Chapter 266: The Fourth Office (2)
Thousand-men Commander Ma Ra-hyeon frowned and slightly turned his head.
That was because Mok Gyeong-un, although he said Trainee Bae Ji-seok had fainted, was peeling off the living face skin of the alive Bae Ji-seok.
Seeing someone peel off an intact face skin, even if one had a strong stomach, it was naturally difficult to watch.
-Scrape scrape!
As Mok Gyeong-un was carving out the facial skin, he nonchalantly said to him:
"It seems difficult to watch."
"…What's there to be pleasant about?"
"I guess your stomach is weaker than I thought."
"…"
It's not just about having a strong stomach, but it's unsettling to peel it off like that when the person is alive and well, not already dead.
Of course, Mok Gyeong-un had explained the reason.
[The skin quickly necrotizes upon death. It's much better to do it while it's still elastic and fresh.]
It was a rather valid reason, but it was still burdensome.
Ma Ra-hyeon clicked his tongue inwardly and eventually left the interrogation room to avoid the scene.
Once outside, he let out a long sigh.
"Sigh."
Normally, it would be something he could never accept, but he couldn't refuse what Mok Gyeong-un wanted.
Even when he was doing such a horrific act.
He did say that he had selected someone who wouldn't cause problems if touched, but this was truly a cruel act.
[Trainee Bae Ji-seok?]
[Yes.]
[Is this person someone who won't cause any issues?]
[He's an orphan, and before entering as an Imperial Guard trainee, he was a street thug who threatened and extorted elderly merchants in the marketplace and bullied the weak. He was taken in by a faction of the Grand Preceptor Hang Yoon, one of the four powers, under the pretense of finding talented individuals, and if it weren't for their recommendation, he would have been weeded out beforehand.]
[So he's not of particularly good character?]
[…Among them, yes.]
[Good. Then let's go with this person.]
In any case, he wasn't someone the Hang Yoon was actively promoting, so there wouldn't be any problems, and in the first place, he wasn't qualified to join the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
However, it was a bit pitiful.
Of all people, he had to be caught by such a demon-like guy and meet a miserable end.
***
Early the next morning.
After the period of basic training in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the trainees moved to their respective departments under the guidance of the Thousand-men Commanders they were assigned to for their apprenticeship.
Among them, the number of team members assigned to the Fourth Office was a total of 11.
The one who received the highest score among them was Trainee Joo Woonhyang, who had placed second in the first test.
Someone was closely observing this Joo Woonhyang from behind.
It was none other than Trainee Bae Ji-seok, or rather, Mok Gyeong-un wearing his face skin.
A glimmer of surprise appeared in Mok Gyeong-un's eyes.
'His energy has grown quite a bit.'
Joo Woonhyang's innate true energy had increased compared to before.
Either he had worked tirelessly after competing with him, or perhaps he had a small opportunity.
However, Mok Gyeong-un's demonic energy had advanced to a level incomparable to when he had fought Joo Woonhyang or Thousand-men Commander So Yerin a few nights ago.
Because of that, Joo Woonhyang's current level of energy didn't bother him much.
Mok Gyeong-un slightly licked his lips.
'I thought he might notice a little.'
Like the other trainees, Joo Woonhyang also failed to notice his presence.
Of course, it could be because the gap in their skills had widened even further, but it was somewhat disappointing compared to his expectations.
Eventually, they arrived at the main hall of the Fourth Office in the Six Offices Building.
The Fourth Office was the department that managed all the prisons within the Imperial Palace.
Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo, who was walking ahead, pointed to a building and said:
"Here. This is where you will stay for the next five days."
It was somewhat smaller and shabbier than the dormitory of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's main building, the Six Offices Building, where they had been temporarily assigned.
They had to stay in such a place for five days?
Most of the trainees seemed to have similar thoughts, as their expressions were not very pleased.
At that moment, someone walked out of the main building of the Fourth Office with their hands behind their back.
The moment they saw the red ceremonial robes, everyone clasped their hands together, lowered their heads, and paid their respects.
-Tap!
The person who came out of the main building of the Fourth Office was none other than Im Gyu-wol, the head of the Fourth Office and the Thousand-men Commander in charge.
He was a man with torn eyes and a pale face.
The overall impression was as if looking at a white snake.
