Star Instructor, Master Baek-Chapter 484: Why?

Tang Soso's misguided ambition to turn all the clubs upside down just to impress Baek Suryong came to an abrupt end when Dokgo Jun caught wind of her antics.
"Vice President!" Dokgo Jun bellowed from the other end of the corridor, his voice booming like a lion's roar.
Tang Soso's expression crumpled in disgust. "Tsk, of all the times to interrupt me..."
Baek Suryong shot her an incredulous look. "Aren't you acting a bit too differently from when a moment ago, when you were affectionately talking about the Student Council kids?"
Tang Soso sighed in frustration. "How can the mood always be good? It's especially annoying when the Student Council President nags me about something trivial like this. He really is the definition of naggy."
"Vice President! A has been filed with the Student Council. They say you threatened, blackmailed, and forced club presidents to sign mysterious contracts!"
Baek Suryong rolled his eyes. None of those were trivial matters.
With a regretful expression, Tang Soso handed all the documents she was holding back to Baek Suryong. "Looks like I need to calm down the overly excited Student Council President for now. See you next time, Mr. Baek!"
Her eyes were filled with regret, but getting caught by Dokgo Jun now would be troublesome. She decided to steer clear of the drama for now.
WHISH!
Tang Soso kicked off the ground and darted in the opposite direction of Dokgo Jun, demonstrating excellent movement arts befitting her lithe frame.
He smirked and continued on his way. There were still quite a few more clubs left to inspect.
Baek Suryong shouted after her, "Don't forget your promise!"
Tang Soso's cheerful voice echoed from afar, "I won'tttttttt!"
Meanwhile, Dokgo Jun ran up to Baek Suryong, halted abruptly, and clasped his hands together in greeting. Even in this situation, he stayed true to his role as a courteous Student Council President. "Mr. Baek Suryong. I received word that you've recovered and returned to work. I'm glad to see you're doing well."
Baek Suryong waved his hand roughly, accepting the greeting. "Thanks for the concern, but I think you should go chase her while you still can. You can greet me properly during class."
"...Yes. Since the matter's urgent, I'll take my leave." Dokgo Jun nodded, stomped the ground, and dashed toward Tang Soso. "Tang Soso! Stop right there!"
The Student Council twins, Yoo Gon and Yoo Geon, spread out to the left and right and formed a wide encirclement net as they chased Tang Soso alongside Dokgo Jun.
Baek Suryong shook his head. The students' movements were closer to those of hunters driving a beast into a trap than chasing a person. Their movements were so coordinated that he wondered if they had rehearsed it.
"...You guys go through a lot too."
He considered stopping by the office, but decided against it.
Baek Suryong realized anew that Tang Soso was also a formidable delinquent, though she was usually hidden by the Five Young Azure Dragons' notoriety and her position as the brains of the Student Council.
"Anyway, they've improved a lot, too."
He could tell just by looking at the kids' movement arts. Not only had Tang Soso's skills improved, the twins and Dokgo Jun's had too.
All of them are working tirelessly to prepare for the Heavenly Martial Festival.
He scanned the documents Tang Soso had handed over.
"I guess I'll have to check the rest by myself."
As he walked with light steps, he suddenly glanced at the setting sun. The clouds in the sky were turning vermilion, but he wasn't interested in them. His gaze was fixed on one of the academy buildings, where he saw a shadow briefly appear on the edge of the roof.
"...Maybe I'm not alone."
He smirked and continued on his way. There were still quite a few more clubs left to inspect.
"Haaap! Chaat!"
Mok Hyungwoo thrust his spear, beads of sweat rolling down his forehead. The floor where he stood was pooling with moisture, a testament to just how long he had been training without rest.
"...Senior, we'll get going first."
The junior members of the Spear Arts Club bowed their heads politely, though their eyes hinted that they were irritated with Mok Hyungwoo.
"Hoo... Yeah, go on," Mok Hyungwoo panted as he waved goodbye to his juniors.
He was the Club President of a small Spear Arts Club. Since establishing it in his second year, he had always been the last one to finish training.
