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Chapter 240: Encounter at the Barracks

“Where have you been since morning?”

As I returned to the barracks after having some fun with the Hwangbo guys, I bumped into Gu Huibi, who was soaked in sweat, likely just finishing her training.

Seems like luck is just not on my side today.

Of all times, I had to run into Gu Huibi right now.

“Just the usual.”

“Oh, the walk?”

“Saying just ‘walk’ makes it sound a bit too poetic.”

This sister is getting all sentimental again.

I chuckled at her words and replied, “You are being a bit extra today…”

“• • •Younger sibling, it seems like your true feelings are spilling out.”

“Oh no, slip of the tongue.”

Lately, my mouth has been getting into trouble a lot.

Is it because I’ve been consuming too much Demon Energy?

“My little brother’s mouth seems to be getting more mouthy; that makes this sister quite sad.”

“•••Guess you didn’t know, but my mouth has always been like this. Could be worse than yours.”

“Shall we spar?”

As Gu Huibi smiled and spoke, a thick aura of Qi began to swell around her.

Realizing this, I couldn’t help but laugh awkwardly.

‘She’s gotten stronger again.’

It’s not a lie claiming she’s the most suited for the position of Sword Demoness after the Plum Blossom Sword Queen.

Gu Huibi’s talent knows no bounds, especially with the effort she puts into it.

It’s no wonder she’s getting stronger day by day.

Just one wish remains.

I think she suits the title of ‘Light Sword’ that she had in her past life more than ‘Sword Demoness’…

‘No matter how you slice it, with her personality, a title like that feels off.’

Something just feels a bit off about it, you know?

As the surroundings started being overrun by Qi, I could faintly feel hot energy mixing in.

Gu Huibi had quietly started to emit heat.

Sighing deeply, I expressed, “With that state of yours, what can you really do?”

After finishing training just now, what was she planning on doing when it came to sparring?

Her expression seemed touched, like she was flattered by my concern.

“Little brother, are you worried about me right now?”

This is ridiculous.

I shook my head, letting out a sigh as I thought about how she’s been itching to fight lately.

‘She’d be making a fuss about this anyway.’

Hearing about her recent trouble, my irritation was already clear.

I needed to get out of here before something truly troublesome happened.

Thud.

Stepping past Gu Huibi’s Qi and heat, I took a step forward.

Boom—!

Crack!

With that step, I unleashed a sudden burst of energy, scattering the surrounding Qi and heat like leaves in the wind.

Gu Huibi’s face lit up with surprise, but I didn’t stop my stride.

Staying here could lead to who knows what.

“… Next time, I’m busy today.”

“Always with the smooth talk.”

Instead of blaming my attitude, Gu Huibi just laughed heartily.

If it were in the past, she would’ve fiercely chided me for messing things up.

“You were on duty yesterday, weren’t you?”

“Yeah, but…”

“So why are you training now?”

“What does that have to do with anything? Duty is a job, and training is a martial artist’s life.”

I nodded at Gu Huibi’s words.

Gu Jeolyub, that fool, should at least learn this much.

‘Then again, I didn’t learn it either.’

I chose to ignore that part.

You know, one needs to understand certain things while living.

“Didn’t we plan to head out tonight?”

“I prefer going during the day, but someone insisted we go at night.”

“Nighttime is nice. The weather is cool.”

“• • •When did we start caring so much about the weather?”

As I grumbled, Gu Huibi chuckled and walked in the opposite direction.

That way undoubtedly led to the Five Sword Team’s usual training area.

That meant Gu Huibi intended to train some more.

“You’re crazy.”

Even after all that, she still wants to train?

At this point, it was clear she was shamelessly obsessed with training.

As soon as I returned to the barracks, I sought out Moyong Hi-ah.

Though we were in the Gu Clan’s territory, this place was managed by the Moyong Clan.

Most of the people inside were garbed in Moyong attire, proving just that.

I felt a well-honed blade-like aura emanating from them as I walked in, mindful of their gazes.

“We’ve been expecting you, Gu Gongja.”

A guard from the Moyong Clan came out to greet me as if they had been waiting.

“Nice to see you. Haven’t you been superseding that lately?”

Ah.

In the past, there would always be thorough inspections whenever I visited.

But recently, they seemed to have stopped that.

Maybe it was because I flipped the script on them.

Or maybe it was Moyong Hi-ah’s influence.

I didn’t mind, as long as it was convenient for me.

“Is she here?”

I immediately inquired about Moyong Hi-ah.

The guard’s expression flickered slightly at my question.

“• • •Miss is currently not here.”

“Not here?”

“Yes.”

“If she’s not in the barracks at this hour, then where could she be?”

“….”

“Isn’t that a strange excuse, even for you?”

Moyong Hi-ah typically didn’t come out hunting Demon Beasts and usually spent her time in the barracks.

Otherwise, she would have come to talk to me directly.

While it wasn’t uncommon for her to be absent from the barracks like this, every time it happened, the reasons remained the same.

“Did she get offended again?”

