On a quiet night, Do-Hyun was sharing a drink with the women of Pungwolru, winding down after a long day.
Chun-Hyang spoke up in a calm voice.
"Lee Do-Hyun, Kangho has always been a place where only the strong survive. People like us… we've always been destined to die."
"But one person changed our fate."
"The Heavenly Sword Demon Queen, Lee So-Eun. She shattered the order of Kangho and showed us what was possible."
Do-Hyun furrowed his brows, deep in thought.
"The order of Kangho… Was it truly this merciless?"
"The Heavenly Sword Demon Queen… Why does that name feel so powerful to me?"
He lifted his gaze, meeting Chun-Hyang's unwavering eyes.
"Lee So-Eun, the Heavenly Sword Demon Queen. She was from the Demonic Cult. No one acknowledged her, and most even denied her existence."
Do-Hyun's voice held a note of disbelief.
"A woman from the Demonic Cult… rose to the peak of Kangho?"
The other women nodded silently before one of them continued.
"To us, she was the very embodiment of possibility. She was born into the Demonic Cult, yet no one could deny her strength. The moment she reached the pinnacle of Kangho, she proved that even women could stand at the top."
Do-Hyun slowly placed his cup on the table.
"If that's true… then why do so few people know about her story?"
Chun-Hyang's voice grew low and firm.
"Because the order of Kangho feared her. They could not accept that a woman from the Demonic Cult had ascended to such heights. So they distorted her legacy, erased her name from history. But in the memories of the oppressed, her legend still lives on."
Do-Hyun silently looked at them, contemplating their words.
The order of Kangho… In the end, oppression exists here as well. Lee So-Eun's story is proof of that.
Chun-Hyang raised her cup and met Do-Hyun's eyes.
"The only reason we are able to stand together like this is because she showed us that it was possible. We will fight as well. Even if the world tries to erase us."
*************
Chunhyang's Proposal and the Legendary Sword
A few days later, Chunhyang called for Do-Hyun. Her usual lighthearted demeanor was replaced with an air of seriousness.
"Do-Hyun, there is a rumor spreading among the martial artists. It's about a certain sword… Whether it's a blessing or a curse, I'm not sure. But I believe you might need it."
Do-Hyun raised an eyebrow.
"A sword? How would that help me?"
Chunhyang spread out a map and pointed to a location.
"This isn't just any sword. Some say it moves on its own. Others claim it whispers to its wielder. But there are also those who dismiss it as nothing more than a lump of iron. Whatever the truth, don't you think it's worth investigating?"
Do-Hyun pondered her words. He had started to realize that relying solely on his skills and allies wasn't enough—he needed more power.
"Alright. Where do I need to go?"
Chunhyang traced a path with her finger.
"There's a hidden cave. They say only those who are meant to wield the sword can enter."
With the help of Pungwolru's women, Do-Hyun made his preparations and set out. The journey to the cave was grueling, but he pushed forward, remembering Chunhyang's advice.
"This isn't just about obtaining a sword. If I want to survive, I have to face this challenge."
The entrance to the cave was concealed behind layers of rock and overgrown vines, as if deliberately hidden. Taking a deep breath, Do-Hyun stepped inside.
Inside, ancient carvings covered the walls, depicting swordsmen and cryptic inscriptions. He ran his fingers over the engravings, reading the faded words aloud.
"The sword tests the wielder's heart."
"It moves on its own."
"It is nothing more than lifeless metal."
The messages varied, yet one thing was clear—this sword was different.
Deeper in the cave, Do-Hyun found a sword buried in dust, encased in a weathered scabbard. Even in its resting state, it radiated an undeniable presence.
"Could this be the legendary sword?"
Hesitantly, he reached out. The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt, a deep voice echoed in his mind.
"Who dares awaken me?"
Darkness enveloped his vision.
**************
The Sword's Trial
When Do-Hyun opened his eyes, he was no longer in the cave. A mist-covered void surrounded him.
"Where… am I?"
A figure emerged from the fog, holding a sword.
"Are you the one who has awakened me?"
Before Do-Hyun could respond, the figure lunged.
Barely dodging, Do-Hyun realized he was outmatched. He had only trained under Chunhyang's techniques—enough to fight, but not enough to truly master combat.
"Damn it… I'm not strong enough!"
He tried to anticipate the enemy's moves, but the figure had no weaknesses.
"You are unworthy. Leave now."
The figure sheathed its sword, preparing to fade away.
Desperate, Do-Hyun shouted,
"Wait! I may be weak, but I have people who believe in me. I need to become stronger—for them!"
The figure paused.
"Your skills are poor, but… you have potential."
Extending the sword toward him, it spoke.
"I will allow you to wield me. But remember—whether you control me or I control you… that is yet to be decided."
As Do-Hyun grasped the sword, a surge of power coursed through him.
"My name is Igo's Sword. I am both a blessing and a curse. Your fate depends on how you wield me."
Do-Hyun's vision blurred. When he awoke, he was back in the cave, the sword gripped firmly in his hands.
"This sword… its true nature depends on me."
Strapping it to his back, he stepped out of the cave, ready for what lay ahead.