You Will Be Blessed If You Do Good Deeds¿

Crack!

A foul-smelling troll walked forward, snapping its neck as it stomped, step by step.
Lee Pyeong-hwa tensed up and took a stance.
In his hand, a rapier was gripped tightly.

Over the past few months, Shin Ji-eum, who had been closely observing Lee Pyeong-hwa, recommended the rapier for his personal training, rather than the longsword he had previously used.
“The rapier feels more comfortable, right? You've been fencing for a long time, after all.”
“That’s true, but… after awakening as a hunter, I used a longsword.”

“But it’s only been a few months, hasn’t it? Considering the future, it’s not such a big deal.”
Shin Ji-eum shrugged.
“If it were military training, you’d have to focus on longswords because they’re more versatile in group combat, but…”

Shin Ji-eum paused for a moment and then continued.
“There’s no need to insist on using a longsword with me. You’ve learned enough, so now use the sword style that fits you best.”
Despite Shin Ji-eum’s words, Lee Pyeong-hwa hesitated slightly. It made sense—longswords are versatile, so it’s hard to move away from them.

‘I think the rapier is the right choice for him.’
Lee Pyeong-hwa, though naturally gifted, had trained in fencing for so long that his steps were light, and his movements were swift compared to other swordsmen. Although he had learned the swinging and slashing motions with the longsword, in battle, when things became urgent...
—KRAAAH!

The troll, spotting Lee Pyeong-hwa, swung its fist.
The massive size of the troll made the pressure of the swing feel like nothing to ignore.
Lee Pyeong-hwa swiftly sidestepped the troll’s punch while stepping forward with his right foot.

It was to add power to his thrust.
‘It’s a familiar pattern.’
Unconsciously, the fencing moves he practiced began to emerge.
Now, even though he was holding a rapier, the same habits that appeared when holding the longsword showed through.

CRACK!
The rapier Lee Pyeong-hwa held struck precisely at the troll’s chest.
With a rapier like the one he was holding, there were no significant issues.

However, when he led the movement by stepping forward with his right foot, the longsword, which relied on using the blade, wouldn't gain much power. In other words, because of these unconscious habits, the longsword didn't flow well with his movements.
‘Until now, I could manage with the lower-tier dungeons, but with this delay in movements, it’s clear I need to change weapons.’
Of course, Lee Pyeong-hwa could fix this habit and continue using the longsword, but based on Shin Ji-eum’s judgment, she believed it was better to use the rapier than to correct the habit and force the longsword.

—KRUUNG?
Of course, the rapier wasn’t without its own weaknesses.
If the weapon could pierce the torso with a single strike or cut through the veins to instantly kill or deal a fatal blow, it would be fine. However, for trolls with strong regeneration abilities and thick skin, it was difficult to pierce through with a rapier.

Once again, Lee Pyeong-hwa’s rapier pierced the troll’s chest, but it didn’t reach the heart.
It was understandable—his experience and strength were still lacking.
Lee Pyeong-hwa sheathed the rapier, quickly jumped backward to secure some distance, and shouted without turning back.

“Jeong Da-on!”
“Got it.”
Before the troll swung its club at Lee Pyeong-hwa, I flicked my fingers.

CRACKLE!
The troll’s hand froze.
By rapidly lowering the temperature in the air, I froze the troll’s hand.

‘This is magic that even a low-level mage could use.’
It was a simple application of temperature control magic.
By drawing heat from the air, I lowered the monster’s body temperature, which slowed its movements.

While not as direct as offensive magic, it was quick enough to be useful in real combat.
Of course, I could have just shot fire arrows to roast the troll alive, but that would have done nothing for Lee Pyeong-hwa’s training.
If the first attack didn’t work, I could always try again.

SWOOSH!
Seizing the opportunity as the troll’s movements slowed, the rapier’s thrust became more precise.
Though it didn’t pierce the skin in one blow, the wounds left on the troll’s thick skin started to accumulate as the healing speed was outpaced by the attack’s speed.

Fast, and plenty of them.
Ultimately, this was to check if Lee Pyeong-hwa’s rapier could overcome the troll’s regeneration abilities and deal real damage.
Shin Ji-eum, who had been observing the assault, nodded.

“…Hmm, Lee Pyeong-hwa Hunter is definitely more suited to a rapier.”
I agreed.
I don’t even understand why he insisted on using a longsword. A rapier is clearly better for him.

