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The word had been a while since I last heard it after leaving the Sma Clan. Goon Cheon-gyeong muttered under his breath.

“One of the three sects that support our main school, there’s a prestigious house known as the ‘Shinwon Jin Clan,’ famous for their swordsmanship. You know Jin Nam-cheon, the heartless demon sword, right? He’s the leader of the Magic Shadow Division in our sect and the head of the Shinwon Jin Clan. The Shinwon Jin Clan is practically the representative noble family of our sect. If there’s the Namgung Clan on the righteous side, you could say the Shinwon Jin Clan is on the main school’s side.”

“Is it stronger than the Sma Clan?”

“No, you need to compare wisely. Even if the Sma Clan has been rising recently, they’re not even at a comparison level with the Shinwon Jin Clan from the get-go. They’re on an entirely different scale. Even among noble houses, those who really succeed are in a completely different class.”

Goon Cheon-gyeong raised his right arm high. He let the other arm down.

The height difference was quite noticeable.

“If the Shinwon Jin Clan is here, the Sma Clan is about here. It’s said to be the largest noble family within our main school, so just keep that in mind… But hey, junior. Where on earth are you from? Why do you know so little?”

I knew, just not in detail.

I had gathered some information while playing the role of a spy for the righteous side, but most of it was merely superficial knowledge.

How much could a mere gatekeeper guarding the main gate of Cheonsan dig up? Moreover, I wasn’t particularly interested in espionage at the time, so I hadn’t put in much effort anyway.

“I’m just focusing on swords and haven’t learned much, senior. I’m sorry.”

“Well… there’s no need to apologize. Ahem. In fact, I’ve gathered a lot of hearsay myself. Anyway, one of the heirs from that noble family is that guy. Jin Wi-lyang. He’s of noble blood.”

“What’s the reason he’s called a wastrel?”

“Well… it’s a long explanation. Like, really long. There’s the story of him stealing and then abandoning someone else’s fiancée… and also instances of him committing murder inside the main school and getting away with it… there’s a lot. There are so many things he’s done that it’s difficult to even explain!”

Goon Cheon-gyeong sighed.

“The important thing is that he’s a real scumbag. An astutely clever piece of trash. Rather than causing trouble outright, he prefers to manipulate things from behind the scenes. Now that there’s no one among the visitors from the Magic Shadow Division with a higher status than him… it’s obvious how things are going to turn out. Everyone will be eager to satisfy him, even those beneath him.”

“Does Jin Wi-lyang have an older brother?”

“The Second Demon has many disciples. There are a total of nine. Among them, the first disciple is his brother, Jin Ya-pae. Haha. Unlike that scoundrel, he’s without a flaw. His talent is so great that he’s already earned the title of the Sky-Breaking Sword. He’s also the vice-leader of the Magic Shadow Division. Anyway, be cautious. Getting involved with Jin Wi-lyang will just be tiresome.”

Goon Cheon-gyeong’s advice was not wrong.

One of the Black Death’s later members, having seen Jin Wi-lyang constantly harass Eun Seol-ran, finally spoke up.

“Maybe you should cut it out, Prince Jin. Doesn’t Lady Eun seem uncomfortable?”

“…Haha. I suppose I’ve been a bit inattentive.”

It was apparent the Jin Wi-lyang, who seemed to back off a bit, was just putting on a facade.

The member of the Black Death, who’d gone to the restroom, was found later. He’d suffered an unseemly surprise attack and blood was streaming down his neck.

While it wasn’t life-threatening, it certainly wasn’t a minor injury either.

Everyone had an idea of who did it, but since there wasn’t any solid evidence, everyone remained silent. Even the member of the Black Death trembled in fear, saying he’d just happened to trip.

The threats of the assailant had managed to silence even the victim.

After that, Jin Wi-lyang shamelessly continued pursuing Eun Seol-ran.

“Eun So-ju, would you like to have a meal in my quarters before leaving? I think it’s good to strengthen the bonds between sects…”

“No, thank you.”

Eun Seol-ran flatly rejected him every time, and her gaze grew colder with each refusal.

“Don’t lay a hand on me, Prince Jin. This is your last warning.”

“Haha, it’s merely a token of friendship, Eun So-ju.”

“I genuinely dislike repeating myself. I don’t want any unnecessary camaraderie.”

Despite her icy rejections, Jin Wi-lyang stubbornly clung to her.

“I believe fire melts ice. Someday, Eun So-ju will surely understand my sincerity.”

“I hope I remain ignorant for a lifetime.”

“If we spend time together, you’ll change your mind.”

His one-sided advances persisted even after the expedition team departed for Fengma Cave. During the journey, he still gazed at Eun Seol-ran with a lecherous stare.

