Hyeon-jin Becomes the Strategist of the Southern Defense Army
A tense air hung over the southern frontlines. Commander Ma Ui Tae pored over every scout report with a steely gaze.
Several thousand more tents in just a few days...?
That many additional tents meant at least ten thousand more troops. Intelligence had confirmed that the Northwest Murim forces housed a minimum of four men per tent.
"Commander, have some tea."
"Thank you."
Ma Ui Tae quenched his thirst with the tea handed over by his deputy, Gwak Hong. Gwak Hong continued with a worried expression.
"If the enemy keeps swelling their ranks like this, we won't even be able to guarantee holding this line when war breaks out. Shouldn't we bolster our own forces beforehand?"
"I've been sending regular updates to the lord via messenger birds. Let's wait and see."
"No reply yet makes my heart all the heavier. If they know our situation but lack troops to spare..."
"Hong."
"Yes, Commander."
"You must trust the lord. Even without reinforcements, this is the time to steel ourselves for death in battle. As deputy, you should set the example."
"...My apologies."
Gwak Hong flushed and bowed his head. Just then—
"Commander, a messenger from the lord has arrived."
The voice drifting in from outside lit up the eyes of Ma Ui Tae and Gwak Hong.
"Bring them in."
Moments later, a figure entered the command tent. Unexpectedly, it was Hyeon Jin—the scholar Yeon-hoo had invested so much in.
He still carried the refined air of a scholar. As he entered, faint disappointment clouded the eyes of Ma Ui Tae and Gwak Hong. To these two battle-hardened warriors to the bone, Hyeon Jin felt utterly out of place.
What they truly wanted was a mighty expert who could turn the tide of battle.
"Hyeon Jin pays his respects to the Commander."
"Welcome. I am Ma Ui Tae."
As Hyeon Jin took his seat, Gwak Hong stepped out to prepare tea. Ma Ui Tae faced him directly.
"Is the lord well?"
"He worries greatly with war looming."
Hyeon Jin answered calmly, then drew a letter tube from his robes and offered it. Ma Ui Tae immediately uncorked it, extracting and unfolding Yeon-hoo's personal letter.
Since he's the man I trust and send, entrust him with the role of strategist...
Ma Ui Tae's eyes narrowed slightly. Handing the strategist role to him was tantamount to ceding command of the Southern Defense Army.
Even Ma Ui Tae, who had resolved to trust and follow Yeon-hoo, couldn't swallow this easily.
Does he doubt my faith?
Hyeon Jin, watching him closely, continued.
"The lord commanded me to serve you well. Though lacking, I'll do my utmost to assist."
The word "serve" eased Ma Ui Tae's mind somewhat. He resealed the letter in the tube and fixed Hyeon Jin with a steady gaze.
"No other words?"
"Only that he'll contact us again later."
Gwak Hong returned with tea just then.
"Please, have some."
"Thank you."
"Deputy."
"Yes, Commander."
"From today, this man assumes the role of strategist for the Southern Defense Army. Greet him properly."
"...Pardon?"
Gwak Hong's eyes widened. The same shock Ma Ui Tae had felt upon first reading the letter.
"It is the lord's command."
Gwak Hong clasped his fists in salute and bowed.
"Deputy Gwak Hong pays respects to the Strategist."
"I am Hyeon Jin."
The conversation continued, but the atmosphere remained awkward. Gwak Hong, sitting behind and watching, couldn't shake his irritation and stepped out.
"Strategist? Does that mean the lord doubts the Commander's abilities?"
To Gwak Hong, Ma Ui Tae was more father than commander. Yeon-hoo's decision sparked not just disappointment, but rising fury.
He climbed a towering rock some distance away and let the cold wind scour him. After about fifteen minutes, he spotted Ma Ui Tae and Hyeon Jin emerging from the tent and leaped down.
"The Strategist wishes to inspect the camp perimeter. Guide him personally, Deputy."
"...Yes, Commander."
Soon, Gwak Hong led Hyeon Jin to the camp's outer edge—the frontline facing the Northwest Murim forces.
Hyeon Jin ascended the watchtower first. From there, a vast plain stretched out, bisected by a river, with the enemy's modest outpost visible beyond.
"Closer than I thought."
"Yes. A peak expert could cross in less than two quarters of an hour."
Nose-to-nose was an apt description.
"Yet you station minimal forces here out of certainty they won't attack through?"
"As you see, the open plain means instant detection upon advance. That's why we keep it light. The enemy likely does the same."
