Trait Hoarder – Chapter 119

Marriage Proposal — Part 1

“…I lost.”

The youngest brother spat out blood as he spoke.

The eldest brother?

He had already surrendered and was sprawled on the ground long ago.

“You made a wise decision.”

Seong Huiyeong retracted her wings.

The mass of light, which had combined golden feathers with a golden magic circle to look like an enormous lightsaber, dissolved into nothingness.

Standing arrogantly, Seong Huiyeong looked down at the youngest brother.

The youngest brother glared up at her, grinding his teeth.

“Don’t think this is the end.”

“Well, let’s see. I’ve already won two out of three matches, haven’t I? What are you planning to do now?”

“Hmph.”

The youngest brother clamped his mouth shut.

It seemed Seong Huiyeong had no intention of pushing further.

She stared directly at the announcer, who hastily raised his voice.

“The team battle goes to the young lady! With this victory, the young lady secures two wins out of three! She is now one step closer to the final victory!”

“Woooahhhh!”

“President, long live!”

“Congratulations!”

“Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!”

The board makes the final judgments.

Even though it was two out of three victories, it wasn’t a best-of-three format.

Why?

Because there was always a chance Seong Huiyeong could lose in the final duel.

Or she could die before surrendering.

And if she lost in a one-on-one duel, things would definitely become disadvantageous.

In a world where personal combat power reigns supreme, especially in a company like the Geumo Group, which values strength above all else, this was even more true.

“Hmph.”

Seong Huiyeong let out a scoff.

Then, she walked toward me with a confident stride.

“Thank you, Black Tiger Swordmaster.”

Her eyes, cold and stern when directed at her blood relatives, were completely different now.

Her face, warm like the spring sun, showed a gentle smile that even surprised the surrounding superhumans, leaving them in a daze.

“It’s thanks to you again, Black Tiger Swordmaster, that I won this time. Without you, I would’ve lost for sure.”

“You’re too kind.”

“It’s not kindness at all. Now I understand why you became the Black Tiger Swordmaster, why you were named an honorary holy knight of both the Thor Church and the Gaia Church, and how you became an official Guardian at level 4.”

“I only did what I was asked to do.”

“I’ll make sure you’re rewarded properly. Do you see that over there?”

Seong Huiyeong gestured toward the eldest and youngest brothers.

To be precise, she pointed to the crow-shaped hat worn by the eldest brother and the crow-decorated belt worn by the youngest brother.

“I plan to take those from them after the next duel and give them to you. Otherwise, I’d have to raid the family treasury, and the procedures for that are just too cumbersome.”

Her attitude made it seem like she was treating people as mere loot.

Of course, the eldest and youngest brothers erupted in anger.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!”

“Do you think we’ll just let you take them?”

“Then, brothers, do you think you can beat me? If you want to live, hand over the Geumo Mall and Geumo University through Secretary Kim and head to Germany. Or maybe the U.S. I won’t accept China or Japan, but I’ll let you go to Germany or the U.S. You two don’t want to die just yet, do you?”

Seong Huiyeong made a gesture across her neck with her thumb.

The eldest and youngest brothers gritted their teeth but didn’t dare to act.

The outcome was already decided.

The only way to turn the tables now was in a one-on-one duel…

But could they really manage that without some extraordinary external help?

“Just wait and see!”

“We’ll show you that the one who laughs last is the true winner!”

The two were carried off, supported by others.

Seong Huiyeong, who had been laughing smugly, suddenly changed her expression entirely.

“Black Tiger Swordmaster, I have a favor to ask of you.”

“What is it?”

“Please help me with my training.”

As expected of a second-generation chaebol.

Even Seong Huiyeong wasn’t complacent.

Her arrogance had merely been for show.

I nodded readily.

“Of course.”

---

Immediately, we moved to the secret training facility within the Geumo Financial Headquarters and began training.

This was my first time clashing swords with a level 7 opponent.

