My sudden question left Sahyung silent for a few seconds, blinking. Slowly, he widened his eyes as if understanding what I had said.

“……What?”

Then he scoffed.

“No, Samae. Really? Why? You’re already talented, everyone knows that. You’ve already mastered Yukhapgeom and you’re learning Oknyogeom and Chilmaegeom. You just said you understood what you’re concerned about. No one’s going to bring up your initiation again, right? Isn’t it okay to just be?”

Sahyung seemed unusually frantic. However, I was already convinced by my own words. Half-listening to Sahyung’s words, I continued to think.

‘I thought time would resolve it and it actually did. Like Sahyung said, people might talk less about my initiation. But less isn’t the same as none, and I can still be resentful inwardly, can’t I?’

I’ve thought about not caring about others’ opinions before.

But if I can prevent a spark from turning into a full-blown fire, why wouldn’t I?

Why not take the same test as the priest who will soon initiate, to prove both are fair?

Wouldn’t it ease my mind to leave evidence of my qualification?

“Samae, are you listening? Ha Hyun?”

“But Sahyung, do you happen to know what the format of that initiation test is?”

“……Ah! Right, you don’t know exactly how the initiation test works!”

Suddenly brightening up, Sahyung hurriedly explained in a faster tone.

“Listen. First, they accept the kids who want to initiate for a day. Then, during that day, they screen those kids at the bottom of the mountain. They set aside about a month for physical training and check for issues in character, health, sickness, or other circumstances. Through this, they narrow it down to around 500 people.”

As he continued, it seemed as if old memories were making Sahyung’s face turn pale.

“Then they divide these kids into groups of about 10 and make them climb the volcano.”

“……A volcano?”

“Yes. This Yeonhwabong, from the bottom all the way to this mountaintop.”

Sahyung vigorously shook his head.

“Wow.”

I softly admired. It was understandable for Sahyung to react this way.

In the world I originally lived in, any tall mountain would have had something like a cable car, and the hiking trails would be well-made. But that’s not the case here.
Cable car? Where would such a modern, scientific invention be here?

Mountain trail? It would be a relief to even have ropes.

What Sa-hyung meant was quite literal; you have to climb from the base of the mountain to the summit with your bare hands.

“Forming a team doesn’t necessarily mean you have to cooperate with your teammates. Cooperation might be good, but going solo might be better. Either way, those who successfully enter the mountain temple within the time limit become prospective disciples. And then the number is reduced to around 200, right? From there, the true disciples are chosen.”

Now it was my turn to be discouraged. Even for me, it seemed like it wouldn’t be that easy.

I had learned martial arts, but it’s only been a year. Besides, since entering the mountain temple last spring, I had never completely descended to the base.

I had only roamed around the vicinity of the mountain temple to build my stamina. I had never gone to see the steep cliffs or nearly vertical slopes that lay further down.

And to climb such places within a limited time?

“It’s difficult.”

“Right? But…”

Sa-hyung glanced briefly at the window in the corridor. A snowstorm was raging outside.

It was a typical winter scene on a volcanic peak.

“See? It’s snowing.”

“…Yes. It’s snowing a lot.”

“Exactly. Once that snow piles up, it’s no joke. That’s why the entrance exams are usually held in the spring, after the snow melts. But he said he wants to take it now because he’s in a hurry. Giving him a solo test is already special treatment, so adding the seasonal obstacle makes sense.”

“Then…”

“Yes, the paths are frozen and covered in snow. Honestly, it would be fortunate just to not die.”

Sa-hyung looked back at me and asked with a concerned face.

“So, is there really a need to go through all this trouble? Even when I took the entrance test in the spring, I thought I was going to die. I didn’t see any scenery or anything.”

Then, he measured my height with his hand above my head.

“You should be a bit taller to cross cliffs and such. There’s a reason they don’t allow newly initiated third-generation disciples to descend without any reason. You’re a second-generation disciple, but you’re still young.”

“Hmm.”

I admit, the process isn’t easy. But, still…

I paused to think before asking.

“Sa-hyung, how old were you when you climbed up?”

“…Me? I think I was around 10 years old?”

Right. That settles it.

Pointing at myself, I spoke.

“13 years old.”

“…You’re 13?”

“Yes.”
With the end of that conversation, I abruptly stood up from my seat.

Although it was late in the evening, it wasn’t yet time to sleep. It wouldn’t be rude if a disciple urgently sought out his master. I swiftly moved through the corridor as if running.