Just thinking about being in that situation horrified me, the hunger in his eyes was brimming with desires. I briefly considered stepping in to help, but before I could make a move, the leader of the Fokma Clan spoke to me.

“Bi Cheon, remember my words?”

A brief warning as he noticed my gaze.

I nodded heavily. I recalled my original purpose and chose to remain silent.

After all, Eun Seol-ran was skilled at refusing, and she wasn’t a person who needed my worry.

The path to Fengma Cave was treacherous. As we began to ascend the mountain beyond the well-maintained road, everyone’s conversations quickly dwindled.

The incline was steep. It was so steep that we had to grab onto the rocks to climb.

We advanced as if clinging to the rocks. Whenever we reached a small flat area atop a firm rocky mountain, we took a breather.

“I heard that most warriors can’t even climb this mountain; I guess that’s not wrong. Even though I’ve been here before, I feel like I’m going to die.”

“Senior, how was the previous expedition?”

“We managed to reach the entrance of Fengma Cave safely. But no later members made it inside. They all bounced back outside.”

Goon Cheon-gyeong took a sip from his water bottle.

“There are three layers called trials from the entrance to the depths of Fengma Cave. Each one is surrounded by formations and mechanisms. Our mission is to guide the expedition team there. We’ll wait near the entrance, and if any of the members are ejected, our main task is to recover and care for them. Only the leader and the later members are allowed to enter. The bodyguards will camp out with us. There are plenty of beasts nearby, and the river offers enough resources, so we can manage pretty well. It does get a bit dreary when it rains, though.”

Goon Cheon-gyeong handed me the water bottle. I declined.

“I still have some left, senior.”

“Save yours. I brought plenty of water bottles.”

Goon Cheon-gyeong grinned.

“There was a time I almost died from thirst while climbing here. At that time, another senior from the Fokma Clan had helped me. You’re my junior now, so it’s only right I help you. Don’t suffer like I did; just drink peacefully.”

“…In that case, I’ll gratefully drink.”

The water had an unusually sweet taste.

I bowed my head in gratitude to Goon Cheon-gyeong.

“Thank you, senior.”

“Just say thanks once. Overdoing it makes it burdensome.”

“…Haha.”

Goon Cheon-gyeong was a good person.

So much so that I really liked him.

The path became increasingly steep, and our earlier flat lands vanished from sight.

Among the later members who were gasping for breath, a group began to show signs of utter fatigue. Some of the bodyguards stumbled multiple times and fell behind.

The leader of the Fokma Clan raised his hand. Noticing the bodyguards gasping against the wall, he spoke up.

“Goon Cheon-gyeong. Naeng San-wol. Im Go-pung. Deung Yeoryong. Bi Cheon. How’s your condition? Can you hold on?”

“I’m fine, Leader!”

“I can hold on.”

“If so, fall to the rear. Help those lagging behind to keep up. We still have some time to go before we reach a proper resting place, so support them until then. If things get too tough, let them go. We’ll inform them of their failure afterward.”

We fell back immediately, assisting the nearly exhausted bodyguards as we advanced.

Even though it was just the first day since we set out, half of the bodyguards were already panting and struggling to take a step. The terrain was such that even the peak performance of a swordsman was dripping with cold sweat.

The strong headwind also contributed to their heavy steps. Even a moment of distraction risked sending one tumbling down the cliff, so everyone remained tense while walking.

“…Ah!”

I caught the hand of a fellow about to roll down. A large man gasped, grasping my hand.

“Th-thank you…!”

“Can you stand up?”

“Y-yes…!”

He wasn’t one of the bodyguards but a member of the Black Death.

It was rare to see his blond hair fluttering in the wind. His appearance was not that of someone from the western regions, making him stand out even more.

I didn’t know his name…

Even at a glance, his well-toned body was as hard as metal. You could say he was covered in muscle.

However, despite his massive size, his gentle gaze resembled that of a large dog. It seemed he would listen well.

It might also appear that he was timid—out of character for his formidable build.

“Thank you for helping me, Warrior.”

After returning to a stance, he adhered to the rear of the group again. However, his still unsteady steps drew my eyes.

Sure enough, I had to catch him again as he stumbled once more. Sweating profusely, he apologized repeatedly.

“I-I’m sorry. I keep slipping…”

“You’re applying too much strength.”

“Y-yes?”

“You don’t need to put that much power into your feet.”

I lightly extended my foot in front of him. In the past, I would have struggled to explain it, but now things had changed.

With my current skill level, my vision had also altered. What I couldn’t see before was now easy to perceive.

“Lighten up on your toes. If you put too much strength into your whole body, you’ll slip even more. Relax. I’ll support you from behind. Take it slowly, thinking you’ll be fine even if you fall.”

