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3. Life and Death (4)
Jongchuak unintentionally unbuttoned his clothes.
Although there were teachings from my disciples and master to maintain proper conduct under any circumstances, such things easily evaporate in the face of pain where it is difficult to even breathe right now.
I am gasping for breath.
Physical limitations are a factor, and having run out of internal energy must also be having an effect.
But this is something different.
It is fundamentally different.
It feels like gasping for breath in a space where a hazy solitary mist has spread.
With every breath I took, it felt like my blood vessels were being torn to shreds.
With every breath I exhaled, it felt as though my eight extraordinary meridians were twisting.
Even so, I can’t sit on the floor or rest.
Danju’s command never to stop.
Of course, the order is one thing, but it is not a situation where it can be stopped either.
Monsters swarming in from all directions.
Attack by unidentified enemies.
Chaechachechachang!
Jong Chu-ak, who wanted to collapse and faint on the spot, swung his sword again and again.
And while doing so, it takes another step forward.
Leaving the remaining enemies to those coming from behind.
“Gasp! Gasp! Gasp! Gasp!”
“Are you okay?!”
Lord Wilip pats his shoulder and asks about his well-being.
Even though I was the injured one from the start.
“I-I’m fine…….”
“Step back for a moment. I’ll stand in front.”
“no…….”
“Aren’t we fellow members now? If we can’t help each other, the entire Fifth Division could be annihilated.”
“…….”
The unit, which was a chaotic mix of the Jeongdohoe, Baekdohoe, 12 Bongseong, and other personnel, blended together so well that the initial disarray and awkwardness seemed to have vanished.
One could argue that the dire circumstances fostered a sense of belonging that transcended the clan, but the time was too short to attribute this level of solidarity solely to that.
Rather, it should be seen as the role of the Fifth Generation and the individual characteristics of its members making harmony easier.
It seemed this wasn’t just Jongchuak’s idea, as everyone let out a quiet gasp of admiration.
“Is it even possible to be this in sync?”
“That’s what I’m saying. I know about Jongnam’s martial arts, but I understood them to be on a different level than our sect’s.”
“I know, right. He put it in the fifth slot the moment he saw it, so I thought he just put it in however he felt like… but I guess that wasn’t the case.”
“Master, what on earth is that bastard’s true identity…?”
People’s eyes turn toward the very front of the procession.
The commander looks as reliable as Mount Tai.
Fighting most fiercely at the forefront of the most intense battlefield.
Ilgak and Namhwaseong were also changing places according to the turn, but Jin So-un alone continued to run ahead.
Although he was clearly just as exhausted and hurt as they were, Jin So-un never once backed down.
He lit up the dark path like a burning torch and led the students at the very front.
at that time.
“Damn it—damn it—damn it—.”
Gunda Seong of Jeomchang, who was taking a brief rest after his muscles had weakened from the long battle, begins to hit his arm.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Jongchuak was terrified and stopped him.
“Hey! What are you doing!”
“Let go! I am Gundasung of Jeomchang…! Do you think I should just sigh in relief in the shadow of a third-rate sect like Taeeulmun?!”
Although the words were rough, Jongchuak could sense the sincerity hidden within them.
He is resentful. Of his own powerlessness.
It is contemptible. His past of insulting Jin So-un.
Since it was a feeling that even Jongchuak could feel, he could no longer be stopped.
Gunda-seong, who had been mindlessly hitting my arm, began to repeatedly clench and unclench his fingers, perhaps sensing that sensation was returning to my arm.
After a moment.
“Good. Change the moving troops!”
Gunda Castle advanced to the outskirts to deal with the monsters.
However, the soldiers in charge of the perimeter pushed him away in an instant.
“What are you talking about? Take your turn! It’s still a long way to your turn.”
“What is that…….”
“Do you think we’ll feel at ease?!”
It was a strange thing.
The two sworn enemies were looking out for each other in a life-threatening situation.
A sacrifice not for my fellow brothers in the clan, but for the unit members.
Although they had never been together before, everyone was acting as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
And that too in a dangerous situation where I didn’t know when or how I might die. ‘Why on earth…?’ *Pow pow pow pow!*
A huge explosion sound reaches Jongchuak’s ears, who was harboring doubts.
Everyone’s eyes turn forward at the sound of an explosion coming from the front.
There.
