Time had passed since the entrance exam at Geumgang Academy.
On our way back home from the academy city, we used the warp gate – something the triplets had been endlessly singing about. Just by passing through the blue dimension, we found ourselves instantly at the Express Bus Terminal station.
“Wow… We really got here right away.”
“Spending that money was totally worth it.”
“Yeah, it doesn’t feel like a waste at all.”
“What are you talking about? You guys talk like you paid for it yourselves. It was my idea to use the warp gate, and the family sponsored you too, you know?”
“As expected of Do Gyeon-woo!”
“The rising star of the Divine Sword Do family!”
“All hail! Loyalty forever!”
Gyeon-woo laughed, brushing off their praises.
By the way, Yeon Ha-neul, are you feeling okay? You’re not feeling dizzy or anything, right?”
“Yeah, I think I’m fine. How about you, Gyeon-woo?”
It was hard to believe we had been in the academy city just a moment ago. Both Yeon Ha-neul and I, as well as the triplets, were genuinely amazed. Some people feel nauseous when they pass through the warp gate, disoriented by the sensation of dimensional travel, but none of us seemed affected.
After that, we took the subway and got off at the station near our neighbourhood. Since we all lived in the same area, our way home was the same – until the triplets had to branch off in a different direction.
“See you next time, Gyeon-woo! Ha-neul!”
“Take a good rest!”
“Great job with the exam!”
“Yeah, you too. Take care.”
“Bye, guys!”
Dragging their large suitcases, the triplets waved as they walked away. Ha-neul and I watched them go, then started walking home together.
“It’s uphill, isn’t it, heavy carrying that suitcase? Let me take it.”
“I used magic to make it lighter, so it’s fine… But since you’re offering, I’ll take you up on it. Thanks. Your mom’s at home, right? And Ye-eun too?”
“Yeah, my dad even left work early to see me today.”
“He must really have missed you. Tell him I’ll drop by soon to give him a souvenir from the academy city.”
“Or why not just come over now and have dinner with us?”
“I’d love to, but the teachers at the orphanage are waiting for me. I promised I’d have dinner with them.”
“Right, that makes sense. Still, my family would love to see you too. Can you come tomorrow? Or over the weekend?”
“Tomorrow’s good, and the weekend works too.”
“Then come both tomorrow and the weekend.”
“What? At that point, I might as well just live at your place.”
“Yeah? Then move in. We have plenty of rooms.”
“…”
“Mom, Dad, and Ye-eun would love it. You know how fond they are of you.”
“…And you?”
“Do I really have to say it?”
“I-I see…”
“Or you could just stay in my room.”
“What?”
“The rabbit hutch that used to be there… We burned it after Mong-sil passed away last year, but I could always buy a new one.”
“Are you seriously teasing me right now? Is it that much fun?”
“Yep! If you become my pet rabbit, I’ll provide free room and board 365 days a year. I’ll take care of your bathroom needs, bathe you when you get dirty, take you to the groomer once a month, and sometimes give you fresh carrots. How’s that sound? Tempted? Neutering is also an option…”
“Just get a new rabbit already.”
Ha-neul laughed, her eyes sparkling as she bantered back. I couldn’t help but chuckle too as I dragged her suitcase along.
Suddenly, she spoke up as if she had just remembered something.
“Oh, right.”
“What is it?”
“You didn’t tell your parents that we stayed in the same room, did you?”
“You begged me not to, so I didn’t.”
“Good. Make sure you never mention it. It’s our little secret, okay? I don’t want your parents to get the wrong idea or think badly of me.”
“It’s not like it was our fault. The hotel messed up the reservation. And honestly, do you think Mom and Dad would judge you for that?”
“Still… It’s embarrassing.”
“You say that, but back at the Dream Hotel, you hugged me all night in the same bed…”
“Don’t you dare mention that! Seriously! Not a word!”
Ha-neul’s face turned red, her bunny ears seeming to perk up with indignation. She glared at me, then playfully pinched my arm. Unable to move my hands because of the luggage, I just let her do it.
Eventually, it was time to part ways.
“Here’s your suitcase.”
“Thanks. You really carried it all the way here.”
“Only a mean person would pinch the guy who helped carry it.”
“Hey, I barely pinched you!”
“If it hurts, it hurts. Simple as that.”
“Alright, alright, sorry, little Gyeon-woo. Don’t pout. The teacher apologises.”
“Hah.”
“Anyway, I’ll head off. See you tomorrow. Get some rest, okay?”
“Yeah, you too. See you tomorrow.”
Though we had spent almost two weeks together, it still felt bittersweet to say goodbye. I turned away from Ha-neul and headed towards my family’s house.
Upon entering the house, I was greeted by my little sister, Do Ye-eun, who practically tackled me with a hug.
“Welcome back, oppa! I missed you!”
“I missed you too.”
My parents approached from behind, smiling warmly.
“Did you have fun at the Academy City? Was the exam interesting? Did you eat well? Oh, and where’s my present?!”
“Ye-eun, let him breathe! Gyeon-woo, welcome home.”
“Hey, son! You look taller already.”
“Yeah, I’m back.”
I felt warmth settle in my chest as I looked at my family, gathered and smiling. It was good to be home.
