Sword Devouring Swordmaster Chapter 65 : Chapter 65

Chapter 65. The Night Before (2)

Genius. That was another na for the girl — Seol Yoon.

“This girl is special.”

Her other na allowed her black hair and black eyes to be seen not as flaws, but as marks of rarity on this foreign continent. From the very first mont she held a sword, she could tell. The mont she gripped that blade — she could be soone special.

“Lucky, aren’t we? To find a gem like this in the sewers.”

It wasn’t arrogance.

“Co with us, Seol Yoon. With your talent, you can live a new life. In this Iron Kingdom, those born with talent are always rewarded.”

“……”

“Whether it’s one of the Three Great Academies or a Knight Order of the Blade City, you’ll be accepted anywhere you wish. The word of your talent has spread. So of the most renowned swordsn in the Iron Kingdom are coming here as we speak — all wishing to take you as their disciple.”

Her talent changed her life.

“In this Iron Kingdom, all are equal under power. That’s how this place works.”

“……”

“It doesn’t matter that you were once a peasant from the now-ruined peninsula, nor that you were a prisoner sold at a slave market by the soldiers of the 「Great Land」. This is the Iron Kingdom.”

But still—

“So stop clinging to that gutter and co along.”

“……”

“They can’t co with you. What we need are wolves, not sheep.”

If she had no talent—If Seol Yoon had never held a sword—What would have beco of this small girl’s fate?

“Sis, don’t worry about us. Go.”

There was no need to think deeply.

“Don’t look back, sis.”

“It’s okay, unni.”

In that final mont, when she was being sold to strangers in a foreign land, Seol Yoon saw with her own eyes the future that would have awaited her had she not possessed talent.

“……”

Children barely a year or two younger than Seol Yoon were locked behind rusted iron bars. They were caged, collared like livestock. Each child with a shadowed face had a price tag hung from their neck. Seol Yoon couldn’t read the language of this foreign land, but she could read the numbers. The price placed upon those children — with endless potential — was absurdly low.

“We’re really okay.”

Cheaper than a bundle of wheat bread she’d seen on the way here.

Cheaper than an old ox.

“Rember what you told us on the way here? We all believe it.”

That day, as Seol Yoon alone stepped toward a different fate, she couldn’t take her eyes off the children.

“We’ll go to paradise first and wait for you.”

“……”

“So soday, you have to co find us. You’ll co as an Immortal to paradise. You can do it, unni. Yes, you can…”

In their last mont, the children smiled brightly. And so, Seol Yoon parted from them — those children who smiled so cheerfully.

Not long after, Seol Yoon saw those black-haired, black-eyed children again — in the alleys of the Steel City.

They were dead, lying as if asleep.

Every one of them.

***

After the announcent of the 「War Duel」, countless fighters showed burning interest.

No one questioned why the the was a war from the Eastern Continent — the Arena’s sole logic had always been “fun.” As long as it entertained the audience, that was enough. The 「War Duel」 promised great excitent, and so any controversy was quickly buried.

Besides, the 「Conquest War」 had once been a conflict in which the Iron Kingdom itself had participated. Naturally so — there were few large-scale wars across the continent where the Iron Kingdom had not joined. An old proverb even said: Where there is war, there will always be Steel.

True to that saying, the Iron Kingdom took part in the war of the East, and it was the Iron-Blood Legion that finally crushed the peninsula devastated by the legions of the 「Great Land」. Soldiers of the Iron Kingdom trampled the desolated soil, hunted down captives for sport, and plundered treasures from the burning royal palace at will. Among those spoils was the Dragon’s relic.

Though its original worth was low, the 「Arena」 imbued it with legend — breathing story into it. That was their greatest art.

All over Steel City, people buzzed with talk of the upcoming 「War Duel」. So were excited, so anxious, and so indifferent. Yet among them were those with dark expressions.

“It wasn’t a ‘ruined peninsula.’ It was Han. Call it by its true na, you Western snub-nosed bastards.”

“……”

“Call it the Korean Peninsula — unless you wish to die pierced by the swords of the fallen.”

Those with black hair and black eyes —Swordsn from the Eastern Continent — emanated a terrifying aura. Several drunkards who had uttered insults toward them ended up dead.

Headless corpses rolled in the streets, forcing Ferma’s city guards to rush about in alarm.

And—

“…I’ll return the day before the War Duel begins.”

Seol Yoon was among those filled with fury.

“……”

Upon hearing the details of the 「War Duel」, she declared she would win — and vanished soon after, taking only her sword. The last look on her face had been like ice — cold as if forged from the bitter north, brittle enough to shatter if touched.

But I couldn’t stop her.

「Your face looked worse than hers once, young descendant.」

Because I understood better than anyone how she felt.

The rage that bound one to the past — the feeling of swinging one’s sword driven by that rage — I knew it all too well. So I let her go. As I watched her departing back, Liam said:

「Leave the girl be. Worry about yourself.」

“Are you sure she’ll be fine?”

