Chapter 118: Chapter 118
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Jang Geon and Dark Dragon No. 5 left the streets following behind River Rock.
Departing the sparse lights of the inns and taverns, darkness unfolded where it was difficult to distinguish even a person right before one’s eyes. In Plateau City behind them and in the Tribal Alliance’s encampment visible ahead, dots of red firelight twinkled, but everything else on earth lost its color, appearing as a single pitch-black mass.
The pitch-black earth and the star-spangled night sky were divided by the jagged boundaries of mountain ranges and hills, looking as though two unfathomably massive entities were overlapping each other.
Walking ahead, River Rock suddenly glanced back to see if the other two were following well.
“What is it?”
“…Nothing.”
River Rock was slightly surprised by the sight of Jang Geon, who shone like a faint starlight in the darkness and looked straight into his eyes. Even River Rock himself, accustomed to such night paths, could not immediately locate an opponent’s eyes without a single torch.
Afterwards, while walking through the darkness for a long while, the steps of River Rock and Jang Geon came to a halt. Only Dark Dragon No. 5 failed to stop in time and almost slammed his face into River Rock’s back, barely halting his body before stretching his neck long to check ahead. On the dim plain, pitch-black silhouettes of men stood motionless, blocking their way.
River Rock took a step forward. It was eastern speech.
“It is me. River Rock.”
“…Who are the other two?”
“People to meet the Great Warrior.”
The human silhouettes stirred. Dark Dragon No. 5 strained his eyes unable to recognize what that motion was, but Jang Geon could clearly see that the warrior was drawing a bowstring.
“They are Central Plainsmen, aren’t they.”
“So what? It isn’t the first time the Great Warrior has met Central Plains guests.”
“They came in bright daylight. Not seeking us out in the dead of night like thieves.”
River Rock took another step forward and continued.
“They are not thieves. They are guests of the Great Warrior, and I vouch for that.”
The silhouettes said nothing for a moment. Only then realizing that they were aiming this way, Dark Dragon No. 5 swallowed hard.
Silence stretched for a long while. The warriors who had been aiming this way slowly lowered the bows they were aiming.
“…If trouble arises, you will have to take responsibility.”
“Of course.”
“Pass through.”
The warriors standing like black pillars shifted smoothly, opening a path. River Rock led the way between them, and Jang Geon and Dark Dragon No. 5 fell in behind him. The gazes of the warriors pierced their backs. They observed the three departing figures for a long time.
“…Thinking about it now, I wonder if we are moving too recklessly. What could we learn from finding the warriors close to that San-san? In the first place, San-san’s identity itself must be a fake identity.”
Dark Dragon No. 5 spoke as if his thoughts had changed after experiencing the warriors’ intimidation. But even at those words, not only River Rock but also Jang Geon did not reply. Somewhat flustered by their reaction, Dark Dragon No. 5 realized he had uttered foolish words and shut his mouth. Pursuit was ultimately a process of starting from small clues to find the main body. If there was even the most trivial thing that could be uncovered about the opponent, it was right to uncover it.
They soon entered the encampment of the alliance filled with huts. Most tribal people were sleeping, so hardly anyone was seen outside. Those who were out were huddled in groups of three or four before bonfires, eating something or conversing.
As Jang Geon and Dark Dragon No. 5 appeared among them led by River Rock, gazes gathered upon them. Putting down what they were eating, they looked at the two with faint hostility.
Looking across them, Jang Geon spoke.
“There are the elderly and children as well.”
“Pardon?”
Tensing up again, Dark Dragon No. 5 asked back as if wondering what he meant.
“It wasn’t just warriors gathered here.”
Only after hearing those words did Dark Dragon No. 5 have the leeway to look around at the tribal people gazing at him. Just as Jang Geon said, among the tribal people watching this way, there were elderly women to young boys barely five or six years old.
River Rock answered.
“In a nomadic tribe, if the warriors leave, they immediately lack food and starve, or face threats from other tribes. Therefore, those warriors could not simply abandon their families and come alone.”
“To obtain food for that many people here, they would ultimately have to go through Plateau City.”
“…That is right.”
At that slightly hesitant answer, Jang Geon’s eyes deepened. The goods possessed by nomadic natives rather than settled tribes were ultimately just furs or medicinal herbs. They might trade for food once or twice through that, but eventually, penniless natives would have to work in Plateau City for meager coin, or return to the east before that happened.
Through that, Jang Geon could tell that the figure called their Great Warrior was not attempting to swallow Plateau City simply for the expansion of native power. Attempting to purchase land and buildings was to create a way for them to make a living.
The reason they concealed the alliance’s condition from the Central Plainsmen of Plateau City seemed to be not only to root out the Demonic Palace, but also to hide their disadvantage in transactions with them.
