The Terminally Ill Young Master is the Mad Dog of the Underworld - Chapter 49
Chapter 49: The Gladiator of Grunewald
Ulbhild Grunewald.
The only princess of the Grunewald Clan and the Commander of the 2nd battalion of the Special Operations Division.
“A day with high humidity and overcast skies like today is perfect for practicing the Snow Academy’s Eternal Sword Technique.”
Every time she slowly swung her arm, cold mist rose like fog, freezing the surrounding humidity like thin ice. Her movement was as beautiful as a crane made of snow spreading its wings.
“2nd Commander, you are always so beautiful when practicing.”
“It’s like a noble crane walking between frozen lakes.”
The Special Operations Division members flattered her.
“Shut up. Can’t you see the Commander is training?”
“Don’t disturb her concentration.”
Other members quickly rebuked their colleagues.
The Special Operations Division members wore non-uniform, free-spirited clothing, making them look more like mercenaries than a military unit at first glance.
“Quiet.”
When Ulbhild placed her white finger on her lips, all members’ mouths immediately closed.
‘At this stage, I must compress the cold energy even further. But it’s as difficult as touching thin ice without breaking it.’
She was beyond simply learning and implementing martial arts techniques – she was developing them in her own unique way. This was truly a characteristic worthy of the term ‘genius’.
‘The Snow Academy’s Eternal Sword Technique is an unparalleled martial art when mastered, but its severity makes controlling its power difficult.’
Many renowned female warriors from the Grunewald Clan had chosen the Snow Academy’s Eternal Sword Technique. Cold energy is essentially yin energy – by nature, it’s more suitable for women than men.
Moreover, given the Special Operations Division’s characteristics, an ice-based technique specialized in suppression and killing was particularly appropriate.
‘All of Grunewald’s martial arts stem from the fundamental Eternal Ocean Chain Technique. But the harmony between sea and ice is far greater than that between sea and fire.’
This was Ulbhild’s personal philosophy.
Reaching such a level of martial arts mastery at a young age was no easy feat. Her nickname ‘Martial Arts Maniac’ was well-earned.
-If Ulbhild had ambitions of power, Karl might not have been Verdzig’s greatest competitor.
-Her genius in martial arts is second only to Verdzig.
Such words circulated among the Grunewald elders, and they were by no means an exaggeration.
Even including the clan’s elders and extended clan members, Ulbhild had already achieved a level of mastery that would place her among the top three female masters of Grunewald.
But her fame was not solely due to her overwhelming martial skills. In fact, she was renowned for her beauty throughout the entire Ritvalroer Kingdom.
Her exquisite features were so stunning that she was said to rival Verdzig, and she was famous for causing lovesick pain among noble youths and knights.
‘The 2nd Commander is impressive today as well.’
‘She’s so strong and yet so diligent.’
‘Can a human be this beautiful?’
To sum it all up in one word… Ulbhild Grunewald was almost a divine being within the Special Operations Division.
‘Anyone who approaches the Commander will be chopped up and turned into dried meat rations.’
‘Oh, if only I could call her ‘mommy’ just once…’
[TL/N: 💀💀]
The Special Operations Division was originally the most unconventional and free-spirited unit within the Grunewald Clan.
But the 2nd battalion led by Ulbhild was especially distinctive. They were all known as ‘Ulbhild’s fanatics’.
As the nickname suggested, their loyalty was close to madness.
Recently, the person they most despised was Allenvert Grunewald.
‘That cunning fellow.’
He was a young man who had risen to prominence with looks rivaling Verdzig, seven years of seclusion, and the remarkable talent he displayed upon dramatically emerging.
‘Using the ‘brother’ card to win the Commander’s favor.’
‘Damn. Does being handsome make a difference?’
‘Anyway, I don’t like him.’
They constantly gossiped about Allenvert whenever they had the chance. Of course, these were not meant to be heard by anyone.
“Being in seclusion for seven years? Didn’t he miss the perfect timing?”
“Exactly. There are too many embarrassing stories about him.”
“If he had such talent, he should have emerged earlier. Knowing the right time is also a skill and ability.”
“Who would disagree?”
“No matter how talented he might be, after wasting so much time in seclusion, it’ll be hard to close the gap.”
Ulbhild clicked her tongue internally at the sight of grown adults jealous of her younger brother. They were truly pathetic.
