Ch 346 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Bandit – 5 “Are you suggesting we hit the same place again?” Im Ha Yeon was taken aback by my proposal. “We can't let them get away with just a slap on the wrist; this time, they won't even be able to make a sound.” Operation name: The Thief Strikes Twice. With the solid shield of Gunpowder's notarization, even if we strike, they will be unable to say anything. Even if Da Seo Gak has suspicions, they can only end as suspicions now. It's not uncommon for thieves to revisit poorly guarded homes. “The priest of the orphanage we first donated to reportedly had his collar grabbed by Yeom Gyeok Ju.” “It was a rumor spread about people who seemed unlikely to retaliate…” Even I found it unexpected. We didn't announce everyone Mu Yeong Sin Tu had distributed money to. We spread rumors mainly about those who would likely suffer no harm even if it became known. I didn't anticipate that he'd actually confront the head monk. “Luckily, the renowned head monk was able to mediate, so nothing happened. But we can't be satisfied with just this.” Mu Yeong Sin Tu had targeted someone they shouldn't have. We had ample reason to strike back. “We need to move.” It seemed Im Ha Yeon had steeled her resolve, nodding affirmatively. “Ha Yeon, sister, you might become a symbol that terrifies the wicked wealthy.” “The darkest night. The woman moving in the shadows becomes a symbol of fear for the rich, and a symbol of hope for the poor.” With Da Seo Gak cleared of suspicion, they’ve lost their opponent. Now, all that remains is the uncontested violence they must suffer. Though familiar with dealing it out, they must now tremble with fear when receiving it. You scoundrels. “I didn’t expect to become such a grand symbol. I’m going to change.” Did I speak too earnestly? Blushing under our expectant gaze, Im Ha Yeon excused herself to quickly change and returned. “Are you ready? Then it's time for this part.” Every time I think about it, that tight attire is certainly provocative. I can't specify where, but if you poked it, it might jiggle like pudding. I handed Im Ha Yeon a sheet of paper as she was putting on her coat. “Do I really have to do this?” She read the paper and, raising an eyebrow in reluctance, asked me. “It's to gain inspiration for the next volume. But you don’t have to if you don’t want to.” Honestly, I hope she does. “Sister Ha Yeon, should we skip it?” “No, he said it’s necessary, so let’s do it.” Facing Je Gal Hyang, Im Ha Yeon gently pressed her forehead forward. “Then I too… Argh!” “Ouch!” “Ugh…” “Are you all right?” Miss Je Gal, is it really necessary to bump foreheads with such force? How can one lose balance in just one step? Should I have stopped it? As I briefly contemplated, the two closed their eyes and pressed their foreheads together. It was finally happening. Once ready, Im Ha Yeon began quietly intoning. “Buddha, allow me to be a righteous thief today.” “Ooooh.” I couldn’t help but applaud in admiration. “Ugh, why do you make me do these things?” As soon as her words finished, she pulled away from Je Gal Hyang, her face flushed, questioning me. “For inspiration for our work.” “I doubt that's it…” How did she know? Her skeptical gaze pierced through me. I tried to uphold a carefree façade. “Imagine if a thief who coveted others' possessions was actually a devout Buddhist. That alone would keep Mu Yeong Sin Tu's true motives from arousing suspicion, wouldn’t it?” “Well, I guess… But why the head-bumping with Miss Je Gal?” Was her doubt not entirely dispelled? Im Ha Yeon continued to question with one eyebrow raised. How should I answer? I once was a boy too, you know. I used to admire female bandits. I had asked for it just to see it, but now I don’t know how to respond. “Well… It looked cute?” In the end, a flimsy excuse slipped out. “……” “Haha.” In the peculiar silence, I could only offer an awkward laugh while avoiding their gaze. As I quietly awaited a reaction, Im Ha Yeon and Je Gal Hyang approached. Were they going to scold me? Why were they suddenly grasping my sleeves? Turning back, I found Im Ha Yeon and Je Gal Hyang with flushed faces. “If that's the case, I’ll do it again next time.” “Hhee. Me toooo.” Oh no. Such a response leaves me feeling embarrassed too. For a moment, I was at a loss for words. Fanning her flushed face, Im Ha Yeon spoke to me. “We’ll be quick. Ah! Should I just bring more jewelry again?” Of course, taking more precious jewels would surely upset them. If there are more valuable items in their safe, taking them would be a significant blow. However, today’s aim is not mere theft. “Just follow my instructions.” The thief strikes twice. The second time will surely be more painful than the first. *** “Did you hear? Yeom Gyeok Ju soiled himself?” The rumors of Mu Yeong Sin Tu spread like wildfire. “What’s that supposed to mean?” “You know, Yeom Gyeok Ju who grabbed the head monk running an orphanage by the collar, as an accomplice of Mu Yeong Sin Tu.” “Oh, that bastard? Why? Did he have a stroke in the restroom?” “Yeom Gyeok Ju, you see, woke up the other morning to find a bright blue dagger deeply embedded at his bedside!” “What? Seriously? Didn’t anyone notice, not even the guards?” “Somehow, during the time they left a dagger and a black paper crane, no one noticed!” “A warning not to mess with others, eh? No wonder he soiled himself.” If the thief possesses such superior stealth skills that no one notices them, they can turn into an assassin instantly. People were abuzz over Mu Yeong Sin Tu’s recent actions. Mu Yeong Sin Tu drew a line for the cruel wealthy. If you cross