Chapter 17

Chapter 17

Hes good!

Professor Ingurdel praised Yi-han in his mind after seeing the latter kick up dust, covering Dolgyus face in the dirt.

Achieve victory by hook or by crook. On the battlefield, there is only life or death.

The same could not be said about nobles that cared about maintaining an image of elegance and grace, but for swordsmen risking their lives in battles, only results mattered. Hence, Yi-hans action was praiseworthy and not disgraceful in the slightest.

It was also worth noting that he had pulled it off in front of all his peers. They were still in their teenage years where passion often gave way to reason and pride was valued above all else.

Not to mention nobles, even knights would hesitate to use such despicable means, and out of pride, they would hold back on using them.

However, Yi-han didnt hesitate for even a second before taking action despite his lineage being the noblest out of everyone present.

It was a behavior that could only be seen by someone that understood the true nature of swordsmanship, and it reflected his will to sacrifice anything for his cause.

Kuak!

Dolgyu cried out loud at the ambush. He felt dizzy as dirt entered through his nose, eyes, and mouth.

Damn it, what a dirty trick!

He was angrier at himself for falling for the trick than at his opponent for using it.

He had been told countless times before at his estate while learning the sword that he could be met with such attacks!

Dolgyu had been under the impression that Yi-han would fight fair and square as he was a noble from a distinguished family.

Ill quickly put an end to this!

Yi-han stepped forward to attack Dolgyu while his balance was off.

Although he had trained in the sword for quite a long time, the same could be said about Dolgyu. In fact, he might have put in even more effort than Yi-han and undergone even harsher training.

Just by looking at his form, Yi-han could tell that Dolgyu wasnt an easy opponent, and if he had to fight him straight-on, the result of the battle would be up in the air.

Then what should he do in this situation? The answer was to create an opportunity that would secure his victory.

Having said that, this strategy of kicking up dirt wasnt something that Arlong had come up with. Nevertheless, Professor Ingurdel who was in the dark about all this praised Arlong for his teachings.

He must have learned that trick from his master. He must be one hell of a swordsman!

Kuukdamn it!

!

Dolgyu kicked the ground and performed a somersault in order to make space between himself and Yi-han. However, his hurried movement lacked any semblance of elegance, and he ended up losing his balance, which resulted in him rolling on the ground.

Yi-han had not expected his opponent to go this far either.

Whys he being so serious about this? I mean, I did cover him in dirt and all, but still

Since he was from a knights family, Yi-han had thought Dolgyu would find it beneath himself to roll on the ground like that.

The others who were cheering for Dolgyu were shocked by this as well and fell silent.

However, Professor Ingurdel alone clapped his hands.

Excellent, young ones!

Dolgyu removed the dirt on his face with his sleeves, but he was still a mess because of the earlier roll. His eyes, on the other hand, became sharper and fiercer than ever before.

Yi-han clicked his tongue.

But I guess it wasnt for nothing.

Blood should have rushed to Dolgyus head by now. Not only did he get plastered by dirt in the face, but he had also been forced to roll on the ground.

During a fight, the side that becomes angry would often make mistakes.

When both sides were evenly matched, it all came down to psychological warfare.

Kuaaaa!

While letting out a shout, Dolgyu rushed toward him.

***

What a brilliant fight!

Professor Ingurdel was once again in awe. Previously, it had been because both students were willing to go to any lengths to win. Now, it was because of their skills in wielding the sword.

He knew that they were the most outstanding students among the freshmen, but he didnt expect them to be this skilled.

First of all, when it came to Dolgyu from the Choi Family, his mastery over the Mountain-Moon Style led to rhythmic attacks that were both quick and sharp. The jabs from his wooden sword shot forth toward Yi-han, generating whistles as they cut through the air.

Normally, there would be a bit of delay after stabbing and slashing, but Dolgyu managed to maintain his speed all the way through. This was only possible as he imbued mana into his sword.

Blocking a jab was hard enough. Blocking a jab imbued with mana was an ordeal that most freshmen would be unable to endure.

However, Yi-han from the Wardanaz Family wasnt an average joe either.

Tuk.

!

Tuk.

!!

Well, in that case

Im sure you were just looking out for me. Lets both forgive and forget.

Dolgyu grasped his hand and nodded, giving Yi-han a look of respect.

Clap, clap, clap-

The professor clapped at the beautiful scene painted before him. The other students, however, were still in a daze.

Why arent you all clapping?

Shing-

Professor Ingurdel put on a serious face and unsheathed his sword, prompting the students to clap furiously.

Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!

***

Are we going to let him go like this after such a humiliating defeat? We should go roughen him up, someone said coldly.

The others from the White Tigers nodded. However, Dolgyu shook his head.

I lost because I lacked training.

No! Its because he kicked up dirt!

No, I would have still lost even without that. And if that had indeed caused me to lose, it just goes to show that I was lacking.

The students were stirred after hearing his words. As the strongest in the dorm, his words carried authority.

However, a student with blond hair coldly refuted him.

Thats not our business. Whats important is that you tarnished the reputation of our tower. Choi, you must bear responsibility.

The voice belonged to Jijel of the Moradi Family.

Dolgyus expression hardened. The Moradi Family commanded great authority among the families in the north, and even he couldnt ignore her words carelessly.

And how am I supposed to do that? I lost because he was stronger.

Easy. If you cant beat him alone, gang up on him.

Before she even finished, two students stepped forward to stand beside Dolgyu.

Dont worry, Dolgyu. Well help you.

Three should do the trick.

Dont you feel ashamed as a knight to gang up on one person?

Dolgyu raised his voice in an attempt to dissuade them.

Jijel, however, laughed it off.

Then you shouldve won. How can you say that after losing?

The White Tigers were split into two factions, a faction that supported Moradis idea, and a faction that thought this was going too far. But the latter didnt speak up.

I refuse, Dolgyu said through clenched teeth.

Youre going to regret this.

Jijel turned around, no longer bothering with him.

The coward says hes out. You three, go stomp on Wardanaz.

Understood, Moradi.

Leave it to us.

Yi-han was strong, but in a 3 against 1, the odds would be against him, especially since all three were also trained in swordsmanship.

Dolgyu made up his mind. For the sake of honor, he would stand on Yi-hans side.

***

Thud!

How dare you, Wardanaz!!

You can come as well if you wish to die, Yi-han said matter-of-factly.

Seeing his figure, the remaining two students subconsciously took a step back.

Dolgyu, who had come to help, stared at the student on the ground in disbelief.

Whats going on here?