Chapter 68 - The Former Rascal's Bimu (1)

Today, the area around the central training ground of the Cheolyeong Sword Family, where the Bimu was being held, was crowded with many people.

With the mutual consent of both families, today's Bimu was scheduled to be broadcast, and it was also unusual that many distinguished guests from not only the sword families but also the political and business circles were in attendance.

In a word, Song Ju-seok, the youngest successor of the Cheolyeong Sword Family, was having his debut ceremony in a historically boisterous atmosphere.

Two old men were seated in the best seats with the best view of the stage.

Song Yeong-pil, the Grand Head of the Cheolyeong Sword Family, and his old friend, Han Byeong-cheol of the Muwon Sword Family.

The two giants who had dominated an era were in the middle of a casual conversation.

Although it was a problem that it was too casual.

“You're making too much of a fuss for one grandson's debut. Anyone would think it's the World Cup final. Why did you invite so many people?”

At Han Byeong-cheol's scolding, Song Yeong-pil immediately retorted.

“It's because I'm confident he'll have a grand debut. Unlike some, there's no chance of being humiliated on the debut stage, so watch with a comfortable heart.”

“What? Yeong-pil, you bastard! Are you perhaps talking about me?”

“I never said who I was talking about. I can't help it if you feel guilty.”

“You, you're crossing the line! You should at least not touch the grandchildren!”

Han Byeong-cheol automatically recalled that scene from that day that he didn't want to remember.

The memory of his lovely granddaughter collapsing miserably.

He always regretted it.

Not having pushed her more, not having taught her more before the Bimu.

“I'm not saying this because he's my grandson, but our Ju-seok's talent is truly extraordinary. He even got his license as the top of his batch.”

“Look at this doting old fool. What's so great about being the top in a mere qualification exam?”

“Ah! You wouldn't know the feeling of your grandchild graduating at the top of their class. Shall I tell you?”

“No, thanks.”

But Song Yeong-pil continued to speak without a care.

“I was as happy as if I had been the one who got first place, no, even happier!”

He let out a triumphant, hearty laugh.

Not knowing that he was about to be counterattacked.

“That's because you've never been the top of the class.”

“What?”

“You probably don't remember because it was so long ago, but you were in the same batch as me. Of course, I was the top back then, and you were the second.”

“I was in the same batch as you?”

“Has this old man gone senile, why don't you remember that.”

Song Yeong-pil, his mind suddenly clearing, could only let out a dry cough.

“I don't seem to remember.”

“You're playing dumb even though you remember.”

“Regardless of the facts, it's all in the distant past, so what's so important about it! What's important is our grandchildren who will lead the next generation, isn't it!”

Song Yeong-pil launched a counter-counterattack.

It was true that during his active days, he was a notch or more behind Han Byeong-cheol.

Although he was his best friend, it was also true that he had a secret sense of inferiority in that regard.

Because there was a difference in talent that couldn't be overcome no matter how hard he tried.

But things were different now.

The Cheolyeong Sword Family was enjoying its golden age during his son's generation, and his grandson, Song Ju-seok, also had a talent that was second to none. In the end, he felt triumphant thinking that he had won at least in the matter of raising children.

“Darn it! You doting fool!”

“If you're so upset, why don't you have another grandchild now.”

“What? Me, upset? What's wrong with our Ye-ji! And I'll say it again, being the top of the batch is nothing!”

“I get it, you old coot. Don't get so excited.”

“And who can guarantee that your grandson will win in today's Bimu?”

“What?”

At that moment, Han Byeong-cheol's eyes met Seo Ji-han's in the distance.

That same calm yet confident gaze as always.

He had heard that Song Ju-seok's opponent in today's Bimu was a member of Seo Ji-han's unit.

“I'm saying the rookie from the Haewon Sword Family won't be easy either.”

“That's just your wishful thinking.”

“What does this old coot take me for!”

“Surely you don't think we didn't do a background check on the opponent when we requested the Bimu. He's a moderately tricky opponent who will make our Ju-seok shine.”

“As expected, you're being careless.”

Han Byeong-cheol clicked his tongue.

Of course, Song Yeong-pil thought it was confidence, not carelessness.

“If our Ju-seok happens to lose today, I'll call you my big brother.”

“You make promises you won't keep so easily.”

“Fine, then I'll swear on the honor of my family. But don't you dare cheer for the Haewon Sword Family side. Hahaha!”

Song Yeong-pil let out a hearty laugh.

Watching him, Han Byeong-cheol shook his head from side to side.

Something felt strange.

Because it was somehow similar to the feeling on the day his granddaughter Ye-ji had a Bimu with Shin Ah-yeon of the Haewon Sword Family.

Coincidentally, Shin Ah-yeon was also with Seo Ji-han today.

‘That child also went under Seo Ji-han, I believe?’

When his thoughts reached that point, a chilling feeling beyond strangeness washed over him.

It was a feeling that if he had to place a bet, he should bet on the Haewon Sword Family side.

***

In contrast to the lavish preparations of the Cheolyeong Sword Family, only a small group from our Haewon Sword Family visited this place.

I, the Unit Leader, was the representative, and I only brought Shin Ah-yeon, Choi Ho-joong, and Rosie.

The one I was most concerned about was, as expected, Rosie.

Because I couldn't know what kind of trouble she would cause if I didn't keep an eye on her.

Fortunately, she was sticking close to my side for now.

