Kim Yuri had been diligently training since last summer vacation after becoming Jukho’s disciple through Hwang Ji-ho’s introduction.

At first, it was probably just because the head of the Ho clan had recommended her and Jukho accepted a disciple. But now, Jukho cared deeply for Kim Yuri.

Kim Yuri was personable, had the courage not to be intimidated simply because the other was a Ho clan member, and was both diligent and talented.

Because of that, Jukho treated her sincerely, not just out of obligation, and Kim Yuri responded in kind, growing steadily.

As a result, Kim Yuri learned not to fear the power that the water gods carelessly assigned to her but to control and utilize it.

‘In Jeju Island, I didn’t need to conserve energy, and I had helpers like Muji and Jecheon Daeseong nearby. But this time, I have to fight alone against people. It’ll be harder.’

Considering Kim Yuri’s kind nature, sparring against good people would be more intimidating than facing an enemy army rushing from the sea.

But Kim Yuri summoned her courage and came to this place.

Unlike the courage that Nabiryeong tried to use, there was no gap in the feeling Kim Yuri held now.

“That’s pretty good. It would’ve been better if you made the sword yourself.”

“Thank you for the compliment! I can make bamboo swords, but I can’t reach the power to make a lightsaber. Next time, I’ll train harder and gift my disciple better things.”

Jukho smiled like a child at Hwang Ji-ho’s praise.

By the standards of the Ho clan in the mythic world, the centuries-old Jukho was like a child.

Still, to Kim Yuri, he was a master of an unfathomable realm.

‘Hwang Ji-ho mocked the lightsaber, but the outfit looks so good it barely matters.’

If Kim Yuri’s outfit worn today at Plumago had been sold as an appearance-change item, I would have bought it without hesitation.

Even if it was a random draw with no guarantee—no ceiling—I would’ve spent money.

Even with random chances, pulling until it appears is basically the same as a guaranteed reward.

Ooooooh!

At that moment, cheers came from a nearby visitor practice arena.

Looking toward the source, I saw people lightly sparring to warm up.

It was Joo Su-hyuk and his master, the Iron-Blooded Twin Swords.

Since both wielded twin swords, four blades constantly clashed and separated, drawing dazzling curves in the air.

As teacher and disciple, they wore matching twin sword dojo uniforms.

Seeing those uniforms made me feel nostalgic.

‘It’s the first time I’ve seen them in this world. I went through so much trouble to get those uniforms during an event.’

Plumago was a terrible ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) game where you grew attached to countless characters only to have them killed.

One reason for attachment was avatars and skins.

Especially for the title heroes, Joo Su-hyuk and Andain, there were various costumes.

However, the payment system was a mess, so each appearance item’s acquisition method was inconsistent.

Sometimes through harsh random gachas, sometimes through store purchases, and very rarely through painful limited-time events.

Joo Su-hyuk belonged to the Iron-Blooded Twin Sword master Kwak’s dojo. When dojo members were mysteriously attacked, they decided to find the culprit.

At that time, the Korean peninsula in Plumago was already a mess, so government or association help was unavailable, forcing Joo Su-hyuk to take action himself.

It was an event where he had to find the hidden culprit on the map within a set time. The map was vast, and the culprit kept moving, making it a tough struggle.

He wanted to share info with other users, but since I was the only one seriously playing this event, I had to fight alone.

‘Still, I was proud to get that uniform.’

I took many screenshots because it looked good in-game.

Seeing it in real life, it was even cooler and suited him well.

It’s a shame internal filming is banned now, but if I ask Joo Su-hyuk to take pictures outside later, would he agree?

I can’t be the only one to see something this good.

Wait, should Andain see it too?

While watching Joo Su-hyuk finish warming up and cardize the twin swords Dubitnarae, I was lost in regret when Kim Yuri said,

“Uishin, it’s okay! Dain also came to watch today.”

Good.

But I didn’t say it aloud, so how did Kim Yuri know what I was thinking?

Maybe because Kim Yuri, unlike the White Tiger, was a true capable class president who didn’t rely on blessings.

After finishing his talk with Jukho, Hwang Ji-ho was already looking at my face.

“Hmm, that expression meant that, huh? I get it now. Don’t worry. Andain received all the invitations.”

Of course.

Since Andain was someone invited anytime and anywhere, even as a player who handled guns, she would have been invited as a spectator at this swordsmanship competition.

But I wonder if Andain also wore special clothes fitting this place’s dress code?

Thinking of Andain and Joo Su-hyuk standing side by side in their dojo uniforms filled me with overwhelming emotion.

“Ah, Uishin... If you make that face while talking about inviting Dain, it could be dangerous...”

“I set up a simple barrier. It’ll be fine. Sharp-eared people are gathered here, so they’re alert.”

Though Hwang Ji-ho said something, I decided not to worry because being cautious was good.

Then, Hwang Ji-ho lifted the simple barrier and looked in one direction.