At that moment, Im Gyu-wol abruptly spoke.
"Who here is the one named Joo Woonhyang?"
"That would be me."
Joo Woonhyang politely replied with his head lowered.
Then, Im Gyu-wol smiled and approached Joo Woonhyang, saying:
"I heard you placed second in the internal energy measurement during the selection process. You can be considered an excellent talent."
At his praise, Trainee Yeom Gyeong, a disciple of the Huashan Sect, bit his lip.
He was jealous of Joo Woonhyang receiving attention from the start of the apprenticeship.
However, unlike his jealousy, these words did not come from good intentions.
-Shwip!
Im Gyu-wol, who had approached right in front of her, placed his hand on Joo Woonhyang's shoulder.
At that moment, Joo Woonhyang, who had his head lowered, flinched.
Mok Gyeong-un, who was watching this from right behind, narrowed his eyes.
'Hmm.'
It seemed that Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol wasn't simply grabbing his shoulder but applying pressure with his internal energy.
That guess was accurate.
The internal energy flowing from Im Gyu-wol's hand was entering through Joo Woonhyang's shoulder and inflicting pain.
-Squeeze!
As he sent his internal energy, Im Gyu-wol smiled nonchalantly and said:
"I have great expectations for you."
At this, Joo Woonhyang was inwardly flabbergasted.
He was an absurd person.
Saying he had great expectations while trying to suppress him with true energy.
He didn't know the reason, but unless he looked down on him, there was no way he would press down on him with such vast internal energy.
So he slightly raised his head to glance at his face, and contrary to his smiling face, he was looking at him with a condescending gaze.
'Why is he doing this?'
Joo Woonhyang didn't hide his puzzlement.
For some unknown reason, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol was clearly acting emotionally towards him.
His guess was correct.
'I heard you're receiving attention from So Yerin?'
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol had fallen for So Yerin's beautiful appearance the moment he first saw her, another Thousand-men Commander, and had been yearning for her for a long time.
However, she, known as the Ice Flower of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, had always been cold towards him.
Whenever he showed interest, she always rejected him bluntly.
'But why is she, of all people, showing interest in a mere trainee like you?'
It was something he absolutely could not tolerate.
'I don't know how great of a talent you are, but I'll make you regret being assigned to me.'
He couldn't let anyone who received even the slightest attention from her go unscathed.
He would make them realize their place.
He was going to start by suppressing him with true energy to inflict internal injuries and show him hell during the five days he would be here in the Fourth Office.
'I'll directly eliminate you within my jurisdiction.'
In any case, this was his domain.
Even if he tormented him and made him drop out, there was no one who would blame or criticize him.
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol raised his internal energy even more.
Even if he had placed second in the internal energy measurement, this guy was just a trainee.
'You'll feel your insides being shaken.'
But something was strange.
By now, Joo Woonhyang should have collapsed or at least screamed, unable to endure the true energy pressing on his insides.
However, there was no reaction at all.
-Crack!
At that moment, cracks appeared on the floor where Joo Woonhyang was standing.
Seeing this, one of Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol's eyebrows raised.
This was a phenomenon that was only possible if he sent the true energy he had injected through his Yongcheon acupoint.
'Look at this guy?'
He was a young man who hadn't even reached adulthood yet.
Such a guy had deflected his energy?
Yes. That's right.
-Woooosh!
At that moment, Im Gyu-wol's cultivation level rose.
-Flinch!
"Thousand-men Commander!"
Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo, who noticed this, called out to Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol.
He had been quietly observing what he was doing while continuously holding Joo Woonhyang's shoulder, but he didn't expect him to be applying such internal energy pressure on a trainee.
However, Im Gyu-wol had no intention of ending it here.
'Try enduring this too.'
Im Gyu-wol raised his cultivation level even more.
Then, Joo Woonhyang's body gradually began to tremble as well.
'Tsk.'
He tried to protect his shoulder with his own innate true energy and deflect the incoming internal energy, but as the cultivation level increased further, it became increasingly difficult.
-Crack crack!
The cracks on the floor had somehow spread to the other trainees nearby.
Startled, they stepped back.
Before they knew it, everyone's attention was focused on them.
'What the hell is he doing?'
'Why is the Thousand-men Commander doing this?'
