12.A Conversation with the Will

The moment the Sword of Celestial Flames merged into Igo's Sword, Lee Do-Hyun felt himself being drawn into a vast abyss, as though his consciousness was slipping into the very depths of the blade's soul.

When he opened his eyes, he found himself standing in an endless void, surrounded by shifting mists that seemed to stretch infinitely in every direction. The air was oppressively still, and beneath his feet lay a cold stone floor that resonated with ancient echoes of forgotten battles.

In the distance, a lone figure stood—silent, unmoving.

The presence emanating from him was undeniable: heavy, authoritative, and ancient. It was the very source of the sword's overwhelming weight. Cloaked in a long mantle of shadow and light, the figure finally spoke, his voice low yet commanding.

"At last, we meet… the one who now wields my sword."

Do-Hyun instinctively tensed, his gaze scanning the man. Everything about him—his regal posture, the chilling calmness of his aura, the cold sharpness in his eyes—made it clear this was no ordinary spirit.

"Who are you? And what exactly is this sword?"

The figure took a measured step forward, his voice steady and timeless.

"I am the former master of this blade. My name is Laxis. I remain within this sword because my journey is not yet complete. I must return home."

A flicker of realization crossed Do-Hyun's face.

"Home? You mean… this world isn't your origin either?"

Laxis shook his head slowly, the mist swirling around him like a shroud.

"No. My home lies beyond this Martial World. Like you, I was dragged here—against my will. I sacrificed everything to survive in this realm… and in the end, I left my will within this blade, waiting for someone worthy."

Do-Hyun's heart raced as the truth settled in. This sword was no mere weapon—it was a prison, a legacy, and perhaps even a key to another world.

"So, you chose me because… I don't belong here either?"

Laxis nodded, his expression as cold as ever.

"Yes. You are… different. But even I did not realize how unique you truly are. You come from a world entirely apart from mine."

Do-Hyun exhaled sharply, his voice steady but low.

"In my world, there is no magic. No swords that breathe fire or hold spirits. Only logic… and technology."

Laxis fell silent for a moment, as though contemplating an unimaginable reality. Then, with a distant voice, he muttered,

"A world without swords… I cannot fathom such emptiness. But perhaps that is why this blade chose you. You are unbound by the laws of this realm."

His gaze sharpened, suddenly intense.

"This sword belongs to you now. But my will remains within it. I will guide you when necessary… but know this—your choices will decide whether or not my faith in you was justified."

Do-Hyun met his gaze without flinching.

"I won't be your puppet. This sword will be mine—and mine alone."

A thin smirk crossed Laxis' otherwise emotionless face. His form began to dissolve, like mist caught in a fading wind.

"We shall see, outsider. Prove yourself worthy."

In an instant, Do-Hyun was pulled back into reality. His hand instinctively tightened around the hilt of Igo's Sword. The weight of the blade now felt heavier—not because of its physical form, but because of the will residing within.

"No matter what," he whispered, voice steady as iron, "I will make this sword my own. Not his."

The path ahead remained uncertain, but one truth was clear—this battle was no longer just against those who sought his life. It was also against the will that lay dormant within his own weapon.

 ***************

The Discovery at Yoon Seol-Hwa's Clan

The Pyo-Guk escort group made its way toward their next destination—Yoon Seol-Hwa's clan. Renowned as one of the most prestigious martial households in the Martial World, the Yoon Clan was famed for its unwavering discipline and unmatched mastery of refined swordsmanship.

The escort group's mission was simple: deliver valuable goods to the clan. However, for Lee Do-Hyun, this journey felt like something far greater—a chance to witness the true heights of martial arts mastery.

Upon their arrival, the Yoon Clan received the Pyo-Guk group with formal hospitality, adhering strictly to their renowned code of honor. Yet, Do-Hyun couldn't help but notice the cautious gazes cast in his direction. Traditional martial households like the Yoon Clan were slow to trust outsiders, and despite traveling with Pyo-Guk, he was no exception.

A Glimpse of True Swordsmanship

That evening, curiosity led Do-Hyun to wander into the clan's expansive training grounds. There, he watched as the clan's warriors practiced their techniques in seamless synchrony. Each movement was deliberate—an elegant blend of power and grace.

At the center of it all stood Yoon Seol-Hwa herself. Her every motion flowed like water, yet struck with the precision of a blade honed to perfection. To Do-Hyun, her movements were mesmerizing—not just skilled, but poetic.

"So this… is the true essence of swordsmanship in the Martial World."

From across the courtyard, Yoon Seol-Hwa noticed his silent observation.

"That man… He must be the one from Pungwolru. The rumors speak of a stranger wielding a legendary sword. Even as an escort, there's something unmistakable about him."

A Challenge of Blades

The next day, Yoon Seol-Hwa extended a formal invitation for Do-Hyun to attend a private swordsmanship exhibition. Though technically present under the guise of an escort, she had other intentions—this was an opportunity to gauge the stranger's reaction to her clan's legendary techniques.

The Yoon Clan's sword style was unlike anything Do-Hyun had witnessed before: a perfect balance of refined internal energy and precise technique, each movement honed through generations of discipline and tradition.

"This level of skill… It surpasses anything I've ever seen in Murim."

Watching him from a distance, Yoon Seol-Hwa studied his reactions with growing interest.

"If he was truly chosen by that sword, how will he respond to mastery at this level? What secrets lie behind his calm demeanor?"

 An Unconventional Duel

After the exhibition, Yoon Seol-Hwa approached him directly, her voice steady yet laced with challenge.

"Lee Do-Hyun. You may have arrived under the name of a Pyo-Guk escort, but I wish to witness your swordsmanship firsthand."

Her sudden request caught Do-Hyun off guard.

"I'm merely an escort. There's nothing here worth showing."

But her smile was unwavering.

"In the Martial World, words carry little weight. Here, we let our blades speak for us."

Without giving him a chance to decline, she summoned one of her clan's warriors for a sparring match. The warrior, with a confident smirk, drew his blade and faced Do-Hyun with practiced ease.

Reluctantly, Do-Hyun accepted the challenge. As the clash began, something became apparent to the observers—his movements defied convention.

"His swordplay… It doesn't follow the traditional flow of internal energy. It's as if… he's wielding something entirely different."

His strikes were sharp, efficient, and almost too direct—an approach that contrasted with the fluid grace of the Yoon Clan's refined techniques. Yet, despite his unorthodox style, he held his own against his opponent's refined martial skills.

 Understanding a Different Power

After the sparring match ended in a tense draw, Yoon Seol-Hwa approached him once again, her expression thoughtful.

"You don't use internal energy, do you? Your swordplay is unlike anything I've seen in the Martial World."

Do-Hyun smirked faintly.

"No. What I wield isn't internal energy… It's something else entirely. I doubt it follows the conventions of this world's martial arts."

She nodded slowly, her curiosity deepening.

"That must be why your sword chose you. But in the Martial World, not understanding the flow of energy will leave you vulnerable. Even if your technique is unique, mastering the fundamentals will be essential for survival."

Do-Hyun took her advice to heart. This meeting wasn't just coincidence—it was another crucial step toward understanding both his sword's mystery and his place in this world.

"Perhaps this encounter is another key to unlocking the true power behind Igo's Sword. And maybe… I'll find my own way of mastering the Martial World."