“Alright, everyone! Stay strong and let’s make it back safe!”
“Hah, who would’ve thought we’d be acting as a group ever since becoming Sacheon Outcasts?”
“That just means the situation is urgent.”
The Outcasts moved awkwardly together, picking up bits of conversation as they traveled. In fact, it was the first time the Outcasts had ever moved in such a large group. Most requests were carried out individually, and even when they teamed up, it was usually only two or three at most.
When the Outcasts in their black outfits moved in a pack, people shrank back in fear.
A few Outcasts burst into chuckles at the sight.
“Hehe, sometimes it’s not so bad to move together.”
That was strangely relatable. When out alone, they always received piercing stares. Hearing people talk trash openly was something they got used to, but honestly, it wasn’t a pleasant feeling.
It was quite amusing to see the people of Sacheon running away in fear.
The Outcasts seemed a bit excited.
In truth, most Outcasts didn’t really like playing the role of the villain. I mean, c’mon! How could they possibly enjoy being the bad guy in hero stories?
But no matter how much they disliked it, if they kept at it, they’d eventually develop a sense of pride or attachment. I guess that’s what you call a sense of duty. The fact that they were finally getting to work after a long time, and that this job might breathe life into the Outcast Inn, or just the thrill of participating in a big event, all made the Outcasts feel highly motivated.
I recalled Yu Sa-yeon’s warning.
“The Jam Bong Sect declared they won’t participate. It seems like an incident might occur, so please be especially careful.”
“Jam Bong Sect…”
How should I take Yu Sa-yeon’s opinion on the Jam Bong Sect?
The Jam Bong Sect had a deeply entangled history with Yu Sa-yeon. In the dark history of Inwon that swept through Sacheon City, Yu Sa-yeon wasn’t an outsider.
Well, even if Yu Sa-yeon had feelings towards the Jam Bong Sect, their movements were suspicious at best. The Jam Bong Sect could be described as a bunch of scoundrels masquerading as righteous factions.
They were large in number but split into two factions: the Sect Leader faction and the Elder faction. The sect’s nature was always dubious, and the fierce power struggle between the two often drew scorn from the public. Given that the entire Sacheon Outcasts were involved, it was quite concerning that neither faction would participate in such a major event.
It was entirely possible that either the Sect Leader faction or the Elder faction would secretly stab them in the back while claiming they wouldn’t participate.
Unexpected chaos could easily arise.
But hey, it was inevitable. The Jam Bong Sect’s suspicious movements weren’t enough to warrant delaying tactics. Plus, the Outcasts were elite enough to handle these variables.
Today’s events were the starting point.
The sects of Sacheon would continue their activities to improve their image and win the hearts of the Sacheon citizens, while the Outcasts would stir up trouble here and there to maintain their villainous reputation.
Until now, the Outcasts could only cause small disturbances. That was only natural; there were countless sects in Sacheon, all competing against each other. If any large ruckus kicked off or things dragged on too long, other sects would jump in to muck things up.
They had no choice but to rapidly unfold minor incidents and retreat.
But the operation starting today was different.
The entire Sacheon sects and the entire Sacheon Outcasts would join forces for an enormous performance!
Not just in scale; since they had reached an agreement with the Sacheon sects, they wouldn’t have to worry about any meddling forces, and they could present a compelling narrative that the people of Sacheon could sink their teeth into.
“Alright… Is everyone ready?”
We had about 30 more steps to reach the target point. Once we got out of this alley, it was showtime.
“Are we ready?”
“Let’s go!”
The faces of the Sacheon Outcasts had transformed into that of ruthless villains, void of blood or tears. I nodded and stepped to the front, moving out of the alley.
I kicked away the pile of items in front of me, and the Outcasts began smashing anything in sight with wild abandon, causing the panicked cries of people to ring out.
“It’s the Sacheon Outcasts! The Sacheon Outcasts have appeared!”
“Oh no! Oh no!”
“Bwahahaha! You guys must have looked down on us Outcasts for too long! Smash everything!”
Someone shouted.
“W-What are you doing this for?!”
“Wahahaha! You asked why? You wanna know the reason!”
As I spread my arms wide, the Outcasts paused their rampage for a moment. They scanned the area to assess the damage. Hm. I suppose it was due to their experience; they were quite adept at causing destruction without needing a word.
The streets had transformed into a scene of chaos. The sound of fragile wares shattering echoed amidst the ruins. Items that spilled from baskets were oddly well-aggregated, while destroyed baskets cluttered the street.
Focusing on smashing up items that could easily be repaired later while tossing the still-packaged goods high into the air was their strategy.
“Our Outcasts were greatly inspired by the way bandits operate! Hahaha! Just like the bandits stick together, none would dare touch us if we did the same!”
