SFRW-Chapter 149

Ch. 149 Sword God From The Ruined World

“…Truly incredible.”  

Everyone had the same reaction.  

When first seeing the Black Tigers, people were initially overwhelmed by their size like Choi Cheol-gwan, then couldn’t hide their astonishment and shock afterward.  

Among monsters, few could compare to these Black Tigers – for mere animals to possess such formidable physiques was extraordinary.  

Moreover, no feline species on Earth had ever grown this large naturally.  

“I’ve seen 400kg ligers in newspapers before…but these are really…”  

Choi Cheol-gwan kept shaking his head as he observed the Black Tigers before him.  

“That liger would look like a cub next to this fellow.”  

Seo Do-jun pointed toward the alpha Black Tiger yawning lazily.  

“Y-yes, I suppose so.”  

Choi Cheol-gwan was stunned again seeing the alpha, which appeared twice as large as the others.  

“But can people really ride these creatures?”  

Even for Heroes, the idea of riding such beasts defied Choi Cheol-gwan’s common sense.  

Seo Do-jun whistled lightly to summon the alpha.  

The lounging Black Tiger immediately responded, covering 20 meters in an instant before prostrating itself before Seo Do-jun.  

Having test-ridden it during transport from Indonesia, Seo Do-jun mounted the alpha without hesitation.  

Whether thoroughly trained by the primitive tribe or instinctively submissive to stronger beings, the alpha permitted Seo Do-jun to ride freely.  

Seo Do-jun lightly tapped the tiger’s right flank with his foot.  

—GROWL!  

With a short roar, the alpha began running.  

Though moving at moderate speed, to Choi Cheol-gwan’s first-time eyes it appeared terrifyingly fast.  

“Every time I see it, it’s breathtaking! Riding such a creature…must feel absolutely amazing?”  

Kang Cheon-wuk found Seo Do-jun’s tiger-riding figure incredibly impressive.  

After completing a lap, Seo Do-jun dismounted and patted the alpha’s neck approvingly.  

The Black Tiger purred contentedly before returning to its spot.  

Despite its nightmare-inducing size, its behavior resembled an affectionate housecat.  

“Hah! Never thought I’d see something like this.”  

While the alpha acted docile toward Seo Do-jun, one could only imagine how shocking its combat prowess would be.  

Seo Do-jun smiled faintly before addressing Choi Cheol-gwan:  

“What we need immediately are suitable armor and saddles. The armor needn’t be cumbersome, but certain aspects must be precisely fitted.”  

Choi Cheol-gwan nodded for him to continue.  

First, protection for the face, neck, and belly – their most vulnerable areas where fatal injuries could occur.  

Second, the tail tip required a weight-like attachment to maximize lethality.  

Having witnessed their combat in Indonesia, Seo Do-jun knew how devastating their tail strikes could be.  

Third, the forelegs needed armored enhancements for offensive power.  

Fourth, the armor and saddle needed integration into a single system.  

Finally, the entire ensemble must maintain the tigers’ mobility through lightweight flexibility.  

Hearing these requirements, Choi Cheol-gwan shook his head vigorously.  

“Not horse armor but tiger armor – who’s ever made such things before? It won’t be easy and will require considerable time.”  

“I don’t expect immediate completion.”  

Seo Do-jun wasn’t so unreasonable as to think even Choi Cheol-gwan’s skills could produce them overnight.  

“I’d like you to focus exclusively on this project going forward.”  

“Very well. But to do so, I’ll need to constantly measure these beasts…I can’t possibly bring something this size to my workshop, and even if I could, I doubt they’d cooperate.”  

Choi Cheol-gwan shook his head firmly – proper armor would require countless fittings, which seemed impossible.  

The workshop itself posed another problem.  

His cramped space could barely accommodate human armor production, let alone gear for the alpha’s massive frame.  

Seo Do-jun had actually been considering relocating Choi Cheol-gwan’s workshop.  

“How about establishing a new workshop on the recently purchased land?”  

“A new workshop?”  

“You’d have ample space and could upgrade equipment – improving efficiency and working conditions.”  

Choi Cheol-gwan stroked his chin thoughtfully. It was an excellent proposal.  

While sentimental about his longtime workspace, the prospect of a spacious facility with state-of-the-art equipment excited him.  

“And if you know any skilled artisans, this would be the time to recruit them.”  

“People too?”  

Though still energetic, Choi Cheol-gwan couldn’t ignore his age.  

Creating armor for 95 Black Tigers alone would be tremendously difficult.  

For time considerations alone, Seo Do-jun wanted more craftsmen assisting Choi Cheol-gwan.  

