Became the Weapon Monopolist of the Gods

E-Rank Hunter Choi Seo-Joon was hangin’ out in Bupari when the Joseon Navy’s base was filled with nothing but ominous vibes. Rumors were spreadin’ like wildfire that the Japanese fleet numbered a whopping 133 ships! The soldiers were quakin’ in their boots, scared to death of the impending attack from the Japanese forces at any moment.

Normally, Admiral Yi Sun-sin would’ve rallied the troops by gatherin’ them on the beach and deliverin’ an inspirational speech before battle. He’d say his famous line: “If one lives, they will die; if one dies, they will live.” This iconic phrase came straight outta the pre-battle speech before the Battle of Myeongnyang. Inspired by this, the navy achieved the legendary victory of Myeongnyang!

But it wasn’t just Yi Sun-sin who made history—it was also the nameless 2,000+ members of the Joseon Navy working together for this incredible feat. However…

“Looks like he ain’t ready.”

Admiral Yi Sun-sin had yet to prepare his pre-battle speech despite the Japanese fleet being less than half a day away. Morale among the troops was so low that desertions were imminent.

“Damn.”

If things stayed like this, the terrified soldiers wouldn’t pull off the miracle of Myeongnyang. But I couldn’t exactly pressure Yi Sun-sin into delivering an unprepared speech either. Poorly delivered speeches are worse than none at all—I’ve seen enough politicians botch live addresses to know that much. Spewing out something unplanned could backfire big time.

The problem was Yi Sun-sin showed no signs of finishing his speech within the next half-day. Writing speeches takes forever—these famous historical speeches weren’t improvised but carefully crafted over long periods. You consult experts, hire novelists, revise drafts… It’s practically art, weaving words that stir people’s hearts.

And Yi Sun-sin’s speech? That’d be legendary. There’s no way such greatness could come overnight. Problem was, I didn’t even know the full text of his original speech. All I knew was that one famous line: “If one lives, they will die; if one dies, they will live.” Likely, Yi Sun-sin himself only had this much right now.

“Freaking doomed.”

While leaning against the counter of the general store, deep in thought, a sudden idea struck me: “Maybe… I should just make one up?”

I didn’t know what Yi Sun-sin’s actual speech was, but I did know plenty of historic speeches from modern times. Hitler’s infamous rhetoric that created Nazi Germany, Winston Churchill’s inaugural address as Prime Minister… Heck, even inspiring speeches from manga or anime popped into my head. Like Commander Erwin’s epic last charge in *Attack on Titan*. If I mashed these together, maybe I could craft a convincing battle cry?

Language translation happens automatically anyway, so using Hangul wouldn’t cause issues. “Let’s give it a shot.”

Even if my version wouldn’t match Yi Sun-sin’s original, desperate times called for desperate measures. The Japanese fleet was closing in fast, and letting things stay as they were meant disaster for the Battle of Myeongnyang.

“As long as the result is good, that’s all that matters.”

With resolve set, I grabbed a pen and opened my notebook. Time to plagiarize some great speeches.

*

Yi Sun-sin sat staring at blank hanji paper, lost in thought—not about strategy, but something else entirely. “Troublesome. I haven’t prepared the pre-battle speech.”

War requires strategy, but executing those strategies depends on the soldiers. And motivating those soldiers relies on morale, which Yi Sun-sin understood well. Unfortunately, he hadn’t prepared anything to boost morale due to delays elsewhere.

“The men are restless, General.”

Though urged by his aide, Yi remained silent, unsure what to write on the pristine white page before him. Just then…

“General, Master Choi has arrived.”

“Master Choi? Please invite him in.”

Choi Seo-Joon entered the room as Yi looked at him curiously. “What brings you here, Master Choi?”

“I heard you were troubled by your speech, so I came to offer assistance.”

“Oh? A speech?”

“Yes.”

Yi’s face lit up as he eagerly accepted the notebook Seo-Joon handed over. As he read through its contents, his eyes widened, then exhaled deeply. “Is this truly your work?”

“It is.”

“Truly remarkable… Such eloquence!”

“What does it say?” An intrigued aide took the notebook and gasped in awe.

“Summon the troops to the harbor immediately!”

“Yes sir!”

*

A chilling breeze swept across the beach at dawn during the Battle of Myeongnyang. Over two thousand soldiers of the Joseon Navy stood lined up under faint light, their faces etched with fear and gloom.