Naturally, I was a bit tense as we started, but surprisingly, Seong Huiyeong turned out to be far from flawless.

Bang!

The timer rang, and as I dashed forward, Seong Huiyeong could do nothing but expose her neck to my Black Tiger Sword.

“Uh…”

Seong Huiyeong looked at me in shock.

“W-Why are you so fast?”

The one who was truly shocked, however, was me.

Wasn’t the Geumo Group’s Crow Magic Circuit supposed to be an all-rounder?

I had heard it was well-balanced, excelling in close combat, mid-range control, and high firepower.

So why was she so easily allowing me to close the distance?

“President, please take this seriously.”

“I am serious right now.”

“Then why didn’t you react? Haven’t you had a neural implant installed? It’s standard for the Geumo Group, as far as I know.”

“I did.”

Seong Huiyeong tapped the jewel embedded below her ear.

If her nervous system had been replaced with electronic circuits, she should have been able to react at least this quickly.

I quickly pinpointed the problem.

“President, do you perhaps lack real combat experience?”

“That can’t be true. I’ve had plenty of experience. I’ve participated in Geumo Security operations and even anti-rebel campaigns in the Middle East and Central Asia under my father’s orders.”

“What did you do during those campaigns? You only provided fire support from the back, didn’t you?”

“Well, yes, I did.”

“That’s the problem.”

This was the issue with silver-spoon Reinforced types.

Always staying in the backline, providing fire support while being protected by others.

If that’s what she wanted to do, why didn’t she just choose to be a mage instead of a Reinforced type?

Reinforced types had varying strengths depending on their build, but their key advantage was excelling in close combat, mid-range, and ranged combat alike.

I groaned, recalling the eldest and youngest brothers.

‘They were different.’

Even when I first faced them in front of the training facility, they had opted for close combat instead of long-range support.

Their skills were solid.

The only issue was that they were outmatched by armored troops and fire mages, and their teamwork was lacking.

If they went up against Seong Huiyeong in this situation?

The outcome was obvious.

They would throw themselves at her with the intent to kill, regardless of the consequences.

Even if they lost an arm in the process.

Even if the Sun Crow’s bombardment tore apart their lower halves.

A high-level Reinforced type could endure that much.

“The duel is in three days, right?”

“Yes.”

“Until then, let’s focus on blocking my attacks as much as possible. It seems close combat isn’t your strong suit.”

“That’s exactly what I’m worried about. To be honest, I’ve barely, or rather never, engaged in close combat before. I’ll be counting on you, Black Tiger Swordmaster.”

“Understood. I won’t go easy on you. Be prepared for scars.”

“No scars, please.”

Seong Huiyeong glanced toward one of the walls.

The wall responded to her gaze and rotated, revealing a hidden magical cabinet.

Inside, it was filled with rows of elixirs.

Her attitude practically screamed that she’d use an elixir even for a scratch.

As expected of a chaebol.

I let out a soft chuckle but straightened my Black Tiger Sword.

“Here I come!”

“Ready!”

Boom!

I didn’t hold back at all.

To be honest, I couldn’t afford to hold back.

Even though Seong Huiyeong lacked experience and had slower reflexes, she was still level 7.

The moment her brain registered a response, her movements would surpass mine in speed.

Without giving her a moment to breathe, I pressed forward relentlessly.

I slashed down with the Black Tiger Sword and smashed with Mjolnir.

Bang! Bang bang bang!

When I created some distance, I unleashed a barrage with dual pistols.

“Ahhh!”

“Ugh!”

“W-Wait a second!”

“Take it a bit easier!”

Seong Huiyeong screamed as she got pummeled.

Only when her entire body was covered in blood and her breathing sounded like her lungs were about to collapse did I finally grant her a break.

“Isn’t this a bit too much?”

Seong Huiyeong protested, but I had my own point to make.

“At this rate, your brothers will take you down in 10 seconds. I’ve fought them; they’re not pushovers.”

