Chapter 61. A Fleeting Memory

Kim Do-Joon sat quietly, watching the old man peel a fruit with a knife. It was a peach freshly picked from a tree. Despite his white hair, the man still exuded an imposing and robust presence.

"Take this," the old man said, offering a piece of the neatly cut fruit.

Kim Do-Joon accepted it absentmindedly. The old man was indeed the boss of this labyrinth. If Kim Do-Joon wanted to move on to the next one, he had to be dealt with.

But the hidden quest...

A hidden quest had appeared, just like with Siwelin. A quest to find a forgotten name, identical to the one from before, down to the last detail.

[???]

Compatibility

- 0%

And just like last time, the Insight skill didn’t reveal the old man's name.

I can't just assume he's an enemy.

The bosses of the Catacomb, the Elemental Island, and the Middle Orc Kingdom had all attacked him on sight, behaving like typical monsters. In contrast, Siwelin, even as a ghoul, had not shown any hostility toward Kim Do-Joon. The same went for this old man. He seemed welcoming, serving tea and peeling fruit for Kim Do-Joon.

Is he even a monster in the first place?

That was the real question. Siwelin had looked like a ghoul from the start, but this old man didn’t. Kim Do-Joon stared at the fruit, lost in thought, until the old man spoke up.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Don't worry. This knife has never tasted blood. Those days are long behind me."

"...Pardon?"

The old man showed him the knife he had used to peel the peach. It was a sharp, silver blade, with a dragon engraved on the handle.

"I wasn't concerned about that..." Kim Do-Joon replied, trailing off.

He hadn't expected such considerate words. Actually, when given a piece of fruit, who’d ever think about whether the knife used had ever stabbed anyone?

"Thank you," Kim Do-Joon finally said, thinking it would be rude to hesitate any longer.

He put the piece of fruit in his mouth.

Crunch

.

As he bit into it, sweet juice flooded his mouth. Kim Do-Joon's eyes widened.

This is not only refreshing but...

It felt like his insides were being cleansed, like the sensation of morning mist. The taste perfectly matched the cool weather of this place. It was the best fruit he had ever tasted in his entire life.

— May I speak with the old man?

Karlish suddenly asked while Kim Do-Joon was savoring the fruit.

He usually spoke in a voice only Kim Do-Joon could hear, but he could speak aloud.

Why all of the sudden?

Kim Do-Joon asked. Karlish had never shown a desire to talk to anyone else before.

— I find him quite interesting. I can't say for sure without crossing swords with him, but that old man is extremely powerful. Of all those you've faced, likely none could match him.

That much?

Several faces flashed through his mind.

When he thought of the powerful individuals he had encountered, a few stood out: the elf Eldora, the S-rank Shin Yoo-Sung, the A-rank Oh Tae-Jin, and the Association President. Although Siwelin's combat skills were somewhat lacking, she was still a formidable presence.

Do as you please.

There was no reason for him to stop Karlish if he wanted to converse. Even though Karlish was a spear, he was still a sentient being and also Kim Do-Joon's mentor. Treating him like mere property was out of the question.

"

Ahem

." Kim Do-Joon cleared his throat and placed the spear on the table.

The old man raised an eyebrow at the sudden display of a weapon.

"My name is Kim Do-Joon. And this spear is..."

— My name is Karlish.

The old man nodded at Kim Do-Joon's introduction, but his eyes widened slightly at Karlish’s voice.

"A talking spear, how fascinating," the old man remarked, his tone calm but his eyes betraying his interest. "I've seen many extraordinary weapons in my time, but nothing quite like this."

— Due to certain circumstances, I'm bound here.

"Is it some sort of sorcery?" the old man asked.

— Yeah, something like that.

The two of them, old in their own ways, engaged in light conversation. The main topic was, of course, Karlish’s state. When asked about how it happened, Karlish replied he didn’t know because he had no recollections of it. They also talked about potential spells that might result in his current state and such.

Despite meeting for the first time, Karlish and the old man seemed to get along quite well.

During their conversation, the old man suddenly said, "

Ah

, I forgot to introduce myself."

Kim Do-Joon perked up. The old man's name was what he was most curious about.

The old man looked at Kim Do-Joon and said, "My name is Jecheon Kang."

That was the extent of his introduction—just his name. He had no intention of sharing more. However, those three syllables were the crucial information Kim Do-Joon had been waiting for. He anxiously watched in the corner of his vision, but nothing happened.

However, nothing happened.

Nothing's showing up?

Despite having heard the old man's name, the quest remained incomplete. Did the old man give him a fake name? Or did the hidden quest require the name of someone else?

As Kim Do-Joon grappled with his confusion, Jecheon Kang spoke in a calm tone.

"So, how did you end up here? I've spent quite a long time in this place, but you're the first visitor of your kind."

"Well..." Kim Do-Joon began, pondering how to explain.

He decided to stick to the basic facts. He told Jecheon Kang about the special item known as the Labyrinth Key that transported him to unique places. He admitted he did not fully understand what this place was.

Though he omitted certain details, everything he said was true.

