Victory!
It’s a perfect win, to say the least. We identified the enemy infiltration team, which included a top-tier master, in advance and wiped them out without any losses. Truly, a remarkable achievement!
“Whoa! Mun-do! I’m so happy!”
“We won!”
The members of my group cheered triumphantly, propelled by my divine tactics and command. Amidst this celebratory atmosphere, I spoke with the innkeeper.
“I’m sorry for causing a ruckus, but it was unavoidable. If we left those rogues alone, who knows what trouble they’d cause?”
“Oh no, not at all! We’re grateful you took care of those bad guys!”
“I’m glad to hear that. Here, take this since it seems you may have lost business today. You need to take some breaks if you want to keep your business running long-term.”
“Ah! Thank you!”
Winning the goodwill of the local residents is essential. Even the South American cartels know to loosen their purses to gain favor when necessary. I’m not a rogue who wrecks inns and walks away. By properly compensating them, good rumors spread, and the residents become more cooperative.
That becomes the strength of our group.
“We return!”
“Yes!”
After handing over some cash to the innkeeper, I gathered the spoils of war and headed back. Capturing a top-tier master holds significant value. Informing all group members of our achievements can enhance both cohesion and loyalty to our organization.
“General Gal! We crushed the enemy!”
“Whoa!”
Galbi Jong’s face lit up with joy as he confirmed the spoils I brought back.
“This truly is the master, Im O-chun! He’s a notorious abductor from the Black-themed Martial Arts Group!”
“So it’s confirmed. General Gal, spread the word of our accomplishments to all members.”
“Understood!”
Galbi Jong would handle the propaganda and education on his own.
After wrapping up my tasks, Galbi Jong returned with a look of admiration.
“By the way, I’m truly impressed. To move so quickly and decisively to eliminate the enemy. Even so, I didn’t expect to take out Im O-chun without a single injury.”
“Hehe, poison and ambush. Plus, a group attack and nets. It becomes simple when you use those tools.”
After all, this place is our territory.
“Besides, this is our front yard. It wouldn’t make sense to incur losses in an environment where we can prepare and ambush whenever we want.”
Im O-chun probably didn’t know the full extent of our control over the area. He must have thought he successfully infiltrated the enemy base and made the critical mistake of staying at an inn for more than two days.
But what if he exposes his location within enemy territory?
It’s over.
Now that we know which inn they’re staying at, there’s no way we could lose. We have all routes figured out, plus we can ambush them and use poison!
“This is what a scheme is! Hahaha!”
“Truly impressive!”
“If I had been in charge of the infiltration team, I would have immediately designated the infiltration point as a high-risk enemy zone, sent in warriors one by one while having them stay in different inns, and meticulously alternated their accommodations to have them join secretly. Then I’d collect information before targeting specific enemies.”
“Ooo…!”
Would it need to be that extreme?
Yes, it would.
If Im O-chun had pulled it off, we would have struggled with information gathering. It would be hard to notice if outside masters entered one by one.
The brutes appeared as a group, making them easily identified.
“Indeed! The Crying-Flower Clan, you are truly a righteous one!”
What does that even mean?
“Righteous?”
“There’s the Four Fairies Sect. They also enjoy poison, ambush, and schemes. It felt like seeing a being of that nature. You are a true model of righteousness.”
“Heh, I must admit, that’s not wrong. I value strategies.”
“Definitely worth loyalty!”
Thus, Galbi Jong today offered me more praises.
“Anyway, Galbi Jong, this will be a declaration of war against the Black-themed Martial Arts Group. If Im O-chun doesn’t come back, they’ll think we simply got lucky. Well, going on a large-scale offensive seems unrealistic, but we should prepare for it.”
“And what do you mean by preparation?”
“I’ll visit the Gang Leader after a long time.”
In fact, the greatest contributors to this operation were our allied faction, the Open Faction.
They managed to become a strong ally in exchange for cooperating with our Crying-Flower Clan. I heard that while gathering information, Im O-chun’s group passed through the Open Faction, which cleverly fed them misinformation.
I went straight to meet the Gang Leader of the Open Faction.
“Open Faction members! I’m here!”
“Whoa! The Clan Leader of the Crying-Flower Clan!”
“Where’s the Gang Leader?”
“I’ll guide you!”
Despite their frightened expressions, the Open Faction members looked in good spirits, having thrived since forming an alliance with us.
They are effectively managing the beggars while not needing to worry about external attacks and are making good profits from selling information.
“Gang Leader! The Clan Leader of the Crying-Flower Clan is here!”
“Uh, uh! Yes!”
The Gang Leader emerged.
“Hahaha! Nice to see you, Gang Leader! You did so well this time!”
“Uh, uh… I-I just did what had to be done.”
