Operation Code: The Jester’s Game
It was then.
“Keep quiet if you don’t want to end up like her… Park Hwan-hee.”
A voice, low and menacing, echoed through the darkened room. It was a smooth baritone, yet it carried an unmistakable threat.
The warning seemed to work, as the man’s—no, Park Hwan-hee’s—screams abruptly ceased. His voice, trembling and unable to hide his confusion, seeped out from beneath his robe.
“Wh-who are you? Who do you think you are to treat me like this?”
The question, initially filled with fear, ended with a hint of desperation. But instead of a verbal response, the answer came in the form of a chilling sound—the unsheathing of a sword. As the cold blade glinted in the air, Park Hwan-hee swallowed hard.
The sharp edge angled towards the ground, and as it pressed near his throat, Park Hwan-hee’s body shivered. The stranger used the sword’s tip to lift his chin, forcing him to look up.
And in that moment, Park Hwan-hee saw him—the one who had brought him here, the face of the man looking down at him.
It was Shin-hyuk. Realizing this, Park Hwan-hee’s eyes widened in shock.
“Hy-hyung…”
“Hwan-hee, you know…”
Shin-hyuk’s words trailed off deliberately.
Then, with a faint smile, he continued.
“I hate traitors more than anything in this world.”
“Hyung, what do you mean…?”
“And the second thing I hate is liars. Like when a traitor insists they’re not a traitor, even if it kills them.”
“Misunderstanding… Ugh!”
Park Hwan-hee couldn’t finish his sentence, his head jerking back involuntarily. He felt the pressure of the sword tip increase momentarily, as if it might pierce his throat if he stayed still. Desperate, he shook his head frantically, trying to convey his innocence.
“Sorry, sorry. I didn’t mean to press so hard. But does it matter? You’re going to die anyway.”
In stark contrast to Park Hwan-hee’s panic, Shin-hyuk remained utterly composed. He clapped his hands lightly, and with a sudden burst, the dark room was flooded with light. A body, previously hanging by a rope, fell to the floor with a thud.
A low growl filled the air.
And then, from the shadows, creatures began to emerge. Their eyes were bloodshot, and they moved on four legs—wolves or perhaps wild dogs.
Park Hwan-hee had no idea what had happened here or what was about to happen. He could only tremble in fear, staring at the approaching beasts.
But.
The animals seemed to have a different target. They ignored Park Hwan-hee, instead moving slowly towards the fallen body. Yet, this was no cause for relief, as they soon buried their snouts into the corpse.
Crunch, crunch! Slurp…
Crunch, crunch! Slurp…
Bones cracked, flesh was torn, and blood splattered in a grotesque display.
As Park Hwan-hee stared blankly ahead, the sword that had been raised to clap now returned to caress his dirt-streaked cheek.
“She was a tough one. No matter what I did, she wouldn’t talk. Whoever trained her did a good job.”
”…”
“But it was fun in its own way. There’s a certain thrill in breaking someone so stubborn. I always wondered what it would be like if a person had relations with a beast. Thanks to her, I found out. Heh.”
”…”
Though Shin-hyuk spoke with a semblance of camaraderie, Park Hwan-hee couldn’t respond. The horror unfolding before him and the cold touch of the blade against his face kept him on edge.
As the beasts finished devouring the woman’s body, Park Hwan-hee felt a cold hand rest on his head. Shin-hyuk had crouched down, looking at him from a closer distance.
“Hwan-hee, you know my personality, right? I hate dealing with nuisances.”
“Hyung…”
“So let’s make this easy. I’m going to ask you a few questions. Depending on your answers, you’ll either die painlessly or suffer like she did, becoming dog food. It’s all up to you. Got it?”
“Ugh…”
The implication was clear: death was inevitable. Unable to bear it, Park Hwan-hee squeezed his eyes shut. Whether it was resignation or acceptance, Shin-hyuk gently stroked his head and spoke softly.
“I’ve been watching you since you joined our alliance. Do you know why? A guy who lost everything in the Western War suddenly rises to power and requests to merge with us? Anyone would find that suspicious. I figured you had someone backing you.”
Park Hwan-hee flinched. Noticing this, Shin-hyuk raised his voice.
“I thought I’d give you a chance since you seemed to be trying hard. But here we are. You really pulled a fast one on me.”
“Hyung! I understand what you’re thinking now!”
“Oh, really? Smart guy, our Hwan-hee.”
“But it’s a misunderstanding. A complete misunderstanding.”