“I do have some candidates who’ve expressed interest…”  

“If the budget seems worrisome, don’t worry – I’ll handle that completely.”  

As expected, Choi Cheol-gwan’s expression softened considerably.  

“Then I’ll relocate the workshop. As for personnel, I’ll carefully vet only the most trustworthy candidates.”  

Pleased with Choi Cheol-gwan’s decision, Seo Do-jun smiled approvingly.  

***    

Western Pacific – Guam.  

Only two humans remained on this small island overrun by monsters after the Monster Wave.  

“Hah!”  

With a spirited shout, the shaggy-haired man closed distance with precise footwork.  

His unkempt hair and wild beard contrasted sharply with his clear, focused eyes.  

His attire was equally peculiar – radiant white armor emitting a holy aura, paired with ragged clothing beneath.  

CLANG!  

His gleaming white sword matched the armor’s sacred radiance.  

His opponent blocked before countering with azure sword energy.  

“Mute’s Aura!”  

Choi Kang-soo’s shout summoned a white hemispherical shield around him.  

The azure energy shattered harmlessly against it.  

The duel continued fiercely – the azure swordsman demonstrating superior technique while Choi Kang-soo compensated with raw stamina and well-timed holy light.  

Eventually, the technical gap told as Choi Kang-soo suffered a deep thigh wound.  

“Gah!”  

Staggering, he was immediately shoulder-charged.  

THUD!  

Multiple azure slashes followed, cutting across his torso and limbs.  

“…Damn it!”  

As Choi Kang-soo writhed in pain, white light enveloped and healed his wounds.  

Shinjo watched curiously – though familiar with this regeneration, it remained fascinating.  

“Hurts like hell! Can’t you heal before the pain hits?”  

Choi Kang-soo complained to his sword while struggling up.  

“Thieving bastard’s attitude!”  

Shinjo had grown accustomed to Choi Kang-soo’s one-sided sword arguments.  

Retrieving his blade, Shinjo meditated on their duel.  

Meanwhile, Choi Kang-soo sat cross-legged, attempting his own analysis.  

‘When Shinjo attacked right, I should’ve traded blows recklessly rather than dodging…’  

The Divine Sword remained silent unless Choi Kang-soo made glaring errors.  

After completing their reviews, Shinjo began practicing corrections through motion.  

By sunset, both had finished their reflections.  

“Swim?”  

Choi Kang-soo’s simple suggestion met with Shinjo’s nod.  

Stripping to their underwear, they dove into the sea, washing away the day’s sweat and fatigue.  

This post-training routine had become their norm, though occasional competitive swimming sometimes overexerted them.  

Afterward, they dressed casually and ate canned rations.  

“Ugh…so sick of canned food!”  

Choi Kang-soo complained but ate voraciously – while holy energy healed physical fatigue, it couldn’t sate hunger.  

Their ruined resort accommodations stood as a crumbling monument to Guam’s former tourism.  

In their relatively intact room, they prepared for sleep.  

“Shinjo, getting bored?”  

Choi Kang-soo stared at the cracked ceiling.  

“I am. But I’m doing what must be done.”  

“Not staying just for me, right?”  

“Why would I?”  

“Just checking. If I’m holding you back, you should leave anytime.”  

“I need this training too. Don’t worry.”  

“Good. But if I stop being useful, leave immediately.”  

Shinjo glanced at him.  

“Choi Kang-soo. You’re improving remarkably. The Guild Master would be proud.”  

Choi Kang-soo’s eyes reddened slightly as he turned away.  

“Not good enough yet. I need to beat you before leaving – then I can brag properly.”  

Shinjo chuckled.  

“That won’t be easy.”  

“Four months of training got me this far – you should be nervous!”  

Shinjo nodded agreement. While the Divine Sword’s power was primary, Choi Kang-soo’s dedication was undeniable.  

“Sleep well, Choi Kang-soo.”  

“You too.”  

Come dawn, Shinjo awoke to find Choi Kang-soo already praying before his armor and sword.  

His devotion now projected genuine sanctity.  

Respecting the ritual, Shinjo exited quietly for morning stretches.  

“Ready?”  

Once armored, they began their island run.  

Midway through their second lap—  

—SKREEEEE!  

Casserian’s cry startled them.  

“Guild Master?”  

“Uncle!”  

Both looked up joyfully at the descending beast.  

“You’ve been well?”  

Seo Do-jun’s greeting was met with eager nods.  

“Before breakfast, right?”  

He produced two insulated containers.  

“What’s the menu?”  

“Galbitang. Still warm. Brought meat too.”  

Choi Kang-soo gulped audibly at the mention of short rib soup, while Shinjo licked his lips hungrily.  

“Let’s eat first.”