Why Did I Have to Enroll

─Clang! Clang!

“So, you’re saying that your campus date with that girl will be advertised on the main channel once a week?”

“Huff, huff… Yeah, that’s right… But let’s talk about it after the duel, phew… Don’t you ever need to breathe?!”

After an intense exchange, Ban Yu-won stepped back, gasping for air as he distanced himself from Dokgo Yeon. The sword in his hand trembled from the impact.

“Controlling your breathing is a basic skill for a swordsman. Hmph.”

─Clang!

Dokgo Yeon, who often made most swordsmen at the academy look foolish with just a word, suddenly flicked her short swords near both shoulders with a light shout. Two long swords that had been stealthily approaching from behind to catch her off guard were effortlessly deflected, spinning in the air. The first and second strikes of the Rain Sword had failed.

“This isn’t working.”

“You’ll need a hundred more years to deceive my senses.”

Ban Yu-won sighed, calling the two long swords back to his side and catching his breath. While he could control up to twelve swords for simple attacks, if he wanted to perform swordsmanship and martial arts simultaneously, two swords were his limit.

“So, how was the swordsmanship?”

“Hmm… I sensed a firm will to Pierce me from those two swords just now. The hidden energy within them was impressive, and the idea of moving the swords subtly by infusing them with the spirit of Phantom Shadow was good. However.”

“However?”

“That’s human martial arts. It’s not meant for swords floating in the air.”

At that moment, Ban Yu-won felt as if he had been struck on the head. Seeing his realization, Dokgo Yeon nodded slightly and took a step back.

“This time, come at me without any unnecessary thoughts. With all your strength.”

“Alright… Here I come!”

Against Dokgo Yeon, who was far superior, tricks and techniques wouldn’t work. The only chance to inflict significant damage was a full-force charge. As Ban Yu-won charged with the Executioner’s Long Sword, two long swords followed, emitting a sharp aura as if they would Pierce Dokgo Yeon at any moment.

‘What Dokgo Yeon wants from me is the potential of this combat style. Then… as fast and strong as possible!’

For this moment, he had to think of Dokgo Yeon as an enemy he needed to kill. He conveyed his unified will to the two streams of swords, attacking her simultaneously with perfect timing!

The energy from his core flowed into the Executioner’s Long Sword and the two long swords resonating with it, pushing them to their limits…!

And then,

Pierce!

─Clang!!

Even though the three swords targeted different vital points, there was only one sound. Dokgo Yeon’s sword trajectory, drawn with short, light steps, was incomprehensible even when seen in real-time with his All-Seeing Eye.

─Clang! Clang! Clang!

The three long swords, imbued with energy and appearing dark, sliced through the air, drawing delicate lines, but were all deflected by a darker line. Despite several attempts to attack her with the two streams of swords, Ban Yu-won couldn’t break through her elegant defense and had to retreat, feeling the recoil in his hands and catching his breath.

Even after giving his all, he couldn’t Pierce her sword, resulting in his defeat once again.

“Huff… I can’t even tell how much energy I poured out in such a short time.”

“Your strength is considerable. The speed was decent, and the movements were smooth.”

Dokgo Yeon nodded with satisfaction.

“With such control and energy, those unaware might think it’s Sword Control by Qi.”

“Oh, that technique is famous. How is it different from my Rain Sword in terms of martial arts?”

“Is that even a question?”

Dokgo Yeon glared at Ban Yu-won, exasperated. Knowing her immense pride in martial arts, Ban Yu-won was about to apologize when she sighed and explained kindly.

“I’ve mentioned that a swordsman must hold their sword in their heart, right? Once it’s perfected inside and out, you reach a state where you can freely move the sword with the power of will and inner energy. The strength contained in the sword is incomparable to what you’re handling now.”

“So, if I increase my mana, I can catch up?”

“Ha! The realization contained in the sword is also beyond comparison to yours…”

Dokgo Yeon paused, pondering, then shook her head slightly, as if denying her own words with a hint of frustration.

“With consistent training, your sword’s level and inner strength will naturally grow, reflecting that. If you were to duel a swordsman of your level with Sword Control by Qi, you’d have a significant advantage due to easier sword control. Your ability is truly absurd.”

“You really can’t lie, can you…?”

“Hmph.”

Dokgo Yeon snorted and turned away. Ban Yu-won noticed her lightly holding her right wrist with her left hand, the one not holding a sword. Even she seemed to feel the strain from repeatedly deflecting three swords imbued with strong energy. It was proof that his combat style with the Rain Sword was threatening.

