Chapter 479: Operation: Clown's Play.
Chapter 479: Operation: Clown's Play.
It was then.
“You’d better be quiet. Unless you want to end up like this bitch… Park Hwanhee.”
An impossibly low voice echoed through the darkened space. At first, it sounded like a smooth baritone, but the tone was laced with undeniable hostility.
As if the warning had worked, the man’s—no, Park Hwanhee’s—growing scream cut off abruptly. A moment later, a voice, trembling and unable to hide its bewilderment, seeped out from under his robe.
“Wh-who are you? Who in the world are you to treat me like this?”
Screeech.
His question, which started in fear, ended in a near-desperate plea. But the reply came not in words, but in the cold rasp of a sword being drawn. As the cold glint of the blade shimmered in the air, Park Hwanhee’s Adam’s apple bobbed.
The sharp, blue steel pointed diagonally toward the floor. Park Hwanhee’s body shuddered as he felt the sharp sensation prodding the side of his neck. The strange man then used the tip of his sword to force Park Hwanhee’s chin up, making him raise his head.
As his gaze was forced upward, Park Hwanhee finally saw him. The one who had brought him to this place. The face of the man who was looking down on him.
The man’s identity was none other than Shin Hyuk. The moment he realized this, Park Hwanhee’s eyes widened like saucers.
“H-Hyuk-hyung…”
“Hwanhee,” Shin Hyuk began, deliberately cutting him off.
He then smiled faintly.
“There’s nothing I hate more in this world than a traitor.”
“H-Hyung-nim, what are you…”
“And the second thing I hate is liars. For example, a traitor who swears up and down that he’s not a traitor?”
“It’s a misunder… Huk!”
Park Hwanhee couldn’t finish his sentence, his head jerking back. He had no choice. He’d felt a sudden pressure from the tip of the blade that had been hovering precariously at his throat. If he hadn’t moved, it would have surely pierced his neck. At that thought, Park Hwanhee shook his head frantically, as if to say no, absolutely not.
“Sorry, sorry. My hand slipped. Ah, but does it matter? I’m going to kill you anyway.”
In contrast to Park Hwanhee’s terror, Shin Hyuk’s demeanor was utterly nonchalant. He turned his head slightly and clapped his hands together a couple of times. With the sound of something igniting, a bright light flooded the once-dark space, and the corpse that had been hanging from a rope fell to the floor with a thud.
Grrrr… Grrrr…
Grrrr… Grrrr…
A moment later, things that had been hiding in the darkness began to shamble out. The sound was not human, but the growl of a beast. With bloodshot eyes and four legs, they were unmistakably wolves or dogs.
Park Hwanhee had no idea what had happened here, or what was going on. He could only tremble in the face of the encroaching terror, staring blankly at the furry beasts before him.
However.
As if they had a different objective, the beasts didn't approach Park Hwanhee. Instead, they slowly made their way toward the corpse on the ground. But this was no cause for celebration. Because as soon as they reached the body, the beasts opened their maws wide and buried their faces in the flesh.
Crunch, craaack! Chomp, chomp…
Crunch, craaack! Chomp, chomp…
A grotesque scene unfolded as bones snapped, flesh was chewed, and blood burst from the body.
As Park Hwanhee stared blankly at the sight, the sword that had been momentarily raised while Shin Hyuk clapped descended again, its flat side stroking his dirt-stained cheek.
“That bitch, she was a tough one. Wouldn’t say a word. I tried everything, but she kept her mouth shut. Whoever trained her did a damn good job.”
“……”
“Still, it was a pretty interesting time. The tougher she was the more fun she was to break. I’d always wondered what a person’s reaction would be if they had sex with a dog, and thanks to this, I got to find out. Hehe.”
“……”
Though Shin Hyuk spoke in a friendly manner, the one listening couldn't feel it. Between the horrific scene unfolding before him and the constant sensation of the cold, blue blade rubbing against his face, an infinite tension coiled within him.
By the time the beasts had devoured the woman’s corpse without a trace, Park Hwanhee felt a cold hand rest on the crown of his head. Shin Hyuk had crouched down, looking at him from an even closer distance.
“Hwanhee, you probably know my personality. I can’t stand things that are a hassle. Right?”
“H-Hyung-nim.”
“So let’s make this easy on both of us. Huh? I’m going to ask you three or four questions. And depending on your answers, you’ll either die painlessly, or you’ll suffer all kinds of torment like that bitch before your corpse becomes dog food. It’s all up to you. Got it?”
“Keuk…”
The process might be different, but the result was the same: death. Unable to bear it any longer, Park Hwanhee squeezed his eyes shut. Whether he took it as surrender or resignation, Shin Hyuk slowly stroked Park Hwanhee’s hair and spoke softly.
“Actually, I’ve had my eye on you from the beginning. Ever since you joined our alliance. Do you know why? A guy who was completely ruined in the Western War. Suddenly, with no connections, he starts succeeding, builds up a force, and then applies to merge with the alliance himself? Wouldn’t anyone find that strange? So, I figured there had to be someone backing you.”
At that moment, Park Hwanhee’s body flinched. Not missing the reaction, Shin Hyuk’s voice grew louder as he continued.
