Bab 369
― "Ah…."
― "Ugh…."
Komentator Tiongkok kehilangan kata-kata.
Entah karena tidak percaya dengan situasi di depan mata, atau memang tidak mau mempercayainya. Mereka terus menggosok mata berulang kali, mulut mereka menganga.
Lalu, teriakan yang menyadarkan para komentator.
― "Hei!! Sadar!! Tingkah laku memalukan macam apa ini!"
― "M-, Master Jin-pyeong!"
― "Apakah kalian tidak merasakan apa-apa setelah menyaksikan duel sehebat ini? Apakah itu tidak membakar semangat kalian!"
Klan Namgung memang kuat.
Dari Babak 16 melawan Guild Oksan, melewati perempat final dan semifinal, hingga berdiri di panggung final ini, mereka tidak pernah kehilangan satu set pun.
Mereka mencabik-cabik setiap lawan yang dihadapi, dan di beberapa pertandingan mereka mencatatkan permainan sempurna—bahkan tidak membiarkan satu kematian pun, apalagi menara.
Namun yang membuat pertandingan mereka lebih istimewa adalah mereka memberikan segalanya di setiap pertandingan.
Bahkan jika lawan lebih lemah di atas kertas, mereka tidak pernah meremehkan sedetik pun. Mengetahui betapa beratnya keringat yang dikeluarkan untuk mencapai penguasaan, para pendekar Namgung menunjukkan rasa hormat yang setinggi-tingginya kepada lawan mereka.
Setelah pertandingan berakhir, yang penting adalah mereka masih punya cukup kekuatan untuk menyapa lawan.
Itu adalah kata-kata yang benar-benar diucapkan Namgung Min, dan Namgung benar-benar mencurahkan segalanya di setiap pertandingan, setiap momen.
Karena penampilan mereka membara begitu dahsyat, Jin-pyeong Master—legenda masa lalu dan analis perwakilan Tiongkok—tidak menghemat pujiannya untuk Klan Namgung.
― "Yang paling mirip pendekar sejati adalah yang paling pantas untuk dunia persilatan. Namgung menunjukkan kepada semua hunter Tiongkok pola pikir seorang pendekar."
Megah. Berani.
Kepala dingin dan hati yang membara.
Begitu pedang terhunus, kau maju ke depan.
Itulah sikap seorang pendekar.
― "Mereka tidak pernah melupakan sedetik pun bahwa mereka adalah pendekar. Pedang mereka telah membakar hati semua orang di dunia persilatan, mengumumkan datangnya musim semi baru. Aku sangat bangga pada mereka."
Sekali lagi:
Klan Namgung itu kuat.
Kekuatan mereka nyata, dan tidak ada yang bisa menyangkal bahwa mereka termasuk pendekar terhebat di dunia saat ini.
Tapi—
Master Jin-pyeong mengatupkan matanya dan berbicara seolah memaksakan kata-kata itu keluar.
― "Pemirsa, lawan mereka adalah Guild Mir itu…."
Juara bertahan Asia.
Peringkat No. 1 dalam nilai guild.
― "Jika Klan Namgung adalah bencana liga, mereka juga bencana."
Nol kekalahan set. Penampilan tanpa cela. Lima permainan sempurna.
Peringkat No. 1 dalam tingkat kematian, kerusakan yang diberikan, dan KDA.
― "Jika kita adalah pendekar terhebat, mereka adalah pemburu terhebat. Jika Klan Namgung adalah sekte terhebat, Guild Mir adalah guild terhebat."
Raja Gunung Kim Jong-pil.
― "Senja telah bangkit sekali lagi dan menjadi raja."
Dewa Raksasa Park Soo-bin.
― "Monster yang menerobos keluar dari cangkangnya telah menjadi perwujudan kekaguman."
Jenius Baek Yeon-woo.
― "Definisi ketidakadilan itu sendiri."
Blitz Yu Ri-ra.
― "Yang tercepat di dunia."
Hwarang Kim Yushin.
― "Pahlawan tersembunyi."
Setelah menyebut Raja Gunung, Dewa Raksasa, Jenius, Blitz, dan Hwarang—akhirnya.
Tepat pada waktunya, kamera menunjukkan CEO Lee Shin berdiri dengan tangan bersedekap di depan kamera ruang tunggu, dan Master Jin-pyeong berbicara dengan penuh hormat.
― "Naga legendaris yang tak terkalahkan, tak tersentuh. Merekalah lawan kita hari ini."
