I’m Here to End This Fight

Chapter 28: The Demigod (1)

“It was difficult.”

Yuri’s answer was simple.

A small vein appeared on Johan’s forehead, who had been full of anticipation.

“…If ‘Magic Flow’ was just another mediocre technique, would I have hired you to refine it? I would have done it myself.”

“I suppose so?”

“Then why are you making such obvious statements after such a long pause!”

“Doesn’t it sound more profound if I build up to it?”

“…Before I strip you naked and throw you out, tell me how ‘Flow’ felt today. Hurry.”

Johan threatened Yuri, trembling with rage.

For some reason, Johan had been using the term “Flow” repeatedly since a while ago.

During the sparring match, it seemed to anyone watching that Yuri had returned the force of Mucci’s Ice Wall Splitting technique.

Even Ralph, the master, had judged it that way.

However, Johan kept using the term “Flow.”

Moreover, Yuri, who was answering Johan’s questions, accepted it as a matter of course.

“The stronger the opponent’s technique, the more I can feel the flow. But it’s just as difficult to divert that flow.”

[All movements in the world are subject to the flow of mana, the source of all things.]

Thus was born the Magic Flow technique.

To master it, one had to start by sensing the flow of mana.

The next step was to arbitrarily redirect the mana flow that was sensed.

This was the essence of the technique Yuri used against Mucci, which they called “Flow.”

In other words, Ralph’s thought that Yuri had returned the opponent’s force was simply a misinterpretation of the unique technique called “Flow.”

Furthermore, the technique was still immature and incomplete.

But Yuri and Johan were not disappointed.

Instead of being disappointed, they put their heads together to find ways to improve.

“And? Any other observations?”

“When using the Magic Flow, the pressure on mana nodes 2, 6, and 11 is too strong.”

“The pressure on nodes 2 and 11 is intentional, but node 6 was unexpected. I’ll think about the cause.”

The two spoke with serious faces.

From the beginning, Yuri and Johan’s relationship started with a common goal of developing a new body technique, the Magic Flow.

Yuri’s goal was to learn body techniques to balance his mind, body, and mana.

Johan’s goal was to find improvements and complete the body technique he had created through Yuri.

Initially, their goals were different.

And Yuri achieved his goal first.

He closed his spiritual hole through the Shari earrings and learned the body technique, balancing his mind, body, and mana, thus removing the “terminal” label from himself.

As a result, Yuri could have just half-heartedly cooperated with Johan, but he didn’t.

“So, how did you withstand the remaining force after diverting it? The aftermath must have been considerable. Honestly, I’m surprised you’re standing here so intact.”

“I used ‘Flow’ on my body as well. If I can redirect the external mana flow, I thought I could also redirect the mana flow occurring within my body.”

Yuri was just as passionate… no, in some ways, even more passionate than Johan in finding improvements for Magic Flow.

Even if it was a bit dangerous, he continued with new attempts.

This was because he now had a new purpose.

The ultimate goal of Magic Flow was to control the flow of mana to completely dominate the opponent’s power as if it were his own.

Yuri’s new aim was to reach this ultimate goal and master the Magic Flow with his own hands.

“Ho? You actually carried out such a dangerous idea in that situation? Brave or foolish.”

“So what? It worked out, didn’t it?”

“You were lucky. If you had made a mistake, it wouldn’t have ended with just broken limbs.”

“Seems so. With my current level of mastery, I couldn’t handle another attack on the level of Mucci’s Ice Wall Splitting. If I tried it twice in a row, my body would fall apart first.”

“Hmm, don’t worry about that. There aren’t many techniques of that level. Not many at your age can use such advanced techniques. Mucci is also called a genius wherever he goes.”

“That’s reassuring.”

“Hmm, dispersing the flow through the body… that’s an interesting idea. It’s worth studying.”

“Oh, and…”

During their conversation about Magic Flow, the two were no longer in a teacher-student relationship.

They were equals, aiming for the “ultimate Magic Flow.”

Yuri and Johan continued their discussion on improving Magic Flow for quite a while.

The conversation that started in the afternoon ended only when stars appeared in the night sky.

Johan twisted his stiff waist from sitting too long.

Crack-

“Oh, my back.”

“My whole body aches… I feel like I’m going to die.”

