The Swordmaster Wants To Live Peacefully [EN]: Chapter 34

Swordmaster Wants to Live in Peace – 34

In More Detail (2)

The Sea Moon Sword.

The sword, crafted to evoke the image of the moon shimmering on the sea, was a sight to behold.

A large crescent moon was reflected on the calm waves, with a swordsman standing poised before it.

The elegant crescent moon behind the swordsman radiated an aura of nobility.

‘……Is this merely an imitation?’

Yoo Ji-woo felt a surge of terror at the spectacle unfolding before her.

She found herself unable to move freely, gripped by the sensation that the sea might swallow her whole at any moment.

In the tranquil expanse of the open sea, the gentle lapping of waves was the only sound in the silence.

Yoo Seong-woo spoke, saying,

“The essence of the Sea Moon Sword lies in unwavering stability. The more steadfast you are, the calmer the sea becomes, and the clearer the moon’s reflection upon the waves.”

Yoo Seong-woo swept his extended sword in a wide circle, causing ripples to emanate outward from his position.

He then advanced a step, thrusting his sword forward.

Simultaneously, the sea parted before him. Yoo Ji-woo, caught off guard and losing her balance, panicked as she was submerged by the seawater rushing in to fill the void.

Before she could fully register what was happening, she felt the cold steel of a wooden sword against her throat, causing her to gulp audibly.

As Yoo Seong-woo withdrew his sword, the vast sea and night sky that had filled her vision dissipated like melting snow.

“Sea Moon Sword, First Form: Severing the Sea. The Sea Moon Sword is a style that appears illusionary, yet possesses considerable weight and power. It is particularly effective in one-on-one combat scenarios.”

Yoo Ji-woo instinctively reached up to touch her neck, ensuring it was still intact.

Though it had only been a fleeting moment, the sensation of being pierced through the neck remained vividly etched in her mind.

“W-What exactly did you just do? And that was just an imitation?”

“Indeed, it was an imitation. The true Sea Moon Sword is far more impressive. Now, I will instruct you in the internal energy… the mana manipulation techniques specific to the Sea Moon Sword.”

Yoo Seong-woo dedicated his time to teaching Yoo Ji-woo the forms and manipulation methods associated with the Sea Moon Sword.

He elucidated the process of channeling mana to manifest the Sea Moon Sword, as well as the seven distinct forms that comprised the style.

Yoo Ji-woo diligently committed everything Yoo Seong-woo taught her to memory, leveraging her sharp intellect.

However, merely retaining the information mentally did not guarantee successful execution, implying that she would inevitably encounter numerous trials and errors in her future practice.

“……And, well, I’ve heard tell of an ultimate technique within the Sea Moon Sword, but I’ve never witnessed it firsthand, so my knowledge of it is limited. I’ve heard it involves dropping the moon into the sea… You’ll have to unravel that aspect yourself as you delve deeper into the Sea Moon Sword.”

“Isn’t that supposed to be the most crucial aspect?”

“What’s so crucial about it? Fundamentally, a swordsman’s strength stems from a foundation that transcends reliance on ultimate techniques.”

“I-Is that so?”

“Swordsmanship serves as a tool to amplify a swordsman’s inherent capabilities. It’s a means to unleash one’s maximum potential through meticulously refined sword paths.”

Yoo Seong-woo expounded upon his understanding of the significance of swordsmanship to Yoo Ji-woo.

It’s not simply that a person with strong swordsmanship is inherently strong.

Rather, it’s that a strong individual wielding swordsmanship tailored to their strengths becomes truly formidable.

Yoo Seong-woo mused that Yoo Ji-woo and the Sea Moon Sword seemed to be a particularly harmonious pairing.

‘I should have imparted this knowledge to her sooner.’

Yoo Seong-woo, observing Yoo Ji-woo’s attempts to practice the Sea Moon Sword while manipulating mana, released a prolonged sigh.

She remained a clumsy swordsman, unable to even conjure the illusion of the sea as of yet.

However, with a combination of innate talent and dedicated effort, wouldn’t she eventually evolve into a swordsman capable of devising her own ultimate technique within the Sea Moon Sword?

“Strive to become a swordsman akin to the sea itself. The individual who once mastered this sword lacked self-trust and ultimately turned his back on the sea. That is what led to his downfall.”

“A swordsman like the sea…….”

“I possess a narrow perspective, preventing me from achieving such a state. That is why I am unable to unlock the Sea Moon Sword’s full potential. But you, who guide and lead many, might be capable of it.”

