4 – Received a Disciple – 4
Generally, people tend to feel hesitation about killing a life of a certain size, especially if it’s their first time.
But to do it without hesitation?
That alone could be considered a talent.
“Your first time?”
“Yes.”
Sowol started to frown slightly, gazing at her own hands.
What could she be thinking right now? Guilt for taking a life? Thrill from killing a monster? Pride in crossing the boundary between life and death?
“How was it?”
“Nothing special… I just feel like I knocked something down.”
“Good. Maintain that emotion as it is.”
The best thing is to be indifferent.
You shouldn’t feel anything special about taking a life.
Neither guilt nor pride. You must not feel any of those emotions to become truly strong.
If you feel guilt, it will become a burden, holding you back.
If one feels a sense of accomplishment, they can gradually find pleasure in slaughter and become a deranged murderer.
That’s why apathy is crucial. Having the ability to kill if necessary, but also possessing the leisure to overlook things if not needed—this can only be achieved through apathy.
From that perspective, Suwal’s talent was indeed exceptional.
“So, what’s next?”
“Today’s combat training is over now. The rest is up to you—whether you engage in personal training or take a break.”
“Are you planning to earn a salary just by teaching me this?”
It seems my response didn’t please her. But what can I do? Hardcore training from the beginning will only exhaust both of us.
“It could be, right?”
“Well, then, I’ll leave. Come with me if you want. I was hoping you could help me with shopping.”
“Huh. Are you going to use me as a porter?”
Upon my words, Suwal planted her wooden sword into the ground and brought both hands to her face.
What is she trying to do with that posture?
“I’m pretty, you know? What if such a pretty girl like me gets kidnapped while wandering alone? What will you do then?”
From Noble mtl dot com
If you’re going to say something like that, at least smile.
I had no particular reason to refuse, and there was nothing else to do, so I decided to follow Suwal on her shopping trip.
It wasn’t until we entered the mansion at the top of the eastern direction that I could understand why Suwal made such a proposal to me.
“Oh! Miss! If you go out alone again, we’ll be scolded by the master!”
As Suwal tried to leave, other warriors, including Baekmusa, rushed in to surround her.
So, Suwal pointed at me.
“He’s coming with me.”
“Ugh. This master? In that case…”
Perhaps because I followed her due to the fact that I could easily defeat Baekmusa, they all hesitated and stepped back.
It was proof that my skills were being recognized in the eastern direction.
“This master, please take care.”
“Haha. Don’t worry.”
Suwal must ensure my well-being, even if it’s just for my sake.
However, I have no intention of letting her get kidnapped or involved in any other danger, despite exposing myself to risks for the sake of training I can control.
“But shopping? Is there something to buy in the eastern direction that’s different from other places?”
“Yes. Simple things to eat, and perhaps some accessories. I need to buy those.”
“Isn’t it enough to just wear what’s on top?”
“Besides what’s on top, there may be things that you like. By the way, have you ever been to the market in the Eastern District, sir?”
Well, no. I went straight to the mansion in the Eastern District as soon as I arrived.
But even if it’s called a market, I wonder if there’s anything special about it.
Without paying much attention to me, Sowol took my hand and pulled me along.
“Let’s go. It’s this way.”
Sowol skillfully guided us as if it wasn’t our first time going.
Inside the estate we entered like any ordinary estate that could be considered ordinary, just an ordinary estate that would appear in the middle of a game. As we walked into the crowded market alley, Sowol confidently walked to one side.
“What is this?”
“Tangfuru. Is it your first time seeing it?”
“It’s not because I don’t know.”
It’s one of the snacks that also appear in the game. It’s an item that slightly restores health and magic when consumed.
However, while in the game there was only one type of tangfuru, here there were quite a variety of them.
“I am strawberry tangfuru. What about you, sir?”
“Will you buy it for me?”
“I came all the way here with you, and you can’t even do this much for me?”
“Then I’ll have grape.”
Sowol nodded and took out his wallet from his bag. Just as he was about to open it and pay a few coins.
“Oh my.”
A shady-looking man reached out to grab Sowol’s wallet.
Since I had no intention of just letting it happen, I grabbed his hand. The surprised man looked at me and I smiled.
– Crack!!
“Ah! Ahhh!”
I broke his arm.
