GIJS

Chapter 23

The Appearance of the Tyrant

As soon as Gunja took hold of the sword, the atmosphere changed dramatically.

Though it was a comically toy sword, Gunja's focus instantly made it seem like a real blade.

The team members watching could barely swallow their astonishment.

"Wait, he can even do sword dances?"

"...Seems like it."

Everyone was surprised, but for Gunja, swords were quite familiar.

The Moonwon Yu family valued both literary and martial skills.

From a very young age, even before he could remember, he had wielded a sword. His light and powerful footwork when dancing was thanks to the solid foundation he built through sword practice.

A sword was a fearsome thing, capable of harming anyone if one wished. But it was also a fascinating object.

What would it be like to dance with such a fierce weapon, using the smooth and graceful movements of a dancer?

That contrast would surely entertain the audience.

Street performers proved Gunja's thoughts correct. Acrobats who juggled daggers on a tightrope, balancing precariously.

From hand to hand, mouth to hand, sometimes passing back and forth between two performers. The audience gasped at the blades moving through the air.

And so, Gunja began dancing with the sword.

Even while striking a straw bundle with a practice sword, whenever his master wasn't around, he secretly practiced sword dancing. Using the full moon as a spotlight and puddles on the ground as mirrors.

Of course, if his uncle ever caught him, he would face harsh punishment.

Thus, the memories of dancing with a sword remained vividly in Gunja's mind.

Swoosh—

He began gracefully, slicing the air with the sword as if performing a dance. The sword moved through the air, drawing smooth curves as if slicing invisible threads.

The fluid movements enchanted the viewers. The team members were soon mesmerized by Gunja's performance.

"...Wow."

"What is this..."

The movements grew faster and more intense. The feet that had lightly touched the ground like a cat now struck the floor with force.

In one moment, he leaped into the air and landed softly, drawing a vertical path with the sword. After an intense movement, he smoothly restructured his posture, then ramped up the tempo again.

Whirl, whirl—

Spinning the sword using his wrists and shoulders, the toy sword dazzled as it whirled through the air. The five team members followed its movements like a group of puppies, their heads spinning around.

Spinning the sword wildly in the air, Gunja then leaped and performed a somersault. With dynamic movements, he executed consecutive side tumbles, then, holding the sword in one hand and the scabbard in the other, he performed a dual-style rotation and delivered sword strikes.

Every move was smooth and seamlessly connected. At that moment, the team forgot about their mission.

Gunja's sword dance reached its peak. Continuous slashes with both hands, followed by a leap into the air and a vertical downward strike.

"Hoo—"

Landing gracefully, he sheathed the sword with elegance as if the previous intense display was a mere illusion.