This Level Of Intimacy Is Natural Right

The noise of weapons clashing fills the training ground.

The two who danced and clashed were, of course, none other than Peng Jin-ah and me.

The swords of the only two who had mastered the [Overlord Sword Technique] clashed fiercely without stopping.

Crackle!

As I applied force to the [Saint’s Sword] held with both hands, red lightning sparked.

The [Overlord Sword Technique], which had already reached level 3, was not comparable to Peng Jin-ah’s, but it moved vigorously, exuding considerable power.

The most encouraging part was that most of the restrictions had been lifted.

Although not everything was unlocked yet, thanks to the lifted restrictions, I could swing for 30 minutes without a break and still manage to endure.

Additionally, the increase in Strength, Speed, Magic, and Spirit by 1 with the level up was a bonus.

‘At this level, it’s not just an average C-grade boss, but even a B-grade one that I could contend with if I use all my abilities.’

Of course, the opponent was the <Overlord Sword>.
As an A-grade that could even beat other A-grades, naturally my attacks didn’t have any effect.

‘But…!’

The fact that Peng Jin-ah’s true [Overlord Sword Technique] was now being displayed in her hands.

The fact that her movements were constantly shifting, without staying rooted in one spot, showed just how much I had grown compared to the entrance exam.

Then, as if to warn me not to get cocky, an alert sounded.

‘Ugh, damn it…’

In the pain that seemed to squeeze my entire body, I hurriedly canceled the activation of the [Overlord Sword Technique].

But only the [Overlord Sword Technique] was canceled.

I must not stop here.

Because she wouldn’t wait for me in this state.

‘The important thing is…’

Recognizing the shortcomings, supplementing them, and preparing for what’s next.

The [Swordsmanship] that rose to level 8 during training.

Additionally, [Triple Thrust] that increased by two levels was deployed.

It was a feint, meant to buy time while I recovered from the recoil.

Just in case my grip on the sword failed, I enhanced my durability with [Stone Hardening] as a backup.

Peng Jin-ah’s face broke into a soft smile, a smile I was seeing more and more often lately.

“Good. You shouldn’t rely solely on the [Overlord Sword Technique]. It’s powerful, but ultimately it doesn’t stray from the category of swordsmanship. Always invest your full strength regardless of means and methods. An excellent attitude. Cadet Yu Seha.”

“Thank you!”

Immediately after hearing the compliment.
A strong alarm echoed in the mind.

A deep red color was compressed along Peng Jin-ah’s right arm.

Thanks to this, I quickly deduced what kind of attack she was about to use.

‘It’s a slash!’

In the past, just [Unprecedented Sense] alone wouldn’t have been enough to figure this out.

The reason this became possible was that I could grasp the information coming through my eyes faster than before.

The [Insight] I gained through Professor Strict’s class.

Recently, the ability that rapidly grew through intense battles with Peng Jin-ah had finally reached the point of ‘evolution.’

A total of three choices.

Among them, the one I chose was [Unwavering Insight].

It wasn’t significantly different from the basic [Insight].

In moments of crisis, it had the effect of maintaining a calm mind, making it particularly good when fighting strong opponents.

Booong!

Thanks to that, for the first time, I managed to dodge Peng Jin-ah’s attack.

“…!”

Peng Jin-ah looked down with a surprised face.

And, as is often the case, evading danger opens up new opportunities.

I decided to bet everything on this opening.

Was it because that determination was felt?

Peng Jin-ah quickly retrieved her sword and shouted.

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

I gripped the [Saint’s Sword] with both hands.

The flame of determination transformed into a scorching fire that seemed to burn everything it touched.

Although my level did not rise, the [Magic Power] that recently reached 26 infused powerful firepower into the [Burning Flames].

I then drew out a technique from the depths of my memory.

With both hands in the optimal position to switch between offense and defense, every technique that would absorb and counter the enemy’s power clicked into place like the gears of a well-oiled machine.

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

“[Peng Furious Wolf]!!!”

“…Ugh.”

Ten seconds later.

On the training ground floor.

I was sprawled out like a frog.
I could barely catch my breath.

Peng Jin-ah extended a hand to me as I lay there.

“Are you alright, Cadet Yu Seha?”
“Yes, Professor–”
“…”

Ah, I almost made a mistake.
If I had said that, she would have gotten upset again.

“…Ah, no, Master.”
“Hmm…”

With a subtle smile, Peng Jin-ah helped me up.

“Excellent. But you were too hasty.”

She went on to lecture me that it was still too early to use [Peng Furious Wolf].
Had I used a different technique, I might’ve at least landed a hit on her.
I took her words to heart.