“Whoa…….”
I saw the back of Jin So-un as he pushed back the enemies mixed with monsters and took another step forward. ‘Jin So-un…’ How could these people, each from a different sect and background, be together like this?
No, going further, these people who were also bitter enemies.
I couldn’t understand at all why they cared for each other as if they were one body, but somehow I could accept it.
Because as I watched that small figure from behind, something was surging up inside me without me even realizing it, as if my heart were about to burst.
Jongchuak gathered his slightly recovered strength and took turns with another.
Once again, it was someone who was neither a member of the Cheongseong Sect nor the Jeongdohoe. #In my previous life, I always stood behind.
Even when the disciples of Taeeulmun went out to the battlefield at the urging of Gye Cheol-yeong.
I was stuck in the Communications Department, repeatedly memorizing documents.
Even when I was used as a meat shield as a member of the Sojeong Unit.
I was at the very back of the Sojeong unit, staring only at the backs of those damn bastards’ heads.
The ineffective martial arts and meager internal energy of a third-rate sect like Taeeulmun were of no use even compared to the crude techniques sculpted by low-ranking warriors wandering the ronin world. [Stay back, you bastard scholar!] [To be precise, I’m not a scholar. Because I wasn’t good at studying!] [Young Master Jin, you stand behind me.]
Even the members of the Sojeong unit who had lived their entire lives like weeds, and Moyong Seol who had lost his family, always stood before me.
I was the first to get tired, which is why I survived the longest.
Even though it was of no help.
He resented Samun, the culprit who made him feel so guilty.
I blamed myself over and over again, to the point where I wondered if weakness could really be such a sin.
That is why… … .
After I was given a second chance at life, I went around frantically searching for a miraculous elixir.
Because I never wanted to see their backs again.
Because I didn’t want to overlay the same nightmare onto an indelible one.
Because I want to protect my people, at least in this life.
I tried so hard and struggled again.
And now.
There was not a single person standing before me.
Chaechaechaechang!
A warrior in dark red robes narrowly dodges the Socheon Sword Technique. ‘Has he run out of strength?’ He is a guy I should have cut down in a single blow.
If he had been pushed aside, I would have left it to the other members, but he retreated as if targeting me and then charged at me again.
“You damn bastards!”
As I thrust the Red Light Sword, the guy’s sword thrusts in back.
As if their own lives were nothing if they could kill me.
But the calculation shouldn’t work that way, right?
Do you think my life is worth the same as yours?
Do you think things will go your way!
Twisting the path of the Red Light Sword, he burrows into the enemy’s embrace.
The guy’s sword narrowly grazes the nape of my neck.
I can’t even count how many wounds this is.
Instead of being wounded, he grabs the guy’s body and unleashes the Lotus Flower.
Whoosh!
The moment the guy’s body floated up and was about to fall on the heads of the academy students.
*Pow*
Nam Hwa-seong, who was standing behind, smashes the guy’s head in one go.
“Master, the speed has slowed down!”
Then, those following behind wildly stab the demon’s vital points with their weapons.
“Bullshit. You guys are just pushing yourselves too hard.”
“Why don’t you back off now, Jin Danju?” The guys calling him ‘Danju-nim’ were spewing rude, informal language.
I call the guys who use honorifics ‘Danju’. Rotten bastards.
Will such a ragtag, idiotic unit really be able to escape Mukrim?
Strict military discipline speaks volumes about the group’s military power, you know.
“I suppose you have pushed yourself too hard for a disciple of the Taeeul Sect.”
This time, Wang Jo-eun of the Yuwolmun stood in front of me and started running.
Following.
Someday, the Illusion Sword
I intended to teach you exactly what this is.
Jo Gae-ryong of the Hwasan Sect also started running ahead of me.
“Have you forgotten that the command to abstain is absolute?”
“If my master finds out that I’m hiding behind a Taeeulmun disciple, he’ll try to kill me.”
That bastard is really good at speaking rudely.
“Don’t be like that. Where in the world would you find a commander standing at the very forefront?”
Another person walks ahead of me and leaves those words behind.
As the demonic realm drew closer, the enemy’s offensive was becoming increasingly severe.
What on earth is this? Do you want to die?
“You bastards, don’t you know the enemies are getting bigger and bigger?”
As I expected, the monsters were reacting sensitively to the magic.
