The World’s Greatest is Dead

At the time when everyone was flabbergasted by Seom Sung-Gyeong’s sudden actions, my eyes were solely fixed on Chun Hye-In. And they were glaring sharply.

‘Why does she keep provoking people like that?’

I was even more infuriated with Chun Hye-In than with Seom Sung-Gyeong.

‘Can’t she just moderate herself a bit? Why is she constantly acting up?’

The situation was clear, Seom Sung-Gyeong’s abrupt involvement in the situation? Wanting to see the old man’s sword through me? It wasn’t even funny.

‘Just look at his expression.’

Seom Sung-Gyeong constantly appeared to be seeking someone’s approval. The problem was…

‘The center of his attention isn’t the Virtuous Moon Sword or the Small Moon Division leader.’

The question was, whose approval was Seom Sung-Gyeong so desperately seeking? I believed the cause was Chun Hye-In.

‘I was already certain back then at the dining hall.’

By observing her reaction, I confirmed that it was Chun Hye-In who had set up someone to spy on me. Initially, I was just cautious and not overthinking the situation, but…

‘She keeps on being a nuisance.’

I was slowly getting irritated by her obtrusive behaviors.

‘I shouldn’t feel this way.’

If she kept aggravating me, then…

‘My old temper would resurface.’

My long-repressed anger was bubbling up to my crown. This wasn’t good. If this continued…

‘I would end up living like my previous life.’

I could end up doing things I swore not to do in this lifetime.

Whoooosh.

The stars sprinkled over my body seemed to resonate with my emotions, causing a brief fluctuation. It was dangerous. I glanced at the expressionless Chun Hye-In briefly before turning my head away.

『Hey, kid.』

The old man spoke.

『You should kill that expression on your face. Right now, you look like you’re about to cut a few people down. What kind of face is that to make…』

He said I looked like a fool. It was the first time I had ever heard such a thing.

“Bang Sung-Yun.”

At the sound of Virtuous Moon Sword’s voice, I lifted my head. Almost laughed out loud upon seeing his face.

‘This is crazy.’

His face showed amusement. Everyone around him had similar expressions, except for the Small Moon Division leader.

‘…as expected.’

I was convinced. The Blue Moon Sect was indeed a chaotic group despite their pretty name. Ignoring their traditions, a mere member had intervened but they reacted like this? I was speechless and couldn’t even say anything.

『But honestly, it’s quite amusing, right?』

The one devoid of tact butted in.

‘Because of whom do you think this is happening, and now you’re taking sides?’

Damn it. Nothing seemed to go my way in this world.

“Sigh.”

A sigh escaped me unconsciously.

At that moment.

“Bang Sung-Yun.”

Virtuous Moon Sword called my name for the second time. Come to think of it, I hadn’t responded earlier.

“I apologize. I was lost in thought for a moment.”

“Is it all sorted out now?”

“Thanks to you.”

Virtuous Moon Sword unwittingly switched to a less formal speech. Was he trying to treat me like a disciple in the midst of a test? I didn’t care much.

“My disciple feels this way, but what about you?”

“Does my answer change the process? It seems like this test is quite a significant tradition.”

“You’re right. But.”

Virtuous Moon Sword grinned widely.

“Sometimes, traditions are meant to be broken.”

That was certainly one of the top things a real sect leader should never say.

『Hahahahaha—!!!』

Yu Chun-gil burst into laughter as if he found it amusing.

They were causing trouble in pairs.

“Of course, if you don’t want to proceed, it’s fine by me.”

“Would that cause me any disadvantage?”

“Of course not.”

I asked just in case.

Naturally, it shouldn’t be a problem.

‘There probably isn’t.’

It would just disappoint the people around me. They would form some prejudices against me.

Did Chun Hye-In hope for that? Or did she have something else in mind when she set this up?

It didn’t seem like she was simply trying to mess with me.

‘Consider all possibilities.’

I kept thinking and rethinking. No matter which way it went, refusing this power struggle would be more beneficial for me.

Logically speaking, that is.

‘Annoyed.’

I was getting angry.

