380 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

### EP.380 Two Moons - Chapter 9 "It has been a while." It was an unbearably long night. Escaping pursuit and finally reaching the mansion felt more welcoming than when one returned to the barracks after an arduous military march. "You!" "Y-Young Master Kang!" As I opened the living room door, there stood Miss Ha-yeon and Miss Zhuge waiting with worry etched on their faces. Shouldn't they be resting due to fatigue? Knowing that someone was waiting anxiously for me all night made the hardships seem more bearable. "Ouch!" It seemed the tension was finally releasing. Now that I was home, the wounds from a day of chase began to genuinely throb for the first time today. "Are you hurt?!" Clutching my wounds and bending over, Miss Ha-yeon rushed towards me in a heart-beat. "Young Master Kang is injured? What do we do?! Should I bring a physician?" Miss Zhuge approached me with a flustered expression, not knowing what to do. "I'm alright. Just some scratches, urgh!" The pain was worse than I expected. “Don’t pretend you’re okay, quickly, show me where you’re hurt!” "Miss Ha-yeon, if you get agitated too..." "How can I not be agitated when you're injured!" Tears welled up in Miss Ha-yeon's eyes as she stared at me. "Alright. Calm down." Their anxious reactions made the pain sharper somehow. Remaining calm, I took off my upper garments to assess the wounds. Thankfully, my muscles and bones were unscathed. The cuts and scrapes resulted mainly from being slashed by a sword and tumbling around. While blood oozed slightly from minor injuries, there was nothing life-threatening. "Ah! Young Master Kang, you're bleeding! I'll get the hemostatic powder!" "I'll fetch the bandages and some strong liquor!" To the casual observer, it might seem as though a person critical of crossing the threshold lay before them. Miss Ha-yeon and Miss Zhuge worked with seamless precision like seasoned emergency room doctors, laying out medical supplies before me almost instantly. "I'm not severely hurt, but…." A single word more from me and those two ladies might just seal my mouth with bandages. Fine, since I'm actually injured, there's no harm in receiving some care while we talk. --- "Luckily, there truly aren't any major injuries. So, what exactly happened?" Miss Ha-yeon, having tightly bandaged the last of the wounds, seemed finally relieved as she asked. "It's a partial success. The leader of Dumen was alerted a bit late." From deceiving the leader of Dumen, the drinking banquet, and the subsequent chase, I briefly explained the current situation. "Is there an internal conflict?" "Dumen has launched a surprise attack on Gimen. Though the situation won't escalate during daylight, one could consider it an internal strife." "If that's the case…." If an internal conflict erupts, the ceremony to endorse the leader of Tumun won't happen. Too scared to even ask, Miss Ha-yeon stared at me anxiously. I shook my head and smiled to reassure her. "The ceremony will proceed as planned. I've secured a promise from Tumun." Even if it's only a partial success, a success is a success. The fact that the two of us are safely here serves as proof. "Then now!" "It's no time to let our guard down. Dumen will make one last desperate move." Victory isn't guaranteed yet. I stated my certainty. "Knowing who's guarding the mansion and who's present, do you really think they'd attempt something so reckless?" Exactly. Having returned to the mansion means we've gained the upper hand. Who in their right mind would dare disturb a place fortified by the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild and where the youngest daughter of the Zhuge Noble Clan resides? Unless they're insane. "About the leader of Dumen. Observing him during the meeting, I got a sense of what kind of person he is." “What kind of person?” At the mention of someone who had persistently troubled her, Miss Ha-yeon listened intently, wearing a serious expression. "He’s a man driven to his limits. To him, life is a gamble. When he tested me, his eyes gleamed with madness, yet he seemed completely uninterested during the drinking session. Seeing his lifeless face gave me a revelation." Gimen's leader had put on a show so captivating that even I was momentarily mesmerized. Yet here was a man marinated in gambling right before my eyes. "There are gamblers who live with dead expressions but come alive during gambling." Given her background with Hao Clan, Miss Ha-yeon understood well. Makes it easier to explain. "People whose lives are consumed by gambling share common traits." "Common traits?" "They can’t stop mid-way even if they fall to rock bottom. They can never leave before the moment the winner and loser are decided." Once addicted to gambling, their brains lose the brake. "They lost just because they ran out of stakes. They'll risk everything to win one last time. If they lose their money, they'll sell their possessions. And if they lose those, they'll borrow money." Gambling addicts who'd rather risk themselves than walk away recognizing their losses. Dumen's leader was one of their kind. "Once you hold your ground in the mansion, the ceremony will proceed at sunset." Victory is within sight. Once Im Ha-yeon becomes the leader of Tumun, everything the leader of Dumen has worked on for over a decade will crumble. No matter how hard they struggle, the leader of Dumen will never become the leader of Hao Clan, and the alliance formed for the ceremony will disband. "The leader of Dumen has two options originally: lose everything and save their life, or risk everything for what they want." The leader of Dumen can still find a way to live. They could abandon all their lifelong efforts and ambitions, admit defeat, and walk away. "Most would choose the former." "But a gambler sees only the latter." To a gambler, quitting midway is the same as losing. To a lunatic whose life is a gamble, only one path remains. “They’ll make a reckless move.” Miss Ha-yeon said with a meaningful look at me. “As expected.” I returned the same look to Miss Ha-yeon. "It’s time." Miss Zhuge extended her hand, and we clasped hands together. Though we didn't achieve the best outcome, we avoided the worst and made it here in the end. --- **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Dumen(도문)**: Translated as "Dumen," this appears to be a faction or group involved in an internal conflict against Gimen. Literal translation for 도문 itself is not straightforward, so continuity and character immersion have been emphasized. 