An awkward time passed. Galbijoong, a member of the rogue faction, was intimidated by the Martial Arts Histories, and Jaemi Son couldn’t keep up with the atmosphere either. They were about to die from the embarrassment of just saying hello.
“It’s time to establish the Nachalbang!”
Our organization, Nachalbang, has been founded.
Honestly, there’s nothing grand needed to organize a martial arts faction. Just gather people and declare it, and that’s that.
If we were to acquire a building or engage in a legitimate business, we would need to go through some essential procedures, but that’s not relevant right now.
“Jaemi Son, let’s do our best moving forward. Let’s build our faction together.”
“Hehe… So, this is how it goes.”
Jaemi Son, seated, grinned wide.
“Well… it might not be so bad. Being part of an organization, I mean.”
“Right. This will be an experience for us and will make us better martial artists. There will be much to learn from Galbijoong in the process. Isn’t that right, Galbijoong?”
“Of course! Nice to meet you, Jaemi Son of the An Hwi Double Kill. I’ve actually been admiring your reputation.”
Galbijoong extended his hand, which Jaemi Son shook.
“Don’t you have a nickname?”
“I’ll get one eventually. Anyway, Nachalbang is starting with just the five of us. It’s the first day, so it would be fitting to toast to our establishment, but I prioritize efficiency. How about we discuss how to operate our faction and our plans for the future?”
He spoke with bright eyes, as if sharing a vision.
I really liked his attitude. He’s from a rogue background, yet he expresses his opinions freely, and those opinions usually came from a positive driving force.
“I completely agree, Galbijoong.”
“I might be underestimating him… heh.”
At that, Jaemi Son also nodded in approval. Watching them, I spoke.
“Anyway, what we need to prioritize is to subdue and gather the black gangs in this area. For that, we need information about them.”
“Indeed…”
“I agree!”
“And the ones who know the best information about them are none other than the gang leader. So, let’s pay a visit to the gang leader.”
We had just parted ways with him recently, but now he could be seen as an honorary member of our Nachalbang, a vital asset.
“Let’s go… I’m always in favor of tormenting those trashy black gangs.”
“Haha! To move right away! You’re truly impressive!”
Jaemi Son grinned while Galbijoong burst out laughing. I wasn’t sure about Galbijoong’s skills, but with Jaemi Son around, we had nothing to fear.
“You’re quite capable, Geunhyeop.”
“I guess so. My worries were unfounded?”
And there were also Serin and Hayoung.
“When you ride the back of a tiger, you must keep up the pace. There’s no time to dawdle. Using time efficiently is the shortest route to victory.”
Gaining some trust from my words, Serin and Hayoung nodded.
Thus, we returned to find the gang leader.
“Why are you back again…?!”
Seeing this guy often was starting to feel oddly endearing.
“Let’s talk.”
“What more is there to say?”
“When I say talk, just quietly do what you’re told!!!”
“Ah, understood! Just please!”
He seemed a bit grumpy, but as soon as I raised my fist, he turned cooperative, much to my joy.
We moved to a quiet place to talk.
“Gang leader, as you’ve likely guessed… I’m not satisfied with merely annihilating the Amto gang.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Today, I created a faction. It’s called Nachalbang.”
“…”
“After getting a taste of the Amto gang, my rage and hatred for the black gangs in this area surged. So, I’m planning to wipe them all out while simultaneously expanding the power of Nachalbang… hehehe.”
This was originally the Amto gang’s intention.
Now, it would be my turn to do what they wanted, and the black gangs would no longer be black gangs. They’d become a righteous group instead.
“So, you mean you’re going to gather the black gangs.”
“Exactly. I plan on taking them down, and for that, gathering information is essential. Gang leader, this isn’t a bad proposal for you either. If we wipe out the black gangs and expand Nachalbang’s power, I’ll give you a share of the benefits.”
“A share of the benefits, you say.”
As soon as business was mentioned, the gang leader straightened his back. While madmen are feared, someone who brings a business proposal isn’t seen as a threat.
“Not only that. I won’t oppose you anymore. Right now, I’m treating you with hostility and fear, but once we’re allies, I’ll repay you fairly.”
“Is that so…?”
“Yes… so decide. With our strength, taking down the black gangs will be easy. You can either join as my ally or ignore the proposal and become an enemy. Choose between the two.”
I felt a bit tense, but as I thought about it, my inner passion began to ignite.
Yes. I won’t be victimized anymore, black gangs or whatever. Building my power means I can protect myself.
I will lay down the foundations to prevent any more unfortunate incidents from happening, right now.
“Understood. I’ll collaborate. What do you need me to provide?”
“The information on the black gangs in this area!”