“Those scoundrels! Outrageous!”
“Haha! Go ahead and shout! If you want to live on this street from now on, you’d better start paying tribute!”
“The world is already tough enough with bandits; now Outcasts…!”
“Hahaha! We, the Sacheon Outcasts, shall rule over Sacheon!”
Above all, the greatest advantage of this large-scale performance is that it allows for a rich and drawn-out storyline!
It provides an unfolding drama like a continuous epic.
Today’s act would be like Episode 1: The March of the Sacheon Outcasts. The Outcasts reveal their ambition to dominate Sacheon, imitating the bandits, while the martial artists of the Sacheon sects work to stop them!
And following that would be the organized misdeeds of the Sacheon Outcasts, and the united effort of the Sacheon sects to thwart those evil deeds! The first tale in a series of lengthy action dramas would now commence.
Since Yu Sa-yeon set the first thread right, it was now my turn to flesh it out. I had to create more Outcast leaders, take some hostages… basically use any stimulating developments one might expect from a traditional story.
Anyway, just as I was getting immersed in the performance of villainy…
“Stop! You rascals!”
Dozens of martial artists stormed onto the scene. They appeared all muddy and sweaty, likely just finished with their community service.
What was the most effective way to win over the people? Of course, helping them directly. This area was one of the poorer areas of Sacheon. The Sacheon martial artists, who had promised to coordinate with us today, were out repairing roads, cleaning streets, fixing houses, and providing food.
Real heroes helping the people were now attempting to thwart the Sacheon Outcasts who just awakened as a villainous organization!
That was the main theme of today’s performance.
“You scoundrels! Bandits are already wreaking havoc outside, and you’re causing this ruckus! What’s wrong with you?!”
“What kind of filthy little vagabonds are you? Step aside! This street is ours now!”
“We are the martial artists of the Sacheon sects, out here to help the suffering people of Sacheon! Stand down before you get hurt!”
“What?”
I exaggeratedly pointed and clutched my belly.
“Hahaha! What kind of martial artist looks like you in such pathetic rags! Go home and wash those filthy clothes!”
“Bwahahaha! They really are a bunch of beggars!”
“Wahahaha!”
The Outcasts and I openly mocked the appearance of the martial artists. Since they were in the middle of actual labor, they were wearing the ragged clothes of manual workers instead of their usual cool outfits, and their disheveled hair had mud and dirt plastered across it.
“Y-You rascals! Don’t insult the martial artists of Sacheon!”
“Right! They’re the ones helping us!”
It was the bystanders who got enraged at my and the Outcasts’ ridicule. These were the martial artists who had worked to repair their homes and streets, and as soon as the villagers saw them being mocked, they rushed to defend them.
“Hmm…! While it might lower my own dignity to spank these beggar-like fellows… I can’t simply let them stand against our Sacheon Outcasts. And those who dare support these beggars too!”
As the Outcasts and I drew our weapons, the people of the Sacheon sects also pulled out their weapons.
“Now you rascals! Not only did you cause a ruckus, but you threaten innocent civilians too!”
“We will not forgive you in the name of justice as a part of Sacheon!”
“Attack!”
The crowd erupted loudly!
The martial artists of the Sacheon sects were serious about the matter, so they brought only those with ample acting skills. Excluding those who slathered soot and mud on their face to portray a warm vibe, everyone else was familiar with the Outcasts in some capacity.
“Haah! One Move Sword!”
“Kiiyoo! Bouncing Moon!”
I subtly shook my head at the approaching martial artist. I felt a bit of guilt towards the martial artist who dashed forward, but at that moment, I was the commanding officer. I needed to keep an eye on the battlefield due to the potential for unexpected chaos, as this was the first time such a large-scale performance involved both Outcasts and martial artists in such numbers.
You never knew what kind of unpredictable events could transpire, so I remained tense, ready to launch my blade.
The martial artist, who had been rushing toward me, quickly twisted his body, melding with another Outcast.
According to the script, there would be a brief clash, and the martial artists would momentarily falter, entering a lull phase.
While the spectators were excitedly immersed in the scene of the Outcasts and martial artists melding together,
“Wahahahaha!”
I broke the flow. The Outcasts subtly withdrew, and the martial artists, catching on, wore expressions of struggle as they stepped back.
“Hahaha! Foolish folks! No wonder you’re weak since you’re busy helping out! Although, I suppose your skills were always subpar… hehehe.”
“Ugh…”
The martial artists could only groan in silence. The crowd began sweating buckets as they looked at the martial artists, covered in dirt and grime from their labor.
Today’s script was crafted by Yu Sa-yeon. The owner of the Outcast Inn, Yu Sa-yeon may not know as much about direction and scripting as I do, but she certainly possessed the skill.
