Chapter 203
Chapter 203
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 203
Chapter Title: The Death Shadow Squad
-----------------------------------------------------------------
The members of the Mubon Squad, prostrated behind Bu Eun-seol, all trembled slightly.
For Bu Eun-seol, a successor candidate, to insist on obtaining the official position of a squad leader in the Demonic Cult...
Wasn't that the same as demanding the Mubon Squad be recognized as an official unit?
"..."
The Demonic Emperor, who had been gazing down at Bu Eun-seol, turned and gave a slight nod to Yeop Hyo-cheon.
At that, Jin-seol and the maids standing behind Yeop Hyo-cheon descended slowly from the platform, carrying a box.
Jin-seol, now before Bu Eun-seol, took the box from the maids and opened it.
*Click.*
Inside, a command medallion wrapped in red silk shimmered with five colors. In its center were engraved the characters for 'Sayeong' (死影)—Death Shadow.
A chill went down Bu Eun-seol's spine as he looked at the medallion.
No matter how mystical the Demonic Emperor's power and martial arts were, he couldn't have created such a medallion in an instant.
In other words, the Demonic Emperor had predicted that Bu Eun-seol, upon succeeding in his mission, would demand the official position of squad leader for the Mubon Squad.
'It must be one of two things.'
Bu Eun-seol thought.
Either the Demonic Emperor understood and predicted his every move... or someone had been reporting Bu Eun-seol's every action in the Murim.
'It doesn't matter.'
Bu Eun-seol dismissed the thought.
This was not the time to dwell on such things.
He had to grasp the fervent desire of the Mubon Squad members—no, the Death Shadow Squad members—who radiated a fiery passion behind him.
The Demonic Emperor looked down at Bu Eun-seol and spoke softly.
"I hear you annihilated the Maban Sect secretly and quietly."
The Mubon Squad members, who had swiftly defeated the elites of the Maban Sect without their identities being revealed.
A rumor spread through the Murim that the Demonic Cult had sent 'shadows that deliver death in secret'.
As that name spread, the Demonic Emperor bestowed upon them the name 'Death Shadow Squad' (死影隊).
"Bu Eun-seol, disciple of Nang-ya-gak."
The Demonic Emperor stated impassively, looking down at Bu Eun-seol.
"For your service in dealing with the Maban Sect, I hereby appoint you as the leader of the Death Shadow Squad, a third-class unit of this cult."
At that moment, smirks appeared on the faces of the other squad leaders of the Demonic Cult in attendance.
—A third-class unit, as expected.
The units of the Demonic Cult are divided into first, second, and third classes.
First-class units follow only the orders of their direct superior and can undertake independent missions if they wish.
Second-class units have a say and discretion in their missions. And third-class units must strictly obey and carry out orders from above.
"However, while you are carrying out missions related to your status as a successor candidate..."
The Demonic Emperor continued.
"I will permit you to undertake independent missions at your own discretion."
In that instant, the eyes of the assembled squad leaders widened.
Though it was called a third-class unit, this was effectively granting Bu Eun-seol the authority of a first-class unit.
—That brat is going to carry out independent missions?
—Only for missions related to being a successor candidate.
—Ah, I see. If he fails to become the successor, he'll be cast aside.
Regardless of the squad leaders' telepathic chatter,
"I will obey your command."
Bowing his head, Bu Eun-seol respectfully accepted the medallion.
* * *
A few days later, inside the Demonic Cult.
About forty martial artists were heading toward the center of the Demonic Cult, maintaining a strict formation.
The character 'Jeol' (絶) was embroidered on the backs of their martial uniforms, and they wore swords in scabbards marked with a red line at their waists.
They were members of the Jeolmyeong Squad (絶命隊).
*Thud, thud.*
But approaching from the opposite direction was a group of thirty men.
They wore high-quality, lustrous martial uniforms, but their weapons were a diverse assortment.
For warriors of the Demonic Cult, their gait was too free-spirited, and some were even chatting with their comrades.
It was an unimaginable sight in the Demonic Cult, which emphasized solemnity and discipline.
They were the members of Bu Eun-seol's Death Shadow Squad.
—As long as you don't disrupt the chain of command, you can do whatever you want.
This was Bu Eun-seol's order to them upon entering the Demonic Cult.
—Your individuality is your weapon, and that will become my strength.
Even after recognizing them as official squad members, Bu Eun-seol acknowledged their individuality.
He had seen through the fact that the Death Shadow Squad members could perform at their best in a free atmosphere.
It might have seemed like a minor order, but they followed it diligently as if it were a great command.
They had quickly become loyal subordinates who thoroughly carried out Bu Eun-seol's orders.
"What a joke."
Seeing them walk like a gang without even maintaining a proper formation, Gok Jin-dong, the leader of the Jeolmyeong Squad, muttered in a low voice.
"Just because they got lucky and became an official squad, they're all dressed up."
The members of the Death Shadow Squad not only had profound internal energy but also keen hearing.
