Book 22 Chapter 18

A Consideration on the Infinite Uses of Rope

― Activation of the Black Rope Capturing Dragon Formation

"Do you know what this is?"

Ilgang, holding a black rope, shouted with a sneer.

"It looks like nothing special, just a rope."

Yeonbi replied in a listless tone. Ilgang was angered by her indifferent attitude.

"Don't underestimate this rope! This is no ordinary rope!"

"If it's not an ordinary rope, then what is it?"

"This is a rope called the Black Dragon Rope."

"Black! Dragon! Rope!"

Yeonbi exclaimed with a shocked expression. Her shout was delivered with distinct emphasis.

"Yes! It's the Black Dragon Rope!"

Then, Yeonbi shrugged and asked.

"But what is it?"

Her voice was incredibly indifferent. She had only pretended to be surprised earlier.

"You don't know the famous Black Dragon Rope?"

"I don't. It seems that people who live by water have some strange longing for dragons, don't they? To attach the word 'dragon' to a mere, insignificant rope."

Then, Ilgang shouted in an angry voice.

"Don't underestimate ropes! Ropes have infinite uses depending on how they are used! I myself know dozens of ways to tie knots."

"Dozens of ways?"

At that, Yeonbi's expression changed to one of slight surprise.

"Yes, dozens!"

Ilgang replied with a triumphant look.

"You seem to really enjoy tying things with ropes, don't you? Do you tie people too?"

"That's basic. You just don't understand the nuance. Especially people like you, once tied, can never escape! Of course not!"

"Ah, yes, the nuance."

"Exactly! The world of ropes is profound!"

Ilgang's voice was slightly excited, filled with fervor. Then, Yeonbi said coldly.

"Pervert!"

This single cold remark pierced Ilgang's heart.

"What… why am I a pervert!"

Ilgang sputtered, counter-arguing with the mental shock that felt like spitting blood.

"You just said it yourself."

"W-when did I!"

Ilgang possessed a convenient and flexible mindset that conveniently set aside the fact that their ambush on two innocent and defenseless women was a heaven-defying act.

"This person here surely heard it too, right, Rin?"

At that, Na Yerim glanced at Ilgang as if looking at a beast or insect and nodded.

"I… I can't accept this!"

"Can't accept it? You really have a bad memory. You just said it yourself. You know dozens of ways to tie and tighten ropes."

"Th-that's true."

"And you also said that the world of ropes is profound. That people like you can't escape, right?"

"Th-that's also true."

"When you tie women in dozens of ways and enjoy it, what else would you call that if not perversion?"

At that, a murmur arose from the Janggang Six Warriors—they had somehow been reduced to six warriors.

"Could the captain really have such a hobby…"

"I should have known when he was tying and untying things with ropes every night…"

"He was doing that secretly all along…"

Murmur! Whisper! Whisper!

When Ilgang heard such remarks not only from their enemies but also from his younger brothers, he didn't know what to do.

"No, no, it's unfair! I… I…"

Then, Yeonbi sharply retorted.

"Be quiet, pervert!"

With that final blow, Ilgang's mind sank to the abyss. Anger filled the void.

"Raaaawr! I can't stand this anymore! I'll capture all of you and show you the taste of rope!"

Was it a "what happens, happens" attitude? With his previous statement, his suspicion of being a pervert was confirmed as truth.

"So it was true."

"It was indeed."

"Captain, I trusted you…"

"Don't leave me out…"

Now, in the minds of his younger brothers, Ilgang was officially recognized as a complete pervert.

"You guys shut your mouths too!"

Blinded by rage, Ilgang saw nothing. Only the burning vengeance against the black-clad woman who had toyed with him seethed within him.

Ilgang, the first of the Janggang Ten Warriors, Beongangsu! Branded as a pervert at the age of thirty-eight!

It was a life filled with regret.

"No! I'm not a pervert, I tell you!"

Ilgang protested vehemently, unable to accept being branded as a pervert. He still had his pride as their elder brother. If he were to hear "perverted elder brother" for the rest of his long life, he wouldn't be able to live with a clear conscience.

