CH 376

“Allow me to express my gratitude to everyone for attending our scheduled conference.”

In front of the announcer was an enormous round table. Around this slightly vintage-feeling table were many high-backed chairs. And the people sitting on these chairs all wore antiquated masks and robes to conceal their faces.

“...And so, I'd like to close out our conference here. Is there anyone who wishes to raise a question?” The announcer scanned his audience and asked.

“I'd like to ask something, if I may,” A figure with a pure-white mask slowly raised their hand.

“Of course. Please go ahead.”

“There has been news of an unsettling atmosphere in Asia. Are we collecting all the pertinent information related to what is happening on that side?”

Several masked figures coughed to clear their throats when Asia was brought up.

'Asia, is it...?'

That word was enough to make everyone here fidgety and uncomfortable.

The announcer asked back in a composed voice. “When you say Asia, which part are you referring to? The Middle East? Or…”

“East Asia, of course.”

No one was supposed to be the 'leader' at this round table. Anyone could speak, and everyone was free to answer. However, no one said anything even after the white mask-wearing man had asked his question.

Some time had passed before the silence was broken by a man wearing a red mask. He sighed deeply and began addressing the white mask. “Well, I do have some information on East Asia.”

“I see. I've heard that something unusual has happened there. Can you provide confirmation on that?”

“Something unusual...? Well, from what I know, there hasn't been any notable action in that part of Asia. The Azure King might have broken his silence and finally stepped into the light, but... He hasn't done anything particular, perhaps due to the Crimson King's watchful eye.”

“I wasn't talking about China, good sir.” The white mask's eyes could be seen narrowing beyond the large eyeholes.

“Kuh-hum. The news from Japan is also…”

“And no, I'm not curious about Japan, either.”

“...In that case, which country's information do you seek, good sir?”

“Korea.”

“Korea? You mean... North Korea?”

“No. South Korea, obviously.”

Loud groans could be heard around the table. Many people present today highly valued their time. As such, they were unhappy about someone among their ranks stopping them from leaving by demanding information on South Korea...!

The red mask coughed to clear his throat. “Unfortunately, we don't have any... 'important' information to share regarding South Korea.”

“If we don't have any, we must dispatch agents to gather some.”

“Please wait.” The red mask raised his hand to stop the white mask, then held the latter's gaze for a while before speaking again. “Not Japan, not even China... But South Korea? You are insisting that we must dispatch agents to that country?”

“I am, indeed.”

“Mind telling us why?” The red mask unhesitantly asked despite his question going against the etiquette a little. Not only the way he framed his question, but his tone was sharper than necessary, too.

However, the white mask responded, seemingly unruffled by this transgression. “Because... a storm is brewing in South Korea.”

“A storm, you say?” The red mask frowned deeply. “It's just a minor nation sitting on the remote corner of the Asian continent, good sir. What makes you say there is a storm brewing?”

“Of course, I agree that South Korea is too weak and wouldn't have required us to keep an eye on it. That nation is barely managing to cling on in the East Asian region, after all.”

Any 'normal' person hearing that assertion would've found it hard to comprehend. South Korea might not be the biggest, most prosperous nation in East Asia, but its national power still couldn't be underestimated in terms of the global ranking. However, no one in this conference room tried to correct the white mask-wearing individual.

That was because they weren't talking about the matters of the surface world.

“However, the changes taking place in that minor nation have the potential to disrupt and unsettle its neighbor, China.”

“Disrupt? Unsettle? How?”

“As you all know, the Three Kings of China are waging a war of nerves with each other, their balance delicately poised. However, once that balance is shattered... Our world will most likely experience yet another calamitous tragedy.”

“Hmm…” The black mask-wearing old man, who sat in the center of the table, slowly nodded while rubbing his beard. His snow-white beard contrasted sharply with the mask's color to impart a bizarre and uneasy feeling. “Do you not believe that is quite a jump in logic?”

“Not so, 'Master',” The white mask spoke in a firm, determined voice. “For many decades, China and Japan have tried all sorts of underhanded means to expand their influence into the Korean peninsula. Please remember that we recently discovered traces of the Crimson King directly investing in South Korea. However, an unknown individual suddenly entered the stage and proceeded to absorb the organization the Crimson King has been financially supporting.”

“The Crimson King...!” The old man, referred to as Master by the white mask, faintly trembled.

The 'East Complex'!

On the 'surface' world, the West had overtaken the East quite some time ago. However, that wasn't the case in the hidden world. China was still the center of the world even now.

