I Just Subscribed and It’s the Best Hunter of All Time - Chapter 36

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

#Episode 36.
I rolled my eyes.
Arthur’s displeasure was written all over his face. But why was he displeased?
On the surface, it seemed he’d already stated his reason. Yet I knew better.
What manifests outwardly is never the whole truth.
Arthur—who had reached transcendence through the sword itself—would hardly be merely dissatisfied at receiving instruction from another. That much was certain.
Fortunately, I could quickly deduce the hidden reason.
“My apologies for the delay.”
Rather than offer excuses, I bowed first. Then I spoke with sincerity.
“It took longer than expected to build the strength necessary for the next lesson. I apologize for disappointing you.”
―What?
Arthur’s voice carried bewilderment.
It seemed he was taken aback that I’d grasped his true feelings so swiftly and apologized with such precision.
―…It did take a while.
After a brief silence, Arthur replied with an ambiguous tone.
But only briefly.
―So, calling me here means you’ve made sufficient progress?
Though discomfort still lingered in his expression, the fact that he changed the subject suggested my strategy of humble submission had worked.
Inwardly satisfied, I answered with deference.
“I still have much to learn, but there has been some advancement.”
―Hmm. Show me.
“Yes.”
I drew my sword.
The insight I’d gained from the Heavenly Demon’s counsel when I fell into the Evil God’s trap—I had since refined it thoroughly.
I hadn’t yet entered a new realm or anything of that sort.
The Heavenly Demon’s advice itself wasn’t about attempting something new, but rather about properly utilizing what I already possessed.
I followed his words precisely.
I observed the flow more carefully, grasped the gaps within that flow with certainty.
Then I drove my power into a single point with accuracy.
As my will manifested, my body moved in perfect accordance.
Whoooosh—!
In an instant, the surrounding flow warped violently around the extended blade.
Had an ignorant observer witnessed it, they would have thought it merely a moderately powerful thrust.
But one who could perceive beyond what the eyes showed could only be astounded.
For instance, like Arthur, whose expression had shifted to shock.
The moment I saw that, the displeasure Arthur had harbored vanished without a trace.
The strike I’d just demonstrated was worth that reaction.
―Was that…taught by the Heavenly Demon?
“More precisely, he offered guidance.”
I explained the circumstances in detail.
Arthur nodded after hearing it all, though inwardly he thought, ‘He grasped all that from just this?’
He didn’t have a direct connection with the Heavenly Demon, but he’d heard stories through the grapevine.
Arthur could say with certainty that even the Heavenly Demon, who had offered the advice, probably never expected such remarkable achievements to come from it.
The thing was, what Han-sung had awakened to was something Arthur had only given the slightest hints about—he’d never properly taught it yet.
He’d told him to review what he’d learned, but instead Han-sung had come back having thoroughly previewed everything Arthur hadn’t even explained yet. And it was an extraordinarily difficult section at that.
“Is there perhaps still something lacking?”
Yet here Han-sung was, asking such a question. Arthur found himself at a loss for words.
But he couldn’t simply remain silent either.
Arthur spoke, struggling to calm the turbulent feelings within him.
―No. That was a magnificent achievement.
First, I should praise what deserves praise.
―Then, let me impart the final teaching.
He said so, swallowing his regret inwardly.
Honestly, this was his first time experiencing something like this.
There were countless who, despite receiving sufficient instruction, never grasped the essence and floundered about. But to advance so far despite insufficient teaching?
He realized once again why other transcendents continued to show interest and seek contact with Han-sung.
His mind threatened to grow complicated again, but Arthur composed himself and drew his blade.
―To observe the flow, to move in accordance with it, and furthermore, to cut through the flow itself. These three stages are the foundation of swordsmanship, and moreover, its very essence.
Arthur moved his blade slowly.
At first glance, it appeared as though he were simply swinging his sword this way and that.
But Han-sung could see that the blade moved with perfect precision along the flow.
‘Could one actually stop that blade by cutting into it?’
Han-sung immediately sensed it would be impossible.