"Strong denial often implies strong affirmation."

Yeonbi shook her head with a look of pity.

"I'm telling you I'm not! Listen carefully! This Black Dragon Rope is on a different level than ordinary ropes. It's made by twisting strong hemp fibers, finely drawn steel wires, and a secret solution, and then coated with iron pieces and iron powder. If you're hit with this rope, it's like being hit with an iron club, your flesh will be torn and your bones broken. The soft, delicate skin of young ladies will soon be soaked in blood and tattered!"

Still unable to contain his anger, Ilgang gritted his teeth and threatened them.

"Hmph, how crude. Even a child wouldn't fall for such a provocation. Besides, I'm more worried about your teeth getting damaged."

Yeonbi said with a slight sneer.

"Don't be scared, Rin. For them to babble about their magical weapons before even fighting is just psychological pressure."

"I'm not that scared by it. But I was wondering why they were talking so unnecessarily long, and now I understand the intention."

Na Yerim, who was naive in such tactical matters, nodded with a student-like expression as if she now understood the force of the threat.

"Ah, Rin, you're still inexperienced in that area too, aren't you? When they drone on about how it's made in an unusual way and its power, it's not just because they're bored or because the person is simply a pervert. Human imagination creates shadows of fear, and those shadows unconsciously restrict people's reactions. That's what they're aiming for. But who knows if this is just an ordinary rope painted black?"

"Hmm, I see."

Na Yerim, having learned something new, seemed to be deeply contemplating what she had just learned. Chains that bind the mind like spells… The fact that the shadow of imagination wielded such terrifying power was astonishing.

'Come to think of it, I'm not in a position to judge others either.'

She too carried a burden in her heart. Her dark past still bound a part of her mind. She was not completely free from it. Most people probably weren't.

"No matter how wonderfully it's made, it's just a rope. Moreover, the skill of those who use it is not even a fraction of yours, Rin. So let's finish this quickly and go have some tea."

"That's a good idea. I'm feeling a bit tired myself."

Na Yerim replied in a calm voice.

"Ignoring us until the very end!"

Ilgang, enraged at being treated as if they were non-existent, shouted ferociously.

"Activate the Black Rope Capturing Dragon Formation!"

Having failed to gain the upper hand in the initial encounter, Ilgang immediately gave the attack order. The black ropes, buzzing like a swarm of bees from all directions, flew towards the women like agile snakes.

"Die!"

Ilgang's shout lacked consistency, as he had just said they would capture them.

"Not so fast."

*Fawwababa!*

As Yeonbi moved her right hand, the shadow of a black umbrella enveloped them like a shield. The black curtain, resembling an overturned giant bowl, was large and sturdy enough to safely conceal their figures.

"Wh-what kind of martial art is that…"

Ilgang asked in a dumbfounded voice.

"W-well…"

There was no useful answer from his equally bewildered younger brothers.

Yeonbi, having perfectly blocked the black ropes flying from all directions, draped the black umbrella over her shoulder and said.

"This? It's not a black curtain… Hmm… Should I call it an Umbrella Curtain?"

She wasn't hiding it; it truly didn't have a name. It seemed that even the technique's name hadn't been decided yet.

"Didn't you already know this technique?"

Na Yerim asked in surprise.

"It's an application, an application."

Yeonbi replied dismissively.

"But…"

Could such a change be possible with just a sudden application? Even Na Yerim found it hard to believe immediately.

"In this dangerous era, self-defense skills are essential for fragile women, aren't they? It's a simple trick."

At those words, Ilgang's eyes widened like a startled rabbit.

"Self-defense skill…"

How could such a feat be called a mere self-defense skill? What was more problematic were his next words.

"W-who are you calling fragile!"

Ilgang shouted as if he couldn't tolerate such a blatant lie.

"Oh my! How obtuse! You have no eyes to see, tsk tsk. You don't need to look far. Here I am."

Yeonbi pointed a finger at herself and smiled broadly. Although her smile was cute, to Ilgang, it was only disgusting. Ilgang once again mercilessly flung the Black Dragon Rope at the self-proclaimed fragile woman.