“……I will endeavor to do my best.”

“Yes. Give it your all.”

Having spoken those words, Yoo Seong-woo turned to leave the training room, only to be stopped by Yoo Ji-woo’s voice from behind.

“Then what swordsmanship did you learn, Oppa [term of endearment for older brother or male friend]? Is it narrow-minded swordsmanship?”

“The swordsmanship I learned?”

“Yes. I believe I’ve witnessed it a few times, but it doesn’t resemble the Sea Moon Sword… It’s difficult to categorize it as any specific form of swordsmanship.”

Yoo Seong-woo chuckled in response to her inquiry.

Her keen eye for detail was indeed accurate.

What he had demonstrated thus far were not formal swordsmanship styles, but rather independent, self-contained techniques.

“There will come a time when I reveal it to you.”

“Ehhh.”

“It places an excessive strain on my body, preventing me from using it casually.”

“Isn’t that merely an excuse?”

“Perhaps.”

Ultimately, Yoo Ji-woo was denied the opportunity to witness Yoo Seong-woo’s swordsmanship.

* * *

Events unfolded rapidly.

The Towel Tribe, having successfully located a savior to liberate their land, departed from Korea and initiated preparations to bring Yoo Seong-woo to their realm.

The Korean government, having gained nothing from the situation, attempted to ascertain the identity of the ‘strongest one’ sought by the Towel Tribe, but other S-class individuals, including those affiliated with Meteor Industries, maintained their silence.

The prevailing logic of power had become even more pronounced in this era.

They recognized the inherent danger of transforming a powerful individual, whom they couldn’t subdue even with collective force, into an adversary, as it would inevitably lead to their own demise.

Aside from Min Cheong-woon, who had arrogantly believed himself to be the strongest in Korea and subsequently suffered an inexplicable defeat, nothing of significance transpired.

“Welcome, Mr. Yoo Seong-woo.”

The Abyss leading to the Towel Tribe’s land was situated in Northern Ireland, which was under the control of the Towel Tribe.

Inevitably, travel by airplane was required.

Yoo Seong-woo departed from the country without official authorization to avoid leaving any traceable records.

He lacked a passport or visa, but by moving swiftly while concealing his presence, he evaded detection by surveillance cameras, and no one managed to apprehend him.

Yoo Seong-woo, aboard the Towel Tribe’s private plane, found himself the subject of countless gazes from the Towel Tribe members.

The savior who would reclaim their homeland.

However, with the exception of the priest Yoo-wol, none had personally witnessed Yoo Seong-woo’s capabilities, making their apprehensive glances understandable.

“……It’s truly astonishing. How can such a massive lump of metal soar through the sky?”

Yoo Seong-woo muttered, gazing out the plane window as it commenced its ascent.

“Is this your first time on a plane?”

“Indeed, it is. My inaugural flight is not for leisurely sightseeing, but rather for infiltrating an Abyss without the proper documentation.”

Should he consider it a novel experience?

Yoo Seong-woo found himself unable to continue the thought.

He had little else to contribute to the conversation anyway.

“By the way, I’m attracting a considerable amount of attention. Could you perhaps address that?”

“I apologize.”

With those words, Yoo-wol directed a stern glare at the Towel Tribe members who were observing them, prompting them to avert their gazes.

“I’ve taken care of it.”

“Not bad.”

Yoo Seong-woo stretched languidly and reclined in his seat, closing his eyes.

He would soon be engaged in a life-or-death struggle within a matter of hours, necessitating the conservation of his energy.

As Yoo Seong-woo closed his eyes, the cabin quickly fell silent.

This was due to Yoo-wol’s imposing expression, which conveyed her willingness to eject anyone who dared to make a sound from the aircraft.

‘Then, I hope you have a restful sleep.’

* * *

After Yoo Seong-woo consumed two servings of the in-flight beef steak meal and slept so soundly that his hair became disheveled, the announcement of their arrival in Northern Ireland echoed through the cabin.

Yoo Seong-woo, finally roused from his slumber, yawned and glanced to his side.

Yoo-wol appeared exactly as she had when she initially boarded the plane.

“Aren’t you feeling nervous?”

“How could I not be nervous? We are about to confront the Towel Tribe’s greatest adversary…….”

“You seem remarkably composed, considering the circumstances. In my experience, when facing a formidable enemy, individuals tend to fall into one of two categories: those who tremble with fear, or those who feign bravery.”

