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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Simzy
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Before the raid on the Ildomun, Serin voiced her opinion.
“Geun-hyeop, the Ildomun is a faction of third-rate Black path. With your skill and judgment, honed by annihilating the Dark Earth Gang, you should be able to handle them. Moreover, your level has increased, and you’ve awakened to the use of demonic energy, so it shouldn’t be too difficult.”
“I think so too.”
I hadn’t planned the Ildomun massacre recklessly. I had calculated the odds and assessed my chances of victory. With my skills, I could subdue them.
“Yes. That being the case… although I will assist, I intend to observe the situation from the sidelines once things get underway.”
“Observe? Ah, you mean because of rumors?”
Serin nodded.
“Despite everything, I am the Jade Flower Sword, one of the four flowers, a martial artist of considerable renown within the righteous factions.”
“Yeah, but the Calamitous Fire Hibiscus is more impressive.”
“Wei Ha-yeong, please be quiet.”
Ha-yeong, reprimanded for interjecting, giggled. I patted her shoulder.
“Anyway, given my status, it would be problematic if rumors spread that I assisted in eliminating a black path faction. It could make me a target.”
“That’s true.”
I doubted any serious martial artist would seek revenge for some third-rate Black path, but matters in the martial world didn’t always follow common sense. If the Jade Flower Sword was to openly participate and rumors spread, she could become a target.
“I’ll try to conceal my identity as much as possible. Of course, I’ll intervene if things get dangerous, and if there are any plotting in the shadows, I’ll eliminate them.”
“That’s reassuring!”
At least I didn’t have to worry about being backstabbed!
“Thank you, Serin.”
“It’s only natural.”
Seemingly pleased by my gratitude, Serin smiled and grabbed my hand, which had been caressing Ha-yeong’s waist.
“If you want to touch someone, why not touch me?”
“Uh, uh…!”
Should I?
“Why are you taking his hand away? Honestly, you’re so jealous. Sigh.”
“I am not jealous.”
“Whatever. Anyway, I had a similar thought. If I’m too visible, it might cause rumors, so I’ll support from the rear.”
“With the two of you watching our backs, there’s nothing to fear.”
That settled it!
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It’s still dangerous though.
Ha-yeong harbored concerns as she watched Geun-hyeop’s confident demeanor. Even if he had annihilated the Dark Earth Gang, there was no guarantee he could do the same to the Ildomun.
‘Well… I don’t think he’ll fail.’
Still, she didn’t think he would fail.
More importantly, Namgung Serin and she would be backing him up. That should prevent him from falling into danger.
The problem was…
He’s a bit soft.
Geun-hyeop had a rather tender heart for a martial arts warrior. Hadn’t he agonized when killing the bandits? Ha-yeong had experienced comforting him then.
He’s soft. Softer than a woman like me.
She wouldn’t hesitate to kill even Black path thugs she had no personal grudge against. She had done so before. But Geun-hyeop hadn’t.
Could he really handle it?
Ha-yeong worried, but then she thought:
‘Demonic energy… it’s definitely a power heavily influenced by emotional state. Especially negative emotions. Perhaps if he experiences intense emotional upheaval in this matter… his power could grow stronger.’
The secret of this unique constitution might be revealed.
If Geun-hyeop felt emotional pain while killing the Ildomun members, his demonic energy would undoubtedly grow stronger. Was this good or bad? Ha-yeong found it difficult to judge.
Well, he’ll become stronger, right? And I can study his constitution further. Then there shouldn’t be a problem… right?
So, Ha-yeong decided to focus on the positive aspects.
And I’ll protect him… so it’ll be fine. Yeah. If he struggles, I’ll comfort him again. That should do it.
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The Nachalbang was ready.
“Let’s go.”
Kim Geun-hyeop, leader of the Nachalbang, took the first step.
“Ah… what a fine day for a raid.”
“My heart’s pounding!”
I didn’t look back.
My friend, Jaemison, would be following close behind. Galbijong, too, seemed to be catching up, his excitement palpable.
Both were ready for battle.
Jaemison wore the Kappa armoured gauntlets I had gifted him on his left arm and held the Isangjego in his right hand. Galbijong, dressed in black, carried a sword at his waist. I knew Jaemison’s skills well. How skilled was Galbijong?
Regardless, facing a life-or-death situation together would forge a bond of friendship. Today would determine Galbijong’s worth.
And… Serin and Ha-yeong were following behind.
