37 – Bedfellows with Enemies? (5)
It was the morning before Yugyeomgyeong and Robin left to exterminate the monsters.
“Everything from one to ten is suspicious.”
Yugyeomgyeong explained the details of the incident that had occurred in the early morning, and Leona, the deputy commander who had been listening quietly, spoke up.
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“What aspects? It would be nice if you could point them out accurately.”
“They were in their underwear at that time, they came from Goldon, and until they moved, the commander couldn’t sense their presence. Just thinking about this much, doesn’t something feel off?”
Leona questioned persistently. Yugyeomgyeong shrugged her shoulders as if it was nothing.
“If we look at each one, it’s not such a strange thing. It could be possible to exercise in their underwear since it was an empty dawn. As for Goldon, they said they received a request and went there, and it’s not impossible for someone to have such a mysterious disguise skill.”
“Ah, seriously. It’s not about each individual thing, but you have to consider the whole.”
Leona seemed like she was about to go crazy.
Even a friend and superior of 17 years like Yukumgyeong loses all humility at times like this.
“I can’t even sweet-talk my way out of this.”
Even if she acted like that, she knew that Yukumgyeong’s personality wouldn’t be swayed so easily.
She would probably just receive a light warning.
The only reason she didn’t carry it out was because she knew that it would only hurt her own hand.
“Leona, don’t limit the possibilities. Think broadly. Got it?”
“Who are you saying that to…”
Leona tapped her forehead and then leaned back in her chair.
She wanted to sit like this and pretend to be asleep.
Because the fatigue from the overnight shift was still weighing on her.
But she was the only one in a position to challenge the director.
“According to the rookies who were patrolling yesterday, they said the person from the adventurer gang was the same color. Does an adventurer of that level have such hiding skills? What do you think?”
“The ranking of adventurers is divided by performance, isn’t it? There’s also a possibility that they recently revealed themselves to the world after secretly learning skills from a hidden master.”
“Oh, I see.”
Leona looked at Yukumgyeong with tired eyes.
It was a situation where even laughter didn’t come out anymore at such shameless nonsense.
“You’ve already finished writing a novel, huh? You should also have some limits when it comes to not limiting the possibilities.”
“Hmm.”
Yoo Geomgyeong picked up the cup on the table without making eye contact with Leona and savored the tea.
At this point, it’s clear that he’s pretending not to know on purpose.
“Just be honest. Do you believe that Robin is a righteous person?”
Leona, who had been with Yoo Geomgyeong since childhood.
Whenever Yoo Geomgyeong came out strong, even forcing himself, it was always for this reason.
“Hmm.”
“Hmm, what does that mean? It’s not just for a day or two. This kind of stubbornness is what causes rumors of being ostracized from the Swordsmanship Society. It’s not a rumor, it’s true.”
“I’m not being ostracized. I’m the one ostracizing.”
“Actions speak louder than words.”
The unyielding fortress of the indomitable general who does not tolerate defeat.
Leona turned her gaze away from that pathetic sight.
They say that some things never change even as people age.
But someone like Yoo Geomgyeong, who remains the same now as before, is rare.
“Aren’t you worrying too much? I said I would personally bring him and observe him.”
“That’s a great idea. Taking care of the villagers while keeping an eye on someone who could be an enemy or an ally? It’s perfect for stabbing yourself with a blind sword.”
“Do you think I would allow a surprise attack? Even if he tries to escape, he can’t be faster than my red flash.”
Leona found it difficult to refute Yoo Geomgyeong’s absolute confidence, which only someone who held the title of Seven Swordsman could possess.
“I’ll ask one more thing. What makes you so sure that he’s not connected to the runaway ninja?”
“It’s my intuition.”
“Intuition? My intuition is telling me that he’s a suspicious person.”
“I looked into his eyes.”
Thump!
Yoo Geomgyeong suddenly slammed the desk.
“What is it?”
Startled, Leona looked up angrily, and their eyes met.
Yoo Geomgyeong’s green pupils were gently shining.
“I asked. Is it true that you fight for the people?”
Blind desire, belief, and passion for something.
Eyes that now only exist in fairy tales, filled with the foolishness and sincerity of those who wander in search of justice.
“He looked at me with unwavering eyes, without a hint of hesitation.”
Yoo Geomgyeong, who now seemed to be saying without a doubt, appeared desperate.
Is she still being deceived over and over again, yet still trying to believe?
Leona still couldn’t understand.
“…Take a closer look. Go with Kate. I’ll take charge of the command for now.”
Leona, who had resigned herself halfway, with a state too far gone to persuade, lowered her gaze.
“Leona, it’s only you.”
Yoo Geomgyeong briefly nodded and left.
Leona, left alone in the small command room made of tents, let out a sigh.
“Ah…”
She slowly stood up and looked around.
At the edge of the command room, which could be considered Yu Geomgyeong’s personal space, a broken weapon wrapped in fine silk caught his eye.
It was a rapier, identical in appearance to the “Soul Devourer,” which Yu Geomgyeong had personally bestowed upon Irene Pitman.
The true form of Irene, known to all the knights except Yu Geomgyeong, came to mind once again.
He had tried to mention it several times, but never had the opportunity.
“You still only want to see what you want to see…”
Leona sighed softly and closed her eyes.
