Chapter 38 Tang Soran (4) - Martial Arts Masochist

"Just think of it as an experience." His fists tremble. Even though his insignificant fists are powerless, they too tremble in sorrow. So, this is what it's like to succumb to violence. He babbles away, making selfish decisions, and there's nothing I can do. It's just this miserable feeling of being helplessly victimized. I am a sadist, so why should I experience the feelings of a masochist? "...Hmm." Perhaps satisfied with just that, Tang So Ran bit her lip, deepening her contemplation. Cheong Wol continued, "I can tell you for certain that it will be different from what you think. And, I will be with you as well." "Why?" "Because it could be dangerous." "You think I might be in danger?" Tang So Ran let out a short laugh in disbelief. "...Young Master Seo Jin doesn't seem all that dangerous, though?" "I'm not referring to you, but the leader could find himself in danger." ...Not wrong. If he insults her, Tang So Ran might explode. Is this how someone you know behaves? ...But honestly, you're more of a threat than Tang So Ran. Tang So Ran tilted her head. "...I can't understand. What exactly are you planning to do that would cause such..." "If it makes you uncomfortable, you can withdraw." "..." Cheong Wol had somehow ended up speaking on my behalf in front of me. Meanwhile, I was still trembling behind her. Cheong Wol, if you don't understand the SM vibe, just leave. Does this even make sense? My deep, private inclinations feel exposed before these martial artists, subject to ridicule. You think this is just a game where you tell me to do it, and I say 'Oh, yes,' and comply? Who are you to dictate whom I should or shouldn't engage with in SM terms! Just because I'm a sadist doesn't mean I'd like any masochist that comes along. That's a huge oversight. People don't like just anyone, and similarly, just because I'm a sadist doesn't mean I like every masochist. Of course, meeting a masochist feels like a miracle. Especially in this martial world where you can't afford to be picky. But you guys are too dangerous! I dislike martial artists! They are people I can't completely dominate! It's all just pretending to dominate! While SM is indeed a scenario game to some extent, you all are entirely make-believe...! What use is rope that would tear like paper in a little bet? By those standards, Cheong Wol and Tang So Ran are both out. In terms of appearance, they couldn't be more miraculous, but the flaws that destroy their beauty are too significant. A masochist who can actually kill me? I'd rather die. Moreover, Tang So Ran isn't even a masochist, so what SM are you talking about! Do you think everyone is a pervert like Cheong Wol! This is enough to drive me insane. Both are downright terrifying. Although it's clear I'm in over my head, Cheong Wol is carelessly forging ahead. Looking back, Cheong Wol was the root of all these issues. ...And yet. Though now isn't the time for such thoughts... I hold little respect for sadists handling multiple masochists in SM. Everyone's ideals may vary. However, I believe the essence of SM lies in its earnestness. Forcing humiliating acts on each other, showing humiliating sides based on profound trust. The acts of force and surrender. Dominate and be dominated. Thus, shouldn't those true emotions be shown to only one person? Surely, with more sincerity like a monogamous relationship than a harem. Of course, it's not like that with Cheong Wol right now, but even with that structure, my inner SM ethics shake their head. Tang So Ran scanned me up and down as if intrigued by the talk of risky actions. "...I'm curious. What exactly do you do that makes Cheong Wol act like this?" ...But the one in danger isn't you. It's me. I couldn't keep quiet anymore. I chose to object, for now. "Uh... I never agreed to anything—" -Crunch. Cheong Wol suddenly clung to me. She caught my shoulder and lowered it. She whispered into my ear. "...Leader, just agree to do it once." "...Pardon?" Is this masochist girl giving orders to a sadist? Has she lost it? "What does that even..." "You can't escape without doing it at least once. That's just how Senior Tang is." Cheong Wol presented me with a fundamental truth. Her words left me lost for words. "...I understand the desperation... She won't just give up." "..." "So... So just..." Cheong Wol's eyes glinted dangerously. She spoke. "...Let's humiliate her greatly and chase her away." "Pardon?" "Let's just... humiliate her so she can't come back." It took ages to process her words. I gazed at Cheong Wol blankly. "..." "..." ...I genuinely wanted to hit her. You think this is easy. She's got martial skills, backing, and fame. You can survive after handling such resentment, but I could die from one of Tang So Ran's poison needles. What do you mean, 'humiliate her greatly so she can't come back'? If she reports to her dad, I'll meet a horrendous fate. You expect someone to survive leaving such trauma on a corporate heiress? In this martial world where fists rule over law? Crazy? "..." I felt the trap closing in, unable to escape this situation. I blinked, coming to my senses with Cheong Wol and Tang So Ran standing before me. The notable supporting characters of this story. Those I had attempted to avoid entangling with. They were pressing in