The Mist Vol 1 Chapter 27

Vol 1 Chapter 27

"Mu-heon."

"Yes."

"...That day, did you reach the state of no-self?"

For a moment, Kapros tightly gripped the cane beside him because of his suddenly thumping heart.

The state of no-self was said to be a world where nothing is visible. In a world where only the opponent's sword and oneself exist, it was said to be a state where, in that extremely peaceful and quiet moment, the sword and oneself become one, allowing one to draw the most beautiful sword. And the day his master was referring to was...

"...Do you mean... that day?"

The day of the most futile honor, when he lost a friend and lost his leg.

His master nodded.

"I saw you both that day, and I saw your sword beautifully bloom in an instant."

It was hard to breathe because of his heavy heart. His master's wife, who had been sitting and listening beside his master, also spoke with a slightly darkened expression and a smile.

"I saw it too. How could I forget? Among all the swords I've seen, it was the most beautiful sword next to your master's. Both of us were so moved, we were holding hands tightly. I think that's why everyone there was quiet at that moment."

"You must have felt good. After all, you weren't competing with me today!"

Kapros closed his eyes, tightly gripping his trembling right hand with his left.

That voice, those tears, still ringing in his ears.

"I couldn't ask then, but now I want to. Did you reach that state?"

Yes. That day, he hadn't been competing with the friend in front of him.

"...Yes."

He had simply reached the state of no-self and danced with his sword. His opponent's face hadn't even registered in his eyes that day. Deep down in his heart, he had vaguely felt the anger and sadness of the guy who had faced him while he was lost in the joy of being drawn into that ecstatic world, oblivious to himself.

That guy... had never beaten him in an official match.

"I thought as much. Then you are more than qualified."

"...Pardon?"

Kapros raised his head.

His master was smiling gently.

"These days, with so many people coming to learn, it's become quite difficult for me to manage the dojo alone. Would you perhaps consider lightly instructing swordsmanship here?"

Kapros opened his eyes wide in surprise.

"I'm someone who can't hold a sword."

"I'm not asking you to hold one. Just to instruct. If you could come for 2 or 3 days a week, it would be a great help to me... Well... like a part-time job. What do you think?"

As Kapros was unable to answer, feeling dazed, his master's wife suddenly grabbed his hand and burst into a broad smile.

"Please help us, Mu-heon. It's my wish to see our beautiful Mu-heon again, but it's also true that your master has been really busy lately. We'll pay you a decent part-time wage, so don't refuse."

Ah... These people truly still loved someone like him.

Already having been worried about finding a suitable part-time job, Kapros couldn't refuse.

He felt so sorry and grateful for the fact that his master and his wife's eyes were overflowing with worry and love for him.

"...Yes. I'll do my best."

"If you don't do it properly, I'll have you spar right away, regardless of your leg condition. Hahaha."

"Of course."

As Kapros laughed, his master's wife finally wiped away a tear with the end of her sleeve. His master and Kapros pretended not to notice. And so, Kapros's part-time job was decided, contracted for 3 days a week.

***

"How much is the 5th circle?"

"You mean the 5th circle book?"

What else did he think he meant? As Kapros stared at Zen, the Wizard Tower assistant, Zen quickly composed his expression that had been looking at Kapros as if he were a monster, and took out a book from inside.

"You're really incredible. Even though these are the tower's magic books with only basic spells, this is the first time I've seen a case like this. You have amazing talent, Mr. Kapros."

Well... He didn't think so himself.

Once you succeed in visualizing the magic image, what follows is hard labor to firmly implant the image in your head so you can cast magic faster. Then, when your hands and head are accustomed to it, you imagine and test applied works.

These days, Kapros wasn't logging in as much as before due to his part-time job, so he thought any mage who grasped the concept and put in effort like him would have reached this level. But seeing Zen speak like that, it seemed there was no one in this city with as much determination as him.

Kapros put the magic book in the bag he had bought yesterday, and pulled down the hooded robe he had also bought yesterday. Zen gave him a puzzled look.

"Aren't you going to practice here again?"

"I'm leaving now."

"What?"

Why was he making such a fuss about him leaving...

Kapros left the Wizard Tower without looking back. The limit of magic that could be learned from the tower was the basic 5th circle book. Anything beyond that depended on one's own efforts. He thought it was about time to leave the city. He couldn't wait forever for Kion-hyung to return, and as hyung had said, if they were destined to meet, they would meet again somewhere.