“Still, you seemed to be working hard enough, so I decided to watch you for a while… But it ended up like this. You really stabbed me in the back, didn't you?”
“Hyuk-hyung-nim! I think I know what you’re thinking, no, I finally understand!”
“Oh, really? You’re a smart one, our Hwanhee.”
“But it’s a misunderstanding. A complete misunderstanding.”
“Ah, come on. I told you I hate liars.”
“It’s not, it’s not a lie! I’ve been framed!”
The instant he cried out that he was framed, something fell to the ground in front of him with a thud. It was a bag. A kick sent its contents spilling out, and shiny objects began to pour onto the ground.
“Wow. Platinum coins, jewels… This is no joke. To reward a mere spy this much. I guess the Mercenary Clan really is as rich as they say. They’re quite generous.”
It was then. The moment the words “Mercenary Clan” left Shin Hyuk’s lips, Park Hwanhee looked up at the air with a startled expression.
“That’s… I mean…”
“What. Am I wrong? Weren’t you just at the brothel meeting the Mercenary Lord? Huh?”
“…I-I met him. Yes. I admit that.”
“See, I knew it. Anyway, it’s good that you admit it.”
At the same time, Shin Hyuk clenched his hand, grabbing a fistful of the hair he had been stroking. Park Hwanhee’s face contorted in pain, and he involuntarily opened the eyes he had squeezed shut. Even so, he managed to force the words out.
“Keuk…! B-But, Hyung-nim. It’s not true. I am absolutely not the spy you think I am. So please, please just listen to me. It’s really a misunderstanding!”
“A misunderstanding… Hwanhee. Let’s think about this like human beings. Who in their right mind would give this kind of reward to a member of another clan, not even their own? And even go so far as to meet secretly in the dead of night?”
“That’s because…”
“And that’s not all. You know the current situation, right? Given everything, the Mercenary Clan’s actions are even more suspicious. So how am I supposed to interpret this situation? Huh?”
“I admit the situation looks bad. Anyone would think so. But Hyung-nim, how many times do I have to tell you? It’s really, truly not what you think!”
“Then what the hell is this!”
Suddenly, the smooth voice turned harsh. Shin Hyuk, shouting in a rough tone, snatched the bag and lifted it high, as if to throw it. But in doing so, the bag was turned upside down, and the remaining contents from deep inside spilled out. It was in that moment.
Clink! Clink, clink! Rattle…
A round object fell from the bag and rolled across the floor. It was a fist-sized orb that glowed with a clear light.
Though it was for a fleeting moment, Shin Hyuk’s gaze fell upon the orb. A powerful light flashed in his eyes. Tossing the bag aside, Shin Hyuk reached out and picked up the orb himself. A grim smile spread across his face.
“Huh. This is… a Crystal of Truth, isn’t it?”
That’s right. The fallen orb was a Crystal of Truth. While it wasn’t gold or jewels, it wasn’t strange for it to be in the bag. It was a high-demand, rare item that could be sold for a high price.
“Well, I’ll be. If this isn’t a twist of fate. Anyway, this is good. Very good. Hey, Park Hwanhee.”
“Gasp…”
“You said you were framed, right? Then prove it. We happen to have something good right here, so show me your true heart.”
“W-Wait!”
Park Hwanhee struggled, but it was useless with his body bound.
Shin Hyuk’s sword calmly sliced through the air, cutting the rope binding Park Hwanhee’s wrists. But before he could do anything, Shin Hyuk activated the Crystal of Truth and simultaneously grabbed Park Hwanhee’s hand, forcing it onto the orb.
“Now you can’t back out. So, answer me. Park Hwanhee.”
After muttering for a moment, Shin Hyuk looked at Park Hwanhee with a face full of anticipation and continued quietly.
“You admitted it earlier, right? That you met the Mercenary Lord at the brothel. So tell me. What did you two do there? Did you call over some ‘flowers of the night’ and have a good fuck together? Maybe do some swapping?”
Park Hwanhee didn’t answer right away. He just swallowed hard, hesitating. But when he saw Shin Hyuk’s sword slowly begin to rise, he quickly moved his lips.
“U-User Park Hwanhee… h-had a conversation.”
He tried to speak clearly, but anyone could hear the nervous tremble in his voice.
As if he’d gotten the answer he wanted, Shin Hyuk smiled faintly and tapped Park Hwanhee with the tip of his foot. Of course, the flame that had bloomed inside the Crystal of Truth remained its original color.
“Haha. No need to be so formal. I know you’re User Park Hwanhee. Anyway, good. What did you talk about? Did you confess my plans?”
“No! I did not confess your plans at the brothel!”
For a moment, Shin Hyuk’s eyes widened. Not only was the answer unexpected, but the color of the flame hadn’t changed. But it was only for a moment. Quickly regaining his composure, Shin Hyuk gave a hollow laugh and shook his head.
“Wow, this bastard is smart. Look at him playing with words. At the brothel? Right. Come to think of it, today’s meeting could have just been for encouragement. Then tell me again. Have you ever confessed my plans in the past, if not today?”
