Episode 72: Return to the Martial Arts Academy

“As expected…”

Sabi Kang narrowed his eyes. He had anticipated this kind of counterattack. Despite the risks, he had decided to prioritize the safety of the students over taking a gamble. This decision was heavily influenced by the thoughts of Dang Ihyup and Mae Seollan, leading to the proposal to cancel the inter-organizational competition.

The dean stepped in to mediate. “Ahem. First, let’s avoid baseless speculation. However, we will consider everyone’s opinions regarding the competition schedule. What are your thoughts?”

The instructors hesitated, glancing at each other nervously. No one wanted to be the first to speak, fearing the responsibility if something went wrong.

After a long pause, Unbyeok cautiously broke the silence. “Perhaps it might be wiser to take a more cautious approach rather than rushing into potential danger.”

Cheon Saemyung immediately countered, “But do we have any evidence to suggest that taking a detour is safer? If someone has indeed anticipated our actions, changing the schedule might play right into their hands.”

“That’s… a valid point,” Unbyeok conceded, lowering his voice.

Cheon Saemyung fixed his gaze on Sabi Kang as he continued, “If there is a traitor among us, wouldn’t everyone be a suspect? Even the witnesses, as Instructor Sang Pilji mentioned, cannot be exempt.”

His words were clearly directed at Sabi Kang. Joo Yucheon turned to Cheon Saemyung, “What do you think, Chief Cheon?”

“Personally, I believe we should proceed as planned.”

“And why is that?”

“For two reasons. First, as long as we are aware of their plans, we can prepare and avoid any major incidents. Second, if we cancel the event out of fear of the dark forces, it would only invite ridicule.”

“True. It wouldn’t look good for the prestigious Yongcheon Academy to cower in fear,” agreed Deung Buhyung.

The righteous sects lived and died by their principles. For them, avoiding the dark forces’ schemes out of fear was unacceptable to their pride.

Sabi Kang forced a bitter smile. He had foreseen the meeting unfolding this way, yet he had followed Dang Ihyup and Mae Seollan’s advice.

“These righteous sect folks still have a long way to go before they wake up,” he thought cynically, as the instructors began to side with Cheon Saemyung.

In the end, Joo Yucheon made the decision. “Based on the majority’s opinion, the inter-organizational competition will proceed as scheduled. However, we will deploy maximum personnel to monitor and manage Yongjarym to prevent any unfortunate incidents. We will double the number of security warriors compared to previous years. That’s all.”

The security warriors were martial artists tasked with ensuring the smooth running of the academy’s Spring Festival.

With everyone in agreement, the meeting concluded. As the instructors began to leave, Sabi Kang reluctantly stood up as well.

Cheon Saemyung approached him. “It’s a shame, Instructor Sabi.”

”…?”

“If the schedule had changed, at least you wouldn’t have to worry about any embarrassment during the competition.”

“Well, I’ve done what I could, so I have no regrets. If anything happens, it’s no longer my responsibility.”

Perhaps it was for the best. Avoiding a fight wasn’t Sabi Kang’s style. Engaging and confronting the enemy might be more advantageous in the long run, even if it meant inevitable sacrifices. That’s why he had accepted Dang Ihyup and Mae Seollan’s suggestions to minimize losses.

Cheon Saemyung smirked coldly. “We won’t let those dark forces get the better of us, will we?”

“Let’s hope not,” Sabi Kang replied coolly, walking away.

Watching him leave, Cheon Saemyung chuckled to himself. “Trying to avoid disgrace with such tricks won’t work. This time, I’ll crush you thoroughly.”

**

“The secret agent is dead.”

“What happened?”

“He was discovered and killed in Hojarym on his way back from meeting the enemy.”

“In Hojarym? Does Yongcheon Academy have surveillance there?”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

“Then why?”

“They say there’s a slippery eel among them…”

“What do you mean?”

“There’s an instructor at Yongcheon Academy they’re not too fond of. Goes by the name ‘Sabi Kang.’”

“Ah, is he the one Wuseon mentioned before? Said there was an oddball among the instructors…”

“Seems like it.”

“But why him?”

“The secret agent was killed by him.”

“Could it be a coincidence?”

“Hard to say. But they did mention that this Sabi Kang is unpredictable and makes them uneasy.”

“Is there a chance the competition will be canceled?”

“They probably had a meeting today. But it’s unlikely. They live and die by their principles.”

“Indeed, they’ll likely push forward with it. Haha.”

“However, they might strengthen their defenses. We should reinforce our numbers.”

“How many more?”

“At least fifty.”

“Understood. Take the Black Assassins. But don’t fail.”

“Rest assured.”

**

The highlight of the Spring Festival: the day of the inter-organizational competition.

Hundreds of students gathered in the open field before Yongjarym, accompanied by their instructors. Excitement buzzed among the students and even some instructors. The competition was the most popular event of the festival.

The rules were simple. Students from each class, along with their instructors, entered Yongjarym. The goal was to mark the bodies of students from other classes with red dots, targeting vital points to simulate a ‘death.’ Marks on other areas counted as injuries, and accumulating three injuries resulted in ‘death.’ Those ‘killed’ had to leave the forest voluntarily, but if they faked being alive, the security warriors stationed throughout the forest would catch them.

