The World’s Greatest is Dead

When Small Moon Division was mentioned, Virtuous Moon Sword’s eyes narrowed.

A chill ran down my spine. It might have been my imagination, but the room’s temperature seemed to drop.

Although I wanted to rub my arms for warmth, I held back.

The conversation had barely begun.

“Small Moon Division… I didn’t expect you’d be interested in them.”

“How could I not be? That’s why I’m asking.”

Not just any group, but the Blue Moon Sect’s elite force. Just being affiliated with the Blue Moon Sect changed how the world viewed you, and at the pinnacle of that was the Small Moon Division.

It was a position unreachable to anyone of mediocre skill.

As far as I knew, small Moon Division…

‘In normal branches, they were treated as VIPs.’

For instance, in the Anhui branch where I had stayed, if someone with a Small Moon Division insignia showed up, even the branch manager would come out to greet them.

Of course, I hadn’t seen Small Moon Division directly until I came to the Blue Moon Sect, so I wasn’t entirely sure. But that’s what I had heard.

The Blue Moon Sect, directly under the Murim Alliance.

That made the elite force of the Blue Moon Sect carry significant weight.

At that, Virtuous Moon Sword asked,

“So, what will you do once you get an answer?”

“Well… It depends on the answer.”

I pretended to ponder for a moment before speaking.

“If it seems possible, I’d like to give it a try.”

“……”

It was a confident statement. If it was possible, I would. With those words, Virtuous Moon Sword stared at me.

I had felt it before, but this man’s gaze was heavy. Even without doing anything, just meeting his eyes made my body tense.

It was the unmistakable presence that leaders possessed.

‘Unlike someone I know.’

『……That look in your eyes seems to insult me.』

“If it displeases you, there’s no need to tell me.”

『Considering the lack of response, it seems like I’m right.』

As soon as I spoke, Virtuous Moon Sword, who had been silent, finally opened his mouth.

“No, it’s not like that. I just have some concerns.”

“Concerns?”

“I know Young master Bang has inherited that man’s progress and is a remarkable figure.”

『Remarkable, my foot! This cunning brat isn’t remarkable at all—』

“But comparing you to Small Moon Division seems a bit precarious.”

『How dare he compare my successor to mere Small Moon Division! Those immature kids!』

“……”

It would be nice if he either insulted or supported me, just one would suffice.

On top of that, calling me an immature kid in front of the sect leader… Many words came to mind, but I had to hold back.

“Sect Leader, do you find me lacking?”

“Rather than lacking, I think it would be better if you understood the weight that Small Moon Division carries.”

Even in his calm voice, there was an unexpected sense of pride.

『That’s true.』

It would be good if the old man stepped back a bit.

“The weight, you say… So, in your opinion, I’m not quite there yet?”

“It would be nice if you could take it that way.”

“Hmm.”

『Hahaha.』

Yu Chun-gil laughed. Hearing that made me flinch. It seemed he didn’t like the situation.

『Pride is good, but arrogance is unbearable.』

I glanced at him and immediately turned my head back.

‘Ow, his face is scary.’

His face, stretched into a twisted grin, suggested he had some ulterior motives.

Though it was terrifying, this time it was reassuring.

Just by looking, it seemed this time, he would be of help to me.

『Do as you wish.』

It was an unspoken permission. Oddly enough, hearing it made me feel relieved.

“Then, Sect Leader, I have a proposition for you.”

“A proposition?”

“Yes.”

I smiled as I spoke.

“How about making a bet with me?”

“A…bet?”

An interest suddenly flickered on the Sect Leader’s face.

“Although I don’t know what kind of test it is, I really want to join the Small Moon Division.”

Although ‘really’ was a bit exaggerated, I wanted to use a more provocative language.

“But it seems the Sect Leader doesn’t think I am suited for it… so let’s make a bet.”

“A bet…”

“Yes, a bet.”

“Every time I look at you, I get the same feeling.”

Virtuous Moon Sword’s gaze shifted slightly.

“Young master Bang, you are quite an unusual person.”