*Pat! Pat! Pat!*

Na Yerim once again swung her dazzling white sword, creating a barrier of white light. However, it wasn't as easy to defend as she thought. The Black Dragon Ropes were flying from all directions, and no matter what they were made of, they couldn't be cut by Na Yerim's sword energy. Instead, the Black Dragon Ropes pierced her sword, wrapping around it and recoiling. If caught, even a top-tier master was doomed. Na Yerim only had this sword as her weapon, but they still had the other heads of the black dragon.

"Ah! Eek! Ah! This!"

Screams erupted from Yeonbi. She was clearly struggling against the onslaught of black ropes from all directions. Although she swung the black umbrella like a weapon, the ropes, which couldn't be cut by Na Yerim's sharp sword, were unharmed.

"Are you okay, Yeonbi?"

Na Yerim called out with a voice full of concern.

"Ah, I'm okay for now. But I don't know how long I can hold on."

Yeonbi replied with a desperate voice. The more their screams intensified, the more Ilgang rejoiced inwardly.

'Just a little more!'

If their single sword and single umbrella were sealed, the remaining heads of the black dragon would surely seize the opportunity and attack her.

"Eyah eyah eyah!"

Yeonbi swung her black umbrella, letting out a sound that was ambiguously a battle cry.

"Go away! Go away!"

But they wouldn't listen obediently just because she told them to.

"Rin, are you still okay? Can you hold on?"

Yeonbi shouted, panting heavily.

"No, what do we do? I'm at my limit too. The Hidden Snow Secret, passed down from my master, is infinitely effective in one-on-one duels, but it's not very useful in such encirclement attacks. I'm also not used to such unconventional joint attacks."

Lacking in skill, she could only rely on her sword and swing it recklessly. This led to unnecessary energy expenditure. Na Yerim was increasingly being pushed into a defensive position. Yeonbi was also struggling to fend off the black dragon's attacks with her black umbrella, but her speed and power had significantly decreased compared to the beginning.

The faces of the Janggang Six Warriors, who had been listening to the desperate screams of the two women, showed triumphant smiles. Their Dragon Capturing Formation seemed effective even in capturing a phoenix. Soon, the two beautiful women would be in their embrace. At that thought, they couldn't help but laugh.

"Hahahahaha! Your screams sound like the chirping of baby birds! Cry! Cry more! But what can you do? It's your fate. Blame yourself for falling out of favor with the young lady!"

And just as they were about to deliver the finishing blow, Na Yerim said to Yeonbi.

"That's what they say, Yeonbi."

"Ah, is that so? Now I understand."

Yeonbi's cheerful reply was completely devoid of the desperation she had shown moments ago.

"Wh-what… what is this…"

Even the sword technique that had seemed so desperate began to feel light, as if merely tapping. Yet, the black ropes still couldn't graze their clothes. Her labored breaths had also become remarkably calm.

"Th-this is really…"

Ilgang couldn't grasp the situation due to the sudden change. It felt like a dream. Yeonbi decided to show unprecedented kindness to Ilgang, who had a dazed, fox-bewitched expression.

"You still don't understand? Tsk tsk, that's why ignorance leads to suffering. Instead of just thinking about how to tie up women, you should have studied. Tsk tsk. It's not like you're giving away what you learn."

"Wh-what did you say?! Right now…"

However, Yeonbi cut off Ilgang's words decisively and continued.

"How foolish. Why do you think you're still breathing and unharmed? It's because we were curious. I'm personally quite curious, and if my questions aren't answered, I can't be at ease."

"S-surely…"

"That's right. We were curious about who ordered this ambush. So we pretended to be cornered on purpose. It was actually really hard trying to look desperate when I wasn't tired at all."

"S-so, you mean it was all an act?"

Ilgang spoke with a flicker of disbelief. But to Yeonbi, it was already too late.

"Your dull brain is finally starting to work. Well, if you can't understand even after I've told you this much, you deserve to die."

Sharp words, as if she had a blade on her tongue, poured out of Yeonbi's mouth.