When she doesn’t want to see my face.

So she hides inside the barracks.

Once, I had even barged in to drag her out.

What was her excuse back then?

‘Did I forget we were supposed to meet while I was training?’

Something like that.

Should I go in to ask why again?

I briefly considered directly asking her the reason.

But after a moment’s thought, I turned to leave.

The first reason was that surely there was a reason for her absence.

The second reason was sheer laziness.

And that was the greatest reason of all.

“Geez…”

I turned away from the barracks where Moyong Hi-ah would be and started walking in another direction.

Even now, I sensed a presence within.

Moyong Hi-ah was ultimately the one I couldn’t comprehend.

“Please enter.”

“Tell her to eat properly. She’s getting too skinny.”

“Yes, I will make sure to tell her once she returns.”

“You’re struggling too, huh?”

…It was obvious she’d be inside, but she was putting on a show till the end.

It was best to leave Moyong Hi-ah be and head back to the Gu Clan’s territory.

It was about lunchtime anyway, and Nangong Bi would likely be waking up and waiting.

‘Speaking of which, the letter should be arriving soon.’

It was common for letters to arrive every half month in general.

This should be the time it arrives.

The news contained within would be from the Gu Clan regarding happenings in the other clans and information that I manage separately regarding the Central Plains.

Including what Tang Soyeol sends, there should be a total of three sources.

‘• • •Tang Soyeol is quite something.’

Originally, she had written that she was coming here to follow me for the front lines, only to send a ridiculous note saying she might not be able to escape the grasp of the Poison King.

In the meantime…

‘The Poison King apparently wants to see me…’

Back then, I was thoroughly shocked.

That it wasn’t just anyone, but the Poison King remembering my name was like having my name etched in the annals of dread by the King of Demons himself.

‘So far, there haven’t been any significant issues.’

It was likely just a fleeting remark, but I couldn’t help but feel nervous.

The Poison King, alongside the King of Demons, held a significant position in the deaths of martial artists.

‘I’m probably just overthinking it… right?’

Even if I’m called Jin Ryong or whatever.

I’m merely a Late-Stage Talent.

A figure like the Poison King wouldn’t be focusing on me.

At least, that’s what I told myself.

With a troubled expression clouding my mind, I walked towards the barracks.

“What’s up with that?”

I noticed some unfamiliar faces around.

“These crazy guys…!”

I spotted one of them, looking utterly furious as he thrashed around.

‘Who’s that?’

I hesitated for a moment, but thankfully I quickly recognized who it was.

It was a martial artist from the Martial Alliance that Gu Jeolyub had brought in.

Yeah, the one who fainted just seeing my face.

I believe his name was Bi Yeonseong or something.

“What’s his deal?”

As I stepped closer, I figured out who the newcomers were.

They were all wearing the same Martial Alliance attire as Bi Yeonseong.

The man at the forefront was speaking to Bi Yeonseong.

“Bi Member… during that time we…”

“Member? Don’t spew that garbage at me.”

Bi Yeonseong didn’t seem inclined to hear them out.

Looking quite frustrated, the man continued.

“Well, it was a situation that couldn’t be helped, wasn’t it? Why are you being so unreasonable, young man?”

As the words tumbled out, Bi Yeonseong’s veins visibly bulged in anger.

“Circumstances? Where the hell do you see that as ‘circumstances’?”

Alongside his anger, a scoff crept across Bi Yeonseong’s face.

“Throwing me out as bait to save yourselves—was that indeed ‘circumstances?'”

“• • •Bi Member, we couldn’t let everyone die there.”

“Have some shame… You just abandoned your comrade and ran away, and now you come trying to plead like this. Don’t you have a shred of conscience?”

Now I somewhat understood the situation.

‘Ah, a typical case.’

This was a common occurrence on the front lines.

It was ordinary for someone to throw their comrade as bait in a life-or-death situation and escape.

‘People can be more treacherous than they appear.’

Even facing imminent death, how many would maintain their resolve with notions of honor and loyalty?

Having seen so much filth made me numb to it all.

This felt like a normal sight.

‘Human nature can often be more monstrous than the demons themselves.’

You can’t survive if you let every little thing hurt you.

This was just the reality of the Central Plains.

‘So that guy should just let it go and head back.’

“I’m not going back.”

“Huh?”

Bi Yeonseong’s sudden declaration left me dumbfounded.

What’s he on about?

“I’m not going to the place where trash like you are.”

He instead yelled, “I’d rather stay here…!”

His outcry caused the Martial Alliance members before him to freeze.

Though their expressions were hidden, they probably looked quite uncomfortable.

I was feeling the same.

Putting up with this scene, I finally opened my mouth, controlling my irritation.

“What difference does it make to you?”

“• • •Ah!”

Bi Yeonseong, as well as the Martial Alliance members who came up, flinched upon noticing me.

It seems they recognize me.

“Jin… Jin Ryong, Junior.”

“Hey, Uncle dudes! Didn’t I tell you to call me by my name when you see me? I think I told the last group that too.”

