I Don't Listen to Orders from the Weak (2)
A spar, not in-ga, but in real life.
Naturally, it wasn't sothing they could jump into without any preparation, so the three of them moved locations under Eclipse's guidance.
"Where is this?"
"It's a gym run by the club."
"A club?"
"Yes. There are formal organizations that study Western swordsmanship, but here, it's just a group of people who enjoy fencing running the place together."
On the outside, the building looked no different from an ordinary comrcial building. But as they descended to the basent, a spacious area was revealed.
Apparently, there were already people present—the sounds of loud shouts could be heard from beyond the door.
Before opening the door, Eclipse paused, a hint of concern in his expression, then glanced at them.
"Ah, the other mbers don't know that I do streaming. So, about this..."
"Oh, don't worry. None of us are face-revealing strears anyway."
Geno waved dismissively, as if to say there was nothing to worry about, his laughter mingling with the mood. Lee Gyeongbok nodded, and with that, Eclipse opened the door.
"Hup! Oh, instructor!"
"Instructor, you're here!"
Seeing Eclipse enter, the club mbers turned and bowed to greet him.
"You're the instructor?"
"Oh, we get to see Eclipse's actual swordsmanship in person?"
Surprised at the title, both Lee Gyeongbok and Geno glanced at Eclipse, who let out an embarrassed laugh.
"I don't teach professionally. I just try to help the mbers as best I can, though I'm still lacking."
"But if they call you 'Instructor,' it must an you're a big help."
"There's no official position—I guess everyone just calls that. I'm used to it normally, but it feels embarrassing to hear it in front of Purple."
As the three of them chatted, a club mber approached.
"You ca pretty early today. And these folks are...?"
"Ah, friends of mine. Thought I'd give them a tour and maybe have a sparring match."
"A sparring match? The two guests?"
"No, it'll be between this guy and ."
Hearing that, the mber's eyes widened.
Sparring with Eclipse was not sothing just anyone could do, and even he didn't use the term "sparring" lightly.
Unless soone had sufficient skill, it wasn't sparring but more akin to a lesson.
"We'll be careful not to disturb the other mbers."
"Disturb us? Oh, not at all! I don't think anyone would dislike the chance to watch the Instructor in a match."
"Haha, thank you for saying so. Well then, shall we?"
Eclipse laughed good-naturedly and led the two over.
[Armory]
Lee Gyeongbok and Geno's eyes widened when they saw the label on the door. "Armory" seed a bit over the top, didn't it?
But that thought instantly changed as the door opened.
"Wow..."
"What is all this? This is insane, really insane."
Lee Gyeongbok muttered an exclamation, while Geno looked around the room as if sightseeing.
Eclipse seed pleased with their reactions, letting out a small laugh.
"It's a gathering of people who really know how to enjoy themselves."
True to the word "armory," all kinds of weapons were neatly on display in the room.
Gladiuses, rapiers, cutlasses—there were all sorts of one-handed swords, as well as two-handed blades standing tall.
There were also shields in various sizes and sets of armor arranged by different dinsions.
"Most of my stream inco goes into this."
Lee Gyeongbok recalled what Park Juho had said.
'This guy is the real deal.'
That phrase, reserved for the most genuine among fans. Eclipse's dedication to swordsmanship and chivalry wasn't just for show—it was sincere.
"Choose whatever equipnt you want. We have the armor cleaned and maintained by a professional service, so no need to worry."
"Wait, we actually wear armor while fighting?"
Geno asked in surprise.
Eclipse and Lee Gyeongbok both looked at him curiously.
"Hyung, of course— for safety's sake."
"If we want to truly test our skills, we have to be thorough."
Geno blinked, processing their replies.
'... Am I the weird one here?'
He felt as though his common sense had just been completely overturned.
* * *
"Sparring with the instructor?"
"He might've trained at the association or sothing."
When word got out about Eclipse preparing for a match, the mbers stopped their own practice to talk.
"Then he must be at least a Free Scholler, right?"
"Must be. A Scholler Adept wouldn't be a match."
They guessed that Lee Gyeongbok was at a level recognized by the swordsmanship association. A Scholler Adept had about one to three years of experience; Free Scholler was a rank for Adepts who passed certain tests.