“That’s surprising. There’s no one more ordinary than I am.”

『Bullshit.』

He only chimed in during moments like this.

“Haha.”

Even the Sect Leader laughed. Did he think it was a joke? I was being sincere.

“No way. No one has ever stood before me with such confidence. Especially not having the audacity to bet with the Small Moon Division on the line.”

Swish.

“…….!”

I swallowed nervously. I felt something slicing through the air. What was cut? Did anything get cut?

『Calm down. Nothing was actually cut.』

“……”

With Yu Chun-gil’s words, I managed to steady my slightly shaken mind.

The fact that nothing was cut meant it was pure illusion.

『No, this is a warning.』

It was a warning from the Sect Leader, telling me to behave properly because I had just crossed the line.

A dominating feeling throughout my entire body signaled that if I crossed just a bit more, I would lose everything.

If I were my old self, I probably would have backed down here. I would have cooled off and come up with another plan.

“It is somewhat unusual, I suppose.”

I did not back down.

Because…

『Do as you wish.』

It was because of what Yu Chun-gil had said.

“However, I think the Sect Leader is the same.”

“… What?”

Virtuous Moon Sword furrowed his brow at my words.

“What do you mean?”

“Well, isn’t it obvious?”

I added with a bright smile.

“If you’re asking for this much, it means there must be a plan. However, just valuing what the Small Moon Division holds without genuinely considering it seems shortsighted.”

I wiped the smile off my face.

“Who exactly is being arrogant right now?”

“…!”

『Oh!』

Yu Chun-gil let out an exclamation.

Whoosh-!

Suddenly, a whirlwind erupted in the room.

“Wow… unbelievable.”

I swallowed dryly at the wind I felt. The wind was emanating from Virtuous Moon Sword’s body.

How could this be possible? Could all the masters do something like this? Though I was curious, it wasn’t the time to find out.

I did not avert my gaze. We stared into each other’s blue eyes for a long while.

Eventually, the blowing wind began to calm down.

“Young master Bang.”

“Yes.”

“I’m letting your comments slide only because you’re his successor.”

“I understand.”

Of course, I knew that and was taking advantage of it.

“This means there is a limit, though.”

I could feel a different emotion seeping into his blue eyes.

“I admit my remarks were excessive.”

I felt that and took a step back.

“However, I do not think there was anything wrong with my comments themselves. I have no regrets.”

Nevertheless, I held my ground.

“…”

A wrinkle finally formed on Virtuous Moon Sword’s forehead.

I watched carefully to see how he would react.

The gusting wind subsided.

“Let me ask you… what are you wagering on this?”

This time, the Virtuous Moon Sword took a step back. Seeing this, I smirked.

“Full Moon. I am wagering that.”

『Oh my? This crazy person. Why are you… on your own…』

“Full Moon?”

“Yes. If I cannot join the Small Moon Division, I will transfer the ownership of Full Moon.”

“… Hmm.”

Honestly, it was a bit tricky to use what Chun Uijin found and gave to me like this.

Well, it didn’t matter. It belonged to me now.

『To be precise, it belongs to me…』

Please, deceased old gentleman.

“You called it a wager, so I assume you have something you want in return.”

“Indeed.”

Of course, there was something I wanted. Just that…

“I need the Sect Leader to grant me one request.”

“A request…?”

“Yes.”

“What kind of request?”

“I haven’t thought about it yet. I will use it when it comes to mind.”

“…”

The Virtuous Moon Sword looked at me as if he couldn’t believe it. It seemed like a somewhat cheap wager.

“If you don’t like it, you can refuse.”

If you’re scared, you could just turn it down.

“Haha…”

Virtuous Moon Sword seemed to understand my intention and laughed quietly. Then he spoke in a soft voice.

“… Small Moon Division Leader.”

“Yes.”

『… Oh, goodness.』

The voice came from right beside me. At some point, a man had knelt beside me.

“Small Moon Division Leader.”

He was a renowned warrior in the Blue Moon Sect, second only to Virtuous Moon Sword.

Naturally, he had opened the Moon Eye.

