Chapter 239: Battlefront (9)
After having a little fun with those Hwangbo bastards and wandering around, I returned to the tent.
“Where did you go off to so early in the morning?”
I ran into Gu Huibi, who was drenched in sweat from her training.
Looks like my luck today was definitely in the pits, running into Gu Huibi of all people.
“The usual.”
“Oh, you mean that stroll of yours?”
“Calling it a stroll makes it sound all deep and emotional.”
“Still getting sentimental over it, huh, little brother?”
Hearing her words, I couldn’t help but smile. “You’re in a particularly playful mood today…”
That’s true.
“…Little brother, I think you’ve mixed up your thoughts with your words.”
“Oops, that was a mistake.”
Lately, my mouth had been causing a bit too much trouble.
Maybe I’ve been absorbing too much Demonic Qi?
“It saddens me to see my little brother’s tongue getting wilder.”
“…I doubt you’re aware, but my mouth has always been this way. It may not be quite as bad as yours, though.”
“Oh, really? Wanna have a go at it?”
At that moment, Gu Huibi grinned, and a heavy Combat Qi filled the air.
Feeling that pressure, I had to chuckle in disbelief.
She’s gotten a lot stronger during this time.
The remarks about her being the most suitable candidate for the next Sword Queen after the Plum Blossom Sword didn’t seem that far-fetched anymore.
Gu Huibi’s talent seemed to soar endlessly, relentlessly climbing higher.
Plus, she was backing it up with hard work, so it wasn’t odd that she was getting stronger every single day.
However, if I had one wish, it would be for her to take on the title of Crazy Sword instead of Sword Queen, as it suited her demeanor way better…
No matter how you slice it, that Sword Queen title doesn’t suit her personality.
It just feels off, you know?
As the surrounding air gradually filled with Combat Qi, I felt a faint heat mingling in.
Gu Huibi had started to subtly radiate heat.
Noticing this, I sighed heavily.
“And do you think you can manage anything in that state?”
She had just finished training, so there’s no way she’d challenge me to a duel now.
Gu Huibi smiled as if she were touched by my concern.
“Are you worried about me right now, little brother?”
I’m about to lose my mind…
Deciding I didn’t want to listen to her nonsense anymore, I shook my head.
Lately, she’s been trying to pick fights with me over trivial matters.
Even if it’s not about this, she’s still going to yell at me later anyway.
It was clear that she’d scold me for the trouble I caused, so I had to escape before that happened.
Tap.
I stepped past Gu Huibi’s Combat Qi and the surrounding heat.
Thud-!
Crack!
“…!”
With my footfalls, I unleashed a wave of Qi that sent the surrounding Combat Qi and heat swirling away in the wind.
While Gu Huibi’s face filled with surprise, I didn’t slow my steps.
I could only imagine what sort of trouble awaited me if I lingered too long.
“…Next time, I’m busy today since it’s my turn.”
“You’re quite the smooth talker, aren’t you?”
Instead of getting annoyed, Gu Huibi just laughed heartily.
In the past, she would have berated me to correct my nonsense.
“Weren’t you on shift yesterday?”
“And?”
“Yet here you are, right after training.”
“What’s that got to do with anything? Duty is work, and training is a martial artist’s way of life.”
I nodded at her words.
If only that airhead Gu Jeolyub could learn a thing or two from her.
Though I haven’t learned either.
I decided to ignore that part; sometimes, a person needs to be selfish in life.
“You’ll be heading out at night, right?”
“I prefer noon, but someone decided to give me the ridiculous order to go at night.”
“Night is nice, though. The weather is cool.”
“…When did we ever establish a relationship where we cared about the weather?”
As I grumbled, Gu Huibi chuckled and turned to head in the opposite direction.
That way led to where the Fifth Army usually trained.
That meant Gu Huibi was going to do some more training.
She’s gone mad, for sure.
How can she go off to train again?
At this point, it felt like she was truly obsessed with her training.
