Nachal Bang Organization #2
A slightly awkward silence stretched on. Galbi Jong, hailing from the unorthodox paths, was cowed by the Murim beauties, and even Jae Mi-son couldn't hold his own against them. We were trapped in a moment so tense that even exchanging greetings felt like it might kill us.
"Nachal Bang is established!"
Our organization, Nachal Bang, had been born. Truth be told, forming a Murim faction didn't require anything grandiose. You just gathered some people and made the declaration—that was the way of it. Sure, if we were buying a building or diving into legit business, we'd have to jump through the proper hoops, but that was irrelevant for now.
"Jae Mi-son, let's make this work from here on out. Together, we'll build up our bang."
"Kuk kuk... So it comes to this, huh."
Jae Mi-son, seated across from me, flashed a sly grin.
"Well... not a bad deal. Living in an organization like this."
"Exactly. It'll be good experience for us, turn us into better martial artists. And along the way, we'll learn plenty from Galbi Jong too, right?"
"Of course. Pleased to meet you, Jae Mi-son of the Anhui Twin Evils. I've long admired your reputation."
Galbi Jong extended his hand, and Jae Mi-son clasped it firmly.
"No nickname for you, huh..."
"It'll come in time. Anyway, Nachal Bang starts today with us five. On the first day, we ought to raise a cup in celebration, but I'm a man who values efficiency. Why not discuss how we'll run the bang and sketch out our future plans?"
He spoke with those clear eyes gleaming like he was sharing a grand vision. I loved that about him. Sapa origins or not, he never hesitated to voice his thoughts, and they always stemmed from positive drive.
"I'm all in, Galbi Jong."
"Might be a decent guy after all... kik."
Jae Mi-son nodded, clearly warming to him. Watching them, I chimed in.
"Anyway, our top priority is crushing and absorbing the black path scum in this area. For that, we need intel on them."
"Right..."
"Agreed!"
"And the ones who know that intel best? None other than the Beggar's Sect branch head. So let's pay him a visit."
We'd only parted ways recently, but now he was practically an honorary member of Nachal Bang—essential manpower.
"Let's go right now... Tormenting Beggar's Sect trash is always a yes from me."
"Kkek kek kek! Straight to action—impressive as ever!"
Jae Mi-son smirked, and Galbi Jong burst into laughter. I didn't know Galbi Jong's skills yet, but with Jae Mi-son on board, there was nothing to fear.
"You're handling this better than expected, Geun-hyeop."
"Yeah, I was worried, but it was for nothing?"
And we had Serin and Ha-young too.
"Once you're on the tiger's back, you ride the momentum. No time to dawdle. Efficiency is the path to victory."
Se-rin and Ha-young nodded, convinced by my words. And so, we headed back to the branch head.
"What the hell—again?!"
Seeing his face so often was starting to feel almost familiar.
"We need to talk."
"What now?!"
"When I say talk, you shut up and listen!!!"
"Agh, fine! Just stop!"
He grumbled a bit, but one raised fist turned him cooperative quick enough, much to my delight. We moved to a quiet spot.
"Branch head, you've probably guessed... I'm not satisfied with just wiping out Amto Bang."
"What?"
"We formed a bang today. Nachal Bang."
"..."
"After those Amto Bang bastards hit us, my hatred for the local black path scum boiled over. I'm planning to sweep them all away. Expand Nachal Bang's power while I'm at it... heh heh heh."
It was what Amto Bang had intended to do. Now it was my turn, and the black path would cease to be black path—they'd walk the righteous way under me.
"So you're saying you'll consolidate the black path factions."
"Yeah. To take them down, I need info. Branch head, this isn't a bad deal for you. Clear out the black path, grow Nachal Bang's turf, and I'll cut your Beggar's Sect in on the profits."
"Profits, huh."
Mention of business straightened his back. Madmen were scary, but a businessman offering deals? Not so much.
"Profits are just the start. I won't treat you like an enemy anymore. Right now, you're not an ally, so I bully you with pain and fear. But join us, and I'll pay fair for your services."
"Th-that's what this is...?"
"Yep. So decide. With our power, wiping black path is a breeze. Ride with us as allies, or ignore and stay enemies. Pick one."