"I heard that the master of Janggang Suri, the Black Dragon King, has a daughter. Those young ladies must be referring to her."

Na Yerim said with a confident tone.

"Do you happen to know her name, Rin?"

"No. I don't know. I haven't heard it."

Na Yerim shook her head. Yeonbi shrugged her shoulders.

"Tsk, she must be some insignificant nobody without any fame."

Yeonbi muttered with a disappointed expression. Ilgang bristled.

"Wh-what do you mean insignificant! Don't insult our young lady! Our young lady is famous enough that no one in the underworld is unaware of her when the name Gyoryongmi Hae-eohwa is mentioned!"

Ilgang, his loyalty suddenly ignited, clenched his fists and shouted. It was truly a touching display of loyalty. Yeonbi clapped her palms together as if she had found what she was looking for.

"Ah, so you are indeed from Janggang Suri. Hmm, so that was her name…"

Yeonbi, having extracted all the information she wanted, smiled contentedly.

"Now it's confirmed."

Na Yerim added quietly.

"Gasp!"

Only then did Ilgang realize his mistake, his face turning pale.

"B-brother…"

"If… if you say that…"

His younger brothers' faces also turned ashen. This matter was supposed to be handled in the utmost secrecy.

"If the young lady finds out…"

"We're dead."

They had carelessly revealed the identity of their master, which was supposed to be hidden. If that fact reached the ears of the notoriously short-tempered Hae-eohwa, they would no longer be able to breathe on the water. They would be immediately tied to a rock and sunk to the bottom of the Janggang River.

"Was… was that an act too, just now?"

"Of course."

Yeonbi replied with a sweet smile. Even as Ilgang thought the act was over, it was actually continuing. Yeonbi and Na Yerim acted as if they knew everything, and Ilgang unconsciously believed that they had already figured out the existence of Hae-eohwa behind them. With his guard down, Ilgang was an easy prey.

"Such a disgusting act…"

They say women are like nine-tailed foxes, and there's truth to that old saying.

"That's rude. It's your fault for believing it. Ah, it was hard to hold back my laughter."

Yeonbi, no longer needing to act, grumbled.

"So, I don't have to pretend to be weak anymore?"

"Of course. Absolutely. It was excellent acting, Rin. I almost fell for it myself."

Yeonbi gave a thumbs-up. Honestly, she felt like giving her a reward. Na Yerim lowered her head shyly. Perhaps she had enjoyed it herself.

"In… in that case, it's a fight to the death. No need to capture alive! I'll kill you!"

Ilgang, who had been made a fool of more today than in his entire life, had his eyes turned red with rage.

"Well, do you think that's possible? Rin, it's time to stop playing."

"Indeed. In that case, Yeonbi, would you entrust this fight to me?"

At those words, Yeonbi's eyes widened. It was unusual for Rin to be so proactive.

"Is there a special reason?"

"Ah, I suddenly thought this might be a rare and good opportunity."

Na Yerim replied with a serious expression.

"Oh my, why is that?"

"It seems like a perfect opportunity to test the sword technique I just learned from my master."

"That's a great idea, Rin."

Yeonbi clapped her hands in delight.

"The competition is in two weeks, so I should practice when I have the chance."

Hearing her diligent and scholarly answer, Ilgang shouted.

"Wh-what! Do you think we're some wooden dummies for practice!"

Then, Yeonbi said in a condescending tone.

"Oh my, it's good that we're using even useless people like you as practice. You should consider it an honor. I don't think there's any room for complaint. You only know how to brag, but you don't know how to assess yourselves. Ah, this is why men generally live in the delusion that they are great. Tsk tsk. Cowards."

Ilgang's face turned crimson as he shouted.

"Wh-who are you calling boastful! And who are you calling a coward?! What on earth!"

"Tsk tsk, you're so fixated on such trivial matters, and you call yourself a man. You have such a narrow mind."

Her tone was full of mockery. Ilgang, suddenly reduced to a petty person, his complexion turned red and purple, changing by the minute.