However, Shin Ji-eum added a remark.
“Lee Pyeong-hwa Hunter might not like it, though.”
At that, I tilted my head.

“Why wouldn’t he like it? Fencing for so long, using a rapier seems like the best choice…”
While his power might be a bit lacking now, that could improve with practice, especially with imbuing magic into the sword. A rapier isn’t weaker than a longsword. It simply has different pros and cons.
“Jeong Da-on, are you pretending not to understand?”

“Huh?”
Shin Ji-eum smiled mysteriously.
“It’s clear that to pair up with an aggressive mage and strategize, it’d be better to have a sturdy tank rather than a fast swordsman. Someone like Yoo Han-ul, for example.”

“That’s…”
“And if the mage is an S-rank, it makes even more sense, doesn’t it?”
An S-rank offensive mage... was she talking about me?

‘Did he insist on using a longsword to match with me?’
I frowned at Lee Pyeong-hwa’s back.
Theoretically, pairing with a wide-area attacking mage like me would work better with a tank rather than another attacker to buy time. Someone like Yoo Han-ul, as Shin Ji-eum said.

But for Lee Pyeong-hwa to think that way…
‘We’re a hundred years too early for that.’
“Is that the face of someone having unrealistic dreams?”

She caught me.
I’d been careful about my expression because there were so many cameras around, but today, since it was just Lee Pyeong-hwa and Shin Ji-eum with me, I let my guard down.
I quickly fixed my expression.

“…I wasn’t thinking that.”
“Let them dream. She’s still at an age where she can dream.”
“A girl, huh…”

Well, she was just twenty.
It wasn’t a bad age to dream.
“Still, I’m glad that Lee Pyeong-hwa Hunter has made good progress these past few months. He’s getting used to chaos, and his overall view of the battlefield has broadened… If he changes his weapon, his attacks will become more refined and quicker.”

Shin Ji-eum flashed a bright smile.
“He’s a great talent. If we continue developing him like this, he could be one of the main damage dealers in large-scale campaigns. He could even stand alongside Yoo Han-ul.”
“Why is Yoo Han-ul the comparison target from the start? They’re completely different types…”

I can’t deny that Lee Pyeong-hwa is a good candidate.
But comparing him to Yoo Han-ul is like comparing a whale to a human.
Yoo Han-ul is in a completely different league.

“Everything returns to the sea. No matter the path, they all eventually merge. Even if they wield different swords, their goals are the same.”
It was an oddly philosophical statement. Reminded me of something from a martial arts novel.
“Even if their types differ, it’s not bad to aim to be the strongest swordsman right now.”

“Isn’t there a risk of developing inferiority complex?”
“You’re the same age, but you sound like an older sister worrying about her little brother?”
“Not all older sisters worry about their younger siblings.”

If we were talking about killing him, I might’ve taken her joke as just that.
But it wasn’t a joke.
“Inferiority complex isn’t necessarily bad. Having someone who constantly challenges you is a blessing.”

“Is that so, Hunter Shin Ji-eum?”
“Me? I’ve already fought alongside Yoo Han-ul Hunter many times, and I’m too old to be challenged…”
Shin Ji-eum awkwardly scratched her cheek.

“I’m definitely the younger one in that relationship.”
“I didn’t know you were close.”
“Well, I’m an A-rank Hunter too, so when there are national-level campaigns, we get mobilized together… Although we haven’t really spent much time talking privately.”

That was a surprise.
Shin Ji-eum is so friendly that I didn’t expect her to keep her distance like that.
“I guess Yoo Han-ul Hunter is hard to approach.”

“…Really?”
But Yoo Han-ul is always kind to everyone, isn’t he?
“During campaigns, it’s hard to have casual conversations. Ah, I did hear that you and Yoo Han-ul Hunter are close though.”

“That’s just a rumor. I haven’t seen him for about six months.”
Since returning from the New York Dungeon, I hadn’t met Yoo Han-ul even once.
We occasionally exchanged brief texts, but even that had stopped about three months ago.

For me, if contact with him completely stopped, I’d be thankful.
I’d gotten too close to the Hero as it was.
‘…Since I had James Chen let into the country, even more so.’

James Chen had been steadily expanding his influence according to my intentions.
Centered around the guild established by Ham Se-rin, he’d been bringing in mercenaries he had hired from his days of global activities.
‘It’d be troublesome if Yoo Han-ul caught wind of this while the flow is going well.’