“B-but I’m really sorry…”

“You’re here to do this job. Don’t worry about it.”

He cautiously extended his foot. His pace slowed further, separating him from the group ahead.

Goon Cheon-gyeong, who had gotten far ahead, called out.

“Hey! Junior! Are you alright?! Need help?!”

“I’m fine! Senior! You go ahead! I’ll follow the tracks!”

“…Got it! Take it slow! I’ll keep marking the trail!”

Whether to not slow the entire group down because of one person, the line ahead eventually vanished from sight.

I matched my pace with the man behind me. His anxiety almost flowed over to me.

“Prince, relax your back. You’re alright. Aren’t you managing to follow along slowly? The distance isn’t too great. If you keep at it steadily, you’ll catch up soon.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. Just catch your breath.”

Slowly, the wind began to calm. The erratic weather had turned dire but also allowed a brief moment to catch our breath.

The man ahead let out a deep sigh, glancing at the exhausted bodyguards who had finally caught up and then turned back to me.

“My name is Yeon Guang, Warrior. May I ask your name?”

“There’s no need for titles. Just call me Bi Cheon.”

“Oh. So you’re Bi the Warrior. You don’t have to call me Prince. Just referring to me as Warrior is enough. After all, I don’t have much education to be called a prince in the first place.”

His speech itself was respectful. The man who introduced himself as Yeon Guang had a constant air of apologetic humility in his tone.

“Thanks to me, you must be burdened too. I knew I wasn’t qualified to join this expedition, but I didn’t expect to be this lacking…”

“Whether you arrive late or early, the job’s the same. Don’t let it bother you, Yeon Gongja.”

“Really, just calling me Warrior is enough.”

“Considering the situation, please understand.”

“I am by no means of a higher station. I was only chosen for this Fengma Cave expedition because the leader of the Black Death took pity on me. Originally, I didn’t even qualify.”

Yeon Guang forced a bitter smile.

“Addressing me with titles only serves to embarrass me. But since it can’t be helped… I understand. I will try to walk harder.”

“Lighten up at your toes.”

“Ah, oops.”

The sun set, and night deepened.

In the deeply formed cave, Goon Cheon-gyeong, who had arrived earlier to prepare camp, greeted me.

“Good job, junior. Tomorrow, I’ll take the last watch.”

“I’m fine, senior. Trust me as the youngest.”

“…You little! In any case, all my jerky tonight is yours!”

After spending a night in the cave, our journey resumed the next day.

The overall pace was no different from the previous day. However, with many exhausted individuals, more of us fell behind than before.

The leader of the Fokma Clan growled.

“At this pace, we won’t reach Fengma Cave on time! Hurry up!”

Only two warriors were closely tailing the leader of the Fokma Clan.

Eun Seol-ran, the disciple of Sma, and Jin Wi-lyang, the disciple of Ilma.

Other than those two, the rest were busy gasping for breath and tending to themselves. The steep paths were now intermittently broken, making it impossible to leap over without employing lightweight techniques.

Those walking ahead disappeared from sight once more. I continued to match my steps with the still slow Yeon Guang.

Breathless, he stumbled during a lightweight technique, nearly rolling off the precipice. After catching him again, he sank down.

“I’ll go alone, Bi Warrior. You go ahead. I can’t keep burdening you like this.”

“You don’t need to worry, Yeon Gongja.”

“If things keep up like this, you won’t have a moment to rest either.”

“I’m fine.”

I extended my foot. Moving through such rugged terrain was all experience.

It was the perfect place to test my practiced footwork. I was sufficiently satisfied as I confirmed the power of Ghostly Spirit Step.

“If a warrior takes a break, are they still a warrior? I’ve devoted my life to the sword, so right now is my rest time.”

“…You truly are a warrior at heart.”

Yeon Guang expressed admiration.

“Still, I can’t shake the feeling of guilt…”

“Really, it’s fine. If you feel tired, just slow down a bit. Fortunately, our lead is leaving markers, so it’s not difficult to follow.”

“…Thank you.”

Together, we gradually slowed our pace. As my breath steadied, he looked at me with sparkling eyes.

“Your martial arts are truly astonishing, Warrior. To not lose a breath in such harsh terrain is remarkable.”

“I usually invest heavily in basic stamina. Someone told me to value my lower body, emphasizing its importance.”

“May I ask who your master is?”

I almost mentioned Ilma’s name but bit my tongue.

“He’s someone I can’t comfortably discuss.”

“I see. Hahaha. Everyone has their own circumstances.”

“My master was once known as the Thunder Sword, leading the Thunderbolt Unit in the Black Death. Not to speak ill, but…”

Yeon Guang forced a bitter smile.

