Chapter 32
As soon as the rookie joined, he beat up the seniors.
On paper, it sounded like quite the scandalous headline, but thankfully, it was brushed over without much issue.
“Idiots. I knew they’d cause trouble the moment they started that hazing nonsense.”
“No punishments for him?”
“I’ll report that it was a fair training duel.”
The squad leader simply dismissed it with a disdainful look.
“So, I heard some fools got beaten up after ganging up on the rookie?”
“Yeah, it was funny seeing them all rush in together.”
“Hey, rookie! Let’s spar sometime!”
The other squad members didn’t seem to care much, either.
In fact, they were rather pleased. They either laughed at the losers or welcomed a spirited new recruit.
Some even looked at me with predatory eyes, giving me the creeps.
‘Are these guys really fight maniacs?’
Even when I was called the Fighting Ghost, I wasn’t this bad.
Was it that people joined the White Sun Squad because they liked fighting, or did they go crazy for fights after joining? I didn’t know, but after a few days, I simply accepted it as the way things were.
‘Maybe they joined just for the legal death matches.’
A reasonable suspicion.
Well… it wasn’t a problem for me.
A place where you could spar with strong opponents whenever you wanted? Any martial artist would welcome it.
Except, of course, when things went a bit too far. Though I escaped mostly unscathed, there was one thing that irked me.
‘Are they that wary of me?’
It was my mentor who’d taken notice.
Jegal Yeong.
Though not warm from the start, she’d looked after me in various ways.
How could someone become even more distant than they were when we first met?
“You’ve probably noticed, but there are way too many crazies in the White Sun Squad. If they like fighting that much, they should just go die on a battlefield somewhere.”
“…”
“I hope you’re not like them, always looking for a fight.”
There was venom in her complaint. It showed just how much she’d endured.
The exhaustion in her expression was palpable.
“I don’t pick fights with just anyone.”
“Good to hear.”
“Though it seems you don’t believe me.”
“I heard that Nung Japil is still in the infirmary.”
She pointed out the fact rather unfairly.
“I told you it was self-defense.”
“Yes… If beating a downed man counts as self-defense.”
It was unjust.
Nung Japil was the one who started it. I only returned the favour with a bit of interest.
“By the way, when does the probation period end?”
“Why? Already itching to move up?”
“Can’t I even ask?”
“It’ll take about a month. It’s not up to me; it’s a rule. Complaining won’t change it.”
I wasn’t complaining, just trying to change the subject.
“Alright, let’s get back to training.”
“Is it the same drill again?”
“Why? Training is an extension of your duty. You’re getting paid, so do your job.”
I had already familiarized myself with all the White Sun Squad’s operations, down to the smallest rules.
Since I’d memorized the rulebook in front of her, Jegal Yeong had been focusing only on physical training for me, all under the pretext of following regulations.
‘I noticed it back when I was a gatekeeper…’
The Murim Alliance had a lot of outdated rules.
Regulations that had been around so long that no one questioned them, merely following them because they’d always been done that way.
One of those rules was to conduct physical training, without using internal energy, when not on active duty.
Such a useless rule.
‘Wouldn’t it be better to cultivate my internal energy during that time?’
Exercising to build muscle was beneficial for health, sure.
But as one’s martial level increased, the depth of internal energy became more critical.
For experts, muscles were merely byproducts of training.
“There’s a limit to improving your strength externally, isn’t there?”
“We’re following the rules, so that’s what we’re doing.”
Following the rules?
For someone doing it reluctantly, she looked the happiest during physical training.
Jegal Yeong, who usually watched over the squad members with a disapproving gaze, only ever smiled during this time.
“And… by exhausting them like this, it keeps them from doing stupid things.”
“Oh.”
I understood a bit better now.
The White Sun Squad members were always itching for a fight, so wearing them out was her way of curbing that impulse. I spent some time reflecting on how I had previously complained about the outdated rules.
“So stop complaining and start running!”
Wait.
Why was she making me do it, then?
Despite my lengthy explanation, I still hadn’t earned my mentor’s trust.
***
The day Lee Se-woong joined.
‘This time, I’ll make sure to train the new recruit properly.’
A rookie was fresh prey for the seniors. People who’d been normal would go crazy for fights after undergoing “training” from their seniors.
It was like an epidemic of madness spreading through them. Jegal Yeong resolved to keep her rookie from being tainted.
‘It hasn’t even been half a day…!’
But that hope shattered in an instant.
While she’d been away briefly, Nung Japil and his group caused trouble, and the other squad members stood by and watched.
The issue was with Lee Se-woong. At first glance, he seemed very polite. He didn’t mind informal speech and looked like he’d quietly take the hazing beatings. She’d rushed over, ready to stop them.
‘It was like seeing a beast.’