"That's quite intriguing," Jecheon Kang remarked, taking a sip of his tea. "This place is far removed from the living world, yet it hasn’t reached the realm of the dead. It is a space created by my lingering regrets. Yet you, who’s alive, managed to enter it without my permission.”

"I’m sorry for entering without permission," Kim Do-Joon said, feeling like he had to apologize for intruding on the old man's privacy.

Jecheon Kang chuckled softly. "No need to apologize. Our meeting is likely the will of the heavens. It’s actually quite refreshing to see a living person after so long."

Most people would have been shocked to see the talking spear and the man using bizarre tools, but Jecheon Kang simply found it interesting. For someone who had left the world of the living, it was just a fleeting amusement.

Should I ask if Jecheon Kang is his real name

?

Kim Do-Joon was lost in thought. It seemed rude to question the name of someone he had just met, yet he had to know. Completing the hidden quest was imperative.

After a moment of hesitation, Kim Do-Joon spoke carefully, "I have something I’d like to ask."

"Something to ask?" Jecheon Kang repeated.

"Well yes, I..." Kim Do-Joon began, but before he could finish, Jecheon Kang glanced at Karlish and smiled slightly.

"How about this? You are a martial artist, aren’t you?" Jecheon Kang asked.

"Well, yes..." Kim Do-Joon replied.

Though his official job was technically hunting monsters, it was not inaccurate to call him a martial artist, especially since he was practicing that under Karlish.

"How about we have a sparring match? The winner gets to ask a question, while the loser must answer. Much more interesting than a simple exchange of words, don’t you think?" Jecheon Kang suggested.

For the old man, it was a genuinely exciting proposition. He was naturally curious about the true skill level of the strange visitor.

"Interesting... you say?" Kim Do-Joon replied, feeling somewhat uneasy about the situation.

This turn of events wasn’t entirely unexpected, but still not something he had fully anticipated. After all, his opponent was the boss of the labyrinth, so a confrontation was bound to occur at some point.

Still, he didn’t expect it to take the form of a sparring match with a Q&A twist?

— This would be tough...

Contrary to his words, Karlish chuckled, clearly finding the situation amusing.

***

Kim Do-Joon, Karlish, and Jecheon Kang stepped out into the courtyard. It was small but spacious enough for two people to move freely. There was even a pond on one side.

Jecheon Kang drew his sword.

"Don't worry. This one isn't sharpened."

To prove his point, he ran his hand along the blade. Instead of being cut instantly, his skin only pressed against the blunt edge.

"Should I also use a blunt spear?" Kim Do-Joon asked.

"That's unnecessary," Jecheon Kang replied, before explaining the rules of the sparring match.

The victory would go to the one who managed to place their weapon on the opponent's vital point. There were no other rules—any method was allowed.

"But fighting like this would be too unfair to you. I'll add some conditions," Jecheon Kang offered.

"Conditions?" Kim Do-Joon asked.

Rather than conditions, it was more like handicaps.

Jecheon Kang explained that he would not use his fists, feet, or any form of martial arts. In short, he’d only use his sword.

"You can use any hidden tricks you have," Jecheon Kang added.

It could be seen as an arrogant statement, but he said it so naturally and calmly that it felt almost normal.

Karlish whispered to Kim Do-Joon.

— You don't think he's underestimating you, do you?

Not at all.

Rather than underestimation, it was a sign of confidence in his own skills. Kim Do-Joon was mature enough to distinguish the difference.

Kim Do-Joon was extremely tense. Until now, he could gauge the general strength of his opponents through their Compatibility, except for Eldora. However, Jecheon Kang's Compatibility was 0%.

Yet, according to Karlish, the old man was stronger than any opponent Kim Do-Joon had faced so far. Karlish’s certainty left no room for doubt.

How strong is he?

Unable to fathom his opponent’s true strength, he felt nervous.

"Let's begin. Come at me first," Jecheon Kang said, casually lowering his sword.

He didn’t even assume a fighting stance, but just stood there. Despite this, Kim Do-Joon found it difficult to make the first move. They stood facing each other for a while. Kim Do-Joon readied his spear, while Jecheon Kang stood with one hand behind his back, and his sword in the other.

— ...

Karlish, who was usually talkative, fell silent in this tense moment.

Standing still won't get me anywhere.

With that thought, he calmed his mind and charged forward.

Ultimately, he was the one in a hurry. He had questions that needed answers. For his opponent, this sparring match was just a pastime.

Clang—!

Then, with a sharp clash, Kim Do-Joon’s shoulder was struck. There was no wound, but the shock was immense.

I didn't even see the attack coming...!

The sword strike had an imperceptible speed. However, Jecheon Kang’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

"You... You must be invulnerable to swords and blades."

Jecheon Kang realized that Kim Do-Joon’s Invincible Body skill was at a high level. He had faced many external martial artists before, but few had honed their bodies to such an extent.

However, Jecheon Kang saw no signs that Kim Do-Joon had trained in external martial arts, which usually left distinct physical traits. This unexpected revelation intrigued him. He hadn’t anticipated encountering the Invincible Body skill.

"Interesting," Jecheon Kang murmured with a faint smile.

He knew that Kim Do-Joon and Karlish were from a different world, so he wondered if this martial art was from their world.

