Chapter 10
Chapter 10
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: First Grade Warrior 2
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"You're asking us to send one of the First Grade Warriors under our management to face the examinee?"
"Yes, that's correct."
The Hidden Shadow Pavilion tilted their heads at the Execution Hall's request. The pavilion managed a number of First Grade Warriors. However, there was something unique about those under the Hidden Shadow Pavilion.
Hidden Shadow—shadows in hiding.
They were a group that lived up to the name, handling individuals whose identities remained concealed.
Within the alliance, some were tasked with secretly escorting key figures, while others carried out covert orders beyond its borders. Only the pavilion's high-ranking officers knew their true identities.
Even if they lost, it wouldn't become public knowledge. Their statuses were crafted to blend seamlessly with the shadows from the start.
Goo Ee-hwan, the Deputy Pavilion Leader, eyed Jang Yoo-seung, who had brought the Execution Hall Leader's formal cooperation request.
"Is this Baek Moo-jin really that strong? Did you see him yourself, by any chance?"
Jang Yoo-seung nodded. He had watched Baek Moo-jin's spar and spoken with him while guiding him around.
"He's strong. Silent Sword Unit Deputy Commander Kang Yeop couldn't even lay a hand on him."
"Kang Yeop's Fourth Grade, right?"
"Yes."
"Then wouldn't a Second Grade do the trick?"
"I don't think a Second Grade Warrior would cut it. He was holding back even against Deputy Commander Kang. Besides, the Hall Leader wants someone who can definitely win."
"I see."
Goo Ee-hwan paused to think after hearing Jang Yoo-seung out, finally grasping Woo Tae-jeong's intentions.
'Win or lose, they don't want it getting out. Smart to come to us, but... what a hassle.'
Goo Ee-hwan gave a reluctant nod.
"We'll send one. But we won't provide any information. It'd be tough to prepare a false identity on short notice, so he'll fight masked. That alright?"
"Of course."
"Good. You all will only know he's a First Grade Warrior from the Hidden Shadow Pavilion—and nothing else. I'll accompany him, so direct any questions to me."
"Understood. Thank you, Deputy Pavilion Leader."
"Don't doubt his skill."
"Who would? See you shortly, then."
Jang Yoo-seung bowed and quietly closed the door to the Deputy Pavilion Leader's office as he left.
Alone now, Goo Ee-hwan propped both feet on his desk and sank into thought. Then, out of nowhere, he spoke.
"Jang Geon, care to give it a shot?"
"......"
"Not interested?"
Goo Ee-hwan muttered to the empty room, and a bored voice drifted from somewhere.
"That's all you've got in mind?"
It was the voice of Jang Geon, the First Grade Warrior who was practically Goo Ee-hwan's shadow.
"'All I've got'? Didn't you catch the intent? I'm sending you out with full confidence in your victory—as the Hidden Shadow Pavilion's finest. We'll have to report to the higher-ups either way. The results will get out."
A sigh escaped Jang Geon at Goo Ee-hwan's words.
"...If that's the order."
"Don't be crass. Order? Just get ready."
"Got it."
"And if by some miracle you lose... the shock to me and the Pavilion Leader would be indescribable. To think we'd entrusted our protection to this guy—what a devastating blow."
"......"
"Why so quiet?"
Jang Geon replied with deliberate chill.
"This Baek Moo-jin... shall I kill him?"
Goo Ee-hwan yawned, then clicked his tongue.
"Go with dignity. Kill him? He's an examinee. Tsk."
"Right. How shall I handle him, then?"
"What a pain this request is. Make sure the Execution Hall never asks again. I'll clean up afterward."
"Understood. Consider it done."
2.
Baek Moo-jin, summoned from his lodgings, walked alongside Chief Supervisor Lee Yeon-seong and listened to the explanation before questioning it.
"They might readjust my grade?"
Lee Yeon-seong nodded.
"Does that mean I'm Fourth Grade level? Kang Yeop was Fourth Grade."
