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**

“…Amazing.”

Martial Alliance Leader Namgung Hyuk exclaimed.

“You managed to bring back such high-level information… all on your own? Could you repeat that?”

“I successfully built a relationship with a maid before. After that…”

I spilled all the pre-prepared stories.

Namgung Hyuk laughed.

“Excellent! Amazing! Such quick wit and resourcefulness! It’s like returning from the tiger’s den, isn’t it? This will make it easier to predict the movements of the Demon Cult!”

“Shouldn’t you give me a reward?”

“Of course! Absolutely! A talent like this deserves a reward!”

—Clatter.

Namgung Hyuk stood up and approached me directly, reaching out his hand.

“Mukgeom! I’ve heard that tale so many times. Your actions are remarkable. I’d very much like to shake hands with the young hero… you won’t refuse, will you?”

Though he was smiling, it wasn’t quite a smile.

His eyes were heavy with focus. He had his sights set on something.

I firmly wrapped my arm around Cheongeop, completely concealing my vital points and even stopping my breath.

I met his outstretched hand.

The smile faded from Namgung Hyuk’s face.

“Hmm?”

His elongated tone abruptly stopped. His hand also fell away.

“Mukgeom Jeok-un.”

“Yes.”

“Have you only honed your outer strength?”

“Yes, I have.”

He hadn’t seen through me.

Namgung Hyuk chuckled softly.

“I heard you captured the Divine Power Overlord.”

“Thanks to Cheongsung’s help, that was possible.”

“Even if you did receive help, it’s not something just anyone could do. I can tell just by shaking your hand. Truly, you’ve… solely built your external power. What do you say? Care to experience my sword once?”

“Leader.”

“Military Officer. Not bad. As a dearly beloved junior, of course, I intend to control my strength. It’s just…”

Namgung Hyuk laughed heartily.

“I won’t know unless we clash swords! Haha! If you’re a warrior, it’s only natural to be curious about where your opponent’s skills lie!”

“…I’ll learn with gratitude.”

I drew the Blood Sword. Namgung Hyuk glanced at my waist.

“You carry four swords.”

“Those are for backup.”

“Backup?”

“I haven’t learned how to support a sword with my inner strength, so they tend to break easily. Therefore, I carry backup swords.”

“True. If you’ve only honed your outer strength, it’s only natural. Have you never thought about switching to a heavier, sturdier sword?”

“The style I’ve mastered is the Three Forces Sword Technique, so I haven’t thought about the details.”

“The Three Forces Sword Technique?”

Namgung Hyuk’s smile deepened.

“You have a way of piquing people’s curiosity. One sword. Just one sword will do. Once you experience it, you’ll roughly understand the rest.”

“…I won’t decline.”

“Come when you’re ready. Here, I’ll be waiting.”

Namgung Hyuk thumped his chest without even drawing his sword.

A symbol of confidence.

But I didn’t mock it. He precisely understood the weight of what he possessed.

Unless a technique is invoked, his body wouldn’t suffer damage.

That was Ilma… which means the opponent before my eyes would likely be similar.

“…Huff.”

After steadying my breath, I swung the sword I grasped.

No more, no less, just one sword.

The Three Forces Sword Technique, mixed with heaviness, tore through the air.

—KAAAAANG!!!

“Oh?”

Namgung Hyuk’s body swayed. The next moment, the tip of his sword was pinched between his fingers.

A wide smile broke across his face. As soon as he released his grip, my sword style was flung back. I slid back and sheathed my sword.

Namgung Hyuk turned his hand over.

A drop of blood fell from the tip of his finger.

“…This is… this sword, made only by honing my outer strength?”

His shoulders quivered.

“Wonderful! Truly remarkable! Who else in the world has elevated the Three Forces Sword Technique this high! Haha! A divinity has arisen in the martial world! Don’t you think so, Elder Council?”

“…It’s astonishing. Truly a technique developed through years, isn’t it?”

“Anyone with eyes could see. Just how heavy it is.”

“It shows that one can rise through ordinary swordsmanship.”

“Only…”

“The physique just as impressive combined with inner strength would have been ideal…”

“It’s a pity. One is perfect, but the other lacks support.”

“Still, it’s superb!”

Applause erupted. I lightly bowed my head.

Namgung Hyuk gestured towards me.

“Your skill is quite impressive, and your aura is unexpectedly heavy; I could assign you a position that suits you perfectly.”

“…Yes?”

“Your name is Mukgeom, right? A quiet sword can be utilized as one sword that pierces through the entire martial world…”

Namgung Hyuk spoke.

Words I had never imagined.

“Become that. The Martial Alliance Inspector acting under the name of the Martial Alliance.”

Inspector.

A position observing and punishing various corruptions.

“…….”

That’s an excellent proposition. A position perfect for building fame or gathering information internally.

But what could his reasons be for offering such a position to me? Isn’t this too favorable for me?

He must be aiming for something. The Martial Alliance Leader, using me.

…What?

The honor I’ve accrued as Mukgeom. And the tales entangled with Cheongsung and the Fourth Heavenly House.

If he plans to use me for something…

There could only be one answer.

“…The martial warrior of the Martial Alliance, Jeok-un.”

Does he plan to use me as a pawn? Just like before…

To use and discard me.

In the past, I went along without thinking, but not anymore. I’ve seen and felt too much over time.

Above all, I learned from Ilma.

“Follow the flow of power.”

The current Martial Alliance. I’ve heard it while coming and going.

It’s said the current Martial Alliance Leader’s term is nearing its end. I heard some factions are growing stronger, and more names are being mentioned as potential new leaders.

Are they planning to use me to eliminate factions under the guise of rooting out corruption?

That’s actually fine.

If you aim to use me, I will simply use you in return.

I’ll pretend to go along and seek the information I need.