Beyond merely moving in accordance with the flow, the blade itself seemed to be generating the flow.
To cut into it would only result in being swept up by that very current.
Arthur continued to swing his blade as he spoke to Han-sung.
―Do you think you could stop this blade?
“It seems impossible.”
Having already reached his conclusion, Han-sung answered immediately.
Arthur nodded and continued.
―This is creating one’s own flow. Only from this point onward can one truly speak of advanced swordsmanship.
“Advanced swordsmanship….”
―The name is unimportant. It’s merely a designation given in the world I come from. There exist as many different names as there are worlds.
With those words, Arthur slowly brought his blade to a stop.
―Creating one’s own flow is an extraordinarily vital concept. One cannot counter advanced swordsmanship by merely utilizing existing flows.
True to his words, Arthur was swinging his blade with deliberate slowness, yet Han-sung could find no opening to penetrate it.
―If you wish to climb to those heights, you too must inevitably step into this realm. All the strong possess their own flow, without exception.
“I shall keep this in mind.”
Han-sung answered seriously, his thoughts turning inward.
‘Have all the single-digit rankers reached such a state?’
If Arthur had heard that, he would have scoffed. The “higher places” he spoke of referred to the Upper Floors—a realm where Earth’s rankers hadn’t yet set foot.
Because Han-sung’s pace of progress was so rapid, I had no choice but to draw out the card sooner than expected.
But I couldn’t very well tell him there was no need to master it immediately, or that he could take things slowly, could I?
Since it seemed the God of Calamity had marked him as well, there was no harm in learning it early.
And yet, I also thought this was something that couldn’t possibly be mastered so quickly.
While his previous achievements had been remarkably swift, this was a technique of an entirely different caliber.
―It will likely take considerable time to master. Since it’s inherently difficult, don’t despair—maintain steady diligence in your practice.
“Yes. I will learn it with dedication.”
―Good. Then let me explain precisely how you should train.
Arthur instructed Han-sung in meticulous detail.
―…that’s how you do it. At first, grasping the feel will be extraordinarily difficult.
“I see. Yes, that makes sense.”
Han-sung nodded with a somber expression.
Certainly, just as Arthur said, even the fundamental concepts were remarkably difficult. But I couldn’t simply stand idle because of the difficulty.
Han-sung carefully drew the sword.
Since Arthur said he would correct me immediately if something was wrong, I moved boldly, executing the technique as I understood it.
―…?
And Arthur’s face stiffened momentarily at the sight.
Han-sung asked cautiously.
“Did I make many mistakes?”
―No, no.
If you had made mistakes, I wouldn’t have been surprised.
Remarkably, Han-sung had moved the sword exactly as intended.
He had only just stepped onto the path, but even that far exceeded Arthur’s expectations.
As always.
―Your direction is correct. It seems you’re focusing too much on the visible flow, but precisely….
Arthur explained in the most composed tone he could manage.
Hearing this, Han-sung swung the sword again. It was far better than before.
Arthur reflected.
If there was one who received the sword’s love, it would surely be Han-sung.
* * *
The final lecture hour passed in an instant.
―Unfortunately, time has run out.
Arthur spoke with a genuinely regretful expression.
I wanted to observe more and offer further guidance, but we had already stretched the time to nearly its limit.
Han-sung too wore a disappointed expression as he spoke.
“Thank you so much.”
―Yes. This isn’t the end….
Arthur trailed off for a moment, then continued with a resolute tone.
―If you wish, we could continue the lessons, but for now, it would be better to learn from someone else.
“I beg your pardon? Why would that be?”
I expressed surprise at Arthur’s words.
In truth, I had been planning to seek his instruction again as soon as my subscription credits allowed.
Arthur answered my question in a measured tone.
―There is no benefit in rushing headlong into anything. You possess exceptional talent, and your learning pace matches that gift.
My aptitude with the blade was so remarkable that I consistently astonished Arthur.
Had my talent been merely ordinary—or even just conventionally excellent—Arthur would have warned me against dividing my focus elsewhere.
The path of the sword is one that cannot be fully traversed even in a lifetime.
