Into the Summer (2)
Galsaryang sat in a small, cramped room, surrounded by bookshelves filled to the brim. Through a tiny window, he stared blankly at the sun-drenched, empty training ground outside.
This was the office for regular military officers, a far cry from the spacious office he once occupied as the chief military officer. Now, he was just one of the eight regular officers in the Hall of Justice, having been demoted. Yet, he accepted his fate without protest.
Just then, the door opened silently, and someone entered.
“What are you staring at so intently?”
Galsaryang jumped to his feet.
“Ah, you’ve arrived.”
The newcomer was Sima Qian, the newly appointed chief military officer.
Sima Qian walked over and glanced out the small window Galsaryang had been looking through. The training ground was empty, save for the oppressive heat.
“It’s getting hot, isn’t it?”
“Yes, it seems this summer will be particularly warm.”
“Life is unpredictable, isn’t it? I remember waiting three whole hours just to meet you once. Do you recall how long you spared for me after all that waiting?”
Galsaryang remained silent.
“Just half an hour. Three hours of waiting for a mere thirty minutes.”
Though Galsaryang said nothing, he remembered that day vividly.
Back then, Sima Qian had visited on behalf of the Cheondo faction, seeking a monopoly on a business venture. He had subtly hinted at a bribe, a sum large enough to buy several estates. Despite knowing Galsaryang didn’t accept bribes, he had tried his luck, assuming a large enough offer might sway him. The memory of dismissing him quickly out of sheer annoyance was still fresh.
“I apologize for that day. I was overwhelmed with work and made a mistake.”
Sima Qian grinned, revealing yellowed teeth.
“I understand. Now that I’m in your position, I see how much work there is.”
“I’m grateful for your understanding, Chief.”
“When you expressed your desire to stay in the Hall of Justice, did you know I could have refused and had you expelled?”
“Of course. I’m deeply thankful for your kindness.”
“Why do you want to stay? Are you planning to take revenge on me for becoming the new chief?”
Sima Qian’s shrewd eyes bore into him.
Galsaryang’s face showed his unease.
“Of course not. I…”
Overcome with emotion, Galsaryang struggled to continue.
Finally, he spoke in a voice tinged with moisture.
“I’ve spent my entire life in the Martial Alliance. I’ve never considered a life outside of this. I’m just grateful to still be able to serve in the Hall of Justice.”
Sima Qian’s eyes narrowed, then his lips curled into a smile.
“I see. If I were in your shoes, I’d feel the same. Let’s work well together.”
“That’s my line. I’ll serve with loyalty.”
“Hahaha. Good, very good.”
Sima Qian left the room.
Galsaryang’s previously tense expression relaxed, replaced by a cold smirk.
What a joke.
He was sick of the Martial Alliance. He wanted to leave this stifling place and live his life freely, like Baekpyo.
Yet, there was one compelling reason he couldn’t leave.
‘The leader was definitely assassinated.’
There was no way the heads of the Guangyue and Iron Cavalry factions would betray overnight. Those who swayed them must have been working on it for a long time.
The same must be true for the leader’s assassination.
They must have used a method even the gods couldn’t detect. Or perhaps, even the gods of the Martial Alliance were on their side.
He would uncover the truth. Find out who killed the leader.
And he would have his revenge.
He couldn’t forgive those who destroyed what he had dedicated his life to in a single day. He wouldn’t forgive those who killed the leader who had devoted his life to the martial world.
He knew Sima Qian didn’t trust him. He was likely seen as a thorn in his side. It would be easier to remove the former chief military officer of the previous leader.
But for now, he was still useful. His network and information were invaluable. Besides, all the leaders who opposed the Ma Bong-gi had been replaced. His wings and limbs had been severed. They wouldn’t see him as a threat.
They’d think to drain him dry.
Fine, let them.
He would bide his time, just as they had. He would identify the culprits and gather the strength to defeat them, no matter how long it took.
Until then, he would endure.
He glanced around his office once more.
”…This isn’t so bad.”
After returning from a mission, Gwangdu had changed.
He had started paying more attention to his appearance.
“Do you think this outfit suits me?”
“Isn’t that the martial attire you chose?”
“I should have picked the color of the young master’s attire.”
“You didn’t buy it out of respect for me, right?”
“That was a mistake!”
The reason for his change became clear.
During the previous ambush by the Beast Squad, Gwangdu had killed four people. In the process, he saved one of the sword unit members, one of the two new women who had joined.
Her name was Dosun. She was twenty-one, cute and petite.
The issue began when she gifted him a small dagger and a whetstone as a token of gratitude. These were common gifts exchanged among martial artists.
“This isn’t just any gift.”
“Maybe she wants you to use it on yourself?”
“Please, no jokes. I’m serious.”
Gwangdu was indeed more serious than ever.
“What should I give her in return?”
“Why? It’s a gift for saving her life.”
“I should reciprocate.”
“You just want an excuse to talk to her, don’t you?”
Gwangdu flinched.
“No, it’s a matter of courtesy. It’s about doing the right thing!”
“Hahaha.”
“It’s not like that!”
Sure, it isn’t. Your face is as red as a ripe persimmon.
Well, you’re twenty-five. How could your heart not flutter? Go for it, kid.
Thanks to her, Gwangdu was handling any potential aftereffects of his first kill quite well.