As soon as I returned to the base, I searched for Moyong Hi-ah.
She lived within the Gu Clan’s territory, but this specific area was managed by the Moyong Clan.
To prove that, most of the people inside wore Moyong Clan outfits, and I could sense a sharp Qi that carried the vibe of a finely honed blade.
Navigating through their scrutinizing gazes, I stepped inside.
“I greet Young Master Gu,” one of the Moyong Clan’s escorts said, seeming to have been waiting for me.
“Good to see you. Haven’t been checking on me lately, huh?”
“…Haha.”
In the past, they used to cling to me as if they were trying to conduct inspections, but they had stopped doing that recently.
Did I scare them off when I exploded that one time?
Or perhaps Moyong Hi-ah told them to ease up on me.
As long as they didn’t bother me, I was fine with whatever.
“Is she here today?” I quickly asked about Moyong Hi-ah, causing the escort’s expression to waver slightly.
“…The Lady is currently not present.”
“Not here?”
“Yes.”
“Where else would she be at this time if not in the camp?”
“…”
“Don’t you think using that as an excuse is a bit suspicious?”
Moyong Hi-ah didn’t usually venture out to hunt Demons, spending most of her time training or hanging out in her tent.
Otherwise, she’d just come to visit me for a chat.
There were times like this when they claimed she wasn’t there, and their explanations just kept getting more far-fetched.
“Hah, is she sulking again?”
She probably didn’t want to see my face right now.
That’s why she was holed up in her tent, refusing to come out.
There was a time I stormed in and dragged her out, only to be met with, “…Did you forget our appointment thanks to your training?”
Something along those lines.
While my forgetfulness was genuinely a fault of mine, I still couldn’t quite wrap my head around why Moyong Hi-ah, unlike others, chose to shut herself in rather than unleash her usual torrent of scathing remarks.
Should I barge in again?
I thought about it, but after giving it some consideration, I turned away.
First off, I knew she must have a reason for her behavior, and secondly, it was just too much of a hassle.
Tsk.
I turned my back on Moyong Hi-ah’s tent and started walking away.
Even now, her presence definitely lingered inside.
She was truly the person I understood the least.
“Have a safe journey back,” one of the guards called out.
“Just tell her to eat properly. She gets skinnier every time I see her,” I replied.
“Yes, I’ll pass on your message to the Lady when she returns.”
“I’m sure you have it tough too.”
…There’s really no need for pretenses; it’s obvious she’s inside.
I left Moyong Hi-ah in peace and made my way back to the Gu Clan’s territory.
It was nearly lunchtime, and I figured Namgung Bi-ah would be waking up and waiting for me soon.
Come to think of it, the letter should arrive soon.
It was quite common to receive letters bi-monthly; this time felt like it would be just right.
There would be news about happenings from within the district sent by the Gu Clan, as well as information regarding the Central Plains that I managed and exchanged separately. When combining that with what Tang Soyeol provided, that made a total of three letters.
…Tang Soyeol is pretty impressive too.
In her first letter, Tang Soyeol had been chatty, saying that she’d immediately join me at the frontlines, but her next letter suggested that she wasn’t able to come because she was constrained by the Clan Lord, the Poison King.
Also…
Wasn’t there something about the Poison King wanting to meet me?
I can’t express how panicked I was when I first caught wind of that.
Attracting the attention of the Poison King, of all people, was practically as terrifying as having my name remembered by the Dark King.
Although so far, I haven’t run into any problems.
It could have simply been a casual remark, but a lingering sense of unease was there regardless.
The Poison King, alongside the Dark King, is a significant figure in the realm of death after all.
He wouldn’t be… too concerned about me, right?
I might be dubbed the True Dragon and all that, but I was still just a young prodigy. There was no way a figure like the Poison King would take too much notice of me.
That’s the hope, at least.
With these worries swirling around in my head, I continued walking toward my tent.
“Huh?”
I spotted some unfamiliar faces.
“You crazy bastards…!”