「Of course not. But have you forgotten what I said about her?」

Liam raised an eyebrow.

「That girl is a genius, young descendant.」

“……”

「You should know — I never lie about the sword. The talent I saw in her is unmistakable — the talent of a true genius.」

His voice grew firm.

「You don’t yet understand how terrifying and violent the gift of a genius can be. That’s why you can still ask foolish questions like whether she’ll be fine.」

Liam’s gaze fixed on .

「Mark my words, young descendant. Before this duel even begins, that girl will surpass your realm. You’ll co to realize — painfully — how unfair heaven’s gift to geniuses truly is.」

“…You an—”

「Yes.」

Liam nodded.

「That girl will soon spread her wings. She’ll beco a Sword Runner.」

And in my experience, Liam was never wrong about such things.

Thus, the night before the duel — the night before the storm — flowed on through the Steel City.

***

The atmosphere in Ferma, the Steel City, burned hot.

Even the random killings by Eastern swordsn, or drunken brawls that broke out every night — nothing could cool the fever of the city.

Amidst that unending heat, a guest visited my lodging.

“You’ve recovered quickly, heir of Steel. The legends weren’t wrong — they said the heart of Steel hardens faster the more it’s struck. Like a blade that cools and tempers the instant it leaves the forge.”

Thud— a mug of beer hit the table. Beyond it stood a group of splendidly bearded dwarves. And at their center — Dwight. Yes, that terrifying dwarf was my guest.

“What brings you here?”

“Perhaps to see the end of the duel I couldn’t finish last ti?”

“Then I suppose I’ll die. Will you at least give ti to leave a will?”

“Puhaha! Still can’t take a joke, can you? How do you say such things with that straight face? I’m beginning to think your skin’s made of steel too.”

Ah…Had I finally inherited my master’s steel-faced composure? I sighed at Dwight’s teasing.

“Enough jokes. Let explain why I ca.”

“I’m listening.”

“All dwarves who ca to the Steel City as fighters are leaving soon — myself included. Only the young rchants and artisans will remain.”

He took a deep gulp of beer — kyaah — a resounding sigh.

“Heir of Steel, I won’t return to this city. I’m a general sworn to defend the Dwarven Kingdom. If I’m gone too long, the harshness of the Sky Mountains will tear down our walls in days.”

“……”

“And if I stay too long, I’ll draw the attention of that monster.”

“Monster… you an—”

“The Prince’s Executioner.”

Swordmaster Carlos. Dwight spoke his na.

“That monster might use our eting as a pretext to invade our kingdom and slaughter every dwarf over eighteen. Our walls, weapons, centuries of tactics — none of it would stop him. That’s what it ans to be a Swordmaster.”

“Of course. Only a Swordmaster can kill another Swordmaster.”

“So yes, I’m running away — disgracefully, but out of fear.”

Dwight’s eyes burned with frustration.

“But no matter how afraid I am, I can’t leave without doing sothing. Knowing that the heir of Steel still stands — I’ll offer what little aid I can.”

“Little aid?”

At my question, Dwight tapped the shoulder of the dwarf beside him.

“If it were up to , I’d give you every weapon in the 「Golden Vault」. Legendary swords that once belonged to heroes — they’d amplify your power imnsely.”

“……”

“Among them are blades used by your ancestors — the 「Karavans」 of the age of glory. We’ve kept them safe.”

“……!”

“But the 「Golden Vault」 lies far away — and it cannot be opened now. The greedy master of the sky is watching us.”

“You an—”

“The Dragon.”

At that word, Dwight’s voice trembled.

“If we open the Vault while those creatures watch, their breath will burn us to ash — and they’ll steal every treasure, hoarding it in their nests. So, not yet.”

“……”

“So as I said, what I can give now is small.”

Then, the dwarf beside him hefted a huge bundle onto the floor — thud! — the heavy sound echoed. I glanced from the bundle to Dwight. My eyes asked the question.

He answered.

“When we fought, I noticed sothing — your weapons are crude.”

“……”

“These aren’t our finest works, but still far better than what you’re using. Choose freely.”

Inside the bundle lay an astonishing number of weapons — not just blades. Armor, boots, gauntlets — every kind of gear imaginable. And every one of them glead like top-quality masterpieces.

“You’re… just giving these to ?”

A windfall. Even Daisy’s gifted weapon couldn’t compare to this trove. Dwight nodded, eyes shining.

“These are nothing. Take them.”

The dwarves’ generosity was overwhelming.

Even I could tell — these were no ordinary arms. Mithril-coated armor that glowed blue, longswords emanating an eerie edge — all of them extraordinary. As I admired them, Dwight continued:

“I’ll also send word to my smiths. At any forge, say ‘I’ve co to collect the debt of Steel in Dwight’s na.’ They’ll do any job for you, free of charge.”

