In Search of a Leader (3)
The successful candidates, myself included, spent over ten days in the outer quarters, receiving basic training. Before we could enter the inner quarters, they were conducting thorough investigations on us—our backgrounds, personalities, and identities had to be verified.
I became moderately acquainted with my fellow recruits. We weren’t destined to be lifelong friends, but you never know when you might need a helping hand.
After those ten days, we were finally allowed into Jeonguigak.
The outer quarters had several accommodations for warriors, including a separate area for those of Jeonguigak. Most warriors, unless married, stayed in these lodgings.
I was assigned a room. It was sparse, with just a bed, a small table for tea, and a wardrobe. Thankfully, there was a window with a view of the outer quarters, so it didn’t feel too claustrophobic.
I had no idea how long I’d be staying.
“Looking forward to working with you.”
The next day, I stood in front of my assigned post.
Operations Team Five.
The small letters were affixed to the door.
In Jeonguigak, each military officer led their own team.
I wondered who I would be working under.
With a mix of anticipation and nerves, I opened the door.
The people inside turned their attention to me. I quickly counted six individuals in the room. Four were seated at partitioned desks, working, and one was writing something on a large map on the wall.
And then there was the last person.
Someone stood with their back to me, gazing out the large window. Seeing that back, a smile crept onto my face.
It was none other than Galsaryang. I had managed to leave a memorable impression during the interview.
“Greetings! I am Byeok Lidan, newly assigned to Operations Team Five of Jeonguigak!”
My booming voice made the onlookers chuckle. They seemed to remember their own first days.
Then Galsaryang, still facing the window, asked, “What’s your dream?”
It was a dream that would surely surprise him.
To wipe out the martial arts alliance and its hidden powers with him.
But I wasn’t about to become the talk of the town on my first day with such a wild statement.
“To become a good officer.”
“What makes a good officer?”
“One who leads the warriors in the field well, minimizing casualties.”
“Can you win a battle by being cautious?”
“At the very least, I don’t want to treat my comrades as expendable.”
“Becoming a capable officer won’t be easy.”
“I want to be a capable officer too.”
“A friend with ambition, I see.”
Galsaryang, who had been staring out the window, turned to face me.
“Nice to meet you. Let’s do well together.”
“Yes, please guide me well!”
I was assigned under Galsaryang. It was the start I had hoped for.
With my arrival, Operations Team Five now had seven members.
Over meals, I learned more about Galsaryang from the senior members of the team. In any group of five, there’s always at least one chatterbox who can’t help but share stories.
Initially, he had been harshly treated by Samacheon, but recently he had gained favor. He had been confined to a small room, but now he was leading a team.
Surprisingly, the main task of Operations Team Five was to track the Nameless Hero.
Oh my. Galsaryang was tasked with tracking me.
It was both astonishing and, in a way, expected. The Nameless Hero was the central figure in the recent martial arts world. Being assigned to this task meant Galsaryang was on the right path.
Several days passed since I joined Operations Team Five.
I was adapting well. I diligently handled my tasks and maintained smooth relationships.
There was no one disguising petty jealousy as organizational discipline to haze newcomers.
This was partly due to Galsaryang’s character. He wouldn’t keep troublesome subordinates around.
The Nameless Hero’s whereabouts were so elusive that we were mostly assigned other tasks lately.
Corrupt warrior inspections.
From recent assignments, I could deduce one thing: Galsaryang was working hard to establish his position.
On the sixth day after joining, Galsaryang called me over.
“How’s the work? Manageable?”
“Yes, everyone has been very helpful, so I’m adapting well.”
Galsaryang assigned me a task.
“Investigate this as quickly as possible and bring me a report.”
“Understood.”
I realized it was a test, disguised as a routine task.
I needed to prove my abilities to him.
The task was to find and summarize a large amount of data. The volume was daunting. Any other recruit might have been overwhelmed by the sheer workload.
First, I quickly gathered the necessary materials. They were scattered across Jeonguigak’s library and archives.
Fortunately, I had sharp eyes and quick reflexes. I darted around, collecting the materials in no time.
A mountain of documents piled up on my desk. I began analyzing them swiftly.
Having spent the past two months reading extensively, I was well-prepared.
Next, I needed focus. I poured all my energy into analyzing the data.
The following morning, a report was placed on Galsaryang’s desk.
Galsaryang was taken aback. It was a task that should have taken at least three days, yet it was completed in one.
He checked the report, expecting it to be lacking, but it was perfectly organized.
“Impressive.”
Galsaryang’s eyes gleamed. He had been trying to build a trustworthy team within Jeonguigak. But it wasn’t easy.
The members of Operations Team Five were competent, but none were suitable as his right-hand person.
To them, he was a leader past his prime. A leader who should have left but stayed behind.
Without revealing his true intentions, it was difficult to make his existing subordinates his confidants.
But now, a promising new recruit had joined. He had given me a task to test my abilities, and I had exceeded expectations.
Galsaryang called me over.
“Did you handle all this alone?”
“Yes, I did.”
“Remarkable.”
“I’m not slow with my hands and feet.”
“Here, handle this as well.”
Galsaryang assigned another task, more complex and challenging than the last.