“Then which category do I belong to?”

“The one who feigns bravery. You’re likely terrified. If I were to lose to that individual, the Towel Tribe would be irrevocably doomed.”

At Yoo Seong-woo’s words, Yoo-wol nodded slowly.

His assessment was accurate.

She had personally witnessed Yoo Seong-woo’s strength, yet she couldn’t completely quell the anxiety gnawing at her heart.

The best she could manage was to suppress it as much as possible and prevent it from manifesting outwardly.

Yoo Seong-woo promptly discerned and articulated Yoo-wol’s innermost thoughts.

This indicated that he possessed not only immense strength but also exceptional insight.

“Then aren’t you nervous, Mr. Yoo Seong-woo?”

“No.”

“……I’m curious as to how you maintain such composure.”

“Because I am destined to emerge victorious.”

Yoo Seong-woo declared confidently.

That he would inevitably triumph.

“So you all simply need to ensure the Moon Gate [teleportation gate] is properly prepared.”

“……! As expected of you, Mr. Yoo Seong-woo!”

Yoo-wol beamed radiantly.

And shortly thereafter, the plane touched down at an airport in Northern Ireland.

A car that had been waiting in anticipation collected Yoo Seong-woo and transported him to a hotel.

It was a hotel overlooking the sea, serving as a base of operations for the Towel Tribe.

Yoo-wol, after providing him with accommodations on the top floor of the hotel, stated,

“Please rest here and inform me when you are ready to commence preparations for the assault. I will then escort you to the Abyss.”

“Understood.”

After Yoo-wol departed from the room, Yoo Seong-woo, now alone, settled onto the sofa and pondered, gazing out the window at the expansive sea.

“Sword Demon…….”

How proficient in swordsmanship would one have to be to earn the title of Sword Demon?

It implied the demon of the sword, but was it due to the individual being a demon wielding a sword, or because their skills were akin to those of a demon?

Or perhaps it was attributable to their demonic personality.

“The former seems more likely.”

He had stated that both of his hands were swords.

According to the visual data that Yoo-wol had presented to him, eerie swords composed of flesh and blood vessels were affixed to the individual’s hands.

There was a dearth of information pertaining to him, making it challenging to even envision how to engage him in combat.

However, if his primary weapon was indeed a sword.

He felt no apprehension.

No apprehension about the possibility of defeat.

He had found Aza somewhat challenging to contend with due to his use of magic, but if his opponent wielded a sword, he was confident that he would not be defeated, regardless of the circumstances.

The confidence didn’t stem from his own strength.

It was simply an innate conviction.

Yoo Seong-woo smiled contentedly and summoned Ilseong [One Star Sword].

A crude straight sword materialized from a convergence of red light.

However, the sword’s blade possessed a gruesome blood-red hue.

The slightly shortened blade had already reverted to its original length.

This was attributable to the partial restoration of his soul.

Yoo Seong-woo lightly tapped Ilseong’s blade with his finger and spoke.

“I hadn’t anticipated wielding you extensively since returning to Earth…… Please endure a bit more hardship in the future, Ilseong.”

As if responding to his words, Ilseong seemed to hum in acknowledgment.
Yoo Seong-woo retrieved a dry cloth from his pocket and meticulously wiped Ilseong clean.

In preparation for the impending battle.

* * *

“This is…….”

The following day in the afternoon, Yoo Seong-woo stood before a massive Abyss.

It was a significantly larger aperture than any Abyss he had previously entered.

It rivaled the size of the Abyss of the City of Eternal Night, which had been upgraded to Level 1.

Perhaps it was even slightly larger than that.

“Its name is ‘Towel Land.’ As it is the land of the Towel Tribe.”

He was stating the obvious.

Yoo Seong-woo thought to himself and mentally reconfirmed the location of this place.

The Abyss leading to the Towel Tribe’s land was situated in the basement of the hotel.

It was equipped with state-of-the-art security measures to facilitate an immediate response in the event of a monster emerging from the Abyss.

“Other Towel Tribe members will be awaiting our arrival inside. I will proceed first to explain the situation, and then you may follow.”

“Very well.”

As Yoo Seong-woo nodded in agreement, Yoo-wol inhaled deeply and slowly stepped into the Abyss.

Her figure vanished into the black void.

Yoo Seong-woo stepped into the black hole a moment later.

The beginning of the Sword Demon’s attack.