So this is the way, the orthodox way, the perfect script.
“Because of us…”
“Now that I think about it, these martyrs have been sweating since dawn…”
It was a moment where the heroic defenders on the brink received support from the townsfolk with shouts of “We believe in you!” while unleashing their ultimate techniques to obliterate the villains. Nothing beats a fiery turn of events like this.
“Great Hero! Stay strong!”
“Don’t give up!”
With the sudden outpouring of encouragement, even the martial artists appeared moved, looking around. Some in the front were nearly brought to tears and made me wonder if they’d make great Outcasts.
I signaled to the Outcasts, and they nodded slightly.
On the other side, there were skilled actors interwoven in the narrative, but due to the current story arc, they were meant to unleash their utmost moves, while the Outcasts were supposed to catch those blows and fall.
The tension was real, and even though it was all scripted, the risks were genuine. We had to brace ourselves to finish this act without serious injuries.
“Everyone…!”
The moment the actors on the opposite side opened their mouths with agitated voices,
“You!”
An arrow-like shout flew through the air.
“Take Cover!”
A voice unknown to me called, and despite having already heightened their tension, the band of Outcasts scattered as their opponent’s movements were far too swift. They burst from the alley and instinctively attacked the Outcasts in a flurry of motion that was on another level entirely.
Swoosh!
“Ugh!”
Blood splattered.
Although this Outcast was one of the elite, he couldn’t keep his weapon from being knocked away, and his upper body was slashed.
“Black Shadow Qi Technique! Hohugeogta!”
This Outcast was the closest to being a peak expert of the Inn, and with the exception of the black cat, was the number one ranking among the Outcasts.
I couldn’t use their names, so I called upon their symbols.
As the Black Cat’s technique dipped into darkness, it surged toward the opponent in an instant.
Only then did I spot the enemy and frown. It was the Elder of the Jam Bong Sect. Gae Myung-bu. Yu Sa-yeon’s nemesis and the one who tore apart Tang Su-mun.
And aside from that, he was considered one of the top experts in Sacheon.
“The opponent is peak stage!”
That lunatic, it seemed he had decided to engage, wielding his blade at the second Outcast in the primal instinct. The second Outcast had practically rolled on the ground to avoid the attack, but even then, the determined sword of this peak expert sliced his back.
Then the Black Cat’s attack commenced.
As she engaged her dark qi and black shadow techniques, she painted the air with a flurry of strikes. No matter how peak of a master one was, without a full defense mechanism, they were destined to take hits amidst that insanity. The Black Cat couldn’t afford to disregard the dozens of strikes she unleashed.
Swish! Swish!
While Gae Myung-bu generated a barrier against the Black Cat’s techniques, Jaso-gyeong dove in for an attack.
“Hohugeogta!”
Drawing up her ferocious tiger style did indeed connect with the peak stage technique created by Tang Do-gyeong. Realizing it was unfavorable for him to confront both the Black Cat’s technique and the vicious tiger strikes, Gae Myung-bu leaped backward.
“Dishonorable Outcasts show no shame, engaging like this!”
“What is that bastard even saying!”
“Is he insane? Gae Myung-bu!”
Seeing two of their comrades bleeding and falling, the determination of the Outcasts flared dangerously. I could feel the tension in the air shift.
I glanced at the group of righteous sect martial artists; they all wore expressions of horror and bewilderment. Although they were experienced actors, this was no longer just acting—it was raw emotion.
In that moment, my thoughts shifted.
Just moments ago, my mind had been churning with why Gae Myung-bu was exhibiting such reckless behavior. I forcibly pushed that thought aside. Could I take down Gae Myung-bu here? No. If not, how do we retreat?
The answer was retreat.
Not because Gae Myung-bu was a peak expert, but because fighting here yielded no benefits.
“Fall back! We’re retreating!”
Top-tier experts gathered the wounded, while those of the peak stage protected the rear. Gae Myung-bu hesitated to charge forward but looked at the Black Cat, Yeong Ji-hu-yeol, and Jaso-gyeong, and only clicked his tongue.
“Everyone! Don’t worry; carry on your business! This Gae Myung-bu of the Jam Bong Sect will safeguard Sacheon!”
“Oooh! Truly, the esteemed Great Hero Gae Myung-bu!”
As the Outcasts supported their injured allies, we retreated via back alleys toward the Outcast Inn.
Wow, what a commotion!
Behind us echoed the cheers and praises for Gae Myung-bu.
The operation had failed. A feeling of dread swept through me about future plans. Whatever the Jam Bong Sect intended, the collaboration of the entire Sacheon Martial Artist sect was essential for continuing such a massive performance.
Right.
The grand performance had toppled before it truly began!
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