***
And now.
“-Pig Slaughter.”
As Robin rushed forward, Yu Geomgyeong watched him attentively.
As if they were about to collide at any moment, Robin swiftly turned his body and delivered a strike to Borausa.
His quick judgment, clean technique, and unorthodox movements combined to great effect.
His skill was enough to make one wonder who his master was.
“Excellent.”
Unconsciously, Yu Geomgyeong nodded his head and refocused, attacking the monster in front of him.
Borausa fell, pierced directly through the heart with a single blow.
“Heeheehee!”
As the speeding red flash leaped over the corpse, the Borausa scattered in all directions.
“A raging gale!”
With a terrifying sound of swords clashing, Yu Geomgyeong’s beloved weapon, the Soul Devourer, spread red energy around him, tearing apart those it struck.
The farmland became covered in blood in an instant.
“-Helicopter Forensics.”
Tudadadada-!
Robin shouted out the name of the technique without hesitation and tore through the boar’s body.
The exaggerated movement and the sound of his technique startled the villagers, making them tremble.
“Adventurer! Please calm down!”
“Young man! Don’t rush ahead! It’s dangerous!”
Orphe and Knight Kate intervened, trying to calm down the people who were panicking.
No boars charged towards them because they were captivated by Robin’s gaze.
“Our comrade’s skills are impressive. Is he really a Class A adventurer?”
“After joining the guild and passing the examination, he will be promoted. He made a big fortune from the Golddon incident.”
“Both of your equipment is excellent. The man’s Aming Sword seems to be a specially made custom item. How did you gather the money to buy it? Did you steal it?”
Kate probed for a reaction as Deputy Chief Leona had instructed her.
“It’s not like that. We accumulated wealth by taking on major requests. We had quite a bit of money saved. But now we don’t have a single penny left.”
Orphe calmly replied without any hesitation.
“Do you have confidence in your skills too?”
“I’m not as good as Robin, but I believe I can do my part.”
“I’m looking forward to it. Nowadays, it seems like adventurers are slacking off.”
Even as they chatted, the two of them did not let their guard down against the boars.
However, they did not need to use their weapons.
“-Spin attack in all directions.”
Vroom vroom vroom-
It was because of Robin’s performance, which now even revealed a hint of madness in his movements, that he was able to slaughter his opponents.
His exceptional combat sense, which couldn’t be hidden even without using martial arts, was supernatural even to the eyes of an ignorant criminal.
“Even if ten Jangjeong members charge at him, it’s difficult to defeat that Boreusa…”
“Impressive! Not as good as Yugumgyeong, but still.”
“They’re just shouting and moving strangely like fools, but the bastards are falling.”
“What’s up with that? You did the same thing when you ran away alone. You called it ‘Kihap.’ It may look ridiculous, but there’s a reason for everything.”
“It seems credible when you see it like this. Should we also shout ‘Kihap’ before we start working?”
People regained their composure and began laughing and chatting with each other, and the commotion was soon subdued.
Although it wasn’t a good situation, with crops destroyed and monsters’ corpses scattered, the combatants, including Yugumgyeong, lifted the corpses while the residents started planting seeds, and the farmland began to take shape.
“You’re incredibly skilled. Did you learn that swordsmanship from your master?”
After clearing away all the Boreusa, Yugumgyeong, who lightly brushed off the blood on his body, approached Robin, who was conversing with Orphe.
“It’s a technique I developed after learning various swordsmanship. Only I can use it in ‘this world.'”
“In this world? You have a great deal of confidence. Still, it’s something to be proud of.”
Yugumgyeong extended his hand for a handshake.
Without any hesitation, Robin immediately grabbed that outstretched hand.
“You didn’t have to fight so hard on your own. Isn’t it reckless?”
“I’m an adventurer like this. I’m still fine. If I stand at the forefront, others will suffer less.”
“hahahaha! Excellent mindset.”
Robin smiled slightly, nodding his head as if satisfied, at the sight of Yoo Geomgyeong laughing.
“Rumor has it that Yoo Geomgyeong collects black souls. Is it true?”
“Well, who knows. It’s not a rumor I spread.”
Yoo Geomgyeong playfully raised the soul devourer.
The shimmering red light around the sword glowed eerily.
“I’m not sure if it’s because I absorb souls, but I have a special power. I feel stronger every time I kill an enemy.”
“It doesn’t seem like something the blacksmith made. Where did you get it?”
“Have you ever heard of the Watcher’s Gorge? It’s a place where all sorts of strange things happen. I left there as part of my training, and I obtained this treasure.”
Robin suddenly took out a paper and pen from his pocket and diligently wrote something.
“The Watcher’s… Gorge… I understand. Have you ever seen a similar item? I would like to get one too.”
“You’re saying strange things again. I have to go now. Hyaat~!”
With a burst of red light, Yoo Geomgyeong, leading the group again, headed towards Sangroksu Village.
“By the way, the bard who came with you said he would sing for our Order tonight. The knights were very excited about it.”
“…Did the knights not hear the singing that echoed through the village square?”
“Our temporary base is a bit far from there.”
“It will be an unforgettable experience.”
“Was it that good?”
“I’m looking forward to it. It was a waste if only I heard it, or rather, it was a shame.”
Robin’s giggling eyes were somewhat sinister.