2. **Gimen(기문)**: Initially mentioned as being attacked by Dumen, suggesting it's another faction in this turmoil. Continuity is used for the name in translation; literal translation could be innovative but might disrupt narrative flow. 3. **Tumun(투문)**: It appears to be a subgroup associated with a specific dynamic, possibly a leadership or administrative division. I’ve kept it as "Tumun" to preserve continuity and character immersion. 4. **Hao Clan(하오문)**: Translated as "Hao Clan," with "Hao" emphasizing cultural and linguistic linkage to Chinese martial arts traditions. Literal translation could change it to something potentially confusing like "Grand Gate." 5. **Im Ha-yeon(임하연)**: She's the character aspiring to lead Tumun. Gender specified by "she" is based on the text. **Character Context:** - **Miss Ha-yeon and Miss Zhuge**: Their concerns about Kang Yunho's injuries and emotional responses align well with nuanced personal dynamics in the story—offering care while intertwined with the complexities of his mission. Miss Zhuge's precise actions, background knowledge, and her role suggest a strategic ally. ### For Today, Each Preparation Was Made with Precision “With the tide turning in our favor, let us execute our plans without any wavering.” It's time to witness the desperate thrashing of a madman sensing his own defeat. ** "Is it confirmed that the Shadowless Divine Thief is at the mansion?" A group of martial artists pointed towards the mansion visible from afar inside a secluded building. "The dying courtesans all said the same thing, so it must be true." A Dumen executive spread out a map of the mansion, of questionable origin. "It seems like a poor deal. We're to attack the mansion of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild?" "We've come this far. Don't think you’ll just get off by returning your advance payment." A chilling murderous intent swirled around the room for a moment. "Cut the jokes. If the job is well done, the reward will be well paid, right?" "When has our lord ever fallen short on payments?" "Haha, that’s true." The martial artist nodded, then looked around at his fellow warriors. The so-called righteous ones might think the heretical sects lack loyalty, but the truth is, their loyalties just lie elsewhere. With enough risk-worthy reward, even those of the so-called righteous sects would show loyalty while trembling in their boots, on the verge of fleeing. "Everyone gather around. I'll give you the final briefing." "Even without making it so grandiose, with this force, we could haul the neck of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild’s lord, not just capture a thief woman." Another martial artist joked, but it wasn't entirely untrue. Given the gravity of the situation with the Dumen, they had brought a significant force. It wasn't a full-scale war between factions, maybe, but this wasn't a force likely to fail in a surprise attack. The executive from the Dumen nodded slightly in agreement and continued speaking. “Priority number one is capturing the Shadowless Divine Thief. The second priority is the barbarian. Deal with anyone who obstructs us.” Securing both the daughter of the Shadowless Divine Thief and the barbarian would allow them to sufficiently intimidate the leader of Tumun. “What about the youngest daughter of the Zhuge Noble Clan?” “Just subdue her. As long as she isn't harmed, the Zhuge Noble Clan won't involve themselves deeply in this matter.” “Well, that’s a hassle.” "After handing over the targets to the lord, we’ll disappear. Whether we flee to the southern province or go abroad, it’s up to you. Just don’t get caught." "Are you trying to deny involvement after it's done?" "We've brought some green-haired men. They’re scapegoats for the Green and Blue Guard incident." The remnants of the Green and Blue Guard harbored a grudge, leading them to kidnap Kang Yunho and his lover. Even if Kang Yunho had a relationship with the Zhuge Noble Clan's daughter, they were not officially engaged. The Zhuge Noble Clan might find it tricky to get involved in the affairs of the heretical sects, provided their youngest daughter remains unharmed. Any vicious beasts would have already left Hubei Province, leaving nothing but manufactured evidence behind. The Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild's leader might go on a rampage after believing his granddaughter's words, but the Dumen leader, having become a lord, could easily project innocence. This was a plan painstakingly devised by the Dumen executive under the lord’s orders. "The Dumen leader is envious. Even after barking orders like a dog, he has subordinates cleaning up after him like humans." “That’s not something for you to worry about.” How dare someone insult the Dumen leader. As the executive furrowed his brows, the martial artist raised both hands apologetically. “What of the mansion’s defense?” “The barbarian's specialty is