Call Me Master

‘Uh, um, uh…?’

A lost sound escaped from Peng Jin-ah’s lips, echoing in the air.

Gulp!

The sound of her swallowing dryly seemed unusually loud.

The temperature felt from her dripping sweat seemed especially sensitive.

Peng Jin-ah, frozen like a stone, forgot to move away from Yu Seha and remained in place.

“…Professor?”

A confused movement could be felt.

Yu Seha tilted his head in puzzlement and turned around to look at her.

Their faces met directly, only about 5 centimeters apart.

‘…Huh!’

His breath, warmed by training, brushed against her nose.

It smelled strangely sweet…

And addictive.

Combined with his chiseled features, Peng Jin-ah’s heart wavered as if struck by an earthquake.

“Is there a problem?”
“Uh, uh, uh, ahem, ahem. Ahem!”

She barely managed to regain her composure and stepped back.

Stay calm, Peng Jin-ah.

‘I am a professor.’

I am the one teaching him.

I must not show him that I’m shaken.

Even if it’s just a facade, I need to maintain my dignity(?)

…Still, I should apologize, right?

“Um, uh… I’m, I’m sorry. Cadet Yu Seha.”
“…What?”

F-fortunately, it seemed he hadn’t realized what had happened.
Peng Jin-ah sighed in relief.

“Oh, no. It’s nothing… Ahem! Let’s continue.”
“Ah, yes.”

---

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Peng Jin-ah swung the sword, staring at the sweating Yu Seha.

‘Stay calm, Peng Jin-ah.’

When you think about it, r-really…
There is no need to make such a fuss.

He and I are in a master-disciple relationship.

This kind of physical contact was bound to happen during training.

‘…Then, then… it’s only natural. Yes, yes.’

There was no need to feel strange, as it wasn’t driven by personal interest from the beginning.
It was simply for pure teaching purposes.
No need to feel embarrassed or let your imagination run wild.

‘…Huh?’

Wait a minute…?

Master and… disciple?

At that moment, Peng Jin-ah realized she had forgotten something very important.

A memory of a conversation with the <Plum Blossom Sword Emperor> in the past.

―Sister, you know what? When a disciple calls their mentor ‘Master,’ it makes them really happy~
―Are you referring to that child called Nidia? The one with the nickname [Sanctification]
―Yes, exactly. It’s a feeling that warms your heart.

I hope you get to experience that feeling someday, sister.

‘…Hmm.’

Peng Jin-ah deliberately let out a loud cough to draw Yu Seha’s attention.

“Ahem… ahem!”
“…Professor…?”

Good.
He was looking at her.

Peng Jin-ah pretended as if nothing was wrong.
Feigning indifference, she continued speaking.

“Cadet Yu Seha. It’s one thing to meet in the <Basic Swordsmanship> class or outside, but now it’s the <Exclusive Disciple> class. In other words, we need to reconsider our relationship.”

“…Uh, relationship…?”

“No matter how I think about it, I believe we need to sort out our titles. Don’t you agree?”

“…Pardon?”

Peng Jin-ah twitched the corner of her mouth as she looked at Yu Seha, who had a puzzled expression.

She pursed her lips and spoke as if crawling.

“Master…”

“Ah!”

“If you wish, you can call me M-Master…”

Crossing her arms, Peng Jin-ah stared at the innocent outer wall.

Yu Seha briefly analyzed the meaning of what she had said.

‘…She said, “If you wish”?’

So, she wasn’t exactly insisting on it?

Then… there’s no real need to switch from “Professor” to “Master” unless she’s—

‘Ah, wait a moment?’

That neutral expression with a slightly hopeful twitch of her lips—could it be… an expectant look?
Was the [Overlord Sword], Professor Peng Jin-ah, hoping for something?

‘…Uh, um.’

Feeling somewhat puzzled, I decided to give it a try.

“Yes, Master. I look forward to your guidance.”
“…Ahem! Try it once more.”
“…Uh, Master?”
“Hmm, hmm…”

Then, Peng Jin-ah, now smiling contentedly, continued speaking.

“I look forward to it as well.”

My disciple.

---

The first-semester class I attended at [Gonis Hunter Academy].

The class, which was surprisingly better than I had expected, proceeded methodically, as if stacking up knowledge.

―In such cases, it’s better to use tongs rather than a butcher knife, Ma Hana.
―Meow! I see. Thank you for the information, Professor.
―I’m the one who is glad to be of help.

Choi Chae-gul’s <By-product Harvesting> class.

He paid special attention to the four of us, including Ma Hana.

I heard that, for some reason, he received a warning from the Chairman, but he seemed rather relieved.

―At times like this, we need to send the rear dealer to the back…
―Next, we will understand the durability structure of the slime.

Besides this, the meticulous professor continued to conduct full-time classes.