“Hey, if it hurts, just say so.”

“Who…!”

Ban Yu-won handed her a potion from his pocket before she could get angry.

“This is sweet.”

“…”

“Just a little sip will heal you right away. It’s alcohol, so don’t drink too much.”

It was the potion he obtained from the previous 30-room, containing the concept of [Blood Wine] and [Regeneration]. Since it held the concept of alcohol, it would turn into wine even if infused in water, but he thought it would be better if it tasted good, so he infused it into a sweet grape juice…

“Gulp.”

“…It’s delicious.”

“Right? It’s your taste, isn’t it?”

As expected, Ban Yu-won didn’t miss the faint smile on Dokgo Yeon’s lips as she drank the potion.

“Well, I must admit, your ability to create sweetness is commendable…”

“I thought you praised my combat skills earlier… Ouch.”

Dokgo Yeon playfully chopped Ban Yu-won’s forehead, clearing her throat before changing the subject.

“Now that we’ve confirmed the basics, the next step is to create martial arts that suit the form. Did you see a path?”

“…Yeah, roughly. Even if I can handle martial arts, it’s completely different from wielding and swinging it myself. Thanks, teacher.”

“Hmph.”

Ban Yu-won’s playful address made Dokgo Yeon snort and flick his forehead again.

“Ouch.”

“Calling yourself my disciple while whining about such a small pain.”

“Sorry for being a weak disciple, teacher. Ouch!”

Lately, this kind of casual violence seemed to have increased. Was it her way of showing affection? If so, Ban Yu-won was willing to endure it, even if it meant focusing on strengthening the concept of Solidity.

While he held his forehead in pain, Dokgo Yeon, having sheathed her short sword, spoke.

“I can see what you’re thinking these days, but there’s no need to rush. Achieving mastery in the current state of your martial arts within just a month is already remarkable.”

“It doesn’t feel like I’m close. It seems like there’s quite a bit left for the transformation of my Body concept to be complete. Isn’t that when I can say I’ve achieved something?”

Ban Yu-won replied, storing his sword and the two streams in his inventory. Though the transformation sped up every time he sparred with Dokgo Yeon, his Body concept was still at [Body 150(??? - 350 or more)]. Would it reach a depth of over 500 once fully transformed? He remembered being amazed at Erecto’s Body reaching 300 when the semester began, but now, less than two months later, he couldn’t believe how much he’d grown.

“No, from what I see, you’re almost there. Don’t fret over what’s visible. When you gain enlightenment and reach a state, your body will naturally change to match it. The creation of martial arts will happen naturally then.”

“Yeah… if you say so.”

Dokgo Yeon’s subtle hints and the completion of his martial arts seemed to be the quickest path to the perfect harmony of body and inner strength, leading to the birth of new martial arts. But at the same time, pondering over creating martial arts also seemed to lead to the achievement of his martial arts, so everything was connected.

“…Ban Yu-won.”

“Yeah?”

Perhaps seeing Ban Yu-won deep in thought about his martial arts and new martial arts, Dokgo Yeon casually mentioned.

“I’ll teach you some common martial arts circulating in the martial world. Use them as a reference to refine your sword and create new martial arts.”

“Again?”

Ban Yu-won was astonished, but Dokgo Yeon continued with a calm expression.

“I just don’t want to see you proudly flaunting some half-baked martial arts. Besides, they’re really common, so don’t worry.”

If Dokgo Yeon emphasized that they were really common, they must be incredibly precious martial arts… Ban Yu-won was sure of it, but seeing Dokgo Yeon’s ears turn red, he wisely chose not to comment.

“Even though I just sheathed my sword, I’ll draw it again. I’ll show and tell you once, so remember it well.”

“Okay, I’m ready!”

Dokgo Yeon demonstrated martial arts for five hours, stopping only when the moonlight shone into the training room as the night deepened.

“Huff… You remembered everything, right?”

“Of course, they were all excellent… though I’ll need some time to thoroughly analyze them.”

“I would’ve been surprised if you said you didn’t need even that.”

Ban Yu-won laughed inadvertently at Dokgo Yeon’s sincere words, only realizing the passage of time when he looked out the window.

“Let’s call it a day. If you go back to your room, Luciel will pester you about what we did.”

“No, before that, let’s finish the conversation we couldn’t earlier.”

“…Huh?”

