Episode 183 Festival Day 3 (8)
Time passes so relentlessly.
-Click-
“The last two, let’s go to the stadium now!”
“Oh, yes.”
“…yes.”
Before we knew it, the game was almost upon me and Joo Jin-yong.
-Glance-
‘It’s a shame that I couldn’t see everything, but… Anyway, starting from the middle episodes, Han Soo-yeon beat Jin Soo-ah with a 100% probability, so this time too, there won’t be a problem.’
-Thump thump-
Moreover, Han Soo-yeon, who is now estimated to be in the latter half of the episode, could not possibly lose to Jin Soo-ah.
As a side note, Han Su-yeon in the early and mid-rounds and Han Su-yeon in the later rounds had slightly different ways of winning against Jin Su-ah.
In the early and mid-game, Han Su-yeon, like me now, bought items from the student council store that would be helpful for the game, and played against Jin Su-ah.
In the latter half of the episode, Han Su-yeon had always won against Jin Su-ah with only the skills and experience she had accumulated through her regression.
‘Even though she could win overwhelmingly, she’s deliberately wasting time. Like me, Han Soo-yeon must be trying to hide her skills to some extent… .’
Oh, and additionally, the second match between Lee Do-hyeok and Shin Hae-seong was a match that was held for the first time, unlike the original.
The result was, as I predicted, Lee Do-hyeok’s victory.
‘By the way, it seems like both of their skills have improved compared to the original… .’
Could it be because, unlike the original, I intervened to ‘decrease favorability’?
Both players played much better than expected.
First of all, Shin Hae-seong should have been originally a mid-level C-class player at this point in time.
When I saw what he had shown in the previous match, his abilities seemed similar to mine, who had reached the upper ranks of C-class by inflating his abilities with Aegis’s [Conversion] and the unfortunate [Unification].
‘In the original, I stole the sun-dried ginseng that Shin Hae-seong ate, and yet he grew that much… Was it because he felt that wronged that I stole his seed at the entrance ceremony?’
Well, whatever the reason is.
Lee Do-hyeok, who easily defeated such a new temper… .
‘I guess this is because it’s an Academy-limited, second-in-command character.’
Even more so than when I saw it in the practical class last week.
His skills had improved so much that it was clearly visible to the naked eye.
‘In terms of ability alone, it seems like it’s at least above the lower ranks of Class B… .’
Furthermore, the Bloody Harpoon, the weapon of Jeong So-cheon owned by Lee Do-hyeok, also appears to have changed in appearance to look a bit more flashy than before.
It seemed that he had grown his growth-type weapon, Bloody Harpoon, a bit over the weekend, perhaps with the support of his father, Lee Seong-hyeon.
‘… Although he didn’t use it today, Lee Do-hyeok will definitely use his unique ability [3-minute enhancement] like in the original in the semi-final match against Choi Kang-ho tomorrow. The result may be different from the original… .’
Apart from the fact that the meaning of the strongest bike has faded because of the Black Wing guys.
If those two were to fight before the incident, as a 7-year reader of <Muhwiple>, I was a little curious about the content and outcome.
-Thump thump-
But for a moment, I was thinking about the match between Choi Kang-ho and Lee Do-hyeok tomorrow.
‘… Let’s focus on my game right now rather than those guys.’
-Glance-
Soon, I turned my gaze to Joo Jin-yong, who was following the host ahead of me, and my attention also turned to the upcoming match with Joo Jin-yong.
‘… First of all, it seems like Jin Yong really wants to stick with it.’
On the first day of the festival.
Just like he declared to me that he would definitely beat me in the quarterfinals.
Completely different from his usual cheerful atmosphere, you can see the sharp atmosphere coming from Joo Jin-yong even while he was in the waiting room.
You could really feel how seriously he was taking this game.
‘Just looking at you, it looks like you intentionally didn’t want to talk to me in the first place….’
Of course, I didn’t think Joo Jin-yong was that ruthless.
Rather, it was cleaner from my perspective.
Thanks to that attitude, I too.
Because I was able to focus solely on the game without worrying about any of the things that were bothering me.
‘By the way, it definitely seems like you’ve prepared something… .’