"That's right."
An abrupt additional evaluation. Baek Moo-jin couldn't help but wonder.
"Who's the opponent?"
"All I know is he's a First Grade Warrior."
"What?"
Even Lee Yeon-seong seemed unnecessarily tense. He glanced at the sword Baek Moo-jin carried.
"You won't face this one barehanded too, I hope? Pray you don't. It'll be someone with a false identity or hidden face. We requested from the Hidden Shadow Pavilion. Word is they have assassin-like warriors. Makes me nervous. But no choice—higher-ups want your skills properly assessed for fair treatment. I agree. Understand?"
"Hmm. It's odd. If that's the case, who's above First Grade?"
"Pardon?"
Lee Yeon-seong halted mid-stride and stared at Baek Moo-jin. As surprise registered on his face, Baek Moo-jin smiled.
"It almost feels like they're making me run a gauntlet. Beat a First Grade, and maybe an even stronger expert steps up next?"
Lee Yeon-seong shook his head.
"Nothing like that for now. Defeat a First Grade, and it goes straight to the Alliance Leader. Your placement gets decided then. Proving more is our job—no, the Leader's call."
"Got it. Understood."
"The spar will be in Dragon Tiger Hall. It's for closed-door matches. Let's go."
Following Lee Yeon-seong, Baek Moo-jin glanced at the sword in his left hand.
...Will I even need to draw it?
3.
Baek Moo-jin entered Dragon Tiger Hall. A handful of spectators from the Execution Hall and Hidden Shadow Pavilion were already seated.
As Lee Yeon-seong moved to introduce him, Execution Hall Leader Woo Tae-jeong, at the center, cut in.
"Skip it. Introductions later."
"Very well."
Woo Tae-jeong turned inward and called out.
"Deputy Pavilion Leader Goo, bring him out. Opponent's here."
Woo Tae-jeong snapped his fingers. From the inner chamber, Hidden Shadow Pavilion's First Grade Warrior Jang Geon emerged alongside Deputy Pavilion Leader Goo Ee-hwan.
Goo Ee-hwan sent Jang Geon to the center, then stepped back, arms crossed, watching.
Baek Moo-jin's eyes widened at the First Grade Warrior's attire.
Black garb from head to toe.
A mask left only his gleaming eyes visible.
The slender straight sword he carried was pitch black.
His outfit screamed, 'I'm an assassin.'
Woo Tae-jeong explained.
"Hidden Shadow Pavilion First Grade Warrior. Identity classified due to mission. Baek warrior, your understanding."
"Of course."
Baek Moo-jin nodded and eyed the warrior. The First Grade Warrior approached silently, without a word.
Jang Geon exuded sharp killing intent, skipping even basic courtesy. He moved like he saw Baek Moo-jin as an outright enemy.
Yet the onlookers heard no footsteps from the approaching Jang Geon.
Tension gripped the room.
'A warrior with an assassin's traits, as rumored.'
In the vast, quiet hall, a black shadow glided eerily.
Jang Geon made no sound—not even breathing. Only the spectators' gulps echoed loudly.
Baek Moo-jin matched the silence, statue-still, staring at Jang Geon.
As they faced off, Goo Ee-hwan—the one who'd brought his shadow guard—spoke.
"Begin."
Lee Yeon-seong, spooked, added cautiously.
"This is just a spar. Requested for skill assessment. No injuries, please."
His words carried no weight here. Whatever the First Grade Warrior's identity, his aura weighed down the air.
Jang Geon's pressure didn't suit a mere spar.
Baek Moo-jin still hadn't drawn his sword. Shattering expectations, Jang Geon vanished from his stance mid-breath.
The onlookers gasped in shock.
"Ah!"
"Shh, quiet."
"Sorry."
As Jang Geon vanished via stealth, eyes turned to Baek Moo-jin's odd expression.
'What's that? Why's he smiling?'
Baek Moo-jin gazed leisurely at empty space, grinning.
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