The World’s Greatest is Dead

The World’s Greatest is Dead – Chapter 147

The murmuring of voices could be heard.

“The Little Sword Saint and the Lady Chun are dueling…?”

“To think I would witness something like this.”

“Who do you think will win?”

“Obviously —…”

With caution, I closed my eyes upon hearing the voices.

“… Damn it!”

I lamented internally, trying to calm my breathing.

Closing my eyes did not halt the incessant chatter. Everyone was busy watching with expressions of excitement and intrigue.

I slowly opened my eyes again.

Surrounded by an unending crowd brimming with interest, countless emotions intermingled and poured in.

Yet, I focused on the person standing before me.

Straight ahead, about ten steps away.

There stood a woman.

She gazed at me with blue eyes that seemed to encompass the sky, holding a wooden sword in her right hand, standing in a poised manner.

Noble and dignified.

Her features, with their intense beauty and cold impression, maximized her aura.

Even the somewhat noisy space did not dare to intrude upon her realm.

A woman with a sense of alienation as if she lived in a world of her own.

‘Moonlit Delight.’

Chun Hye-In, known as Moonlit Delight.

Daughter of the Virtuous Moon Sword and one of the geniuses called the Seven Geniuses.

She smiled warmly as she looked at me.

“Nice to meet you.”

“……”

She offered a less-than-welcome greeting.

Hearing it, I pondered.

‘How did this happen…?’

How did it come to this situation?

To answer that, I had to return to the conversation with the Small Moon Division Leader.

* * *

“Conditions?”

The Small Moon Division Leader had mentioned conditions for granting me strength.

Upon hearing this, I was puzzled.

I had prepared a trump card in case of rejection, and yet, it was accepted?

This was entirely unexpected.

What on earth did it mean?

With a frown, I asked the Small Moon Division Leader.

“What conditions are you speaking of?”

In response to my question, the Small Moon Division Leader raised the corners of his mouth and said, “This day, in a short while, the Small Moon Event will commence.”

“The Small Moon Event…?”

Small Moon Event? Unfamiliar with the term, I racked my brain. What was it? Just by the name, it didn’t seem favorable.

Before I could delve deeper into thought.

“My condition is none other than this.”

The Small Moon Division Leader told me.

“If you achieve even a single victory there, I will lend you my strength.”

A single victory at the Small Moon Event?

Without knowing what it was, was this to be the condition?

Should I accept it?

Or not?

The deliberation began, but it didn’t take long to give an answer.

『What are you waiting for?』

The ghost behind me spoke.

“I will do it.”

Bolstered by its words, I answered.

Whatever it turned out to be, it wouldn’t matter much.

For I had an evil spirit at my side, unmatched in this field.

Thus I concluded.

‘Damn it.’

This was the outcome of that decision.

‘… Is this what the Small Moon Event was?’

I frowned as I stared at Chun Hye-In, who was looking at me.

It wasn’t just Chun Hye-In. Countless people surrounded the large arena, observing them.

It wasn’t just a few. Beyond the martial artists clad in conventional Blue Moon Sect garb.

There seemed to be individuals from the Small Moon Division occupying a section.

Moreover, even the Virtuous Moon Sword and the elders were present.

In the top seats sat the Sect Leader, the Virtuous Moon Sword.

Behind me, the Small Moon Division Leader, and flanking me, elders with blue eyes were arrayed in large numbers.

In essence, most of the Blue Moon Sect’s Sect Leader and elders were attending.

This, in other terms, meant.

‘It signifies how grand a festival this is.’

The Small Moon Event I was about to partake in held significant stature within the Blue Moon Sect.

‘… Damn it.’

The Small Moon Event.

Out of curiosity before coming, I had asked Yu Chun-gil what this was all about.

『The Small Moon Event? It’s nothing much.』

Yu Chun-gil had answered with a nonchalant attitude.

『It’s simply sending someone out to have a brawl.』

“Brawl?”

『Yes, brawl. It was something that was held once a year, and only the Small Moon Division could participate.』

“In other words.”

To put it simply,

“It’s a martial arts competition amongst the Small Moon Division members?”

『That’s right.』

“…”

My head started to ache.

Small Moon Event. It was exactly what it sounded like.

It was an event that sent the practitioners from the Small Moon Division to compete, showcasing how much they had grown since the last year to the elders and the Sect Leader.

Those practitioners who were out on tasks couldn’t attend, but those present within the sect had to participate without exception.

It was an important event held only once a year.

“… But why does it have to be…”

The event proceeded just a few days after my return.

“And of all people, I have to face…”

That woman?

Chun Hye-In.

She was my opponent.

Recalling that, I looked over at the Small Moon Division Leader.

Behind the Virtuous Moon Sword, he was looking at me with a smile.

‘He knew.’

That the Small Moon Event was occurring.

And that Chun Hye-In would be my opponent.

He surely set such a condition knowing everything.

‘That sly man.’

Ultimately, it seemed to mean that to reach the young sect leader position, I had to defeat Chun Hye-In, who was my competition, and show my worth.

“Tsk.”

I shifted my gaze from the Small Moon Division Leader to Chun Hye-In.

She was looking at me with her characteristic captivating eyes.

“… Lady Chun… No, did senior know?”

“Know what?”

“That we would duel today?”

“Of course. I even requested the duel myself.”

“What did you say?”

I furrowed my brow at her words.

She’s saying this was Chun Hye-In’s direct request?

“I was planning to inform you when I visited you this morning… Unfortunately, you weren’t there.”

“…”

Oh.

Was that why she came looking for me early in the morning…? She said it was to discuss some business.

“I’m very excited. I get to cross swords with our dear Young master Bang, or rather, junior.”

“Isn’t that an overreaction?”

