381 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

EP.381 Two Moons - 10 As soon as the martial artists of the Demonic Cult entered the mansion, they were met by a fog so dense it was impossible to see even an inch ahead. Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei Province, through which the Yangtze River flows. The morning fog is an everyday occurrence, but fog in the middle of the day? And the weather was clear when we entered the mansion. Even when they tried to stir the air with their hands, the fog refused to disperse. Though they knew someone was beside them, they couldn't see a thing. While the martial artists of the Demonic Cult were all bewildered, someone managed to think of the cause of the fog. “An array! Damn it! It's the formation array of the Zhuge Noble Clan!” It was only then the martial artists realized that the youngest daughter of the Zhuge Noble Clan, whom they had deemed negligible, had put them in a bind. “We've been trapped…! Gah!” The sound of a martial artist's throat being pierced rang so sharply that it seemed to tear at everyone's eardrums. “Damn it! The warriors of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild are ambushing us within the array!” “Escape! Retreat and regroup outside!” “I can't see the exit! It should be right behind me!” “I jumped over the wall but suddenly there's no wall behind!” It felt as if they had stepped into another realm after just one step inside. Voices filled with panic erupted from the martial artists all around. “We're already inside the array! Once you're in, you can't escape unless you find the life-gate or destroy the conjurers or the conjuring tools.” Fleeing wasn't an option; calmly advancing was the only path to survival. Of course, even if they kept their wits about them, whether they could break through an array crafted by the direct line of the Zhuge Noble Clan was uncertain. “You idiots, scared of mere fog... Gah!” Another martial artist from the Demonic Cult met his end. “Gather where you hear my voice! If you scatter, you're done for! Damn it! Is the fog swallowing our voices too?” A martial artist shouted to give orders, but his voice was hollow, dispersed into nothingness. The Great Mist Conjuring Array is not merely an array that emits fog. The water mist blocks vision and suppresses the sense of smell. As the fog thickens, it begins to stifle even sound. The stronger the array, the more it absorbs the presence of objects, gradually blocking the enemy's five senses. “Damn! I can't sense any presence at all!” A martial artist of the Demonic Cult twisted his body desperately to avoid a sword lunging at him from close range. “No chance!” The enemy had made a massive move. Even if trapped within an array, did they really think this would be impossible to dodge? Using the rebound in his waist, the martial artist thrust his sword with full force at where the enemy's neck should be. “Gah!” “I got one… What the! Why are you here?” Before the martial artist's eyes, the corpse clutching its neck was unmistakably that of a fellow Demonic Cult member. Why was the one aiming for his neck someone from the same side? The martial artist couldn't comprehend what was happening. “Weren't they supposed to be from the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild? Could it be that we can't even distinguish friend from foe in this array?!” What on earth was going on? Was this an array designed to make those trapped fight amongst themselves? A place of death. It was only then that the martial artist realized there was little hope of returning alive. “Damn you, Zhuge Noble Clan! Gah!” The dying cry of the martial artist, who had barely maintained his sanity, rang out for a brief moment. Many martial artists of the Demonic Cult tried to resist desperately, but the array cast by the direct line of the Zhuge Noble Clan had only just begun. ** “So this is the Zhuge De Lok(萬象起然混霧陣). It's incredible.” Is it the Great Mist Conjuring Array? It's fitting for the Zhuge Noble Clan, who stand out in beating people senseless. “I prepared as best as I could on your suggestion, but it's more impressive than I thought.” “I didn't expect the might of the Zhuge Noble Clan’s array to be this potent either.” I listened to the dying cries growing fainter and nodded in the living room. Setting up an array within the mansion had been a long-planned task. The Demonic Cult might, at some point, indiscriminately aim for the mansion. Since revealing Im Ha-yeon's identity to Lady Zhuge, preparations had been ongoing slowly, and when there were ten days left until the inauguration ceremony, the pace of array installation ramped up. I expected it to at least aid the warriors of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild, but to think it could lead them to self-destruction on their own. Astonished, I looked at Zhuge Xiang. “Fufu. Young Lord Kang gave us plenty of time.” Lady Zhuge seemed to be in even better spirits, waving a fan from god-knows-where at our amazed expressions. “Are all members of the Zhuge Noble Clan this capable?” As expected of the Zhuge Noble Clan, they must all be masters of arrays. “Ah, that’s, um… My mother would strike me if I just lazed around, you see. Had to pretend to be doing something worthwhile.” Lady Zhuge fidgeted with embarrassment as she spoke. “Aha. It seems you diligently honed your skills following your mother’s words.” I've never met her in person, but I could picture mothers who