Anyone could see that Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol was pressuring Joo Woonhyang with his internal energy.
Seeing Joo Woonhyang's complexion gradually worsening, it might turn into a problem.
At that moment, Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-ho approached to dissuade him.
"Thousand-men Commander. That's enough…"
"Don't interfere."
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol rebuked him in a low voice and waved his hand.
It meant not to intervene.
At this, Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-ho couldn't hide his difficulty.
Having served Im Gyu-wol for a long time, he knew his personality better than anyone else.
If he tried to stop him here, his anger might turn towards him.
-Crack crack!
"Ugh."
For the first time, a small groan escaped from Joo Woonhyang's mouth.
It seemed he had finally reached his limit due to Im Gyu-wol's continuous internal energy pressure.
As an apprentice going through the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection process, he couldn't rebel against the examiner, so he had no choice but to endure it one-sidedly.
'Hehehe. You've reached your limit now.'
The corners of Im Gyu-wol's mouth curled up eerily.
Although it was admirable that the brat had endured his internal energy despiteh his young age, it was now over.
Im Gyu-wol tried to raise his cultivation level to finish it off decisively.
-Crack crack!
As he raised his cultivation level further, the cracks on the floor spread even farther.
Joo Woonhyang's complexion worsened, indicating he had reached his limit.
It was at that very moment.
-Grab!
Someone grabbed his right wrist.
'Huh?'
Im Gyu-wol, who had raised his cultivation level to nearly the 7th stage, frowned fiercely.
Among the trainees, there was no one at a level capable of stopping him.
Naturally, he thought it was Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-ho who had intervened.
So…
"I told you not to interfere… You?"
It was none other than Trainee Bae Ji-seok, or rather, Mok Gyeong-un wearing his face skin as a human skin mask.
Seeing this, one of Im Gyu-wol's eyebrows raised.
Not even Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-ho, but an apprentice trainee who hadn't even ranked in the top positions in the first test was now grabbing his wrist?
At this, Im Gyu-wol was flabbergasted and tried to shake him off.
However…
-Grip!
'What?'
Im Gyu-wol's eyes trembled.
That was because he couldn't shake off the guy's hand.
He had even raised his cultivation level to the 8th stage, yet it remained immovable.
To the perplexed Im Gyu-wol, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and said in a polite voice:
"Thousand-men Commander. It seems you have sufficiently tested the trainee, so how about stopping here?"
"You…"
Who the hell was this guy?
His cultivation level was much stronger than Joo Woonhyang, who had placed second in the internal energy test.
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol's eyes quickly scanned the surroundings.
All the apprentice trainees were looking at him, and he thought that if he continued this power struggle here, he might end up embarrassing himself.
268: Chapter 267: The Fourth Office (3)
Murmur murmur!
The trainees who were watching from the side stirred.
When Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol was pressuring Joo Woonhyang with his internal energy, the atmosphere was heavy and chilling beyond words.
However, the situation changed when one of the trainees intervened midway.
Even Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-ho, who could be considered the second-in-command of the Fourth Office, was afraid of Im Gyu-wol, the head, and couldn't touch him, so no one expected that an apprentice trainee undergoing the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection would step up in this situation.
'What's with that guy?'
'Is he in his right mind to grab the Thousand-men Commander's arm?'
'Is he crazy and wants to fail the selection test?'
Those who thought this way were the trainees who ranked lower in the first selection.
'What's this? Did he just endure Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol's cultivation level?'
'…I don't think this guy's internal energy was that deep?'
Yeom Gyeong, a disciple of the Huashan Sect, and the trainees who ranked higher couldn't hide their surprise at the sight of Trainee Bae Ji-seok, who was only in the middle rank, enduring Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol's cultivation level.
Of course, if it were the real Bae Ji-seok, he wouldn't have been able to do that.
Inside that face skin was a completely different person.
It was none other than Mok Gyeong-un.
'!?'
Thanks to that, Joo Woonhyang, who had been freed from Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol's internal energy pressure, frowned and raised his head to look at Mok Gyeong-un, who had Trainee Bae Ji-seok's face.
He didn't have a chance to meet or talk to Bae Ji-seok because their Imperial Guard trainee ranks were different.
Even during the training right before the apprenticeship, it was the same.
However…
'…It's strange.'