"Student Hyungwoo. How long are you going to keep going?" Ak Yeonho asked worriedly. He had taken on the role of the club's supervising instructor this year and came to help with training whenever he had time. Lately, he had noticed that Mok Hyungwoo was pushing himself harder than ever.
"Please go ahead. I'll get a few more reps in before cleaning up and leaving," Mok Hyungwoo replied sheepishly.
Ak Yeonho playfully smacked his shoulder. "You have to consider your age, too. If you push yourself too hard, your joints will really start to hurt, you know?"
"Haha! Thirty's just a number, I'm still young! Besides, I only have the cooldown exercises left."
"I guess this is why they say late bloomers are scary. I understand. Don't stay too late, okay?"
"Yes, Mr. Ak!"
Ak Yeonho left. Despite his words, Mok Hyungwoo continued training alone in the club room. He swung his spear until his knee and wrist joints felt hot. Whenever he felt he was overexerting himself, he switched to breathing exercises.
"Hoo..."
One day, now long after the Azure Dragon Festival, Baek Suryong had summoned him and handed him a secret manual titled 'The Meteor Spear Art'.
"This is a much better martial art than the Six Directions Spear. Try learning it."
"Thank you, Mr. Baek!"
Contrary to its grandiose name, the Meteor Spear Art was a martial art modified by Baek Suryong to suit Mok Hyungwoo. Naturally, it originated from the Blood Cult's basic spear arts.
Fortunately, the Meteor Spear Art was a good fit for Mok Hyungwoo. The simple and intuitive technique came easily to him, as he had learned martial arts in the military. Additionally, Baek Suryong's refined technique was as good as a divine art.
Perhaps because of that, Mok Hyungwoo trained even more diligently after learning the Meteor Spear Art.
"...I need to practice this one more time.
The thirty-year-old martial artist prided himself on his unmatched tenacity. Wielding the spear made him so happy that even when his calluses peeled off and bled, he kept grinding away. Over time, new calluses formed over the old ones, and he became more engrossed than fatigued.
To him, who had thirsted for martial arts all his life, the Meteor Spear Art was a golden opportunity. He didn't want to let go of the spear, not even for a moment. If his stamina allowed it, he wanted to keep swinging the spear for the rest of his life.
THUD!
"Haa... Haaa..."
Mok Hyungwoo lay exhausted on the floor of the empty club room, but his lips were curled into a broad grin.
"...I need to practice this one more time.
"...This is fun."
He had never enjoyed himself so much before.
If I train hard enough in the Meteor Spear Art, I might be able to reach a star someday, even if I can't bring it down. My only regret is that I didn't seek out Baek Suryong earlier.
He shook his head to shake off the pessimistic thoughts. Comparing himself to others only made him miserable. Hadn't he decided to walk the path of a martial artist at his own pace, ignoring the speed of those around him?
"One more time."
Mok Hyungwoo repeated the same words over and over like a mantra. He forced his body to stand, even though he was staggering.
Just one more time. He intended to give it his all and perform every technique of the Meteor Spear Art once more before wrapping up today's session.
"Your stance is good, but you're using too much strength," someone remarked from behind him.
Startled, Mok Hyungwoo glanced back. "Mr. Baek Suryong...?"
Baek Suryong was standing there, observing him in silence.
"Why are you here at this hour?" Mok Hyungwoo asked in disbelief. He even rubbed his eyes with the back of his hand to make sure he wasn't seeing things.
"I'm here for the Club Activity inspection, but never mind that." Baek Suryong surveyed the shabby club room, which contained only the most essential training equipment, then put down the papers he had brought on the floor. "Get back into position. I'll take a look at your martial arts."
"Ah, yes!"
Mok Hyungwoo immediately assumed his starting stance. Having repeated the same movements so many times, his body moved reflexively.
Still, he couldn't hide his nervousness in front of Baek Suryong. Nothing would be more shameful than disappointing the teacher who taught him such exquisite martial arts.
Baek Suryong nodded in satisfaction. "Hmm, you've got the basics down perfectly."
"Thank you!" Relief spread across Mok Hyungwoo's face, and a bright smile spread across his lips. Suddenly, he felt as if all his efforts had not been in vain.