"But since you brought it up, I'll answer. If you lack the courage to face reality, let alone yourself, what else would you call that if not cowardice? Don't you think so?"

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up! Just shut up!"

Ilgang shouted violently, his voice tearing his throat. He couldn't bear to hear those heart-piercing words any longer. He felt as if he would pay any price to silence that mouth.

"Fine! You say I don't know my place, then let's see how great your place is! Everyone!"

"Yes, Captain!"

His younger brothers responded in unison.

"Activate the Black Rope Nine-Headed Dragon Killing Formation!"

The Black Rope Nine-Headed Dragon Killing Formation!

It was the final attack method of the 'Black Rope Formation,' existing not to capture the opponent but to annihilate them completely. As the formation changed at Ilgang's command, the killing intent directed at Yeonbi and Na Yerim intensified. Yet, even amidst this, Yeonbi smiled.

"There are only six, so why call it nine-headed?"

Yeonbi pointed out with a chuckle.

"You yourself, don't focus on trivial things!"

Ilgang shouted back furiously. He was getting burned up from being constantly outplayed. He wanted to quickly activate the formation and eliminate them from this world.

"Who is this all because of! Do you think I'm doing this because I want to?"

Originally, the Black Rope Nine-Headed Dragon Killing Formation had nine heads and one hidden tail. However, two who had ambushed them from the bridge were unconscious, and the two who had fought in the water were on the verge of drowning. Thus, they couldn't fill up the nine heads.

"That's naturally your own doing!"

Yeonbi's answer was unwavering.

"If you aim for someone else's life, you must put your own life on the line. Isn't that the common sense of the martial world?"

"…"

There was no answer to such a confident question.

"But… well, this time, I'll wait for you specially."

Suddenly, Yeonbi blurted out.

"Wait for what?"

Ilgang, who was still twirling the rope, blinked and asked.

"How foolish. Not only are you blind, but you're also deaf. I'm waiting until the six heads become nine. You should be grateful, right?"

This meant he should gather his fallen subordinates and re-establish their formation.

"Where else would you find such a kind assailant? Wow, the world has gotten so much better, hasn't it?"

However, Ilgang was not happy at all. The surreal sense of disconnect continued to plague him.

"So, what's the benefit of doing so?"

Ilgang asked, not letting his guard down. Even if they did that, there was nothing to gain for those women. So, unless they were insane, what was their scheme?

"We're not insane. How foolish!"

As if reading his mind, Yeonbi retorted.

"Th-then, why?"

"Because it's too boring in this state. How can it be a proper practice? It wouldn't even be enough for Rin's practice, what then? That would be a disaster. Shouldn't there be a certain level of skill for Rin to showcase her abilities?"

"Is that really true?"

"Do you think I'd joke about something like this?"

Indeed, it seemed unlikely that such a crazy person would joke about this. Or perhaps both of them were already insane. Or maybe they themselves were insane. It was possible that everything they were hearing was just auditory hallucination.

"So, wake them up quickly before you change your mind."

Then, she relaxed her posture, letting the black umbrella hang down. Na Yerim also put her sword back into its scabbard.

This was the first time in his life he had been so utterly ignored, but he wasn't such a hot-headed fool as to throw away such a golden opportunity due to his petty pride. He tried to maintain his composure and instructed his subordinates.

"Pull out the ones who fell into the water and wake up the unconscious ones immediately! Whether it's by slapping their faces or splashing water! What if they're not breathing? Then give them CPR. What's there to dislike! It's not like you'll lose anything. Is your squeamishness more important than that? If you dislike it, hit them in the stomach with your fist. Just wake them up somehow."

The other five among the Janggang Six Warriors moved busily. Despite being masters of craftsmanship, they pulled out those who had nearly drowned and woke up the unconscious ones. Although there were some frictions during the process, Yeonbi and Na Yerim waited patiently without any interference. To Ilgang, who was watching them with bloodshot eyes lest they do anything rash, it was extremely disheartening.

"Is it finished?"

"It's finished."

Ilgang replied. What had been the Six Warriors moments ago were now Ten Warriors again. The momentum of the formation was also vastly different from before. With the empty spaces filled, the formation began to exert its full power.