‘But on the battlefield, they’re the most reliable comrade.’
“Watch your words. Who dares to criticize my brother?”
“But Commander, just the other day…”
“Enough.”
Ulbhild cut them off.
“People can change overnight. Didn’t Allen change so dramatically when he set his mind to it?”
Ulbhild had once pitied and looked down on Allenvert more than anyone. However, the talent she witnessed firsthand and his overwhelming presence were anything but ordinary.
“What matters is the mindset of holding a sword, not the timing. Aren’t there those among you who only picked up a sword after their minds had hardened?”
“Well, I suppose so…”
The Special Operations Division was quite unique. They typically recruited outsiders who had not received formal training, or selected exceptionally skilled individuals from the Royal Guards or other units who had failed to adapt to internal dynamics.
Therefore, people said they were the least military-like among those serving in the military.
But they are a small, elite group of top-tier talents.
They were a special unit specialized in various tasks: special missions, infiltration, espionage, reconnaissance, landing operations, maritime escort, and VIP protection.
As such, within the Special Operations Division, they rigidly adhered to a meritocracy, regardless of an individual’s past or status.
Consequently, many who had their promotion paths blocked due to minor offenses could still achieve great success and rise through the-tiers in the Special Operations Division.
“Harold, what are your thoughts?”
Ulbhild, who had momentarily stopped her training in the noisy atmosphere, asked.
“Hmm, well. I can’t be certain since I haven’t seen it with my own eyes.”
Harold, her adjutant known for his distinctive insight, stroked his beard.
“Wouldn’t the Commander’s eyes never be wrong? If so, he must be a genius.”
The members jeered.
“Booo. Sycophant, booo.”
“These days, everyone’s called a genius. Our Commander is the real deal…”
“Quiet. If you’re upset, come out and fight me.”
“Too scared to say anything.”
It was during this commotion that news of Allenvert’s sparring match spread.
“What? He’s going to spar with a Royal Guard?”
“A wooden sword duel. Use of mana is prohibited.”
“Even so, the result won’t change.”
The Special Operations Division members whispered, stealing glances at Ulbhild.
“Who is Keseg?”
Ulbhild furrowed her brow.
“Generally, he’s a pathetic fellow. His reputation is nothing special.”
“Is that so?”
“But in terms of skill, he’s qualified to join the Royal Guards. He didn’t enter through bribery.”
‘Allenvert, who hadn’t even properly learned a sword technique, challenging a Royal Guard of the 4th-tier?’
This was a battle with no hope of success, beyond mere genius.
“Turns out he’s reckless.”
“Does he think he can win?”
“That seems difficult.”
“If he’s a genius, shouldn’t he be able to win?”
No matter how talented one might be, it was common sense that a boy who had been training for less than two weeks could not defeat a martial artist of Royal Guard caliber.
‘But if it’s a wooden sword duel, the story might be different.’
Ulbhild’s eyes gleamed.
‘Maybe Allen…’
She recalled the blue sword energy her brother had created with just one knife.
Sword energy is not merely about the completeness of mana.
‘What matters is how sharp a sword one carries in their imagination.’
Sword energy beyond the realm of fundamental techniques.
Perhaps Allenvert was already a true swordsman.
“When and where is the duel?”
“Oh, at three in the afternoon in the great training hall.”
Ulbhild nodded.
“Let’s go.”
…The moment Allenvert would land his first big catch.
***
“This is an opportunity.”
The Royal Guard member Keseg’s heart raced.
‘If I teach this wildly jumping idiot a lesson, even Young Master Verdzig would be pleased. He would give me a great reward. Maybe I could even transfer to his unit and start climbing the ranks…’
His fantasies rose like cumulus clouds.
A stage to display his martial prowess in front of everyone had come, almost like a lie.
That massive opportunity that supposedly comes only a few times in life seemed to be grasped in his hand.
“The Young Master has underestimated this Keseg too much.”
Keseg practiced a cool line while looking in the mirror.
“You have some talent. But do you know the weight of the silent sweat we soldiers have shed? Do not make the mistake of being arrogant, trusting only your meager talent. The path of martial arts is an honest one.”
Keseg muttered confidently, lifting his chin. Even he thought the line was impressive just now. A bit long? No problem. If he breaks his breath well, it’ll be fine…
“What is that guy doing?”