“Well, yes, but still…”

“The Chairman’s position is just a step—no, not even a full step, half a step ahead of you. Are you planning to die here instead? If so, I’ll go easy on you.”

“Ha…”

Seong Huiyeong let out a short sigh.

“My brothers might go to America.”

If Germany’s Aachen held the Great Labyrinth, the U.S. Grand Canyon was home to the Great Rift.

The difference was that, instead of demons and devils, it spawned extradimensional gods and alien beings.

“It’s a tradition, you know. Otherwise, they’ll have to die. While my other siblings have agreed to surrender to the winner, those two would never do that.”

“There’s also the possibility they won’t leave. If it were me, I’d charge at you with the determination to self-destruct.”

“Haha, my brothers? I don’t think so. They’re not that bold; their ambition is as small as a grain of rice. Unlike you, Black Tiger Swordmaster.”

Seong Huiyeong cast a strange look my way.

It was warm and gentle yet tinged with desire.

For some reason, a chill ran down my spine.

It was a look I had seen several times before.

Especially when Seong Huiyeong gazed at the headquarters building—it was exactly the same.

The eyes of someone driven by conquest.

And possession.

At some point, Seong Huiyeong had started seeing me as an object to conquer and possess.

“Still, we should prepare. My brothers might go mad and try to ram into me. Or some external force could get involved.”

“You’re right. Things don’t always play out rationally.”

“Let me drink one of these elixirs.”

For the next three days, I pushed Seong Huiyeong to her limits.

She was stabbed, slashed, and beaten by the Black Tiger Sword thousands of times.

She passed out dozens of times after getting struck in the head by Mjolnir.

Only then did she begin to show her true potential.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Unpredictable fireballs flew toward me.

Swoosh! Swoosh!

Sinister golden beams of light stabbed at me.

Clatter, clatter!

Crow feathers spread out like a fan, surrounding me.

Whoosh!

And to top it all off, Seong Huiyeong charged directly at me.

In her left hand was a lightsaber, while her right hand conjured a magical axe.

Excellent.

This was what a Reinforced type should look like.

Not someone who just stays in the back throwing fireworks.

“Hoo.”

As a level 5, I should have been crushed by Seong Huiyeong’s offensive.

But the experience of the past three days, her still-imperfect attacks, and my trait-switching ability allowed me to hold my ground against her.

[Sixth Sense] [Sensitive Skin] [Bright Eyes]
[Insight] [Detection] [Danger Sense]

I first switched to sensory-related traits to track Seong Huiyeong’s movements.

Amidst her wave-like assault, I spotted a tiny opening.

I dove into it.

Then I switched my traits again.

[Giant’s Strength] [Vajra Body] [Close-Combat Mastery]
[Mana Soul] [Grand Assault] [Sixth Sense]

I slipped through the gap.

I couldn’t avoid everything.

But I could find ways to block.

I swung the Black Tiger Sword with almost supernatural precision.

The fireballs coming straight at me were blocked with Aegis.

Just as I pierced through the blazing curtain of flames, Seong Huiyeong dashed toward me like a thunderbolt.

“Finally, I got a hit in!”

Her voice was slightly excited.

Was she that thrilled to finally land a blow after three days?

But I had predicted this, too.

[Giant’s Strength] [Vajra Body] [Close-Combat Mastery]
[Mana Shield] [Insight] [Swordsmanship]

At the exact moment and angle, I thrust the Black Tiger Sword forward.

A Mana Shield encased the blade like an aura.

Seong Huiyeong’s magical axe struck down on it.

Grind!

Even I had to admit it was a perfect parry.

Blocking head-on would have cost me dearly, so I diverted the force.

Seong Huiyeong lost her balance and slipped.

“Ah!”

I didn’t miss the opportunity and kicked her in the back of the head.

Using the recoil, I slid back to the opposite wall as Seong Huiyeong glared at me.

“Do you have to keep doing this? Are you that against letting me land a single hit?”