I was staring blankly at Joo Jin-yong’s back, and soon focused my gaze on one spot.
-Sick of it-
That’s right near Joo Jin-yong’s neck.
Around his neck, a red scarf was wrapped, which was different from usual, completely covering his entire neck.
‘When I saw you in the waiting room earlier, the front part was bulging, so it seemed like you were hiding something inside that scarf… . I can’t really guess what it is… .’
In addition, there was one more thing that was different from before.
That’s Joo Jin-yong’s cadet uniform Mai.
Unlike usual, where she walks around with all of her buttons undone.
Joo Jin-yong was currently buttoning up his cadet uniform tightly, as if he was hiding something inside, preventing anyone from seeing what was inside.
‘Still, I can guess that. They’re probably ‘weapons’ related to martial arts… .’
If Joo Jin-yong was really serious about winning this match against me, there was no way he wouldn’t use it.
I’m talking about the flying sword technique, which can be said to be Ju Jin-yong’s specialty in the original work.
‘… I’m glad I didn’t give him the Shadow Dagger in advance. By the way, I wonder if I can withstand Ju Jin-yong’s sword technique without [Guardian]… .’
Of course, if you use the smoke grenade you bought from the student council store right after the game starts.
I thought I would easily win since I couldn’t see ahead properly, whether it was through magic or [Teleportation].
But unfortunately, I had no intention of using the smoke grenade right away.
And there were two reasons for that.
The first reason is obvious.
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It was to show others that I was being pushed around, and as a result, to hide the weapons I had.
Of course, if I use a smoke grenade, no one outside can see what ability I am using, regardless of the timing of use.
But there was a distinct difference between using a smoke grenade right away and using it while showing that I was at a disadvantage.
As soon as the match starts, use a smoke grenade and then immediately take down the main character.
There was a possibility that suspicions might have arisen that I had been hiding my skills.
But if I use a smoke grenade after I have clearly imprinted the image of me being pushed by Joo Jin-yong in the audience’s mind.
It was clear that the chances of anyone suspecting that I was hiding my skills would be significantly lower than before.
‘Perhaps, rather than doubting his skills, he probably thought that he had prepared something in advance. And the surprise attack tactic right from the start was originally intended to be used in the quarterfinals… .’
To be blunt, I’m limited by the weapons I have.
It was nearly impossible to defeat Han Su-yeon with skill alone.
So, in the original quarterfinals, as soon as the match started, I threw Aegis at Han Su-yeon.
With Kaminari’s [Balto], I was planning to use my own newly developed sword technique to implement a ‘quick and easy’ strategy.
‘Of course, that plan is on hold right now because of the black wings… .’
In order to prepare for the Black Wing’s attack that may come in any form, it was necessary to unconditionally save up either [Guardian] or [Baldo].
Anyway, leaving the Black Wing issue aside for now, I was about to think about the second reason for using smoke bombs.
“Oh, welcome, you two. You’re here at just the right time.”
-Stop-
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from the front, causing me to briefly wake up from my thoughts, and I raised my head, which had been slightly bowed, and looked ahead.
-Swoosh-
Then, there was Sung Soo-jin and a cameraman walking towards the entrance to the stadium, probably after finishing Han Soo-yeon’s victory interview.
After that, Sung Soo-jin came closer to me and Jin-yong Joo, a broadcast smile appeared on her lips, and she soon started asking us questions.
“Is it okay for you both if we proceed with the interview right away?”
“Oh, yes. It’s okay.”
“… Yes. I’m fine too.”
“Hehehe, thank you. Then I will proceed right away.”
That concludes my remarks.
Seong Su-jin turned her gaze towards the camera and immediately began to give her comments.
“Now, the first-year quarterfinals, the long-awaited final match, is all that remains. I’m really looking forward to seeing which cadet will be the last to advance to the semifinals.”
-slap-
“Now, before we hear the determination of the cadets who will be challenging for the last remaining spot! According to the information I have, the two of you are close enough to eat lunch together. Is this information true?”
““… … .””
Both Jinyong Joo and I were momentarily speechless and remained silent at Seongsujin’s unexpected question.
But that silence was short-lived.