“I don’t know. He’s been talking to himself in front of the mirror.”
Intoxicated by his own coolness, Keseg began flipping his hair.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake.”
“What a pathetic fellow. He’ll end up in big trouble.”
The Royal Guard members shook their heads looking at Keseg’s excited back.
‘If he loses, he’ll be completely disgraced.’
‘Be prepared. If you lose with this kind of attitude, you’re as good as dead.’
The disaster he had invited himself was about to crush his neck.
***
“Hey, Olivier, should I place a bet too?”
“…Please maintain your dignity.”
“I’m just joking.”
Olivier let out a sigh.
“It doesn’t sound like a joke, though.”
“What if I bet anonymously? If I wager on my win, I could multiply it several times.”
“…That’s quite tempting.”
“Unbelievable. You’re telling me to act dignified, and then you—”
“I was joking as well.”
“A joke from Olivier? Now, that’s rare.”
“Young Master, are you sure about this?”
Peter asked, his face filled with worry.
“Why? Want to put some money down too?”
“Like I have any money.”
“Sure you do. Remember that stash of gold coins you entrusted to your– ….”
“Absolutely not!”
Peter squeezed his eyes shut.
“Alright, seems like the mood’s just about right.”
I grabbed the practice wooden sword Peter handed me and strode toward the center of the sparring ground.
“Greetings, everyone. I am Allenvert Grunewald.”
The noisy crowd fell silent. I walked leisurely across the dirt floor, soaking up their gazes.
“It’s been a long time since you’ve seen my face. I’ve returned after a seven-year absence.”
From afar, Peter and Olivier were looking at me with expressions that seemed to say.
-What’s he going to say now?
“What do you think of me now? I imagine there were plenty of rumors.”
The crowd remained silent.
“You tell me.”
I pointed at one of the guards.
“…I’ve been watching the Young Master train for the past few days.”
“So we’re acquainted. How was it?”
“It was truly intense. It wasn’t training anyone could do. I would have vomited and given up several times if I were in your place.”
“Ah, I see.”
“If you are so serious about the sword, then what does the outcome of today matter? But even if you lose, I don’t think you’ll go down easily.”
I nodded in satisfaction.
“I’m glad you understand. Sit down.”
I looked at the guards, knights, and servants. There were probably some distant relatives or vassals watching from afar, fanning themselves.
“As you all know, Keseg is a member of the Grunewald’s proud Royal Guard. He has the proper skills and has trained diligently. While I was wasting my time indoors, that is.”
“…”
“It’s true that I fell ill and suffered from amnesia. But luckily, I now remember everything I need to know.”
The destruction of Eisenach, my grandfather’s death, my mother’s seclusion.
Without mentioning these events directly, I planted them firmly in people’s minds.
“…”
A few sensitive women began to tear up.
I know that my face can evoke a wide range of emotions. It’s pathetic when a rough-looking guy like Karzan cries, but when a handsome guy like Allenvert cries, it’s seen as a sign of suffering.
“I no longer despair over my limited lifespan.
I believe there must be a way. Even if I can’t find the legendary spirit medicine Ereshkigal, I can prolong my life by several years with this rigorous training.”
Allenvert, the tragic young master with a limited lifespan. I was going to create a spectacle that would astonish everyone.
Did Keseg realize that he was going to be the villain in this heroic tale? Of course not. He’s probably so caught up in his own heroic narrative that he’s walking on air. Poor thing.
“I want to make one thing clear: I have no ill feelings towards Keseg. Perhaps my words have offended him somewhat.”
Even I found this statement to be quite amusing.
‘Anyone listening might think he started the trouble.’
But remember, this is how you create a justification.
“However, that’s not important. He is a warrior, and I aspire to be one as well. So, we will simply clash swords and settle the matter.”
The audience watched my every move with eager eyes.
“This is clearly an unfavorable match for me. My body is still recovering, and my strength and endurance are far from adequate. Not to mention my experience.”
The people nodded unconsciously.
“Nevertheless.”
I grinned, looking at the crowd that was completely engrossed in my story.
“I will offer you all a purse. Who among you believes in my victory and will place a bet?”
“…!”
Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Heh, the stakes are getting higher.”
A fight, money, and gambling.
I had thrown everything people loved into the mix.
‘Perfect.’
At this moment, I am the gladiator of Grunewald.
———-