guess his level without seeing it.

‘…Even just up to the [Deep Swamp Bog], he was at the top of D-grade…’

He was somewhere around the border between D and C-grade in terms of ability.

Considering his multiple abilities, he could ambiguously be considered C-grade.

But now…
What are these stats?

‘His Strength is 31?’

The average stat for the C-grade hunter promotion test was 30.

Of course, this didn’t include [Special Abilities] like [Divinity].

Here, not everything needs to be 30, just 2-3 stats at 30 would suffice.

Additionally, if one or two stats exceed the average, the chances of passing increase.

‘Speed is 30, Durability is 25, Magic is 24, Mentality is 22…’

At this level, in her view, he could pass immediately with his skills.

Of course, the most shocking thing was something else.

‘Divinity… 18?’

She knew that he possessed [Divinity].

But she had only heard it was ‘1’.

This meant that after entering and completing <Training>, he had raised it by a whopping 17 by the time of the official classes.

Considering the value of Divinity, this was at a level where the <Order> would recommend membership.

‘Swordsmanship Level is 7.’

This could be considered acceptable.

Most people achieve high levels in [Swordsmanship] if they start learning early.

The shocking part was the [Overlord Sword Technique].

The level hadn’t increased or anything, but most of the <Restrictions> visible in the description were lifted, which was surprising.

Thanks to this, Peng Jin-ah could understand the image of Yu Seha wielding the [Overlord Sword Technique] a moment ago.

If the restrictions were lifted to this extent, it would be possible to display hegemonic swordsmanship for ten minutes without any issues.

‘Seeing the growth, it seems like he will soon master the [Peng Furious Wolf] perfectly.’

It was a monstrous growth rate that could not be fully explained by the word “amazing.”

‘And he accomplished all this without a proper master?’

Everything she saw was only a portion of his true strength.

Though not mentioned, judging by the speed felt in his legs…
He must also possess numerous high-efficiency basic abilities like [Dash], [Agility], and [Endurance].

There might even be higher-grade skills.

‘……’

Peng Jin-ah’s face slightly darkened.

The growth of a disciple is meant to bring joy to the master, but…

His growth was almost too fast.

‘…That’s a relief.’

Therefore, she considered it a great relief.

Because she was the one who saw this scene.

If a strong person, who had reached a certain level and faced a colossal wall, had seen him, they might have tried to kill him immediately.

The world of hunters wasn’t filled with kind-hearted individuals willing to let others surpass them.

There were plenty of villains who wouldn’t just kick down the ladder but set it on fire, ensuring no one else could ever climb.

In the eyes of such people, Yu Seha was a raw talent that should never be allowed to live.

‘…No, that’s not right.’

She needed to think differently.

Yu Seha wasn’t a fool, and he showed his power because he trusted her.

‘As his teacher, I must believe in him.’

Peng Jin-ah, organizing her thoughts.

She subtly asked, remembering what she needed to do.

“Cadet Yu Seha. The [Overlord Sword Technique] is powerful and domineering, akin to a wild colt running amok.”

How did he manage to achieve such mastery over something so difficult to handle?

Peng Jin-ah’s question was valid.

The <Restrictions> tied to a skill wouldn’t simply disappear through practice.

One must meet specific conditions and grow to the point where their body can accept the ability.

Scratching his head, Yu Seha answered honestly.

Upon hearing it, Peng Jin-ah…

…couldn’t help but feel stunned.

‘…What?’

Closing his eyes…
Reflecting on her form…
Swinging and training based on it?

‘What nonsense…’

If that were true, it meant he took a brief glimpse of her form as her master.

‘…Ah!’

In that moment, a few years ago.

Peng Jin-ah recalled the words that the <Plum Blossom Sword Emperor> had once told her.

―Jin-ah, you once said. A true genius is someone who can break through any rock, wall, or mountain without hesitation.

But I think differently.

―A true genius is someone who takes themselves as both teacher and disciple. One who challenges the ultimate peak alone.

―…Is that even possible? Senior Sister.

To the question, the <Sword Emperor> smiled gently.

―It’s just my thought. If our Jin-ah is lucky…

—You might meet such a person someday.

‘I thought it was nonsense.’