Leaving behind the uncomfortable gazes and heading deep into the alliance, a hut slightly larger than the others came into view. The entrance of that hut was covered by cloth with a unique pattern, and beside it sat a person appearing to be a warrior with crossed arms, glaring at the three approaching figures.
Approaching him, River Rock spoke.
“Is the Great Warrior awake?”
Even at that question, the warrior guarding the entrance did not answer and glared at Jang Geon and Dark Dragon No. 5 with fierce eyes. While Jang Geon remained calm under that gaze, Dark Dragon No. 5 couldn’t hold back and opened his mouth.
“Do you not remember me? I visited once before as well. Regarding the land and building brokerage issue…”
River Rock raised his hand and cut off his words.
“They are guests. If a problem arises, I will take responsibility.”
“…I don’t know what you’re thinking, River Rock. Bringing Central Plainsmen in the dead of night. The Great Warrior is currently communing with the earth alongside the Elder. You know well that must not be disturbed heedlessly.”
“Mm…”
River Rock looked at the tent with its covered entrance as if troubled. But soon nodding as if accepting it, he spoke.
“Understood. Once the ritual concludes, I would like you to convey that I have returned.”
“I shall also convey that there are two Central Plainsmen beside you.”
Having heard the answer, River Rock turned around and spoke to Jang Geon in Central Plains speech.
“We cannot meet the Great Warrior right now. We must first go to my dwelling and wait until tomorrow morning.”
Pondering for a moment at those words, Jang Geon nodded. There was no need to offend them in the heart of their camp. As he nodded readily, River Rock also led the way once more with a slightly brightened expression.
Walking past huts, bonfires, and the gazes of tribal people for a short while, someone stepped out from between the huts and blocked the three people’s path.
“…What is this?”
They did not answer River Rock’s question either. Five men armed with axes and spears were glaring at Jang Geon, Dark Dragon No. 5, and River Rock.
One of the men aimed his axe at Jang Geon and Dark Dragon No. 5 and asked.
“How did those bastards get in here?”
“…I don’t know what you’re trying to do, Blunt Horn. They are guests of the Great Warrior.”
“Guests? In the middle of the night?”
River Rock slowly placed himself between the two and the men, continuing to speak.
“There was an important matter. An urgent issue that could not wait until tomorrow.”
“Yet you couldn’t meet the Great Warrior. Because he is in the middle of a ritual right now.”
“…Mm.”
The warrior called Blunt Horn spun the aimed axe smoothly in his hand, lowered it, and pointed his finger at River Rock.
“It is sudden, but I cannot help but be suspicious, River Rock. What is that important matter?”
“That is a matter to be spoken only to the Great Warrior. Even if you knew…”
“If it is truly an important matter!”
Blunt Horn raised his voice momentarily, cutting off River Rock’s words. However, his following tone was low and threatening.
“If that matter is truly important, it must be an issue all warriors of the alliance should know. And no matter how important it is, it is not an issue to bring those Central Plainsmen into the camp in the middle of the night. Have you forgotten why we gathered here, River Rock?”
“…You are picking a fight for no reason. Even in broad daylight, it isn’t as though no Central Plainsmen seek out the Great Warrior.”
“When they enter, every member of the alliance is tense! In order not to show the slightest gap! But right now? Everyone except the warriors standing watch is relaxed to go to sleep!”
Standing in the middle of the huts, Blunt Horn and River Rock began arguing like that. Roaring angrily was undoubtedly Blunt Horn, while River Rock responded irritability as if finding it unbearable to listen.
Watching that, Dark Dragon No. 5 leaned his body subtly to the side and whispered.
“That man called Blunt Horn is a warrior of the Sharp Stone Tribe. Disliking River Rock who receives the Great Warrior’s favor, he often picks fights. Even when I visited during the day last time, he blocked the path and caused a commotion. Making a fuss to gather people makes him look like a bit of an agitator, doesn’t it? Seeing him made me realize people of the New Continent live similarly.”
Just as Dark Dragon No. 5 said, whether being drawn to a commotion was human instinct, people began gathering here and there. Those who approached laughed seeing that the ones arguing were Blunt Horn and River Rock as if asking if they were fighting again, but soon spotted Jang Geon and Dark Dragon No. 5 and hardened their faces.
“…Mm, the timing doesn’t seem good right now. It seems we should stop them.”
Sensing their gazes, Dark Dragon No. 5 muttered as if troubled. However, Jang Geon standing beside him steadily watched Blunt Horn arguing with River Rock with calm eyes, without particular perturbation. And as if he hadn’t been listening to Dark Dragon No. 5’s words until now, he spoke an unrelated remark.
“That fellow has learned martial arts.”
“Pardon?”
The moment Dark Dragon No. 5 questioned back, Blunt Horn’s voice rose.
“Isn’t it enough if you just tell us about that important matter! What are those Central Plainsmen that you hide it!”
“I say again, once the Great Warrior’s permission is granted tomorrow morning…”
“Who knows what kind of scheme you will pull with those bastards in the meantime!”