“You, you crazy bastard!! What the hell are you doing!?”
“I was just wondering. I didn’t expect there would be someone who would dare lay a hand on the forbidden leaf of the Eastern District. Are you in your right mind?”
I don’t know where this cocky little punk came from, but I can’t let myself be pickpocketed when I’m around.
I smiled and said to him, and the guy who was crying and bewailing with a broken arm staggered up and pulled out a dagger to attack me.
Of course, I had no intention of getting hit by such a slow attack.
-Thunk!!
My outstretched fist landed square on the guy’s jaw. As he crumpled to the floor unconscious, Sowol stared at him before smirking.
“That guy. Seems to be affiliated with the Skull Gang.”
Skull Gang? What’s that?
As I expressed my confusion, Sowol looked at me intensely and let out a sigh.
“Mr., you’re probably the only one in this territory who doesn’t know about the Skull Gang. They’re a notorious gang of thieves nearby, known for their strength. Their leader, Skull Warrior Rungbit, is said to be strong enough to handle magic. That’s why even the lord’s guards don’t dare to mess with them.”
“And they just leave them be in the Eastern Top?”
There shouldn’t be scoundrels like them tolerated in the Top.
As I wondered aloud, Sowol shrugged his shoulders.
Maybe he doesn’t know about it either?
Anyway, it’s fine.
“Just a mere rookie thinking of revenge, if he dares to pick a fight with me, I’ll show him how foolish it is.”
“Quite the confidence you have.”
“How’s that? Impressive, right? That’s your boss for you.”
I chuckled at Sowol, and after tearing his gaze away from me, he called towards the shop.
“Two Tanghulus, one strawberry and one grape.”
Who am I talking to right now?!
I bought the Tanghulus, but we didn’t head back immediately.
Seems like there’s more to get. Thin fabric, some jerky, and various other things.
Carrying a bunch of seemingly unnecessary items, Sowol and I returned. Baek Musa and a few other warriors, including him, had serious expressions on their faces.
“Is something wrong?”
“Oh, you’re back. Did you hear the news? A member of the Skull Gang was caught near the market today.”
“Yeah, heard about it.”
We saw it and nodded. As Sowol and I nodded, Baek Musa let out a heavy sigh.
“Because of that, the Skull Gang has gone berserk. They say if the guy who messed with their underling isn’t handed over, they’ll double the toll fees…”
“Mr., what are we going to do?”
“Doubling the toll fees. Where are they staying?”
“They’re in a place called Wolasan. It’s not far from here.”
If it’s Wolasan, it must be the mountain on the opposite side of where I came. Are they trying to control that path and charge tolls for passage to the capital?
“The lord is also highly displeased. There’s talk of us joining forces with the Upper Top to suppress them.”
“So, this is what keeps you so busy.”
“Yes. In that case… would you mind lending your strength, my lord?”
“Oh, certainly. It goes without saying.”
“Thank you!”
My joining them after effortlessly defeating General Baek seemed to be a significant boost for them. It turns out, they were wearing serious expressions earlier because they were worried I might decline.
With hearts so fragile, how would they survive in this harsh world?
I patted the shoulders of the other warriors, not just General Baek.
“By the way, when are we heading out?”
“The Lord Commander mentioned that we will embark on the expedition in three days.”
Defeating the Skull Clan here would undoubtedly strengthen the power of the Eastern Top. Seizing the passage connected to the metropolis could enhance the development of the Top. It was also a great opportunity.
“Originally, it was supposed to be a period of rest, but the schedule has changed a bit. Let’s start training from now on.”
“That’s fine, but why?”
Why training?
“We need to train for private lessons. With so many practical textbooks available, we can’t afford to skip private lessons.”
“Well, what kind of training do we need to do?”
I led Sowol to the garden behind the mansion. As we stood in the spacious garden, I handed her the wooden sword I had used earlier when she tilted her head curiously.
“Another session of cutting and stabbing practice?”
“No, endurance training.”
I swiftly swung the wooden sword that I held, and as Sowol managed to barely withstand it, I calmly spoke.
“Training to properly block my attacks. If you endure well, there’s a reward.”
“What kind of reward?”
“A praise sticker. Collect ten, and I’ll grant you a wish.”
“I don’t really need that.”
Don’t regret it later; take it when offered.