Joo Woonhyang was gripped by a strange feeling.
Somehow, it felt familiar.
Even though the face and voice were different, this familiarity…
'Could it be?'
Joo Woonhyang looked at Mok Gyeong-un's face with suspicious eyes.
It was at that very moment.
-Squeeze!
The grip of Mok Gyeong-un's hand holding Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol's wrist tightened even more.
'Ugh… This bastard?'
Im Gyu-wol's expression stiffened at the strengthened grip.
It was no exaggeration to say that this guy's cultivation level was surpassing his own 8th stage cultivation level.
-Tremble tremble!
His wrist was trembling.
If they were alone, he might have raised his cultivation level to settle it.
However, there were too many eyes watching right now.
If he showed a moment of being overwhelmed in cultivation level, his authority as the examiner of the apprentice trainees would crumble.
'Damn it.'
But it was also a dilemma to figure out what to say and stop here.
He was the one who started it.
It was at that moment.
-Thud!
Mok Gyeong-un, who had been gripping his wrist, suddenly let go and clasped his hands together, lowering his head, and politely said:
"As expected, I can't withstand the Thousand-men Commander's cultivation level. I apologize for intervening midway while you were testing another trainee. I intervened out of concern that the trainee being tested might get hurt, so please understand with a generous heart."
-Flinch!
At Mok Gyeong-un's actions, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol's eyes sharpened.
'This damn bastard…'
He was truly a cunning fellow.
He could have embarrassed him, but not only did he back off at an appropriate point midway, but he also deliberately chose a path to save face for him.
-Clench!
Im Gyu-wol clenched his fists tightly and barely suppressed his anger.
If he showed an emotional reaction here, it would not only ruin his reputation but also remove any justification.
Alternating his sharp gaze between Mok Gyeong-un and Joo Woonhyang, who were standing side by side, Im Gyu-wol smiled nonchalantly and said:
"Indeed, I heard the trainees participating in this Embroidered Uniform Guard selection have outstanding skills, and it's true to the word. Not only did you endure my sudden internal energy test well, but seeing how you flexibly responded for the sake of your competitor and comrade, I'm pleased."
"Not at all."
"I apologize."
Joo Woonhyang and Mok Gyeong-un replied simultaneously.
Then, Im Gyu-wol patted the shoulders of the two with a generous voice and said:
"I will specially give bonus points to both of you."
-Murmur murmur!
'Bonus points?'
'Was it really a test?'
At those words, the trainees couldn't hide their envy.
The atmosphere was so hostile that they were worried about what trouble might occur, but seeing Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol even giving bonus points, it seemed he had really tested them unexpectedly.
On the other hand, Joo Woonhyang inwardly clicked his tongue at Im Gyu-wol's handling ability.
'He didn't reach this position for nothing.'
If he had acted emotionally, he could have lost face, but he was quite skilled in dealing with the situation.
Of course, he thought his insides must be boiling with rage.
So Joo Woonhyang thought he should be careful for a while.
As he expected, Im Gyu-wol spoke in a magnanimous manner but was grinding his teeth inwardly.
'I'll remember this, you bastards.'
"Then I hope you obtain good results during the next five days and join the Embroidered Uniform Guard."
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol withdrew, inwardly vowing revenge.
As he entered the main building of the Fourth Office, Joo Woonhyang suppressed his boiling internal energy.
Even though he had deflected it as much as possible, Im Gyu-wol's internal energy was a step above his, so he almost suffered internal injuries.
'It would have been troublesome if it had lasted longer.'
It was a fortunate situation.
If he hadn't properly internalized the innate true energy Thousand-men Commander So Yerin had injected, it could have been a big problem.
While calming his true energy like that, Joo Woonhyang looked at Mok Gyeong-un, who had Trainee Bae Ji-seok's face, and spoke:
"Are you by any chance…"
"By any chance what?"
Joo Woonhyang, who was about to ask something, eventually gave up on it.
And he simply expressed her gratitude.
"Thank you. Thanks to you stepping up, I avoided internal injuries."
"That's fortunate."
At those words, Joo Woonhyang's eyes narrowed.