The next day, Gwanhui and several sword unit members came to see me.
“We want to learn the art of throwing knives.”
They must have been impressed by the knife-throwing skills I displayed against the Beast Squad.
The sword unit members who wanted to learn had gathered and come to me. Gwanhui was likely the one who rallied them.
“I’m not an expert in knife-throwing, but I can teach you the basics.”
All martial arts are interconnected. Having mastered swordsmanship, I found it easier to learn other martial arts. Though not as proficient as with the sword, I was well-versed in knife-throwing, saber techniques, and other martial arts. So calling it “basic” was an understatement.
I had them bring training knives and targets from the storage.
After setting up a target at one side of the training ground, I stood before them.
“There are masters who specialize in knife-throwing in the martial world. They’re truly terrifying. Imagine a master who can hit a small target from a hundred paces away, throwing several knives at once. What if they aim for multiple vital points simultaneously? What if they predict where you’ll dodge and throw accordingly?”
The thought alone made them shake their heads in fear.
“Of course, reaching that level requires years of training. Knife-throwing has its drawbacks too. It’s weakest in close combat. If the opponent can unleash sword energy, you’re done for.”
There are masters who can imbue knives with energy. I’ve faced such masters before.
One of the Four Guardians of the Blood Heaven Sect, the Ten Knives Without Soul, Guanghou.
He was a formidable opponent. When he threw, ten knives would fly at once. It was baffling where he kept all those knives. Moreover, he could infuse his knives with energy.
That battle remains one of the most unforgettable bloodbaths. When I finally killed him, I had two knives embedded in my body.
But reaching that level of knife-throwing mastery is incredibly difficult. It seems easy at first, but it becomes increasingly challenging.
“For you, being able to overcome danger in emergencies should suffice.”
“That’s exactly what we want.”
Gwanhui answered loudly, and the others nodded in agreement.
I taught them the basics of knife-throwing: how to grip the knife, how to breathe, and how to throw.
“Now, give it a try.”
The sword unit members lined up and threw their knives at the target. Most missed, but Gwanhui managed to hit the edge.
“Focus. Concentration is key in knife-throwing.”
“Yes!”
They threw their knives again.
With each throw, more knives hit the target.
Knowing how to handle knives is a significant advantage for a martial artist.
“If you can hit the target three times in a row from thirty paces, I’ll teach you how to infuse your throws with energy.”
“Thank you, Master!”
“Don’t thank me. I appreciate those who strive to improve. If there’s anything else you want to learn, feel free to come to me.”
“Yes!”
With a resounding reply, the sword unit members began their training. I stayed for another half-hour, correcting their stances and offering guidance.
Isn’t teaching others a hassle?
Not at all.
Perhaps because it’s something I hadn’t done before, I found I had a knack for teaching.
And it was benefiting my martial arts as well. Starting from scratch, even as someone who had reached the pinnacle, made me reflect deeply. For instance:
“This is how it’s done.”
After confidently teaching something, I’d find myself pondering it that night.
‘Is that really how it is?’
Things I never used to question now suddenly stir up doubts within me.
I have no idea how these changes will affect me. I just hold onto the hope that since my intentions in teaching them were good, the outcomes will be positive as well.
By the afternoon, I still hadn’t seen Gwangdu, so I decided to check his room.
He was sitting at a table, deeply engrossed in writing something.
“You know how to write?”
“Wow, are you underestimating me that much?”
“I’m impressed, that’s all.”
In our household, and among most of the servants, literacy was rare.
“Do you think I was chosen to serve you for no reason?”
“You must have been smart from a young age.”
“Of course. I was the smartest.”
I wondered if his talent in martial arts might also stem from this intelligence.
“So, what are you writing?”
“A letter to Lady Dosoo.”
“Lady Dosoo? You mean Dosoon?”
“Dosoon? Please, don’t casually use a lady’s name like that.”
“Someone else’s lady? Is that ‘someone else’ you, by any chance?”
“Depends on this letter. Whether I become that ‘someone’ or not. Ah, I bought a gift, but I have no idea what to write!”
Gwangdu clutched his head in frustration.
“You’re giving her a letter too?”
“I get tongue-tied in front of Lady Dosoo. This is my way of expressing gratitude.”
“What did you buy her?”
“This.”
The gift Gwangdu bought was a tassel for a sword hilt.
“I noticed her sword didn’t have one. I got a short one so it wouldn’t get in the way. What do you think?”
“It’s cute.”
“Really?”
I nodded. The more skilled a swordsman becomes, the less likely they are to adorn their sword with such decorations. Even if it doesn’t hinder them, it offers no advantage in battle.
Fortunately, the tassel Gwangdu chose was short enough not to interfere with gripping the sword. He wasn’t yet at a level where such things would disrupt his swordsmanship, so it could be seen as a charming gesture.
“Now all that’s left is the letter. Any advice for me?”
“It’s all pointless.”
“Wow, that’s really helpful. Just leave me alone, will you?”
Before leaving the room, I offered one last piece of advice.
“The essence of a love letter is…”
Though he pretended not to listen, I noticed Gwangdu’s ears perk up.
“Honesty. Just convey your feelings as they are.”
His ears turned red.
I chuckled as I left the room, curious about how Gwangdu’s summer romance would unfold.
Wait a minute, could this be his first love?