82 - Missions, Intelligence (13) - The Heaven-Slaying Sword

he affairs on Seomseo were coming to a close. Those who sought the disturbance of Ogangak were escorted by the volcanoes and the nameless people of Jongnam. Meanwhile, the people of the cattle village, who had been struggling relentlessly for the past month, were finally finishing their work one by one and returning to their daily lives. Mok Riwon asked Dang Hwa-seo, "What will happen to them now?" "Who?" she asked. "I heard that the head of the cattle village passed away. And the woman who became his wife deceived by Yeomma." Dang Hwa-seo informed Mok Riwon of what she knew. The younger brother of the cattle village head lives in a different area of Seomseo, and when contacted, he decided to sell the cattle village and distribute the money to the servants. Also, it was said that the position of the cattle village would be managed by the Murim League for some time. After hearing all the stories, Mok Riwon widened his eyes. "That younger brother is truly remarkable. Normally, one wouldn't say they'll become the head." "That's right. He's a rare person. In the backstory, it was said that he had a good relationship with the head and had many good memories with the servants... He said he didn't want to see them sitting on the street." It was a heartwarming story, but considering the sacrifices made during the process, it was also a bittersweet tale. Mok Riwon nodded with a wry smile. "So when will we return?" "Probably within three days. There's still some work left to do here." Mok Riwon glanced at Dang Hwa-seo at that remark. After all, he knew that his sudden actions were included in that "work." "...I'm sorry." "Don't apologize. We all did it together." "Still, it started because of my stubbornness..." "Mok Sohye." Dang Hwa-seo interrupted Mok Riwon's words. Then she got up from her seat and went to Mok Riwon's side. Seeing her kneeling figure looked truly pitiful. Despite doing the right thing, it felt like her spirit had been crushed. Dang Hwa-seo chuckled at the thought that crossed her mind and embraced Mok Riwon. Then she pulled his head into her embrace. "Mok So...?" Mok Riwon's face blushed as he trembled. His body stiffened, unsure of what to do. Dang Hwa-seo chuckled and stroked the back of Mok Riwon's head. "Yes, to be honest, it's a risky thing. I'm not sure if I'll support you if there's such an incident again in the future." "Still..." "But..." Mok Riwon's eyes rolled up to meet Dang Hwa-seo's face. Dang Hwa-seo smiled warmly. "That doesn't mean I regret today's events. We ran into action for an agreement. Let's not make excuses saying it couldn't be helped." There was truly no regret. Apart from everything else, there was satisfaction in walking the path of righteousness and not justifying oneself. "This was something worth trying. And we succeeded in real life. So, just be happy now." "Sohye...!" "As I said, I'll take responsibility. As the leader." Dang Hwa-seo tapped Mok Riwon's cheek. Mok Riwon's pupils welled up with deep emotion. "Indeed, there's no one like Sohye!" Mok Riwon embraced Dang Hwa-seo tightly. Dang Hwa-seo, who was surprised by the sudden hug, soon laughed and patted Mok Riwon's back with a "pat pat." "Yes, yes, so now you have to cheer up." "Got it! I'll boost my morale!" "And one more thing, if the same thing happens again next time, I definitely won't help? I won't jump into reckless actions like the Mok-So Alliance." "Ah, I understand that too!" In the makeshift leader's room, Mok Riwon's energetic shouts and Dang Hwa-seo's laughter echoed. The two who were hugging finally parted ways much later. "Dang Siju-nim, are you there...?" The temporary leader, Ilwoon, came to report. The moment they noticed, the two hurriedly distanced themselves, but their faces were full of blushes. For Ilwoon, it was a situation worthy of a wry smile. Dang Hwa-seo couldn't say anything. When Mok Riwon faced her, she secretly enjoyed it. Today too, Dang Hwa-seo was fighting against her mischievous desires. Three days passed. The Yongbongdan, who had finished all their affairs on Seomseo, were packing up and bidding farewell. "Take care!" Those who came to see them off were none other than the people of the cattle village. Mok Riwon, standing at the front, said this to Sunwoo with a smile. Sunwoo brightened his eyes and bowed his head. "Thank you once again. Daehyeop! I will never forget this kindness!" "It's embarrassing." Mok Riwon chuckled, scratching the back of his head, making some of the young women of the cattle village sigh with admiration at his pure and handsome face. It was still a familiar reaction. Sunwoo laughed lightly and looked at the servants. Then, he asked Mok Riwon: "Will we meet again?" Having received such great favor, it was an act of gratitude that would never be forgotten in a lifetime, as mentioned earlier. But rather than just keeping the gratitude to himself, he wanted to repay this favor someday. He wanted to say proudly, "The person you saved has grown up so well." When Sunwoo looked at Mok Riwon with such expectations, Mok Riwon smiled warmly. "If fate brings us together again." The response was a famous line from "Gangho Hypertension." The expressions of the members all seemed to agree with that sentiment. However, Sunwoo, who didn't know "Gangho Hypertension," sighed in admiration. "Fate...!" He mulled over those words. In that moment, while still looking at where Yongbongdan had left, a certain feeling arose in his heart. "Mother..." "Yes?" "I have a dream." Sunwoo's mother looked at him, and seeing his bright face, burst into laughter and asked, "What is it?" "A hero." Sunwoo clenched his fists. His gaze was still fixed on where Yongbongdan had left. 