Chapter 22: Chapter 22
The Martial Alliance arranged missions for each martial squad in accordance with the period when the new youngest recruits were assigned.
It meant that seniors and juniors should have time to get to know one another, experience a mission together, and build camaraderie.
However, as for these missions, their difficulty inevitably had to be set by objectively judging the martial prowess of each martial squad.
Even among the martial squads, there was quite a difference in martial strength.
For example, high-ranking martial squads like the Heavenly Tiger Squad, Golden Wolf Squad, or Poison King Squad took charge of fairly difficult missions. Naturally, merit accumulated that much faster, and their members gained recognition within the Alliance.
Conversely, lower-ranking martial squads like the Black Tortoise Squad or White Dragon Squad were assigned mostly easy missions. While there was the advantage of having few occasions to risk danger, it was a structure where receiving recognition within the Alliance was difficult.
It was also the reason why Song Yi-yeon’s and Cheon Woo-jin’s choice had been ridiculed.
“At any rate, for that reason, everyone change into uniform and assemble.”
As Zhuge Rin’s order fell, the martial artists of the Black Tortoise Squad moved in an orderly manner.
Cheon Woo-jin was truly bewildered. It was because the squad members surrounding the two people assigned as the youngest constantly asked and explained something.
Having lived all his life on a quiet mountain slope serving two taciturn masters, experiencing the voices of so many people simultaneously was also a first.
Around the time Cheon Woo-jin felt dizzy before his eyes, Song Yi-yeon, as expected of a merchant’s child, seemed to have already become close with people while calling them senior and older brother.
“Aiya, did Senior Jang also come from Anhui? To think I would meet a senior from the same hometown here!”
Letting out a hearty laugh at Song Yi-yeon’s smooth chatter, Jang Woo-pyeong draped his arms over the shoulders of the two youngest recruits.
“Do you know how big a province Anhui is? In particular, because it borders Hubei where the Martial Alliance is situated, there are three from Anhui in our Black Tortoise Squad alone, three.”
“Aiya, having three seniors from the same hometown makes it even better.”
Jang Woo-pyeong shook his head at the endless smooth chatter. However, he did not dislike such a bright demeanor from Song Yi-yeon. No, he also liked the taciturn Cheon Woo-jin. He was simply extremely happy that new youngest recruits had arrived.
‘I, I am also finally escaping being the youngest!’
Throughout the history of the Martial Alliance, applicants choosing the Black Tortoise Squad had never happened before. Ultimately, without new recruits, individuals drafted from other martial squads were bound to replenish the Black Tortoise Squad.
Of course, everyone had been seniors to Jang Woo-pyeong, so he had lived as the youngest for nearly ten years. He merely took comfort in the fact that he had entered the Alliance at a very young age and had not yet reached thirty.
Across the vast Martial Alliance, the youngest of the White Dragon Squad was the only one who shared and understood that sorrow.
Of course, that fellow was still the youngest, while he had escaped that position this time.
“Now, you two youngest, remember well what I say from now on. The person over there has a rather sensitive personality, so do not poke at him unnecessarily…”
“Hey, keep it down so I cannot hear.”
“See, extremely sensitive. And that person over there is truly kind. So you can fool around a bit.”
“No, wait, that bastard…”
“Hahaha, it is a joke. At any rate, if you two have any difficulties while living here, tell me. This older brother will resolve most things for you.”
Watching this from a distance, Zhuge Rin let out a hollow laugh.
‘Just who does that clumsy Jang Woo-pyeong think he is helping…’
Of course, she did not utter it aloud. Song Yi-yeon and Cheon Woo-jin were precious juniors, but Jang Woo-pyeong was the same.
There was no need to hurt his pride.
“Move quickly!”
Of course, she could not simply overlook him slacking off ahead of a mission. At Zhuge Rin’s shout, Jang Woo-pyeong shrank his neck and hastened his steps.
“Let us go quickly. Even though the Vice Squad Leader looks like that, when she gets angry, her temper is quite nasty.”
“Wait, didn’t she originally look that way?”
While letting out a smirk, Song Yi-yeon met Zhuge Rin’s eyes and overtook Jang Woo-pyeong, vanishing ahead.
* * *
Black martial robes and a changshan with the character ‘Hyun’ embroidered on the chest in gold thread.
Draped in them, Cheon Woo-jin moved his arms and shoulders.
Having always worn only loose, comfortable martial robes when staying with his masters, it was exceedingly uncomfortable.
Meanwhile, Song Yi-yeon, having finished changing, approached with a beaming smile.
“Young Hero Cheon, wearing that really suits you.”
Song Yi-yeon genuinely admired him. It was because the sight of Cheon Woo-jin draped in black martial robes was truly dashing. It matched exceptionally well with his unique, dangerous, and storied atmosphere.
