337 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

New Work - 2 "Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale?" Not Dangga Poongwoon, but Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale? The members of the Literary Club couldn't help but be puzzled as they looked at the large banner. "Poongwoon Heroes? Is the man on the banner Dangjeong from Dangga Poongwoon?" One of the members, still not grasping the situation, tried to guess the identity of the man in the drawing by recalling the hero Dangjeong from Dangga Poongwoon. "It's someone different from Dangjeong. Dangjeong didn't wear a heroic band." Hwang Scholar pointed to the man's forehead in the drawing as he spoke. The man depicted on the banner seemed to be a martial artist, but not one from a martial arts family; rather, he had the air of a worldly transcendent hermit. "It's not the fourth volume of Dangga Poongwoon. Then what is this?" "Just as it says, it must be a new work by Writer Hopil." Hwang Scholar couldn't tear his eyes away from the banner, looking bewildered. "A new work by Writer Hopil?!" "Is Writer Hopil finally releasing a new novel?" The long-awaited news of Writer Hopil's new release excited and cheered up many members of the Literary Club. "Huh? What's with you? Isn't Writer Hopil's new novel coming out? Why the long face?" Of course, not everyone in the Literary Club was excited. "Isn't this not the novel we've been waiting for?" They had been eagerly awaiting more of Dangga Poongwoon, but now there was a new work. Those members who had been waiting for the fourth volume couldn't hide their disappointment. "Why isn't it Dangga Poongwoon Volume 4?" "Perhaps they'll write it after Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale." "How long have I been waiting for Volume 4! Suddenly churning out so many works!" "Isn't it only a few months? Writer Hopil managed to write three books in the past year, and now a new work too—truly an astounding pace." In a world where writers can spend years perfecting a single novel, and where some authors might release only one book in their lifetime, this was indeed remarkable. In contrast, Dangga Poongwoon had seen three volumes in just one year, despite frequent hiatuses. "The depth of waiting differs!" Although, as someone waiting, that was of no consequence. "Why on earth is Writer Hopil writing so much!" "You complain even when a new work is released! As a true fan, shouldn't you be eager for another of Writer Hopil's novels?" "I'm not saying I'm not eager! But shouldn't a writer have principles!" Writer Hopil's new work, Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale, stirred the tranquil waters of the Literary Club's domain like a giant ripple. The excitement and storm of discontent spread throughout the Literary Club in an instant. "Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale! Using 'Poongwoon' like that—does it have any connection to Dangga Poongwoon?" "I was waiting for the high-pressure lady and the uncrossable formations, not a new work!" "I was also looking forward to that! But aren't you being a bit harsh when Writer Hopil releases a new work?" "What? Can't even voice an opinion anymore?" The Literary Club, which had been divided into factions, suddenly began forming two opposing sides: those excited about Hopil's new work and those frustrated that there was no new installment of Dangga Poongwoon. Right as these factions were about to transcend their differences and fully form, Hwang Scholar announced loudly: "Everyone, stop fighting and come down here!" ****** "Wow! It's Writer Hopil's new work!" "Where did Dangga Poongwoon Volume 4 go, and why is there a new release?" "What happened to the stories of the women who split up?" "As expected." I had anticipated a split reaction upon announcing a new release. Dasaekak in the distance would likely be the same. I returned to the house office and spoke to the two women who were watching me with concerned expressions. "Ah, Hayeon, what do we do? Writer Hopil is getting criticized." "Though many are excited for a new work by Writer Hopil, some complain about it being a diversion." "No wonder there's criticism if a writer who declared a long hiatus ditches their ongoing novel for a new one." As a reader myself, I can understand the frustration. Authors claim illness for a hiatus but are spotted in communities writing diligently while gaming, or a manga artist suddenly takes on a new story and rushes their original work to an unsatisfying end. It's disappointing. It's only natural to see readers' complaints surface. "You weren't loafing around but living too busily to write. This is unfair." Maybe it's guilt about complaints being due to her influence. Im Hayeon pouted discontentedly. Really, there's no need to feel guilt. In fact, I'm grateful. Thanks to securing talents like Im Hayeon and Jegalhyang, and having a stable business, I've found time to write. "A writer communicates through their work. Ultimately, it's my failing." Accountability for the result is something to endure once you eat from the table of writing. Completing is something every writer must bear. "W-what should we do, Master Kang, if reactions to Volume 1 turn cold even before we release Volume 2? We've worked so hard together. Could it be my artwork that's lacking appeal?" Jegalhyang clutched her head in distress. Certainly, a predicament. Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale's first volume must sell on Hopil's reputation alone. In this divided opinion climate, publishing as is could affect sales. "A solution has already been put in place." Of course, I had no intention of going ahead without taking steps. "You have a solution prepared?" Didn’t I say it was as expected? Predicting but not preparing would just be leaving things to chance, wouldn't it? "In times like these, shouldn’t we calm concerns by declaring Dangga Poongwoon to be safe?" I laughed and showed a piece of paper to the two women. "Huh? This is?!" "M-Master Kang. Could it be!" "Yes. It's 'This is Hopil speaking...'." ——— Ichang. Dasaekak. 