18.So-Yeon’s Decision and Her Family’s Intervention

The peaceful hum of the forest was shattered by the sound of galloping hooves. A figure in silver armor appeared through the trees, his horse kicking up dust as he reined it in with practiced ease. The rider dismounted gracefully, his every movement exuding confidence and authority.

His eyes immediately locked onto Han So-Yeon.

"So-Yeon, it's been a while."

His voice was low but carried a commanding weight. It was clear from his presence alone that he had been sent by her family—and not simply to check on her well-being.

So-Yeon's gaze sharpened, her body instinctively tense.

"How did you find me? Did my family send you to drag me back?"

The man nodded, his expression unreadable.

"Yes. Word reached us that you've been traveling with a man named Lee Do-Hyun. From both a martial and noble standpoint, such companionship is… inappropriate. I was sent to bring you home."

Do-Hyun's eyes narrowed subtly.

'Inappropriate? This isn't just about reputation. There's something else going on here.'

So-Yeon crossed her arms, her voice steady but laced with frustration.

"I'm not a child to be ordered around anymore. I decide my own path. And traveling with Do-Hyun isn't some reckless adventure—it's a chance for me to learn and grow."

The man's expression remained calm, but his tone sharpened.

"Regardless of your intentions, you must understand how this reflects on your family's honor. Every action you take carries weight—not just for you, but for those who share your name."

So-Yeon's voice turned icy.

"Is this truly about honor? Or does my family simply not trust my judgment?"

The man's gaze shifted to Do-Hyun.

"And you… Lee Do-Hyun."

His hand rested on the hilt of his sword.

"If you wish to continue traveling with her, you must prove yourself. Show me your strength—or end this foolish journey here."

Before Do-Hyun could speak, So-Yeon stepped between them, her eyes blazing with defiance.

"This isn't necessary. Do-Hyun has already proven himself countless times. You don't need to fight him to understand that."

But the man unsheathed his blade in a smooth, deliberate motion.

"I have my orders. I need to see his strength for myself."

Do-Hyun sighed, drawing his own sword slowly.

"If a fight is what it takes to prove I'm not a burden to So-Yeon, then so be it. But know this—I never forced her to walk this path with me."

Clash of Resolve

The battle began swiftly. The man's every strike was precise, each movement refined through years of training as a noble warrior. Do-Hyun found himself on the defensive, struggling at first to keep up with the man's disciplined techniques.

'His technique is flawless… but no style is without its openings.'

As the duel continued, Do-Hyun's instincts sharpened. The lessons from So-Yeon's past guidance echoed in his mind, allowing him to anticipate subtle shifts in his opponent's stance.

Then, it happened—his sword flared to life with a surge of lightning and fire, a radiant fusion of raw elemental power.

The man hesitated for the first time, his posture wavering. Despite his expertise, the display of power was undeniable.

After a few more exchanges, the noble warrior lowered his blade, stepping back with a respectful nod.

"I see it now. This sword is no ordinary weapon… and you are no ordinary man."

He sheathed his weapon and turned toward So-Yeon.

"If this is truly your decision, I will not stop you. But remember, every choice you make carries the weight of your family's legacy."

So-Yeon met his gaze without hesitation.

"I understand. And I stand by my decision—not as a daughter of my family, but as Han So-Yeon."

The man nodded once more and mounted his horse. Before leaving, his final words were directed at Do-Hyun.

"Protect her well. We will cross paths again in Kangho."

As his figure disappeared into the distance, the silence between Do-Hyun and So-Yeon lingered—filled not with uncertainty, but with newfound understanding.

The Road Ahead

Do-Hyun broke the silence first, his voice low.

"Your family's expectations must weigh heavily on you."

So-Yeon shrugged, though her smile was soft.

"I never expected them to understand. But I didn't choose this path for them—I chose it for myself."

She looked up, her eyes meeting his.

"And I trust you, Do-Hyun. That's why I'm here."

A faint smile touched his lips.

"Thank you, So-Yeon. I won't let that trust go to waste."

The two resumed their journey, walking side by side down the winding forest trail. But something had changed between them—an unspoken bond forged through shared struggle and unwavering resolve.