“No. Not today, and not ever before, have I confessed the plans to the Mercenary Lord! I’ve been framed!”
A desperate cry.
The flame was still glowing with the same color. At that, the calm expression Shin Hyuk had maintained throughout finally began to change.
With a hardened face, Shin Hyuk shot to his feet. The sudden movement caused Park Hwanhee to roll slightly, but he immediately reached out and grabbed the orb again, his hands moving as if it were his lifeline.
Without pausing, Park Hwanhee cried out in a desperate tone.
“Hyung-nim! I am not a spy for the Mercenary Clan. I have never once received spy orders from the Mercenary Clan. Furthermore, I have never confessed the plans to the Mercenary Lord. I was simply doing him a favor!”
“What… What did you say? A favor?”
Shin Hyuk’s face was one of disbelief. He instinctively checked the orb, but the Crystal of Truth below confirmed that Park Hwanhee’s words were true.
“What… is this…”
The thought that his prediction, his intuition, had been wrong sent Shin Hyuk’s mind into a tangled mess. He tried to think of another question, but nothing came to mind. Because this was enough.
He didn’t confess the plans.
He’s not a spy.
Suddenly at a loss for words, silence fell for a while. Only the murmuring of those around him could be heard as they began to gather by Shin Hyuk’s side one by one. They were the Users who had brought Park Hwanhee to this place. They too must have seen the Crystal of Truth, as they all spoke in hesitant voices.
“Hyung-nim… something’s a little strange.”
“He didn’t confess the plans, and he’s not a spy… Hyuk-hyung. The light from the Crystal of Truth is the same. I think we might have made a mistake.”
Amid the chaotic noise, Shin Hyuk managed to gather his thoughts.
“A favor, you said?”
“Yes. A favor. Just a simple favor.”
As if he had nothing left to fear, Park Hwanhee now looked directly at Shin Hyuk. His voice was much more confident than before, likely because he believed his proof had been accepted.
Shin Hyuk felt a sense of unease. His intuition was still screaming with suspicion, but reality was telling him to let it go.
“What favor did the Mercenary Lord ask of you?”
“I will tell you everything. So… uh…”
It was then. Just as Park Hwanhee, his hands now free, tried to push himself up from the floor, his body swayed. The Users who had dragged him from the alley reflexively rushed to support him.
“Hwanhee. I’m sorry. It seems we misunderstood.”
“Really, I’m so sorry. We shouldn’t have suspected you…”
The Users’ attitudes were a complete reversal from before. But it was understandable. Park Hwanhee was officially a member of the Su Clan and a User that Park Taejin always kept by his side—in other words, he was practically the second-in-command.
If he had been revealed as a spy, it would have been one thing. But if word got out that they had done this to an innocent man, what would happen to them? Setting aside Shin Hyuk’s position, the Users who participated here today would undoubtedly face consequences.
Finally helped to his feet by the Users, Park Hwanhee showed his usual good-natured smile. Then, seeing Shin Hyuk still staring at him, he bent down again and reached for the Crystal of Truth.
This time, however, the Users stopped him.
“No. Hwanhee. It’s okay now. We’ve heard your true feelings. Hyuk-hyung must understand now too. You are definitely one of our family.”
“No. Still, please give it to me. It’s better to be thorough with these things.”
“Hwanhee… Ah, Hyuk-hyung. Say something. Don’t you feel sorry?”
“Ah, it’s fine. It was just bad timing. I completely understand Hyuk-hyung-nim’s position. As you said, given the circumstances, my actions were suspicious. So I deserved it. Hahaha.”
The Users quietly bowed their heads. They were at a loss for words seeing Park Hwanhee, despite them saying it was okay, proactively trying to grab the Crystal of Truth. Recalling how he had genuinely cried out that he was framed made them feel even more sorry.
“Ah. Could you give me the orb and that bag as well?”
Park Hwanhee pointed to the floor. The Users scrambled to put the contents back, pick up the bag, and grab the orb. Or rather, they were about to.
Flicker, sizzle!
Crack!
With a faint noise, the flame that had been burning until now went out, and the Crystal of Truth cracked. The slightly long silence and the Users’ bustling about had caused its usage time to run out.
The man who was about to pick up the orb paused for a moment. But then he pointed at the crystal, which had turned into a handful of ash, and shrugged.
“It doesn’t matter now anyway, does it? Right, Hyung-nim?”
“…Hmm.”
Shin Hyuk nodded hesitantly.
“It seems… I was needlessly suspicious. I have nothing to say. It was clearly my mistake. I’m… sorry.”
“Not at all. As I said before, it was my fault too, and sometimes a man has to take a few hits in life.”
“…Thank you for saying so. I sincerely apologize once again.”
“Ah, it’s fine. If you keep this up, you’ll make me feel embarrassed… Oh, right, you said you were curious about the favor, didn’t you? It would be best to clear this up completely and finish things… Please wait a moment. I have something to show you.”
Park Hwanhee replied smoothly. Then, with a nonchalant smile, he reached into the bag.
And Shin Hyuk continued to watch Park Hwanhee with suspicious eyes, quietly smacking his lips as if tasting something bitter.