The look in Lee Se-woong’s eyes as he took down the squad members who’d crowded into the storage room… it was a look she recognized.
The look of someone who enjoyed fighting, one she’d seen countless times in the White Sun Squad.
‘Is this what he likes?’
Jegal Yeong found herself questioning why Moyong Hye was so drawn to him. Sure, who’d dare treat Moyong Hye disrespectfully? Maybe she admired things she couldn’t control, as some women did.
‘For her sake!’
The only reason Jegal Yeong pushed Lee Se-woong so hard was for that.
She couldn’t sway Moyong Hye’s heart; once she set her mind on something, she never changed it.
No matter if he was already engaged, she wouldn’t give up. That much was obvious.
At the very least, she had to keep the man Moyong Hye liked from being influenced by the White Sun Squad.
‘Maybe he’s not as bad as I thought.’
A week had passed.
Though Lee Se-woong often grumbled verbally, he had never once disobeyed Jegal Yeong’s instructions.
Despite the monotony, he continued his training quietly, just as instructed.
Since his clash with Nung Japil, he hadn’t caused any further conflicts.
He was unexpectedly diligent.
‘Maybe I misjudged him.’
I was worried he might be a playboy.
He’d enchanted Moyong Hye despite having a fiancée, after all.
But instead, Lee Se-woong acted as if he had no interest in women whatsoever.
During the intense training sessions, his clothes would inevitably become drenched in sweat.
The sweat-soaked, clinging fabric outlining her curves was something any man’s eyes would naturally gravitate toward.
Yet, not once did Lee Se-woong glance her way.
Maybe Moyong Hye was simply head-over-heels for him.
She claims looks don’t matter, but…
Well, if she likes him, what can I say?
I felt an urge to support Moyong Hye’s affection.
Maybe she’d like it if I found out what Lee Se-woong likes.
***
“A woman?”
“No, Yeon-hee, it’s the squad leader’s direct request.”
“Another one of the Seven Blossoms…?”
“There’s nothing to worry about, I assure you!”
“I trust you, Gaga, but women are all beasts!”
“Isn’t that usually the opposite?”
Ever since the sachet incident, Yeon-hee had become noticeably more guarded. Not that I could say much about it. Jegal Yeong falling for me? A passing dog would laugh at that idea. She was just dutifully fulfilling her role as my mentor.
“You’re early?”
I could guarantee it.
But then…
When I arrived at the White Sun Squad’s training ground to train with Jegal Yeong, her attire was unusual.
‘Is this for real?’
Her clothes were too thin and, more so, there wasn’t enough fabric. If she moved even slightly, her side would be fully exposed.
“Sunbae?”
“Yes, what?”
“That… isn’t your outfit a bit too revealing?”
“It’s too hot to wear anything heavier.”
Yeah, that must be it.
Maybe we’d gotten closer over our training time, and her mental barriers had relaxed, making her feel more comfortable.
‘No, no!’
It wasn’t until we started training that I realized the gravity of the situation.
Drenched in sweat, she began fanning herself. As she moved, her side was completely exposed, revealing the smooth lines of her torso, glistening with sweat.
‘No… it can’t be, right?’
In my past life, there was a term for this: delusional disorder, the mistaken belief that others have feelings for you. It had to be my imagination.
“Hey, rookie.”
“Yes?”
“What’s your favourite food?”
“Why do you want to know all of a sudden?”
“I thought I’d treat you to a meal once your probation period ends.”
Oh, so that’s what it was. Just a pure-hearted attempt to bond with me as a junior.
But even after that—
“What do you usually do in your free time?”
She’d ask about my hobbies.
“Where are you from?”
Or inquire about my hometown.
“Have you ever seen the ocean?”
Or bring up random topics about the sea.
It was unusual for Jegal Yeong, who never asked personal questions.
‘Could it be…?’
They say once you’re bitten by a snake, you’ll jump at the sight of a rope.
There was something unnervingly familiar about this flow. I needed confirmation.
“Sunbae.”
“Yeah?”
“Are you not interested in dating?”
“W-What? Why are you asking that?”
“Just curious.”
“I’m not interested in men.”
Confirmed.
The ones who say they aren’t interested in men are often the most dangerous.
Even if I wasn’t usually perceptive, missing this would be criminal.
“Sunbae.”
“What now!”
“I’m engaged.”
“What?”
“Please don’t harbour any romantic thoughts toward me.”
“You must be out of your mind!”
Jegal Yeong’s face turned bright red as she yelled.
Embarrassed, I understand, but there’s no helping it.
Better for her to take it lightly and let go of any feelings now.
“If you’ve got the strength to spout nonsense, keep running!”
“Yes, yes. Understood.”
Are you watching, Master Samahyeong?
You said a man cannot avoid women’s troubles.
How do you like me slipping past this one so easily?
—
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