on me. ...Am I the only one not wanting to do this here? I wanted to clarify the truth. SM offers no real help against internal demons. There's simply no connection. But the moment those words leave my mouth, Cheong Wol will undoubtedly flip and question, 'Then what about everything up till now?' While I stood with a face like I'd bitten into something bitter, Tang So Ran took a deep breath and stepped back. "Alright. Young Master, go ahead as you wish." "...What?" "Forget about dealing with internal demons, is that correct? Okay. I'll take your word for it." ...Suddenly? Even so, it was an irresistible temptation. "...Really?" "Yes." Tang So Ran then flashed a bright smile. "Just keep one thing in mind. If Cheong Wol's reason for being here isn't about managing inner demons... this would be a secret rendezvous, wouldn't it?" "...Excuse me?" "The noble Millennium Flower of the Emei Sect having a clandestine meeting with a man... There might be repercussions not just in the central plains but also within the Emei Sect." "Tang Senior...! It's not like that..." "..." I blinked. ...Did she just threaten me? Isn't she supposed to be the protagonist's ally? I was at a loss for words. Never in a million years did I expect Tang So Ran to use such threats. She never showed this side in the original story, after all. Suddenly, I recalled something Gwak Doo had murmured when the match concluded. 'Tsk. Tang So Ran's worries me. Hopefully, her inner demon doesn't worsen.' ...Is this what that was all about? I knew Tang So Ran had been silently battling her inner demons for quite some time. I had heard bits and pieces from the Beggars' Sect members. She would likely struggle for much longer. Eventually, even during the eruption of the Demon Sect and the ensuing chaos in the central plains, Tang So Ran would emerge as one of the protagonist's steadfast allies on the front lines. No matter what, she'd conquer her own demons. "..." ...Or had she merely concealed them instead of conquering them? Regardless, the fact remains: she suppressed her demonic impulses to become an ally of the hero. Until Cheong Wol meets her end, Tang So Ran is instrumental in many feats. The Sichuan Tang Clan might not shine in single combats, but in wars, they certainly unleash their power, don't they? She would send thousands of zealots to hell, at the very least. ...And yet, Tang So Ran threatens me now? To suggest Cheong Wol's interference tipped the balance of the match isn't entirely wrong. I may have unintentionally caused Tang So Ran's defeat. If she spirals out of control and breaks down as a result? If she becomes a nemesis instead of an ally to the hero? What if her spiteful poison is aimed at the main characters...? ...Am I doomed? Choosing not to become a martial artist and leading a lowly life wasn't just about avoiding the strenuous life of a swordsman, risking my life... ...But I also knew that, ultimately, this bleak world had a happy ending. Left untouched, the narrative claims its arc naturally. Why, then, would I interfere... ...Yet, what if my interference caused it to unravel? If Tang So Ran fails to become the protagonist's ally... or worse, joins the Demon Sect, ruining the ending I was satisfied with? If it turns into a bad ending? My small lie about the basement SM gear being tools for handling her inner demons led to Tang So Ran's defeat in the competition. As her issue with her inner demons worsens, what fate awaits this world? "...Sigh." Internally, I cursed countless times. Damn that Cheong Wol! I told her not to come here!! Sensing perhaps my anger, even Cheong Wol averted her eyes for the first time. I covered my face while gazing at the ceiling. The gravity of the situation pressed heavily on my shoulders. I couldn't just blame Cheong Wol. The real issue was the anomaly of my presence in this world. The chance that I might have derailed a happy ending filled me with guilt. Yet I couldn't help but still feel aggravated at Cheong Wol. I told you not to partake in that match! It took me ages to find the words, but eventually, I spoke up. I couldn't keep dodging forever. "...So, Ms. Tang... This method... it might not work at all. Cheong Wol succeeded only because it was her." "No one knows if I can or can't, though." ...You can't possibly be a masochist... I swallowed the words. How would the eldest daughter of the Sichuan Tang Clan be a masochist? Showered with love by her parents, respected by her siblings, acknowledged by her entourage—there's no way you are one... "Young Master Han Seo Jin." Tang So Ran suddenly hardened her tone. "Having found a semblance of a way for resolving my inner demons, I cannot forsake it now. When something you longed for infinitely is within reach, can you truly let it slip away?" "..." "I can become vile... I am, in fact, already hideous. I do not want you, Young Master, to behold such a repugnant side of me." ...So, she's threatening me, right? Just like before. "And remember this one thing. I may have grown up with plenty, but when I desire something, I make sure it becomes mine." I had no choice but to respond. "...Two days." Cheong Wol and Tang So Ran's expressions shifted in their own ways. I whispered in resignation. "Give me two days..." Those two days were meant to find a method that might satisfy Tang So Ran.