The conversation we couldn’t finish earlier? As Ban Yu-won tilted his head in confusion, Dokgo Yeon glared at him with narrowed eyes.

“The video matter. Isn’t it a loss to exchange it just for ‘stalker elimination’?”

“Oh.”

Ban Yu-won finally understood. He had expected Dokgo Yeon to bring up the issue eventually. But it was already a settled matter.

“The one video a week deal? Well, if you look at it purely from the Rebellion Party’s perspective, it might seem like a loss.”

“Of course, I understand that increasing the student council’s influence isn’t a loss in the long run, but I don’t like the feeling of being dragged along.”

She disliked the feeling of the student council meddling in Rebellion. It was typical of Dokgo Yeon, and it made Ban Yu-won a bit pleased to think she valued Rebellion.

“This matter alone has significant meaning in forming a friendly relationship with the student council president. I understand your perspective, but I actually thought the opposite.”

“The opposite?”

“Yeah. The thing is… Mira, who films the videos, is on our side.”

Dokgo Yeon frowned at that statement.

“Before that, I’d like to clarify, what exactly is your relationship with that woman?”

“…Somehow, it ended up being similar to Luciel. No, no, I didn’t make her a slave. It’s just… she was mentally unstable.”

“She sees you as her pillar of support.”

Did Dokgo Yeon’s cross-shaped pupils have the ability to read minds? Ban Yu-won nodded silently, unable to deny it.

“Wow, you hit the nail on the head without me even explaining. How are you so sharp without any abilities like mine?”

“I felt that way from the first time I saw you.”

Dokgo Yeon added, explaining that when the heart moves, the body follows.

“Every time I see that woman, she’s slightly leaning toward you. Luciel is similar, so it’s amusing when the two of them are with you.”

“…Is it that noticeable?”

“Anyway, that woman is on our side without any chance of betrayal. In that case… we can definitely take the initiative. You said once a week is good, not mandatory.”

Dokgo Yeon nodded, satisfied with her thoughts, and smiled.

“Rebellion, and even the student council. To outsiders unfamiliar with the academy, our channel will seem like the academy’s representative.”

“Though my hopes are mixed in, I believe it will influence the freshmen entering next year.”

To reiterate, UniTube is a platform for all dimensions. While Ban Yu-won was an exception, anyone qualified to be selected for Union Academy would naturally know about UniTube and be able to watch it. By this time next year, Ban Yu-won and his group’s influence within the academy would undoubtedly grow stronger.

—To the point where even a full professor couldn’t ignore it.

“The channel where the student council’s videos are uploaded… The student council president had no choice but to make that decision, but she ended up offering us a share to expand the student council’s recognition.”

“Technically, it’s a share exchange, but I don’t think we lost anything.”

“I understand. You didn’t betray us just to take care of your woman.”

“There’s no way I’d do that…”

Was she glaring at him because she thought that? If even Dokgo Yeon said such things, Luciel and Light would be even more so. Tomorrow morning would probably be spent appeasing them… As Ban Yu-won pondered that, he was startled to realize he didn’t find such interactions bothersome at all.

Why am I getting used to comforting upset girls? I came to the academy to reclaim the Tower of Babel, so what am I really looking for?

“So, Ban Yu-won, one last question.”

“Huh? What else is there?”

As Ban Yu-won tilted his head in response, Dokgo Yeon flashed the cross in her black eyes and asked.

“How strong did the student council president seem?”

“Ah—.”

Ban Yu-won hesitated, unable to answer immediately. Dokgo Yeon smiled, satisfied with his reaction.

“I see. I’m looking forward to it.”

Even Dokgo Yeon, who momentarily lost track of Ketra’s movements, seemed to acknowledge the overwhelming strength of the student council president. Ban Yu-won tried to hide his thoughts, worried she might be shocked, but fortunately, she didn’t seem to be.

――This week’s exploration is going to be intense, Ban Yu-won thought as he headed to his room. He spent an extra 20 minutes soothing Light, who had stayed up waiting for him.

*

However, Ban Yu-won unexpectedly found a crucial clue for creating martial arts from an unforeseen and unintended source.

—Vroom! Vroooom!

“Can you feel the aura? Can you feel it, Ban Yu-won?”

“Uh… Yes.”

“…What?”

Oh my goodness. Who would’ve thought you could learn aura like this!

…Actually, that’s a lie. From the moment he proudly swung the aura, extending several meters, in front of the All-Seeing Eye that reads and analyzes everything, he knew this would happen.