Ugeum-dong, Ueun-dong, Udong-dong.
Born on the same day and at the same time, the triplets shared an extraordinary bond. They could sense each other’s thoughts and feelings, almost as if they were one. Their understanding of one another was perfect, and their interests aligned seamlessly.
“I’m going to grow up and become a hunter.”
“I thought that too.”
“Me too!”
The three of them shared the same dream: to become hunters. They vowed to pursue it together.
However, becoming a hunter turned out to be much harder than they had imagined. The job required not just skill but a considerable amount of money.
“What do we need to do to become hunters?”
“First, you need to know how to handle mana. And you need to learn to wield weapons.”
“I saw a swordsman nearby! Maybe we can learn there!”
To become hunters, they first had to develop the basic skills.
This required tuition fees.
For those from prestigious families, these skills were often taught as a matter of course. But for the triplets, who lacked such a background, formal training was their only option.
“And after that? How do we get a Hunter’s license?”
“You have to go to Academy City.”
“To get a Hunter’s license, you have to graduate from the Higher Academy there.”
They learned that a license was essential to be recognized as legitimate hunters.
The method of obtaining one varied by age. For those who hadn’t graduated from high school, it was mandatory to attend the three-year Higher Academy in Academy City.
However, tuition at any academy in Academy City was exorbitant.
“Even the cheapest academy costs 10 million won per semester…”
“And that doesn’t even include dormitory fees.”
The cost of living in Academy City was another significant burden. Staying there for more than a year was no small expense.
Even if they attended the cheapest academy, the total cost for all three of them would exceed 180 million won over three years.
And that didn’t include living expenses, dormitory fees, or other miscellaneous costs.
“… .”
The realization left them speechless.
The cost of their dream felt impossible to bear.
“That’s why some people with outstanding talent get sponsorships!”
“If we can get sponsored, we wouldn’t have to worry about the money!”
“Come to think of it, didn’t the instructor mention that the swordsmanship center sometimes sponsors students? He said the Shingeom Doga does it in their name.”
This seemed like their best shot.
The triplets resolved to stand out and catch the attention of the Shingeom Doga.
Then, an unexpected opportunity presented itself.
“You want to get sponsored?”
A boy who introduced himself as Dogyeonwoo’s cousin approached them after overhearing their conversation.
He promised to arrange sponsorship for them.
But there was a condition.
“You go to the same school as Dogyeonwoo, right? You’ll probably interact with him a lot.”
“…?”
“Mess with him. You know what I mean.”
The implication was clear: torment Dogyeonwoo of the Shingeom Doga.
“Well, if we do that, you’ll sponsor us?”
“Of course. I’ll talk to my dad.”
“Really?”
“I believe in you.”
Faced with the offer, the triplets had no choice but to accept.
Refusing would mean losing their chance at sponsorship and possibly facing repercussions.
Besides, they didn’t like Dogyeonwoo to begin with.
“He’s a member of the Shingeom Doga?”
“That crybaby? That coward? How could someone like him belong to a prestigious family?”
“It’s infuriating and pathetic.”
At the swordsmanship school, Dogyeonwoo’s timid demeanor stood out.
He swung his sword reluctantly, as if forced. He froze in sparring matches, apologizing profusely if he accidentally landed a hit, and sometimes even cried when he got hurt.
“I can’t stand it. It’s unbearable.”
“Same here.”
“He doesn’t deserve to be part of the Shingeom Doga.”
Dogyeonwoo, who received special attention simply because of his lineage, enjoyed privileges they couldn’t dream of. He learned the full Suwangryu style for free while they struggled to afford basic training.
To the triplets, his very existence was a reminder of their own struggles and inadequacies.
So, they harassed him at every opportunity.
“Dogyeonwoo! Let’s spar later!”
“Fetch our wooden swords while you’re at it!”
“Don’t worry—we’ll go easy on you!”
Of course, they never pushed him too far.
“You know the rules. Don’t go overboard.”
“If we mess up, we could get caught.”
“Let’s call it a day here.”
Even if Dogyeonwoo endured their bullying without complaint, he was still a member of the Shingeom Doga. Crossing the line could lead to serious consequences.
They didn’t fully trust his cousin, either.
For now, they kept their harassment mild, careful not to provoke any major backlash.
Today, they were planning their next round of teasing.
But something was different.
“Keuk!”
“Next.”
“…?”
Woo Eundong and Woo Dongdong exchanged confused glances.
The duel between Ugeumdong and Dogyeonwoo had ended in an instant.
Before Ugeumdong could react, Dogyeonwoo’s sword struck his hand, disarming him.
Another hit followed—straight to his chest.
The series of movements was so fluid it seemed effortless.
“Next. Who’s up?”
“Ah… It’s me.”
Woo Eundong stepped forward, convinced it was a fluke.
But the same thing happened.
“…!”
“Next.”
When Woo Eundong came to, he was lying on the floor, staring at the ceiling.
His wooden sword was far out of reach.
“Keuk!”
Thud!
Before he could process what had happened, another body hit the ground beside him.
It was Woo Dongdong.
Their eyes met, sharing the same unspoken question: What just happened?
Looking up, they saw Dogyeonwoo standing over them, his gaze calm but unyielding.
“This isn’t over. Pick up your swords and get up.”
Dogyeonwoo’s tone was steady, but there was an unmistakable edge to it.
“There’s plenty of time until class starts. I’ll keep sparring with you. Just like always.”
For a moment, the triplets thought they saw something behind him.
Not the timid rabbit they were used to, but a rabbit with fierce red eyes.
No, it wasn’t a rabbit at all.
It was a lion.
“If you can’t handle me one-on-one, why not come at me together?”
“…!”
The lion was smiling.
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