Although his voice was deep, this way of speaking and tone were definitely…
At that moment, Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-ho approached Joo Woonhyang and Mok Gyeong-un and spoke in a low voice so that only the two could hear:
"I don't know the reason, but both of you have essentially been marked by the Thousand-men Commander. Thanks to that, you'll have a tiring five days. I'll keep an eye on you, but both of you should avoid trouble as much as possible."
"Thank you for your consideration."
At this, Mok Gyeong-un and Joo Woonhyang politely clasped their hands together, lowered their heads, and replied.
***
That night.
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol personally prepared two maps.
These maps, labeled as the Prison Battlefield Map, depicted the paths of the underground prison.
The underground prison of the Imperial Palace had been continuously expanded for hundreds of years, so it was formed like a cave and was quite vast and dark, making it easy to get lost if one wasn't careful.
Therefore, the Embroidered Uniform Guards of the Fourth Office carried these Prison Battlefield Maps to avoid losing their way.
However, these Prison Battlefield Maps were different from the existing ones.
'Heh.'
If one blindly trusted these maps and carelessly tried to find their way, they would end up in the wrong place.
Specifically, in a trap with a mechanical device installed.
'They will now understand why, except for one person, no one has ever escaped from the Imperial Palace's underground prison unharmed for so long.'
There was no need to even use his own hands.
If they died while wandering in the underground prison, no explanation would be necessary.
'Joo Woonhyang, Bae Ji-seok.'
Those damn bastards almost made him lose face.
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol curled the corners of his mouth eerily.
Thinking about them wandering in the underground prison and meeting their end, he couldn't contain his excitement.
Im Gyu-wol then rolled up the two maps, tied them with red threads, and placed them among the nine maps.
He used red threads only for the ones he would give to them.
Feeling satisfied, he left the office and headed to his personal quarters.
When one became a commander of a thousand or above, they were given personal quarters, and when they reached the level of a Thousand-men Commander, they could have a separate nice room like this.
-Thud!
Im Gyu-wol hung his outer robe on the coat hanger and lay down on the bed in a good mood.
It was at that very moment.
-Stab! Stab!
'Ugh!'
His back arched upward like a bow.
Something had simultaneously pierced two spots on his spine, and the pain was indescribable.
However, for some unknown reason, he couldn't make a sound.
'Wh- what the hell is this?'
As he was bewildered, he heard a rattling sound from under the bed.
Then, someone crawled out from under the bed.
Seeing the face of that unidentified someone, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol couldn't help but be shocked.
'Bae Ji-seok?'
It was none other than Trainee Bae Ji-seok, or rather, Mok Gyeong-un wearing his face.
Mok Gyeong-un brought his lips close to his ear and whispered softly:
"I was bored waiting for you, Thousand-men Commander."
-Flinch!
'Wh- who the hell is this bastard? How did he get in here?'
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol couldn't help but be perplexed.
The area around the main building of the Fourth Office was guarded by Imperial Guards, and the dormitory building had the Lesser Banners, the lowest rank in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, taking turns on duty.
Yet he infiltrated while avoiding them?
'Putting aside the infiltration, how did he evade my senses? Did a mere trainee really surpass my martial arts?'
Seeing his reaction, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled.
"What a nice expression."
With those words, Mok Gyeong-un lightly touched his waist, which was arched like a bow.
-Press!
'Uuugh!'
Im Gyu-wol was in so much pain that his face turned bright red from his originally pale complexion.
Even the veins on his forehead bulged.
'This son of a b*tch!'
He sincerely wanted to tear Mok Gyeong-un apart and kill him.
However, when Mok Gyeong-un pressed the area around his spinal vertebrae once more…
'Aaaargh!'
A pain like being struck by lightning spread throughout his body through his spine.
It was the first time he had experienced such pain in his life.
It was difficult to even breathe properly.
"Hah! Hah! Hah!"
Beads of cold sweat formed on Im Gyu-wol's face.
Seeing him like this, Mok Gyeong-un curled the corners of his mouth eerily and whispered in his ear:
"I once read a book on acupuncture, and there was a dangerous acupuncture technique that shouldn't be done recklessly. Do you know what it is?"
'Ho- how would I know that?'
Unable to speak, Im Gyu-wol glared at Mok Gyeong-un as if he wanted to kill him.
