Melissa’s garden,
As soon as his sister returned, he went to the cabin.
And he explained what happened in Calbain.
“Lucky me.”
Melissa was intrigued.
“There shouldn’t be any leftover Moonstones in the ruins, or…?”
He glanced at me sharply and chuckled.
“Is it because you possess the Relic of Gain?”
Melissa indeed wanted the Relic of Gain. That’s the feeling.
“Moonstones, mages call them magic stones. Interesting stuff. Precious Moonstones imbued with the power of nature are essential ingredients for crafting mythical artifacts. But absorbing the power imbued in Moonstones? Never heard of it. Absorbing the power of nature, huh? That’s… Ranista taught me something strange.”
Ranista called Melissa strange, and Melissa called Ranista strange.
What’s up with that? Are they checking each other? It’s quite amusing how these strange folks butt heads.
“No more Moonstones left?”
“Since the demons of the ruins were unleashed, most of the Moonstones have been lost. But again, you were lucky.”
If this is the effect of the Relic of Gain, I understand to some extent now.
In analogy, it’s like the reward for a quest, right?
—
The next day.
From dawn, I sparred with Ranista for real.
I poured out all the strength I had as usual, but something strange happened.
Swish!
As I took a step, dust swirled and the wind blew. It wasn’t a natural wind but a wind blowing from me. I extended my hand slightly. Even before touching, the dusty cobblestones on the dirty floor scattered. I looked at something vividly blue surrounding my body. It was like it was burning faintly like gas, but it wasn’t hot.
“Oh.”
Ranista’s eyes flashed.
“Finally, this bastard. Picking up something weird from somewhere.”
Whether he cursed or praised, he only did one.
“You’ve manifested power.”
I was sure Ranista was pleased not because I could manifest the power called Qi or Aura, but because he now had a more legitimate reason to beat me up.
“Now I don’t have to imitate those damn bastards. Heeheehee!”
I got goosebumps.
Daimonion, the Disguisers by the lake, and the black snake.
Now more than when I saw them.
Chills ran down my spine, and my legs trembled.
“Heh, heh. Alright, let’s go.”
I too went crazy.
The fear was fleeting, honestly.
I was trembling with joy at being able to learn something new.
“Ranista said.
The essence of Qi is soon to be ‘counterforce.’
It’s the power of resistance.
At first, it resists external forces. Later, it resists limits. Finally, resisting the essence of earth and sky, it was said to be the power of humans standing above the sky. Ranista claimed that discipline was a greater and stronger force than any other, and if there were a god, he could even resist divine intervention.
Is it arrogance of a martial artist?
Well, truly, Ranista seemed capable of defeating even a god in combat.
“I guess I can finally stop fooling around.”
Ranista dismissed all the countless battles he had fought so far as mere jests. He trivialized cutting off his middle finger, inflicting countless wounds in fights. As he raised his sword, a sense of energy surged within him. Yes, he had essentially fought all along without wielding a ‘weapon.’
“Braincheol Sa-gun, Namgungsa. An unrivaled martial artist whom I killed when I was seventeen in my previous life.”
Ranista assumed a stance. Although he had used various weapons before, he had never truly employed ‘martial arts.’ It was somewhat terrifying, yet he also felt acknowledged.
Clang!
He transformed Lamelstar into a staff. He had memorized all the techniques of martial arts, but he had not been able to display them due to the lack of Qi. He adopted the posture of Tae Gubong technique. It was only then that I could grasp the subtleties of Tae Gubong technique. Without Qi, it was paradoxical, akin to executing martial arts without a weapon.
“Ah.”
I clashed with Ranista with pure competitive and exploratory spirit. Ranista smiled and wholeheartedly accepted my jest. Even as night fell, he did not stop.
It was genuine. I was grateful to him.
Ironically, as his enlightenment progressed, my respect for him also grew. Until now, it had been just jesting, but now I knew he was my master. If I sought strength, he would willingly provide answers. In my past life’s ignorance, I would never have realized this. He was not my enemy. Rather, he was the mountain to overcome and the master.