“Come on, I told you I hate lies.”
“It’s not a lie! I’m innocent!”
As Park Hwan-hee protested, something thudded to the ground in front of him. A bag. With a swift kick, its contents spilled out—glittering coins and jewels.
“Wow. Platinum coins and gems… This isn’t a joke. To think a mere spy would be rewarded like this. The Mercenary Clan sure is generous.”
It was then, when Shin-hyuk mentioned the Mercenary Clan, that Park Hwan-hee’s face turned pale.
“That’s… well…”
“Why? Am I wrong? Didn’t you just meet with the Mercenary Lord at the tavern?”
”…Yes, I did. I admit it.”
“See, I knew it. It’s good that you’re admitting it.”
With that, Shin-hyuk grabbed a handful of Park Hwan-hee’s hair, pulling it painfully. Park Hwan-hee’s face contorted in agony, forcing his eyes open. Despite the pain, he managed to speak.
“Ugh…! But Hyung, I’m not the spy you think I am. Please, listen to me. It’s really a misunderstanding!”
“A misunderstanding… Hwan-hee, let’s think logically. Who would reward someone from another clan like this? Especially in the dead of night.”
“That’s…”
“And it’s not just this. You know the situation, right? Given the circumstances, the Mercenary’s actions are even more suspicious. So how am I supposed to interpret this?”
“I admit the situation is ambiguous. Anyone would think so. But Hyung, how many times do I have to tell you? It’s really not what you think!”
“Then what is this?”
Shin-hyuk’s voice, which had been calm, suddenly turned harsh. He snatched the bag and lifted it high, as if to throw it. But in doing so, more contents spilled out. It was then.
Thud! Thud, thud! Roll…
A small, round object fell from the bag and rolled across the floor. It was a clear, glowing orb.
For a brief moment, Shin-hyuk’s gaze fixed on the orb, a glint of interest in his eyes. Tossing the bag aside, he reached out and picked up the orb, a sinister smile spreading across his face.
“Well, well. Isn’t this a Truth Stone?”
Indeed, the fallen orb was a Truth Stone. While not as valuable as gold or jewels, its presence in the bag wasn’t unusual. It was rare and in high demand, fetching a good price if sold.
“Isn’t this something? It’s like fate. Anyway, it’s perfect. Hey, Park Hwan-hee.”
“Ugh…”
“You said you were innocent, right? Then prove it. Show me your truth with this.”
“W-wait!”
Park Hwan-hee struggled, but bound as he was, he couldn’t do much.
Shin-hyuk’s sword sliced through the air, cutting the ropes binding Park Hwan-hee’s wrists. But before he could react, Shin-hyuk activated the Truth Stone and forced Park Hwan-hee’s hand onto it.
“Now there’s no way out of this. So, answer me, Park Hwan-hee.”
Shin-hyuk muttered to himself for a moment, then looked at Park Hwan-hee with an expectant expression. He continued quietly.
“You admitted it earlier, didn’t you? That you met the Mercenary Lord at the brothel. So tell me, what were you two doing there? Did you call in the night flowers and have a little fun? Maybe even swap partners?”
Park Hwan-hee didn’t answer right away. He hesitated, swallowing hard. But as Shin-hyuk’s sword began to rise slowly, he finally opened his mouth.
“U-User Park Hwan-hee… had a conversation.”
He tried to speak clearly, but his voice trembled with nervousness.
Shin-hyuk smiled slyly, seemingly satisfied with the answer. He tapped Park Hwan-hee lightly with his toe. The flame within the crystal of truth still burned the same color as before.
“Ha ha. No need to be so formal. I know you’re User Park Hwan-hee. Anyway, good. What did you talk about? Did you confess to my plan?”
“No! I didn’t reveal your plan at the brothel!”
Shin-hyuk’s eyes widened for a moment. The unexpected answer, along with the unchanged color of the flame, caught him off guard. But it was only for a moment. He quickly regained his composure, shaking his head with a wry smile.
“Wow. This guy’s smart. Look at him playing his cards. At the brothel? Sure, maybe you just met for encouragement today. So tell me again. Have you ever confessed my plan before today?”
“No, I haven’t! Not today, not ever! I’ve never revealed your plan to the Mercenary Lord! This is unfair!”
A desperate cry.
The flame continued to burn the same color. Finally, a change came over Shin-hyuk’s previously calm face.
He stood up abruptly, causing Park Hwan-hee to roll slightly, but he reached out to grab the crystal again, as if it were his lifeline.