“yes that’s right.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Soon, Jinyong Joo and I nodded our heads almost simultaneously, expressing a clear affirmation.
“Oh, since you seem to have a good rapport from the very beginning, I guess you are really friends. If that’s the case, I’d like to ask you to say one thing to your enemies today. First, I’d like to ask you, Cadet Kim Baram.”
-Swoosh-
Immediately after that, Sung Soo-jin handed me the microphone and asked me to say something to Joo Jin-yong… .
‘In a word… .’
I was thinking for a moment about what to say… .
‘Okay, let’s do that.’
-Swoosh-
Then, looking into Joo Jin-yong’s half-closed eyes, she smiled faintly.
I blurted out the second reason I intended to use the smoke grenade later.
“Let’s fight properly and squarely, Jinyong.”
‘Of course, that is, until you use the smoke grenade.’
Meanwhile, Jinyong Joo, who heard what I said…
-Shh-
At this point, he slightly raised the corners of his lips, which had been stiff until then, and said something meaningful to me as well.
“I will try my best to keep that promise, Wind.”
***
[I will try my best to keep that promise, Wind.]
‘What does that mean…?’
Joo Jin-yong’s last words were a little concerning.
But now it seemed like I didn’t have time to think about its meaning.
[Okay, then the quarterfinals of the first-year strongest competition, the last match! Let’s begin~~!!]
Afterwards, the announcer’s comments echoed throughout the S Building Stadium.
[10]
[9]
[8]
A 10-second countdown begins immediately.
-Tiring-
[Use skill <Magic Power Reinforcement>[C].]
That’s why I immediately activated <Magic Strengthening>.
-Kwak-
I decided to let go of all distracting thoughts, grip Aegis and Kaminari tightly, and focus on the battle with the main character right in front of me.
‘I’ll fight as hard as I can, but when I feel like it’s not going to work out, I can release [Integration] and take out the smoke bomb inside the rain and detonate it. And what I have to watch out for is Ju Jin-yong’s magic and something hidden inside that scarf… .’
one side.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking, but….”
Standing face to face with me, Joo Jin-yong also prepares for a fight with me.
-Thud-thud-
He unbuttoned all the buttons on the uniform he was wearing, then without hesitation, he took it off and threw it far out of the stadium.
-Two-wook… –
“I’m going full force from the start, Wind.”
Then, a belt-shaped band that runs from Joo Jin-yong’s shoulder to his upper body finally reveals itself.
‘That’s it….’
-Sreung-
“I’ll show you my secret technique.”
Soon, Ju Jin-yong took out a pair of small knives, each about a span in size, from his belt, held them between his fingers, and muttered in a solemn voice.
“Echo.”
-Pfft!-
Immediately after that, Joo Jin-yong disappeared from my sight in an instant… .
-Wedge!!-
At the same time, from all directions… no, from all eight directions, the daggers he had shot began to rush toward me all at once.
***
Afterimage.
A sword technique that only Ju Jin-yong can use.
Of course, the principle itself was simple, considering that only Joo Jin-yong could use it.
While using his unique ability [Teleportation] multiple times in an instant.
Because it was a method of sending a dagger filled with magical power to the target at each section using [Spatial Movement].
However, from the perspective of the person being attacked, it could be said that it was a very difficult technique to respond to.
First of all, the flying daggers come from all directions, including the deadly angle, at almost the same time.
-Tutututtung!-
-Chaechaechaeng!-
You can block the daggers with your weapons.
-Peeet!-
Even if you dodge it just barely.
-Pfft!-
Jin-Yong Joo appears again after [teleporting] towards the Bi-Su who has lost his target… .
-widely-
“It’s no use.”
This was because he retrieved the knife and then flew it fiercely towards the target again.
-Wedge!!-
‘… Damn, what’s with the uprightness. If the sword touches me even once, it’ll be a good thing.’
It was truly helpless.
When I actually experienced it, there was much less of an answer than I expected.
-Booooow!-
-Tutututtung!-
Not even a single proper attempt at resistance.
It was a desperate situation where all he had to do was swing Aegis and Kaminari to block the daggers that were rushing at him at high speed.
To make matters worse, there’s a snowball effect.
