Episode 297: Return to the Dark Cloud Fortress

Standing before the imposing fortress, the two figures gazed up at its towering walls.

Perched on the mountainside, the Dark Cloud Fortress lived up to its name, with its walls constructed entirely of black stone.

The fortress was divided into three distinct sections. The lowest level, protected by the outer wall, was known as the “Lower Fortress.” Beyond it lay the “Middle Fortress,” and at the highest point, where the lord resided, was the “Upper Fortress.”

To reach the Upper Fortress, one had to pass through both the Lower and Middle Fortresses.

Seok Tan-gang looked up at the towering gate and then turned to Ong Gi-seung. “If the instructor finds out we skipped class to come here, he might not let it slide.”

“If you’re worried, you can always go back,” Ong Gi-seung replied with a faint smile.

Seok Tan-gang chuckled, gripping his chain sickles. “If I don’t bring you back, that guy will make an even bigger fuss.”

Ong Gi-seung laughed too, then raised his head to shout at the fortress wall. “Gu Gang-ryong! I’m here…!”

But before he could finish his sentence, a heavy rumbling sound echoed as the fortress gate began to open, as if inviting them in without any resistance.

Seok Tan-gang and Ong Gi-seung exchanged glances.

“See? They were expecting me,” Ong Gi-seung said with a smirk.

“Get some sleep. You’re starting to worry me with how little you rest.”

With that, the two bantered lightly as they stepped through the gate.

The Lower Fortress was eerily silent, not a soul in sight. The quiet was almost oppressive, yet the two could sense the tension in the air, as if the very buildings were exuding a menacing aura.

Their footsteps echoed softly as they walked through the empty courtyard, a space usually used for training but now serving as a perfect trap for intruders.

As they reached the center of the courtyard, the sky suddenly darkened, and hundreds, if not thousands, of throwing weapons rained down upon them.

In an instant, Seok Tan-gang spun his chain sickles, channeling his energy into a defensive technique known as “Radiant Blade Dance,” a move he had learned from Sabikang. The spinning sickles created a protective barrier, deflecting the oncoming projectiles.

The sound of metal clashing against metal filled the air as the weapons were sent flying in all directions, embedding themselves in the surrounding buildings.

Once the chaos subsided, the courtyard was littered with weapons, like a field of thorns.

Ong Gi-seung, impressed by Seok Tan-gang’s skill, murmured, “Impressive.”

“You’d be disappointed if this surprised you,” Seok Tan-gang replied.

“I’m not surprised.”

“Liar.”

Ong Gi-seung chuckled.

Suddenly, figures clad in black leaped from the rooftops, descending upon them.

Ong Gi-seung and Seok Tan-gang split up, launching their attacks.

Ong Gi-seung’s true strength lay in his ability to strike without revealing his intent, moving with a fluid grace that made it seem as if his sword was leading him. His movements were so unpredictable that the black-clad warriors often missed him entirely, sometimes even striking their own allies.

Meanwhile, Seok Tan-gang fought with a more aggressive style, unleashing a powerful technique that sent his chain sickles spinning in a wide arc, cutting down anyone in their path.

The black-clad warriors scattered, but some were not quick enough to avoid the deadly blades.

The devastation left in the wake of Seok Tan-gang’s attack was evident, with buildings bearing deep scars from the assault.

Watching from a distance, the warriors were left in awe of the duo’s prowess.

“Who are these guys?” they wondered, realizing that these two were far more formidable than they had anticipated.

From the Upper Fortress, Gu Gang-ryong and a man with a smiling face observed the battle.

“Looks like only two showed up, contrary to your expectations,” the smiling man murmured.

Gu Gang-ryong smirked. “Does it matter? The important thing is that the prey has come to us willingly.”

“Are you sure they’re the ones we’re after?” the man asked.

“We’ll find out soon enough,” Gu Gang-ryong replied.

The man nodded, accepting the answer. He raised his hand, signaling the black-clad warriors to change their formation.

In an instant, they all charged at Seok Tan-gang, determined to overwhelm him.

Seok Tan-gang’s chain sickles lashed out, cutting down the attackers with precision.

But the relentless assault continued, forcing him to shorten his chain and engage in close combat.

He fought with a frenzied intensity, his movements a blur as he cut through the oncoming foes.

Despite the chaos, he couldn’t afford to stop. The black-clad warriors kept coming, their numbers seemingly endless.

Finally, he found himself locked in a struggle with one of the warriors wielding a large sword, while another closed in from behind.

The battle raged on, each side determined to emerge victorious.

Sparks flew as the opponent staggered back.

In that fleeting moment, Seok Tan-gang swung his sickle, wrapping his body tightly with chains.

The chains coiled around him like a serpent, ready to fend off the onslaught of weapons from all directions.

And if the enemy got too close, he could spin again, unraveling the chain-sickle to launch a counterattack.

This was the technique known as “Whirlwind Strike.”

The spinning chain-sickle, like a swirling tide, would buy him precious moments.

Meanwhile, as all the warriors converged on Seok Tan-gang, Ong Gi-seung found himself with a bit more breathing room.

Just as Ong Gi-seung was about to extend his sword to aid Seok Tan-gang, a shout rang out.

“Go!”

Surrounded by warriors clad in black, Seok Tan-gang’s voice boomed.

Ong Gi-seung hesitated, catching glimpses of Seok Tan-gang through the gaps between the warriors. Seok Tan-gang shouted again.

“Go. You need to tie up loose ends at home.”

”…”

“See? These guys are swarming me like bees. It’s proof I’m stronger than you!”

Even in the heat of battle, Seok Tan-gang couldn’t resist a boast.

Ong Gi-seung chuckled softly and turned away.

“Hang in there. I’ll sort things out at home and be back.”

With that, Ong Gi-seung kicked off the ground and launched himself toward the central hall.

Swish! Slash! Thud!

Meanwhile, Seok Tan-gang, swinging his sickle with wild abandon, clicked his tongue as he watched Ong Gi-seung disappear into the distance.

“Tch, he’s really leaving. Heartless guy!”

His chain-sickle seemed to grow even more lethal.

At the same time, the black-clad warriors charging at him grew more ferocious.

**

Just as Sabikang was about to start his lesson after meeting with the White Tiger Clan leader, he was interrupted.

“Instructor, Kang-ah and Ong Gi-seung didn’t show up for class.”

Yoo Song-ryeong spoke up, frowning.

Sabikang replied nonchalantly.

“I know.”

“You know? Then do you know where they went?”

“Of course.”

“Where?”

“None of your concern.”

But Yoo Song-ryeong wasn’t easily deterred.

Seok Tan-gang had never acted so independently without a word to him before, and it bothered him.

“I think it is my concern. You know we’re not exactly obedient puppies. So tell me, where did they go?”

Sabikang grinned slyly.

“They’re on a special training mission. A perfect opportunity came up nearby.”