would scold their children for grinning at their computers. "Oh you, hopeless child," they'd say. Lady Zhuge must have been the kind of daughter who would begrudgingly excel if threatened to have her computer privileges revoked until the end-of-month grades were released. “You see, I also wish to read novels and draw, but there just isn't enough time to do both. Once an array is set up, you don’t really know what's happening inside.” Did she master it to optimize her stealth? “Haha. But you must have taken the learning very seriously.” “Eventually, even my mother caught on, which became a hassle. Still, knowing I only needed to avoid detection pushed me to try harder.” How to hobby in the Zhuge Noble Clan: Master your array skills to a level where even the clan members won't notice it. This level of passion is remarkable. It's like listening to a valedictorian explaining how to master both the latest anime and series from 30 years ago while still completing all studies. “We've taken care of everything. Most of those keeping watch outside have been handled. Please step outside.” While we leisurely chatted inside, the head of security informed us of the end of the assault. ------------------- The fog had cleared before I realized it. **Translation Notes:** 1. "도문" has been translated as "Demonic Cult," which seems fitting given the martial context and antagonistic undertone. 2. "만상기연혼무진(萬象起然混霧陣)" has been translated as "Great Mist Conjuring Array," focusing on the mysterious and obstructive nature of the fog-based array. 3. Rather than literal translations, some phrases aimed to depict the natural flow and precise nature of martial arts strategies and reactions within the context of the text. 4. The term “부채” translates to “fan,” which is a literal translation describing the item Zhuge Xiang is using. 5. The martial artist's continued reference to their physical and strategic experiences helped maintain the tone and vitality in the narrative flow. 6. Various character emotions and situational strategies were emphasized to retain the novel’s essence and dramatism. Once all the intruders had been dealt with, the fog cleared away. As I stepped into the inner courtyard, the guards were dragging the bodies of the fallen outside to the outer courtyard. “Well done, everyone.” “Just imagine, they dared to attack a mansion guarded by the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild. It seems those from the Cult of Demonic Lore have overstepped their bounds.” “They must've been bitter about the incident with the Green-Blue Escort Agency.” I said this while grinding my foot over a piece of green hair on the floor of the inner courtyard. There's no way I could reveal the truth about the involvement with the Shadowless Divine Thief and the Hao Clan. To those from the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild, I explained it as I had once told the guild leader, that it was out of lingering resentment from the Green-Blue Escort Agency. Luckily, it seems the Demonic Cult also believed they could tie their involvement to the Green-Blue Escort Agency and had prepared the hair. “It's no wonder that the constables exercise caution when they involve themselves with martial artists.” “I feel heavy-hearted knowing some got hurt because of me.” I let out a low sigh and bowed my head toward the martial artists dragging away the bodies of the assailants. “Hahaha! We have only done our duty. But Young Master Kang, no, Constable Kang, you've resolved matters that no one dared to step into. You're truly doing the right thing.” A constable doesn't wield significant power. Nor do they hold high offices. They’re merely frontline officers engaged in fighting crime. Who would willingly involve themselves with martial artists, risking their neck on a meager salary? It’s much easier to extort petty cash from innocent merchants. The reason my name circulates in Wuhan is because I've actively engaged and resolved incidents involving martial artists, which is unusual for a mere constable. “I’ve only done what needed to be done.” “There’s quite a buzz about Constable Kang in Wuhan these days. In this world, doing what's right can often attract envy and jealousy. Don't let it weigh too heavily on you.” Looking around, the martial artists of the Ten Thousand Gold Merchant Guild were bowing their heads to me instead. “Thank you for saying that.” I greeted the head of security as I looked around, hearing the loud slam of the outer courtyard door. “Let me go, let me go!” “We caught him trying to flee!” Two guards had brought in someone who looked like they were from the Demonic Cult. The face seemed familiar. “It’s a face I remember.” Ah, I recalled. He was one of the men behind the leader of the Demonic Cult’s branch. “Kang Yunho! You dare trap us like this!” “Have you ever seen anyone blame the fire when a moth leaps into it?” “Because of you, our plan…!” If a plan keeps failing, maybe it's time to cut your losses. Continuing to raise the stakes with hopes for a win is the surest path to ruin. “If you've got any insane next steps, it'd be nice to know. All that left is running away, is it?” “Gah! Just kill me then!” The officer from the Demonic Cult clenched his jaw and turned his head away, as if he had nothing more to say. “Not quite the dramatic line I expected from a scruffy-bearded fellow.” Even if a noble knight, undefeated until now, had said it, I'd barely have considered it. “Since it’s a martial world