There was a common martial artist dressed in black, but looking closer, it was our classmate Jin Jeong-mook.

“I was here. I came to greet you.”

Jin Jeong-mook was neatly dressed, looking dignified.

At school, he wore his long hair loose and mixed his uniform and martial arts clothes, giving a messy impression.

But now, he looked unified as if placed in a martial arts movie set.

Hwang Ji-ho noticed and asked,

“Hm, you look different from usual. I thought you would stick to your usual concept, but did someone tell you off?”

“I have received no such criticism. I usually hide being a righteous martial artist. Here, I didn’t need to hide, so I dressed like this.”

Hearing Jin Jeong-mook’s answer, Kim Yuri and I were momentarily speechless.

Indeed, his usual look didn’t seem righteous, but he showed signs of being a martial artist.

I wondered why and how he tried to hide that.

Sensing our questions, Jin Jeong-mook added,

“It’s well known that Jeolheukpungnim distrusts cultists. So to induce their carelessness, hiding was necessary.”

Unfortunately, it didn’t hide him at all.

But I heard some demons mocked and underestimated Jeolheukpungnim’s faithful attitude, so they let their guard down.

Though not quite as intended, the goal was achieved.

“Ahahaha... Right. But there are many participants here; will it end in one day?”

“This competition is not to determine a winner but a festival to compare and polish martial arts. Regardless of win or loss, there will be at least two chances to show swords, but it won’t last beyond a day.”

Then, the conversation between Kim Yuri and Jin Jeong-mook continued.

Sometimes Hwang Ji-ho failed to interpret perfectly and reacted slowly, but thanks to Kim Yuri’s commentary, I could understand all of Jin Jeong-mook’s words.

Occasionally, Jeolheukpungnim’s masters lingered nearby, watching Jin Jeong-mook talk with his school friend, all wearing pleased expressions as if by agreement.

Kim Yuri, who wore martial arts clothes so beautifully that the phrase ‘fish sink, wild goose falls’ felt apt, was very happy and reassured to understand and talk with Jin Jeong-mook.

“I must leave first. I wish Kim sojeo and Jo sohyup good luck.”

Jin Jeong-mook, as a disciple of the host Jeolheukpungnim, took his place during the opening declaration.

Also, Hwang Ji-ho and Jukho, who were neither hosts nor participants, decided to leave.

“Our class kids’ place is over there. My close friend just contacted me saying he doesn’t want to handle Baekho alone, so hurry up. Jo Yi-shin, don’t think of doing anything to overly please the White Tiger.”

I wasn’t thinking or planning anything to make the White Tiger happy.

I conveyed that, but Hwang Ji-ho didn’t believe me at all.

The competition’s start time was approaching.

When time came, the black-clad swordmaster of the Black Forest appeared on the stage.

His movement was almost invisible, so it truly felt like he appeared out of nowhere.

‘He didn’t use teleportation. He showed off lightness skills. Was he trying to intimidate?’

Among the participants was a team member of the Air Society, known for experts in lightness and movement skills.

One of the world’s top ten player teams, Air Society.

By the team’s name alone, it seemed a bit odd to be invited to a martial arts festival, but since Jeolheukpungnim included foreigners and even Westerners, it wasn’t a big issue.

The Black Forest swordmaster didn’t greet but swung his sword twice on the stage.

Some sighed, as if lamenting, at the sharp yet restrained power in his sword strikes.

The black blade trails cut two strings, and as they broke, two phrases appeared:

“魔不勝正 (Evil cannot overcome righteousness).”

“斥魔滅邪 (Expel demons, destroy evil).”

The Black Forest swordmaster voiced these phrases loudly with internal power.

His heavy, solid energy-filled voice echoed around.

“Evil cannot overcome righteousness. We will repel demons and destroy wickedness. This competition will prove it!”

Waaaah!

Though brief, the opening declaration ignited the martial artists’ hearts.

They were confident that demons could not defeat righteous martial artists and that they would eradicate them.

Demons gain power by feeding on humans’ ugly emotions and fear; if this world only had such martial artists, demons wouldn’t be able to take root.

Unfortunately, they were a minority.

“According to the purpose of this competition, the use of highly lethal techniques is forbidden. However, divine weapons and rare implements are allowed. Please show your cultivated martial arts without reservation.”

Among the words spoken by the Black Forest swordmaster, “highly lethal techniques” meant skills or Gwanglim that could kill, and “divine weapons” referred to high-rarity items.

He meant to show full skill as long as it wasn’t deadly.

Some participants didn’t fully understand but accepted it intuitively.

Then, the matchups were randomly assigned on the spot.

The Black Forest swordmaster left, and a seemingly high-ranking official drew names from a wooden box and loudly announced them, creating the match table.

My name was called, and my first opponent was decided.

‘I know this opponent.’

My first sparring match opponent was Oh Hye-yul.

A genius swordsman from the Oh family and a junior who would attend Eunkwang High next year.