“He was someone who didn’t suit me at all. He was extraordinary, unlike me.”

“Surely, they took you in for some outstanding trait?”

“Yes, that’s… still something I questions. I’m a slow learner, not particularly brilliant. While my master mentioned my potential during his lifetime, that’s all I have to show. Outside of that, it’s akin to having nothing at all.”

“…….”

“No matter how hard I try, I can’t catch up with those ahead of me. Perhaps my limit ends here. I wish the Thunder Sword could resound within the Black Death’s ranks, but… there’s no doubt my abilities aren’t sufficient. I lack the talent.”

“Still, aren’t you part of the Fengma Cave expedition? That is in itself a comment on your abilities.”

“As I mentioned yesterday, it was mainly thanks to the leader of the Black Death considering my situation. He was close with my late master and granted me this wish. What I desire is singular: to visit Master Guigok Yajang and entrust this sword he left behind.”

He raised his hand. Inside the golden-embellished scabbard, a sword radiating an unknown aura slumbered.

“As a worthless apprentice, I should at least do one thing right, shouldn’t I? I can’t just leave my master’s sword to rot. I know I have no qualifications, but I still intend to keep going. For a talentless person like me, I should at least show something, right? But I really don’t want to be a burden to you…”

He struggled to smile at me.

“If it’s too much of a burden, you should go ahead, Warrior. Please.”

“…….”

I didn’t respond, simply choosing to support his back in silence.

Time continued to pass. The intervals between distances grew longer.

Soon, even his bodyguards couldn’t bear it anymore and insisted on leaving. Gasping, Yeon Guang told me to go ahead multiple times.

Yet I declined each time. I could see how hard he was working, which made it all the harder for me to leave.

Thinking of his master…

When I looked at him, Ilma came to mind. I felt as if I wished to do something for her.

Knowing the significance of trying to fix the relic left by his master, how could I not assist him?

On the fifth night. The leader of the Fokma Clan, who waited for my late arrival, finally spoke.

“You’ve worked hard, Bi Cheon.”

“I’m just doing what I need to do.”

“Hm…”

After contemplating, he exchanged glances between me and Yeon Guang. He opened his mouth to speak but sighed and turned away.

Instead, someone else spoke up.

“Leader. No matter how pitying the situation, we must say what needs to be said. Because of just one person, we might miss our time.”

“The one in charge of guiding the expedition is me. This is not your place to interfere, Jin Wi-lyang.”

His strong tone mixed with a warning from the leader of the Fokma Clan.

But Jin Wi-lyang continued as if he didn’t care.

“It wouldn’t be right to leave behind those who can’t keep up. While you lead, it’s also true that those following can speak the truth.”

“…….”

“Yeon Gongja. I’m deeply sorry, but…”

He covered his mouth with his hand. However, I could clearly see.

Beyond his palm, his lips were smiling.

“Would it be possible for you to turn back? Regardless of how you ascend, it seems you won’t enter Fengma Cave anyway. It would be best for you to go back now. Some things are simply beyond effort. Just like now.”

Beneath his sharp words lay a hint of mockery. A barely audible disdain accompanied it.

“Foolish child, not even understanding your own worth…”

Yeon Guang’s eyes widened. For a moment he trembled, wanting to retort, but he bit his lip.

A heavy nod followed. When he glanced back at me, his eyes were filled with bitterness.

“…Thank you for supporting my back for even that short moment, Warrior.”

After a brief moment of gratitude, the follow-up was predictable.

…But I didn’t want him to express that follow-up.

“Leader, I…”

“Leader.”

The leader of the Fokma Clan’s eyebrows twitched. I clasped my hands together.

“Isn’t it simply enough to arrive on time, somehow?”

“…That’s true.”

“Yeon Gongja can still catch up, even if it’s late. I believe there’s still more he can do. As long as he doesn’t give up on himself, isn’t the distance he can cover within reach?”

I felt Jin Wi-lyang’s glare on me.

But I didn’t care.

Such a gaze wouldn’t faze me.

“Let’s proceed as scheduled. We will pursue from the back.”

“…Oh?”

The leader of the Fokma Clan smiled slightly. Testing me, he asked.

“I told you that I must remain neutral. Bi Cheon.”

“The power to give up is a right anyone has, but no one should coerce it.”

I glanced back at Yeon Guang. I brushed aside Jin Wi-lyang’s furious look.

Listening to those who slander others openly is one of the foolish acts I strive to avoid.

“If Yeon Gongja insists on not giving up, then it’s only right for the Fokma Clan to support him. Wouldn’t that be the true neutrality? If you entrust it to me, I will observe and maintain Yeon Gongja’s qualifications until the end. Please trust me, Leader.”

 

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