matter, we’ll handle it.” I thought about interrogating the officer from the Demonic Cult directly but gave up the idea, nodding in agreement. I’m not an expert in interrogation techniques and lack the time to forcibly extract information from someone unwilling to speak. Watching the setting sun, I spoke. “The sun will set soon.” The sun was already hanging low in the western sky. “Yes, it's almost time.” Dusk would soon settle and night would come. The ceremony to appoint the leader of the Jianghu Alliance we have been eagerly anticipating will soon unfold. As one of the elders, I too must head to the agreed location. Miss Ha-yeon, who has been feeling reminiscent about today’s sun, also watched the western sky, murmuring the same thought. “Miss Zhuge.” I turned to Lady Zhuge, who was gazing at the western sky following our gazes. “Yes?” “I think it might be best if you return to the mansion of the Guild Leader for now.” “What? Why?” I understand why Lady Zhuge's surprised. It must sound like I’m suggesting she back out at the last minute. But that’s not what I mean. “Mansion is a mess now, and we don’t know what might happen while we’re away.” I gestured to the bloodstained inner courtyard as I spoke. Once Miss Ha-yeon is installed as the leader of the Jianghu Alliance, everything will be settled. Now, it’s time to eliminate all potential variables and secure our victory. The cornered leader of the Demonic Cult might go to insane lengths, like taking Zhuge Xiang as a hostage. We have to prepare for any unlikely scenarios. “...You will come back, right?” Lady Zhuge spoke with a trembling voice. “Of course. After today, we’ll just return to our daily lives.” “...” Lady Zhuge neither replied to my words nor nodded. She only looked back and forth between Miss Ha-yeon and me with trembling eyes. Does she have something to say? Lady Zhuge opened her mouth a few times but eventually hung her head in dejection, her shoulders dropping. “Hmm?” What is it? Miss Ha-yeon suddenly tugged my ear and leaned in to whisper. “Won’t you stop being so dense? Lady Zhuge is anxious.” Anxious? Why? I looked at Lady Zhuge, whose head was bowed. She looked like a puppy worried about being abandoned by its owner. Aha. “We’ve been cohabiting mainly to protect Miss Ha-yeon.” Initially, Lady Zhuge probably didn’t know, but now she understands the reason. Once today is over, Miss Ha-yeon’s issues will be resolved. There won’t be a reason for us to live together anymore. Suggesting Lady Zhuge return to the mansion, in essence, could sound like declaring the end of our cohabitation. “I’ve said I’ll be responsible, but I’ve only been paying attention to Miss Ha-yeon.” I'll bet she probably felt somewhat isolated. Perhaps she thought I might ignore her once this ordeal is over. Whatever the case, I see why she might be anxious. “Lady Zhuge.” How could I alleviate Lady Zhuge’s anxiety? After a brief moment of contemplation, I approached her. “Huh? Wha—K-K-K-Kang Young Master?!” I could hear Lady Zhuge’s startled voice ringing in my ears. It was understandable—after all, I had embraced her warmly. “Lady Zhuge.” I called her once more, infusing my voice with affection. “Ha-aaah.” I could hear the pounding of Lady Zhuge’s heart. “When I return, let's go out together. We can leisurely talk about novels.” I whispered gently into her ear as I held her dearly in my embrace. “Re-Re-Really?” She must have been truly anxious. I could feel her trembling nerves against my chest. I stroked the back of her head, cherishing her close. The scent of hydrangeas wafted gently through her delicate form. Holding her too tightly might just make her crumble. “Yes. I’ll return safely.” Though my heart wished to hold her longer, it took a superhuman amount of restraint to let go. “Yes, veeeery well. Take care, pleeease.” “I’ll leave Lady Zhuge in your care. I need to attend to constable duties.” I glanced at the head of security, signaling my request to take care of things behind me. “Ahem. Understood.” Did I display too much affection? The martial artists, who had been watching, seemed to have that resigned, bittersweet look. “Hehehehe.” “Miss Ha-yeon. It’s time to move. Miss Ha-yeon?” I addressed Miss Ha-yeon, leaving behind a slightly dizzy Lady Zhuge. “.......” Why do you look so pouty now? “If we don’t want to be late for the meeting, we should go now.” “Y-Yes, let’s go!” Miss Ha-yeon, snapping back to reality, nodded and turned her body around. “Let's hurry.” The sun, as if celebrating our success in thwarting the Demonic Cult’s attempts, hurried its descent toward the west. The night we had long awaited was finally upon us. **Translation Notes:** 1. **녹청표국 (Green-Blue Escort Agency):** The "Green-Blue Escort Agency" serves as the name of a martial escort service previously wronged or involved in conflicts with other martial factions. 2. **하연 소저 (Miss Ha-yeon):** Her impending role as the new leader of the Jianghu Alliance signifies the conclusion of the main conflict, thus suggesting the end of cohabitation with Lady Zhuge. 3. **Feelings of Isolation/Anxiety:** The exploration of Zhuge Xiang's anxiety reflects her emotional investment in her relationships and shared living situations post-conflict. The original text's emotional depth is maintained by focusing on the personal interactions and subtle social dynamics between characters. The translation ensures that the narrative's delicate interpersonal layers and character development remain intact.