In the distance, the shadows of Kangho loomed ever closer, but neither of them wavered.

Because this time, they were not just traveling together.

They were fighting for each other's freedom.

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: A New Crisis and an Unexpected Moment

Exhausted from his previous duel with the warrior from So-Yeon's clan, Lee Do-Hyun had barely gotten any rest. But Kangho, ever merciless, granted him no respite. A new threat soon emerged—an unidentified hostile force suddenly surrounded them. Their affiliation was unclear, yet their martial prowess and precise coordination spoke of experienced warriors. Both Do-Hyun and Han So-Yeon found themselves cornered.

The attackers pressed in relentlessly, forcing Do-Hyun to raise his sword in a weary defense. The Ego Blade pulsed between its powers of lightning and fire, assisting him with raw force, but his stamina and mental fortitude were nearly depleted. So-Yeon fought alongside him, countering each enemy strike with precision, but the overwhelming numbers soon took their toll.

 "Captain, we can't hold out like this! We need to retreat!"

So-Yeon's voice was urgent, yet Do-Hyun shook his head, determination burning in his eyes.

 "There's nowhere to retreat. We end this here and now!"

With the last remnants of his strength, he raised the Ego Blade high. A blinding surge of lightning erupted from the sword, crackling across the battlefield in a violent storm of raw energy. The shockwave forced their enemies into a chaotic retreat. Staggering and incapacitated, the attackers had no choice but to withdraw.

As the adrenaline faded, Do-Hyun collapsed to his knees, sweat soaking through his clothes, his breath ragged and shallow.

 "Do-Hyun, are you okay? Captain!"

So-Yeon rushed to his side, clutching his cold hand in alarm. Placing her palm on his forehead, her concern deepened—his skin burned with fever.

 'His body temperature's too high. If this continues, it could kill him…'

Panicking, she quickly unfastened his outer garments, removing the blood-streaked and dirt-covered fabric. His body was marred by countless wounds—some fresh, others old scars of battles past.

Without hesitation, So-Yeon tore her sleeve, soaking the fabric in cool water from her flask. She gently wiped the sweat from his forehead, her movements careful and precise. Each time her fingers grazed his skin, a soft groan escaped his lips.

 "This is the only way to cool you down…"

She murmured under her breath, focusing on his chest and arms. Yet as her fingers traced his wounds, a warmth crept up her own face, unbidden and confusing.

As she looked at him, her thoughts tangled in quiet admiration.

'This man… He's strange. In Kangho, kindness is a weakness, yet he wields it like his greatest strength. And he sacrifices himself without hesitation…'

Brushing aside the damp strands of hair from his forehead, she whispered softly,

 "You're reckless. But maybe… that's what makes you different."

Her fingers lingered on his temple, voice barely audible.

 "So take care of yourself. I might not always be able to protect you… but I don't want to see you collapse like this again."

Moments later, Do-Hyun's eyelids fluttered weakly. His consciousness returned, and as his eyes opened, the first sight he met was So-Yeon's gentle gaze hovering above him, her hand resting against his forehead.

 "So-Yeon… Why are you…?"

His voice was weak, hoarse from exhaustion.

So-Yeon let out a small, relieved chuckle.

 "You passed out. I didn't have much choice—I had to take care of you."

As Do-Hyun became aware of his disheveled state, his face flushed faintly.

 "Thank you. But… you didn't have to go this far."

A playful smirk tugged at her lips.

 "If not me, then who? Leaving you lying there would've been irresponsible."

For a brief moment, silence filled the air between them. Only the rustling of leaves and their soft, synchronized breathing broke the quiet. Though drained, Do-Hyun could feel his body recovering—thanks to her.

Sitting quietly beside him, So-Yeon's thoughts stirred.

'This man… I need to protect him, not just with my sword, but in every way that matters.'

The experience left Do-Hyun painfully aware of his limitations. For So-Yeon, however, it stirred an unfamiliar feeling—an emotion she hadn't quite named yet.

That night, something unspoken shifted between them. In the merciless world of Kangho, they weren't just comrades in battle anymore. They were becoming each other's anchor—a fragile but undeniable connection built through shared struggle and quiet understanding.