Wings Are Not Heavy (2)
“Looks like Heukseok got a real beating. Hahaha!”
Baekseok laughed heartily, clearly in high spirits.
Ilho stood by the door, not invited to come closer as he had been during previous difficult times. When Baekseok was troubled, he had called Ilho near. But with good news, he kept his distance, reverting to their usual dynamic.
“I heard Mabonggi is dead.”
“It seems Cheongongja got involved personally. You know what that means, right? It means that Heukseok is finished.”
Ilho thought Baekseok’s crude delight at a rival’s downfall suited him perfectly.
“You were right, as always. You said that with Galsaryang involved, they wouldn’t achieve their goal easily. But to think even Pyeonno would die?”
“It was a reliable report from my subordinate.”
Chilho’s judgment had been spot on. She was indeed trustworthy.
“There’s a formidable master around Galsaryang.”
“Should we dig deeper to find out who it is?”
“No need for that.”
“Understood.”
Ilho grasped Baekseok’s intent. The task was still Heukseok’s responsibility, and there was no need to assist her.
“Let’s just watch for now.”
“Yes.”
Ilho bowed respectfully and walked out.
Both Baekseok and Heukseok, as well as their organization, were strictly compartmentalized. This had its pros and cons. The advantage was that if one part collapsed, it wouldn’t affect the others. The downside was the lack of any sense of belonging.
It was unclear who they were working for or what their ultimate goal was.
For Ilho, this lack of purpose was a disadvantage.
In such moments, he thought of Chilho. Whenever he felt strangely empty, she came to mind. He often wished to share a drink with her during these times.
Yet, he had never asked her to drink with him, and likely never would.
With these thoughts, Ilho exited the white corridor.
News came that Macheolgun and his men had defeated the demons.
They had achieved even greater success than the elite Gwangwoldan of the Murim Alliance, arriving earlier and eliminating most of the demons.
“Our prediction was correct. They intend to make Macheolgun the leader.”
“Yes, it seems so.”
“There will be a second and third attack. Each time, Macheolgun will gain more achievements.”
It was a strategy built on innocent sacrifices, a key reason I couldn’t forgive those behind it.
Greed and the pursuit of power were natural for those who craved it.
The problem was that this battle wasn’t just among the greedy; it involved killing innocents to achieve their goals.
“Do you think Macheolgun has been recruited by them?”
“I don’t know. It could be that, or perhaps it’s his desire for revenge over his father’s death.”
If Macheolgun had indeed joined forces with them, it couldn’t be ruled out. Sometimes, the lust for power easily consumed a person.
“We can’t let them succeed.”
“Of course, but if we interfere, you could be in danger.”
“True, but can we just stand by and watch?”
I looked at Galsaryang and spoke quietly.
“I have a favor to ask.”
“What is it?”
“Could you come with me somewhere?”
“Where to?”
“You’ll see when we get there. It will take some time.”
It was a request to leave the emergency operations room, a bold ask, yet Galsaryang rose without hesitation.
“Let’s go.”
With Byeokridan, we arrived at Dongho, located east of Wuhan.
The lake was vast and beautiful, attracting many tourists who enjoyed boating.
Byeokridan rented a boat, and I watched as he prepared it.
We set sail on the lake, and I joined him on the boat. Near the shore, there were many boats with couples, friends drinking, and people leisurely fishing.
Byeokridan continued to row.
After a while, we were far enough that no other boats were in sight. The lake was so large that it seemed endless.
Byeokridan asked me, “Aren’t you curious where we’re going?”
“It’s not where we’re going that’s important, but why.”
He smiled at my response and kept rowing.
Though curious, I wasn’t anxious. He had saved my life multiple times. Without him, I would have been dead already.
“It’s nice to be out on the lake after so long.”
The clear lake reflected the sky, making it feel like we were sailing through the heavens.
Had I ever crossed a lake so leisurely before?
Eventually, a small island came into view.
“We’re here. Let’s disembark.”
We stepped onto the island.
On a hill overlooking the lake stood a small manor.
“A manor in a place like this?”
“It’s my manor.”
“Yours?”
“Yes.”
It was truly unexpected. Byeokridan was like an onion, revealing new layers with each encounter.
The manor had a tall pavilion with a breathtaking view of the lake. We climbed up and sat facing each other. Wine and dried snacks were already prepared.
But there were no people in the manor. It seemed everyone had been sent away for this occasion.
“Have a drink.”
Byeokridan poured me a glass.
“Thank you.”
Drinking while taking in the stunning scenery felt almost divine. Whatever he intended to discuss, choosing this place was wise. Just being here lifted my spirits.
“I brought you here to discuss something in private.”
Here, no one could eavesdrop.
“Go ahead.”
There was a tension in Byeokridan’s eyes I hadn’t seen before. Even when facing demons, he hadn’t been this tense.
What he said next was truly shocking.
“I joined Jeonguigak because of you.”
“Because of me?”
I was taken aback. As we traveled here, I had speculated about what Byeokridan might say. My conclusion was this:
He was going to resign from Jeonguigak.
The leader was dead, the demonic cult was resurging, and there was an unknown force behind it, with key factions of the Murim Alliance complicit.
The situation was perilous.
If Byeokridan wanted to leave Jeonguigak, I had resolved to let him go amicably. Losing him would be a great loss, but I couldn’t force him into a life-threatening situation.
“Explain further.”
“I wanted to make you my ally.”
“What?”
It was the most surprising moment since meeting Byeokridan. I burst into laughter.