The preparations were complete.
“Kim Geun-hyeop! I’m looking forward to seeing the skills of the one called Screaming Demon!”
“Hmm.”
“I can’t wait to see how brutal the bloodshed will be! I, too, shall slaughter our enemies as cruelly as possible!”
Galbijong’s eyes gleamed with a disturbingly bright light. This guy was definitely crazy.
“Jaemison! I’m eager to see your skills as well! I hear you enjoy piercing people’s bodies for no particular reason. Since we’re facing enemies this time, I imagine you’ll be even more brutal! I can hardly wait!”
“Kekeke… this guy is completely insane.”
“Ah! I’ll show you my mad swordsmanship!”
“Crazy bastard… Kek.”
Jaemison chuckled.
“Hehehe.”
I laughed as well.
His craziness was almost charming. It was amusing to see a guy with such innocent-looking eyes saying such things.
And so, with determined hearts, we entered the Ildomun’s territory.
“From here on, we’re in enemy territory. I know the location of their headquarters, but… it’s best to approach stealthily.”
Black path typically avoided honest work, often scattering throughout the streets. This served as their intelligence network. If any suspicious individuals appeared, they would immediately alert their headquarters.
It was best to eliminate them before that happened.
“Then let’s move stealthily…”
“Ah, that’s my specialty. We should use less-traveled routes.”
“Kekeke, you have such a talent.”
“You naturally acquire such skills working in the black path factions. The Black Finance Clan is on a completely different level than a place like the Ildomun.”
His clear eyes lent credibility to his words.
We moved stealthily, utilizing deserted alleyways and backstreets.
“Jaemison, what’s our position?”
“We’re almost there.”
“You have such a good sense of direction.”
To be able to navigate using only Dandu’s explanation and a rough map… it was truly a blessed ability. With someone like him, there was nothing to fear.
“…”
Suddenly, Galbijong drew his sword.
“There are eyes on us.”
“They’ve appeared.”
I had wanted to launch a surprise attack on their headquarters, but even a dog had an advantage in its own yard.
It seemed we had attracted surveillance.
“Geun-hyeop, what do we do?”
Jaemison asked sharply.
“Galbijong, where are they watching from?”
“That direction. There’s one.”
“Hehehe, I’ve decided. We’ll kill him as quickly as possible, then storm their headquarters and unleash indiscriminate carnage. Let’s go!”
Whoosh!
The three of us dashed in the same direction. We heard a crash from our target location, as if the watcher had fallen.
As we rounded the corner,
“Gasp!”
A man appeared, scrambling to his feet as if trying to escape. I immediately thrust my sword forward and growled, “Are you a Jagwipa lackey…? What were you doing here? Tell me before I kill you.”
“Huh?”
“Playing dumb? I guess I’ll have to kill you.”
“N-No! I’m with the Ildomun…!”
It worked again.
An Ildomun member.
“Oh, amazing! Such a clever ruse!”
“Galbijong, take care of him. I want to see your swordsmanship.”
“Yes!”
Galbijong swung his sword.
Slash!
It was a clean cut, though not particularly impressive. Still, it was more than enough to deal with a third-rate Black path thug caught off guard.
“Ugh…!”
The Ildomun member collapsed, blood gushing from a wound near his neck.
“Good.”
No hesitation in killing.
Furthermore,
“It was nothing. I’m used to fighting Black path.”
His expression remained unchanged, his eyes still clear.
“Geunhyeop, now…”
“Lead the way. We’re attacking as quickly as possible!”
“Kekeke! As expected of the man I acknowledge! Follow me!”
Jaemison, our expert navigator, kicked off the ground, and we followed close behind.
“There it is!”
Soon, the Ildomun headquarters came into view. It wasn’t anything impressive. Just a small warehouse-like building surrounded by a flimsy fence of wood and straw.
There were a few armed men inside.
This was perfect.
Whoosh!
We immediately vaulted over the low fence and stormed into the Ildomun headquarters.
“W-What?!”
An Ildomun warrior yelled in surprise. We formed a fighting formation, three warriors supporting each other. We advanced, and one of the Ildomun members swung his sword wildly.
“Y-You bastard!”
Such a third-rate move.
There was no need for advanced sword techniques. I effortlessly raised my sword and deflected his. Jaemison immediately thrust his Isangjego, piercing the man’s torso.
“Gah!”
First blood.
The battle had begun.
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