“You’re too young to complain.”

Although Johan scolded him with a smile, he was well aware of Yuri’s physical condition.

‘Well, considering he hasn’t rested and has been talking for hours with an already fragile body, he must be tired.’

Johan worried inwardly but did not show it.

“Rest well today and tomorrow. Let’s research how to stably apply your idea in real combat before we leave.”

Yuri blinked his half-closed eyes, filled with fatigue, at Johan’s words.

“…Leave? Where to?”

Johan replied as if it were obvious.

“Where else? To the Cradle. Did you think we’d stay here forever?”

“The Cradle? Why go there?”

“…What are you talking about, you lunatic.”

At Johan’s curse, a bright light returned to Yuri’s dazed eyes.

He clapped his right fist into his left palm.

“Oh, right! We were originally heading to the Dragon’s Cradle, weren’t we?”

Yuri looked as if he had just made a significant realization.

But that was the end of it.

He lay down as if he had lost interest.

Snore- Snore-

He soon fell into a light sleep, snoring softly.

Johan looked at Yuri’s sleeping face with a mixture of exasperation and affection.

‘This kid forgets everything else once he gets interested in one thing. Tsk.’

Johan clicked his tongue but then a smile spread across his face.

‘Good night.’

Yuri had worked hard over the past few months and deserved a good rest.

Johan covered Yuri with a blanket.

Then he squatted down and started observing Yuri’s face.

Usually, Yuri found it bothersome to groom himself and often covered half his face with his long hair.

When Johan brushed his hair aside, a pale, pretty face was revealed.

‘…He looks like a girl when he’s asleep.’

Yuri’s sleeping face was beautiful enough to make Johan think so.

But once his mouth opened, he turned into a complete jerk.

Johan poked Yuri’s cheek with his index finger.

As he did, a thought suddenly struck him.

‘Wait a minute? This kid has it all, doesn’t he?’

Natural talent that even scared Johan.

Relentless effort.

And a face that promised a bright future.

Johan’s inner thoughts spilled out as he looked at Yuri.

“…Lucky bastard.”

Johan’s hand moved swiftly and slapped Yuri’s forehead.

Smack-

“Huh, what?!”

Yuri, who had been sleeping soundly, woke up with a start and looked around with sleepy eyes.

But all he saw was Johan’s back, already lying far away.

“…?”

Yuri, with question marks floating above his head, couldn’t resist the returning sleep and lay down again.

Snore- Snore-

As Yuri’s soft snoring filled the air like a melody.

From Johan’s back came a faint, almost sobbing murmur.

“…But I bet it’s small.”

* * *

After the sparring, Yuri and Johan stayed at Ralph’s house for another fifteen days.

The reason was simple.

It was because of the item Yuri held in his hands now.

“My sword… my White Steel Sword!”

A reward for his valuable bet… no, his valuable labor.

After fifteen days of waiting, the solid White Steel Sword was finally in Yuri’s hands.

Yuri gazed at the sword in his hands with rapture, as if he were in love.

A graceful blade with white ripple patterns.

A white hilt and a gray tassel.

The White Steel Sword, about 1.1 meters long, looked like a decorative art piece rather than a practical weapon.

“I can’t believe this is mine!”

Rubbing his cheek against the sword, Yuri looked ecstatic.

Ralph sighed inwardly at the sight.

‘Ugh.’

He had promised to make a sword if he lost the sparring bet, but he had intended to make an ordinary one.

However, the bet had escalated more than he expected.

‘…How much did that cost?’

White steel was not an easy material to obtain.

Ralph had to use all the white steel he had collected over eight years to make the sword.

‘I was saving it to make a spear for Mucci.’

He had cherished the white steel, but now it was all gone to an unexpected person.

Ralph couldn’t help but feel a pang of regret.

‘Well, it’s a bit of a waste, but…’

Still, he didn’t regret it.

Thanks to Yuri, he had gained something good.

Ralph looked at Mucci.

“Big brother, next time… let’s spar again! I’ll prepare hard! And I’ll definitely win next time!”

Unlike in the past, Mucci was now burning with determination, and Ralph smiled contentedly.

‘Yes, this is enough. This incident has helped Mucci grow a step further, so it was worth the cost.’

