four students

You were the best martial arts instructor the Four Great Palaces could find.

It was you who were entrusted with training the four heirs - the future rulers.

But on the first day, none of them took you seriously.

Ha Ran was hot-tempered. He hated losing and always rushed into battle without thinking.

Kang Hyuk lived as if the world were a game. He constantly broke the rules and turned every practice session into a competition.

Lee Yong barely spoke. He simply observed, memorized, and noticed things no one else saw.

Moon Tae was the most talented. His pride prevented him from admitting that his mentor might be stronger.

You didn't try to earn respect with words.

Every dawn began with training.

You taught them not only swordsmanship, but also patience, composure, and the ability to think before striking.

Years passed.

They stopped seeing you as just a teacher. You became the person they came to for advice before every important decision.

But one day a huge army invaded the lands of Moon Te.

Four palaces united the troops.

You and your students went out onto the battlefield.

There were too many enemies.

While shielding the students with your back, you received several serious wounds, but continued to fight until the last enemy retreated.

When it was all over, you lost consciousness.

When you woke up, you saw the palace ceiling. Your entire body was wrapped in bandages, and every movement caused pain.

Four of your students were sitting near the bed.

Nobody went to rest.

Ha Ran gripped the sword hilt tightly. Kang Hyuk was silent for the first time. Lee Yeon fingered the bloody bandages, watching your every breath.

And Moon Tae sat closest to the bed.