Park Hwan-hee continued to plead desperately.
“Brother! I’m not a spy for the Mercenary Clan. I’ve never received any orders from them, nor have I ever revealed your plan to the Mercenary Lord. It was just a simple favor!”
“What… what? A favor?”
Shin-hyuk looked incredulous. He instinctively checked the crystal, but it confirmed Park Hwan-hee’s sincerity.
“This… can’t be…”
The realization that his instincts had been wrong left Shin-hyuk’s mind in disarray. He wanted to ask more questions, but nothing came to mind. This was enough.
He hadn’t confessed the plan.
He wasn’t a spy.
A sudden silence fell, broken only by the murmurs of those around them, who began to gather beside Shin-hyuk. They were the users who had brought Park Hwan-hee here. Having checked the crystal themselves, they spoke in hesitant voices.
“Brother… something seems off.”
“He didn’t confess the plan, and he’s not a spy… Hyung, the crystal’s light hasn’t changed. We might have made a mistake.”
Amidst the confusion, Shin-hyuk managed to gather his thoughts.
“A favor, you say?”
“Yes, a favor. Just a simple favor.”
Now more confident, Park Hwan-hee looked Shin-hyuk straight in the eye. His voice was much steadier, as if the earlier proof had bolstered his confidence.
Shin-hyuk felt conflicted. His instincts still whispered doubts, but reality urged him to let them go.
“What kind of favor did the Mercenary Lord ask for?”
“I’ll tell you everything. So… um…”
At that moment, as Park Hwan-hee tried to stand, his body wavered. The users who had brought him quickly rushed to support him.
“Hwan-hee, we’re sorry. We might have misunderstood.”
“Really, we’re sorry. We didn’t mean to doubt you…”
The users’ attitudes had changed completely. But it was understandable, as Park Hwan-hee was officially part of the Su Clan and practically the second-in-command, always by Park Tae-jin’s side.
If he had been revealed as a spy, it would have been different. But with no wrongdoing, what would happen if this incident became known? Regardless of Shin-hyuk’s position, the users present would surely face consequences.
With the users’ help, Park Hwan-hee stood up, wearing his usual friendly smile. He glanced at Shin-hyuk, who was still watching him, and reached for the crystal of truth.
But this time, the users stopped him.
“No, Hwan-hee. It’s okay now. We’ve heard your sincerity. Hyung knows you’re truly one of us.”
“No, please. It’s better to be thorough.”
“Hwan-hee… Ah, Hyung, say something. Aren’t you sorry?”
“It’s fine. I understand Hyung’s position. Given the circumstances, I did act suspiciously. So I deserved it. Ha ha ha.”
The users bowed their heads in silence. Even though Park Hwan-hee said it was okay, they were at a loss for words, remembering his earlier cries of injustice.
“Ah. Could you also hand me the bag with the crystal?”
Park Hwan-hee pointed to the floor. The users hurried to gather the contents, pick up the bag, and reach for the crystal. But just as they were about to grab it—
With a faint noise, the flame extinguished, and the crystal of truth cracked. The commotion and the passage of time had exhausted its power.
The man who had been about to pick up the crystal paused, then shrugged, pointing at the now useless remains.
“It doesn’t matter anymore, does it, Hyung?”
”…Hmm.”
Shin-hyuk nodded reluctantly.
“It seems… I made a baseless accusation. I have no excuse. I’m sorry… truly.”
“No need. As I said, I made mistakes too, and sometimes a man has to take a few hits.”
”…Thank you for saying that. I apologize once more.”
“It’s really fine. If you keep apologizing, I’ll feel embarrassed… Oh, right, you were curious about the favor, weren’t you? I should clear that up. Just a moment, please. I have something to show you.”
Park Hwan-hee replied smoothly, smiling as he reached into his bag.
Shin-hyuk continued to watch him with lingering unease, quietly licking his lips as if tasting something bitter.
---------------------------= Author’s Note ---------------------------=
Remember today’s story well; it will help you understand the final resolution later. :) I wanted to share more about the crystal of truth, but for those sharp enough to deduce spoilers, I’ll hold back. Ha ha ha.
PS. As of February 26, 2014, 6:21 AM, I’ve completed revisions on part 479. Upon rereading the content this morning, I discovered a critical error in the story’s progression. I’ve made partial revisions on pages 7-8 and page 11. I apologize for any confusion and ask for your understanding. (__)