-wickedness!-
“Huh…!”
Because of the daggers that I couldn’t stop.
The wound was gradually growing and being eaten away.
‘… It’s okay for now, just avoid fatal wounds as much as possible. If you avoid fatal wounds, you won’t be <teleported> to the medical area.’
Perhaps the only fortunate thing is that I have the skills <patience> and <steadfastness>.
There were no untoward incidents, such as feeling uncomfortable in moving due to the multiple minor wounds, including the deep cut on the lower back that just occurred.
‘By the way, if this keeps up, I don’t think we’ll even have time to take out the smoke grenade…’
-Wedge!-
“Tch…!”
-Chaejaeng!-
The original plan was to rely on Aegis’s [Guardian] and ignore the flying daggers.
After releasing the [Unification] of Misfortune, I took out a smoke bomb from Misfortune.
Now, because of Cheon Yu-ha’s ill-temper, [Suho] has been completely consumed.
Creating that gap was harder than I thought.
‘If Jinyong’s son comes and fights, I think we might get some openings… .’
-Wedge!-
“Do you think you can keep holding out like that? You’d better hurry up and try using that defensive ability or that magical power!”
-Bam!-
“I’ve already used up that defensive ability, you punk!”
“Don’t lie! I won’t fool you this time!”
‘No, shit. It’s true… .’
For a moment, a feeling of injustice came over me.
Still, through the conversation just now, I was able to figure out Joo Jin-yong’s intentions to some extent.
Maybe Joo Jin-yong is conscious of [Suho] and [Mattan] that I showed him before.
It seemed like he had set up a strategy of not getting close enough to deliberately get greedy and try to land a killing blow, but rather keeping his distance and only throwing his daggers to safely slowly eat them up.
‘Of course, contrary to Joo Jin-yong’s worries, I don’t actually have [Su-ho]… .’
By the way, the reason for not using [Mattan] in Curtain Call was simple.
‘It might be usable if I just tie it down in one spot for a bit, but for now… .’
-Glance-
This was because it was nearly impossible to hit Ju Jin-yong, who was moving [space] in all directions without stopping.
“Huh! Then why don’t you try blocking it like that for the rest of your life!”
-Waaa …
-Kwaaang!-
‘…shit.’
It was frustrating, but Joo Jin-yong was right.
If things continued this way, it was clear that I would be defeated without being able to escape this hell of a knife fight, let alone use a smoke grenade.
‘We need to come up with a solution quickly… .’
Actually, there were two methods I came up with while fighting.
The first is to hold out until Joo Jin-yong’s magic power runs out.
But seeing him so energetic, I felt like my magic would run out before Joo Jin-yong’s magic ran out.
‘The second one is a bit more extreme, but it seems more possible… Let’s just close our eyes and give it a try… .’
Shortly after that, I decided to try the second method… .
-Glance-
-Wedge!-
‘…now!’
I deliberately did not dodge the knife flying towards my right calf and took it straight in.
-Phew!-
Then, with a terrifying impact, a knife was stabbed into my calf.
“Ugh…!”
A stabbing pain that ran from my calf up my spine and struck my brain without mercy.
‘Ugh, shit… I did it for nothing…’
And soon, I was overcome with regret.
The second method was mercilessly discarded.
In fact, the second method was a strategy that completely consumed the dagger.
Joo Jin-yong has a total of eight knives.
So instead of dodging or striking the knife,
I was thinking of sticking the dagger into my body and holding on to it so that Joo Jin-yong couldn’t retrieve it and recycle it.
‘I thought it was worth a try since I had <patience> and <steadfastness>… .’
But once I tried it, I realized it right away.
Even if it was a bayonet, it was absolutely impossible to be hit by Ju Jin-yong’s dagger filled with magical power seven more times like this.
Anyway, in conclusion, the number of knives was reduced to 7 thanks to that action just now.
Rather, the situation got worse.
-Tingle-
“Huh…!”
Is it because the knife is still stuck in his calf?
Along with the constant nagging pain.
-Peeet!-
-wickedness!-
This was because the movements had become subtly dull, and the speed at which the wounds were growing was gradually increasing.
“Give up! I will never approach first!”