Then, Mok Gyeong-un smiled brightly and said:
"Ah, I forgot it's difficult for you to answer. It's nothing much, just that there's a technique called spinal acupuncture, and unless you're a truly skilled physician, you shouldn't carelessly insert needles near the spine. If you're not careful, the needles can penetrate into the spine and be dangerous, or something like that."
'What?'
At Mok Gyeong-un's words, Im Gyu-wol's eyes trembled.
But this was just the beginning.
"But what's even more interesting is that it was written that as the pain intensifies like that, you become paralyzed and unable to walk ever again."
'Pa- paralyzed?'
At those words, Im Gyu-wol felt like he was going crazy.
The pain in his waist was too severe to just let it go.
Im Gyu-wol's complexion, filled with fear, gradually turned pale.
Mok Gyeong-un whispered in his ear:
"I'm quite cautious, so when someone harbors ill feelings towards me, I don't just let it slide."
-Press!
'Uuuugh.'
As the needles penetrated even deeper, Im Gyu-wol writhed in pain, unable to come to his senses.
Mok Gyeong-un, who was watching him suffer with a gleeful expression, brought something to his eyes when he had barely gotten used to the pain.
-Shwip!
'!?'
It was none other than a sharp needle.
Bringing such a needle right in front of his eyes, Im Gyu-wol couldn't help but be perplexed.
What was he trying to do with this now?
As he was puzzled, Mok Gyeong-un resolved his question.
"This needle is something a certain person had, and it's coated with poison. You're curious about what kind of poison, right?"
'Poison?'
Im Gyu-wol's pupils trembled at the mention of poison on the needle.
Just having the sharp point flickering in front of his eyes was agonizing, but hearing that it was also coated with poison made him feel like he was going crazy.
To the frightened Im Gyu-wol, Mok Gyeong-un smiled and nonchalantly said:
"This is nothing much either, but if the needle is inserted into the eyeball, the poison quickly spreads to the brain, causing a state of mental disability, should I say?"
'!!!!!!!'
This was nothing much?
269: Chapter 268: The Fourth Office (4)
"Mmph."
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol groaned and tried to twist his body.
The moment that poisonous needle flickering in front of his eyes pierced his eyeball, he could even become mentally disabled, so he wanted to avoid it at all costs.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un chuckled and slightly pulled out one of the needles embedded in his spine.
As the needle was pulled out, Im Gyu-wol's waist, which had been arched like a bow, straightened.
"Gasp… gasp… Y- you bastard!"
"Bastard? You better be careful with your attitude."
-Grind!
At Mok Gyeong-un's low warning, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol gritted his teeth.
He wanted to subdue the guy and make him pull out the needles right away, but if he made a mistake and ended up paralyzed, his life in the Imperial Palace would be over.
"…What the hell are you doing this for? Aren't you afraid of the consequences?"
"Consequences? Did you just say consequences?"
"No, that's not what I meant…"
"I'm curious about how you'll repay the consequences if you become mentally disabled."
"…"
Im Gyu-wol couldn't say anything to Mok Gyeong-un's mocking words.
As the guy said, if he became unable to even recognize anything, he couldn't do anything about consequences or whatnot.
Im Gyu-wol glared at Mok Gyeong-un as if he was resentful and opened his mouth.
"What the hell do you want?"
"I'm glad you're someone who can be reasoned with."
"…"
What did he mean by being reasoned with after sticking needles in his spine and holding a poisonous needle to his eye?
His insides were boiling, but Im Gyu-wol tried hard to suppress it.
If he could escape this crisis, there would always be an opportunity for revenge.
"Before I tell you what I want, let's hear what Thousand-men Commander Im was trying to do first."
At that question, Im Gyu-wol flinched for a moment.
That was because, before coming here, he had plotted with the fake Prison Battlefield Maps to trap Mok Gyeong-un, who had Trainee Bae Ji-seok's face, and Trainee Joo Woonhyang.
Naturally, he couldn't help but be perplexed when asked about it.
So he played dumb.
"…What are you talking about?"
"You surely know what I'm talking about."
"What do you mean? I'm the examiner testing you apprentice trainees. Are you saying that I, as the examiner, was trying to do something to you guys?"
"Hmm."
"If you think it's because of what happened earlier, I've already forgotten about it. So…"
-Squeeze!
"Ugh."
