Only I Am A Reader

Although Geochin didn't end up cutting his opponent's arm, he still shocked the audience by performing the feat of disarming his adversary in the same swift manner.

'Soon.'

A lot of things were going on in his head, but only one expectation of his delightfully highlighted the rest of the things that had to be done.

'We will meet soon.'

Geochin had absolute confidence in rushing to the last round, and he strongly believed that the mysterious girl from the Heavenly Strength Society wouldn't be losing any time soon either. Although it would be on stage, just the chance to directly face her was more than enough.

'But…'

Looking back at the face that didn't seem to have been bothered with watching his match, Geochin's eyes moved slightly to the side. He wasn't sure if this was just the relationship between fellow student siblings, but he could tell there was something more.

'Who is he?'

Could they possibly be the type of 'childhood friends' that he read about back on Earth? Why did he feel bad when he saw them together? Was it possible that he was getting jealous?

As someone who only knew about suffering and all kinds of attempts to escape from it, Geochin wasn't exactly an emotional expert. Was he hoping for someone between him and someone he had just met? And if so, was he already too late?

'Let's… Focus on what's ahead.'

Hearing the next matching be called up, Geochin shrugged off his conflicted wavering. The 'dream' that he had to achieve was still the one with the utmost importance. It was still better to face his feelings when he confronted their target.

"Cheon Yeon! Dan Yuseong!"

Since she was the only girl who had managed to advance to the fifth round, Yeon was matched with a guy for the very first time. Just like everyone around, he was the head student of another prominent sect, the Wudang Sect!

"Cheon Yeon wins!"

However, be it as it may, an opponent of that caliber didn't last long. In contrast to Geochin's extreme speed that allowed him to finish the match before it started, Yeon possessed the prowess required to dominate the battle without using tricks!

The following matches didn't end as fast, but soon, the fifth round came to a close…

`~~~`~~~`~~~`

'Oh…'

After finishing a short session of meditation, Leo woke up to find Yeon sleeping on his shoulder, making him wonder if she surrendered to sleep after recovering her Internal Energy.

"Ho…"

Even in her sleep, Yeon suddenly held onto his shoulder as she called his name. Did she perhaps have a nightmare about being separated?

Thinking this far, Leo wondered if he would come to suffer from the same nightmare as well. Suppose that he managed to successfully achieve his compulsory quests… Would he be able to quickly leave like he did as Arthur?

The warmth of his little family, the friendly Crane, the fatherly Rain, these weren't things that he severely lacked, but he still momentarily hesitated back then. Now that he was experiencing something he had never had a taste of, would he be able to resist?

'Perhaps… There will be a way.'

Leo knew that he was just comforting himself, but it was true that his ability was constantly changing by the day. Who knew for sure? It might really be possible to bring someone back or be able to go back into a book. Even if just finishing the second back wasn't enough, there might be a change after a few adventures!

"Ho? Do you…"

"Yeah, let's go get something to eat."

Having given himself some hope, Leo felt his wavering link with Yeon slightly strengthen, immediately understanding what she wanted to say when she woke up on his shoulder. Crying over an unknown future was a needless pain, enjoying the present was still the way to go!

Leaving behind Yong and Sohee who were still calmly meditating, Leo and Yeon walked out of the field. Things on Mount Hua were usually different. During the conference, however, a few food services would be spread around the central field, creating an air of festivity and celebration.

Although some people still insisted on viewing them as threats that had to be immediately eliminated, giving them death stares as they walked, such groups had become a minority after people watched their matches. A better impression was slowly being ingrained in the minds of the masses.

'Everything is going according to plan.'

In reality, the Heavenly Strength Society really hadn't stayed in hiding so far. They were still out doing missions and business within the center of murim. The only difference was that they covered their faces and assumed new identities in hope to decrease the edge built up on years of hatred.

They were given a few opportunities to join activities held by the Murim Alliance, but the Heavenly Strength Society remained silent, knowing that they were just being probed. However, when the Righteous Faction didn't expect it the most, they finally emerged, participating in such a rushed event to show their preparations and capabilities!

"A dozen mixed skewers."

Like two sides of one coin, Leo and Yeon were not only supposed to provide respect and agreeability in the form of temporarily abiding by their rules, but they also had to fully present their ferociousness on stage!

Wandering under the bright moonlight, Leo enjoyed a little outing with Yeon, eating and appreciating the scenery. This was something he would detest when compared to silently reading at home. However, he was now fully enjoying it!

An escapist read novels because he knew full well he couldn't get to live such a fantasy, opting to experience it by self-inserting into a protagonist or a character he liked, but if one was living in the middle of it all, was there even a need for that?

'Perspective is really an interesting thing.'

The calm before the storm continued as Leo and Yeon returned to their seats. A few hours after nightfall, the following round took its turn, and…

"Kim Geochin will be exempted from this round."

The protagonist's luck quickly took the stage.