Chapter 60 - The Duel [1] (1/2)

Both Shin Daerin and Oh Sookyung stood at the forest clearing— opposite to each other. While Shin Daerin stared fiercely at the man standing opposite to her, Oh Sookyung had a casual expression upon his face.

The sun was beginning to rise, and the sky above them was tinted with various shades of colours. Cries of the birds could be heard, and the morning breeze blew by them.

A yawn left Jiwoo's mouth, and squinting her eyes, she turned towards Min Hyungwon, who stood at the right to her.

”Why are you staying silent after bringing me here so early? Can't we do this later on? I am really sleepy,” Jiwoo vocalised.

”The lack of sleep would not be killing you,” he pointed out, ”Since the two of you bȧrėly have any time, you will have to utilize all the time possible in order to practice.”

”Nice to know that the lack of sleep would not be killing me,” Jiwoo sarcastically spoke out.

The lack of sleep made her feel irritated, and raising her hand, she ran them through her hair. Although this seemed to be annoying, it was not like she was able to do anything against it.

Ignoring those words from Jiwoo, Hyungwon spoke out, ”The two of you will be on a duel at each other. Sookyung and Daerin, both of you will fight each other with all you got, and if you win, Shin Daerin, you will be getting a present. Sookyung, I have already unlocked your powers, and now, all of this depends on your determination to use those powers.”

Those words of Hyungwon caught Moon Jiwoo's attention, and perking up her ears, she questioned, ”Present?”

”Yes if you are able to beat, Oh Sookyung, I will be more than willing to give you whatever you dėsɨrė, but there are certain limits to it.”

Moon Jiwoo nodded and clapped both of her hands together as a wide smile formed on her face. She had already thought of one thing she wanted to get, and if she had to defeat Oh Sookyung for that, she was more than willing for it.

”I can attack that guy in any way I want, right?” she raised one of her eyebrows.

”Yes, as long as you don't try to kill him, everything is fine,” he stated.

”Alright, I am ready for this. Oh Sookyung, I will be beating the crap out of you today,” she vocalised.

Letting out a chuckle, he said, ”Aren't you being too proud of yourself, Daerin? Since my abilities are unlocked, I have a fair chance of beating you.”

Hyungwon then vocalised, ”Both of you will be fighting today without your powers. Later on, I will be teaching you two how to use those powers of yours. Currently, I want to see what parts of combat you need improvement in. It will be easier for Daerin, as it is an instinct for her, but for the Prince, it will be needing more effort.”

”Did you hear that? I am definitely winning this,” she smugly spoke out, ”You need to work hard while I am naturally talented.”

”No, this will be harder for you, Shin Daerin. Your instincts are to protect the Prince, and going against that is tough. It will lead you to make reckless decision, just like what happened at that hotel.”

Widening her eyes, Moon Jiwoo turned her head to stare at Hyungwon and questioned, ”You were there, Old Man?”

”You can say that. It is normal for your mind to go blank each time Sookyung is in danger, and as for the rest of the thing, you will understand once you fight with him,” he vocalised, ”Your instinct is much stronger than your will.”

”This is really crappy, but it's not like I can fight against it, I guess,” she vocalised.

By this point, Moon Jiwoo had accepted that she would not be able to change whatever is going on, and that's why, she should try to make the best of it. Although thinking optimistically might seem difficult in this situation, she was putting in her effort in that way.

Extending his hand towards her, Oh Sookyung placed it on top of her head and rubbed it softly, catching her by off guard. Raising her head, she stared at him with widened eyes.

”You have grown to become really mȧturė. I thought you would start to cry about this matter,” he pointed out.

Moon Jiwoo's eyes then directed a glare at him, and raising her hand, she slapped his hand away. She then spoke out, ”Are you some pervert who can't keep his hand to himself? You really creep me out.”

”Are you some kind of violent monster, who can't keep her hands to herself? You won't be liked by others if you keep on picking a fight with others.”