Though not as intense as the first class, Bong Mi-chun created <Summons> and provided practical training close to actual combat.

Since admission, it had been a continuous stream of busy, restless days.

Of course, the most significant thing for me was Professor Peng Jin-ah’s <Exclusive Disciple> class.

“Ah, you’ve arrived, Master”
“Mm, are you ready, Cadet Yu Seha?”
“Yes.”

I was setting up the training ground for today’s class.

Before I knew it, Peng Jin-ah had come to stand beside me.

There was something I had recently noticed.

Peng Jin-ah typically had a neutral expression, but her emotions were clear in their own way.

‘She seems to be in a good mood today.’

A slight upward curve of her lips suggested she was feeling happy.

Conversely, when she was angry or sad, her lips would slightly droop.

While I was lost in thought, Peng Jin-ah nodded in satisfaction and signaled the start of the class.

Then, she pulled out a long object from her magical bag.

The identity of the object was…

‘…a club?’

No.

On closer inspection, it was a large, black greatsword without a sharp edge.

Well, I’m not sure if I can even call this a greatsword…

“Today’s class will be conducted with this.”
“…Um, Master. What on earth is that…?”
“Seeing is believing. Try picking it up.”

I accepted the chunk of metal she handed over with one hand.

The thought that it might not be that heavy, since it was handed over so lightly, shattered the moment I held it.

My arms dropped instantly.

The weight was unbelievable, and with a thud, the floor of the training ground dented.

“Wh-What the…?!”
“It’s a gravity sword.”
“A gravity… sword?”

Peng Jin-ah explained that it was a weapon made from a special metal that amplifies weight.

Originally, it was supposed to be used as industrial equipment, but it was forcibly modified…

Peng Jin-ah, holding the gravity sword lightly with one hand, handed it back to me.

“Take it, Cadet Yu Seha. According to my calculations, it might be tough, but you can handle it.”
“Ah, yes!”

Good.

Let’s do this right.

This time, I gripped it while focusing my consciousness and magic.

Sure enough, as Peng Jin-ah said, strengthening both arms allowed me to at least lift and swing it, albeit shakily.

“Then, let’s start the lesson now.”

First, repeat the downward slash in the correct posture.

“The total number of times is 1,000.”
“Yes!”

---

‘……’

Arms crossed, Peng Jin-ah watched Yu Seha swing the gravity sword with a whooshing sound.

“…Ugh!”

Beads of sweat rolled down his forehead like raindrops.

The veins on his arms, holding the gravity sword, bulged.

He must have a strong urge to let go right now…

He silently endured, following the instructions.

A mental strength as solid as steel that doesn’t waver.
It was truly impressive.

“Excellent, Cadet Yu Seha. Now, perform the technique I taught you yesterday. There’s no need to be fast. Continue slowly and accurately.”

“…Ugh! Yes!”

Of course, Peng Jin-ah didn’t bring this sinister equipment to torment Yu Seha.

In fact, gravity sword training was one of the methods she used years ago.

‘The [Overlord Sword Technique] is an absolute power, a decisive move wielded in each strike, and a unique martial art.’

In essence, even a single normal strike had the power of a finishing blow.

A destructive force that shatters with just a graze.

A calamity sword that contains such speed that one can’t even react.

Additionally, a martial arts skill that incorporates the sense of balance to support all this and, most importantly, the subtlety of smoothness.

‘…Originally, I should teach him the understanding of smoothness first…’

But he had long since internalized this understanding.

Having mastered the most difficult part, the only thing left was a simple and crude method.

In other words, what he needed now was Spartan-style training to control his explosive power.

There was nothing more effective for him than this.

Additionally, there was another hidden motive.

‘…I might be able to buy some time.’

‘Gravity Sword Training’ was notoriously difficult, even for academy graduates.
Originally, it wasn’t something to teach a cadet who hadn’t even finished half a term.
No matter how much of a genius Yu Seha was, this would take some time.

Peng Jin-ah predicted.

‘At least half a year…’

Yes, it would take about that much time.

During that period, she planned to observe him closely and carefully.

She intended to find and reinforce the necessary teaching methods.

She thought of it as the first step as his master.

---

However, two hours later.

“……”

Peng Jin-ah stood frozen like a stone, a cold sweat trickling down her face.

Boom, b-boom, b-b-boom!
Boom, boom, boom!

It was clumsy.

No, correction.

It seemed clumsy.

Clearly, at first, he could barely swing the sword, trembling under its weight.

But what is this now?

“Huff, huff!”
“……”

The trajectory of the gravity sword wielded freely in Yu Seha’s hand after he took a deep breath.

It wasn’t that it was flashy or powerful.
Compared to before, there was no difference in the way he swung the sword, almost at will.

‘…Absurd.’