But it wasn’t just people they had to watch out for. Various traps were set throughout Yongjarym, presenting additional challenges for the students. The last class standing would be declared the winner.

“This year, to ensure a safe event, we’ve doubled the number of security warriors in Yongjarym. So, follow the rules honestly. Your instructors will inform you about the security warriors’ attire. Now, show us your skills.”

“Yes!”

The collective response from the students echoed loudly. The security warriors, usually composed of martial artists guarding Yongcheon Academy, now included Dang Ihyup and his subordinates.

Only one head instructor and one assistant instructor could participate in the competition.

“Now, let the inter-organizational competition begin,” declared the dean, as the sound of drums filled the air.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

“Yeah!”

The students cheered and, under their instructors’ guidance, dispersed into Yongjarym. Once inside the forest, silence quickly fell as stealth became essential. Some classes moved together, while others split into groups. Some even separated a few students with exceptional stealth skills for survival.

Each strategy had its pros and cons. Staying together meant strength in numbers but increased the risk of detection. Splitting up allowed for better concealment but weakened their force.

Sabi Kang divided the special class into two teams: the Ghost Armor Team led by Mae Seollan and the Annihilation Team led by himself. Each team had a distinct role. The Ghost Armor Team focused on survival to win, comprising students like Jo Muntak, known for stealth, Gok Bo-ok, known for defense, and Neung Soso, known for potential.

The Annihilation Team, true to its name, aimed to eliminate opponents. It included Yeon Woo-gyeong and Mok Dan-hwa, known for their offensive skills, Yeom Jaryang, who excelled in all areas, and Dan Lijeong, capable of long-range attacks.

Once inside Yongjarym, Sabi Kang halted the Annihilation Team and unfolded a map. “We’re here now. We’ll move to this location,” he said, pointing to a spot on the map.

Yeom Jaryang’s eyes widened. “Instructor, that’s quite far.”

“I know.”

“But do we need to go that deep? We’re the attack team.”

“I agree with Jaryang. We should be actively seeking out opponents, not hiding deep in the forest,” Yeon Woo-gyeong added.

Sabi Kang shook his head. “Just do as I say if you don’t want to die.”

Here, ‘death’ meant real danger, but none of the students realized this. They were unaware of the dark forces’ schemes, as the academy had ordered all instructors to keep it secret to avoid causing panic.

Rolling up the map, Sabi Kang tucked it away. “By the way, the security warriors are dressed in white. Don’t get confused.”

“White? Weren’t they always in red?”

“This year, it’s white.”

This decision had been made that morning. The previous night, Sabi Kang, prompted by Mae Seollan, had secretly approached Joo Yucheon with a proposal.

“Change the security warriors’ attire?”

Joo Yoo-chun frowned at the unexpected proposal.

“Yes, and please don’t inform any of the instructors about the change in uniform.”

“Is there a reason for this?”

“If the enemy appears tomorrow, they’ll be wearing the same uniforms as our guards. Changing our uniforms will help minimize casualties.”

“How can you be so sure? And how do you know what they’ll be wearing?”

“I got the information from interrogating one of their masked men.”

Of course, that was a lie.

He knew because he had already lived through this future.

The enemy had indeed shown up wearing the same uniforms as the guards, mercilessly attacking students and instructors alike.

That’s why the damage had been so severe.

But he couldn’t just tell the truth.

So he lied.

However, Joo Yoo-chun wasn’t easily fooled.

Sensing something was off, Joo Yoo-chun narrowed his eyes, lost in thought.

It didn’t make sense.

Why would someone who went to the trouble of wearing a mask to hide their identity spill such information so easily?

Usually, they’d take their own life before being tortured.

If the enemy had one advantage over the righteous sects, it was their ruthlessness.

Sensing the suspicion in Joo Yoo-chun’s eyes, Sa Bi-gang added, “I know it’s confusing. But if you doubt me, there’s no solution. The decision is yours, Dean.”

“Hmm.”

Joo Yoo-chun studied Sa Bi-gang intently.

Sa Bi-gang didn’t shy away from his gaze.

‘How much can I trust him?’

The thought didn’t linger long.

“Very well. We’ll change the uniforms. But I won’t tell you what the new ones are. I’ll inform the instructors collectively tomorrow morning.”

“That’s a wise decision.”

Sa Bi-gang grinned.

In truth, Joo Yoo-chun agreed to Sa Bi-gang’s suggestion for one reason: if Sa Bi-gang were a traitor, he wouldn’t bother suggesting a change in uniforms.

In any case, there was a reason the guards wore white uniforms.

Sa Bi-gang addressed the group, “We might encounter enemies on the move. Stay alert and follow closely. If anyone falls, leave them without hesitation.”

“Understood.”

A solemn determination settled on the students’ faces.

Even though it was just a training exercise and no one would actually die, the phrase “leave the fallen” brought a sense of real tension.

“Let’s move out.”

As soon as Sa Bi-gang finished speaking, he leaped forward.

Yeon Woo-kyung, Yeom Ja-ryang, and the rest of the group followed like squirrels, swiftly trailing behind him.