I wide laughed as I pulled the Gang Leader into a hug. It was a show of camaraderie, but the Gang Leader trembled in shock.
“You tricked Im O-chun well. Just keep doing that. You all are one of the pillars of our Crying-Flower Clan’s information division. That’s quite significant.”
“Hmm, just with words?”
Upon mentioning the rewards, the Gang Leader’s eyes sparkled.
Sure is bold.
“No, verbally commending you isn’t my style. This time, I plan to further expand the information division. You’re going to receive greater benefits from it, so keep that in mind.”
“Then I’ll work even harder!”
“Heh, that’s great. I love that attitude.”
I’m thinking of expanding the Open Faction’s network to tighten our information systems. As long as we hold this area firmly, there’s no need to worry about external attacks.
With that conversation wrapped up, I returned.
“Serin! I brought back a top-tier master!”
“Ah, it seems it went well. How was it?”
I bragged about my accomplishments to Serin, who was training.
“Wow, the Geunhyeop knows how to use strategies. To catch a top-tier master like that. It could be seen as a bit strange for a martial artist, but honestly, there’s no need to be civilized against trash like those rogues.”
“Hehe, true. But I also wanted to face him in combat.”
The experience of facing a top-tier master in a duel.
Honestly, I do need that.
“Still, when leading an organization, prioritizing practical benefits is key.”
Suppressing the desire for combat while minimizing damage.
That was my judgment.
“Hehe, indeed.”
Serin smiled softly, realizing the meaning behind it.
“You’ve grown as a leader, Geunhyeop. Making such judgments and boldly progressing, that itself is growth for you.”
“What are you doing? Hurry up and pat my head.”
“Goodness.”
My leadership and charisma were growing stronger.
“Ah, since today is a good day, shall we have a drink?”
“Understood. Since it’s the day we took down a top-tier master, we should!”
It seems today is a good day for a drink.
* * *
“Ugh.”
When I drink and sleep, I always wake up in the early morning.
After laying the two sprawled out back down and covering them with blankets, I got up.
After heading to the bathroom, I finished and came out.
…Hiss.
“Uh?”
Something strange caught my attention.
Upon closer inspection, it was a peculiar flame-like object. Is it a firefly? But it seems a bit too big. More like a yellow fireball?
…Whoosh.
The fireball moved.
“Ugh…”
I must follow it. Look, it’s swirling around and beckoning me. Is it a game of tag? If that’s the case, then it’s only natural to catch it!
…Step, step.
I followed the fireball down the stairs. Somehow my footsteps feel heavy. Probably because I just woke up at dawn.
“Oh.”
Stepping outside, the cold air welcomed me. Darkness lay all around, and the streets were empty.
It felt like I was the only one left in this mysterious world.
Moreover, it seems the weather is quite nice, as there was quite a bit of fog. Meanwhile, the fireball glowed brightly, looking so warm. Am I a bit cold?
If I go that way, I’ll get warm.
…Stomp, stomp.
I continued approaching the fireball.
The fog thickens.
The air grows colder.
I yearned for warmer light.
…Thud.
At that moment, the scenery changed completely. When did I step into the woods? The building is nowhere to be found, only trees.
And ahead, a woman appeared.
“Have you come?”
I stared at the woman.
She was breathtakingly beautiful.
A woman with bright yellow hair.
She had fox ears atop her head. There was a red tattoo drawn horizontally beneath her eyes, which looked utterly mesmerizing.
A pretty jawline.
A white neck.
And underneath was an exceptionally large chest. However, her attire seemed a bit strange. Is it Japanese-style rather than Ming Dynasty? I think it’s what would now be called…
Whatever it is.
She radiated an air of nobility, almost as if she were a lady of high standing.
And that’s only enhanced by her having nine fluffy tails.
“Wow… truly mysterious. Such energy!”
The woman approached, and I bowed my head. Bowing to a noble lady is only natural.
However, I started feeling a strange sense of dissonance. It felt too off, and I was starting to wake up from my stupor.
What?
Is this a woman other than the Four Fairies?
I felt my consciousness sharpening. Yes, the Four Fairies. She’s the only one who could come looking for me or summon me like this.
Then who is this woman standing before me?
“You are…”
“Mm? Oh, are you awake?”
“Who are you?”
“Haha, what did I just say? Don’t you see my tails?”
As the woman spoke, her luxurious tails danced like flames. Yes… tails. That’s right. Is it even possible for a human to have tails? She must be a demon!
Wait.
A demon?
Nine tails… could it be!?
“My name is Chang Geum Dohwa. I’m known as the Ma Gumi in this land.”
What?!
Ma Gumi?!
“What is this precious and sweet-sounding title?!!!!”
I was shocked awake, realizing that a Gumiho was right in front of me!!!
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