But now that such a person stood right in front of her, she couldn’t refute it.

“……”
“…Professor?”

Peng Jin-ah lowered her head.

She wasn’t surprised or worried.

She bowed her head, barely able to suppress the rising joy.

‘…I can do it.’

A subtle liveliness began to flicker in her eyes.

‘…As expected…’

Her judgment was not wrong.

Peng Jin-ah gently held Yu Seha’s shoulder.

“…Oh, Professor?”
“I assure you, Cadet Yu Seha.”
“Pardon?”

If it’s you, you can surpass me.
You can transcend the <Overlord Sword>.

“The realm beyond the heavens is surely a place where someone like you can reach. Not me.”

If those who knew Peng Jin-ah heard her words, they would not be able to hide their astonishment.

She wasn’t stingy with praise, but Peng Jin-ah had a strong sense of pride.

For someone like her to directly say that someone would surpass her was indeed a rare occurrence.

However, that was Peng Jin-ah’s perspective…

Yu Seha, to be honest, was simply bewildered.

He scratched his head and lowered it, speaking honestly.

“Uh, th-thank you, Professor.”
“Hmm!”
“But… to be honest… I’m not sure if I have that kind of talent.”
“…Hmm?!”

It could be absurd.

His talent was beyond extraordinary—he’d demonstrated abilities that went beyond what even a genius could explain. How could he be so unsure?

But Yu Seha was sincere.

‘…I don’t think I can live up to her expectations…’

The source of Yu Seha’s power.

It was just that the [Eyes of Reversed Heaven] was overwhelmingly powerful.

When it came to the domain called [Swordsmanship], which required enlightenment, he honestly had no confidence.

‘To me, the sword is…’

Just a tool convenient for killing someone.

If he truly possessed such great talent in the first place.

His father would never have left the words, ‘Never learn the sword,’ as his dying wish.

“…So, I don’t have confidence–”
“You’re the only one!”
“…Uh, what?”

Peng Jin-ah’s eyes wavered.
It was as if she were afraid of losing something precious at any moment.

“In my view, there is only you.”

Seven years as a naive child.
Five years as the founder of the [Overlord Sword Technique].
Sixteen years as the <Overlord Sword>.
Lastly, two years as a professor.

The overwhelming raw talent discovered through all those years.

“If not you, then who else could surpass me?”

He absorbed the [Overlord Sword Technique] that he hadn’t been taught.

He displayed the [Peng Furious Wolf] against the <Twin Head Troll>.

And in less than a month, he broke the restrictions of the [Overlord Sword Technique].

Peng Jin-ah shook her head and gripped Yu Seha’s shoulder firmly.

“Do not doubt your potential.”

You are destined to shine brighter than anyone.

“I will make sure of that.”
“……”

A subtle silence fell.

Peng Jin-ah realized belatedly that her praise had been too excessive.

She had spoken out of fear that Yu Seha might leave her, but for him, it was probably just bewildering.

Ahem!

Peng Jin-ah hurriedly changed the subject.

“B-but… do not become arrogant.”

After all, a raw gem is still a raw gem.
Without being polished, it’s just an impure stone.

“…Strive diligently.”
“Ah, yes…”
“Hmm, then…”

Let’s start the lesson now.

“Today, we will begin with… the basics.”

Whoosh, whoosh!

A vertical slash executed with an honest stance.
[Basic Swordsmanship] seemed no different from the usual lessons…

‘…Wow, this is insane.’

The sensations I was internalizing were on a whole different level.

[The refined and long-practiced understanding of the sword flows through your body.]

[You absorb it like a parched sponge! You firmly grasp the basics of swordsmanship with both hands.]

[You have an excellent teacher. Deficient and abstract areas are being filled.]

[Strength increases by 1, Speed increases by 1.]

[Swordsmanship proficiency increases.]

Even though it was just a simple repetition of actions, my stats were steadily rising.

The reason this was possible now was that Peng Jin-ah beside me spared no advice.

“Cadet Yu Seha. The tip of your sword is shaking. Put more strength into your wrists.”

“Yes!”

This result was possible because it was a dedicated one-on-one lesson.

[Basic Swordsmanship] had a completely different level of proficiency, and a smile never left my lips.

‘So, this is it…’

I realized once again.

