Chapter 42
Chapter 42
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 42
Chapter Title: Farewell to Sima Clan
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Number 29 removed her splint. She swung her sword and shouted boldly.
"Number 30! Let's have a match!!!"
So I obliged her.
Number 29, beaten by my wooden sword, crawled on the ground.
"Why... why are you even stronger...? I'm at the peak too... I can even generate sword aura...!"
"It's the reward for staking your life on all four limbs."
"I staked my life too?!"
I finished preparing to leave. But just before quietly departing from the Sima Clan, a visitor arrived.
Soul-Escaping Sword No Ha-cheon.
He came looking for me, bringing his disciple along. The moment our eyes met, he bowed deeply.
"I misunderstood you. I committed an unforgivable act. I'm sorry."
I had already heard about the Soul-Escaping Sword from Sima Ak.
The fact that he had been deceived as well. Even the Rakshasa Sect he belonged to hadn't fully grasped the truth behind it all.
"It's fine. The Rakshasa Sect merely answered the call, didn't it?"
"...Ahem. Your character is impressive too. No unnecessary words."
The Soul-Escaping Sword subtly felt my arm.
"...Elder?"
"Well-trained. Solid foundation. Jin-myeong, are you watching? With a foundation this strong, the body responds even under strain. Can't achieve this with talent alone."
"Yes. I'm watching, Master."
Geuk Jin-myeong.
His disciple stared at me. His gaze was unusual.
It felt like hostility... but somewhat ambiguous.
"Number 30, what's your relationship with Number 29?"
"......? Comrades... I suppose."
"Is that all?"
"Yes. That's all."
"I see."
Geuk Jin-myeong's expression softened slightly. Not understanding why, I asked again.
"Why do you ask...?"
"We spar often, so I got curious."
"Didn't Number 29 just remove her splint yesterday?"
"She said you've crossed swords many times. They call it debating swords. That sharpness is like a match, so it's not wrong to say you've crossed blades. It also means I'm that close to my junior."
"That's true, but..."
There was a slight thorn in his words. Not knowing why, I mulled over the conversation.
...Did I do something wrong?
The Soul-Escaping Sword, who had been feeling my muscles, suddenly turned his head.
"I heard that if you prove yourself worthy within the Blood Demon Squad, you can leave and seek other opportunities."
I nodded. The Soul-Escaping Sword whispered.
"Once that time ends, do you have a place to go? Even I lead the Rock Sand Squad in the Rakshasa Sect. If you wish, I can arrange a position for you."
"I appreciate the offer, but I have somewhere else to go."
"Where?"
"I'm bound to the First Demon..."
I stopped short of mentioning the Heavenly Demon.
The Soul-Escaping Sword nodded with a complicated expression.
"I know you have a close relationship with the First Demon. Can't be helped then... but."
He trailed off and grabbed my shoulder firmly.
"Are you master and disciple with the Thousand Blood Human Demon?"
"Not exactly..."
"Do you have another master you serve?"
"No...?"
"Aren't you curious about the Soul-Escaping Sword?"
"The Soul-Escaping Sword... you mean?"
"Yes! The Soul-Escaping Sword! It's perfect for a persistent one like you. Suits you to a tee! I've never seen a stubborn freak like you in my life! It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say the Soul-Escaping Sword was created for you!"
His grip on my shoulder tightened.
The Soul-Escaping Sword No Ha-cheon's eyes burned even more intensely.
"With you... maybe, just maybe, you could reach its pinnacle!"
"M-Master?! You said I'm the only one to inherit it..."
"Can't I take on one or two more disciples? Jin-myeong! Of course, you'd be the senior brother! Just adding one more under you!"
"Junior brother... if he's my junior... that would sever his connection to Number 29..."
Geuk Jin-myeong's eyes also intensified.
He grabbed me too.
"Number 30. The Soul-Escaping Sword is supreme. You won't lose out learning it."
"Exactly! That's right! We need talent like you! At least... once your ties to the First Demon end, come to the Rakshasa Sect?! I'll keep a spot open for you always!"
"L-Let go..."
"It's good for you too, Number 30. Direct guidance from the renowned Soul-Escaping Sword... where else in the world is there such an opportunity?"