Although his voice was low, there was no way they hadn't heard Gok Jin-dong.
"Well, well, who do we have here? If it isn't the leader of the Jeolmyeong Squad?"
"What?"
Won Se-mun, who was swaggering at the front, playfully waved his hands, causing Gok Jin-dong's eyes to widen.
"Are you out of your mind?"
"You...?"
"How dare a mere squad member joke with me, a squad leader?"
At that, Jo Nam-cheon, standing beside him, snickered and said.
"It seems the squad leader doesn't even like being greeted."
"What did you say?"
"All Won Se-mun did was clasp his hands together and welcome you, Leader."
"With that smirking face of his?"
"Well, of course, he should smile warmly. Are you saying he should greet you with tears in his eyes?"
"Hmph."
Momentarily at a loss for words, Gok Jin-dong then recalled something and smiled sinisterly.
"Your arrogance won't last long."
"What do you mean?"
"He may have been appointed an official squad leader, but he's still just a successor candidate, isn't he? If your leader falls from that position... you'll all be left out in the cold again. Hehehe."
Although he was an official squad leader of the Demonic Cult, Bu Eun-seol had obtained the position through his status as a successor candidate.
In other words, it was a position gained by the Demonic Emperor's choice, bypassing the organizational hierarchy.
And wasn't his authority to conduct independent missions limited to tasks related to his candidacy?
If Bu Eun-seol failed to become the successor in the future? The Death Shadow Squad could once again be left out in the cold.
"You worry about the strangest things."
At that, Wi Cheon-gyeong, whose bangs covered his eyes, said as he brushed past Gok Jin-dong.
"Even if our leader doesn't become the cult's successor, he is still the rightful heir to one of the Ten Demonic Sects. It is you, Leader Gok, who should be worried about keeping your position."
"Keeping? You damned Mubon Squad brat..."
"We are not the Mubon Squad. We are the Death Shadow Squad, Leader Gok."
From between his bangs, a yellowish flash of lightning flickered in Wi Cheon-gyeong's eyes.
"Surely you must have seen our leader receive his medallion a few days ago... or are you rejecting the name bestowed by the Demonic Emperor himself?"
At Wi Cheon-gyeong's words, Gok Jin-dong's face turned ashen, and he shook his head.
"No, that was not my intention at all."
The name 'Death Shadow Squad' had been personally granted by the Demonic Emperor.
If word got to the Hall of Punishments that he had disregarded it, he could be punished for disrespect.
"What I just said was a mistake. Forget it."
As Gok Jin-dong waved his hand, sweating, Jo Nam-cheon smiled and respectfully clasped his hands.
"You should be a little more careful about your own affairs from now on, Leader."
Then he turned away with a smirk, and the rest of the squad members followed, grinning.
—Hehehe!
As they turned, the squad members' mouths were stretched in wide grins.
—To think we could land a blow on that bastard, the leader of the Jeolmyeong Squad!
—You really do have to succeed in life!
—We've hit the jackpot from now on, being under a leader like him.
These squad members had always been looked down upon.
To see the leader of the Jeolmyeong Squad, that thorn in their side, be rebuked and unable to lash out?
—Hahahaha!
For the first time, they were fully savoring their elevated status.
* * *
There were numerous units in the Demonic Cult, but their status and treatment varied greatly.
For example, members of the three great units—the Cheonsal, Amcheon, and Myeolhon—considered the best in the cult, were each assigned private quarters and maids to handle their meals.
In contrast, the lowest-ranking units used communal dormitories built within the cult, and their meals were also served in a common dining hall.
From that perspective, the Death Shadow Squad was receiving quite good treatment.
They were provided with a separate dormitory building just for their members, with a small training ground in front of it and even a small office for Bu Eun-seol.
"You really have to back the right horse."
Jo Nam-cheon exclaimed in admiration as he watched workers carefully replacing the plaque.
"This kind of treatment is only possible because the Demonic Emperor himself appointed him as leader."
Wi Cheon-gyeong, standing beside him, shook his head.
"But it's strange. Usually, when a new unit is formed, they're given a new building. Why did they give us the one the Mayeong Squad used?"
Stroking his chin for a moment, Jo Nam-cheon said with a serious expression.
"Isn't our leader destined to become the successor of the Demonic Cult anyway? When that time comes, our status will change again, so this is probably just temporary."
Wi Cheon-gyeong simply smiled instead of replying.
In truth, he believed it too.
That Bu Eun-seol would surely become the successor of the Demonic Cult. And that they, too, would be able to spread their wings and soar even higher.
"Hmph, why don't you just sing a song of praise for the leader?"
Won Se-mun, who was supervising the members' saber practice in the training ground, scoffed.
"Actually, what the Jeolmyeong Squad leader said wasn't wrong."
"What do you mean?"
Jo Nam-cheon asked, and Won Se-mun furrowed his brow.
"What if the leader is dropped from the candidacy? Would he remain a squad leader in the Demonic Cult? Of course not, he'd return to Nang-ya-gak."