“…I’m sorry. I got a bit ahead of myself.”

“No. As a swordsman, it’s natural diligence. From the start, it’s not perfect, but the fact that you can now perform [Peng Furious Wolf] shows your growth is remarkable.”

As she said.

One month and two weeks.

I’d become more aware than ever of the difference a teacher could make.

‘From the way to hold the sword…’

The way to transfer power.
The way to adjust the slightly trembling blade of the sword.

How to support the lower body, and how to fully display my own sword, etc.

There were countless small but important know-hows.

In addition, the visible growth was also astounding.

Right away, even [Insight] successfully evolved by reaching level 5, and the derived skill of [Endurance], [Pain Tolerance], also reached level 4.

“There are no level rewards for [Pain Resistance]… which is a bit disappointing.”

Surely, I should say, my endurance had increased.

It became the foundation that allowed me to withstand several strikes from Peng Jin-ah’s sword.

“I reached level 5 in Combat, too.”

Unfortunately, [Combat] did not evolve.

Originally, I knew that around this time, I would obtain [Rapid Strike].

But I had already copied and acquired it, so it probably didn’t activate.

Lastly, the most important [Overlord Sword Technique] reached a high proficiency and achieved level 3.

And I received a notification I had been eagerly waiting for.

Nice!

At last, I had a skill other than [Flowing Slash] that I could equip [Runes] to!

I had been thinking of moving a few because [Flowing Slash] was overly loaded with them.

“This will soon…”

It seems like I need to visit <The Order>.

Meanwhile, Peng Jin-ah, watching Yu Seha giggle like a fool, swallowed a faint groan.

Really…
Even after seeing it again…

‘…it’s a terrifying talent.’

It seemed that, aside from [Peng Furious Wolf], all restrictions had been lifted…

This was truly an absurd thing.

The Peng family’s exclusive martial art, [Peng Howling Sword].

It took Peng Jin-ah ten years to master it.

And it took five years to create the exclusive martial art [Overlord Sword Technique] filled with anger and resentment.

At least in Peng Jin-ah’s memory, it took about a year to wield the [Overlord Sword Technique] to that extent.

Even for its creator, herself.

In other words, the Yu Seha before her eyes had caught up with her one year in this short time.

Considering his genius, the gap would close even faster.

‘Now, I don’t feel even the slightest worry.’

She was certain.
She asserted.

Yu Seha would undoubtedly surpass herself.

Not just surpass, but reach the S-grade realm, the domain beyond the heavens.

Perhaps even the ’Void, the inviolable realm spoken of by the <Plum Blossom Sword Emperor>.

He might soar up and delve into that place.

‘Therefore…’

Peng Jin-ah felt that now, at this moment when he was beginning to show his full potential, she needed to give him a clear goal.

She knew his character wasn’t inclined toward arrogance, but…

Someone with this much talent would naturally feel some pride.

It was only natural.

‘It’s my job to keep him grounded.’

That was what a master should do.

“Cadet Yu Seha.”
“Yes, Master.”
“At this point, you must have grasped some understanding of the sword.”

Peng Jin-ah drew the sword from her waist.

As she did, an ominous energy radiated from her.

“Therefore, you would normally see this in the second year… but I intend to imprint it on you now.”
“…Imprint?”
“Yes, I am certain.”

If it’s you, I believe you can master this <Celestial Star Technique> within a few years.

Yu Seha, who couldn’t understand, tilted his head, then his eyes widened.

If it was a technique called the <Celestial Star Technique>…
As far as he knew, there was only one.

“No way… an [Ultimate Skill]…?”
“Step back for a moment. Even a graze could be fatal.”

Peng Jin-ah regulated her breathing.

The red energy surged beyond lightning, raging like a storm.

The energy flowing down her neck soon formed a distinctive pattern.

A violent yet beautiful design, like a mix of roses and goblins.

All [Ultimate Skills] manifested as a unique mark on the user’s body.

Since the standard [System] adjustment didn’t fully support their activation, the mark was a necessary condition to complete the technique.

‘Here is the device that ignites the activation.’

That was the power of ‘Words of Command.’

Peng Jin-ah bent her waist and shouted as she slashed downward toward the front.

“<Tear apart>!“

She uttered the Words of Command.
The sword energy that cut straight through the training ground spread out.

At first, it seemed like just one sword energy.

But soon, he realized.

‘10– No, at least 50?’

Dozens of sword energies were connected to form one gigantic sword energy.

The spread-out sword energy quickly dispersed according to Peng Jin-ah’s will.
At the same time, it began to swirl like a vortex.