"Right! Jin-myeong! Good! Press harder! I'll speak well to the Rakshasa Sect Leader! He'd welcome someone like you with open arms!"
"L-Listen to me...!"
The tussle ended only after a while. No Ha-cheon, failing to persuade me, smacked his lips.
"What a shame. Mind if I ask why?"
"Though I can't take you as master, there's already one I've kept in my heart."
I thought of the First Demon.
Thinking of my relationship with her, I smiled faintly.
"I've learned another man's sword. How could I greedily seek the Soul-Escaping Sword too? It doesn't suit my station, so please withdraw the offer."
"...Sigh. I should have found you sooner."
No Ha-cheon patted my shoulder.
"If you're that stubborn, nothing to be done. But I still owe you a separate apology, so come find me when you have time later."
"You mean...?"
"Not to join the Rakshasa Sect. I'll prepare my own apology gift. I don't apologize with mere words. Besides... even if we once crossed swords, now that the misunderstanding is cleared, couldn't we maintain a good relationship?"
No Ha-cheon smiled.
"I like people like you. Warriors like you. Even without becoming master and disciple, keeping ties with someone like you is a blessing in itself. Soul-Escaping Sword No Ha-cheon. Call on that name when you need it. Separate from the apology gift, I'll step up for you."
"...Thank you."
It was a tremendous gift beyond words. Friendship with the Rakshasa Sect's Soul-Escaping Sword.
Geuk Jin-myeong also bowed in return.
"Number 30. I look forward to our reunion."
"You as well, young master."
"If you ever visit the Rakshasa Sect, bring Number 29 too..."
"Enough."
"Yes, Master."
No Ha-cheon dragged his disciple away. I separately went to Number 29 and casually asked.
Her body shuddered when I mentioned Geuk Jin-myeong's name.
"He keeps coming around nagging about debating swords or whatever. What's so great about a guy I already beat?"
"Aren't you close?"
"Close? I hate that guy. Plus, every time he sees me, he stares at my chest. Full of lust."
Number 29 spat beneath her mask.
"We're leaving tonight?"
"It's gotten late, so that might be best. We'll slip out under cover of night."
"Shouldn't we at least let the Sima Clan know?"
"They're busy as it is. No need to make them busier, right?"
"Hmm..."
Number 29 snickered.
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"I suppose it is."
Night deepened. I stepped out the door with Number 29.
It was a quiet night without a breath of wind. The outside was silent too, as if everyone had fallen asleep.
I turned back to look at the lodgings from behind Number 29.
"Gonna miss it a bit. Shame."
"True enough."
We gazed at the lodgings for a moment before moving on. Many buildings we passed still had lights on.
"See... still busy."
"I heard once everything's settled, the Heavenly Evil Sect's assets will transfer to the Sima Clan."
"What happened to the Heavenly Evil Sect's leader?"
"Heard he's been captured by the Blood Execution Squad for interrogation. The Blood Execution Squad is basically a mobile one-man enforcement agency, right? Nearby sects have to respond immediately to their summons. Ignoring it is rebellion against the Cult Leader. Plus, their lone warrior's strength could wipe out a sect... The Heavenly Evil Sect leader couldn't possibly flee."
Number 29 clenched her fists. She hopped lightly.
"Ahh... The First Demon really exceeded my expectations. Couldn't see her face under the mask, but that voice and dignity were extraordinary!"
"...Not different from what you imagined?"
"More real, I guess. I was moved watching her smack the back of your head without hesitation. Treating a man like that! She's truly my idol. Haah haah... Gotta get close to her...!"
"You liked me getting hit that much?"
"Yes. Felt so refreshing."
"......"
"Hey. You're sulking, aren't you?"
"No."
"You are."
"I'm not."
"Don't be like that. Look ahead."
Number 29 raised her hand. Pointed forward.
"Someone's waiting."
"......?"
The Sima Clan's main gate.
Someone stood where only the gatekeeper should be.
"Number 30."
Tired eyes blinked over black martial robes. Tall frame leaning against the wall.
The Sima Clan's patriarch, awkwardly gazing at the moon, cleared his throat lightly.
"Where'd you learn to sneak out like a neighbor's stray dog? No manners?"
"......"
I glanced sideways. Number 29 whistled under her mask.
"Oops. Didn't think the Sima Clan patriarch's ears would catch my muttering."