“Can you prepare the test now?”

“If you wish, I can prepare it immediately.”

“Then please do so.”

“Understood.”

“And also…”

Even as he issued orders to the Small Moon Division Leader, his gaze remained on me.

“Since it is a wager, it’s better to have witnesses. What do you think?”

Witnesses, huh?

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Small Moon Division leader.”

“I understand.”

Small Moon Division leader spoke and then disappeared. Once again, I couldn’t see him leave. Thus, silence filled the space.

I stood there awkwardly when, “Won’t you regret it?”

Virtuous Moon Sword asked. Regret…?

“It’s fine.”

“Quite a confident answer.”

I didn’t need to respond to that. It was a true statement.

After all, I had a respectable figure in this field.

* * *

Around noon, I headed to a place as directed.

They called it Small Moon Hall.

I was curious about what kind of place it was—turns out it’s a decent-sized training ground.

However, “It seems a bit different from other training places.”

The atmosphere felt vastly different from places where other practitioners trained during walks.

Beyond its size, the experience was, shall I say,

“Grandiose.”

The ambiance was entirely different.

It felt more refined and sanctified.

『Small Moon Hall has been used as a testing ground for selecting the Small Moon Division leader for generations.』

Nodding my head at Yu Chun-gil’s explanation.

“So it’s a testing ground, not a training ground.”

No wonder the name seemed straightforward.

But still, it felt unnecessarily large for such a purpose.

Given its size, it seemed more efficient to use it as a training ground…

『Don’t ceremonies of this nature involve a lot of formality?』

The old man had a point.

Especially in renowned sects or families, such traditions needed to be upheld.

Wastefulness from my perspective, but for the organization, well…

“They value tradition.”

One could view it that way.

As I stood there for a moment,

Creeeak-!

The entrance opened again, and people began to pour in.

“Wow.”

Leading the group was the Small Moon Division leader I had met earlier.

A substantial number of people followed behind him.

“They’re all from the Small Moon Division.”

Everyone coming in belonged to the Small Moon Division.

“Judging by their attire… hm?”

While observing each member, I noticed an unexpected figure among them.

It was Chun Hye-In, smiling at me.

“She was from the Small Moon Division…?”

Last time, she wore regular disciple’s attire, so I assumed she was just a 2nd-generation disciple. Now, she appears to be part of the Small Moon Division.

“Hah.”

Moon Eye’s reputation was indeed impressive. Her value was palpable.

“Everyone except the eight on missions and the five who are absent for treatment is present.”

When the Small Moon Division leader finished speaking, Virtuous Moon Sword nodded.

“Move to your positions.”

With the command, everyone moved in perfect order. I watched as more than thirty people stood facing each other in a line.

At the end of the line, I faced the Sect Leader.

The atmosphere was heavy. I glanced around.

Even Chun Hye-In, who had walked in smiling earlier, now stood expressionless.

“With the assembly of the Small Moon Division now complete, from this moment onward.”

Whishhh-!

Feeling the air around me, I squinted.

“The air feels ominous.”

An unknown pressure emanated from the Virtuous Moon Sword.

“As the Sect Leader of Blue Moon Sect, I will personally verify if you are worthy of becoming the moon.”

Swallowing dryly, I listened to his words.

It made sense for his tone to change… but,

“This feels a bit overwhelming.”

I was contemplating what to do when I felt my breathing becoming difficult.

『Activate the Mind Technique.』

“…”

Following Yu Chun-gil’s advice, I immediately activated the Blue Moon Mind Technique within me.

Then,

Hooo-!!

“What?”

The energy circulated much more forcefully than usual.

Whoooosh–!!

The circulating energy started to spread out from my body.

“What?”

“This is–!”

Reactions erupted instantly around me.

“…”

Bluish energy shimmered around me. At a glance, it looked like stars floating.

It was splendid and beautiful.

‘What on earth is this?’

Originally, there hadn’t been such occurrences, but this was a sudden change.

Moreover,

“… Moonlight?”

“How could it be? not only the Moon Eye, but now Moonlight at this age…!”