Especially China's Three Kings! Those three existences were beyond the scope of these masked people to contend with, and the Crimson King happened to be one of the trio. Any event capable of making someone that important act... Such an event shouldn't be overlooked at all!

The hidden world had been maintaining its peace because the strengths of China's three superhuman Kings were evenly matched. Not just in their own martial prowess, but even the factions' strengths were similar to each other's. Crucially, though, because there were three of them, two Kings duking it out would only benefit the remaining one. Hence, none of the Kings was willing to make the first move.

However, what if a variable was thrown into the mix from the outside?

“I see. This isn't something we can gloss over,” said the old man.

“Indeed, Master.”

“Then, who is this new individual you speak of?”

“A returner named Kang Jin-Ho, Master.”

“A returner, is it...?”

“Yes. Kang Jin-Ho started getting involved in the South Korean martial world a few months ago. And in that short period, he made two of the largest, strongest factions in South Korea submit to him. In other words, he has unified South Korea under him.”

“That doesn't sound so alarming, so why…”

The white mask shook his head. “Kang Jin-Ho has already clashed with the Crimson King's faction before. And recently, he also crossed the bridge that can't be uncrossed with Nanahoshi-gumi, Master.”

“Wait... Are you telling me this returner has collided with the biggest factions in Japan and China? In such a brief period, too?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Was it planned?”

“No, sir. It seemed to be accidental in nature.”

The Master's expression crumpled. “Hmm? Did that returner get cursed by a witch? Or, was he born under the unlucky star, fated to be accompanied by misfortune throughout his life? What do you need to do in order to get into only the most troublesome incidents like those?”

“And that is precisely why that returner is dangerous, Master.” The white mask carefully explained himself. “Not only is Kang Jin-Ho the first truly-powerful martial artist to emerge from the Korean peninsula, but he has proven to be unpredictable as well. After observing his behavior, we can definitely ascertain one thing.”

“What would that be?”

“Kang Jin-Ho follows one clear-cut guideline. If anyone dares to provoke him, he will... slaughter them all.”

The temperature in the room plummeted just then.

“Huh. A common blood-crazed murderer, then?”

“If only he had appeared somewhere other than South Korea, he would've met with a different end, Master. He'd have been eliminated already. However, the situation worsened and reached this stage because he appeared in South Korea. If we don't do anything, this man can become the trigger that drives our hidden world to the brink of war.”

The Master quietly closed his eyes. The prospect of East Asia's delicate balance shattering did not sound appealing whatsoever. “Well, then... Dispatch our agents to South Korea. As soon as possible, too.”

“But, Master!” The red mask tried to object, but his rebellious streak was instantly crushed by the Master's glare.

The Master spoke in a measured voice. “Is it not our rule to respond to our fullest to any potential threat? Have you forgotten, Knight Leveaux?”

“...No, Master. I have not.”

“Discard your hatred of different nationalities. Do not forget our noble organization cannot permit the intrusion of emotions influenced by personal feelings or international politics.”

The red mask, Knight Leveaux, lowered his head. “My apologies, Master. I was too shortsighted.”

The Master slowly nodded while stroking his beard. “Intensify our monitoring of the returner, Kang Jin-Ho. It might not be such a bad idea to eventually win him over to our side. We should consider the option of alerting him to the existence of our Round Table, too.”

“Master? Isn't such a proposal too radical at this stage?”

“That is how volatile and dangerous East Asia is. Do not forget that.”

To read the uncut version, go to pawread dot com.

“Yes, Master.” Knight Leveaux politely lowered his head again.

The Master nodded in satisfaction. “Very well. Let us end the conference here. Knight Wiggins, accompany me for a little while.”

“Yes, Master.” The white mask got up from his high-backed chair and bowed before following the Master out of the conference venue.

Even as everyone slowly filed out of the venue, Knight Leveaux remained sitting in his chair, quietly stewing in his anger.

'Dammit...!'

Leveaux was getting sick and tired of playing this costumed charade performed on a stage so ancient that mothballs were falling off its corners. Even though its members were supposed to 'transcend' nationalities, that old man still openly supported Knight Wiggins, someone from the same neck of the woods. Leveaux couldn't take the Master's hypocrisy anymore.

'The Round Table? Don't make me laugh...'

Leveaux wanted to quit this stupid alliance centered around the stinking English bastards. However, much to his chagrin, he had to continue playing nice as the Round Table wielded tremendous influence on European soil.