As night fell and day broke, the teachings did not cease.
It was enjoyable.
I hoped for the unending battle of Asuras to continue.
* * *
“Has it already been two months?”
“Don’t even mention it. Ranista, even Cantavia…”
“Are they insane?”
“How disrespectful! But… I wonder how they’ll handle the succession education that’s about to start.”
Strange rumors that originated from the Quilz Castle had spread all the way to the distant Maitland Duchy of Kynakhan.
The eldest son of the Rainberg family and the commander of the continent’s top knight order, Ranista Quilz Rainberg, and Cantavia Quilz Rainberg, who rose to prominence as a holy figure by awakening the power of a Spirit User, were said to be clashing as if they were about to kill each other in a succession dispute, without a single day passing, sparing not even their sleep time, constantly clashing swords.
Initially, because the Rainberg family was relatively harmonious, these rumors were dismissed as absurd gossip, but as more eyewitnesses emerged, the rumors were proven to be true.
Those in power, who were uncomfortable with being praised as the Moon’s children, didn’t miss their chance. They began to mock the two masters as insane masters driven by lust for power. Rumors of fraternal discord within the Rainberg family also circulated. However, the Rainberg family and the clans that followed them remained silent. They neither attempted to stop the rumors nor confirm them.
Anyone who briefly observed the Rainberg brothers’ fight thought of them as madmen intent on killing each other. There was no brotherly affection or noble dignity. The Grand Duke Luchakuan, who happened to witness the brothers’ fight, insulted them by likening them to bloodthirsty murderers.
The knights of Quilz had not used the training grounds for two months. Instead, they watched the brothers’ fight. When the maid brought food, the brothers would stand and eat instead of fighting, and there were no instances of them sleeping, nor did they leave their positions in the training grounds.
The knights who held reverence for Ranista were not greatly surprised by his actions. But they couldn’t understand the youngest Quilz master who dared to confront a superhuman.
The fight always ended with Ranista’s victory, but the youngest master never gave up and continued to challenge him.
Some said his actions were like a demon. Climbing an unreachable mountain continuously is both foolish and stupid. But he continued to climb even if his hands and feet were worn out. Even if he slipped and fell, he continued to climb the mountain, albeit weakly.
The knights eventually began to cheer for him. They also reflected on themselves, realizing that even without Ranista, they had performed hellish training on their own.
The brothers’ fight brought about change. Externally, it was called the battle of madmen, but in the Quilz Castle, their fight was never referred to as a petty duel between power-hungry fools. Those who wielded swords regarded the brothers’ fight as the honered battle of warriors.
Finally, over the course of two months.
The legendary duel has come to an end.
Surprisingly, the knights who witnessed their final battle all described the end of the majestic duel in a similar way.
As if bound by a promise, the brothers simultaneously lowered their swords.
—
Arriving at the sacred hill of the Veren Mountains, I paused to admire the ancient monastery. Built a century ago, the monastery indeed stood gracefully amidst the rugged terrain of the Veren Mountains. It was the Kaklyang Monastery, where the current Pope held Mass twice a year.
Although a holy site of the Azhibita Church, rumors of atrocities in the Veren Mountains had deterred the faithful from visiting for ages. Encircled by reed beds, the monastery appeared ancient and weathered.
“I smell blood here.”
Upon reaching the monastery, I frowned and forcefully knocked on the door.
“Who goes there?”
The door creaked open after a moment, emitting an unpleasant sound. How long had it been since the rusty latch of the monastery gate had been used? It stopped just enough to reveal a face. There seemed to be a reluctance to open fully, with only a glimpse through the crack. It appeared as if someone had hung a chain.
“Wh-who are you?”
Through the crack, an old monk appeared, his face filled with fear. His unkempt beard and pale lips added to his disheveled appearance. I smiled and addressed him.
“I am a Priest.”
“Oh, a priest. You’ve traveled far. However, please understand that if you cannot prove you’re a Priest, I cannot open the monastery gates.”
“I understand your fear, frail one.”
