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One of the organizations that divides the Murim Alliance’s power into three parts.
Although it is a command organization that serves as a key pillar of the Murim Alliance, in reality, it is the place responsible for the most practical work.
It starts with something small, like how many hours to station the Murim Alliance’s guards.
It also decides how to manage the annual budget and sponsorships, and in what form to distribute them to each administrative department.
Furthermore, he also manages the affairs of the Murim Alliance branches.
Considering that the authority to appoint branch managers lies with this General Affairs Department, it is effectively the place that makes the most decisions.
However, this massive organization operates with fewer personnel than expected.
When I first started cramming the documents from the Ministry of Communications into my head, I even had a question like this: ‘Does the Ministry of Communications… start by practicing standardizing their handwriting?’ Since the documents are written by people, if they are written in a wide variety of handwriting styles, there is bound to be a possibility that the information will not be efficiently recognizable later on.
In that respect, I think it was a pretty good deduction.
Of course, it was completely wrong, though.
The reason Mantongbu’s handwriting was so similar was that they made a small number of people work over and over again.
So, it means there was a sense of unity because such a massive amount was written by a very small number of people. ‘But why is this guy able to come in and out of the academy so often?’ I thought, looking at Maeng Ju-won in front of me.
I wondered if Maeng Ju-won was also someone who grinds his subordinates to secure his time.
Aren’t you busy?
“What are you talking about! I’m busy every day! I come here precisely because I’m busy every day!”
I tilted my head at the incomprehensible words.
Anyway, seeing that his eyelids have turned dark and his complexion isn’t very good, it seems he is definitely busy.
As you mentioned outside earlier, the Student Center Representative Dormitory is a private space. If you keep barging in like this without an appointment…
“Ah! Don’t worry about that. I’ve changed the regulations. Now, personnel from the General Affairs Department are allowed to go anywhere regarding matters concerning the Alliance.”
“…….”
No, why is the student center representative coming to the dormitory a matter concerning the blind?
Maeng Ju-won snorted and pounded his chest.
“Am I not the Mantong Manor? Then my affairs are the affairs of the Mantong Manor, and the affairs of the Mantong Manor are the affairs of the Murim Alliance.”
It was something I couldn’t understand at all, so I just let it slide.
It’s not like this is the first time this person has come here and spouted nonsense anyway.
“It’s something that he’s not repeating begging to be saved while drunk. Why is he asking me to save him in the first place? It’s not like his life is being threatened.” The one who died at the hands of Je Geum-hak in his previous life was Je Gal So-myeong.
Although he was in the same place, Maeng Ju-won barely survived, and later led the Mantongbu alone before eventually being dragged down by others and forced into retirement. Well, anyway, he didn’t die at the hands of others.
“……
Anyway, what brings you here again?
Am I someone who shouldn’t come without something to say?
I understand him to be that kind of person.
Maeng Ju-won’s shoulders droop.
“That’s disappointing…… I’m so disappointed!”
“If you have no business with me, I’ll be going now…….”
I was planning to tell you about the future regarding the electric lantern gate, but that’s a shame.
It would be a shame to part ways like this, so would you like a cup of tea?
“Tea? Do you have time for tea?”
I happen to have a good car.
I took out the cheapest tea in the accommodation and served it to Maeng Ju-won.
An item I didn’t touch again after tasting it for the first time because the scent was so unpleasant.
“Hmm… it smells nice.”
It was clearly a foul smell, but a satisfied smile played on Maeng Ju-won’s lips, wondering what was so good about it.
“Hehe…… Such leisure…… If you come, you’ll be able to enjoy it, won’t you?”
“What do you mean?”
Ah, no.
Maeng Ju-won, wearing a strange smile, put down the teacup.
The decree of the leader will be proclaimed soon.
Then, his face turned somewhat serious.
“Simply put, it means that only the Murim Alliance will conduct the investigation into Geumgong.”
Is the problem that serious?
“Do you know how many martial arts sects are disappearing in a single day?”
“When I demanded that those bastards who brought a martial arts sect to ruin provide evidence, they feigned ignorance, claiming they ‘burned it down because it was wicked.’ There are countless scoundrels like that these days.”
Contempt flickered across Maeng Ju-won’s face.
It makes me wonder if they really need to go this far against each other, fellow Whites. They are committing acts even more cruel than when they were beating up Blacks.