"Then I'll be waiting, Rin."

"Thank you for your consideration, Yeonbi."

Na Yerim bowed her head with a nod.

'How is this something that deserves thanks? In the end, haven't things become more difficult?'

Ilgang felt that he would never understand the mechanism, even if he lived to be a hundred.

Yeonbi stepped back, and Na Yerim stepped forward.

It was a stage Yeonbi had prepared for her. Then, she would only respond with the best sword dance.

'Yes, with that sword technique!'

She was sure that it could break through this powerful formation in an instant. However, there was a problem.

'It's still incomplete.'

Although there were lingering elements of unease, Na Yerim soon made up her mind. There was no guarantee that she would always face enemies in perfect condition. She still had to become stronger. She was not yet strong enough to fight against fate.

*Thump!*

Na Yerim's footsteps stopped. Precisely in the center of the formation.

"I am ready."

Na Yerim said in a quiet, calm voice. Her sword, like an extension of herself, silently waited for command in her hand. Her mind was now as clear as a mirror. Information from all directions began to pour into her ears, eyes, and mind. The earth seemed to speak to her, and the wind whispered to her. Even with her eyes closed, she felt as if she wouldn't miss anything around her.

"Activate!"

At Ilgang's signal, the ten men began to spin in a circle around Na Yerim, twirling the Black Dragon Ropes above their heads. At first, their movements were very slow, but as time went on, the speed of their rotation began to accelerate.

*Fawwababa!*

Soon, the Janggang Ten Warriors were spinning around Na Yerim like a gale. The sound of the rotating Black Dragon Ropes grated on their ears like a swarm of hornets. Yeonbi watched the scene quietly. Yeonbi believed in Rin, and she had to act on that belief.

"To learn this sword technique, you must first learn the Hidden Snow Secret."

The silver sword began to move slowly. Each movement exuded an elegance that made one question if it was truly a deadly sword art. It was as beautiful and graceful as a sword dance. All living things seemed unable to tear their eyes away from the tip of her sword.

She had no way of knowing how such a thing was possible. Na Yerim's sword technique had already surpassed their realm of comprehension. What was even more astonishing was that it was possible with just a single woman.

When she regained her senses, a dazzling white light, like a snowstorm or a flurry of flowers, formed a white circle outside the black circle drawn by the Janggang Ten Warriors. The snowstorm-like sword energy gradually intensified and began to erase the black circle within it. Then, the white circle drawn by the snowstorm became trapped within a white hemisphere. And as the sound of the wind gradually subsided, silence descended.

As the silver snowstorm cleared, Yeonbi could see the landscape inside, which the snowstorm had just enveloped. The elite Janggang Ten Warriors, the pride of Janggang Suri, were all lying on the ground, unconscious, and the durable Black Dragon Ropes they boasted of were scattered all around, cut into pieces.

Na Yerim gazed indifferently at the scene after the snowstorm she had created, then sheathed her sword. *Click*, the sound of the sword locking echoed.

"Hoo…"

Only then did Na Yerim exhale the breath she had been holding. After blinking a few more times and looking around, her senses, which had been somewhat lost, gradually returned. She had been in a state of complete immersion while unleashing her sword technique, and had lost herself for a while. In that state of trance, she was the sword, the wind, and the snowstorm. She knew that her silver-shining self could envelop the world. So she did. The small, rotating black circle disappeared. Once there was nothing left to erase, she could finally recall who she was and who she had been. At that moment, the trance broke, and her mind returned to reality. The first thing to return was the feeling of the wind brushing against her skin. Then came her hearing. The sounds she had forgotten began to return one by one. The surroundings, which had felt so distant, gradually drew closer to her. And Na Yerim could see her smiling friend before her eyes.

"That was a magnificent sword dance, so mesmerizing I was lost in it."

Na Yerim shyly nodded at Yeonbi's praise.

"Thank you, Yeonbi."