Baek Suryong smirked and began instructing earnestly. "Perform the technique slower than usual. Relax your grip and maintain the correct posture."
"...Yes!"
As Baek Suryong asked, Mok Hyungwoo performed the technique slowly. His movements were honest and rough, but he handled the spear with clear intent.
Baek Suryong observed the entire process from start to finish. After a moment of thought, he extended his hand to Mok Hyungwoo. "Give me the spear," he said.
He took the spear, quickly determined the center of gravity, and personally demonstrated the Meteor Spear Art.
"Hah..." Mok Hyungwoo had a hard time closing his gaping mouth. Baek Suryong's form was so clean and perfect that it was incomparable to his own. In fact, he even thought it was beautiful.
Through the wide-open window, rays of golden sunlight from the evening glow streamed in and illuminated the wall. As Baek Suryong danced with the spear, the shadows flickered in time with his movements.
Mok Hyungwoo was convinced that this was the true essence of the Meteor Spear Art. This was the very image of the completed martial arts master that he could only dream of achieving. He was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes.
If I train hard enough in the Meteor Spear Art, I might be able to reach a star someday, even if I can't bring it down. My only regret is that I didn't seek out Baek Suryong earlier.
"It's a bit awkward since it's been a while," Baek Suryong muttered as he finished the demonstration. He turned to Mok Hyungwoo, who was looking at him in awe. "Did you catch everything?"
"W-Well, I saw it all, but..." Mok Hyungwoo's voice trailed off, and he bowed his head deeply in embarrassment.
Baek Suryong's demonstration was so advanced that he couldn't even grasp half of it.
Baek Suryong nodded as if he already anticipated this outcome. "I'll show you again, so watch closely. This time, I'll break it down technique by technique."
"Yes!"
Unfortunately, Mok Hyungwoo still didn't understand the second time, so Baek Suryong showed him again.
"Watch again. I'll go slower this time."
"I'm sorry..."
Three times, four times.
"This time, I'll combine the techniques. Take note that you can do it this way, too. It'll help broaden your understanding."
"Yes! Thank you!"
Five times, six times.
"Try it yourself. I'll check your posture."
Baek Suryong performed the Meteor Spear Art over and over again, while offering plenty of advice on proper technique.
Unfortunately, Mok Hyungwoo did not have much talent for martial arts. Unlike the Five Young Azure Dragons, who could copy most movements perfectly after seeing them just once, his aptitude fell far below the Azure Dragon Academy's average.
"That's it for today."
By the time Baek Suryong finished teaching Mok Hyungwoo, night had fallen.
"Thank you so much. Thank you for dedicating your precious time to a worthless person like me..." Mok Hyungwoo scratched his stubbly beard and smiled foolishly. Even though he was exhausted enough that his martial arts uniform was soaked with sweat, he was ecstatic. "I'll definitely repay your kindness!"
"Forget it, the line is so long that you'll never get a turn." Baek Suryong patted Mok Hyungwoo on the shoulder and walked off. "Stop for today and go home. You won't get anywhere by pushing yourself until your body falls apart."
"Understood!"
Despite Mok Hyungwoo's words, Baek Suryong suspected that he would train for at least another hour, but he didn't stop the man.
Those aren't the eyes of someone who would listen to my advice. I should tell Wonkang to give him the leftover Beggars' Gang elixirs tomorrow.
When he stepped outside, he realized that most of the instructors had probably already left for the day.
He considered stopping by the office, but decided against it.
Baek Suryong departed the Azure Dragon Academy. Roughly scanning the remaining files, he rounded a corner.
BOOM!
Suddenly, a giant landed right in front of him, leaving fine cracks on the ground where he landed. He could have landed gracefully like a cat if he wanted to, but instead, he deliberately left a clear imprint on the ground.
Baek Suryong's eyes widened at the giant's dramatic entrance. "...Number Four?"
Number Four strode over, took out a notepad, and shoved it in Baek Suryong's face. He had been spying on his old instructor from afar, but in the end, he simply couldn't suppress his curiosity.
Why did you waste your time on such an untalented martial artist?
Unlike usual, his handwriting was messy and hastily scrawled.