‘Why does everyone always have to target me? I just said I wanted to live peacefully.’

I had wanted to lead a smooth life this time around.

Being involved in this odd situation.

People around me itching to provoke me.

This whole situation.

I didn’t like any of it.

Trying to suppress my emotions was tough.

“……”

I turned my head to look at Yu Chun-gil, blatantly.

I wouldn’t normally stare at him like this.

『Hmm?』

Looking into his blue eyes, I spoke to Virtuous Moon Sword.

“I will. Do it.”

“Oh?”

It seemed like I was replying to Virtuous Moon Sword, but actually, I was warning Yu Chun-gil.

I would accept this, so he should take it seriously.

Otherwise.

‘I will really overturn everything this time.’

Everything would be over.

I said this as a warning.

『Haha.』

Yu Chun-gil laughed. I didn’t look at him anymore.

“Seom Sung-Gyeong. Move to Bang Sung-Yun’s position.”

At Virtuous Moon Sword’s words, Seom Sung-Gyeong got up from his kneeling position and stepped forward.

At the same time, the other warriors stepped back. A large space was secured.

In the center stood the Small Moon Division Leader, who appeared to be the judge.

“We will now begin the Blue Moon Dance.”

“I have a question.”

The Small Moon Division Leader looked at me.

“Do I have to win?”

“……”

The surroundings fell silent for a moment at my question. I could feel the disbelief.

“…… You don’t have to. The judging will be done by the Sect Leader, and losing won’t disqualify you.”

“Oh, I see.”

The important thing was being acknowledged. That was what I gleaned from his words.

But,

“Then winning means definite passage, right?”

If I could pass even with a loss, winning would mean certain acceptance.

As I asked, the Small Moon Division Leader frowned.

“Is that right?”

“…… Yes. If you can, that is.”

“Hmm.”

It seemed my question had irritated him.

I already knew he wasn’t particularly fond of me.

‘The reactions of those around aren’t very favorable either.’

The responses from the other Small Moon Division team members weren’t much different.

Maybe my question didn’t sit well?

I considered apologizing but decided against it.

Confirming that I no longer had any questions, the Small Moon Division Leader took a step back.

“… Prepare.”

A sharp sound accompanied the command.

Seom Sung-Gyeong and I drew our swords at the same time. Seom Sung-Gyeong looked at me with a peculiar expression.

I sighed inwardly as I observed him.

‘… Is he going to act all smug and not help me again?’

Last time, I entrusted everything to him, but he refused to help. What if he did the same this time?

‘If he does, then it’s really the end.’

Even if I had to bite my tongue and die, I would give up everything.

At that moment of determination,

『Don’t worry.』

Yu Chun-gil spoke to me. His voice came from nearby.

『It won’t be like last time.』

‘… Is he really reading my mind?’

I only spoke inwardly, yet he always responded somehow.

Anyway, it was a relief that he offered to help.

If there was one thing a bit unsettling…

‘The possession time will be short, is that okay?’

It hadn’t been long since the last possession, so at most, it would last only a few tens of seconds.

Yu Chun-gil answered as if he read my thoughts again.

『It doesn’t matter. If it were a while ago, it would have been an issue, but.』

I felt something slowly enter my body along with his words.

『Now,』

“In that fleeting moment, it will be enough.”

Yu Chun-gil took control of my body. Simultaneously,

“Begin.”

The Small Moon Division Leader announced the start of the duel.

* * *

‘Unbelievable.’

The Small Moon Division Leader looked at Bang Sung-Yun, recalling his words.

‘So if I win, I automatically pass, right?’

The Small Moon Division Leader clenched his fist. His hand tightened involuntarily.

‘Arrogant bastard.’

Daring to…!

Anger boiled within him.

‘Dare speak of victory?’

At best, his level was that of a second-rate martial artist. The Small Moon Division Leader immediately saw through Bang Sung-Yun’s abilities.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t even qualify to enter the Blue Moon Sect.

Yet such a man dared to speak of victory in front of the Blue Moon Sect elite? It was absurd.

‘He doesn’t know his place.’