You will have no choice but to display even more cruel and ruthless hand movements than when fighting the Black Sword.
Because when striking the innocent, you must not leave even the slightest opening for a counterattack.
Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind. ‘Was the blood flowing from Sacheonhyeolsa too little?’ I wondered if the blood that should have flowed out of Sacheonhyeolsa had diverted its course and started flowing this way…
I had a thought that no matter how much I change history, I might not be able to change the human heart that desires to shed blood.
Did the elders agree?
Once the Commander’s Decree is issued, it will be implemented immediately.
But will the elders just sit by and watch?
It is practically the same as having their rights taken away.
Maeng Ju-won furrowed his brow slightly.
“To some extent… Still, everyone agrees on the surface that it is dangerous if this situation continues for too long.”
Then he added.
However, there are those who are dissatisfied with the fact that the decree of supremacy was proclaimed too soon.
Are you saying they haven’t been able to use it yet?
Maeng Ju-won’s expression changed in a complex and subtle way.
“You… are truly a fascinating being.”
“What do you mean?”
When asked for the reason, he immediately began to speak.
“That’s right. They’re just disappointed that they couldn’t make use of it.”
This trend in the martial arts world stems from absolute faith in the Murim Alliance.
The trust that the Murim Alliance will not collapse no matter what enemy appears is what leads to using external enemies as political tools for internal power struggles.
Ultimately, this leads to an inability to respond when a truly dangerous enemy actually appears.
While I was lost in thought for a moment, Maeng Ju-won warned me.
So you should tone it down too.
“Huh? What do you mean?”
I mean actions that put you at odds with the instructors.
Isn’t the problem that the instructors were replaced in just one year to begin with?
“Well… the Commander-in-Chief has already turned the Education Pavilion upside down over that matter. Take comfort in that.”
You mean you turned it upside down?
“Didn’t you know? How many people were fired from the Education Center this time?”
Hoho. This is actually pretty useful information.
Maeng Ju-won stroked his chin and let out a sigh.
“Anyway, the common opinion of the Education Bureau and the Ministry of Communications is that instructors who have already been appointed cannot be replaced again.”
Are you saying it’s because of outside eyes?
“They cannot be replaced. Since the appointment seals have already been stamped on the documents of the newcomers, the Commander-in-Chief had no choice but to approve them.”
Hmm, so that’s how it is.
“In that case, isn’t it actually a good thing?”
I don’t know what’s so good about it. In any case, keep in mind that the newcomers are the ones who will decide the graduation evaluations. If they give you a bad evaluation, your grades and the students’ in your sect might end up being a complete mess.
Well, hearing this story makes me think differently.
What on earth does that look of displeasure mean?
“Huh? What do you mean?”
When he feigned ignorance, Maeng Ju-won shook his head.
“Anyway, stop causing trouble. The Jeongdohoe and Baekdohoe are already keeping a close eye on you. If you keep doing this…”
Soon, he grabbed my shoulder tightly, as if he had something very important to say.
It will be difficult for you to join the Mantong Department later.
Good grief, why on earth do they think I’m going to join the General Affairs Department?
I was about to voice my thoughts but stopped immediately.
Remember the huge fuss that happened once when I said I wouldn’t join the Ministry of Public Works?
I shouldn’t stir up trouble unnecessarily.
Of course.
“Hehe…….”
When I didn’t answer, Maeng Ju-won patted my shoulder with a somehow satisfied expression and left. Two days later, I received a call from the instructors.
It seems Maeng Ju-won’s warning really worked.
It was only for two days, though.
In any case, since it was a discussion attended even by the director of the academy, Buk Won-pyeong, I had no choice but to meet with them.
“How about it? Should I go with you?”
“Young Master Jin, I will go with you.”
Seong Moran, who seemed unconcerned, and Namgung Seonhwa, with a face full of worry, stepped forward, but I refused.
I’m not a child.
Are you afraid they’ll be scared because the instructors swarmed in?
“Good grief! What are you talking about? I’m just saying this because I’m worried Young Master Jin might cause trouble!”
What on earth do these people think of me? Where on earth can you find someone as calm and rational as me?
Well, sometimes I can’t stand it, but that is only when the other person crosses the line.