1st Floor. [This is Hopil speaking...] The message that the members of the Literary Club longed to see, yet found painful to read, hung prominently for all to see. Is this a promotion for Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale, or is there something else written on it? As always, the members of the Literary Club began to read 'This is Hopil speaking...' with a mix of anticipation and concern. The content they read was as follows: Due to issues related to the Dasaekak's debt, continuing the next volume of Dangga Poongwoon is out of my control. In contrast, Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale is a new novel without such constraints. I plan to help Manager Kang resolve a friend's debt issue amicably through Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale. It also mentioned a promise that if Manager Kang returns to the main branch, Dangga Poongwoon Volume 4 will be released promptly. "So it's the fault of the Mankeum Financial Group..." "If he's trying to help Manager Kang, shouldn't he release Volume 4? How does releasing a new book make any sense?" They understood the idea of helping Manager Kang through novel sales, but why Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale? Why not Dangga Poongwoon? Discontent arose among several members. "If Mankeum Financial Group claimed ownership of Dangga Poongwoon, it wouldn't be easy. It's well known that recently, the Nasalmun, which was recognized in Gangnam martial arts circles, crossed paths with Mankeum and met a tragic end." A man wearing a bamboo hat mumbled nearby. "Huh? Who's this stranger? What's this about Nasalmun?" "The master of the Nasalmun, who borrowed money from Mankeum for gambling, declared he couldn't repay a cent. In response, Mankeum threatened to seize all of Nasalmun's assets. When pressured, the Nasalmun master even swung a sword at the Mankeum's debt collectors." "Heh. A sword at Mankeum? What happened?" "The martial artists hired by Mankeum beheaded the Nasalmun master, and the Nasalmun was annihilated. Even the disciples were stripped of everything but their underwear. What's left is a barren ruin." When the debt collector's arm fell to the ground, an entire sect vanished. This incident highlighted Mankeum's financial power. "The disciples had nothing to do with the debt?" "Borrowing from Mankeum is like placing your life on the scales of the king of the underworld..." "And now that ruthless Mankeum holds the life of Dasaekak in its grasp." "......" The man with the bamboo hat sighed discreetly, informing the Literary Club members of Dasaekak's crisis once again. "Ahem. Certainly, if it's Mankeum Financial Group, they might have tried to seize Dangga Poongwoon's rights." No one here in Hubei could escape Mankeum’s notorious reputation. Some club members shivered at their recollections of past dealings. "I hear that Manager Kang is in Mankeum's good books and is handling the debt issue well. If Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale is received well, we'll soon see Dangga Poongwoon Volume 4." "Is that true?" The members expressed surprise and spoke to the man in the bamboo hat. "Coming from Wuhan, I'm well-informed. Though the debt remains substantial, they say the end is in sight. However, as they near the finish line, it's becoming more challenging." "So, Writer Hopil is stepping in to assist a struggling friend?" The man nodded. "Whew... Then Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale isn't Hopil's deviation?" "He's on the right path to protect Dangga Poongwoon!" With this understanding, the mood shifted. The faces of the Literary Club members brightened. "As expected from Writer Hopil!" "I knew we could trust him!" "So Manager Kang's been working hard too!" The shift in public opinion was immediate. Had it been simple prolific writing, there would've been anger, but given the serious circumstances, the story was different. Writer Hopil hadn't abandoned Dangga Poongwoon; he had written Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale to safeguard it. With that clarity, there was no longer a reason to shun Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale. "Those wretched Mankeum people! They're truly vicious!" The Literary Club soon redirected all negative sentiment towards Mankeum. "I'm really curious about what Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale is about. So exciting!" "But still, I'd like to see Dangga Poongwoon..." "Man! Look at Writer Hopil's final words!" Hwang Scholar pointed to the end of the notice. "Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale. Released tomorrow? Released immediately?!" "Yes! The faster Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale succeeds, the sooner we'll see Dangga Poongwoon!" "So, if we read Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale and spread the word?" "Dangga Poongwoon Volume 4 won’t be far off!" "Oh right! By the way, where are you from, knowing so much about Manager Kang...? Huh? Where did you go?" Hwang Scholar hastily searched for the man in the bamboo hat, but he had already disappeared. ————– The Dasaekak Printing House. As Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale was being busily printed, the man in the bamboo hat was writing something. [This is Owl. Mission complete. Leaving the designated location.] A pigeon, now a familiar sight in Wuhan, took flight into the skies of Ichang. Only then did the man discard his bamboo hat, as if shedding a heavy burden. An outsider who had suddenly appeared in Ichang—his hair was matted and greasy from wearing the hat for too long, but clearly black. "Phew. I've done everything the sect leader asked." The man's true identity was an operative within Ichang but gradually gaining mastery in Wuhan. A member of the Korean Fraternity sent by Kang Yunho as part of a specialized public relations tactic. ——————— Writer Hopil had decided to release a new work. A new creation meticulously crafted for a friend. The news that the new work by the author who had once erupted Ichang with Dangga Poongwoon was coming out tomorrow spread rapidly. "I got here first!" "Man! That's the end of the line that wraps around! Get to the back!" "I came at dawn!" "I was here last night!" Hopil's new work and Kang Yunho's debut novel. "I'm the first to buy Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale!!!" Poongwoon Heroes’ Tale began to stir another wave of excitement in Ichang following Dangga Poongwoon.