Boom, boom, boom!!!

“…Ugh!”
“Cadet Yu Seha. Step back further!”
“Y-yes!”

Yu Seha clearly stared beyond the cold wind that seemed to sting his skin.

A colossal sword aura formed a catastrophe, swirling like a tornado.

For about a minute, the dancing sword aura vanished as if it had never been there.

What remained was a scene of destruction, proving what he had just witnessed was not an illusion.

“It’s called the [Overlord Sword Annihilation].”
“…[Overlord Sword Annihilation]…”

In that moment, Yu Seha felt astonished once more.
Around Peng Jin-ah, who had cast the technique, there was only a serene gentleness.

This meant that Peng Jin-ah had a high level of mastery, capable of striking only the enemy without harming allies.

“…Phew.”

Burning heat.
Peng Jin-ah, who had barely calmed her wildly racing heart, sheathed her sword with a click.

The lingering aura of formidable power that had filled the air vanished in an instant.

Only then could Peng Jin-ah catch her breath.

As expected of an [Ultimate Skill].
No matter how many times she used it, it always drained her strength.

‘…Hmm?’

She suddenly became aware of Yu Seha’s gaze.

He stood there with his fists clenched, eyes shining like stars.

In his wide-eyed expression, she could practically see the word ‘respect’ written all over his face.

From his parted lips, an embarrassing sound said, ‘As expected of Master!’ could be heard.

“…”

Watching this, Peng Jin-ah felt her lips twitch.

‘…!’

She quickly calmed herself.

That was close.

If she had been any slower, she would have ended up grinning foolishly.

“Ahem, ahem!”

Forcing out a fake cough, she subtly turned her head.

Peng Jin-ah barely managed to hide her half-raised lips.

She hurriedly smoothed her mouth to calm herself.

‘…Really now.’

There’s no excuse.

At the age of 30…

Just seeing her disciple’s respect and admiration made her so happy that she didn’t know what to do…

If another professor saw this, they would say, ‘She can’t even act her age…!’

‘…Was I always this soft?’

She soon shook her head.

It was only because it was Yu Seha that she felt this way.

‘…I don’t understand why.’

When he’s next to her, somehow, her heart calms down.

She wanted to take care of him even more, and before she knew it, she caught herself smiling genuinely.

She pondered why that was.

‘…Ah.’

Soon, she realized an uncomfortable truth.

‘…Mother…’

To be exact…it was because she saw him as a child, happy while looking at his mother.

―Keuk! A black flame dragon on the right hand!!
―Aagh~ I got hit~

Her childhood, which she barely remembered.
Memories of playing in her mother’s arms came flooding back.

Peng Jin-ah faintly smiled.

But the smile quickly twisted as she remembered her mother’s hideous form, swinging her sword in madness.

‘…’

Holding her right arm with her left, her mother swung the sword in a strange posture.

Tears of blood streaming, shouting something unintelligible at her.

And then, hours later, her mother’s twisted, desiccated corpse—having paid the price for making a deal with a demon.

And there she was, a young child staring blankly at her corpse.

She shut her eyes tightly.
A bitter aftertaste filled her.

‘…I shouldn’t have recalled that.’

“Master?”

Oh no, she must have been lost in thought for too long.

Seeing his worried gaze, Peng Jin-ah placed a hand on Yu Seha’s head.

He looked up at her in surprise, but she didn’t mind.

‘We are master and disciple.’

This level of physical contact was…
A natural right.

“The [Overlord Sword Annhiliation] I just showed you will take a long time to master, no matter how talented you are. It will take at least a year.”

“Ah, yes.”

“So, do not get complacent and keep improving. But don’t worry.”

I will silently assist you.

At Peng Jin-ah’s words, Yu Seha smiled.

“Yes, Master!”
“…Hmm, Cadet Yu Seha.”
“Yes?”
“That, th-the word Master…”

Try saying it a few more times.

“…Uh, um. Yes, Master.”
“…Once more.”
“Master.”
“J-just one more time.”
“Master.”
“……” (Silently watching.)
“…M-Master.”
“Ahem, ahem!”

Two weeks later.

I was wielding my sword in the training ground as usual, lost in my own world.

Then, Peng Jin-ah came to see me.

I thought we would start the lesson right away, but something felt different.

“Master?”
“…Hmm, Cadet Yu Seha.”

Her expression was slightly stiff…
I sensed that something had happened.

“Is something the matter?”
“…First, I don’t think this is the right place to explain.”

A sigh escaped her lips, followed by unexpected words.

“Chairman.”

The Chairman urgently calls for you.