Of course, in terms of face, he himself was more handsome. No matter what anyone thought, Song Yi-yeon’s well-founded self-esteem was quite high as long as the Namgung Clan was not involved.
“Hmm, it is a bit uncomfortable.”
“Still, wearing this makes it feel real that we have become martial artists of the Martial Alliance, which is great, hehe.”
Around the time the two of them finished changing.
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked on the changing room door. Naturally, it had to be Zhuge Rin, the only woman.
After confirming that the surrounding martial artists had all finished changing, Song Yi-yeon moved swiftly like the youngest recruit.
The door opened, and Zhuge Rin, who stepped inside, spoke:
“Is everyone finished preparing?”
Because there were those among the squad members whose seniority or age was higher than hers, she used formal speech when conveying official words.
“Yes, Vice Squad Leader.”
Answers came from various places, and upon confirming this, Zhuge Rin took on a calm expression completely different from usual. At that, a slightly cold and unapproachable atmosphere drifted from her. Just like that time when they first met on the boat.
“The mission is simple.”
As Zhuge Rin began speaking, the expressions of the squad members, which had been somewhat relaxed, turned serious. Even if others pointed fingers, the Black Tortoise Squad was nonetheless a place in charge of the Martial Alliance’s martial might.
Zhuge Rin also spoke with a much more serious expression:
“Assisting the Heavenly Tiger Squad.”
“Eh?”
Jang Woo-pyeong let out a deflated sound. Soon, after watching Song Yi-yeon’s and Cheon Woo-jin’s reactions, he quietly approached Zhuge Rin and spoke:
“No, Vice Squad Leader. Even so, it is the first mission after the youngest recruits arrived, so what is this about assisting, assisting?”
“It was a decision by the Military Strategy Department, so what can be done?”
“If it is the Military Strategy Department, isn’t it entirely in the palm of the Zhuge Clan’s hand? Can’t the Vice Squad Leader speak to them and change it to a cooler mission?”
Zhuge Rin’s eyes narrowed. Seeing this, Jang Woo-pyeong cleared his throat and stepped back, but it was already too late.
“Our junior Jang is saying dangerous things. Is the Martial Alliance’s Military Strategy Department such a place that wavers at the influence of a single clan?”
“…I am sorry.”
“Actually, it is indeed such a place. Isn’t that why I was already released from suspension?”
“…?”
Jang Woo-pyeong furrowed his brows in bewilderment.
Just which tune was he supposed to dance to?
Regardless of that, Zhuge Rin’s words continued.
“Of course, missions are the inherent authority of the Military Strategy Department, so even the Zhuge Clan cannot do as they please. Moreover, you know that I am not even treated properly as the eldest daughter, right?”
“…I am sorry.”
Jang Woo-pyeong shook his head in self-reproach. He had momentarily forgotten that something had happened between the Vice Squad Leader and the Zhuge Clan.
Placing her hand firmly on such a Jang Woo-pyeong’s shoulder, Zhuge Rin spoke:
“Then let us head out. Our junior Jang must take good care of the two youngest. Understood?”
“Yes, of course.”
Jang Woo-pyeong answered with a much more disciplined appearance. Zhuge Rin smiled as if satisfied. At that smile, Jang Woo-pyeong showed an awkward expression.
“Vice Squad Leader, please do not smile like that. Frankly, my heart wavers.”
Objectively, Zhuge Rin was a beauty. A cold beauty with a very sharp impression at that. Every time she smiled brightly, gazes would gather.
Of course, regardless of whether it was true or not, it was not something a squad member dared say to a vice squad leader, so retribution followed immediately.
“Are you crazy?”
Smack!
Along with a crisp sound, Jang Woo-pyeong’s head tilted backward. His forehead was flushed red in the shape of a palm.
Of course, the Black Tortoise Squad members had close relationships to the point of exchanging such jokes. Having spent a long time together without transfers or reinforcements, it was a natural matter.
Lightly brushing off her hand, Zhuge Rin looked at the two youngest recruits and spoke:
“I know both of you are very strong, but still, since it is your first mission, think of it as observing and learning first. Of course, if a dangerous situation occurs, you may protect me. I give my permission.”
“…”
Cheon Woo-jin looked at such a Zhuge Rin in bewilderment.
“It is a joke.”
Soon flashing a bright smile, Zhuge Rin turned around and stepped out of the changing room.
“The Squad Leader is waiting, so everyone come out quickly. Ah, and it might not be entirely a joke…”
Somehow, he felt like he heard words that should not have been heard from behind, but Cheon Woo-jin immediately erased them from his memory.
Somehow putting on a dashing expression again, Jang Woo-pyeong beamed and placed his arms over the shoulders of the two youngest recruits.
“Let us go. It has been a long time since the entire Black Tortoise Squad set out on a mission.”
* * *
When all members of the Black Tortoise Squad, having finished their preparations, gathered in front of the main gate of the Martial Alliance, the Heavenly Tiger Squad was already waiting.