Knight Leveaux shot up to his feet and walked away from the round table.

'Kang Jin-Ho, Kang Jin-Ho...'

Leveaux had to admit that he learned something amusing today. His tongue under the mask began licking his lips.

'Agitating that small nation can lead to shaking up the entire world? Is that how it is?'

The world had been peaceful for too long.

To be clear, it wasn't as if Leveaux despised peace. He was a pacifist, a lover of all things serene and peaceful. What he hated was 'adherence'. People clinging to the old ways, unmoving and failing to change and grow... That's what he despised.

This peaceful world was copying the existing structure way too wonderfully. Kings with political power were a thing of the past in the surface world, replaced by a new way of ruling the masses, which allowed it to progress and evolve. However, this stinking Round Table maintained the same antiquated custom for centuries while ruling over the people from the darkness.

'Stagnant water is bound to rot.'

The Round Table was so rotten that the disgusting stink was now openly wafting from it. That was why Leveaux thought a revolution was necessary. And wasn't his nation famous for pulling off a historic revolution?

'Perhaps this could be the opportunity I've been looking for...!'

A faint grin floated up on Leveaux's lips.

***

“Hey, wanna go on an overseas vacation?” Park Yu-Min suddenly asked.

“An... overseas vacation?” Kang Jin-Ho furrowed his brow slightly.

“Yeah. As tourists.”

“Why an overseas vacation, all of a sudden?” Kang Jin-Ho tilted his head.

“When I think about it, we haven't been on a vacation or a trip together before, right? And... I thought we might not get a chance to take one in the future, you see? I mean, this is what time is like, right? Even though you think we're always together, trying to find enough time to hang out is tougher than you think, right?”

Ju Yeong-Gi slowly nodded. “You have a point there.”

Park Yu-Min, now encouraged by the positive response, tried to appeal his case some more. “So, I was thinking... Before things get busier for all of us, how about us three going on a…”

“Us three?!” Ju Yeong-Gi suddenly cried out as sparks began shooting out of his eyes. “You want three grown-ass men to go on a vacation together?! Three men?! Only men?!”

“...Calm down, Yeong-Gi.” Kang Jin-Ho tutted and looked at his friend weirdly.

“Goddamn it! Going on a solo trip is already so bloody depressing, so can't you imagine just how much worse it will be for three men!”

Park Yu-Min testily asked, “Why do you think that? What's wrong with three friends going on a vacation together?”

“...I'll be honest, Park Yu-Min.” Ju Yeong-Gi pressed his hands on Park Yu-Min's shoulders and smirked meaningfully. “Sometimes, I seriously envy your brazenness and immaturity. Not this time, though.”

“Wait, you're making fun of me, aren't you?”

“Argh, come on, man! I don't want to do it! Three men going on a vacation? No bloody thanks! If you're dead-set on going, find some ladies to accompany us, okay! This big bro of yours is feeling lonely these days, you know? Whenever I'm in bed trying to get some shut-eye, the cold and empty spot next to me always brings me to tears, I tell ya!”

“What are you talking about! Three friends are going on a 'buddymoon', so why do you want to bring women into the picture?!“ [1]

“Urrrgh, this bloody wacko! If you want to hang out with your buddies, why don't we just stop by at a local pub and drink until we fall off our chairs! Why waste money and time going on an overseas vacation?!”

“Yeong-Gi, you need professional help!”

“Say what now?!”

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled hollowly while spectating his friends bickering away.

'Going on a vacation, huh...?'

That didn't sound like a bad idea. Before the start of a new semester, the pizzeria might have to temporarily close its doors. Taking advantage of that by taking a vacation abroad sounded like a fun idea.

When Kang Jin-Ho thought about it, he never had a chance to enjoy a vacation overseas, now did he?

“Okay. I'll think about it,” said Kang Jin-Ho.

Park Yu-Min triumphantly harrumphed. “You heard him, Yeong-Gi!”

“Argh, Jin-Ho... Count me out, will ya?”

Kang Jin-Ho chuckled, then glanced at Park Yu-Min. “By the way, which country do you have in mind, Yu-Min?”

“Mm, well…” Park Yu-Min smiled deeply. “I was thinking of either the UK or Japan.”

Park Yu-Min wasn't aware that he was about to create another situation.

1. According to the urban dictionary, a 'buddymoon' is a trip or vacation taken by two or more good friends who are not romantically involved. ☜