'The life Daehyeop gave me. I want to use it meaningfully.' Once everything seemed to be over. He thought he would die in despair with nothing to look forward to. But that wasn't the case. There were those who offered a helping hand to a child with nothing. There were those with warmth and courage. Sunwoo thought. He wanted to be such a person too. So, he shouted, "I want to be a hero!" From that day on, the boy's dream was to become a hero. The journey back from Seomseo to Hobeokmun was delightful. While Yongbongdan was finishing their work there, rumors of their early departure spread to every city they went to, and with it, their fame rose. How could they not enjoy the rise in their reputation as nameless people? How could they not welcome the word "hero" added to their name? It was truly an enjoyable journey. Even in the Murim League they returned to, the joy seemed to deepen. "We've returned." "Yes! We've come back!" In the headquarters of the returned Yongbongdan, Mok Riwon was the first to find Yeom So So and shouted with joy. Yeom So So also laughed gleefully. "I've heard the story. You've done something great. Well done." Mok Riwon blushed and chuckled. Yeom So So extended a cup of tea to him and said, "So, are you going to tell me in detail what happened?" "Oh, that's it! From when we entered Seomseo..." Mok Riwon's chatter continued. It was so exciting that even the people listening felt uplifted. Yeom So So's smile gradually became brighter as she listened to every moment, every emotion felt during those times. After all the stories were over, Yeom So So nodded her head and said, "You've worked hard." "There was no hardship! I was so proud!" "Right, but you were foolish." There was a pause. Mok Riwon's body trembled, and his face showed confusion. However, it didn't last long. Yeom So So's meaning in what she said was probably something the other members had already heard enough of. Mok Riwon laughed dryly and said, "I just thought that if it were the master, he wouldn't have retreated in such a situation." "If it were Monga, he would have. But do you know? You and Monga are different." Mok Riwon tilted his head at Yeom So So's words. "What do you mean by 'different'?" "Strength." Yeom So So's smile was no longer just warm. "Do you know? Monga was a horse. Every moment he stepped out with his name in the Kangho was a moment of strength. And it was overwhelmingly strong." "...You mean my strength is lacking." "Yes. Quite a bit. Although it's impressive considering your age, the Kangho is not a place where you're considered young." Mok Riwon clenched his fist. It was frustrating. It was the words of a nameless person, but at the same time, it was inevitable to admit. "I'll remember." "Do you understand why I'm saying this?" "I'm not judging that I'm being arrogant right now." Mok Riwon's gaze had hardened, showing determination. Finally, Yeom So So smiled satisfactorily. 'He's really smart.' Even though he was outwardly foolish, his understanding was truly impressive. In fact, even saying such things was a gesture of concern, but it seemed it was good advice. Then Yeom So So said, "By the way, where's Dang Hwa-seo?" At her question, Mok Riwon scratched his head. "She's taking care of the new recruits. She said she wanted to get to know them personally." Yeom So So chuckled. "She seems to be overdoing it. But then, I'll be more comfortable." Mok Riwon nodded at Yeom So So's words. "Of course. It's always been reliable." Yeom So So smiled gently at the sincere expression. Meanwhile, Dang Hwa-seo was observing the new recruits. "You there." Dang Hwa-seo pointed to a young man who was carrying luggage and called out to him. The young man looked at her with wide eyes. "Y-Yes?" "Your name?" "B-Baek Woon!" Dang Hwa-seo nodded, observing the young man with keen eyes. "Baek Woon, you're from the countryside, aren't you?" "Yes, that's right!" "You seem strong. Have you had any martial arts training?" Baek Woon shook his head. "N-No, not really. But I've always been good at physical labor." Dang Hwa-seo nodded again, then glanced at the other recruits, mentally categorizing them based on their physique and demeanor. She noticed another young man who seemed reserved but observant, and she approached him next. "What's your name?" "I'm Ilwoon." "Where are you from, Ilwoon?" "I'm from a small village near the mountains." "Ah, I see. And have you had any martial arts training?" "A little, ma'am. My father taught me some basic self-defense techniques." Dang Hwa-seo nodded, impressed. "Good. It's always useful to know how to defend yourself. Keep practicing." Ilwoon nodded earnestly, a hint of determination in his eyes. As Dang Hwa-seo continued to interact with the new recruits, she couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility towards them. She remembered her own journey of becoming a member of Yongbongdan and the challenges she had faced along the way. Now, as a senior member, it was her duty to guide and mentor the next generation. "Listen up, everyone!" Dang Hwa-seo addressed the group of recruits, her voice firm but encouraging. "Welcome to Yongbongdan. You are now part of a family that values loyalty, courage, and integrity above all else. We will train together, fight together, and protect each other. But remember, being a member of Yongbongdan is not just about strength and skill. It's about honor and responsibility. We serve a greater purpose, and we must always strive to uphold the principles of justice and righteousness. Are you ready to embark on this journey with us?" The recruits nodded eagerly, their eyes reflecting determination and resolve. Dang Hwa-seo smiled, a sense of pride swelling in her chest. "Good. Then let's begin." And with that, the training of the new recruits began, marking the start of their journey as members of Yongbongdan. Months passed, and the members of Yongbongdan continued their mission. Under the leadership of Mok Riwon, they tackled various challenges and adversaries, always striving to uphold justice and protect the innocent. Dang Hwa-seo, Sunwoo, Ilwoon, Baek Woon, and the others grew stronger with each passing day, their bonds of camaraderie deepening as they faced trials together. Their exploits soon spread far and wide, earning them a reputation as formidable warriors and defenders of the weak. But for the members of Yongbongdan, their greatest reward was knowing that they were making a difference in the world, one noble deed at a time. And so, the legend of Yongbongdan continued to grow, inspiring hope and courage in the hearts of all who heard their tale.