Among them, there was one guy who appeared to be throwing a wild tantrum.
That guy is…?
For a brief moment, I struggled to recall who he was, but soon enough, it hit me.
He was a martial artist from the Alliance, the one Gu Jeolyub had brought along.
Yes, the idiot who fainted upon seeing me.
I remembered his name was Bi Yeonsum.
“Why’s he acting like that?”
As I moved closer, I recognized the others too.
The unfamiliar individuals were all wearing the same outfit as the Murim Alliance, just like Bi Yeonsum.
The man standing in front was trying to speak to Bi Yeonsum.
“Comrade Bi… Last time, we—“
“Comrade? Spare me your nonsense.”
Bi Yeonsum glared, refusing to listen to him.
Unfazed, the man pressed on with an apologetic tone.
“Come on, we were helpless back then. How could a young person lack understanding?”
At those words, Bi Yeonsum’s neck bulged with tension.
“Helpless? How can you consider that situation to be helpless?”
Bi Yeonsum’s face contorted into a look of disbelief.
“You used me as bait to save yourselves! And you call it a helpless situation?”
“Have a little respect… Coming here after abandoning your comrade and using him as bait. Do you have no shame?”
As I listened, I began to piece together what was happening.
That’s pretty common out there.
On the frontlines, it was an all-too-frequent occurrence.
Surviving by throwing a comrade to the wolves as bait is a prevalent tactic.
Humans are far more cunning than you would think.
How many would maintain their virtue as members of an Orthodox Sect when staring death in the face?
Having witnessed countless despicable acts, these kinds of situations appeared typical to me.
It’s humans who are often more demonic than the Demons themselves.
You can’t afford to get hurt over such trivial matters.
That is simply the reality of the Central Plains.
That bastard should just go back and…
“I’m not going back.”
“Huh?”
I was momentarily taken aback when I heard Bi Yeonsum’s words.
What did that bastard just say?
“I refuse to return to a place filled with scum like you. Instead, I’ll stay here and—!”
The members of the Murim Alliance froze as Bi Yeonsum yelled.
I couldn’t see their faces, but I could tell they were uncomfortable.
I felt the same way.
Holding back my rising irritation, I spoke.
“With whose permission?”
“…Ah!”
Bi Yeonsum and the members of the Alliance flinched upon noticing me.
It seemed they recognized who I was.
“T-True Dragon.”
“Hey fellas, didn’t I tell you to call me by my name? I thought I kindly informed the bastards who visited me last time.”
I made sure not to leave any scars. I was being exceptionally generous.
“I-I apologize, Brother Gu! It was a minor mistake.”
“That’s fine and all, but why are you fumbling to bring him back after coming this far? Can’t you handle anything on your own?”
“Uh… about that…”
They stuttered, unable to provide a clear response.
They truly were a bunch of incompetent fools.
If he doesn’t cooperate, it’s simple; they should just beat him up. Why is it only during moments like these that they act like proper members of Orthodox Sects?
“You too.”
“Y-Yes?”
“You came to take him, so you should just head back now.”
Bi Yeonsum averted his gaze at my words.
This piece of trash…
“Hey, I told you to go.”
“Huh?”
“Those inhuman bastards… they…”
Bi Yeonsum bit his lip, still seething with anger, but seeing him like this only made me sigh deeply.
So what?
“Pardon…?”
“Regardless of whether they mistreated you or what those scumbags did to you, why should I care?”
“That’s not what I’m…”
“If that’s not what you’re trying to express, then what is it? If something infuriates you, deal with it on your own. Is the thing at your side a back scratcher? What do you mean you won’t go? Just scram already.”
“…”
He wields a perfectly good sword, yet he’s arguing when he should simply act.
“…I am a martial artist. Martial arts… aren’t meant to be used for things like this…”
“You’re talking nonsense. Kids like you, who have nothing, tend to harbor overly deep beliefs.”
Just like Gu Jeolyub, I wondered why they were like this.