The gravity sword’s abnormal weight made it virtually impossible to swing it using pure strength alone.

Therefore, what one truly needed to learn from this training was the knack for handling power.

The focus was on controlling a massive force without forcibly twisting it, incorporating it into one’s own rhythm as if taming a wild dog.

‘And what makes that control possible is…’

[Breathing].

For tanks and dealers, the most important skill.

By controlling your breathing, you could regulate your muscle power, using it efficiently only when needed.

And, in extreme cases, breathing could push your strength beyond its limits.

But recognizing this was no simple task.

Peng Jin-ah thought it would take him at least half a year, no matter how great he was.

But it wasn’t.

It was a huge misunderstanding and miscalculation.

In just two hours, he reached the position she had envisioned.

‘…Just two hours…’

It took her…
Even considering her immaturity, more than three years.

At this level, it was practically…
Evolutionary.

Peng Jin-ah realized why this phenomenon occurred.

‘The density of time is different.’

For Yu Seha, one minute might have the same effect as 100 hours for ordinary people.

Maybe even more.

Anyway…
Ahem…
This is really troubling.

Peng Jin-ah folded her arms and swallowed.

She tried to maintain a solemn face, but her back trembled slightly.

‘…Wh-What should I do?’

Th-this…
If he absorbs and reaches this quickly…

Wh-What on earth…?
What should she prepare…?

---

Meanwhile, Yu Seha, who was swinging the gravity sword, had gained some insights during this short time.

A single swing trajectory.

Amazingly, one swing had the effect of a thousand swings in Yu Seha’s mind.

At a certain moment, Yu Seha closed his eyes.

When he blocked out what he could see, his movements became even clearer.

As if the light was stronger because it was in the darkness where nothing could be seen.

‘It’s liberating.’

It felt like being freed from all the restraints that clung to his body.

‘Yes…’

Peng Jin-ah’s teachings echoed in his ears.

Thoughts and understanding lingered in his mind.

And then…

‘This sensation in my hand.’

The gravity sword in Yu Seha’s hand felt as light as a feather.

He couldn’t help but smile, feeling like an immortal walking on clouds.

Crackle!

Suddenly, red sparks burst from the gravity sword.

“…?!”

Peng Jin-ah’s eyes widened in amazement as she watched.

That impact.
It was unmistakable.

‘…<Constraint> is…’

Being released.

He was undoubtedly gaining insight related to the [Overlord Sword Technique] and unlocking the chains that had bound him.

Right now, Yu Seha was merely repeating the motions she instructed while holding the gravity sword.

There was no similarity to the [Overlord Sword Technique] in any of it.

Yet, the phenomenon unfolding before them could only mean one thing.

‘Just by imagining it, is he gaining proficiency?’

Peng Jin-ah uttered an exclamation.

He was literally mastering the sword…

No, not just limited to the sword, but it seemed like he was born to make every skill in this world his own.

However, because of that…

Peng Jin-ah’s ‘groaning’ intensified.

In fact, it was a foregone conclusion that he would finish the ‘Gravity Sword’ training within this week.

‘…Ah, it can’t be…’

If I teach him this early…

‘…There will be nothing left to teach later…’

But there was no choice.
When a disciple shows such ridiculous growth and proves it with his own eyes, how can a master withhold his teachings?

“Cadet Yu Seha. That’s enough.”
“…Ah, yes!”

Peng Jin-ah let out a small sigh.

He loosened the sword at his waist and gripped the curved blade firmly.

And with a slightly gloomy expression…
Like a child who had their snack taken away by their parents, closing their eyes tightly.

“…From next week, bring the main weapon you use.”
“…Oh, does that mean…?”
“Yes.”

Peng Jin-ah nodded.

“From the next class…”

I will formally teach you the [Overlord Sword Technique].

---

Three more weeks passed.

A spacious training ground with various facilities exclusively for Professor Peng Jin-ah.

Bang, clang, clank!

Peng Jin-ah.

And her first and only disciple, Yu Seha.

The two were clashing their weapons against each other.

An unnamed sword and the [Saint’s Sword] imbued with divinity collided, emitting crimson lightning.

Before they knew it, they were naturally continuing their conversation through the [Heavenly Sword Technique].

“Cadet Yu Seha. Here I come.”
“Yes, Master!”

As soon as the words ended, Peng Jin-ah’s figure vanished like lightning.

A tingling sensation resonated.
Sensing the danger climbing up his spine, Yu Seha immediately turned his body.

His hands were positioned in a stance ready to both attack and defend at any moment.

All techniques, designed to absorb the opponent’s strength and return it, unfolded like well-meshed gears.

The magic surging through his entire body soon took the form of a fierce white tiger and spread out.

He shouted with all his might one last time.

“[Peng Furious Wolf]!!!”