Tembok terbesar yang harus diatasi dunia persilatan kita.
Karena itu—
― "Tolong bersorak untuk para pendekar dunia persilatan yang bertarung dengan gagah berani. Berikan tepuk tangan yang meriah untuk pendekar kita yang terus berjuang meski dalam keadaan tidak diuntungkan."
[ Nexus hancur. ]
[ Kekalahan ]
― "…Saat ini, inilah momen ketika dukungan kalian sangat dibutuhkan. Tolong."
※ Final Guild War Asia.
Set 2
[Guild Mir] 2 VS [Klan Namgung] 0
________________________________________
Ruang tunggu Klan Namgung.
Anggota tim analisis berteriak sekuat tenaga.
"Kalian, kalian bermain bagus! Kalian bermain sangat bagus! Jangan berkecil hati! Kita hanya kurang beruntung."
"Kakak senior, ini salah kami. Maafkan kami. Persiapan kami kurang. Kakak tidak melakukan kesalahan apa pun!!"
"Namgung Jin! Tegakkan bahumu!! Lawanmu adalah Jenius. Fakta bahwa kau bisa melawan Jenius itu berarti kau juga yang terbaik. Jangan patah semangat!"
"Ayo bermeditasi. Buang napas. Bagus, tenangkan batinmu. Benar. Tenangkan pikiranmu. Masih ada kesempatan."
Apa karena mereka semua anggota keluarga dengan marga yang sama? Atau perbedaan antara guild dan sekte?
Dari perawatan mental hingga orang-orang yang duduk bersila di seluruh ruang tunggu, pemandangannya jelas berbeda dari guild pada umumnya.
Di tengah semua ini, para ahli strategi klan berkumpul di samping Kaisar Pedang Namgung Min.
"Maafkan kami. Sepertinya kami kurang."
"Pola yang konsisten, kebiasaan si jenius, Blitz Yu Ri-ra yang condong ke depan… semua kebiasaan buruk yang kami temukan telah hilang seolah-olah itu bohong."
"Sampai titik ini, hampir membuat kami curiga lawan memasang jebakan."
"Sementara itu, persiapan lawan melebihi ekspektasi. Jika lihat di sini, sekilas tampak ceroboh, tapi mereka tidak terburu-buru sama sekali. Mereka mengulur waktu di sekitar objective."
"Menghindar? Bukan. Memelintir, mungkin? Mereka memelintir pertempuran dengan cara yang aneh. Sungguh aneh."
"Jalur pergerakan mereka sama. Bukan kami yang berhasil membacanya. Tapi mereka selangkah—tidak, tepat setengah langkah—lebih cepat."
Ini adalah tim analisis yang hanya bisa diikuti oleh anggota klan paling cerdas. Mereka menuangkan laporan tanpa henti.
Tapi tidak ada yang bisa memberikan jawaban yang jelas. Justru, dalam kasus ini, lebih akurat untuk mengatakan mereka tahu tapi menghindari mengatakannya.
Karena mereka merasa bersalah.
Saat Namgung Min, yang sedang duduk bermeditasi sambil minum teh, membuka mulutnya, semua orang menundukkan kepala seolah sudah sepakat.
"Aku kalah dari adikku. Dalam pertarungan kecerdasan."
"Maafkan kami!!"
Benar-benar dihancurkan.
Mereka dipermainkan di telapak tangan Lee Shin.
"Keponakanku bilang Hwarang memprediksi pergerakanku."
"!!"
"Apa maksudmu…!"
"Bukan Raja Gunung, tapi Hwarang…?"
Otak dari Guild Mir adalah Raja Gunung. Penilaian umum adalah Hwarang adalah tangan dan kakinya.
Mengapa Klan Namgung menargetkan Hwarang Kim Yushin secara khusus? Tidak ada untungnya memprovokasi otak yang tiada tara itu, jadi mereka berniat memotong tangan dan kaki yang bernama Hwarang itu.
Tapi Hwarang Kim Yushin yang memimpin perintah…?
Mungkinkah itu umpan? Namgung Min menggelengkan kepalanya pada pertanyaan hati-hati dari anggota tim analisis.
"Tidak. Aku juga merasakannya dengan jelas. Canyon itu berputar di sekitar anak yang bernama Hwarang itu."
Dia berbicara tidak langsung, tapi maksud Namgung Min jelas.