Before them strode Yi Sun-sin, clad in his general’s robes. He scanned the anxious ranks and began speaking.

“The Joseon Navy will be defeated today.”

Shadows fell upon the soldiers’ faces. They already knew—their odds were impossible. Defeating a fleet of 133 ships with merely 13 was beyond hopeless, and now their own general confirmed their doom.

Someone whispered tremulously, “Are we going to die?”

“Yes, we shall all perish, and this sea of Myeongnyang will become our grave.”

“Then why… do we fight?”

“Because we are the navy of Joseon. To pass on our spirit to future generations.”

From somewhere deep inside Yi Sun-sin emerged lines borrowed from fiction: “For six years, I have fought solely for our people. The word ‘surrender’ is unknown to me.”

Next came a quote lifted from Adolf Hitler’s fiery rhetoric during WWII, echoing over the waters of Myeongnyang: “But there is something I fear more than surrender—that if we fail here, all hope for justice and freedom in this land will vanish.”

Another swipe followed: “All I can promise you is this—one thing alone. That each of you will stand as shields guarding the frontlines of Joseon, spilling blood, sweat, tears, and effort.”

Winston Churchill’s coronation speech rang out loud and clear. “Victory cannot be guaranteed. Nor can I assure not a single casualty.”

Yet another borrowed line appeared: “Still, I wish to march into battle alongside you.”

Finally, Yi Sun-sin delivered his own timeless wisdom: “To seek life is to find death; to embrace death is to gain life.”

必死則生幸生則死.

“To those willing to die, follow me.”

Silence reigned after Yi’s speech. Only the rhythmic crash of waves broke the stillness until suddenly—

Clap, clap!

One soldier applauded, sparking a wave of approval that rippled through the ranks. Then came the pounding of tridents striking the sand.

“Uaaaaaaaaaah!”

Roars of determination shook the shores of Myeongnyang.

*

“Whoa.”

Witnessing the transformation of the once-gloomy atmosphere left me awestruck. Combining famous quotes proved wildly effective. No wonder historical figures always gave rousing speeches before battles.

As the troops’ spirits soared, a scout shouted urgently, “The enemy approaches!”

“Japanese ships ahead!”

Less than fifty li away, countless enemy vessels darkened the horizon of Myeongnyang Bay.

“All aboard!”

Amidst the chaos, Yi Sun-sin barked orders, rallying the sailors onto the thirteen panokseons.

“Master Choi, come along!”

“Yes sir!”

An aide led me aboard Yi’s flagship. Anchors were raised, oars dipped into the water, and the fleet pushed forward against the rising sun.

Trumpets blared as Japanese ships swarmed like bees, heading straight for us. Gripping Napoleon’s Rifle tightly, I prepared for the worst.

“If things go south, I’ll open the shop and bolt.”

I wasn’t planning to fight. Yi Sun-sin would win regardless—it was history. No need for me to interfere. Besides, as an E-Rank Hunter, this battlefield wasn’t where I shone.

“Hey, you! What’re you doing?! Come help load the cannons!”

“Ack, yes sir!”

At the shout of some random officer, I sprang into action. Everyone else was working hard, so I couldn’t just stand around.

“Hurry up!”

“Yes sir!”

Carrying heavy cannonballs strained my arms, but duty called. After loading, someone explained how to fire the cannon.

“When the drum beats, insert the cannonball, then ignite the fuse.”

“Uh… I’ve never fired a cannon before…”

“Just aim—it’s not that hard!”

Short-handed, the officer entrusted me with a cannon and rushed off elsewhere.

“Great…”

Was I really supposed to shoot this thing?

Before I could dwell further, a bell chimed.

“Fire the cannons!”

Cannons roared across the fleet.

“What’re you waiting for? Fire!”

“Alright, here goes…”

I aimed at the nearest Japanese ship and ignited the fuse. Flames licked the wick, reaching the powder.

BOOOOOM!

“What the—”

The explosion sent shockwaves through the air. Across the water, a Japanese warship imploded spectacularly.

“Wha…?”

Why’s it sinking?

Beside me, the soldier who’d been urging me earlier stared dumbfounded.

“What… What did you hit?”

“I… I just did what you said…”

“One more shot! Try again!”

“Okay…”

BOOOOOM!

—Monster!

Napoleon’s Cannon heralded the beginning of the Battle of Myeongnyang.