As the saying goes, there are times when a true man must not hold back…
“You were thinking of causing trouble again, weren’t you…!”
I hurriedly left the representative’s office. The discussion was held in the meeting room of the Academic Affairs Department.
Buk Won-pyeong is sitting at the end of the long table, and the instructors and instructors are sitting in a row on one side.
It’s quite a sight to see them swarming in like a pack.
Where should I sit?
The instructor sitting in the middle answered my question coldly.
Sit anywhere.
“then…….”
Just sit in the middle. This matter is to be resolved solely between the student council representatives and the instructors.
As I tried to sit near Bukwonpyeong, the instructor sitting in the middle let out a quiet complaint.
No, why didn’t you say that earlier?
As I sat down, the instructors looked at me with murderous eyes for some reason.
Sit up straight.
“Are you going to keep stalling by picking fights over trivial things? I’m busy.”
This, rootless… … .”
“Huh? Director, this person is badmouthing me?”
Buk Won-pyeong let out a small sigh.
“Both of you stop it. Student Jin So-woon… take your feet off the table, and Instructor No Jin-ha, you didn’t come here just to swear, did you?”
As the brief commotion subsided, Instructor No Jin-ha—that is, the instructor who got utterly defeated by my internal energy—spoke.
“You know exactly what you’ve done, don’t you?”
“I don’t know.”
“You were the one who publicly apologized first…… huh?”
Instructor No Jin-ha stopped speaking and mouthed the words like a goldfish.
I slowly shook my head with an innocent expression.
“I don’t know. I really can’t figure it out no matter how much I think about it.”
Acts of aggression against instructors are subject to severe punishment… … .”
“I just proved my skills because the instructor told me to. He’s the one picking a fight… No, he’s the one who ordered it, so why is he blaming me?”
I tilted my head and clapped my palms with my fists in admiration.
“Ah! Is it a problem because I smeared it so disgracefully?”
“But that’s not my fault, is it? Oh, and that’s not to say it’s your fault, Instructor.”
Noh Jin-ha’s face seems to soften slightly at my last words.
Why are you getting relieved already? I’m not finished speaking yet.
“Isn’t it all the Cheongseong Sect’s fault for raising such a foolish disciple?”
bang!
The table shook as if it were about to break.
“Do you truly want to die! How dare you disgrace the sect!”
Crunch.
No Jin-ha grinding his teeth as if his jaw were about to break.
Tsk, so you should have used that power to win the internal energy duel.
I wiped the playfulness from my face and murmured softly.
“Does that mean we must not disgrace the Cheongseong Sect, but it is acceptable to disgrace the Taeeul Sect?”
“Whether it is a first-class sect like Taeeulmun or a third-class sect like Cheongseongpa, everyone has the same attachment to their own sect. You were the one who disgraced the opposing sect first just because you were the stronger one, Instructor.”
The faces of Instructor Noh Jin-ha and the other instructors stiffen.
“Furthermore, they are now even pressuring me to apologize, even though I have done nothing wrong. Am I supposed to comply with such nonsense?”
When the story of the sect came up, No Jin-ha also could not continue speaking.
Then, the instructor standing next to him, with a friendly expression, smiled and began to speak.
Come on, come on, we didn’t gather here to kill each other, did we?
Then, he gently pressed down on Noh Jin-ha’s shoulder and made him sit down.
“Stop it and restrain yourself. Jinha, it looks like you showed too much enthusiasm during class. That is definitely wrong.”
What was his name again… … He’s from the same Cheongseong Gang… … That Tak… … Right, Kang Sun-tak!
Kang Sun-tak was scolding No Jin-ha when he looked at me and wore a friendly smile.
“Understand. For generations, instructors and school leaders have sometimes deliberately humiliated the students to create a solemn atmosphere. It all happened back in our day.”
Wow, now ‘back in my day’ is making an appearance too.
“Anyway, it’s clear that Jin-ha crossed the line, so I’ll apologize on his behalf. It’s just a small ‘mistake,’ isn’t it? A real man should just graciously let something like this slide. Haha! Right?”
He speaks as if it is no big deal, without considering the other person’s feelings.
Why don’t they think from our perspective?
If you just thought about it for a moment, you would understand how we feel.