The demons didn’t appear when there were monsters, and when they did appear while fighting the demons, they immediately rushed at the demons first.
As the demonic realm drew closer, the intervals between attacks were also becoming increasingly faster.
“I know. I’m doing this because I know.”
“……
What on earth are you talking about…!
Just then, Ilgak, who was running behind me, placed his hand on my shoulder.
“Master Jin. I have heard that the Demon Realm is an even more dangerous place. Wouldn’t it be better to recuperate at least a little before entering?”
“What do you mean, Jeongyang…?”
And standing at the back doesn’t mean you won’t fight, does it?
So you call yourselves elites, huh?
Before I knew it, just like in my previous life, I was running while watching someone’s back.
However, I didn’t feel helpless or depressed like I did in my previous life.
On the contrary, I felt a strange amount of emotion that is difficult to describe in words.
I swallowed the emotion that was trying to spill out.
“Call me Danju, you rogue monk!”
“Hahaha… Calling Monk Ilgak a rogue monk. The Shaolin Temple would faint if they knew!”
The members of the first squad burst into laughter in unison.
Is this really funny?
The burst of laughter stopped.
“Danju, I’ll keep your secret. Buy me a drink when you get out.”
“alcohol?”
“It’s unofficial, but I’ve become the unit commander anyway. Buying drinks for the members after an operation is a tradition of the Murim Alliance.”
Come to think of it, that’s why even the Sojeongdae guys didn’t want to take on the role of leader.
Well, money is overflowing these days, so buying a drink shouldn’t be a big deal, right?
Having a drink face-to-face wouldn’t be bad, right?
“Fine. I’ll treat you when I get back. I’ll buy you enough to eat until you die, so just put up a proper fight.”
“Huh? And living that regardless of affiliation?”
Jo Gae-ryong of the Hwasan Sect suddenly turned his head and asked.
That, that fellow who calls himself a Taoist disciple…
“Enemy ahead! Enemy!”
“Oops! Take this!”
A fierce plum blossom flutters away and splits the demon’s heart.
The clam dragon, having barely managed to deal with the mine, turns its head back toward me.
“Phew… Are you really alive?”
“Alright. I’ll treat you to a meal for each unit, so drink to your heart’s content.”
“Hehe. I’ll be able to show just how well our Hwasan Sect drinks.”
At the alluring corners of his eyes, the other members also twitch their eyes.
Since when have we been close?
They exchange glances and share rotten smiles.
Disgusted to look at the sight, I glanced behind me and sent a telepathic message to Eunho.
How is it over there?
Eunho, who had been running with a stern expression, flinched in surprise and met my eyes.
There is damage, but it is okay.
My heart sank at the mention of damage.
-What damage?
-Aren’t attacks coming in from the flanks as well?
– What about the Taeeulmun and the members?
-it’s okay.
It’s okay. It’s okay… …
I put even more strength into my hands.
You are doing well.
-Senior Brother… … .
The continuous telepathic sound suddenly cuts off.
When I turned my head again, Eunho was staring at me with a piercing gaze.
“-What, is something wrong?-… …”
No, I’m just telling you to be careful.
“Mind your own business.”
Along with the sound of explosions, the sound of weapons clashing never ceases.
With every step taken, the crisis of death grows ever greater, but the footsteps cannot be stopped.
Because the moment I stop, it’s all over. I ran for two full days and reached the vicinity of the Demon Realm.
The number of ferocious monsters was steadily increasing, but conversely, the attacks by demons were gradually decreasing. ‘They probably didn’t expect to pass through the Demon Realm in the first place.’ Because that is a choice only a madman would make.
Well, if there is a variable, it is that I’m a crazy person.
However, that does not mean we can be completely at ease.
“If they noticed us moving along an unexpected route, they would have changed their troop deployment and are rushing toward us like crazy. ‘Just once… … They are aiming for the final blow.’ If I were the Demonic Cult, I would tie down the academy students, who cannot move quickly anyway, as much as possible, and aim for that final blow.”
Just one shot right before entering the demon realm.
Having conserved some energy at the rear, it is now time to move forward.
“Hey, Danju, why did you come forward? Seriously, I told you to stay in the back.”
To think you’re making a joke like that while covered in blood from head to toe.
He has absolutely no sense of humor.
Get ready.
“huh?”