“I will obey the orders.”

. . .

Martial Alliance Inspector.

I reflected on the newly acquired piece. Additionally, I made a special request to the Martial Alliance Leader.

Could we place two individuals in the academy operated by the Martial Alliance?

The Martial Alliance Leader chuckled and nodded.

“How could I refuse a request from the Inspector, who will do great work in the future? I’ll let my underlings know. They’ll handle it well.”

Narin and Gwangyang.

I sent those two to Cheonmu Academy. They clung to my ankles, refusing to leave.

“Master! W-why…!”

“This is a different story!”

“It was a promise to teach martial arts on our way to the Martial Alliance. Once we graduate from Cheonmu Academy, we’ll certainly have the skills to declare ourselves warriors!”

I ruffled their hair.

“Go and learn. A different way of living.”

“…Hiiing… always taking…”

“Master… I will build my own path, so I can follow by your side.”

I sent off Gwangyang and Narin like that. Afterward, I decided what I needed to do.

The most crucial thing…

Visiting the archival department within the Martial Alliance. But that place wasn’t accessible to just anyone.

Only those involved could enter. Its location was also hidden secretly, making it impossible to find on my own.

There’s probably the information I desire within. Ilma had inferred as much.

To reach that place, I first had to become a necessary existence for the Martial Alliance. Not just in name as an inspector, but also building legitimate achievements would earn the Martial Alliance Leader’s trust.

After that, it would be easier. I would gain the authority to enter under the pretext of thorough inspection.

Fortunately, the position I had to utilize was also to my liking. Even if it’s aimed at eliminating factions, that reasoning itself is fundamentally about uprooting corruption.

The first mission I received was one that didn’t trouble me at all.

“There have been continuous disappearances within the domain of Shaolin. The enemy’s warriors.”

Martial Alliance Military Officer Jegeol Soak spoke gently.

“Please investigate the truth and recover those who have gone missing in the name of the Martial Alliance. Those involved may be punished in the name of the Martial Alliance, as well.”

Finding the missing persons.

It would likely involve something related to Shaolin. It wasn’t the current Shaolin, but a place rumored to be overflowing with fallen monks.

Helping the innocent and, afterward, legally dealing with the perpetrators. The direction itself was excellent, so I accepted the mission without hesitation.

Jegeol Soak added.

“It’s likely your first job as an inspector. I’ll introduce you to someone who can help. Let’s go together and solve it.”

A watchman, was it?

A man followed me. A quiet individual who lightly introduced himself to me.

“I’m Gu Yangdo.”

His low voice matched his sturdy appearance. His overall build was impressively large.

Jegeol Soak spoke, seemingly troubled.

“I intended to wrap up the inspector squad with just the Gold and Red warriors… but the Elder Council said they would attach one more person. You’ll have to take him with you.”

“Who are you referring to?”

“The pupil of Dan Ri Jin Su, the Purple Sword Myochoa.”

She’s quite a famous person. Among the latter elite, she’s one of the strongest. Also known as Golden Plum Blossom, so you’ll certainly enjoy your eyes…

Jegeol Soak lowered his voice.

“Be cautious. The rumors surrounding Dan Ri Jin Su aren’t good at all.”

“Yes?”

“Stay alert. You never know what proposals she might make. I advise you to be wary for the sake of the Red warriors’ future.”

Their relationship didn’t seem good.

I nodded.

“Thank you for your consideration, Military Officer.”

Jegeol Soak leaned back in satisfaction.

“Additionally, Elder Council member, Dan Ri Jin Su has requested a meeting. He mentioned wanting to see you separately… what do you think?”

“It’s only appropriate to visit when someone of higher status calls.”

“Excellent. Red warrior. Then I’ll prepare a separate place for you.”

On the predetermined day, I visited Dan Ri Jin Su.

In a deserted garden with no one around, an old man was seated.

“You’ve come. Is this the second time now?”

I recognized the face. It was one I’d seen among the members of the Martial Alliance who welcomed me.

I bowed my head. He asked.

The words that abruptly came out were too heavy to have sprung forth unexpectedly.

“What do you think of the current martial world?”

“…….”

It was a question filled with many implications.

I answered simply.

“It’s a mess.”

“As an inspector, you will now begin correcting this mess one by one. But do you really think that’s for the sake of justice?”

“…….”

“All of that could just be part of a larger scheme hitting hard. Now is not the time to remove corruption. It’s a time when the corrupt should be allowed to fight among themselves.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“Think and move forward, Red warrior. Even if you follow your heart, it doesn’t always lead to the right answer.”

He was metaphorically speaking to me.

Until the day the Martial Alliance Leader is decided, he suggests delaying the exposure of corruption as much as possible.

Anyone with ears could understand what he meant. I sat before him.

“Who’s responsible for the suffering of the innocent until they fight?”

“…….”

“I don’t know. They are the ones crumbling who don’t even have the strength to fight anymore. What meaning does a victory hold if achieved by ignoring those people?”

“…Necessary sacrifices.”

“That could be said.”

I raised the cup placed in front of me.

I downed it in one go.

“But that goes against the path I want to walk. I will do what I need to do. That’s why I accepted the position of inspector.”

To eliminate corruption for those without the strength to fight.

At the same time, finding out information on those within the Martial Alliance that I will need to eliminate.

I was prepared to balance both tasks earnestly.

The internal power struggle of the Martial Alliance?

That’s a story I have no interest in. Even the one who claims the martial world is rotten at present…

I could not say whether he was part of the rot, either.

“…If that’s your intent, so be it.”

His gaze changed. I caught on to the hostility buried beneath his calm demeanor.

“Go do what you need to do. I too must attend to my own matters.”

A person like him having a disciple beside him…

…At least I understand one thing.

Both accompanying me are enemies.

 

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