"A decision made before the Blood Clan alliance, no doubt."
"...Yes."
Hyeon Jin nodded silently, then spoke after a pause.
"We need more troops here."
"...Pardon?"
"High risk of detection, yes—but ideal for massing large forces undetected until the push. Before the alliance, maybe not. But with Wi Yeon Gwang allied to the Blood Clan, he'll bet on superiority and strike our main base through here. Just a few li beyond."
"But reinforcing here weakens elsewhere, doesn't it? I haven't mentioned, but our forces are woefully outnumbered. Forgive me, but we can't risk disaster on mere possibility."
"Sound reasoning."
Hyeon Jin smiled faintly.
"Yet war can't hinge on certainties alone. By your logic, the odds of attack elsewhere are fifty-fifty—equally uncertain."
"..."
"Discuss with the Commander regardless. Shall we move on?"
"...Yes."
Gwak Hong guided him elsewhere, unease lingering. At first, nonsense. Now, plausibly so.
Arrogant Wi Yeon Gwang might well...
That day, Hyeon Jin patrolled nearly every defended sector until sunset. When done, Gwak Hong's gaze had shifted markedly.
But not full trust.
If the lord sent him with faith, we follow. But if wrong... the Southern Defense Army crumbles without a fight.
Gwak Hong's anxiety stemmed from upending proven strategy on a hunch. An unease anyone would feel.
Garak, Blood Clan elder and covert operative for the Golden Merchant Group, received a new mission: command the Blood Clan forces piercing the North's Southern Defense Army.
Gazing across the river at the North's watchtower—the very spot Hyeon Jin had just left—he sneered coldly.
"Perfect terrain for a grand assault. Heh heh heh."
"The enemy never dreams we'll charge through this wide-open plain."
"True. Even we puzzled over the lord's order at first."
Garak downed his cup contentedly. Behind him clustered many, their gazes far from friendly. Northwest Murim's leadership, sidelined overnight despite alliance. Bitterness inevitable.
Garak turned, baring teeth.
"Still sour, from those faces."
"..."
"Complain to your lord if you hate me. Otherwise, fix your looks and attitudes. Remember, wartime lets me execute you on the spot. Heh heh heh."
No challengers to his arrogance. They'd long heard of his cruelty. Step wrong, heads roll. Rumors painted him capable.
Then—
"Report."
Jang Han entered, sensing the chill and faltering slightly.
Garak snapped.
"Scouting done? Report first."
"Ah... As expected, enemy holds steady. Ambushed near their camp for days—no reinforcements sighted."
"Heh heh heh. Good news. Drink and scout again."
"Understood."
As Jang Han withdrew, Garak turned and called lowly.
"Your mission."
Blood-red shadows rippled from the rear woods; three Ghost Corps emerged.
"Take the kids. Sweep near their camp—eliminate scouts!"
"Yes, Elder."
As they vanished, Garak glared across the river, eyes flashing.
"Without that declaration of war, I'd have taken Ma Ui Tae's head already..."
His sanguine gaze gleamed with boundless confidence.
Wall Thunder Manor's grand hall. Wi Yeon Gwang convened his council, grin unyielding.
"Thinking of that fool groaning like a shitting dog clears my gut! Ha ha ha!"
"Scouts report the North begged aid multiple times—Elder Council flatly refused."
"They must stay neutral. Violate, and iron rules crumble—ruin follows. The Chairman knows best! No one left to aid them. Heh heh heh."
Wi Yeon Gwang buzzed with excitement. Soon, he'd rule the North as craved. Post-war, just minimize shares to Blood Clan and Golden Merchants.
"Brat, that thorn's end nears—head on Iron Blood's gate."
Wi Yeon Gwang sipped tea smugly. Then—
"Lord, letter from Ghost Family."
"Ghost Family?"
"Yes!"
Wi Yeon Gwang snatched and scanned it. Brief, but enough to sour his mood.
"This bastard..."
"Lord! What does it say?"
"Demands we hand over our men who attacked his daughter!"
"What?!"
"Or pay in blood."
Bam!
Wi Yeon Gwang slammed the table with the lettered hand. Face flushed beet-red, as always in rage.
"Han Song picks now..."
"Valid demand, but timing's awful. They know our declaration—why now? Allied with the North?"
"Fool! Anyone thinking wouldn't! They'd perish together!"
The merry air froze. Strategist Yang So stepped forward.
"Grant Ghost Family's demand."