The standard length for a modern jingeom (real sword) is 73 cm for the blade and 27 cm for the hilt. However, the sword I wielded had a slightly longer blade. It was based on the first sword I ever used, which belonged to my master, who was notably large in stature.

Back then, I had a large build too, so it suited me well. I liked the feel of it so much that I got myself one just like it. The sword I acquired at that time still sits in a corner of my room today.

However, my body has since grown considerably smaller. Now, wielding a similar sword, it appeared almost oversized.

My current palms differ from those of my former self. The weight, too, feels different, and my enhanced body now has different strength parameters. Though it should have felt somewhat unfamiliar—

The moment I gripped the hilt, all those senses returned.

In the Hall of Duels, I opened my eyes to the long corridor. The air I breathed in through my nose felt unusually cool. I could see my body beneath me.

“Could this be... reluctance?”

It wasn’t something I was consciously aware of.

The equipment I had prepared was reminiscent of a black martial arts uniform, though a little more revealing and softer to the touch. At least, it appeared so on the surface.

The sensation of walking lightly was no different from before. Due to the flat terrain, it almost felt like being in a dojo.

Yes. I happened to get lucky after all this time. A place where I could wield my sword freely, without any complex thoughts. This battlefield was ideal for me now.

I moved forward slowly. There was no need to rush. My opponent’s horse was already fast enough.

Once the opponent was fully visible, I drew my sword. The low hum of the blade echoed, and the weight felt heavier than when I wielded a dagger. Exhaling, I emptied my lungs and intercepted the first attack.

“Hmph…”

What once felt heavy now seemed light.

I countered the impact and thrust at the horse’s heart. Pulling my sword free, I shifted into a mist stance, targeting Kelberos’s unsteady waist.

A sharp metallic sound rang out. He had deflected it well, but it didn’t matter.

Pushing my body forward, I drew my sword inward, twisting the blade to slash at his thigh, and stepped precisely a step and a half back. Kelberos’s counterattack didn’t reach me.

It was a matter of a finger’s width.

“You, could it be…”

“Shut up. I’m concentrating here.”

I didn’t need distractions. The only sounds I needed to hear were my breathing and the enemy’s movements.

The clink of armor edges, the subtle friction of chainmail, the changed inhale and exhale when a person harbors intent.

Amidst sharpened senses—without needing to analyze, the conclusion was clear.

“The distance I need to keep is half a step. He’s aiming for my right ankle.”

I thrust my sword at his shield. The keen blade cut through the air, leaving a faint white afterimage.

An arm flinching from the shock. He looked like a frightened herbivore. I twisted the blade, stabbing inside the shield, grazing his breastplate, and slipping out.

Kelberos twisted to retaliate, but there was no need to respond. Even if he turned, at this distance and angle, he wouldn’t reach me.

I casually swung my sword horizontally, flicking off the blood. Stabbing it into the ground, the energy that was about to surge dispersed, powerless.

[You severed the opponent’s power with the ‘Tear’ effect…]

Annoying. I dismissed all the bothersome system messages. Right now, I just wanted to clash weapons.

And so, I did.

Recklessly weaving between his sword and shield. To him, it was the outer range. To me, it was within one step, one blade’s reach, where I clashed our weapons countless times.

The excitement rising from my core felt as if my mind was melting. In this moment, I felt like I could do anything. Or rather, wasn’t that actually possible?

I deflected the rain of black blades falling from the sky. They only looked numerous on the surface; as long as I didn’t move hastily, only a few could touch me. It was no different from parrying a few thrusts.

“Was he always this slow?”

The moment I thought that, I couldn’t keep smiling.

Oh no, this won’t do. I feel like bugs are crawling all over me.

My neck itched. A slimy sensation climbed from my toes, making me uncomfortable.

It was like being coated in thick slime. I knew it was my paranoia, but my mind and emotions had been out of sync for a long time now.

The fortunate thing is that, even as my mind unravels, my body continues optimal combat.

“Unbelievable…!”

“I told you to shut up. Do my words not matter?”

My body moved instinctively to the approaching sword at the edge of my sight. Parrying the blade, aiming for his wrist, slashing his side, then stabbing his shoulder and retreating. All the while, the filthy, uncomfortable sensation covered my feet.

From my feet to my calves. From my calves to my thighs. Before I knew it, it was over my stomach and chest, then up to my head.

“Hungry.”

Damn it, I’m starving. I should have eaten a better breakfast. I should have agreed when Mom told me to eat more.

Dinner… we were going to have dinner as a family, weren’t we? I always preferred pork over beef.

I never liked wrapping my food in greens. I don’t know why everyone is so obsessed with it.

Mom always nagged and slapped my back whenever I left the greens untouched.

But my mom—she died, crushed in a twisted car, taking all the force in my place. A voice echoed endlessly in my head.

“I love you, my son. I love you, my son. I love you, my son.”

I love you too, Mom. I always wanted to say that, but there’s no one left to hear it now.

“Ugh…”

I realized that my sword was impaled in Kelberos’s belly.

The giant knight slumped, his arms crossed with vivid red lines, already severed by my blade.

My neck was unbearably itchy again. I had reached my limit. I couldn’t hold back any longer. I scratched at my skin as if to tear it apart.

For now, I was thankful for the 70% pain sensitivity—at least the pain drowned out the itch.

Kelberos’s head fell, and I was ready to end it. His face was twisted with rage.

“You didn’t focus on me at all.”

“Don’t know.”

“In the final match, bring out your swordsmanship again. You must.”

“Sure.”

《Is this… is this even possible?》

《It’s overwhelming. There’s no other way to describe it.》

《We have a highlight video ready. After the video, we’ll see you back at the analysis desk.》

The casters, visibly shaken, even allowed a brief moment of silence.

That’s how shocking the outcome was.

In the footage, Kelberos hadn’t landed a single effective hit on Gawol. Every attack was blocked or failed to overcome that one blade. His seemingly impenetrable shield was always a beat too slow.

• Did he just fight five rounds like this?
• Why didn’t Gawol use his sword skills earlier if he could do this?
• Does anyone else think Gawol looks a bit unhinged?
• The neck scratching was kind of psychopath-like;
• Overdoing the edgy character, lol.

As usual, the chat was playful, but the pros and insiders couldn’t hide their astonishment.

Kelberos had always been a wall to many. In this very Arena, he ended the Traveler’s journey and snuffed out Luce’s light.

Such a formidable wall had just crumbled so easily.

《This player has an exceptional understanding of swordsmanship. Looking at the combat indicators, they held the upper hand in practically every exchange.》

《This scene is iconic. See? Before Kelberos even uses his skill, the sword is already moving.》

And yet, time moved forward, and the final match began.
_________________________________________
TL note:

Hey Jac! I saw your comment, and it inspired me to translate five extra chapters just for you. I really appreciate your thoughts and support—it means a lot to me! Your feedback, and that of all my readers, keeps me motivated to bring this story to you. Thank you for being here and sharing your excitement! <3
-- [SataBog]