“Is it? Perhaps you don’t realize it, but many wish to spar with you here. Can’t you see?”

I glanced around at Chun Hye-In’s words.

Indeed, she was right.

“Why are their eyes like that?”

The practitioners of the Small Moon Division were staring at me.

The so-called seniors all looked at me with eyes full of competitiveness.

At that moment, “One who has inherited everything from the Sword Saint.”

Chun Hye-In spoke as if explaining to me.

“The Little Sword Saint who unleashed a brilliant sword aura and subdued an absolute highest skill rank of the Evil Faction… Many wish to directly experience your sword.”

“…”

Only after her explanation did I understand.

It was evident they were showing interest in me because of the rumors that had spread so widely.

‘This is really troublesome.’

At first, they’d shown moderate interest. What was I supposed to do with all this sudden excitement?

There wasn’t even a moment to get accustomed.

“Haah.”

I let out a heavy sigh. The annoyance pushed to the top of my head.

“Junior Bang.”

Chun Hye-In spoke to me.

“Just to let you know, it’s okay to forfeit.”

“…”

I looked at her after hearing her words.

“I’m not really hung up on something like that. I’d be a bit disappointed, but…”

Her beaming smile and words were genuinely annoying.

“It sounds like you’re trying to provoke me… Sorry, but honestly, I do want to forfeit.”

As if anyone enjoys standing here doing something they don’t want.

“… But?”

“But, unfortunately, I can’t. I’ve got my own reasons.”

What’s all this Small Moon Event nonsense?

I wanted nothing to do with receiving this kind of attention.

‘The Small Moon Division Leader is one thing, but the Virtuous Moon Sword is another funny man.’

When I gave my mission report, he only mentioned the Dragon-Phoenix Tournament.

He hadn’t even told me about the Small Moon Battle.

‘Was he keeping his mouth shut on purpose?’

It seemed highly probable that he was.

“Tsk.”

I clicked my tongue inwardly and grasped the sword tightly.

“So, are you saying you won’t forfeit?”

“Yes. I can’t, and I won’t. And.”

I twirled the sword once to loosen my wrist slightly, then pointed the wooden sword at her.

“I have no need to.”

“No need?”

“I’m going to win anyway, so why bother?”

“!”

Chun Hye-In, as well as the murmuring around them, immediately fell silent at my nonchalant words.

An artificial silence enveloped the surroundings.

It seemed my words had been that shocking.

『Ha ha ha ha!』

Amidst this, Yu Chun-gil’s hearty laughter echoed in my mind.

『Your knack for stinging words is impressive, as always.』

It was hard to tell whether this was a compliment or a criticism.

『The girl looks like she’s been slapped.』

Chun Hye-In paused momentarily, wide-eyed, before regaining her composure. Her expression was similar to before, but I could tell the difference.

There was a faint wrinkle on her delicate brow.

“…… Anyway, you’re so arrogant, aren’t you?”

Gently.

The tip of the sword Chun Hye-In held wavered slightly. Watching this, a sudden heat rose within me.

My guard instinctively surged at her small motion.

At that moment, I noticed from afar that the Virtuous Moon Sword calmly raised his hand.

“You should be someone who suits their words. Otherwise.”

Ultimately.

“It looks like I’ll be very upset.”

– Duel. Begin.

With the Virtuous Moon Sword’s words.

*Poof!*

Chun Hye-In’s figure disappeared from sight.

Noticing this, my gaze darted around.

My gaze imbued with qi, followed the trail.

Though I lost sight of her, the qi’s threads created a path as she moved.

I twisted my grip on the sword.

*Thud!!*

‘Ugh!’

Her sword intersected with mine, thudding into the wooden sword twisted to the left. It was Chun Hye-In’s sword. She swiftly charged and launched an offensive.

“Oh.”

Chun Hye-In marveled as if surprised that I had blocked the attack.

At that moment, my defending body slightly lifted off the ground. I was pushed back by Chun Hye-In’s force.

Incredulous. What kind of strength was this?

『Marvelous!』

Apparently pleased with Chun Hye-In’s attack, Yu Chun-gil exclaimed.

Look at that crazy old man! Just whose side was he on?

Gritting my teeth, I moved. I adjusted the angle of my sword slightly. As a result, her sword, held firmly against mine, slipped away along the line of force.

Utilizing the incoming force to collapse Chun Hye-In’s stance, her sword ended up aimed toward the ground.

Not missing this chance, I twisted my lower body.

Moon Wave.

The crescent moon surged toward Chun Hye-In—

*Smack!*

“Damn.”

My wooden sword tip soared into the sky. Chun Hye-In, having quickly regained her stance, knocked it upwards with her sword.

『Hahahahaha—!!!! Look at this cheeky one!?』

Yu Chun-gil laughed riotously.

The reason for his joy was quite simple.

‘That old man used to do this before.’

Breaking the Moon Wave.

It was a technique he had used in a match against a warrior from the Small Moon Division, who was once hailed as the Luminous Sword, borrowing my body.

And Chun Hye-In had replicated it precisely.

However, ‘It’s somewhat different.’

The Moon Wave used by the Luminous Sword was not something Yu Chun-gil had modified.

There had been gaps to exploit if one targeted them.

‘This is just my lack of skill.’

My Moon Wave was a sword evolved by Yu Chun-gil.

Yet, Chun Hye-In managed to break it purely due to my lack of practice.

It should have been faster. The application of qi should have been more intricate.

Because I failed in this, Chun Hye-In had seized the gap.

And, ‘In the exact moment I used it.’

In that fleeting instant when Moon Wave was executed upon usage.

‘This monstrous woman.’

I chuckled emptily.

It was a moment of understanding why Chun Hye-In was called a genius upon witnessing her prowess.