Ch 364 - The Outcast Writer of a Martial Arts Visual Novel

Chapter 4 - The Sanctuary of Secrets "You! I've got good news... what were you up to?" On the day of the gathering of the sanctuary leaders, Ha-yeon walked into my room with a bright face and asked as I stood at my desk. "I was choosing a mask." Do-moon master might recognize my face. It was customarily accepted that the leaders of the Tu-moon wore masks to these gatherings, and I intended to do just that. "Can't you just wear any mask that fits your face?" "Even with a mask, impressions are important, don't you think? Whether I appear mysterious, intimidating, or if everyone except me knows who I am behind it. There are many types of masks." On the desk were masks that looked like they’d tear apart a Japanese flag on Liberation Day or masks of insects that seemed to give a flying kick as a finishing move. "What about the half-white mask in front? I wear masks for work too, but it's uncomfortable when it covers the entire lower face." Ha-yeon pointed to a half-mask that covered just the eyes and nose. There's a term for people looking utterly different when half of their face is covered. It seemed like a solid choice. "It looks like the kind of mask where you'd plan meticulously only to fail and wonder what went wrong." Yet, I wasn't convinced. "You don’t need to be indirect about disliking it. Just tell me. Let me see. I'll help you pick." Ha-yeon picked up the masks from the desk, thoughtfully narrowing down the options to find which would suit me best. I had never gone shopping for clothes with a woman, but maybe choosing clothes in a department store feels something like this. It was oddly embarrassing. "It's a tough decision." "For someone who wears clothes carelessly as they come, it's surprising how much effort you put into choosing a mask." "Masks are inherently important to a man." A transformation belt would be the icing on the cake. "I've heard that where the Tu-moon master sits, bamboo blinds hang low to obscure the view. Choose something decent." "Then I should probably pick something traditionally Korean. You said there was good news. What did you mean?" Of course, the Hahoetal, the symbol of Korean secret weapons, was the mask to choose. I checked if the mask fit properly and turned to Ha-yeon, asking why she had come to find me. "Oh! Did you by any chance talk to the Tu-moon people about anything besides the coded language?" Other than the coded language? I did say something when we were parting ways. "I did mention how, given the urgency, it would be ideal if the induction ceremony for the Tu-moon master could be expedited." At my words, Ha-yeon clapped her hands as if she had expected that answer. "Of course! The Tu-moon got in touch. They said the gathering could be held the day after the leader meeting." A day earlier than expected? It was an unforeseen piece of good news. ——— "Are you fully prepared to head to the meeting place?" After getting ready, before heading out to the meeting location, I called Ha-yeon and Je-gal to the living room. "Before we go over the scenarios that might unfold, there's something I must discuss. Je-gal." I nodded in response to Ha-yeon’s question and called out to Je-gal, who was looking at me with a concerned expression. "Yes?" "Wouldn't it be wise to stay at Man-geum's residence for a while?" "At my grandfather's place?" "In the worst case scenario, this estate might also become dangerous. I don’t want Je-gal to be in jeopardy because of matters concerning Ha-yeon." "Indeed. You've helped us enough already." Ha-yeon, understanding my words, nodded in agreement, subtly suggesting Je-gal's retreat to safety. Things might get genuinely dangerous from here on out. Do-moon master is someone who wouldn’t hesitate to do anything to become the leader of Ha-o-moon. He's killed members of Seo-chun's escort service to find Ha-yeon, and he's massacred his own sect members, committing numerous crimes. It's true that Je-gal has made significant contributions to the operations of our shadowy resistance. But that doesn’t mean she should share our peril. For her safety, it was time for her to return to Man-geum's side. Je-gal looked at us in utter indecision. We gazed at her reassuringly, so she wouldn't feel burdened when she gave her assent. "...I don’t want to." But Je-gal firmly rejected the idea. "Je-gal?" "It means to leave Mr. Kang and Ha-yeon unnie behind, doesn't it? I... I don't want to." Je-gal, looking directly into my eyes, spoke her mind unwaveringly. "That's not the implication. It's just..." "I want to stay by Mr. Kang's side. I want to help Ha-yeon unnie too. Can’t I?" Je-gal’s eyes shone with a determination more steely than ever. Who would have thought Je-gal would so fervently express dissent against someone's suggestion? If I forcefully insist again, she might pretend to concede and leave disappointed. But that would disregard her resolve. "Thank you, Je-gal." I clasped her hands in both of mine and bowed my head in gratitude. "Thank you so much as well." Ha-yeon came over and took Je-gal’s other hand. "Oh, uh, it’s... it's no big deal." The firm look on her face melted away so quickly. Seeing Je-gal’s wide smile, Ha-yeon and I couldn’t help but smile along. —————— "Let’s review the plan one last time. The outcome of today’s gathering could lead to three possibilities. The first is if we completely deceive Do-moon master." Clearing the atmosphere, I spread out the papers of the plans we'd prepared on the living room table. "Ha-yeon unnie would safely become the Tu-moon master today." "I’d smoothly resolve my defector courtesan issue, and Do-moon's schemes would be utterly thwarted." It would be the best-case scenario. Deceived, Do-moon master would be forced to abandon his plans, and Ha-yeon would become the Tu-moon master. The four united Tu-moon masters would leave Do-moon weeping tears of blood, retracting his