I retrieved the Moonstone from my pocket. Originally used by mages to gauge their magical potential, when used by Priests, the stone emitted a faint light. Holding it up for the monk to see, I inserted it through the crack. The startled Priest recoiled.
Vwooong!
As I tapped into the power of the stone, it emanated light.
The monk, taken aback by the sudden glow, quickly opened the latch.
“Priest!”
The monk, who had been terrified until then, now regarded me as a savior. I nodded and entered the monastery. The Kaklyang Monastery, which also served as a convent, was adorned with symbols and statues representing the triad of the Azhibita faith. However, it didn’t feel sacred. The smell of blood grew stronger, and instruments lay scattered on stone pillars and floors.
The scent of blood emanated from ‘below.’
“Father, undoubtedly a demon has appeared in the Veren Mountains.”
“Please tell me in detail.”
I was escorted to the second floor where the monks resided. Though there were several rooms, only one was in use, belonging to the old monk. He expressed embarrassment.
“Foolish ones who lost faith have all left… Now, only I and you, Father, remain to guard the monastery.”
Foolish, yet wise beggars.
As we conversed over green tea, he recounted the tragedy that had occurred a few weeks prior.
With each passing moment, the scent of blood grew stronger.
—
Immediately after the Pope’s Mass ended.
Numerous Priest went back to the monastery in the Veren Mountains.
However, upon arrival, not a single Priest was present.
They had all vanished in the Veren Mountains.
As dozens went missing, the lord dispatched an investigation team, but no traces were found anywhere in the mountains.
Rumors began to spread that it was the work of demons. The number of missing Priest continued to rise. Once it exceeded fifty, no one dared to visit the monastery anymore. Indeed, it seemed the smell of blood was the reason.
“…The incident occurred after the ceremony honoring Saint Bephere ended. Several monks praying in the dark cells suddenly disappeared. As if swallowed by demons, leaving no trace behind. The remaining monks fled in fear, leaving only me and Father Bene here.”
“Where is Father Bene?”
“He’s a brave man. He went down to the village below the mountains a few days ago to procure provisions. Oh, if the demons hadn’t intervened, he should be returning soon…”
“Very well.”
I rose from my seat.
Crack!
And I emerged from the room, breaking the latch of the iron door with a kick.
“Father!”
“Please wait. It won’t take long.”
With its thickness, the door wouldn’t be opened by an emaciated old man.
—
“Father Bene!”
Thud, thud.
“I’ve brought the wine. Please don’t drink a whole bottle like last time… Huh?”
He opened the door.
A rather young priest handed me the wine, then looked surprised as he glanced at my face.
“Father Bene?”
“…Indeed, but you… Ah, are you the Priest? Your attire hasn’t changed from before. I see. Excellent, finally, a priest has come to the Kaklyang Monastery.”
Father Bene placed the groceries he had brought past me on the table and spoke.
“We’ve been waiting. Fortunately, His Holiness has recognized the crisis facing the monastery. It’s fortunate; I alone couldn’t handle the ‘bandits’…”
“Bandits? There are bandits in these mountains?”
“In recent times, rumors have circulated that the disappearances were the work of demons. No, I witnessed it firsthand. Unfortunately, the pilgrims were attacked by bandits. Father, for today, please stay here. Tomorrow, go to headquarters and request the dispatch of knights…”
“Nonsense.”
“…Pardon?”
I showed him the long rod.
“Do you know what this is?”
He hesitated, frowning as he answered.
“…Isn’t that a staff?”
“No.”
I raised the rod.
“It’s a punishment.”
Whoosh!
I brought it down.
At that moment, the demon sensed danger but couldn’t flee. I didn’t know what kind of demon he was. But the imposter ‘collapsed’ with a single blow. Bones twisted, flesh mashed, and in an instant, a pool of blue blood formed. I wiped the blood off my Lamelstar.
“Tedious.”
I didn’t feel like walking to the entrance leading to the underground chamber.
I raised the rod again and drove it downward.
Crack!
My mindset had changed.
Why take the long way when there’s a shortcut?
