I sighed lightly. I knew that such recurring thoughts weren’t particularly healthy, but I couldn’t help but blame myself each time.

‘Perhaps it’s because I really have no shame.’

A few years ago, when I had first learned of the curse, I had realized that in place of the family I had thought I lost due to a life abandoned on Earth, a volcano now took their place.

Since that realization, the volcano had been my home, my place to return to, and where my family was.

‘So honestly now… even if I do find the original owner of this body, it would be difficult to return it without hesitation, like I had thought when I first entered this body.’

The various relationships I had built over time were supporting me. If I let go of that, I’d lose my existence as myself.

‘But then again, I wouldn’t have had the chance to build those relationships if I didn’t have this body.’

I smirked bitterly. Either I’d live a life carrying this discomfort in one corner of my heart, or someday lose my existence and be liberated from the discomfort I had been accumulating. One of the two paths awaited me.

“Ah, I don’t want to think anymore.”

The issue was too heavy and complicated to ponder from the morning. I felt drained even before the day had begun. I shook my head to shake off the thoughts and moved to start the day.

After getting dressed and washing up briefly, I was on my way to the practice room.

The air had become distinctly warmer than a few weeks ago. It felt like standing in the middle of a mild spring. Feeling the temperature, I suddenly recalled when ‘Ha Hyun’ had died, and how much time was left in this year.

‘…The incident happened around summer, right? There are eight months left this year.’

Let’s focus on getting through this summer, and the rest of the year. That was part of my goal, after all.

Whether it was because I was mentally tired from the morning, the thought of wanting to spend even just the eight months peacefully filled my mind.

‘I wonder if I’ll regret this later.’

But for now, I didn’t want to worry about that future. Swallowing a sigh internally, I opened the door to the practice room that I had unknowingly reached.

The day had begun.

“I greet the Elder.”

“Come in.”

Jin Heo Jinin, the Elder of the volcano, greeted Yoo Woon warmly. Stepping in with a stern face, his attendant approached him in silence and sat down before him.

The Elder poured tea into a cup and pushed it towards Yoo Woon.
“The weather has become quite mild. Still, a warm tea won’t hurt, have some.”

“Thank you.”

Nodding slightly, Jang Moon-In quietly observed Yu Un.

His stoic expression and reticence had not changed over the years. But his aura had definitely softened. Not that he seemed any less intimidating. Who would perceive a young swordmaster, counted among the world’s top martial artists, as such?

It would be more accurate to say he seemed more human now.

‘It started after I took a disciple.’

In the martial world, a master-disciple relationship is akin to that of parent and child. So it’s natural that a master’s temperament changes upon accepting a disciple. Despite initially being surprised, Jang Moon-In had grown accustomed to the changed Sage.

“How are Ha Hyun and Baek Yeo Heun? Are they well?”

“Yes, they’re both as usual.”

“Both kids have reached a peak level of skill. Even calling them rising talents wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Master Jin Nung was bragging about it. Do you agree?”

Yu Un hesitated before meeting Jang Moon-In’s eyes. The question seemed to carry a hidden agenda. Sensing the pause, Jang Moon-In urged him to answer with a grin.

“……It’s not for me to boast, but I can’t say they’re lacking either. Both have their own issues, but they’re young. They’ll improve over time.”

“Exactly.”

Even when it came to his own disciples, Yu Un was not one to exaggerate about their skills. Jin Nung was the same. If both agreed, it was completely trustworthy.

“Baek Yeo Heun is turning eighteen this year?”

“Yes.”

“And Ha Hyun is…”

“Younger, by one year.”

Not only inquiring about their well-being but also confirming their skills and ages, Yu Un quickly grasped what Jang Moon-In had in mind.

“Do you plan to send them into the martial world?”

“Hmm.”

Jang Moon-In answered with a smile.

“They’re old enough, and both the master and grandmaster vouch for their skills, so it should be fine.”

A complex emotion briefly flitted through Yu Un’s eyes. Jang Moon-In, noticing it, didn’t break his smile and continued speaking.

“Kids you’ve watched grow up may still seem young to you even as they age. I get that feeling sometimes when I look at my disciples. But remember, Yu Un, if they were commoners, they’d have families by now.”

“……Yes, I understand.”
Though he claimed to be fine, he still looked troubled. Jang Moon-in gestured to the tea, as Sage had not even touched his cup despite following him.

Ignoring Jang Moon-in’s invitation was not an option for Yoo Woon, who slowly lifted the teacup. Watching Sage take a sip, Jang Moon-in resumed the conversation.