Ralph’s gaze returned to Yuri.

‘Thank you, thanks to you, Mucci has gained a good bro…’

Just as warmth filled Ralph’s eyes.

A cheeky voice interrupted.

“What is he saying, this snot-nosed kid? I won’t spar again with someone who cries after losing. Bleh.”

Yuri scrunched up his pretty face to mock Mucci.

Mucci, who had been full of determination, quickly became dejected.

Ralph’s warm gaze towards Yuri changed instantly.

‘This kid… he’s rotten to the core.’

With veins bulging on his temples, Ralph placed a hand on Yuri’s shoulder.

Yuri’s eyes widened.

“Why?”

“Well, you’re going to the Cradle?”

“Yes.”

“What batch are you?”

“The 50th.”

“Haha, I didn’t want to bring this up, but… I’m from the 6th batch.”

“And?”

“Well, Johan hasn’t taught you anything yet. In the Cradle, your batch is like your rank. In other words, seniors from higher batches are your superiors. The difference between the 50th and the 6th batch is so vast that you can’t even sit at the same table!”

“But I haven’t even entered the Cradle yet?”

“You will soon.”

“So?”

“Ahem! So… you shouldn’t bully my cute grandson.”

In other words, he was warning Yuri not to bully Mucci.

And for some reason, Yuri nodded obediently.

“Ah, understood! Senior!”

“Good, you can understand, huh? Hahaha!”

Ralph looked pleased as he patted Yuri’s shoulder.

Or so he tried.

The cursed, wicked kid spoke up before Ralph could open his mouth again.

“Hey, snot-nosed kid.”

“Huh?”

“You said you wanted to spar again?”

“Huh? Yeah!”

“Then prepare and come to the Cradle. I’ll be waiting for you there.”

“Oh…!”

Mucci, not knowing anything, nodded with a face full of gratitude.

“Yeah! I’ll definitely go!”

Yuri, hearing Mucci’s answer, grinned and looked at Ralph.

His mischievous smile said it all.

‘So, now Mucci will be my junior, right? So if you don’t want your cute grandson to be bullied, you’d better be nice to me, right?’

‘…’

Ralph, who tried to use seniority to pressure Yuri but ended up being threatened, clenched his fists.

‘I…’

He forcibly opened his trembling fist and placed it back on Yuri’s shoulder.

“Haha, so… what’s your family name?”

“Holland.”

“I’m asking seriously…”

“Yeah?”

“Do you have any ancestors from the Redner family? On either side?”

“Not at all.”

“Think carefully! I’m sure if you trace your lineage, you’ll find some Redner blood somewhere! Yes, definitely!”

Otherwise, how could a fifteen-year-old boy be so detestable, just like the Redner family!

Ralph grabbed Yuri’s shoulders and shook him, demanding answers.

“Be honest. Aren’t you a late-born child Johan had secretly?”

Yuri’s behavior was so similar to Johan’s that it wouldn’t be surprising if he was his son.

As his head bobbed back and forth, Yuri shouted.

“What nonsense! How do I look like that old man’s child!”

“No, from what I see, you are definitely Johan’s… ugh!”

Ralph’s questioning was abruptly cut off.

Johan appeared like the wind and kicked Ralph like a thunderbolt.

Crash- Crack-

Ralph flew through countless trees and disappeared into the forest.

Johan glared at the trail Ralph left behind.

“A despicable Redner family? My secret child? That bastard…”

“…Isn’t he already dead?”

A person just flew off like a cannonball.

Yuri asked in disbelief, and Johan waved it off.

“He wouldn’t die from that. If he were that fragile, he’d have died decades ago.”

Next to them, Mucci added with a bright smile.

“Yeah, my grandpa is so strong that this is nothing!”

“…”

Yuri thought.

That everyone here, except him, was not normal.

As Yuri shook his head in certainty, Johan asked with a smile.

“Are you ready to leave?”

“Ready? I only need my bag and this.”

Yuri proudly showed his newly acquired sword.

After briefly smiling happily, he asked back.

“So, old man, what took you so long to get here?”

“Me? I was also preparing to leave.”

“…Preparing? You?”

“Hohoho.”

Johan’s low laughter sent a sudden sense of unease through Yuri.