escaping, and the Zhuge Noble Clan's daughter’s combat ability is negligible. Though the Lord of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild seemed to have meticulously assigned guards for his granddaughter’s protection, they can’t handle this force.” To ensure success today, every martial force of the Dumen in Hubei was summoned. The Lord of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild could be of concern, but a single mansion, housing a mere barbarian, could surely be breached. "What about the Shadowless Divine Thief?" "He’s of considerable caliber. To avoid injury, deal with the rest and then subdue him together. Any questions?" Amidst the executive's question, a heavy tension descended as silence briefly prevailed. “…….” “Move out.” The Dumen warriors nodded, reversing their masks over their faces. -------------- “Intruders!” As the sun settled at an angle, hiding briefly behind the clouds, a group of masked figures appeared at a mansion. “Breach it.” The guards at the entrance attempted to resist, but it’s impossible to fend off numerous swords with just one. "Krrk! R-retreat! Hold them at the narrow entrance!" Facing a multitude with one's back against the wall leads only to a futile death. The guards opened the mansion doors to fight from the confined entrance. “You fools! Opening the door for them! Don’t give them any chance to close it!” As soon as the guards entered the door, the intruders shot forward, preventing the door from closing. “It’s open! Breach! Everyone enter!” "Don’t let them escape. The rest will scale the walls." In an instant, dozens of invaders stormed the mansion. ‘With this number, we can incapacitate the mansion swiftly!’ There’s ten years' worth of carefree lifestyle riding on today’s success. Retire after this job. Accounting for what's saved, it's ample. With the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild in the background, what's the worst they could do if we escape to a distant land? All that’s needed is to cut down the guild's martial warriors. The Dumen warrior crossed the mansion’s door with retirement plans in mind. It would end quickly. The intruders shared the same thoughts, but they overlooked one crucial fact. "What's this?! Where did the people inside vanish to?" Inside this mansion, the most frightening entities are not the guards of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild. “What’s this fog?” It’s not Kang Yunho, hailed as the illustrious wandering martial artist of Wanan. Nor is it the infamous Shadowless Divine Thief that made all of Hubei tremble. "Something’s off around here! I can’t see the fellows that came in with us! Where is everyone?!" "C-could this be…?" The opponent they ought to fear. It was a force they never considered a threat from the start. “Hee hee hee. It’s already too lateeee.” Never grant them time. Never fight on the battlefield they prepare. In any adverse battleground, victory would be seized. The determination of the chancellor, who guarded the nation alone after the five tiger generals had fallen, was inherited by a noble clan. If they are preparing, turn back. It’s a steadfast defensive line, having withstood countless skilled fighters of heretical sects and demons of the Demonic Cult across many years. --- **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Shadowless Divine Thief(무영신투)**: Reflects a character renowned for elusiveness and stealth, aligned with martial arts themes. "Shadowless" emphasizes speed and stealth, while "Divine" gives an exalted skillful connotation. Literal translation of 무영신투 might suggest "Shadowless Divine Combatant." 2. **Dumen(도문)/Gimen(기문)**: No direct translation provided; maintaining continuity of fictional factions. Gimen not elaborated, assumed contextual alignment with factions' narrative. 3. **Wanan(무한: 武漢)**: Translating as a fictional location "Wanan," aligning with the narrative's martial setting. Wanan likely represents a city immersed in martial culture, resonating with 武, meaning martial. 4. **Chancellor(승상)**: Cast as a historical strategic figure or tactician, potentially drawing from revered scholars or strategists in Asian historical narratives. 보 purposefully used for immersion, lending a gravitas akin to esteemed chancellors. This excerpt provides an intense immersion into internal strifes, strategic maneuvers of martial arts factions, and the unexpected adversaries lying in wait to upend the attackers' expectations. ### Zhuge Noble Clan (諸葛世家) The true threat they should have feared was: "You can never escape from the Myriad Forms Rising Mist Formation (萬象起然混霧陣)." In the Zhuge Noble Clan, filled with masters of formations where once hidden they can’t be found—considered precious as treasures—the prohibited prodigy known even to the Zhuge Noble Clan members to be a genius of formations: It was Zhuge Xiang. --- **New Terms and Translations:** 1. **Myriad Forms Rising Mist Formation (萬象起然混霧陣)**: This term encapsulates a strategic formation attributed to the Zhuge Clan's expertise. "Myriad Forms" suggests a diversity and complexity of tactics, "Rising Mist" imbues it with a mysterious and concealing element, and "Formation" indicates its structural and strategic purpose. This aligns with the narrative's context of strategic maneuvering and concealment. 2. **Zhuge Xiang(제갈향)**: Within the context, Zhuge Xiang is identified as a strategic genius from the Zhuge Noble Clan, leveraging their prowess in formation techniques. Gender is specified as "She" based on context. This passage reveals Zhuge Xiang as a formidable strategic tactician within the Zhuge Noble Clan, particularly excelling in formation techniques, which plays into the narrative of strategical genius and tactical prowess feared by others.