Soon, the two who had suited up stepped out. Lee Gyeongbok wore light armor, Eclipse picked dium armor.
Their appearances weren't much different from how they looked in Elden Soul, the ga. Both picked gear they were familiar with.
"... The instructor is wearing dium armor?"
"Does that an his opponent must be really tough?"
But the mbers weren't used to seeing Eclipse like this. He usually wore light gear when facing clubmates.
In the midst of the commotion, one mber cautiously approached Lee Gyeongbok.
"Um..."
"Yes?"
"If it's not rude, could you tell how much experience you have?"
Lee Gyeongbok paused, calculated for a mont, and answered.
"About... four days now, I guess."
"... Excuse ?"
Even the low murmurs were instantly silenced.
'Four days? Did he an four years?'
'He doesn't look like he's joking...'
'Wait, what? You wouldn't even know how to hold a sword properly after just four days!'
With all eyes on him in stunned silence, Lee Gyeongbok blinked, wondering if he'd made a mistake.
"It's true. Well then, shall we begin?"
Thankfully, Eclipse stepped in, quelling any disbelief. Not that it stopped the buzzing whispers entirely.
"Is he serious?"
"A four-day newbie, sparring?"
"What's going on here?"
Geno chuckled awkwardly at the mbers' reactions.
"He's a prodigy even in real life..."
anwhile, Lee Gyeongbok and Eclipse took their positions. Before they started, Lee Gyeongbok swung his sword lightly, limbering up, then tilted his head curiously.
"This feels a bit different."
"Sharp as always."
Eclipse grinned broadly as he explained.
"We can't use real swords, of course. These are replica blades with blunted edges and rounded points. The balance is a bit different."
It was a minor difference—or so it would seem to most.
But Lee Gyeongbok had senses keen enough to detect even that. And he had the adaptability to compensate for it.
"Understood. I'm ready."
"Good."
At Lee Gyeongbok's announcent, Eclipse lowered his helt's visor with a tallic clack, raising his sword to his chest.
Lee Gyeongbok saluted as well. At this, the mbers shifted their posture, attentive.
'Feels like another world.'
Only Geno felt out of place in the unfamiliar atmosphere.
A heavy silence settled. Neither Lee Gyeongbok nor Eclipse made the first move.
'It's definitely different from the ga.'
The amount of divine energy he could use was limited; naturally, his senses were too. And unlike virtual reality, he could feel the weight of his equipnt, and his body could get physically tired.
It was an unfamiliar experience for Lee Gyeongbok, unlike Eclipse, who had constantly trained in real life.
Perhaps sensing this, Eclipse struck first.
CLANG! The tallic sound of swords clashing echoed as their blades t.
"The instructor attacked first?!"
"Does that an his opponent is the real expert here?"
"At least, that's how the instructor sees it."
The mbers couldn't hide their shock. Traditionally, the stronger offers the initiative to the weaker.
But they were soon absorbed by the match itself.
"Unbelievable..."
"That guy's really only been at this for four days?"
"How does he block everything?"
"The instructor seems to be ahead, but..."
Eclipse took the initiative with his unique swordsmanship. Strangely, though, it was Eclipse who looked more tense.
anwhile, a faint smile appeared on Lee Gyeongbok's lips.
'This is fun.'
It felt awkward at first, but mories stored in his body began to awaken with each exchange.
'So it works like this, too.'
And though the divine energy was limited, it was manifesting. His body instinctively responded to subtle warning signals—divine energy erupting like a needlepoint when needed.
Mastering the use of divine energy had made its use much more efficient.
"Mmm...!"
A suppressed groan emanated from inside Eclipse's helt. He wasn't the only one feeling fatigue.
Wearing dium armor allowed him a more aggressive stance, but he had to endure the fatigue that ca with it.
'A quick match was too much to hope for.'
Eclipse was fully aware of the gap between virtual and real-life swordplay. He had tried to strike before Lee Gyeongbok could adapt to the difference—but his adaptability was unreal.
"The instructor...!"
"Is he losing?"
"He's not even holding back, though?!"