“Hahahaha.”
“Why are you laughing?”
“I’m laughing because I’m so surprised.”
It was both astonishing and absurd. How was I supposed to take that?
“So you’re saying you want me to join you?”
“Yes. I joined Jeonguigak with the purpose of gaining your trust and making you my ally.”
“Hahaha. You do know I’m the chief strategist of the Murim Alliance, right?”
“As your chief strategist, I should know that, shouldn’t I?”
I knew Byeokridan wasn’t joking.
“I know your skills well. You’re more than qualified to say that.”
He had skills surpassing Mabonggi and the wealth to own such an island. His actions in Jeonguigak showed he was incredibly astute and had remarkable judgment for his age. Yet, his words were truly unexpected.
“What do you plan to do with me?”
Byeokridan answered without hesitation.
“I plan to fight against the Murim Alliance and the forces behind them. I intend to eliminate those who conspire.”
His goal was the same as mine.
Was he trying to deceive me?
I had to consider it, but I didn’t think so. It was instinct. If this instinct betrayed me, so be it. It was an instinct honed over a lifetime.
Though young, I felt Byeokridan was worth risking my fate on.
Even as the chief strategist, my life was hanging by a thread. They kept me alive to use me.
Could I withstand those who assassinated the leader?
Yet, I hesitated for one reason. This was about ‘revenge.’ It wasn’t for justice or a greater cause, but for the revenge of Cheonhajin. Was it right to involve him in my personal vendetta? I felt guilty.
At that moment, as if reading my mind, Byeokridan spoke.
“I believe the former leader was murdered by them.”
“What?”
I was so shocked I nearly cried out.
“They killed the current leader too. They’re running rampant as if this world belongs to them. I believe they must be stopped.”
Still, I hesitated. Perhaps it was because I was reluctant to serve anyone other than Cheonhajin.
“Why me?”
“Someone recommended you to me. Someone you know well.”
“Who?”
Just then, someone approached.
“It’s been a while, strategist.”
I was stunned to see who it was. It was Baekpyo.
“Baekdanju!”
Baekpyo’s demeanor had changed. Where he once felt gentle and reliable, now he seemed sharp and strong.
But his smile, directed at me, was as warm as ever.
“Have you been well?”
Leaving Galsaryang and Baekpyo to talk, I descended from the pavilion.
I had done all I could. The rest was up to Baekpyo.
I wished I could handle everything on my own, but my loyalty to my past life was too strong.
I strolled around the island, calming my mind. I needed Galsaryang, but I couldn’t force it.
After about half an hour, the two of them walked over to where I was.
Their expressions gave nothing away about the decision that had been made.
Galsaryang looked at me and asked, “Just one question. If everything goes smoothly this time, what do you plan to do?”
“I plan to give everyone their freedom.”
“Freedom?”
“Yes. Those who wish to leave can leave, and those who want to stay can stay. I’m not seeking loyalty.”
“Then what are you seeking?”
“I want happiness for myself and for my followers.”
Galsaryang looked genuinely surprised. It seemed he hadn’t expected the word “happiness” to come up. But this had been my belief for a long time.
“My fight began from that very idea. If they had made everyone happy, whether they ruled the martial world or schemed from the shadows, I wouldn’t have taken up this fight.”
Yet, even before they revealed their true colors, many had already died. As the saying goes, you can tell a lot from a single instance, and many more would die to satisfy their greed.
“Happiness, huh.”
Galsaryang pondered deeply.
Saryang, I need you. Please, forget the past and follow me now.
He asked again, “I’m a man with many flaws and weaknesses. Are you sure you want someone like me?”
I replied, “A bird never thinks its wings are too heavy.”
To me, he and Baekpyo were my wings.
“Can you carry me as we fly? I’m the one who lacks so much.”
Did my sincerity reach him?
Slowly, he knelt before me.
“I, Galsaryang, Chief Strategist of the Martial Alliance, swear to the heavens and earth to pledge my loyalty to my final lord, the Prince of Byuk.”
I let out a sigh of relief.
“Ah!”
I nearly collapsed on the spot, overwhelmed with joy that made my whole body tremble.
Thank you, Saryang. Truly, thank you.
I quickly took his hand and helped him up.
“Thank you, General Gal. I will do my utmost not to disappoint you.”
“It’s alright if you do. Just promise not to give up until the end.”
“I will do my best.”
I embraced Galsaryang tightly.
“Prince Byuk?”
“Thank you. Truly, thank you.”
He must have felt it—the strong beating of my heart.
Yes, let’s move forward anew. Unlike in the past, let’s be closer and more familiar.
With a face full of emotion, Galsaryang said to me, “No, it’s I who should be grateful for being needed so earnestly despite my shortcomings.”
Baekpyo, standing nearby, beamed with joy.
“This is wonderful. Truly wonderful.”
“Let’s do well from now on.”
“Yes, General.”
The two exchanged bright smiles.
This time, I took Baekpyo’s hand.
“Thank you. Without you, Baekdaejoo, this would never have been possible.”
“Not at all. The General had already made up his mind.”
Galsaryang chuckled and added, “No, Baekdanju—no, Baekdaejoo now. Your persuasion played a significant role.”
He was giving credit to Baekpyo instead of taking it for himself. That was the measure of Galsaryang’s character.
I should accept that sentiment.
“Baekdaejoo, I won’t forget your contribution today.”
Baekpyo bowed his head with a joyful expression.
Galsaryang and Baekpyo.
At last, I had both wings.