it, I will steal your lives without hesitation. Warning had reached the ears of other wealthy individuals who had yet to receive a visit from Mu Yeong Sin Tu, compounded by additional news that had everyone on edge. "No, there's another reason he soiled himself." "Another reason? What is it?" "I heard Mu Yeong Sin Tu stole Yeom Gyeok Ju's debt documents and dashed off with them." "Debt documents? That's not something a thief would normally steal." Documents recording loans given out. Unless there's an official transfer form to someone else, those aren't typically what a thief would steal. "Isn't that what sets Mu Yeong Sin Tu apart from other thieves?" Of course, Mu Yeong Sin Tu had a reason for stealing them. The person spreading the rumor shouted enthusiastically. "Did they really do it to punish Yeom Gyeok Ju?! Wait! How much was the damage?" When debt papers disappear, there's no way to prove how much was borrowed. An amount incomparable to mere jewelry vanished in an instant. "They could afford a golden shower just with the loss alone." "Hahaha! So that's why he had a golden shower of his own making." "The problem is, this isn’t an isolated victim! Those clueless rich fools who didn’t learn their lesson have all fallen victim in the same way!" "Is Mu Yeong Sin Tu truly a vigilante and not just a common thief?!" Babbling with skepticism, even those doubting Mu Yeong Sin Tu’s nobility were swayed by this news. "Indeed, the legendary thief Mu Yeong Sin Tu has truly emerged on Infinite Soil!" ** As rumors of Mu Yeong Sin Tu spread like wildfire, the second floor of Infinite Da Seo Gak buzzed with activity every day. "It's a relief that Da Seo Gak was cleared of such undeserved suspicion." One of Da Seo Gak’s earliest members, a scholarly gentleman, heaved a sigh of relief, speaking to his friends. "Connection between Da Seo Gak and thieves? Ridiculous from the start!" "Exactly. Why would Author Ho Pil, who has already proven himself with 'Wind and Cloud Heroes,' involve himself in such activities?" The seated members of Da Seo Hwe nodded in agreement with the scholar's words. Even if it's acceptable to liken Mu Yeong Sin Tu's actions to those of the Wind and Cloud Heroes, assuming any clandestine ties to Da Seo Gak went too far. Why would Author Ho Pil jeopardize his reputation by committing such crimes? "I concur. According to Gunpowder, it seems the thief was inspired and reformed by 'Wind and Cloud Heroes.'" One of the members reaffirmed, citing the proclamation made by Gunpowder. "A novel that even reforms thieves! Perhaps Ho Pil's masterpiece is not 'Danga Flowing Clouds' but 'Wind and Cloud Heroes.'" With the troubling suspicions cleared, the members looked at the popular novel with satisfaction. "Hold on. I can't just sit back and agree to that. While 'Wind and Cloud Heroes' is enjoyable, it can't match the popularity of 'Danga Flowing Clouds.'" "Danga Flowing Clouds is popular because of its erotic scenes. If you remove those, 'Wind and Cloud Heroes' clearly triumphs!" "Ha! Imagining the color from erotic knight stories removed is absurd to begin with!" “Embrace the new wave, my friends. There are now more readers seeking 'Wind and Cloud Heroes' than 'Danga Flowing Clouds.'” "And isn't that because Mu Yeong Sin Tu appeared? In terms of sheer entertainment, it doesn’t rival 'Danga Flowing Clouds.'" The gaze of the two Da Seo Hwe members sparked as if to ignite their unwavering stares. “The refined enjoyment surpasses any pleasure of disrobing women in 'Wind and Cloud Heroes.'” “What?! Are you saying the pleasure in 'Danga Flowing Clouds' is base?” “Isn’t that what you were not implying?” “You two! What are you doing! Aren't both novels by the same Author Ho Pil?!” On the verge of escalating to physical altercation, the scholarly gentleman of early Da Seo Hwe intervened. "Isn't this fellow being quite extreme?" "You should talk!" "Weren’t we the ones originally gathering when it was hard to find Ho Pil's novels in Infinite? Isn't a healthy debate like the Great Formal Debate trivial compared to which novel is better? Aren't you embarrassed in front of our new member?" He pointed to a newcomer who had joined a few days ago, admonishing his friends. "Ahem. Apologies. We acted shamefully." "It's all right." The newcomer waved his hand awkwardly, laughing it off. "They’re particularly passionate about Author Ho Pil's novels here." "Since you’re discussing 'Danga Flowing Clouds' and 'Wind and Cloud Heroes,' as a new member, I have a question." The newcomer cautiously looked at the senior members as he spoke. "Don't tell me you’re going to start with which novel is superior?" The scholar frowned. "That’s not the case. Just pure curiosity." "Ah, is that so? By all means, ask away." Known for their passionate debates over 'Danga Flowing Clouds' since last year, the discussions often led to the purchase of rounds of drinks among the members. Except for the unresolved Great Formal Debate, most controversies had been somewhat concluded. As senior members, they needed to make a respectable appearance. Eager to make amends, many of the seated Da Seo Hwe members turned their attention to the newcomer. “Feel free to ask anything!” Seeing the newcomer hesitate, a senior member smiled, encouraging him to speak. Little did they know what kind of question awaited them. Opening Pandora’s box. Sometimes simple queries unleash tremendous waves. “If Dange Jeong, the young hero from 'Danga Flowing Clouds,' and Un Hyun, the young hero from 'Wind and Cloud Heroes,' were to fight, who would win?” A question with no easy retreat, sending ripple effects throughout Da Seo Hwe.