Cheon Woo-jin examined the Heavenly Tiger Squad with indifferent eyes. The squad leader he had seen before was still as sharp as a well-honed blade, and Namgung Jin, Tang So-yeon of the Tang Clan, and Jin Un of the Mount Hua Sect were also there.
All three were successful applicants who had ranked among the top five alongside Song Yi-yeon and Cheon Woo-jin.
Suddenly, Song Yi-yeon spoke:
“Young Hero Cheon, they are glaring at us. Especially Namgung Jin.”
“…It is an inferiority complex.”
“Ahem, is that so.”
To begin with, that side seemed not to have any interest in the Black Tortoise Squad at all. Certainly, the atmosphere itself was somewhat different from the Black Tortoise Squad.
If the Black Tortoise Squad had the feel of a neighborhood alumni association going out on a local patrol, the Heavenly Tiger Squad was solemn, like the Righteous Path’s last remaining martial squad standing against the Demonic Cult.
Around the time Cheon Woo-jin and Song Yi-yeon were observing the Heavenly Tiger Squad.
“Buy one, please.”
Suddenly, a wrinkled hand approached the two of them.
It was an old woman selling four-leaf clovers to those coming and going from the Martial Alliance. Commonly called four-leaf rabbit grass, because it was grass rarely seen, there was a superstition that it symbolized good fortune.
Fumbling through his robes, Song Yi-yeon showed a troubled expression.
“Oh dear, what should I do? While changing, I did not pack a money pouch separately… By chance, did Young Hero Cheon bring one?”
Cheon Woo-jin shook his head. Going out on a mission, there was no reason to deliberately carry money.
“What is this?”
At that moment, Cheol Ji-ak, the Black Tortoise Squad Leader who had approached unexpectedly, swept his eyes over the situation. Because his impression was so fierce as to make bandits run away, the old woman seemed somewhat intimidated.
Soon, Cheol Ji-ak approached the old woman and spoke:
“How much is it?”
“…It is one iron coin.”
“How many do you intend to sell before heading home today?”
The old woman rolled her eyes left and right before replying:
“About thirty leaves…”
In doing so, she added ten more leaves to her original goal. She was quite a shrewd old woman.
Soon, Cheol Ji-ak emptied out the money pouch he pulled from his robes and placed it into the old woman’s hand.
“I will buy all of them, so could you give two leaves for free? This is all the money I brought as well.”
The old woman broke into a beaming smile.
“Oh my, I am so grateful, what should I do…”
Receiving the thirty leaves of four-leaf rabbit grass, Cheol Ji-ak merely replied with a grin.
As the old woman departed with much lighter steps, Zhuge Rin approached and spoke:
“No, Squad Leader. You do not have money either. What are you doing, spending your entire fortune on things like this?”
“…Even so, I am a squad leader who receives a stipend from the Martial Alliance, you punk.”
Zhuge Rin shook her head vigorously.
Meanwhile, Cheol Ji-ak began handing out the four-leaf rabbit grass to the squad members one by one.
“It is good fortune that cannot be bought even with money. Since it is your first mission, everyone cherish it well in your robes.”
Jang Woo-pyeong chuckled.
“Isn’t it just a superstition, Squad Leader?”
“I like superstitions.”
When Cheol Ji-ak spoke with a straight face, Jang Woo-pyeong also stiffened his expression and nodded.
“Understood. But what on earth is this mission?”
“Well. We should check it now.”
Having spoken so, Cheol Ji-ak headed toward the Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader.
The Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader and members, who had been talking among themselves, watched their surroundings and shut their mouths.
At that sight, Cheol Ji-ak’s eyebrows twitched.
“Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader.”
“Yes, Squad Leader.”
Even though the Heavenly Tiger Squad was evaluated higher than the Black Tortoise Squad, Cheol Ji-ak was nonetheless a senior to the Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader.
The Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader was also not a man ignorant of propriety, so he consistently used formal speech toward Cheol Ji-ak.
“So, what on earth is this mission? We need to know in order to assist or do whatever, don’t we?”
The Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader parted his lips as if troubled, and soon spoke:
“I cannot tell you.”
“What?”
“Because it is a mission where maintaining secrecy is important.”
Cheol Ji-ak narrowed his brow. By the looks of it, the Heavenly Tiger Squad members already seemed to know the contents of the mission.
“You will not inform a squad leader of details that mere squad members know? And that out of fear that I might fail to maintain secrecy?”
Cheol Ji-ak’s expression turned rather menacing.
Letting out a faint sigh, the Heavenly Tiger Squad Leader looked straight at Cheol Ji-ak and spoke:
“I am sorry, but that is correct.”
“…”
Soon, a fierce staring contest unfolded between the two squad leaders, and the attention of everyone present was focused on them.