They’re coming.
“I don’t feel anything…….”
Wang Jo-eun, who had been speaking, soon falls silent.
And the silence quickly spreads from the first unit to the entire unit.
“Well, I guess their attacks did suddenly drop.”
“Damn it, that’s terrifying.”
“Just how long have you been hiding in this forest……?”
The air becomes heavy.
Just moments ago, a death trap
The guys who crossed over feel death once again.
The procession fell silent, not even uttering a crude joke.
Only the sound of the students’ footsteps echoes in the forest.
I blurted out words of comfort that would not be of any help.
“You all saw it, right? Monsters attack their enemies before they attack us. If we go inside the Demon Realm, at least we can deal with only monsters.”
As expected, the heavy air does not dissipate.
“Right! I’d rather deal with monsters!”
Nam Hwa-seong, who was standing next to him, awkwardly retorted.
Jang Gwang-bo continues speaking.
“You’re right! At least monsters let out a cry!”
“That’s right…! Those guys are better, actually!”
“Let’s kill them all!!!”
Awkward and clumsy threats are erupting from here and there.
Okay, that’s it.
Anyway, once we get into a full-scale battle, we’ll be fighting frantically again.
And, ‘If we keep fighting like that, we’ll be able to survive again.’ Guys capable of fighting perfectly fine, regardless of whether they belong to the first or second generation, step forward.
“Gasp, gasp, gasp.”
The fact that the guy who looks like he’s about to collapse is actually the one who can fight intact.
It showed just how dire the situation our unit was in.
“Where did the guy who said he’d teach me what the Phantom Sword is go? Has the Hwasan Sect disciple already gotten tired?”
Is he dead?
He says he’s going to take a rest.
“Is that so…?”
I guess I won’t be able to come to the drinking party later.
He jokingly said he would show off the Hwasan Sect’s drinking capacity…
Damn it.
“Aaaargh!”
After letting out a scream, the anger in my chest that felt like it was about to burst subsides a little.
I feel like my head isn’t working properly because we fought so frantically.
Is this why the commander told me to stand at the back?
I don’t know anymore, either.
For the sake of my people.
I thought that it didn’t matter what I did as long as I could protect them somehow.
After all, those guys did the exact same thing in their past lives.
So, I thought it was okay too, but…
Because this wasn’t as one-sided as those guys’.
but.
Is it because they—that is, those belonging to the unit—have now become my unit members?
Or maybe it’s because I’ve seen too many people die firsthand.
My heart feels like it’s going to burst, even though I thought it wouldn’t be a problem.
Thump.
Why is this happening?
Whether it is the Jeongdohoe, the Baekdohoe, or the 12 Peaks.
In the past, no one was on our side.
Heart pounding
No matter how many times I repeat the Taeeul Jingyeong, the trembling of my heart does not subside.
It feels like I have witnessed the death of a close friend.
Even though we had never been friends.
Thump—!
Maybe it’s because I’ve become addicted to magic.
Because their evil makes your head weird.
Yeah, that’s probably the most likely possibility.
There may be demonic energy that even Jeokbonghwan cannot decipher.
But whatever the cause.
“Aaaaaaaah!”
I am sick and tired of death.
My people, too.
Even those who were competing with me.
Even the people who didn’t acknowledge me.
Whoever it may be.
Thump—!
I don’t want to see you turn into a corpse anymore.
Yeah, I don’t want to remember this kind of thing anymore.
“Master!”
Just then, someone places their hand on my shoulder and nods their chin.
Crunch, crunch, crunch.
Soon, the sound of hard wood breaking rings in my ears.
As if by prior agreement, everyone swallows hard and grips their weapons tightly.
It is something felt instinctively.
“What does this sound from the front mean? ‘Decisive battle.’ If the purpose of those who have attacked us so far is to obstruct our path, it is clear that the reason for this obstruction is to reorganize their ranks.”
Reorganization to gather the scattered units into one place for the net of heaven and earth.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
The trees fall down all at once, and the natural dust is torn apart.
mudfish.
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.
Torches began to light up all at once in the dark forest.
Whenever I see the countless flickering flames, the image of my colleagues extinguishing their life force overlaps with them.
And I firmly suppress the anger that threatens to explode, making a promise to myself again and again.
I said that if only I could throw those bastards into hell, I would gladly become that hellfire.