schemes. Just imagining it was exhilarating. "This scenario was never something we seriously considered." It wasn't a scenario we could afford to count on. "The elders of the three families always said that one who assumes only the best-case scenarios is a fool unfit to become a strategist." Je-gal nodded at my words. "Yes. I agree. We should always plan for the worst and the next worst scenarios." As much as we hoped for the best-case scenario, it remained a mere lofty wish. There was no way that Do-moon master, who had used every trick in the book so far, would quietly go along. "The second and worst-case scenario is having our lie exposed right at the gathering.” “A civil war would ensue immediately. Do-moon, realizing his plan to become the master has been uncovered, will rally the warriors he's summoned from Wuhuan.” “The warriors from the righteous sects won’t get involved. They'll see it as a matter for the demonic sects, hoping we destroy each other. Probably." A scenario I wouldn’t even want to imagine. "The saving grace is that the truly worst-case scenario won't happen. There's no danger of Ha-yeon being captured at the meeting venue." With me going to the meeting, Ha-yeon’s safety was ensured. Do-moon wouldn’t be able to capture her, rendering his situation fruitlessly bloody while only weakening his own faction. "It’s not entirely good news, though. Tu-moon stated that if an actual civil war breaks out, the induction ceremony cannot proceed." If it escalates to the worst-case scenario, every effort up till now will be in vain, devolving into a mere power struggle. Despite not wanting it, we must have contingency plans even for the worst-case scenario. "Ha-yeon." I addressed her with a rather serious look. "Yes?" "If it escalates, seek the help of Gi-moon master and go into hiding." Having proposed a retreat to Je-gal, it was now Ha-yeon's turn. "What did you just say?" Ha-yeon widened her eyes in disbelief and asked. "If war breaks out, there's no telling who will emerge victorious. Your becoming the Tu-moon master would be out of the question. It’s wise to find the best move, even in a dire situation." Predicting the aftermath of a civil war is difficult, but one thing remains clear. Do-moon wouldn’t spare Im Ha-yeon, whom he blames for instigating the war, a favorable fate. Following Gi-moon's old suggestion to live a quiet life beyond Do-moon’s reach might be preferable. "But! If that happens!" We’d never meet again. Ha-yeon looked at me, seemingly at a loss for words, but I wasn’t oblivious to the silent plea in her earnest gaze. I chuckled softly as I met her trembling eyes. "But that won’t happen. I'll deceive Do-moon master." I looked at Ha-yeon with conviction. Your safety is more important than mine. I didn’t come this far just to tell you to survive no matter what. My journey so far has been to save her. "You..." "The third and next worst scenario is that civil war doesn’t break out on the day. A sudden focus on the shadowy resistance gives us an extra day." "Whether they try to meet you believing you’re genuine, or they search for me thinking you're a fake, wasting their time will allow you to become Tu-moon master." In both the best and worst scenarios, our options are limited. But the next worst? We’ve prepared extensively for it. If we manage to extend by just one day, the Tu-moon master induction ceremony will take place. What we prepared over those eight days was precisely for this third scenario. "A time battle where we do everything to reach the finish line first." ——— "You’ve arrived. The other masters are already here." Upon reaching the meeting place, members of Tu-moon approached me. Thank goodness. Not knowing who the Tu-moon members are could’ve led to awkward interactions, like a first meeting out of context — "Are you with Tu-moon? Oh, never mind." But everyone wore masks that screamed “We’re the suspicious ones,” making it easy to identify them. "Who has arrived?" As the representative for the Gathering of Masters, I held the highest rank in Tu-moon. Members naturally bowed slightly in deference. "Ma-moon, Shi-moon, and Gi-moon are present." "And Do-moon?" "They’re expected to arrive shortly." "Let's proceed." Not knowing where Do-moon spies could be lurking. Leading the Tu-moon members would showcase me as the next master. Walk forward with confidence. "It's not the left but the right." "..." A flawless 180-degree turn that even Ha-yeon applauded silently. "Allow me to guide you." The meeting venue was at the top floor of an elite quarters with a magnificent view of the Yangtze River. 'Everyone’s on high alert.’ While respectfully greeting the warriors who opened the doors, their bodies were tense. The further up we ascended, the more skilled the guards became. Although Ha-o-moon isn’t a group known for its martial prowess, there are warriors available at the master level. With Ma-moon, Shi-moon, and Gi-moon’s warriors all gathered, there’s potential for trouble from Do-moon. Looks like everyone’s prepared for that possibility. "You’ve come." "Do-moon Master isn’t here yet. Take your place." Making brief eye contact with the fellow masters, I took my seat inside what appeared to be a special section reserved for leaders, shielded by bamboo blinds. ‘Finally made it here.' Taking a deep breath, I gazed beyond the blinds. One day. I just need to hold out for one day. If I can deceive Do-moon for just one day, I can bring an end to all of this. Calming my mind and finishing preparations. "The Do-moon Master is entering." The mastermind behind everything finally made their appearance. Light steps followed by heavy ones. The core behind all this chaos approached with unpredictable, erratic steps. 'There he is.' Eyes reminiscent of a hungry jackal and a sly smile. The face of a greedy predator seeking prey paused in front of the bamboo blinds where I sat, eyeing me as if ready to tear me apart at any moment.