Jika Lee Shin saat ini mendominasi pertandingan ini, maka yang bertindak sebagai pengganti tangan Lee Shin adalah Hwarang Kim Yushin.
Karena itu, rencana Klan Namgung untuk menargetkan Hwarang telah runtuh total.
Jadi…
"Kita buang semua strategi yang ada."
"!!"
"Ketua!!"
Di tengah pertandingan, di momen kritis kehilangan set ke-2, Namgung Min dengan berani membuang semua yang mereka miliki.
Saat anggota yang terkejut berkumpul di sekelilingnya, dia melanjutkan dengan tenang.
"Namgung Baekhee."
"Ya, kakak senior… tidak, Ketua."
"Hal yang kau sebutkan sebelumnya itu. Apakah itu mungkin?"
"Eh?? Itu…"
Menyadari maksud Namgung Min, Namgung Baekhee terkejut.
Itu adalah strategi yang muncul saat mengobrol dengan teman baru di seberang lautan—sesuatu yang saat itu mereka tertawakan.
Tapi Namgung Min membicarakan itu sekarang.
"Tim analisis, jalankan apa yang Baekhee sebutkan. Ubah perlengkapan dan instruksikan para pemain utama."
""Ya, Ketua!""
Mereka selalu menderita karena keputusan, tapi begitu perintah diberikan, mereka segera menghapus keraguan dari pikiran mereka.
Tugas tertinggi yang harus dipatuhi kapan saja: perintah Ketua.
Melihat mereka berlari pergi, Namgung Min bergumam.
"Aku salah sejak awal. Penantang harus bertindak seperti penantang, tapi aku terpengaruh oleh panggung lagi, menaruh niat egois ke dalam pedangku dan merencanakan lebih dulu. Masih panjang jalanku."
Benar kan, adikku?
Namgung Min merasa seolah bisa melihat Lee Shin tersenyum dari kejauhan.
Mereka berjanji untuk menunjukkan pertandingan
Chapter 369
― “Ah….”
― “Ugh….”
The Chinese commentators were left speechless.
Whether they couldn’t believe the situation before their eyes, or simply didn’t want to believe it. They kept rubbing their eyes over and over, their mouths just hanging open.
Then, a shout that snapped the commentators back to their senses.
― “Hey!! Get a hold of yourselves!! What kind of disgraceful behavior is this!”
― “J-, Jin-pyeong Master!”
― “Have you felt nothing even after witnessing such a great duel? Does it not set your hearts ablaze!”
The Namgung Clan was certainly strong.
From the Round of 16 against Oksan Guild through the quarterfinals and semifinals to standing here on the finals stage, they had not given up a single set.
They tore apart every opponent they faced, and in some matches they recorded perfect games—allowing not even a single death, let alone a tower.
But what made their matches even more special was that they gave their all in every game.
Even if the opponent was weaker on paper, they never underestimated them for a single moment. Knowing how arduous the sweat shed to reach mastery was, the warriors of Namgung showed the utmost respect to their opponents.
After a match ends, it is enough if they have just enough strength left to greet their opponent.
Those were words Namgung Min had actually said, and Namgung truly poured everything out in every match, every moment.
Because their performance burned so fiercely, Jin-pyeong Master—former legend and China’s representative analyst—did not spare his praise for the Namgung Clan.
― “That which is most like a true warrior is what best befits the martial world. Namgung is showing all hunters of China the mindset of a warrior.”
Magnificent. Courageous.
A cold head and a burning heart.
Once the blade is drawn, you advance forward.
That is the stance of a warrior.
― “They have not forgotten for even a single moment that they are warriors. Their swords have set the hearts of all in the martial world ablaze, announcing the arrival of a new spring. I am immensely proud of them.”
To say it again:
The Namgung Clan was strong.
Their strength was real, and no one could deny that they were among the greatest warriors in the world at this moment.
But—
Jin-pyeong Master squeezed his eyes shut and spoke as if forcing the words out.
― “Viewers, their opponent is that Mir Guild….”
Asia’s defending champion.
Ranked No. 1 in guild value.
― “If Namgung Clan was the disaster of the league, they too are a disaster.”
Zero set losses. Flawless performance. Five perfect games.
Ranked No. 1 in death rate, damage dealt, and KDA.
― “If we are the greatest warriors, they are the greatest hunters. If Namgung Clan is the greatest sect, Mir Guild is the greatest guild.”
Mountain King Kim Jong-pil.