“Even so, regardless of the circumstances, an instructor showing such a humiliating side to a student could cause problems for future training. So, to uphold the teacher’s authority even a little… how about you put an end to this by publicly apologizing to the old instructor?”
But now I know.
There is no need to consider them from our perspective.
Because they think they will never be in our position.
Because they were always on top before, and they are confident that they will always be on top in the future.
So, there is no need to worry about it.
They simply pretend to listen to our story, but ultimately just need to maintain the status quo according to their own intentions.
Just like this.
“Wouldn’t it be better for everyone if you issued a public apology and we accepted it to resolve the matter amicably?”
They know.
How much effort the weak have to put in to fight against injustice.
So, coax them moderately and make them give up.
It will eventually calm down and return to normal as time passes anyway.
It is something I have experienced countless times in my past lives.
Responds with a heavy burden. Gives up, trusting a few sweet words from the other party.
Because I was powerless. Because I was afraid. Because I wanted to believe that this desperate reality could change, even if it meant relying on their lies.
This is how justice is established. Isn’t that right?
But now I know.
I don’t want to.
“Huh?”
Their idiotic justice.
And I believe. My power.
“I said no. I didn’t do anything wrong, so why should I apologize?”
These hypocrites quickly reveal their true colors if the other party does not act according to their intentions.
Just like interest.
Can you handle this? We will be evaluating you and your priests until you graduate.
That sounds like you mean the score could change depending on the instructor’s mood. Is that correct?
You’re not saying it’s not true.
Kang Soon-tak lets out a smirk.
“I heard the character ‘Yeom’ (thought) is in your nickname… As expected, your thinking is shallow. Do you really think it will benefit you to be so hostile?”
A look down on the other person.
“Ah, do you know that? Even after you join the Murim Alliance, the people here will judge you. Do you want to throw your rosy future into the cesspool right here?”
So, it is important to charge in.
After all, unless it causes you harm, you absolutely cannot think from the other person’s perspective.
Why do you think I’m the only one who will suffer?
Do you think we have anything to lose?
After all, humans only learn to be careful when they are bleeding.
Half of the classes at the academy are demonstration lessons with instructors or school leaders. Among them, there are more than ten sparring sessions.
huh?”
I leaned back in my chair at ease and gazed at Bukwonpyeong.
“Director, what happens if an instructor dies during a sparring match held in the academy’s classes? Ah, I should ask this first. Is there a precedent for that?”
Hey! Jin So-woon… … .”
Buk Won-pyeong was so surprised that he blurted out informal speech instead of polite language.
I added without hesitation.
“Hmm… then, what happens if you suffer an unexpected accident, Instructor? If you end up with an irreversible disability, you would naturally be processed for retirement, right?”
Kang Soon-tak, who had been speaking triumphantly, shouts in disbelief.
“Are you crazy? Doing something like that…?”
“What? It’s just a small ‘mistake’.”
“……!”
You guys said that, didn’t you? That it was just a small ‘mistake’.
“Besides, haven’t my future and the future of the Taeeulmun disciples already been thrown into the cesspool anyway?”
I simply cannot understand why you thought the damage would be concentrated on only one side.
But what should I do about this?
You guys aren’t the only ones who can make a small ‘mistake’.
Did I and my priests seem like the type to just sit back and take it?
The fact that the Education Center can no longer send new instructors means that they ultimately have to figure things out on their own.
Maeng Ju-won felt anxious that they were not being replaced, but I thought the exact opposite.
The fact that they aren’t being replaced is ultimately no different from saying, ‘We can corner these bastards and beat them up,’ as you can tell just by the fact that they requested the interview first.
Now that you’ve smeared shit on your own face, you won’t be able to go about your life as an instructor, clearing your throat as if nothing happened.
That must be why they asked me for a public apology, of all things.
In short, the point is that they and I are in the same predicament, trapped in an isolated snare.
And in an isolated trap, the one who survives is the one with the stronger venom.
Or did the ascetic school teach it that way?
I will not say anything even if you bring up the Four Gates anymore.
“Do as you please. Do as you please. No, please, I beg you, do that.”
I added with a light sneer.
That way, I won’t feel guilty when I lay hands on the instructors.
Fear had suddenly settled in the eyes of those who had been looking at them with contempt.
This time, I bowed my head with all my heart.
Please, please do that. I beg of you.
Seriously, why do you keep bothering good people?