"......."
"What? People make mistakes, don't they?"
I sighed.
Stepped before Sima Ak.
"You seemed busy, so I planned to leave quietly."
"That's manners?"
"Never learned any, so I don't really know."
"...Brat."
Sima Ak snickered at me. Tossed over what he held.
"What's this?"
"Fire wine. If the road gets boring, wet your throat."
"Road's rough. Better not drink."
"Then limp. Your crooked life's already stumbling. No one's gonna complain."
His usual sharp tongue. I chuckled.
Put the received box in my luggage.
"Where you headed?"
"Back where I came from."
"...Yeah?"
Sima Ak stared at distant mountains. Cleared his throat a few more times before speaking.
"How old are you again?"
"Turning twenty-six soon."
"Tch. Young punk."
"Heard we're only a year apart."
"A year's still older. Gonna eat you up, kid."
Sima Ak stepped aside.
"Scram."
"...Yes."
As I passed, I turned my head. Smiled faintly at his somewhat bitter expression.
"Sima Ak. I hope everything goes well for you."
"Hmph. Don't need your worry. It'll work out fine. The Sima Clan will become the finest noble house, regain its former glory. And..."
Sima Ak scowled.
"Tell Big Brother Sima Ak. Call it right."
"Pardon?"
"Call me properly, brat."
"...Brother?"
"Yeah. Now get lost, you lowly guard."
Sima Ak burst into laughter.
"Come when you're hungry. Or even if not. Sima Clan doesn't forget favors. You saved the whole clan..."
An expression I'd never seen.
His softened lips curved slightly.
"Need help? Call me anytime, you damn little brother."
Treating me like family.
I couldn't speak for a moment. Number 29 piped up.
"What about me?"
"Still here?"
"Damn! Shouldn't have saved you!"
"Joking. You... do as you like."
"The vibe's different!"
"So?"
Watching them, I ended up laughing. After chuckling a while, I pulled out the wine from my luggage.
Opened the lid. Lifted my mask and downed thirty percent in front of watching Sima Ak.
Flavor exploded. A deep taste unlike ordinary fire wine slid down my throat.
Totally different from before. A taste of respect.
Handed the rest to Sima Ak.
"Have a drink, Brother."
"...Kuh."
Sima Ak took the wine. Tipped his head back cleanly and finished it.
"Elder drinks first, idiot."
"Never learned."
"Always... mountains to teach you... Tch. Hey, girl."
"Not drinking after that guy."
"Splash it on your head then."
"...Just this once. Sigh."
The sighing Number 29 lifted her mask slightly and emptied the bottle cleanly. Sima Ak, pocketing the empty bottle, jerked his chin.
"Number 29. Number 30. Real names?"
We exchanged glances. I pondered revealing or hiding.
As I hesitated, Sima Ak clicked his tongue.
"Dumbass. Do I look like I'd blab your names? No value in it, no intention."
"Can't speak nicely?"
"Me? Why? Lived like this forever. Changing suddenly would be weird. Same as wearing a mask with you. Want me to smile with a fake face? I can."
"If you can't talk right..."
Number 29 sighed. Mindful of my gaze, she spoke.
"Baek Mae."
"You?"
"......"
...Here, maybe.
Here, it might be okay.
After agonizing, I opened my mouth.
"Red Cloud."
"Red Cloud? Red clouds, huh. Fittingly weird name for a weirdo."
"Hey. That's rude about his name."
"You his wife or something?"
"Wh-what?! Ha! Unbelievable...!"
"Not denying it."
"Wh-what do you mean?! Ha! Seriously...!"
Sima Ak shook the empty bottle.
"Red Cloud. Baek Mae. Got it. This bottle goes on the highest shelf in my room. Won't move while I'm alive."
"......"
"Need pocket money? Say so. I'll send some."
Sima Ak turned after that. Walked a few steps, glanced back at me.
"Not seeing you off far."
A clean farewell.
So I replied in kind.
"It was fun, Brother."
"...Hmph."
Sima Ak resumed walking.
Without looking back again.
"You're the dumbest guard I ever hired. Doesn't fit the Cult at all."
"......."
"But whatever."
His casually waving hand receded.
Amid slight awkwardness.
"Wasn't bad. Red Cloud."