If things continue like this, it is obvious that they will show a disadvantageous side, and only show a truly disadvantageous side, leading to a futile defeat.
‘I got hit in the leg for no reason… I should have gotten hit in another part of my body instead… … .’
But at that moment.
‘Wait, another part…?’
Suddenly, in my mind, as I was regretting my past actions.
A ray of hope flashed and passed by.
‘… Okay, let’s do it, whether it’s death or food. This is our last chance anyway. If we waste any more time like this, we’ll just end up losing in vain.’
After that, I decided to put my hastily made plan into action right away before the situation got any worse… .
-Tutututtung!-
-Chaechaechaeng!-
I swung Aegis and Kaminari with all my might, knocking back all the flying daggers as high as I could.
-widely!-
“It’s no use! Give up before you get hurt more! Kim Baram!”
-Wedge!-
And then again, to avoid the flying knives caught in Joo Jin-yong’s hand.
‘now!’
-Taat!-
After concentrating his magical power on his legs, he flew his body to the side.
-Rolling around-
Then I was scared and rolled on the floor.
-Pavabavat!-
Seven daggers simultaneously stabbed into the spot where I had just been standing.
Immediately after that, before I could even control my body, I reached out my right hand without hesitation towards the knife stuck in the floor and shouted inwardly.
-Hwa-k!-
‘[Mattan]!’
And, as expected, it was as I expected.
-Pfft!-
After using [Teleportation] towards the dagger stuck in the floor.
Jin-Yong Joo mechanically reaches out towards the dagger to retrieve it immediately.
-Whew!-
“…!”
At that moment, I predicted that [Mattan] would be where Joo Jin-yong would use [Teleportation] and flew it.
Did Joo Jin-yong suddenly panic when he discovered the fire attribute [Mattan] that was already right in front of him?
-Swoosh!-
Joo Jin-yong didn’t even think about using [Teleportation] to escape again, so he reflexively pulled out one of the daggers stuck in the ground and blocked the flying fire attribute [Magic Bullet].
-Kwaaang!-
‘… Nice, I succeeded!’
But the joy that everything went according to plan was short-lived.
“Ugh… I let my guard down for a moment and got hit hard…”
Is it because I wasn’t hit directly by [Matan] but rather received a counterattack?
I discovered Joo Jin-yong, who looked healthier than I thought… .
‘… Well, anyway, the plan to create a gap was successful. [Integration] released.’
-Slurp-
Satisfied with just escaping from that dagger hell, I immediately released the unfortunate [Unification].
-Swoosh-
Then, in an instant, he took out all five smoke grenades from the pit and threw them on the ground.
-slap!-
-Pubberbubung!-
Then, black smoke immediately began to fill the entire stadium.
‘I’m sorry, Jinyong. Now, that one-sided, fair and square relationship is over. [Thundercloud].’
-Tiring-
[The flying clouds change into thunder clouds.]
-Kururung…-
‘[Unification].’
-Tiring-
[Use Thundercloud’s special ability <Unification>. Agility increases by 10, and strength and magic power increase by 5 each for 5 minutes.]
[<Unification> allows you to use brain-attribute magic power.]
[<Unification> causes explosive increases in reflexes.]
[<Unification> allows you to detect enemy attacks.]
-Phajijik!-
After that, I used [Unification] of the thundercloud in the black smoke that completely obscured my vision… .
-Ting-
First, pull out the knife stuck in his calf.
-Swoosh-
I got up secretly and slowly approached Joo Jin-yong.
And not long after.
‘Forgive me for being a coward, Jinyong.’
I reached Ju Jin-yong’s vicinity while keeping my presence as quiet as possible and immediately swung Kaminari at him without mercy.
-Wedge!-
but.
“… I told you. I will keep the promise of being fair and square.”
Contrary to my expectations that Joo Jin-yong would be <teleported> to the treatment area in one breath.
-Chae-Ang!-
Along with my Kaminari who was easily blocked.
“This time, let’s fight properly and squarely, Wind.”
At the sound of Joo Jin-yong’s calm voice that followed, I could only stare blankly in the direction the voice came from with a bewildered expression.
‘How on earth….’