I had gone out of my way to treat them well last time.

It’s akin to how I didn’t leave them with any lasting scars.

“I-I apologize, Gu Junior! I just made a mistake.”

“That’s fine. If you came, just take him away instead of acting all panicky. Can’t you guys do your jobs properly?”

“That… um…”

He stammered, unable to reply, clearly indecisive.

These guys were utterly useless at doing their job.

When it comes to unforeseen circumstances, they have no trouble enforcing their authority. Yet now, they act like righteous people in the face of this.

“You too.”

“Y-Yeah?”

“You came to take him, right? Then make him leave quietly.”

At my order, Bi Yeonseong averted his gaze.

See?

“Hey, I said go.”

“I’m… not going.”

“What?!”

“I’m not going with you trashy bastards…!”

Bi Yeonseong clenched his lips, still furious.

As I watched his defiant expression, I could only sigh deeply.

“So what?”

“Um…?”

“Do I need to concern myself with what happened to you? Or what they did to you?”

“No, that’s not—”

“What else then? If you want to complain, do it by hitting or fighting it out. What are those weapons for? Why are you still here, refusing to leave? Get lost already.”

” …”

With a sturdy weapon in hand, why the hell are you talking back?

“• • •I am a martial artist. My skills in martial arts… are not for this sort of thing.”

“You’re just talking nonsense. It’s usually the ones without the ability who rattle on about lofty ideals.”

Gu Jeolyub was the same way.

Why were they all like this?

Bi Yeonseong’s eyebrows furrowed at my words.

“That’s a bit harsh.”

“It’s naturally harsh, buddy. I said it to make you feel worse.”

As my words poured out, Bi Yeonseong’s face also crinkled in anger.

Seeing that expression, I continued, “Besides, how many of your kind have come to this point before you?”

“Why is that…?”

Bi Yeonseong was not the only one who came after Gu Jeolyub; others from the Martial Alliance had also been here.

Many of those who returned from unfortunate circumstances had also been through similar experiences.

This wasn’t the first time Bi Yeonseong had encountered this.

“So what will you do? Just stay here like this?”

“… If you permit me… I want to stay here and help…”

“If I don’t permit you? Why are you being so romantic and delusional?”

“You think just by staying here we’re going to get anything done? Even now, giving an extra mouth to feed is quite the burden.”

It was a slight lie.

While I don’t directly manage their salaries, the Gu Family does give martial artists fair compensation.

Rumor has it that my dad’s only extravagance is giving money to the sword team.

Nonetheless, Bi Yeonseong seemed unwilling to yield.

“I don’t need your money.”

His determined stance caught my attention slightly.

“… You don’t need money?”

“Yes… At least during my time in the front lines, I just don’t want to be back with the Alliance.”

His resolve grew stronger as he spoke.

“If you just allow me… I’ll stay here.”

“So, in other words—”

“Yes?”

“You don’t want to return there, you’d rather stay here, and you won’t take any money for it, and you want to keep working here?”

“Y-Yes?”

“Y-Yeah? You mean to work here…?”

In the middle of this, mixed up with something strange, he stuttered but quickly nodded his head.

He must have thought I was reconsidering my stance.

I pretended to think for a moment before saying to Bi Yeonseong, “Well, we’ll need to write up a contract for that. It’s better to be clear on things like this.”

“… Aha! Are you allowing it?”

“Why would we still need to seek permission between us? So we’ll write the contract now, alright?”

“Ah… Yes, if you allow it!”

Already, his title shifted from “you jerk” to “we.”

Yet Bi Yeonseong seemed completely oblivious to the shift.

…

….

Looking at Bi Yeonseong’s determination, I smiled and nodded.

“Right, right. The important thing is for the Deputy Lord to hear about this later… where was I?”

With our short yet pleasant exchange coming to an end, I turned my gaze to the Martial Alliance members who had come here.

“Now what was that about?”

“Gu Great Lord sent a letter asking us to come pick up the members of the Martial Alliance stationed here…”

“Ah, that’s right.”

Thanks to the words of the man, I recalled the conversation.

Nodding along continuously, I addressed the people in front of me.

“So, who bothered our member?”

“Uh…?”

“Who bothered ‘our’ member?”

“Gu Junior… What’s this about?”

“Didn’t you throw our member out as bait to save yourselves?”

“N-No! What are you talking about?!”

“Who did it then… or was it all of you? That might be much easier for me; dealing with all of you at once is a bit annoying.”

“Uh, wait a second! Gu Junior…! No, Gu Great Lord! What’s happening here?”

U: =

“Whew….”

As I casually approached, I noticed Bi Yeonseong from behind watching me in shock.

‘What is happening all of a sudden…?’

His bewildered expression made it seem like he didn’t understand a thing.

Perhaps it was because of my sudden attitude change.

At the same moment, Gu Jeolyub, who was caught in the Deputy Lord’s grasp, shot a pleading glance at Bi Yeonseong.

-Run away!

It was desperate, but it was a silent scream unheard by Bi Yeonseong.

 

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