634 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

“Have any new developments come in?” This was the inner sanctum of the Jegal clan’s assembly. The close aides of Jegal Keuk gathered in the meeting chamber, desperately attempting to manage the upheaval within the clan. “……” “It’s been four days already! It’s been four days since Miss Jegal Hyang was found and the gates of Sanhasa Jikdo closed!” The cherished jewel of the Jegal clan. The youngest daughter of the clan head, Jegal Hyang, had been found, and Daowonyang was restored to its usual state. All issues had seemingly been resolved. This was made possible through the sacrifice of one man. Now that the strange circumstances had vanished, there was no way to resolve the ongoing problem. The method to rescue the man trapped behind the closed gates had disappeared. The clan head's aides could not help but maintain their silence in desolation. “Calm down.” “Do you seriously think we can remain calm?! We still haven’t found a clear way to resolve this!” “Getting excited won’t suddenly give us the means to open the closed gates.” “Shouldn’t everyone be doing something? What about the Elder Council? Didn’t they say they were going to find a solution?” Though a clear method was unavailable, that didn’t mean everyone was standing idle, watching passively. Even the Elder Council, who had retired to the background, had stepped forward into action. “Various scrolls stored in the sealed archives have been opened to find a way to open those doors. The elders have even started poring over ancient texts.” “And yet, they haven’t found any significant clues?” “They did find something.” The words startled the other aides, causing them to stare. “What?!” “Is that true?!” “It’s just that the records are filled with grim predictions for those who entered the divine realm unlawfully.” “……” “We’re all aware, aren’t we? The mere act of someone going in there to rescue someone is a miracle in itself.” “No way… To think he sacrificed his life to save the lady.” Kang Yun Ho chose to remain behind for the sake of saving Jegal Hyang. He gave up his life for the woman he loved, leaving only sorrow in the expressions of the aides. “What about Miss Jegal Hyang?” “She’s avoiding food and staying in Daowonyang. Mrs. Jang says no matter how much they try to persuade her, she won't budge.” Jegal Hyang, ever since escaping from the world of Sanhasa Jikdo, had not left Daowonyang, as if frozen in time. “Her grief must be profound.” “Wouldn’t it be, having lost her other half?” “She shouldn’t blame herself… And what of the clan head?” The aides turned their gaze towards the empty seat of honor in the meeting hall. “He went to personally inform the Dang family warriors.” “It’s come to that, then…” “Someone had to break the news.” The Dang clan had respected Kang Yun Ho’s decision during the operation to rescue Jegal Hyang. Thus, despite the surrounding chaos, they had maintained their silence. The Jegal clan had kept this secret to prevent further chaos due to the urgency of the situation, but now even the Dang clan needed to know. “The only son of the clan head has died.” Kang Yun Ho was the son of the Dang clan head. “Don’t jump to conclusions.” “Right. He’s still just missing.” “That was a slip of the tongue.” The Jegal clan was still clinging to a thread of hope. They would find a way to save Kang Yun Ho, no matter what. Yet, they had to consider the worst-case scenario as well. “This happened due to our oversight, but I don’t even know how to begin resolving this situation.” “The Sichuan Dang clan suddenly lost the clan head’s son, Kang Yun Ho, and Ho Pil, the renowned author of Danggapungun. On top of that, they’ve also lost the fiancé they had within their clan.” “……” This wasn’t merely a case involving an ordinary person’s death. It involved two of the five most renowned martial sects—it could escalate into a catastrophic incident that would trigger a massive ripple in the martial world. “The misunderstanding regarding the engagement with the Dang clan hasn’t even been cleared up yet. Can you imagine delivering such tragic news on top of everything? It could lead to war.” “What exactly should we do about this?” The aides sighed deeply. Should they focus on damage control, or continue seeking ways to open the gate? It was during the depth of their debate that— “Everyone!” An aide who had been absent suddenly burst into the meeting room. “What’s going on?” “Come outside quickly!” “What is the matter?” “There’s a pillar of light shooting up over Daowonyang!” ** A long dream unfolded. At the end of a prolonged journey, my consciousness, submerged in the depths of the ocean, slowly fought its way toward the surface. [So this is truly farewell.] A voice echoed from somewhere. Familiar yet foreign, missed yet aged with time. I couldn’t respond. I was swimming in a dream. Fighting against the weight of oppressing water pressure, struggling just to reach the surface. [You're defying fate. Venturing on a perilous path, you who wield the power of destiny.] I knew that assuming responsibility for someone brought forth hardships. But that didn’t mean I could merely stop. [A noble man indeed.] You flatter me. I have a question—since Sanhasa Jikdo is inside Miss Jegal, then what does that make you? If my deduction is correct. ‘You must be.’ No answer came. Only a proud, gentle laughter echoed instead. [You’ll need this moving forward. Take it.] A golden light. In the distorted, turbulent world where nothing could be seen, a warm light seeped into me. My consciousness accelerated. From the depths of the ocean to the surface. From the realm of dreams to reality. The light that crafted the world pulled me somewhere. -- “Gongja!” “They’ve been trapped for too long! His pulse is incredibly weak!” Faint sounds reached me. Like a camel passing through the eye of a needle, my faint consciousness slowly drifted somewhere. It felt as if it might sever at any moment. “Kang Gongja?!” “Quick, call a physician!!!” “Yes! Understood!” “Gongja! You mustn’t leave us! Uhuhh. Uhuhh!” A voice echoed the sound of tears. It was a voice I was happy to hear yet wished wouldn’t cry. “I’ll never forgive myself!” “I’m going to marry Gongja no matter what! You can’t make me a widow! Please! You can’t!” "I have no intention of having Hyangae vow chastity. What on earth was I thinking just now? A spark flickered through my mind momentarily. "Ugh!" "K-Kang Gongja?!" "Where am I?" I opened my eyes, greeted by a hazy world. My vision was unfocused, and my ears felt blocked. "Gongja! Are you conscious?" "Who?" A hastily urgent voice echoed in my head. The blurred silhouette before me prompted a question. "…Yes?" A stunned voice responded, filled with disbelief. "Could it be amnesia?!" "What?!" "It was written in the ancient texts! There are cases where those who return from the divine realm lose their memory!" "T-that's unthinkable!" Stop shouting, everyone. My head is throbbing. I squeezed my eyes shut and grimaced. My body still doesn't feel like it's mine. My consciousness, connected somewhere, slowly integrates into my mind. "Fetch the herbalist!" "Yes! I'll prepare a clarity potion immediately!" "K-Kang Gongja! Do you truly not recognize me? The woman you love the most! Your first wife, Jegal Hyang!" "H-Hyang…?" "My lady?" Why did the room suddenly go cold? "Uh?! Was I too presumptuous?" Gradually, my vision began to clear. My once-floating consciousness slowly grounded itself. I turned to the woman who was at the center of everyone’s attention, a slight smile playing on her lips. "You did say you’d marry, didn’t you…?" "Ack! I meant we would soon be married and that I'd be your first wife! …Ack!" I reached out and gently pinched her endearing cheek. Her soft cheeks never ceased to be lovable. As my vision sharpened, her tear-stained face came into clear view. "Hyangae, sneaking in those desires isn’t fair." "Gongja?" Hyangae called me, clearly flustered, as I held onto her cheeks. "Did you… did you really regain your senses?" The consciousness, once trapped and compressed in that otherworldly place, finally settled within me. I felt as though I was donning the clothes of my corporeal form once again. Amidst the astonished and bewildered gazes, I spread my arms wide toward Hyangae, who seemed on the verge of tears again. "I’m home, Hyangae." "Kang Gongjaaa!" Truly, the feeling of being enveloped in an embrace is far better than any dream. ---- "You must take complete rest. Don’t even think about leaving your room." Though I had returned, an extended stay in the other realm had undeniably taken its toll on my body, and I was instructed to remain confined in near-quarantine, in complete rest for several days. "It's bitter. So bitter." Though they called it medicine, I couldn't help but think perhaps I should request something sweet. Why did it feel as if I was being force-fed childhood powdered medicine? "Good medicine usually tastes bitter. This has been specially prepared by the Jegal clan, so don't waste a drop." "Gilsan?" Startled by the unexpected visit, I spoke. "Still alive, I see." Gilsan remarked as he observed me with an almost bewildered expression. "Didn’t you know this room is off-limits to anyone but the herbalist?" "If I leave, everyone asks about your well-being with every step I take. Can’t I have a moment of peace?" "That sounds bothersome." As I chuckled at his plight, Gilsan looked at me intently, then spoke, his face turning sheepish. "…Welcome back." "You fool. Making me blush." It felt as if a dead man had come back to life. Goosebumps adorned my skin as I rubbed my arms vigorously. "Imagining the greatest investment of my life coming to ruin was a worry. That’s why you shouldn't gamble everything, not even in risky ventures." "Spouting nonsense, as always." We exchanged looks of exasperation, and it wasn’t long before we both burst into laughter. "Heh heh." "By the way, where’s Hyangae?" I inquired about Lady Jegal, whom I hadn’t seen in days. "Hyangae?" "Oh! I meant Lady Jegal?" Right, Gilsan. I see he hasn’t caught up with the changes in names yet. "You rogue. Something significant happened in there." "Well, you know…" While I pondered whether to land a punch on Gilsan for his sly grin and smirk, he chuckled and continued speaking. "She’s somewhat worn-out. She maintained a vigil with neither food nor rest until you awoke. Think her body could handle it? Just like you, she’s on strict bed rest, consuming medicinal herbs." "Now it makes sense why everyone was evasive when I asked. But she’s alright, right?" Surprised by her fasting vigil, I asked again. "Would you like me to serve as a bridge between you? Kang Yun Ho can’t seem to forget Hyangae and spends tearful nights longing for her?" "No need. As long as she’s not in dire straits." Judging by Gilsan’s expression, I was reassured. It seemed all was well. "Once you're up and about, go see her. I’m sure Hyangi will come along when the time is right…" "Ahem!!!" An awkward cough echoed from outside the door. “Seems like we have a visitor." "The herbalist already visited. Is it a servant? Open the door and see." "What a bother… …Whoa!" As Gilsan opened the door, we were momentarily taken aback. "Could you give us a moment alone?" A visitor had come to my room. "Father-in-law?" It was the clan head.