How crucial the existence of a master is, and the vast difference between having one and not.

Even if I had studied alone my entire life, I wouldn’t have acquired such basic know-how.

‘…As expected of the [Overlord Sword].’

Professor Peng Jin-ah was on a different level.

While Yu Seha was in awe.

Peng Jin-ah, who was teaching, had slightly different thoughts.

With her arms crossed and a stern expression, she was actually breaking out in a cold sweat.

‘…Hmm, what should I do?’

Despite her fame being secretly known among hunters.

Right now, in this situation, such prestige didn’t matter much.

‘…How…’

Should I teach?

It might seem strange, considering she was already giving efficient guidance, as Yu Seha had mentioned.

But that was because Yu Seha was extraordinary, paradoxically because he didn’t have a solid foundation built up.

‘…Right now, Yu Seha is like a child who doesn’t know how to add or subtract but has already mastered multiplication tables on his own.’

Therefore, just teaching him the basics would make him grow rapidly.

The problem was that this kind of education had clear limits.

He was already grasping insights that were far above his current level.

In fact, in about a week, there wouldn’t be much to point out.

Of course, Peng Jin-ah was also a professor.

As someone who prepared more than her students, she had already planned several lessons specifically for him.

She had even filmed videos of herself performing sword techniques for him to study.

The problem was that…

‘It’s meaningless.’

Yu Seha’s learning ability was so fast, it was almost meaningless.

In other words, most of what was prepared after the <Entrance Exam> turned into bubbles.

On top of that, the sword technique he learned being the [Overlord Sword Technique] was also a troublesome issue.

‘…Ugh.’

A sword technique that had never been taught to anyone.

From the beginning, the [Overlord Sword Technique] was created by Peng Jin-ah with resentment and hatred.

Discarding the [Peng Howling Sword], which her revered mother had taught her and had been passed down through the family.

A technique she created in her own way.

To avoid becoming a vile monster like her mother, who succumbed to demons, the sharp blade she engraved upon herself was the [Overlord Sword Technique].

‘…To teach Yu Seha resentment and hatred?’

It was an absurd story.
Their circumstances were entirely different.

As his teacher, it would be wrong to burden him with such dangerous and violent emotions.

With an increasingly complicated mind, Peng Jin-ah closed her eyes.

When things get complicated, it’s best to go back to basics.
The simplest path is often the most direct.

‘…Let’s not overthink it.’

No matter how extraordinary a genius he might be, he was still a beginner.

First, let’s start by guiding him step by step, slowly and carefully.

Eventually, the deficiencies would reveal themselves, and then they could be supplemented.

‘Yes…’

Just like now.

“Cadet Yu Seha.”
“Yes?”

Stopping Yu Seha, Peng Jin-ah slowly approached him.

She stood behind him.

Then, cautiously, she closed the distance.

As if clinging, she pressed her body against his back.

Next, she grasped his hands.

Slowly, as if to merge, she leaned her body forward.

Placing her hands over his smooth, firm hands.

Squish.

The current outfit Peng Jin-ah was wearing was a training suit that accentuated her figure.

Unintentionally, her well-shaped and large chest pressed against Yu Seha’s back like a pancake.

“You have a subtle habit when you swing. This will damage the sword.”

She intertwined her fingers with his as if locking them together.

She guided the sword to cut down in a different way than when Yu Seha swung it.

Though it was the same vertical slash, the subtly altered trajectory widened Yu Seha’s eyes.

“The way you swing feels like you’re using the sword as a disposable tool rather than a cherished weapon. As a swordsman, you should cherish and love your sword.”

Weapons are partners that respond first to their owner’s heart.

“……”

Yu Seha’s expression slightly hardened at Peng Jin-ah’s remark.

A bitter smile, as if something were pricking, lingered at the corner of his mouth.

However, since it was said from behind, Peng Jin-ah didn’t notice such an expression.

“Yes! Thank you for the feedback.”
“Hmm, good. Since we’re already like this, how about a few more…?”

Huh?

‘Hmm?’

Umm?
Uh…
Umm…
Hmm……?

Peng Jin-ah’s body stiffened like a stone.

She blinked her eyes several times.
She felt something strange.

She realized it belatedly.