Bi Yeonsum’s brow furrowed slightly at my response.
“Your words are rather harsh.”
“Of course, they are! I’m saying it to make you feel miserable.”
As I continued to belittle him, Bi Yeonsum’s expression only darkened further.
Observing his disdainful face, I pressed on.
“And what do you mean you’re staying? Do you really think it’s just one or two scoundrels who’ve come here like you?”
“Well, what do you mean by that…?”
Gu Jeolyub didn’t just bring one or two people, and it wasn’t only him bringing martial artists.
Many others had suffered just like Bi Yeonsum.
This meant that he wasn’t the first person to find themselves in such a predicament.
“What will you do if you decide against leaving? Are you planning to stay here?”
“…If you grant me your permission… I’ll provide assistance here…”
“I already said I wouldn’t, so why are you dreaming up such a thing all on your own?”
“…”
“What will you even regard as an accomplishment by staying here? We’re struggling to pay everyone as is, and you’ll only add another mouth to feed.”
That part was a lie.
I wasn’t responsible for the salary, and the Gu Clan always compensated martial artists handsomely.
Rumors circulated that my father’s only extravagance was in paying the Swordsmen Army.
Yet, even so, Bi Yeonsum seemed unyielding despite my words.
“I don’t need money.”
I was slightly taken aback by his resolute response.
“…You don’t need money?”
“Correct… I simply don’t want to be associated with the Murim Alliance while I’m on the frontlines.”
Bi Yeonsum’s expression was steadfast, as though he had already made up his mind.
“So, if you allow me to stay here…”
“Then…”
“Hmm?”
“So, what you’re saying is that you don’t want to go back and you’d like to stay here instead. And you’re asking for my permission to remain and work for free?”
“H-Huh? Work…? T-That’s correct.”
Bi Yeonsum stammered, briefly pausing as he caught onto the peculiarity in my wording before hastily nodding again.
He probably thought I was starting to warm up to the idea.
After pretending to think for a moment, I addressed Bi Yeonsum.
“Then are you willing to sign a contract? It’s best to handle such formalities in an official manner.”
“…Ah! So, you’re allowing me to stay?”
“We’re not even that formal; just sign the contract, got it?”
“T-That’s right! As long as you allow me to remain here…!”
From calling me ‘scum’ and ‘trash’ to now referring to me as ‘we,’ Bi Yeonsum had clearly missed it.
Seeing his determination, I couldn’t help but smile as I nodded.
“Great, fantastic! Now go on and discuss the important details with the Vice Captain later… Oh, by the way, what were we talking about just now?”
After my brief yet pleasant exchange with Bi Yeonsum, I turned my gaze back to the individuals from the Murim Alliance.
“So, what was it again?”
“Master Gu sent a letter requesting the retrieval of the Alliance’s martial artist you were protecting, so we came…”
“Ah, right. I did, didn’t I?”
Thanks to the man’s response, I could recall the matter once again.
I nodded thoughtfully and looked at those in front of me.
“So, who is responsible for mistreating ‘our kid’?”
“Pardon…?”
“I’m asking who mistreated ‘our’ kid.”
“Brother Gu… what are you talking about, all of a sudden?”
“I heard you all fled after using him as bait.”
“No, wait! What do you mean!”
“I’m asking who did it… Oh, was it all of you? Honestly, that’d make my life much easier since it’s a hassle to pick one out.”
“W-Wait, Brother Gu…! No, Master Gu! W-Why are you acting like this?!”
Crack.
As I approached, stretching out my hands, Bi Yeonsum wore a bewildered expression from the sidelines.
What’s going on all of a sudden…?
He looked perplexed by my sudden change in demeanor.
Due to that, Bi Yeonsum didn’t notice Gu Jeolyub struggling to flee the Vice Captain’s grip in the back.
Gu Jeolyub looked desperate, as if his eyes were screaming at Bi Yeonsum.
—Run away!
That earnest plea, however, never reached Bi Yeonsum’s ears.
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