The mbers couldn't hide their shock. And Geno was just as stunned—though for different reasons.
'I knew he'd win, but to be this good, even in real life?'
He had expected Lee Gyeongbok to win because he knew of his brilliance; but not to completely dominate like this.
"Hyaaah!"
Eclipse let out a energized shout and pressed the attack, trying to turn the tide. Relying on his armor, he ignored defense and swung for offense.
But Lee Gyeongbok caught and diverted the flying blade, grabbed the sword by the blade, flipped it over, and struck Eclipse's helt with the poml.
"Guh...!"
CLANG! Eclipse's head snapped back from the blow.
As Eclipse staggered, Lee Gyeongbok crossed the cross-guards of both swords. With a sudden pull, Eclipse's sword was wrenched from his grip.
It all happened so fast that everyone simply stared blankly, mouths agape, only snapping out of it when the fallen sword clattered against the training hall floor.
"... I lost."
Steadying himself, Eclipse admitted defeat. It was only right, as he had dropped his sword.
He caught his breath and lifted his visor.
"But—where did you learn a murder-stroke*? Have you practiced that specifically?"
*Translator's note: "Murder-stroke" is a historical European martial arts term for using the blunt sides or poml of a sword as a club, especially against armored opponents.
The technique Lee Gyeongbok showed at the end involved grabbing the blade and striking the opponent with the handle and crossguard as a blunt weapon—a perfectly valid response against soone in dium armor like Eclipse.
To this, Lee Gyeongbok exhaled lightly and answered.
"Murder-stroke? What's that?"
His counter-question left the room in stunned silence, as if soone had pressed Mute—until Eclipse burst out laughing.
"Ah, my apologies. You just ca up with the most effective response in the mont?"
"Yes. It just seed like the best thing to do."
"Indeed... this is what it ans to be a genius."
Eclipse nodded, refreshed. Geno approached him.
"I can't even be upset about losing at this level. I felt the sa way."
Geno clapped, then shouted in a loud voice.
"What an incredible match!"
His words brought the club mbers to life, and they joined in with applause.
"Whoa, that was insane."
"A fantastic match!"
"He's at that level after just four days?"
"So there really is such a thing as a genius..."
Lee Gyeongbok bowed lightly in response and looked at Eclipse.
"The condition's been t, right?"
"Yes, of course."
With his answer, Lee Gyeongbok flashed a broad smile and held out a hand.
"Welco aboard."
"Thank you for inviting ."
Thus, Eclipse's participation in the event was confird.
After the match, the two changed back into their regular clothes. As they prepared to leave, the mbers approached.
"Might you co by again in the future?"
"We won't force you into anything, really."
"You don't even have to pay club dues!"
It was a pitch to have Lee Gyeongbok join the club. Eclipse looked a bit troubled.
Before he could say anything, Lee Gyeongbok answered first.
"Unfortunately, I'm a bit busy right now. If I have more free ti, I'll be back."
The mbers looked disappointed but nodded in understanding.
"Of course, co anyti."
"Thank you so much for today!"
"It was a chance to broaden our horizons."
"Have a safe trip!"
The three of them left the training hall, seeing the others off. Eclipse asked his companions:
"You said it's a four-person team—who's the last mber?"
"Oh, geno-hyung gets to pick that one."
"?"
Geno looked startled at Lee Gyeongbok's answer.
When did they decide that?
"I picked Eclipse, so it's only fair you pick the other person, hyung."
"Hmm, with Geno's eye for people, I'm sure it'll be fine."
When Eclipse agreed, geno grinned and lifted his chin.
"Well, I do have an eye for talent. Leave it to —I'll bring soone good."
"Then, let's get together again when the ti cos."
As Lee Gyeongbok tried to wrap things up, Eclipse turned around as if he'd just rembered sothing.
"By the way, is there a knight outfit in Gunner Ground?"
"... A knight outfit?"
Lee Gyeongbok was at a loss, but Geno replied cheerfully.
"Of course there is!"
"There is?"
"Yeah, there was a 'Fantasy Ground' event mode a while back. I'll give you the skin as a gift."
"Oh, thank you."
Eclipse bowed deeply, and Geno smiled.