Perhaps if it wasn't for Yeonbi, if Yeonbi hadn't believed in her, she wouldn't have succeeded. What did it matter if others found her actions strange? It was enough that she and Yeonbi understood it.

The cold wind blew pleasantly against her ears. The smell of water tickled her nose. It was a good night. But it was also a tiring night. She wanted to rest now.

Yeonbi readily agreed.

Upon arriving at the lodging area, they found a suitable inn, checked in, and unpacked. Na Yerim, who had exhausted much of her energy today, was very tired. She felt like she would fall asleep immediately if she lay down on the bed. But Yeonbi was nowhere to be seen. Where could she have gone? Na Yerim got up from her seat, closed the door, and walked to the garden in the backyard.

There, in the middle of the night, stood Yeonbi. Yeonbi, clad in a darkness deeper than the night, quietly gazed up at the sky where the stars and moon slept. Although dressed in night-like black, she did not blend into the darkness but seemed to shine. Na Yerim had never known another woman who looked so good in black. She couldn't quite imagine Yeonbi wearing white like herself, or red like Seokryuha, known as the 'Crimson Swordswoman.' That deep, night-like black color seemed to exist only for Yeonbi. The sky was called 'dark' not because it was black, but to symbolize its endless depth. Yeonbi, quietly gazing at the night sky, seemed as unfathomable as deep water and the night. Even her face, which could pierce people's hearts, could not reach the depths of her being. Na Yerim was glad of this fact. There was nothing sadder than having no place to rest. Yeonbi was filling the void left by Bilryeon. Just as Bilryeon had done, Yeonbi was now providing her with shade to rest under. Like her umbrella that protected her from the strong sun and fierce rain.

Na Yerim quietly approached Yeonbi and stood beside her, then asked in a soft voice.

"Yeonbi, what were you thinking so deeply about?"

Yeonbi replied with a faint smile.

"Obstacles of fate."

"Obstacles of fate?"

"Yes, I suddenly thought that I didn't want to become a trivial person."

Yeonbi said with a smile.

"Yeonbi, you are absolutely not trivial. You are a wonderful person."

Her words were filled with sincerity.

"Thank you. But that was until now. Now, fate has caught up with me. I have to make a choice. Will I confront it, or will I run away?"

Those who surrender to fate are trivial. She wanted to avoid becoming such a trivial person.

"Isn't it interesting to try and hinder the small obstacles that fate presents?"

She paused for a moment, then said again after deep thought.

"Or maybe it's just simple venting."

At those words, Na Yerim's eyes widened.

"Venting about what?"

Na Yerim wondered if there had been anything for her to vent about recently. As far as Na Yerim knew, there hadn't been such events. Then Yeonbi replied.

"Venting about fate catching up to me."

At that moment, Na Yerim noticed a smile forming on Yeonbi's lips.

"So, you took your anger out on another fate?"

Yeonbi returned to her playful demeanor and said with a smile.

"If you're angry at fate, you have to vent your anger at fate, don't you? That's only fair."

Yeonbi clearly realized that she had to face the fate that had approached her. Life is a constant process of choosing and defining, and freedom is the freedom to choose and the freedom to bear the responsibility for that choice. The freedom to choose is ours, but the questions for the choices are jointly presented by the world and fate.

Of course, Yeonbi did not want to avoid it. If possible, she wanted to run away from it. If she went to the ends of the earth with the help of the night, she might be able to escape that fate for a while. But at that moment, she would become a fugitive. At that moment, she would become a loser. One who has lost to fate cannot control fate. She couldn't become such a loser.

"Have you made up your mind?"

After a moment of thought, Yeonbi nodded with a firm resolve.

"I won't run away, as that's not my style. I will fight! Against the fate that has caught up to me!"

"Is the name of that fate 'enemy'?"

"It's an enemy. It's probably a being that is in no way inferior to being called the 'Greatest Enemy on Earth'."

Everyone has their enemy. And the time will surely come when one must fight that enemy. There is no middle ground. There are only two choices: victory or defeat.

1. Run away.

2. Fight.

There was no third option.

Two choices, one decision!

A choice of one or the other!

There were no exceptions [None at all].