It was tense, but committing to it ignited a fire in my chest. Yeah. No more taking shit from black path or whatever. Building my force meant I could protect myself. No more ugly incidents—I'd solidify my base right now.
"Got it. I'll cooperate. What do you need?"
"Intel on the local black path factions!"
Galbi Jong shouted.
"Kuk kuk... Better make it accurate. Shoddy info won't do..."
Jae Mi-son said with a sinister edge.
"N-naturally. Let's start the rundown."
The branch head began his explanation.
Currently, the most influential black path factions in the area numbered three. Four including Amto Bang before it fell.
"They divvied up Amto Bang's businesses among them. Il Do-mun profited biggest... probably 'cause they're the strongest."
Il Do-mun. Our first target.
"Il Do-mun shakes down low-tier merchants for protection money. They handle simple hit jobs too."
"Low-tier merchants?"
"Ones without shops."
"Ah."
Street vendors, basically. Not everyone can own a building in the Central Plains. Most merchants peddle from stalls. Without property, they're vulnerable, prime targets for thug scum with blades. Il Do-mun "protects" them for a fee—but they also rob them, threatening non-payers.
"Il Do-mun thugs bully them: pay up or die. These merchants lack cash or connections for orthodox sects or officials, so they fork over tribute."
"Did Amto Bang do the same?"
"Yep."
Whatever. They had to go.
"Good intel. What about the other two?"
Galbi Jong asked, and the branch head replied.
"Jangsa Bang and Jagwi Pa. Weaker than Il Do-mun. Heard they're feuding over a gambling den for laborers lately."
They were scrapping over a dive for low-end workers. Weaker militarily than Il Do-mun, but they checked each other—and Il Do-mun. Il Do-mun first, so skip 'em.
"Tell us more about Il Do-mun..."
Jae Mi-son murmured, stroking the Hae Dong Wan-gap bracer on his arm.
"They use sabers. Basic saber arts, but third-rate thug level at best."
That was his guess, not certain.
"Got it. Numbers and location."
"Hmm... well."
Numbers were approximate, but location was solid. Makes sense—roster fluctuates, but HQ doesn't move easy. Doable. Hit 'em hard, thin the ranks, done.
Thump thump.
Planning the Il Do-mun raid had my heart racing. Murder. The word echoed in my mind. Chang-sam, O Su-man. That Beggar's Sect guy and Mi-pyeong. Amto Bang's goons. Bandits too. I'd killed plenty already. Didn't want to, but had to—no hesitation. Horrific. Being forced to kill. Having to do it mercilessly. I never wanted it again, wanted to avoid it. But not anymore. To survive in this Murim, I had to embrace it all. Today's work would be my rite of passage. No grudge, but I'd strike first and kill. Black path trash anyway... Kill 'em, seize their turf, grow Nachal Bang. That's how I'd protect myself.
"That's all. Farewell... Don't forget the deal. Consolidate the black path, and we're allies."
"Yeah."
We left after his farewell.
"Kim Geun-hyeop! You're incredible! Subjugating the branch head like that, then swiftly gathering Il Do-mun intel! That execution—admirable!"
Galbi Jong raved, eyes sparkling.
"Heh heh, just what I'd expect."
As Jae Mi-son said, I had my own firm standards and goals. Follow them straight, and momentum built naturally.
"Kuk kuk, planning a swift strike on Il Do-mun, eh? Excellent, Geun-hyeop. The faster and more sudden, the better."
"Damn right, Jae Mi-son. Let's slaughter the Il Do-mun bastards."
Confidence surged. Oh, but we needed a HQ too. Take Il Do-mun's after smashing them?
"Disband for today. Meet at the guesthouse tomorrow, then move."
"Understood!"
Galbi Jong and Jae Mi-son left, and I headed home with my lovers.
"Geun-hyeop, today I observed quietly to see how you think and act."
Serin said upon entering.
"And?"
"I was impressed. You carried real presence. Leading with skilled rhetoric, laying plans—splendid."
"Heh heh, yeah? Kinda embarrassing. So, you trust me more now?"
"Yes. You can surely pull it off, Geun-hyeop."
She smiled softly, pleased with me. I wasn't alone anymore. I had to grow strong enough to protect my woman. That fire fueled me too.