A spark of curiosity ignited within him—a desire to learn about new martial arts that had been buried deep since coming to this place.

Now I have something to ask.

Jecheon Kang thought as he swung his sword again.

Kim Do-Joon quickly retrieved his spear. He had blocked the first attack using his Invincible Body skill, surprising Jecheon Kang.

Typically, this would be Kim Do-Joon's turn to attack.

Clang!

Yet, Kim Do-Joon was only able to block the next strike. Despite gaining one move, he was still struggling.

— That means the opponent is at least two steps ahead of you.

"

Argh!

" Kim Do-Joon had no time to respond.

The impact of blocking Jecheon Kang’s sword made his spear tremble violently, to the point his arm was shaking.

Instead of resisting the shock, he used it as leverage to step back. In a duel between sword and spear, increasing distance was advantageous.

Jecheon Kang didn’t close in on him. Perhaps, his initial invitation for Kim Do-Joon to make the first move still seemed valid.

In the next moment, Kim Do-Joon pushed off the ground again, twenty strands of mana swirling around his arm, forming a vortex.

“Your control over energy is impressive. You must have had a good teacher," Jecheon Kang remarked.

— Indeed.

Karlish agreed, feeling proud. However, Kim Do-Joon could not hear him since his entire focus was on the next strike.

That’s a rather forceful technique...

Jecheon Kang thought, observing the storm encircling Kim Do-Joon's arm and spear. Despite the rough execution, likely due to lack of skill, the technique itself seemed formidable. If performed at full mastery, even Jecheon Kang would have to evade.

But he concluded that Kim Do-Joon hadn’t reached that level yet.

He's still learning.

Kim Do-Joon thrusted his spear, but Jecheon Kang’s sword moved first, targeting the core of the technique, where the mana vortex was most turbulent.

— The technique is blocked!

Karlish realized this first.

Immediately after, Jecheon Kang’s sword struck the heart of the storm. The once controlled storm ran amok, engulfing both Jecheon Kang and Kim Do-Joon.

Caught in the chaotic winds, Kim Do-Joon felt disoriented.

Huh?

He was bewildered by the suddenly altered scene before his eyes.

***

Kim Do-Joon had experienced something similar before.

Is this like when I saw Siwelin’s memories?

When he saw Siwelin’s memories in the Collapsed Temple, he had experienced this.

"Jecheon Kang! If you surrender now, I’ll spare you with just the destruction of your dantian!" a voice called out.

Kim Do-Joon could see two middle-aged men. One was a massive figure holding a thick broadsword that radiated a powerful energy, capable of shaking the entire area. In contrast, the man standing opposite him seemed calm.

"Pang family, you’re asking for something I cannot grant," Jecheon Kang responded.

"If you refuse, you’ll have to die!" The large man swung his broadsword.

The mere act of swinging it caused the air to tremble and the ground to crack.

Jecheon Kang, however, remained calm, meeting the incoming attack with a precise thrust of his sword. His sword aimed at the core of the large man’s energy vortex.

Soon, their weapons collided with a deafening explosion, a sound that seemed impossible for mere metal to produce.

As a result, the large man was thrown back by the explosion of his own energy, while Jecheon Kang stood firm with his feet planted solidly on the ground.

Kim Do-Joon witnessed the entire scene.

The next moment, he returned to himself. Unlike the prolonged experience with Siwelin's memories, this one had lasted only a fleeting moment.

— The technique is blocked!

Immediately, Karlish’s voice echoed in his ears. The uncontrolled whirlwind of energy was now crashing toward him.

Kim Do-Joon reacted instinctively, this time guided by the memory he had just witnessed. He did not panic. Instead, he crouched low and charged through the chaotic winds.

His arm was armed with another Violent Stream, smaller, yet powerful nonetheless.

The Violent Stream is a technique that penetrates storms.

Kim Do-Joon recalled the Nox legacy that Karlish had told him about.

Then, he fixed his eyes on a single point amid the swirling wind, as if he’d become the tip of a spear. Finally, a single point pierced through the raging gale.

Bang—!

The wind exploded outward, and silence fell.

Jecheon Kang stood firmly on both legs, just as he had after defeating the leader of the Pang family in his memory.

Thud.

And, Kim Do-Joon fell to one knee.

The result was clear. However, Jecheon Kang seemed the most surprised he’d ever been.

In the end, Kim Do-Joon's spear failed to even reach him, let alone graze him. However, a small part of his robe, just beneath his ear, was torn.

He managed to break through the energy he released.

Jecheon Kang chuckled. To throw oneself into their own rampaging vortex of energy without hesitation—it wasn’t a choice many could make. One would know best the power of one's own technique, especially if it was overwhelmingly destructive.

"Alright, I've lost," Kim Do-Joon declared.

However, lying flat on his back, staring at the sky, Kim Do-Joon could not see Jecheon Kang's smile. All he could see were the white clouds drifting by.

He felt disappointed. He thought he had handled it quite well. However, in the end, he hadn’t even been able to touch Jecheon Kang.

— Still, you fought well, kid!

Only Karlish’s voice, never one to withhold praise, echoed across the courtyard.