Mok Gyeong-un grabbed his cheeks with his hand.
And he slowly applied force to his hand.
Then…
"Uuugh!"
Due to the force applied to his cheeks, his cheekbones and teeth hurt as if they would break.
To the suffering Im Gyu-wol, Mok Gyeong-un whispered in his ear:
"For someone who has forgotten, your eyes have been bad the whole time, so it's been bothering me. Someone with such eyes wouldn't just let it go without doing anything."
"Nnoo… I… ddin't."
"I can't trust you. It seems too much to make you paralyzed, so if I end it by making you mentally disabled, I won't have to worry about the Thousand-men Commander either."
-Shwip!
Mok Gyeong-un brought the poisonous needle to his eye.
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol, who thought it was a threat to make him speak, vowed to endure it no matter what.
However, that didn't last long.
It was because of Mok Gyeong-un's expression as he smiled at him.
He was smiling as if he was enjoying it, and that smile was filled with nothing but malice.
'He'll do it. This bastard will definitely do it.'
Normally, one would think it was a simple threat.
Because anyone who wanted to become an Embroidered Uniform Guard would know that they shouldn't make enemies with the examiner testing them.
But this bastard's expression and eyes showed that he didn't care about that at all.
So Im Gyu-wol hurriedly spoke:
"Gi- gib me bonus… points… to fail… selection…"
"You tried to give bonus points to fail us in the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection?"
"Ye- yes."
Im Gyu-wol lied as plausibly as possible.
If he told the truth according to his real plan, not only would this bastard not leave him alone, but his revenge for what he had done now would also fly away.
Still, he thought he had spoken plausibly, so he might be deceived, but he couldn't help but feel nervous.
At that moment, Mok Gyeong-un nodded and said:
"Well, you used your brain to some extent. Such a way of revenge…"
-Shwip!
Mok Gyeong-un let go of the hand he was gripping.
"Phew… phew…"
Then, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol inwardly felt relieved.
He was worried that this bastard might not believe him and probe further, but fortunately, he seemed to have been deceived.
But at that very moment…
-Flick!
Mok Gyeong-un was seen curling his middle finger towards his forehead and fixing it with his thumb.
Seeing this, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol furrowed his brows.
'A flick?'
-Smack!
The flicked middle finger struck his forehead with great force.
At the tremendous impact that seemed to pierce through his forehead and penetrate his brain, Im Gyu-wol's eyes widened as if they would tear, and a scream was about to burst out of his mouth.
Of course, Mok Gyeong-un covered his mouth, so he couldn't scream.
"Uuugh."
To the suffering Im Gyu-wol, Mok Gyeong-un said with a smile:
"Did you think I would believe that? If you had planned to take revenge in such a childish way, you would have given me penalty points instead of bonus points earlier."
"Uuugh."
"I can't believe it. Tell me what you originally had in mind, step by step. I'll only let it slide once."
With those words, Mok Gyeong-un held up the poisonous needle and waved it.
Im Gyu-wol, who had lost his senses from a single flick, drooled and blankly stared at it.
The force behind the flick was so strong that he even had the illusion that his forehead bone was cracked, no, shattered.
"Your answer is late."
"Un- underground prison… give wrong Prison Battlefield Map… to get lost."
"Wrong Prison Battlefield Map?"
"Yes."
Come to think of it, he had heard that the underground prison was so vast that it was like a maze.
Without the Prison Battlefield Map, one could even lose their life by wandering and falling into the prison's mechanical trap.
At this, the corners of Mok Gyeong-un's mouth slightly rose.
"Now it sounds more plausible."
"…"
"Where is that wrong Prison Battlefield Map?"
"In… Fourth Office… office."
"If it's not there, I might as well stab this needle into your eyeball without wasting time. It's bothersome to talk more."
"It's not a lie. There are two maps marked with red thread, different from the other Prison Battlefield Maps. Those are the ones."
At his words, Mok Gyeong-un was convinced that it was true this time.
Words alone certainly couldn't be trusted.
But if there was something prepared like this, it was definite.
Moreover, not one, but two maps.
The targets were also clear.
'Me and Joo Woonhyang.'
So Mok Gyeong-un placed his hand on Im Gyu-wol's shoulder and said:
"If you had told me this from the beginning, we wouldn't have had to go through this trouble."