“Of course. One wrong move, and I could die.”

“I’ll feed you an elixir.”

“No, thanks. I’d rather not get hit in the first place.”

I swung the Black Tiger Sword lightly.

A strange sensation rose within me.

It felt as if the rigid sword was softening, like I was holding a whip instead of a blade.

[Parry]

It must be the [Parry] trait.

The effort I’d put into practicing Parry over the past three days of training with Seong Huiyeong had paid off.

The final piece of the [Swordsmanship Expert] trait.

I was about to combine the traits when a loud bell rang overhead.

Ring-ring-ring!

It was the alarm signaling three hours until the duel.

Seong Huiyeong, as if reluctant to stop, extinguished her lightsaber and magical axe.

“Let’s go one more round.”

“Let’s head out. Three hours isn’t even enough time to rest and clean up properly. We’ve been at this for 72 hours straight.”

“Ah…”

Seong Huiyeong looked visibly disappointed.

But I was firm.

The duel was important, yes, but I was completely drained at this point.

Seong Huiyeong had already found her rhythm.

If we went a few more rounds, she might actually manage to beat me.

I still had my pride—I had no intention of losing to someone I’d dominated for 72 hours straight.

Imagine winning 199 out of 200 matches only to lose the final one and hear,

“So you’re actually terrible, huh?”

No thanks.

“Let’s go.”

“Fine, fine. I get it.”

And then, the duel arena.

The now-familiar rooftop of the Geumo Group headquarters.

Seong Huiyeong stood alone in the center of the rooftop, waiting for the others to arrive.

Her once-elegant, long, straight hair had been chopped off during training with my Black Tiger Sword. She now sported a short haircut.

Clad in golden armor, she looked like a valiant warrior.

Her sharp and commanding aura was unmistakable.

She was a completely different person from the pampered rich girl she’d seemed just a few days ago.

“Doesn’t the President seem a little different to you?”

“You noticed too?”

“Yeah, I think so…”

“She looks much more fitting for the Chairman’s position now. Before, to be honest, it didn’t really suit her.”

“I heard the Black Tiger Swordmaster is a skilled tutor, and it seems to be true.”

“Wasn’t the Head of Jaelboan Security also his student?”

“Both of his students hit level 3 not long after they started. That’s pretty impressive.”

Even as we waited, the two brothers didn’t show up.

Only the cold wind swept across the rooftop.

Instead, two drones arrived.

They carried Geumo Mall and Geumo University contracts attached to their frames.

The announcer checked the drones before shouting loudly.

“The Presidents of Geumo Electronics and Geumo Security have declared forfeit!”

It was the reasonable choice.

Three days ago, when Seong Huiyeong didn’t know how to use her own body properly, they might’ve had a chance.

But now? There was no way for the eldest and youngest brothers to defeat her.

The superhumans on Seong Huiyeong’s side exchanged glances.

And then, cheers erupted.

“Victory!”

“We won!”

“We did it! We won!”

“Did you see that? Did you see it?”

“Our President is now the Chairman!”

“Long live the Chairman!”

“Long live the queen!”

Seong Huiyeong tilted her head back and gazed at the sky.

The overcast sky was heavy with dark clouds.

Dim sunlight broke through the cracks, scattering like shards of glass.

Looking at it, I felt the reality of the situation sink in.

This matter had finally come to an end.

But it seemed things wouldn’t end so simply.

That night.

In the dead of night, Seong Huiyeong summoned me to her private quarters.

Sitting across from me, she slid a high-grade SSR-ranked ring across the table and said,

“Warrior Kim, will you marry me?”

Her gaze was seductive and elegant, yet brimming with desire.

I couldn’t help but shiver.

–TL Notes–
Tired of seeing Ads? Then please support me on Patreon! Any tier of subscription will make it so you won’t get any ads!

If you want to support me or give me feedback, you can do it at patreon.com/MattReading

Join my Discord! https://discord.gg/BWaP3AHHpt