― “Twilight has risen once more and become king.”
Giant God Park Soo-bin.
― “The monster that broke out of its shell has become the embodiment of awe.”
Genius Baek Yeon-woo.
― “The very definition of unfairness.”
Blitz Yu Ri-ra.
― “The world’s fastest.”
Hwarang Kim Yushin.
― “The hidden hero.”
After mentioning Mountain King, Giant God, Genius, Blitz, and Hwarang—finally.
Right on cue, the camera showed CEO Lee Shin standing with arms crossed in front of the waiting room camera, and Jin-pyeong Master spoke with reverence.
― “The undefeated, invincible, legendary dragon. They are our opponents today.”
The greatest wall our martial world must overcome.
Therefore—
― “Please cheer for the warriors of the martial world who are fighting valiantly. Give generous applause to our warriors who continue to fight despite the disadvantage.”
[ The Nexus is destroyed. ]
[ Defeat ]
― “…Right now, this is the moment when your support is desperately needed. Please.”
※ Guild War Asia Final.
Set 2
[Mir Guild] 2 VS [Namgung Clan] 0
________________________________________
Namgung Clan’s waiting room.
The analysis team members were shouting at the top of their lungs.
“Guys, you did well! You’re doing really well! Don’t be discouraged! We just had a bit of bad luck.”
“Senior sister, it’s our fault. We’re sorry. We weren’t prepared enough. You did nothing wrong!!”
“Namgung Jin! Straighten your shoulders!! The opponent is Genius. The fact that you’re fighting that Genius means you’re the best too. Don’t lose heart!”
“Let’s sit in meditation. Exhale. Good, calm your inner self. That’s right. Steady your mind. There’s still a chance.”
Was it because they were all family members sharing the same surname? Or the difference between a guild and a sect?
From mental care to people sitting cross-legged throughout the waiting room, the scene was clearly different from that of a typical guild.
Amid this, the clan’s strategists gathered beside the Sword Emperor Namgung Min.
“We’re sorry. It seems we were lacking.”
“A consistent pattern, the genius’s habits, Blitz Yu Ri-ra leaning forward… all the bad habits we discovered have disappeared as if they were lies.”
“To this extent, it almost makes us suspect the opponent set a trap.”
“Meanwhile, the opponent’s preparation exceeded expectations. If you look here, it seems reckless at first glance, but they’re not rushing at all. They’re stalling time around objectives.”
“Avoiding? No. Twisting, perhaps? They twist engagements in a strange way. It’s truly bizarre.”
“Their movement paths are the same. It’s not that we’ve read them. But they’re one step—no, exactly half a step—faster.”
This was the analysis team that only the smartest members of the clan could join. They poured out reports nonstop.
But no one could give a clear answer. Rather, in this case, it would be more accurate to say they knew but avoided saying it.
Because they felt sorry.
The moment Namgung Min, who had been sitting in meditation and drinking tea, opened his mouth, everyone lowered their heads as if by prior agreement.
“I lost to my younger brother. In the battle of wits.”
“We’re sorry!!”
Completely dismantled.
They were playing in the palm of Lee Shin’s hand.
“My nephew said that Hwarang predicted my movements.”
“!!”
“What do you mean…!”
“Not the Mountain King, but Hwarang…?”
The brain of the Mir Guild is Mountain King. The common assessment was that Hwarang was his hands and feet.
Why did the Namgung Clan single out Hwarang Kim Yushin? There was little to gain from provoking that unparalleled brain, so they intended to sever the hands and feet called Hwarang.
But Hwarang Kim Yushin participated in the order…?
Could it be a feint? Namgung Min shook his head at the cautious question from a member of the analysis team.
“No. I felt it clearly too. The canyon was swirling around that kid called Hwarang.”
He spoke indirectly, but Namgung Min’s meaning was clear.
If Lee Shin is currently dominating this match, then the one acting in place of Lee Shin’s hands is Hwarang Kim Yushin.
Therefore, Namgung Clan’s plan to target Hwarang has completely collapsed.
So…
“We discard all existing strategies.”
“!!”
“Patriarch!!”
In the middle of the match, at the desperate moment of losing the 2nd set, Namgung Min boldly abandoned everything they had.
As the startled members gathered around him, he continued calmly.
“Namgung Baekhee.”
“Yes, senior brother… no, Patriarch.”
“That thing you mentioned before. Is it possible?”
“Uh?? Well…”
Realizing what Namgung Min meant, Namgung Baekhee was startled.