At that, Jo Nam-cheon's face darkened.
Though a squad leader in the Demonic Cult, Bu Eun-seol was, first and foremost, the rightful heir to Nang-ya-gak. If he failed to become the successor, he would have no reason to stay in the cult.
"Won Se-mun. You still haven't shed that rebellious streak of yours."
As Wi Cheon-gyeong sighed at the sight,
*Creak.*
The office door opened, and Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin stepped out.
Jo Nam-cheon and Wi Cheon-gyeong were about to clasp their hands and bow,
"Leader. You've come out?"
But Won Se-mun had already scurried over to him, clasping his hands and saying.
"I've passed on the saber techniques to all the members and had them complete their stance training."
"Good work."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded, Won Se-mun vigorously rubbed his clasped hands together.
"Work? Not at all. Isn't this all for the good of you and me, Leader? Hahaha!"
—That crazy bastard...
Watching him, the expressions of Jo Nam-cheon and Wi Cheon-gyeong darkened sharply.
Just moments ago, he was criticizing Bu Eun-seol's uncertain future, and now he was groveling as if he'd wipe his boots.
"Squad Leader. That's not what you said. A moment ago, you said that if the Leader's candidacy..."
Han So-ung, who had approached, began to speak with a dissatisfied expression,
"Quiet!"
Won Se-mun deftly stretched Han So-ung's puffy, steamed-bun-like cheeks wide.
"The leader has important matters ahead. Don't bother him with pointless talk!"
"..."
At his shameless attitude, not only the other team leaders of the first team, but all the squad members' faces darkened.
*Step, step.*
Just then, a martial artist in a black uniform slowly approached Bu Eun-seol and clasped his hands.
"Wi Chung, a warrior from the Dokmyeong Pavilion, greets the leader."
"What is it?"
"All the successor candidates have gathered. I am here to escort you to the Dokmyeong Pavilion, Leader Bu."
"I understand."
Nodding, Bu Eun-seol took a secret manual from his robes and handed it to Won Se-mun.
"What is this?"
"These are the ultimate demonic arts of Jeolcheon Myeolji. The members of the first team must fight on the front lines in battle."
"You wrote another martial arts manual?"
Won Se-mun beamed, but Bu Eun-seol spoke coldly.
"There's no need to be happy. Anyone who fails to achieve at least the third level of this art within a month will no longer be a member of the Death Shadow Squad."
In an instant, the expressions of the first team members, who had been watching Bu Eun-seol with relaxed postures, hardened.
—If you do not master this martial art to at least the third level within a month, you will be stripped of your position in the Death Shadow Squad.
That was what Bu Eun-seol was saying.
"I am going to the Dokmyeong Pavilion. Start training hard now."
And with that, he left the Death Shadow Pavilion with Hyeok So-jin, following the warrior from the Dokmyeong Pavilion.
A deathly silence fell.
The eyes of the squad members, which had been full of laughter, now burned with renewed fire.
Bu Eun-seol had not only given the Death Shadow Squad sweet rewards.
He had made it clear that only those who refused to become complacent and constantly strove for improvement could remain in the Death Shadow Squad.
Those who constantly strive.
Only such people could stand by Bu Eun-seol's side.
*Step, step.*
Guided by the warrior from the Dokmyeong Pavilion, Bu Eun-seol and Hyeok So-jin passed through the halls, heading toward the heart of the Demonic Cult.
—All successor candidates of the Demonic Cult are to come to the main hall by the Mid-Autumn Festival.
A short while ago, the order had come down from Yeop Hyo-cheon, the Grand Marshal of the Demonic Cult, known as the 'King Who Rules the Darkness' among the Seven Emissary Kings.
And now, to carry out that solemn command, all the successor candidates from the Ten Demonic Sects had gathered in one place.
"Brother Bu, have you heard?"
Hyeok So-jin, walking beside him, asked in a low voice.
"I heard that the successors from Baekma Temple, Jiok Hyeolseong, and Saryeong Sect have been excluded from the candidacy this time."
It wasn't particularly surprising.
All three of those sects had attacked Bu Eun-seol and had uniformly tasted bitter defeat.
In short, the three sects' plans to overwhelm Bu Eun-seol with superior numbers had been thwarted one after another.
The Demonic Cult had likely judged those failures as a lack of qualification for a successor and removed them from the running.
"I see."
As Bu Eun-seol nodded and walked on, a half-moon-shaped pavilion slowly came into view.
The Dokmyeong Pavilion.
The place where he had first met the Grand Marshal and received the order to deal with the Dae-ui-go-su.
Now, he had returned to the Dokmyeong Pavilion as an official squad leader of the Demonic Cult.
And in that place...
Hwau Sword Sect, Hyeolyeom Saber Clan.
Geuksal Secret Pavilion, Myeorin Palace.
...all the successor candidates of the Demonic Cult, who would be competing with Bu Eun-seol from now on, were gathered.