“But you, my friend, lack strategy. Don’t you know that finishing tasks quickly only increases your workload?”
I grinned and replied, “But it also increases your trust in me, doesn’t it?”
Despite the increased workload, the next morning, another report was on his desk.
“Look at this guy.”
Galsaryang was genuinely impressed by my speed. It reminded him of his prime, when he could accomplish tasks with ease.
However, today’s report had some shortcomings.
“It seems you’ve misunderstood this part.”
Galsaryang pointed out the flaw in the report.
After listening, I asked questions—not to argue or to impress, but because they were genuine inquiries about the issue.
Galsaryang was pleased that I was truly listening. Usually, when he pointed out mistakes, subordinates would stay silent. Their questions often aimed to prove they weren’t wrong.
But my questions were different. They showed genuine curiosity and a desire to improve.
“This one is a real find.”
That night, Galsaryang treated me to drinks.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t throw you a proper welcome party. As you know, the martial arts alliance is tense due to the resurgence of the Demonic Cult.”
“No need to apologize. I’m grateful for the warm welcome.”
I realized I hadn’t shared many drinks with Galsaryang. Naturally, we hadn’t had heart-to-heart conversations over drinks.
He always tried to present a composed image to me. Partly due to his dislike of showing vulnerability, and partly because I valued authority.
We exchanged a few drinks. Surprisingly, Galsaryang could hold his liquor well.
“Do you really think the Demonic Cult has returned?”
“Why? Do you find it hard to believe, even after joining the alliance because of it?”
“Honestly, yes. I heard the previous leader completely eradicated the Blood Heaven Cult.”
“The Demonic Cult is like weeds.”
I wanted to hear his honest thoughts on the matter, but he wasn’t the type to share his inner feelings with a newcomer.
“May I ask a question, if it’s not too forward?”
“Go ahead.”
“I heard you were the chief military officer during the previous leader’s time.”
“That’s right.”
“Why didn’t you leave the alliance?”
Galsaryang looked at me. I met his gaze calmly, so the question didn’t carry any special weight.
“It’s hard to leave a place you’ve dedicated your life to.”
He didn’t share his true reason—revenge. When he finally shares that story, it will mean we’ve truly grown close.
“I had many concerns when I applied this time.”
“What kind of concerns?”
“I heard rumors about Cheondomun that weren’t favorable.”
Galsaryang nodded but didn’t reveal his thoughts on the matter either.
I tried to remain composed. Being around him made me want to spill everything.
I am Cheon Haejin. Let’s go, Saryang.
But I couldn’t. Fate had given me a new life as Byeok Lidan. It meant I was to live as Byeok Lidan. If not, I would have been reborn as Cheon Haejin somehow.
“We just need to focus on doing our jobs well.”
“Yes, sir.”
What started as a light drink extended late into the night.
Despite drinking heavily, he remained composed.
“See you tomorrow.”
“Thank you for today. Please get home safely.”
Watching him walk away alone, without any escort, felt unfamiliar.
A few more days passed.
I’ve finally settled into life at Jeongui-gak. I’ve made friends, and I handle my responsibilities without a hitch.
I never rushed.
In this world, there are certainly things that benefit from a headlong approach. But human relationships are not one of them.
As I was engrossed in my work, the door swung open with a bang. The unannounced visitor was none other than General Sima Qian.
Galsaryang stood up to greet him.
“Welcome.”
We all rose and bowed respectfully.
He always barged in like this, without a hint of warning. It was his way of asserting his dominance over Galsaryang and the rest of us.
He strode in and took Galsaryang’s seat.
At first, Galsaryang found this repulsive behavior unbearable, but now he felt nothing at all.
Galsaryang thought to himself: Dogs bark, mud splashes, dung stinks, and Sima Qian is just that kind of person.
“Orders have come from above.”
“What orders?”
“They concern the Demon Sect.”
The mention of the Demon Sect startled everyone, Galsaryang included.
“What is it about?”
“The details are classified. The Celestial Bow Unit will be mobilized, and our division is to support the mission.”
“Are we to provide field support?”
“Exactly.”
Jeongui-gak typically handled rear support, but occasionally, for major operations, personnel were dispatched directly.
“This is a critical mission, so you’ll need to go personally.”
“Understood.”
As Sima Qian left the room, Galsaryang’s eyes sharpened. Top-secret missions were usually disclosed on the day of departure or upon arrival at the operation site. This underscored the mission’s importance.
‘But why the Celestial Bow Unit?’
The three key units of the Martial Alliance were the Radiant Moon Unit, the Iron Cavalry Unit, and the Celestial Bow Unit. Among them, the Radiant Moon Unit, led by Ju Cheol-ryong, had championed Ma Bong-gi as the leader. The Iron Cavalry Unit followed Ju Cheol-ryong in this endeavor.
The only group that opposed Ma Bong-gi’s leadership was the Celestial Bow Unit.
‘Could it be? No, surely not.’
Having overheard the conversation, I spoke up.
“I’d like to accompany you on this mission. My martial skills could be crucial in ensuring your safety, General.”
Like Galsaryang, I sensed that this mission was far from ordinary. It was imperative that I accompany him.
Galsaryang studied me for a moment before nodding.
“Prepare yourself.”