River Rock’s expression hardened coldly beyond mere irritation.
“…What does that mean?”
“What else could it mean! What if you are colluding with those Central Plains spies to assassinate the Great Warrior!”
At that shout crossing the line, River Rock contorted his face violently, opened his eyes wide, and grabbed the axe at his waist in a flash. Simultaneously, the Sharp Stone warriors blocking their way also raised their weapons, and a faint smile briefly flashed across Blunt Horn’s face for a very short moment.
“…”
However, River Rock felt that his right hand, which was about to draw the axe right away, would not move. Turning his head slowly, he saw another palm covering his axe and hand, gripping them tightly. It was Jang Geon.
Not only Dark Dragon No. 5, but all the Sharp Stone warriors watching felt bewildered. None of them had seen Jang Geon move.
“…Let go.”
“You are more hot-tempered than you look.”
“What…”
Just then, Blunt Horn, who was bewildered like the others, let out a dry laugh and shouted.
“Where do you think you are stepping in, Central Plainsman? This is not a place for you to step forward!”
“When even a dog steps forward and barks loudly, there is no reason a human cannot step forward.”
At Jang Geon’s words, River Rock and Dark Dragon No. 5 wore startled expressions. Natural eastern native speech had emerged from his mouth.
Meanwhile, Blunt Horn, who took a moment to understand what he said, soon shouted with a flushed face.
“Did you just mock me as a dog, Central Plainsman?”
“It is a Central Plains style insult. Does it feel unpleasant? How fortunate.”
Blunt Horn, feeling distinctly that Jang Geon had mocked him this time, drew a forearm-length blade with his left hand following the hand-axe in his right. Before River Rock could stop him upon seeing that, Jang Geon stepped forward smoothly.
As Jang Geon advanced, Blunt Horn swung his weapon reflexively. For a hastily swung strike, it was a very swift and decisive attack. However, it missed as Jang Geon pulled his head back slightly. The axe stirred empty air, unable to narrow the minute gap between the blade and his face.
Seeing that attack, River Rock reached out to Jang Geon in surprise. But Jang Geon took another step forward, dodging his hand and sticking right up close to Blunt Horn.
Startled by Jang Geon approaching abruptly, Blunt Horn thrust the blade in his left hand in shock, but Jang Geon lightly deflected it by catching his hand. Afterwards, Jang Geon’s left index finger struck several acupoints on Blunt Horn’s body with lightning speed.
“Urgh…”
Blunt Horn dropped his axe and sword, staggering backward. Frightened by that sight, another warrior supported him, and other warriors thrust their weapons toward Jang Geon, shouting.
“The Central Plainsman attacked Blunt Horn!”
“You! Central Plainsman!”
Whether forgetting that he had tried to draw his axe himself, River Rock grabbed Jang Geon’s arm and tried to press him.
“What is the meaning of this? What were you thinking…”
Yet despite their clamor and hostility, Jang Geon was looking at Blunt Horn with the very same calm composure from the start. Seeing him, River Rock also turned his gaze toward Blunt Horn, who had fallen to one knee without realizing it.
“Kuh, urgh…”
Blunt Horn was clutching his chest, his face contorting red and blue. The bulging blood vessels and eyes turning blood-red were ominous.
“What…”
“Kuaaaack—!”
Roaring a monstrous shriek, he shoved away the Sharp Stone warriors supporting him. While flustered by such actions, the warriors soon wore grave faces. Dark qi began flowing around Blunt Horn’s body.
“Having encountered a few bastards, I roughly understand how that demonic art operates. You should have hidden it a bit better.”
“Kuugh… You bastard…! You are no ordinary Central Plainsman!”
Jang Geon gave a hollow laugh as if finding it absurd.
“Are you in any position to say that?”
“You bastard—!”
In that short moment, his eyes burning blood-red and his frame expanded nearly twofold were more like a beast than a human. Struggling alone, Blunt Horn could no longer endure the demonic qi boiling to the top of his head and lunged furiously toward Jang Geon. The sight of him kicking off the earth and leaping was just like a tiger.
However, simultaneously as he leaped, Jang Geon took a step forward and raised both hands. And in an instant, those two hands divided into dozens.
“What…”
Even amidst his agitation, Blunt Horn wore a blank expression upon seeing those dozens of hands. Before he could do anything in his fluster, those hands engulfed his body.
Likewise, the moment the warriors and natives who saw the same sight blinked their eyes, Blunt Horn tumbled to the floor like an old sack.
Brushing his hands with a patter, Jang Geon turned toward him.
“The night is long. Let us take our time.”
“Kuuugh…!”
From the body of Blunt Horn tumbling on the ground, a chilling crunching sound was echoing. All the natives, including Dark Dragon No. 5, looked at Jang Geon and Blunt Horn with stunned eyes at the situation transformed in an instant.