Galbijoong shouted.
“Hehe… you need to provide accurate information. Otherwise, it’s troublesome…”
Jaemi Son spoke ominously.
“Of course, I will. Now, let me begin explaining.”
The gang leader started his explanation.
* * *
Currently, in this area, there are three factions among the black gangs that hold the most influence. Originally, there were four including the Amto gang, but since they’ve fallen, there are now three.
“The businesses managed by the Amto gang have been divided among these three. However, it seems that Ildomun (일도문) has gained the most profit… it appears Ildomun is the strongest.”
Ildomun. That would be our first target.
“Ildomun extorts lower-level merchants and collects protection fees. They also engage in simple contract jobs.”
“Lower-level merchants?”
“The merchants without proper establishments.”
“Ah.”
That means they are talking about street vendor types, as not everyone can own a building. Most merchants usually operate this way in this land.
Of course, without a building, they are vulnerable and easy targets. The knife-wielding scumbags see these merchants as their cash cows and won’t hesitate to rob them.
Ildomun is known to charge these merchants for protection. While they do provide “protection,” it’s more like they intimidate them into paying up.
“The Ildomun brutes threaten to kill them if they don’t pay up. These lower-level merchants don’t have the resources or connections to seek help from the righteous sects or authorities, so they naturally end up paying the tribute to Ildomun.”
“Did the Amto gang do such things too?”
“Of course.”
They needed to be wiped out, no matter what.
“I’ve listened well. What about the other two factions?”
Galbijoong asked, and the gang leader replied.
“There are Jangsabang and Jagwiparang, but they are weaker than Ildomun. However, I’ve heard that they’re fighting over a gambling house for workers recently.”
They are fighting over a gambling space for workers, while weaker than Ildomun, they still try to keep it in check together.
The most important target is Ildomun, for now, we’ll skip over the other two.
“Tell me more about Ildomun…”
Jaemi Son said, stroking his arm with a gleaming armor.
“First, their factions utilize certain techniques. They generally learn basic techniques, but at best, it’s third-rate thugs’ level.”
The gang leader seemed unsure of himself.
“Got it. Now tell me their numbers and locations.”
“Hmmm… let’s see.”
While the numbers were general estimates, they knew the location for sure. Well, positional bases are usually stable.
It’s feasible.
If we launch a surprise attack and reduce their numbers, we can finish this quickly.
—Thump thump.
My heart raced at the thought of planning an assault on Ildomun.
Murder.
That thought drifted inside me. Chang Sam, Oh Su-man. And also the gang in the open, as well as the Amto gang’s flunkies. Even the mountain bandits.
I had killed many people till now. Not by choice, but because I had to, and I did so without hesitation.
It’s a horrific experience to be in situations where one must commit murder, and realizing that it must be done without mercy is equally horrifying.
I never wanted to do this again, and wanted to avoid it.
But not anymore.
To survive in this martial arts world, I must accept all of this. So, today’s actions will become a rite of passage for me.
There’s not much of an enmity but…
I will strike first and kill them. After all, they are nothing but trash black gangs… let’s kill them and seize their benefits to expand Nachalbang. That’s the only way I can protect myself.
“The discussion is over. Now, goodbye… don’t forget, once you unify the black gangs, our gang leader will be your ally.”
“Right.”
After receiving the gang leader’s farewell, we exited.
“Kim Geunhyeop! You truly are amazing! Not only did you manage to dominate the gang leader, but you quickly gathered information about Ildomun! Your execution! It’s astonishing!”
Galbijoong exclaimed with shining eyes.
“Hehe, it’s only natural.”
As Jaemi Son said, I set a firm standard and goal. Following that path naturally sped things up.
“Hehe, you plan to raid Ildomun as soon as possible. Excellent, Geunhyeop. The quicker and more sudden you do these things, the better.”
“Exactly, Jaemi Son. Let’s wipe out those Ildomun bastards.”
I felt confident.
Ah, but we also need to establish a base.
Should we break down Ildomun’s and set up there?
“Alright, let’s disband for today. We’ll meet again at the inn tomorrow and then move.”
“Understood!”
Galbijoong and Jaemi Son went their way, and I too returned home with my companions.
“Geunhyeop. Today, I sat back and watched to see how you think and act.”
Serin, who entered, said that.
“So? How was it?”
“I was a bit surprised. I felt experience emanating from you. To take charge of conversations so skillfully and to plan… impressive.”
“Hehe, really? That makes me a bit embarrassed. So, do you believe in me now?”
“Yes. I’m sure you can achieve it.”
Seeing that my actions pleased her, Serin smiled gently, and that compliment made me want to grow strong enough to protect my girls.
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