An astonishing offer —With my current coin, I couldn’t even buy a discarded steel ingot, let alone a dwarven sword. Yet Dwight spoke as if this was trivial.

“Heir of Steel.”

“Yes.”

“The power you bear will one day outgrow even dwarven craftsmanship. Your swings will ruin blades in one strike, crush boots in a step, tear armor with a leap.”

“……”

“When that day cos, co to the Sky Mountains. I’ll be waiting in the Dwarven Kingdom.”

Dwight’s voice was resolute.

“When that ti cos, I’ll open the lock of the 「Golden Vault」 for you myself.”

***

After that distant promise, Dwight and his kin departed. I returned to the inn to carefully choose among the gear they’d left. Before leaving, Dwight had given one last piece of advice.

“As we leave, other mighty warriors of various races are leaving too. The next duel may not be as fierce as the Race Duel. Still, don’t lower your guard. The greedy are sotis deadlier than demons in the night — and more tenacious than beastfolk in the mountains. Stay sharp.”

I took his words to heart.

I had no intention of relaxing.

Even if many extraordinary fighters had left, in the 「Infinite Duel」 I was still one among countless warriors — nothing more. The Steel City might chant my na for my bravery, not my skill.

So my task remained unchanged: Stay vigilant. Doubt everything. Walk the best path, and win.

No matter who the opponent was.

As I steadied my mind once more, the night before the war drew to its close.

The start of the 「War Duel」 approached.

Then—

「Young descendant.」

Liam murmured as the dawn sun rose.

「Be especially careful this ti.」

His tone was heavy with aning.

「The swords are coming. Ten swords.」

***

As the 「Infinite Duel」 continued, the number of people flooding into Ferma skyrocketed. After the thrilling 「Race Duel」, spectators now gathered to witness the second event — the 「War Duel」 — in person. Where crowds gathered, rchants followed, eager to profit. And where money gathered, everything else did too.

Naturally, that included bandits.

“Oh-ho, look at these fine gentlen — full of confidence.”

When crowds swell, thieves thrive. Bandits across the Iron Kingdom caught wind of the rumors and sward the routes leading to the Steel City.

“Do we really have to rob them, boss?”

“Why not?”

“They’ve got no baggage, no carriage — look broke. Let’s skip ‘em and go for the next lot. Plenty of rchant caravans around.”

Among them was a particularly notorious criminal.

“Idiot. Can’t you tell he’s a noble? Ransoms like that could make us rich. Attacking rchants is dangerous — who knows what rcenaries they’ve hired? I heard one caravan even brought a witch from the Sky Empire for protection.”

“Wh-what? A witch?”

“Yeah. So just do as I say. Have you ever seen the ‘Butcher’ Pen fail?”

“Haha! Never, boss! We’ll follow your lead!”

The Butcher Pen. A cunning criminal who once wiped out entire Knight Orders — infamous for his brilliance and brutality.

At that mont, Pen brimd with confidence. In his mind, he already saw the glory — other bandits chanting his na, his fa spreading through the Iron Kingdom. A pleasant dream of infamy and profit—“Stop right there, you fools!”

Lost in his fantasy, Pen raised his beloved twin-bladed axe and blocked two travelers. No carriage, no load — two n walking alone. He sensed no mana (Mana) from either of them, no hint of danger. Civilians, clearly.

Arrogant nobles, he thought.

Who else would dare walk through such a forest road without even a single guard?

“On your knees! You’re the targets of the ‘Butcher’ Pen! Behave, and I’ll spare your lives — for a fair ransom, hehehe!”

Pen laughed, spittle flying. But the two n didn’t move.

They didn’t even flinch — just stood there, staring silently.

Pen thought they were frozen in fear.

He thought so—until the man on the right lowered his hood.

“How many tis must I see this? So many vermin gnawing at the dignity of the Iron Kingdom. I’ve seen your kind bleed a thousand tis — yet still you remain.”

When the hood fell, moonlight glead upon the man’s hair — gray, cold, like steel.

“You refused the carriage, Your Highness, and insisted on walking. Naturally such pests would appear.”

“Indeed. But what does it matter? The air is fresh, and even this black-hearted man beside adds to the scenery. It’s a rare thrill — a delightful diversion.”

Gray hair. No — to Pen’s eyes, it wasn’t gray. It wasn’t even silver.

“Ah, I suppose I missed the first event. No matter. What I see before will be a far more beautiful dance.”

In the Iron Kingdom of Cherville, that color had only one aning.

The color of steel — the symbol of iron blood.

The mark of the kingdom’s ruler.

“Uh… u-uhh…”

Pen’s mind went blank.

Then he glanced at the other man — the one in rags beside the steel-haired noble.

At that instant, he felt it. The power he hadn’t sensed before.

Now that they were close, it hit him like a storm.

What stood before him was no man.

“You.”

What stood there—was a sword.

“You’re over eighteen. Unlucky for you.” Ten swords.