As Ha-rin was walking around the Lee Clan's village, she spotted someone in a tree singing. The melody was soothing, and she closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of peace. When she opened them again, she was startled to see someone standing right in front of her. She jumped back in shock.
"Ahh!" she exclaimed.
The boy quickly covered her mouth. "Shush," he whispered, signaling for her to stay quiet. He glared past Ha-rin and saw several creeps approaching. With swift and precise movements, he drew his sword and dispatched them effortlessly.
"I didn't see that coming," Ha-rin muttered, still catching her breath.
The boy turned to her with a cold, disdainful expression. "You must be one of those weak people I encounter," he said, his tone dripping with condescension.
Ha-rin's eyes narrowed. "I'm not weak," she retorted, feeling a surge of anger. "I was caught off guard, that's all."
He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Caught off guard, huh? In a real battle, that would've gotten you killed."
Ha-rin clenched her fists, resisting the urge to lash out. "I can take care of myself. I don't need your help."
The boy shrugged, sheathing his sword. "Suit yourself. Just try not to get in my way."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Ha-rin fuming. She watched him go, her determination hardening. She knew she had a long way to go, but she wasn't about to let anyone, especially someone from the Lee Clan, see her as weak.
Determined to prove herself, Ha-rin spent the next few days training even harder. She pushed herself to the brink, practicing her swordsmanship, archery, and combat strategies until her muscles ached and her mind was sharp. She could feel herself growing stronger, more capable, and more focused.
One evening, as she practiced her sword strikes, Dong-hyun approached her. "I heard you had a run-in with Joon-young," he said, leaning against a nearby tree.
Ha-rin didn't look up from her training. "Who?"
"The boy in the tree. He's one of our best warriors, and my Brother, but he's... a bit rough around the edges."
Ha-rin scoffed. "He's arrogant."
Dong-hyun chuckled. "Maybe, but he's also skilled. Don't let his attitude get to you. Use it to fuel your own growth."
Ha-rin paused, considering his words. "I'm not here to make friends," she said finally. "I'm here to get stronger and find out the truth about my father."
Dong-hyun nodded. "And you will. Just remember, sometimes our greatest enemies can teach us the most important lessons."
With that, he left Ha-rin to her training. She resumed her practice, Dong-hyun's words echoing in her mind. She knew she couldn't let her anger and resentment cloud her judgment. She had to stay focused, keep pushing herself, and use every experience, good or bad, to become stronger.
---
As Ha-rin finished her count, "249, 250," she collapsed onto the ground, panting heavily. Exhausted, she barely noticed someone approaching her.
"I always thought you were weak," a voice cut through the air with a cold edge. "But you really are weak."
Ha-rin looked up to see Lee Joon-young standing over her, his expression as icy as his tone. His presence was grating and his voice, filled with disdain, only added to her frustration.
"What do you want, Joon-young?" she gasped, trying to catch her breath.
Joon-young's eyes were as unfeeling as his words. "Just observing. I see you've been working hard, but don't get your hopes up. You're still nowhere near where you need to be."
Ha-rin's face flushed with anger. "I don't need your judgment or your approval. I'm here to train, not to get your validation."
Joon-young's lips curled into a dismissive smirk. "Then keep pushing yourself. I'm not here to offer encouragement. I'm here to remind you of your shortcomings."
Without waiting for her response, Joon-young turned on his heel and walked away, leaving Ha-rin seething with frustration. His cold demeanor and condescending remarks only fueled her determination.
As she picked herself up and resumed her training, Ha-rin's resolve hardened. Joon-young's rude and dismissive attitude.
TO BE CONTINUE ಥ‿ಥ(i like Joon-young. (. ❛ ᴗ ❛.) my imagination telling me he's handsome (☞ﾟ∀ﾟ)☞)
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HA-RIN'S ODYSSEY
Pertualangan--- When Park Ha-rin's father is accused of murdering the king and vanishes, leaving her in the care of her aunt Soo-jin, her life is torn apart. Growing up in isolation and scorned by society, Ha-rin becomes a skilled archer and swordswoman, driven...
