As it fell, the steel sword reflected the faded Antarctic sun and the flames that had enveloped the land.

It was beautiful. But not the sword itself.

‘The light…’ 

A long ray of light captured Gong Ju-Ha’s eyes, looking as if it would make the world anew.

‘It’s pretty.’ 

This was the first time she admired the beauty of an opponent’s sword. Of course, it wasn’t as beautiful as the sight of the Sword Saint’s blade that she had seen from a distance a few years ago.

But this sword was falling toward her, which meant that she was that much more captivated than back then.

‘Wait, it’s coming!’ 

Oh right! She had to dodge!

But by the time she realized this, it was too late.

Woosh! 

The sword came down on her head.

“...!”

She felt a tremor go down her spine and spread across her body. And it wasn’t just because of the cold. It was because she knew that the fierce, powerful sword would cut her in half. She knew that this was merely a match and that she wouldn’t get hurt, but her body reacted first.

‘I’m gonna lose? This pathetically…?’ 

She bit down on her lip. She forced her eyes to stay open for the sake of pride.

Woosh! 

Should she be relieved? The sword stopped. Right in front of her nose.

“...Why?” she asked, her voice tight. Her opponent didn’t say anything and merely looked at her with unreadable eyes. They pulled back the sword, returning...