But I was different.
My talent shone with brilliance, and my circumstances were equally exceptional.
The Tower offered endless struggle, and I could seek instruction from these transcendents within its depths.
Arthur closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again.
―I was the same. I held absolute confidence that none could surpass me in swordsmanship.
I nodded at his words.
From my perspective, Arthur’s swordsmanship had reached a realm of transcendence—its limits were beyond my comprehension.
And yet, Arthur spoke.
―But even I never reached the end of The Tower.
“Even you, Arthur… could not?”
I asked in genuine astonishment.
―That’s right. Neither did I. The same applies to other transcendents. Not all transcendents have challenged The Tower, but among those who have, none have seen its end.
To be precise, no one has ever seen the end of The Tower.
―So if your goal is to see The Tower’s end, master everything you can.
“…I understand.”
I answered with a firm expression.
At this moment, I didn’t necessarily harbor an absolute goal of reaching The Tower’s end.
But hearing Arthur’s words, my previously loosened resolve tightened once more.
Arthur seemed satisfied with my response and nodded, then sheathed his sword.
―Then, I await the day we meet again.
“Yes.”
Arthur turned and walked away slowly after those final words.
But before departing, he paused and turned back to speak.
―Ah, but you certainly do possess talent for the blade. My swordsmanship in particular suits your nature exceptionally well.
“I… thank you.”
―Indeed.
Arthur said this, yet seemed to have more to say, remaining silent for a long moment before speaking again.
―Now that I think about it, we haven’t properly settled on how to address each other.
“That’s… true, isn’t it? I’ve been calling you Sword Master, but…”
―The title of Sword Master isn’t exclusive to me, so that feels somewhat awkward.
“Ah, then…”
I pondered, my eyes searching for an answer.
Should I just call Arthur by that title? Yet something told me that wouldn’t be the right answer. If it were, he wouldn’t have brought it up in the first place.
After a brief moment of thought, Han-sung carefully opened his mouth.
“Master?”
Arthur’s face was hidden behind his helmet, but somehow I could sense his satisfaction radiating through.
―Hmm, I have never formally taken on a disciple until now.
“Is that so? Then perhaps something else….”
―In other words, you are my first disciple.
“…Yes, that’s right! Master!”
―Good. My disciple. Even if you learn other things, whenever you have questions about walking the path of the sword, do not hesitate to ask.
After saying that much, Arthur turned his back and continued walking.
And soon, time began to flow once more.
“Huff.”
The moment time resumed, my body suddenly grew heavy.
The aftereffects of remaining suspended in frozen time came crashing down all at once.
“Are you alright?!”
Baek-seol, seeing this, rushed over in alarm.
Han-sung waved a hand to assure her he was fine and sat down in a chair he’d prepared beforehand.
“It’s, it’s fine. I’m just a bit tired, that’s all.”
“Would you like me to brew you some tea that’s good for fatigue?!”
“Huh? You have something like that?”
“Yes! I’ve gathered some! Just a moment!”
Baek-seol told me to wait and scurried off to one side. Within just a few minutes, she returned with a cup from which hot steam rose in gentle wisps.
“Here you go!”
“Ah, thank you.”
Han-sung accepted it and took a sip. Immediately, a remarkably clear fragrance was followed by an overwhelming bitterness.
Baek-seol, watching Han-sung’s face contort, spoke with confidence.
“Things that are good for the body are always bitter to the taste!”
“That’s…true. Thank you.”
Whether it was good for fatigue or not, I wasn’t sure, but the extreme bitterness certainly jolted me awake. And strangely, it had a certain addictive quality to it.
Han-sung alternated between sipping the tea and grimacing, and once he’d settled down a bit, he looked ahead.
There, unread messages were streaming across his vision.
They weren’t newly arrived—they were messages that had flooded in right after Arthur’s final lesson ended.
[The Heavenly Demon extends a special proposal.]
[Lilith sends an earnest request.]
[The Unbreakable History seeks conversation.]
[The Archer Who Pierced the Heavens….]
Somehow, it was a familiar sight.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————