Chapter 34
“Why didn’t you use Moonlight Slash?”
Saebyeok asked, genuinely curious.
“If you wanted to confirm whether I was a villain or not, wouldn’t that be the most suitable option?”
The Association President’s <Sword Emperor> title had three active skills Saebyeok had seen, and there were more beyond that.
<Title: Sword Emperor (S)>
Your sword dominates the battlefield. What more explanation is needed?
Unique Active Skills:
Sword Control (S)
Single Slash (S)
Guided Parry (A)
Sword Spirit Summon (A)
Heavenly Descent of Swords (B)
Moonlight Slash (B)
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There was Single Slash, a horizontal strike, and Moonlight Slash, a vertical one.
Single Slash was a wide-area slash that cut down multiple enemies in front with a single burst of sword energy. It wasn’t as effective in one-on-one duels.
Besides, this wasn’t a proper training arena—if used carelessly, the measuring room’s walls might collapse.
But Moonlight Slash could have been used.
Even though it was only a B-rank skill, there was no better way to identify villains.
<Skill: Moonlight Slash (B)>
Who dares defy the Emperor’s decree? Those who follow him shall never escape the cycle of life and death.
It unleashed a crescent-shaped blade of divine energy that flew backwards across the ground.
Though not imbued with true divine power, anyone harboring malice toward him would be burned as if struck by holy light against the undead.
That’s why Koreans often called it “the Judgment Slash.”
If the Association President had truly suspected Saebyeok of being a villain, he could have used it. But he didn’t.
“If you wanted me to use that, you should have infused your spear thrust with killing intent.”
“Ah.”
She had only asked out of curiosity, but as expected of the Sword Emperor, he had read her strike completely.
“Wahaha! Girl! My turn next! Let’s fight!”
Excited, Ipado pulled out a pair of spiked knuckles.
But the Association President stopped him.
“That would be troublesome.”
“Aw, come on! You hog all the fun and end it there?”
Ipado complained, but Saebyeok soothed him instead.
“It was for analysis, not an all-out duel.”
“Girl, don’t say that—take your spear back out!”
“Official duels must be fought in the dueling arena, not here.”
Despite his insistence, the President’s firm tone and Saebyeok’s refusal left him no room to press further.
“Maybe someday, I’ll ask you for a proper match. For now…”
Saebyeok brushed past a grumbling Ipado, Kim Ihan with his sly grin, and Hwang Taesan watching her with faint surprise.
“You okay?”
She approached Park Woojun, who was pressed against the wall, away from the others.
“Ha… so this… this is what an S-rank battle feels like.”
His breath came out in frosty puffs.
Of everyone, Woojun had suffered the most from the President’s frost attacks.
The others were affected too, but as S-ranks, they were mostly fine.
Woojun, however, had retreated as far as possible, shield raised and even setting up a barrier, yet his whole body shivered under <Extreme Cold>, and <Frostbite> had spread through his skin.
Though the President had dispelled all lingering skills with <Absolute Zero>, the room’s temperature had plummeted and residual energy still lingered.
“Why’d you just sit there? You should’ve gone outside.”
Saebyeok pulled a status-curing potion from her inventory.
Ever since she’d been shocked by not having any medicine to treat Kang Suho’s headache, she had stocked up on potions—even ones she didn’t normally need.
“I… wanted to see you fight.”
His arms were frozen stiff, unable to move, yet he still smiled, glad he’d watched until the end.
Saebyeok flicked his forehead.
“Then at least use your defensive skills.”
“I didn’t want to get in the way of your match…”
His voice rasped, strained from the frost spreading inside.
“You idiot.”
Saebyeok tilted the potion to his lips herself, since he couldn’t move.
It should have been enough, but worried, she also lit a small <Ignite> flame to warm the air beside him.
Even she could feel the heat fill the room.
“You’re always bragging about how tough you are, and look at you now.”
“Because I’m tough, I didn’t collapse.”
“Unbelievable.”
Thanks to her help, the <Extreme Cold> and <Frostbite> faded. Woojun leaned against the wall, still chilled but no longer exhaling frost.
“Captain Park, are you alright?”
“No problem, Association President. You don’t need to worry.”
“I was too focused on the duel and harmed you.”
“No, it’s my fault for not stepping back. I could have.”
“Either way, go rest today. As Association President, I’ll authorize a day off.”
“Yeah, go home. If there’s a dispatch, I’ll cover for you.”
Since she had been partly responsible too, Saebyeok backed the President’s suggestion.
But Woojun only laughed at her words.
“You said you weren’t coming to the Association anymore. Cover me, huh?”
“Just for today.”
She moved to support him, but Woojun pushed her away and stood firmly on his own two feet.
“I’m fine. I’ll stay for the interview. If you slip up and cause a scandal, who’ll clean it up?”
His determined tone made it clear he wouldn’t leave.
Though he used the interview as an excuse, Saebyeok knew it was his way of worrying about her. She couldn’t argue.
Thanks to her past life’s memories, she was unfazed by the Association’s chaos, but without them, she would’ve been overwhelmed.
‘He’s always been like this.’
Always acting like her guardian.
In kindergarten, she hadn’t minded—she was fiery enough that she often fought back before he even stepped in.
In elementary school, it was a bit annoying—he’d rush like a bull whenever she tripped at the playground.
By middle school, she was used to it. He was protective of her in particular, but also quick to step in whenever he saw injustice.
By high school, she relied on him a lot. After her parents died and her life collapsed, he had been right beside her, helping with everything.
It was funny, having someone her age act like her protector. But she was grateful too.
Even after awakening and growing busier, whenever they were together, he still tried to shield her.
A shield.
‘The perfect title for him.’
Looking at him, she felt the theory was true—that unique titles reflected one’s nature and life.
‘Though I still don’t know why I’m the Dawn Spearmaster.’
She figured it was only because her name meant “dawn.”
She had never been anyone’s ray of hope, wasn’t a morning person, and hadn’t even touched a spear before her awakening.
“You said you always believe everything I say.”
“Believing you and you not causing trouble are two different things.”
It felt unfair, but Saebyeok didn’t protest further.
Even while still recovering, Woojun worried about her. She couldn’t scold him.
At that moment—
Clap, clap, clap.
Kim Ihan applauded dramatically.
“Congratulations on becoming Korea’s fifth S-rank hunter.”
Hwang Taesan simply gave her a short nod, as if to say, “Well done.”
“Thank you. I suppose things will get busy now.”
Saebyeok smiled, then added,
“Before I head outside for the press interview, there’s something I’d like to discuss with all of you.”
“With all of us?”
“Yes, girl! Is it another duel?!”
“…I’m listening.”
Everyone focused immediately.
She looked at the Association President.
“It’s about my abilities. Could we keep it confidential?”
Noticing her seriousness, the President matched her tone.
“In that case, let’s move to another location first.”