Judging from the reaction of the small group, it seemed like something unusual had happened.

“Hmph.”

Virtuous Moon Sword himself even let out a sigh, as if to prove it.

“Is it a sign that you’re ready? It’s quite aggressive for a declaration.”

No, it’s not something like that…?

‘What on earth did this damned old man do again?’

Certainly, it became easier to breathe, but seeing their stares, it seemed I had done something wrong.

In disbelief, I looked toward Yu Chun-gil.

『Keke…』

As expected, that evil spirit was laughing.

It seemed like he knew this would happen.

It was truly exasperating.

‘Anyway.’

Casting that aside for now.

‘I wonder what kind of test it is.’

What sort of test would be required to enter the Small Moon Division?

‘That old man said I didn’t need to worry, but…’

Really? Could it truly be as he said? When I was looking at Virtuous Moon Sword filled with doubts.

“From now on, we will proceed with Blue Moon Martial Test according to tradition.”

‘… Huh? Blue Moon Martial Test?’

A strange name came out.

Technique? If it’s a technique…

“The disciples of the Small Moon Division, prepare for a contest.”

“… Disciple Do Hyung, at your command.”

‘… Oh. Crap.’

A young man who was at the very end appeared upon Virtuous Moon Sword’s command.

It was a familiar face. He was the martial artist of the Small Moon Division who had guided me just a moment ago.

Which means…

‘No way.’

Anxiety surged up.

‘I had a suspicion why the entire Small Moon Division gathered. This is…?’

A thought flashed through my mind.

『This is how they have selected the new members for the Small Moon Division through generations.』

Yu Chun-gil spoke, as if waiting.

『It means you fight the youngest of the Small Moon Division and gain the Sect Leader’s recognition.』

‘…….’

『Easy, right? Didn’t I say it would be easy?』

‘Damn it. Yeah, sure, it’s very easy.’

I bit my tongue slightly at his confident words.

Easy, indeed.

It couldn’t be a more crude and straightforward method.

‘For something named Blue Moon, why do violent things keep coming up?’

It felt strange.

‘A contest with the youngest?’

I looked at Do Hyung. Was he the youngest?

‘It wasn’t Chun Hye-In.’

For a 2nd-generation disciple, he looked overly young, but if you think about it, Chun Hye-In was even younger.

Well, Chun Hye-In had been a 2nd-generation disciple since the moment she joined, so… it was entirely possible.

‘This is bad.’

I frowned as I looked at Do Hyung.

It was truly bad. The contest itself was bothersome but…

‘I’d rather not fight him.’

Especially a contest with Do Hyung. Ah, to be precise, it’s not that I disliked fighting with Do Hyung.

‘I don’t want to be at odds with ‘that presence’ behind him.’

I was more concerned about the ‘presence’ behind Do Hyung.

‘Tsk.’

Still, there was no avoiding it. Just as I thought it was inevitable.

Thud-!!

A loud noise drew the attention of Do Hyung and everyone else.

I looked to see what it was, and someone had suddenly knelt down.

‘Hmm?’

It was a familiar face.

No wonder.

“2nd-generation disciple, Seom Sung-Gyeong. I have something to say.”

Seom Sung-Gyeong was one of those who had secretly watched me on the day I visited the cafeteria.

“What’s the matter?”

Virtuous Moon Sword asked with a cold expression.

“Disciple Seom Sung-Gyeong. I wish to take this opportunity to experience Master Uncle’s sword technique directly.”

“You-!”

It wasn’t the Virtuous Moon Sword but the division leader of the Small Moon Division who shouted.

“How dare you…! Do you not understand the importance of this occasion!”

To experience Master Uncle’s sword technique.

That meant he wanted to fight me. And of all times, now.

“To defile this sacred occasion…!”

“Enough.”

The Virtuous Moon Sword stopped the division leader, who had turned red with anger.

“Hmm.”

There was a hint of interest on his face.

Standing in front of him, I muttered.

‘Damn that woman.’

As I watched Chun Hye-In, my face twisted in irritation.