It was a strategy that had come up while chatting with a new friend across the sea—something they had just laughed off at the time.
But Namgung Min was talking about that now.
“Analysis team, execute what Baekhee mentioned. Change armaments and instruct the starters.”
““Yes, Patriarch!””
They had always agonized over decisions, but once the order was given, they immediately erased doubt from their minds.
The supreme task that must be obeyed at any time: the Patriarch’s command.
Watching them run off, Namgung Min murmured.
“I was wrong from the start. A challenger should act like a challenger, yet I was swayed by the stage again, putting selfish intent into my sword and scheming first. I still have a long way to go.”
Isn’t that right, little brother?
Namgung Min felt as if he could see Lee Shin smiling from afar.
They had promised to show the best match on the greatest stage. He had resolved to fight as gloriously as possible.
“A promise must be kept.”
A sword stood in Namgung Min’s heart.
________________________________________
— “Mir Guild perfectly dominated the series and begins Set 3. On the other hand, if Namgung Clan loses this set as well, this series is effectively over.”
— “Whether it’s a surprise strategy, a super play, or if nothing else works, even a desperate gamble—they have to show something. Namgung Clan is at the edge of a cliff!”
— “The canyon opens! Set 3 begins!!”
•
•
— “Huh? Wait a moment! What is happening right now?! Why is the Sword Emperor leaving mid?! Is it roaming?”
— “It’s not roaming! Blocking Park Soo-bin, the Titan who’s trying to follow, is Supreme One Namgung Su, Namgung Clan’s jungler! Supreme One holds mid!”
— “What?! No way? No way? A lane swap?! The jungler and mid are swapping lanes?!”
— “Namgung Clan draws the sword! The will of the Sword Emperor has not yet gone out!”
•
•
— “The Sword Emperor does not stop. He cuts down Mountain King’s plant wave. He cuts down the binding spells poured out by Genius. He cuts down the spirits rushing in from all sides. The magic fired at him, the shields flying in, the artillery falling down—he cuts them! He cuts them all!”
— “This is the Emperor of the Sword…”
— “Namgung Clan breathes with the Sword Emperor’s momentum! The Sword Dragon’s movements grow lighter. The support Sword Dragon, who has joined them, captures Hwarang with uncanny mobility.”
— “This is Namgung Clan…!!”
— “Sword Dragon throws himself forward to block Mountain King’s attack. Sword Dragon clings stubbornly, determined to die together with the Genius. The Sword Emperor! The Sword Emperor! Taking the full brunt of the onslaught, he finally severs Hwarang’s neck! In exchange, Namgung Clan is completely wiped out…!!”
— “Here she comes! Celestial Flower Namgung Baekhee joins and kills them all! There’s no retreat! This is insane!!”
— “…The Sword Emperor turns the tide by offering himself as a sacrifice! He burns fiercely! Everyone, they have not gone out yet! Let me say it again. The will of Namgung has not gone out.”
•
•
※ Guild War Asia Final.
3set
[Mir Guild] 2 VS [Namgung Clan] 1
________________________________________
Lee Shin strode quickly down the corridor. Chae Dong-ha and a crowd followed beside him.
Lee Shin irritably loosened his tie.
He threw off his expensive coat and tore open the front buttons of his shirt, exposing his neck. It looked like he was angry, but his face was actually full of smiles.
“This is fun. This is why I love the league. It’s thrilling every time.”
“Do you realize we just got hit hard? This isn’t the time to enjoy it.”
“Heh, I can’t believe they integrated ‘that’ into the qualification formation. My big brother’s pretty good.”
“But is it really true? I still can’t believe what you said, sir. Why would Namgung Clan? Why on earth? Putting everything aside, what did you even see to think it was ‘that’?”
“Can’t you see it? You saw it with your own eyes.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“You can tell just by their movements! The result says it too. Match time: 22 minutes. Need more?”
“Just from that? It could be a coincidence…”
“Are you kidding? You know there’s no such thing as coincidence in this scene.”
If it were another Chinese guild, it might have been dismissed as coincidence, just as Chae Dong-ha said. That side is notoriously closed-off and stubborn.
But not this time.
The current Namgung Clan, transformed by Lee Shin, and the Sword Emperor were genuine powerhouses—true warriors.
Meanwhile, when Lee Shin arrived, the waiting room was in utter chaos.
Though unspoken, everyone shared the same thought.
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