"It's nothing. The concept is a serious matter, after all."
At this exchange, Lee Gyeongbok pictured a lone knight standing in the bullet-filled battlefield.
'That really does sound fun.'
Surprisingly, Eclipse had a knack for codic streaming.
* * *
Choi Byeonghun's officetel.
[〉Ecl has been confird to join.]
[〉That's a relief. I was drafting a recruitnt list just in case.]
[〉Really? For now, the last mber is up to Geno-hyung.]
[〉No problem. Let know if you need it later.]
Choi Byeonghun checked the Team Perfect group chat and let out a laugh.
"Wow... I can't believe it. Eclipse, playing another ga."
Once, no one would have believed it. But, as always, Lee Gyeongbok managed the impossible.
'Man, I really am living off caffeine.'
Choi Byeonghun decided to finish what he was working on.
Since the Escapers video didn't have much action, he'd edited and uploaded it already. With so rare free ti, he began cleaning his apartnt.
He ended up with five garbage bags full of energy drinks, coffee, and late-night snacks.
"Man, I need to work out..."
Muttering words he knew he wouldn't keep, he felt his phone buzz.
He thought it was the group chat, but it was soone else.
[〉Hey]
[〉Is the Purple GunG coback true?]
It was Madman, operator of the Mad Gunner channel—one for Gunner Ground videos. He'd sotis subbed as an assistant editor, but lately Madman handled things solo.
[〉(Photo)]
[〉Geno himself is saying it in the community. Rumors are all over the place.]
[〉It's really the Purge combo for the GunG event?]
Choi Byeonghun saw the ssages and couldn't help but chuckle.
"Ha... This is why everyone looks to Geno. Teaser marketing at its finest."
What Geno said on stream had naturally spread through the community, sparking all sorts of speculation about the upcoming Gunner Ground event.
Creating buzz and even advertising for free—no wonder companies never got tired of Geno.
Choi Byeonghun replied.
[〉No comnt lol]
[〉But why are you asking, anyway?]
His Smart Link started blowing up with ssages.
[〉Co on! Isn't it obvious I'd ask?]
[〉If it's GunG, I should definitely get the job!]
[〉Purple's video? I'm your number one choice!]
[〉Na your fee and I'll take it!]
Madman made a furious pitch, and Choi Byeonghun let out a helpless laugh.
[〉Noted, lol]
[〉Don't worry, pay will be fair]
[〉We're not actually Black Company, you know, lol]
As he wrapped up chatting with Madman and got ready to take out the trash, Choi Byeonghun noticed a box.
"Oh, right. I have to give this to him."
A box containing Monitor Head rch—a gift from the Escapers devs.
Park Juho hadn't wanted it, and Lee Gyeongbok had asked for it to be distributed later.
'Wonder if he'll pick it up...?'
Still, it was best to pass it on in case the dev company ever reached out again. Wouldn't want them to be disappointed if they gave a gift but he didn't have it.
As he rummaged through the box, he pulled out an album.
"Oh, this too."
It was the new album from the girl group Sweeties.
He opened it absentmindedly, and a small slip of paper fell out.
"A raffle ticket?"
It was a ticket to enter a Sweeties autograph session. He didn't need it, so he was about to toss it when—
'... Doesn't Gyeongbok like Sweeties?'
Suddenly, images ca to mind.
'He'd asked about streaming schedules once, and got the album before I did, didn't he?'
A smile spread across Choi Byeonghun's lips.
'Is he hiding his fanboy side because he's afraid we'll tease him?'
He scanned the ticket. The autograph session was on one of their off-days.
The problem was, the entry period was almost over.
"Hm... Kid needs to relax sotis."
Since he'd started streaming, Lee Gyeongbok had barely rested. He'd tried to convince himself streaming was a break, but real rest was another matter.
"For our shy Sweeties fan, I'll give him a little push."
Choi Byeonghun decided to do his friend a favor. If he asked Lee Gyeongbok to co with him as a favor, he'd probably accept.
'Well, assuming we win the raffle.'
He set the ticket aside and got back to cleaning.
***
**New Nas, locations, skills, and Techniques**
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