Even in Blue Moon Sect history, only a handful had joined the Small Moon Division through victory.

In the distant past, the 6th and 7th Sect Leaders, and the current Sect Leader, Virtuous Moon Sword, had done so.

They had all defeated the youngest member of the Small Moon Division when they joined.

Particularly,

‘The Sword Saint…’

Not only had he overwhelmed his opponent effortlessly, but immediately after his victory, he famously lamented that the fight had been dull.

His opponent hadn’t lasted more than ten exchanges.

At the age of twenty-three, before the arrival of Chun Hye-In, he had been the youngest to qualify for the Small Moon Division.

With monsters like that, could Bang Sung-Yun carve his name among them?

It was laughable. His opponent wasn’t even the youngest in the division.

‘Seom Sung-Gyeong is formidable.’

Even among the current Small Moon Division, he was mid-ranked.

Although his progress had inexplicably slowed, the Small Moon Division Leader still considered him a powerful martial artist.

Chances of Bang Sung-Yun winning were slim to none.

If by some miracle, Bang Seon-yun did win?

‘It would make history.’

A new history surpassing that of the Sword Saint would be written.

Which was to say, it was an impossible feat. The Small Moon Division Leader thought as he looked at Seom Sung-Gyeong.

“You show it.”

Show that arrogant brat the terror of the Small Moon Division.

As he thought that.

Bang Sung-Yun nodded slightly. Seeing that, the Small Moon Division Leader felt something unusual.

‘… What is this…?’

Something was different.

Nothing should have been different, but somehow, it felt otherwise.

Despite not knowing what that difference was.

The Small Moon Division Leader felt a sense of wariness towards Bang Sung-Yun.

A very intense wariness that made him unconsciously grip his sword.

* * *

The moment the duel began.

Seom Sung-Gyeong and Bang Sung-Yun were observing each other briefly.

It was Seom Sung-Gyeong who moved first.

“I will let you make the first move.”

Seom Sung-Gyeong said to Bang Sung-Yun.

“Hmm.”

Hearing this, Bang Sung-Yun looked at Seom Sung-Gyeong silently.

Then suddenly.

Swoosh-!

A sword sliced through the air.

Bang Sung-Yun had unexpectedly swung his sword lightly.

“There, I’ve made the first move. Are you satisfied now?”

“…!”

Seom Sung-Gyeong widened his eyes at his words.

“What the…?”

Before Seom Sung-Gyeong could finish his question.

“Stop jabbering and grab your sword.”

Bang Sung-Yun cut him off in an annoyed tone.

“Don’t whine later about being caught off guard; fight properly.”

“…”

Seom Sung-Gyeong felt offended by his words, but he didn’t show it.

He couldn’t afford to.

Gulp.

He swallowed dryly.

Bang Sung-Yun’s presence was making his back sweat.

Why did he feel this way? Before he could ponder the question further, Bang Sung-Yun continued speaking.

“Normally, I would show a bit more depth, but I am short on time.”

Bang Sung-Yun let his sword drop.

“Not just for the brat, but this matter has made me a bit heated as well.”

“… What are you talking about now?”

“Grab your sword.”

Bang Sung-Yun moved as he spoke.

His movement was unhurried. So slow it could have induced yawns.

‘… Too slow?’

It was strange. If he had been able to recognize not only his own presence but that of the Upper Master’s, he must have been hiding his strength or planning something.

‘Was it a mistake?’

If it was just a misconception, it would actually be a relief.

Not having to risk anything, and fulfilling Chun Hye-In’s coercion would be easier too.

Just observe and handle accordingly?

That should even make Junior Sister Chun satisfied.

Seom Sung-Gyeong thought so, but.

When he looked ahead, his eyes widened.

“Huh?”

Bang Sung-Yun was already in front of him.

A moment ago, he seemed to be coming slowly from a distance.

The unexpected situation delayed his reaction.

It was then.

“Your head. Block it.”

Bang Sung-Yun said, and Seom Sung-Gyeong instinctively raised his sword upwards.

At that moment.

Swaaash—!!

Night fell upon his head.