Deep within the secluded, monster-infested mountains of Taebaek, where human footsteps rarely ventured, stood a modest wooden house. Despite the spacious interior, it held only the bare essentials needed for living.
Inside the house, two men sat facing each other. One was an elderly man, appearing to be in his seventies, sitting cross-legged, while the younger man, clearly his disciple, kneeling respectfully, looked to be in his early twenties.
“How long has it been since you became my disciple?” the old man asked, his voice deep and resonant, like a low, rolling thunder.
“This makes it five years now, Master,” the young man replied.
The old man’s face was etched with countless scars, a testament to a life forged in hardship. Despite his age, his sheer presence made him seem like a mountain, immovable and imposing. A stranger would have been struck first by his rugged appearance, and then by his voice, fierce as a tiger’s roar. Yet to the young man who had trained under him, this was all familiar.
“Five years… Neither long nor short,” the old man mused, his tone reflective. After a pause, he spoke again, as if having reached a decision.
“I have nothing more to teach you. The rest, you must learn by venturing out into the world.”
The young man looked up, his expression conflicted. “But Master, didn’t you say there was still much for me to learn?”
“There is always more to learn. But right now, you have not fully absorbed what you’ve already been taught. Gaining more skills without mastering the basics will only hinder you. What you lack now are real-world experience and the ability to see the world clearly.”
“But I’ve already gained practical experience fighting the monsters in these mountains…”
“That’s not the kind of experience I mean. You’ve only fought monsters – never other people. So far, you’ve only faced me. You need to confront other humans, too. At your age, you should be out there, meeting people and broadening your horizons.”
The young man bowed his head. “Yes, Master.”
The old man, known in the world as Seo-jeong-jin, the “War Demon,” looked at his disciple with a faint smile.
“Go to the Academy City,” he instructed.
“Academy City… You mean to enrol in an academy?”
“Yes.”
“But didn’t you say it was too late to take the entrance exams this year? You told me to wait until next year…”
The old man coughed lightly. “Ahem! You don’t have to spell it out like that. It ruins the mood.”
“Does that mean there’s still an academy accepting students?”
“No, the entrance exams are over. But I have a friend from my Hunter days who’s now the chairman of an academy. I spoke to him, and he agreed to let you enrol.”
“Really?”
“Yes. I’ll also write you a letter of recommendation. You’ll be attending Geumgang Academy.”
Geumgang Academy. The name stirred something in the young man. After losing his family in a tragic accident at a young age, he grew up in an orphanage, detached from the world. The idea of leaving the mountains sparked both excitement and apprehension.
Seo-jeong-jin noticed the glint in his disciple’s eyes and gave a satisfied nod.
“Pack your things and leave the mountain today.”
“Today? Isn’t that a bit sudden, Master?”
“Once you make up your mind, there’s no point in delaying. Besides, I plan to leave too.”
The young man blinked in surprise. “You’re leaving as well?”
“This house was built to train you. If you’re gone, there’s no reason for me to stay. I’m not one to be tied to one place for long, but I’ve spent five years here for your sake. Now, it’s time for me to wander the world again.”
“I see… Do you know where you’ll go?”
“Who knows? I’ll just travel wherever my feet take me. Now go and pack.”
The two men rose and prepared for departure. There wasn’t much to gather – the simple lifestyle meant little to carry. Soon, they stepped outside, carrying the same bags they had brought when they first arrived.
“Geumgang Academy is renowned, even among academies. You’ll meet many strong students there. It will be a valuable experience.”
“There’ll be people stronger than me?”
“The world is vast. You might even meet the heirs of the Ten Families – children of my old comrades. Competing with them should prove interesting.”
The young man grinned. “I’m looking forward to it!”
Seo-jeong-jin chuckled. “That’s the spirit. Now, go down the mountain.”
“Are you not coming with me, Master?”
“I’ll watch you leave, then head in a different direction. Walking down with my disciple doesn’t quite suit my style.”
“Fair enough.”
Despite his excitement, the young man hesitated to take the first step down the mountain. Five years together made parting difficult, but he knew it was time.
He turned, bowed deeply, and said, “Thank you, Master. I’ll make sure the world knows I was your disciple. I’ll become the strongest Hunter and let them know that your teachings never fell short of greatness!”
The old man’s expression softened. “I look forward to it.”
As Kang Han-byeol took his first steps down the mountain, he suddenly turned back and shouted.
“Master!”
Seo-jeong-jin stopped, looking over his shoulder.
“Thank you for raising me! …Father.”
The word hit Seo-jeong-jin harder than any blow he’d ever taken. The old warrior felt a pang of emotion well up in his chest.
“That kid…” he muttered under his breath, suppressing a smile.
Han-byeol bowed one last time, his head touching the ground. Then he straightened and looked forward, determination in his eyes.
Seo-jeong-jin couldn’t help but wave gently, his voice, charged with mana, carried down the path.
“Farewell, my son.”
He didn’t look back again, fearing his own sentiment would betray him. Walking the opposite way, he headed down the mountain, disappearing into the vast world.
Left alone, Kang Han-byeol took a deep breath.
“Thank you… Father.”
With his heart swelling with resolve, Kang Han-byeol squared his shoulders and started his journey toward Academy City.
Thus, the disciple of the War Demon Seo-jeong-jin, Kang Han-byeol, finally descended from the mountain.
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