Since the forced companion invitation message popped up, it was best to avoid raising any unnecessary suspicions with the Hero.
“Really? I guess so.”
Talking with Shin Ji-eum, I felt like she skillfully glossed over the uncomfortable parts. Was that a mistake on my part? I wouldn’t be surprised if the source of the rumor about me and Yoo Han-ul being close was Han Jae-young.

It wouldn’t surprise me at all.
After all, rumors about me being a national hero among low-ranking hunters were circulating. So, what rumors wouldn’t spread?
“Hmm, I hope there’s something I can advise Jeong Da-on Hunter as much as I’ve advised Lee Pyeong-hwa Hunter… but I can’t think of anything to say.”

That’s right.
No matter what Han Jae-young says, there’s nothing he can advise me on. He’s a swordsman who knows nothing about magic.
“From what I’ve observed, your offensive magic is solid, and your timing for casting buff spells while coordinating with others is perfect. Sometimes, I think you have more experience than me.”

“…I’ve been traveling with Lee Pyeong-hwa for these past few months.”
“That’s true, but you were already quite skilled from the start… Ah, but here’s one piece of advice.”
Shin Ji-eum shrugged.

“Jeong Da-on Hunter also has talent in swordsmanship. You’re already a great mage, but how about continuing to practice swordsmanship? Maybe more practical training than VR simulations…”
“I think you’ve got that wrong.”
I immediately rebutted.

I can’t possibly have talent in swordsmanship. That’s ridiculous.
Shin Ji-eum chuckled at my disgusted expression.
“Likes and talents are different, though. Even if you’re a mage, learning swordsmanship wouldn’t hurt, right? I’m pretty envious. To be born with talent in both magic and swordsmanship… You’re truly blessed.”

“…”
I paused for a moment, reflecting.
If I take likes and dislikes out of the equation...

‘The physical development speed is unusual.’
Indeed, "Jeong Da-on" has innate qualities.
As Shin Ji-eum said, it’s a blessed talent.

This is a matter that goes beyond levels and stats.
Even if my strength and stamina are high, to properly handle it, you need talent in combat.
If I didn’t have talent, I would have died in the Dungeon Break in Eunpyeong-gu after failing to avoid the ant swarm.

Actually, Yoo Han-ul also told me that I had talent…
‘The problem is... I just don’t get why I should wield a sword when I could just cast Meteor and be done with it.’
If you are reading this translation anywhere other than .net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

From a mage’s perspective, no matter how thick a bastard sword is, compared to area-of-effect magic, it’s like an oversized toothpick.
Of course, from a swordsman’s perspective, you could just decapitate the mage before they even have time to cast Meteor.
That’s just one of the eternal debates between mages and swordsmen.

“…Let’s think about it slowly.”
“Right. Anyway, Jeong Da-on, you’ll be trained by Guild Leader Han Jae-young, so I won’t say more.”
Shin Ji-eum, as expected, only said what needed to be said and cleanly backed out.

It didn’t sit well with me that Han Jae-young would be the one training me, but there’s not much I can do about it since he doesn’t know the situation.
“Anyway, he did say to come by the guild after the campaign ends.”
“Oh, are we having dinner together? Can I join too? A cheerful party?”

“Unfortunately, he told me to come alone.”
Shin Ji-eum clicked her tongue.
“Ugh, Han Jae-young...”

I still don’t understand why he likes those kinds of dinner parties.
If Han Jae-young calls me, it’s highly unlikely to be a fun dinner.
As expected, it wasn’t a cheerful dinner.

After the campaign, I went back to the HP Guild and headed up to the Guild Leader's office. I furrowed my brow.
“What’s going on?”
The atmosphere was heavy.

Han Jae-young, sitting with his back to the window, turned to look at me. He hesitated for a long time, then finally spoke.
“Jeong Da-on, don’t be shocked, but listen.”
“Why? Is the world ending?”

“…Fortunately, the news I have isn’t that bad.”
What news could possibly shock me?
I had been getting live updates from Leo and Robo about Jeong Da-jeong’s safety.

Han Jae-young lowered his voice, as if it were a huge matter.
“…Yoo Han-ul is missing.”
I furrowed my brows.

“What?”
Why is the invincible hero missing?