“Ji-han Unit Leader, I think humans are the same wherever they go.”

“What do you mean?”

“They're all mediocre, yet they struggle to determine who is stronger by a hair's breadth.”

“Isn't it that kind of ambition that made humans great?”

“Humans, great? Pfft!”

Rosie covered her mouth and laughed as if it were ridiculous.

“We humans live for a hundred years at most. Compared to the enormous lifespan of you lizards, it's truly a fleeting moment. But in that short time, only we humans can grow to the point of threatening you lizards.”

“Ji-han Unit Leader. The joke has gone too far. There's no such human in the world.”

“The fact that you haven't seen one yet is probably due to your short-sightedness.”

Johan Raven of the Kalia Continent was like that.

Although he was turned to ashes by the breath of the Red Dragon Devrias, it was a close match anyway.

Someone like Rosie was just laughable.

“Ji-han Unit Leader. The people gathered here right now, are they the strongest people on Earth?”

“That's about right.”

Han Byeong-cheol, sitting over there, was one of the Three Sword Gods.

“Although I'm a Hatchling, there's no one here I can't beat. If I had to find someone, only that old man over there is a bit bothersome.”

“You have a good eye.”

“That's only because I'm a Hatchling. If I were an adult, it would be a different story. And yet you say it's because of my short-sightedness?”

“Yes.”

“Ji-han Unit Leader, I didn't see you like this, but you're so stubborn!”

Rosie looked at me as if she were frustrated, and I just smirked without bothering to explain.

It was then.

“Ji-han oppa!”

A familiar voice was heard.

There was only one person who called me by this title.

Han Ye-ji of the Muwon Sword Family.

She was approaching me with a bright smile.

“You were here. Can I watch next to you, oppa?”

“As you wish.”

I didn't know why she came to this particular spot.

The view would be better next to old man Han Byeong-cheol.

“Did you prepare a lot for today's Bimu?”

“The one who fights is the one who prepares.”

“Hey. Still, I gave you information.”

“I'll thank you for that later.”

“Really?”

I nodded.

Based on the information Han Ye-ji had personally brought, I had created a surefire way to win.

The one who would execute it was Im Seong-jun, but I didn't consider the possibility of failure in the slightest.

If he was that much of an idiot, I wouldn't have pushed for this Bimu in the first place.

“Are you still cheering for our side?”

“I told you. It's unfair if I'm the only one who gets humiliated in my debut match.”

“The reason for selling out your friendship with Song Ju-seok is too simple.”

“Even if it's not that, his arrogance needs to be broken at least once.”

“That's something I'm good at. He's coming over there.”

“What?”

“It seems like he's coming to see you.”

The one walking towards us was Song Ju-seok.

Today's protagonist. But there was not a hint of nervousness on his face.

“Ye-ji. What are you doing here?”

“What about you, why are you here? The Bimu is about to start.”

“Of course, I came to see you!”

“Geez!”

“Give me some encouragement here! Then I think I can win even more spectacularly.”

“I don't want to.”

“You always play hard to get.”

I could tell the relationship between the two just by looking.

It started with childhood friends, but during their growth, one side unilaterally clung to the other, that kind of obvious story.

“By the way, who is this person here?”

Since I was standing close to Han Ye-ji, he seemed to be bothered by it.

“This oppa? He's Seo Ji-han of the Haewon Sword Family!”

“What, oppa? And who did you say? Seo Ji-han?”

In an instant, sparks flew from Song Ju-seok's eyes.

First, the title 'oppa' would have been a problem, and the fact that I was Seo Ji-han triggered another reaction.

Because he had said he disliked me.

By the way, it was just absurd that he had criticized me so much without even knowing my face.

“Mr. Seo Ji-han, did you say you're the Unit Leader of my Bimu opponent today?”

“What about it?”

“I'll apologize in advance. My handiwork is a bit rough, so I don't know if your unit member will be able to return in one piece.”

“It's just a Bimu, don't you have any intention of going easy on him?”

“I don't.”

He gave a cold smile and continued.

“And one more thing. I don't like the Haewon Sword Family.”

“I have no intention of asking for the reason.”

“Why not?”

“Because it will be a ridiculous reason.”

“Tsk.”

Although I cut him off beforehand, Song Ju-seok didn't care.

“Watch carefully, Ye-ji.”

“What.”

“Today's Bimu. I'll avenge you.”

“Avenging my ass! And why are you really acting like that in front of Ji-han oppa? Don't you think it's too rude?”

“I told you! I don't like the Haewon Sword Family! Just being grouped together as one of the 10 great sword families is unpleasant!”

“Stop it, you idiot.”

“Let's go, Ye-ji. Don't stay here.”

“Go where? I'm going to watch from here.”

“Don't tell me!”

“Don't tell you what.”

“To stay next to Seo Ji-han, does that mean you're cheering for the Haewon Sword Family side?”

“That's enough, stop it.”

“Let's talk after the Bimu!”

In the end, Song Ju-seok left in a huff by himself.

Rosie, who was watching this scene, whispered in my ear.

“Ji-han Unit Leader, they're having a lot of fun. Are humans always like this?”

“It's just a part of them.”

Rosie shook her head from side to side.

By the way, something additional had come up that I needed to relay to Im Seong-jun.

The proper lesson should be carried out more brutally. It would be troublesome if it ended too blandly.

Whatever the reason, if he had insulted the Haewon Sword Family, he would have to pay a corresponding price.