"…I absolutely won't do anything reckless. So please end it here. I won't give you penalty points or do anything like that either."
"Of course you shouldn't. But I haven't even gotten to the main point yet."
"Main point?"
"Yes. Actually, I have no interest in the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection or whatnot."
"What?"
What the hell did this mean?
The Imperial Guard training was the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection process.
If he participated in it, what did he mean by having no interest?
To the puzzled Im Gyu-wol, Mok Gyeong-un nonchalantly said:
"Rather than that, I'd like to quietly take out the person I want from the underground prison. It would be much easier if Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol, the head of the Fourth Office who manages it, helped me."
'!!!!!!!'
At Mok Gyeong-un's completely unexpected words, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol's eyes widened.
Wasn't this saying to help a convicted criminal imprisoned in the underground prison escape?
And he was asking him, the one who managed the prison, to help with that?
So Im Gyu-wol spoke in a flabbergasted tone:
"Are you crazy? Even though I'm suffering like this because I made an enemy out of you, I'm the head of the Fourth Office. Do you think I would help a prisoner escape from the underground prison?"
Im Gyu-wol showed his pride and spirit as an Embroidered Uniform Guard for the first time.
He even showed a strong determination, as if this was something he absolutely couldn't help with.
To him, Mok Gyeong-un said with a smile:
"I told you there wouldn't be a second warning."
"Th- this is something I can't do. Even if you threaten me."
"Oho. You want to show me your will? Then shall we change that method of threat a little?"
"What?"
"You've been embezzling funds all this time whenever you moved departments to help the Grand Preceptor Hang Yoon's faction, right?"
'!?'
At those words, the eyes of Im Gyu-wol, who had shown his will, trembled.
He had been collecting funds by manipulating the ledgers as much as possible to avoid detection.
No one had noticed until now, so how did this bastard know?
"Wh- what are you talking about?"
Im Gyu-wol strongly denied it.
Then, Mok Gyeong-un took out a book from his bosom.
Seeing this, Im Gyu-wol's expression stiffened.
It was none other than the secret ledger he had hidden in his office.
'Wh- why is that?'
In that bastard's hand?
Of course, this was…
[This is a part of the secret ledgers hidden in a secret place in the Fourth Office. I took it because I thought it would be useful.]
It was something Mok Gyeong-un's subordinate, Mong Mu-yak, had secretly entered the Fourth Office's office and took.
They thought the embezzlement ledger could be used to pressure him as the head of the Fourth Office.
And now it was being used usefully like this.
"If the higher-ups of Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol find out about this, it doesn't seem like it would be good for you. If you're unlucky, you might end up imprisoned in the Imperial Palace's prison. It would be interesting. The prison manager being imprisoned in the prison he managed."
These words from Mok Gyeong-un eventually became the deciding factor.
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol finally surrendered and lowered his head deeply.
After agreeing to everything Mok Gyeong-un wanted, he wrote a document and stamped it with the Fourth Office's official seal and his own seal.
Of course, Mok Gyeong-un didn't stop there and also made him addicted to poison, just like he had done to Associate Military Commissioner Sang Ik-seo.
At this level of thoroughness, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol clicked his tongue.
As Mok Gyeong-un was about to leave his quarters, he asked out of curiosity:
"But why are you targeting Trainee Joo Woonhyang?"
He was already curious about this.
He knew that Joo Woonhyang had quite a few enemies, but he suddenly wondered why he was targeting her.
At Mok Gyeong-un's question, Im Gyu-wol didn't want to answer, but he had already been caught by his weakness, so he reluctantly replied:
"…Because of Thousand-men Commander So Yerin."
'!?'
Mok Gyeong-un tilted his head and asked again:
"Thousand-men Commander So Yerin?"
"Yes."
"Did you have a problem with her?"
"…I have no problem with her. I was just annoyed that Thousand-men Commander So Yerin, who is strict in public and private matters, was paying attention to that bastard Joo Woonhyang."
"Ha!"
Mok Gyeong-un burst into laughter at the unexpected answer, thinking there might be another reason.
The reason he had suddenly acted emotionally turned out to be stemming from emotions.
'Jealousy.'
Humans seem inefficient because of their emotions.
Mok Gyeong-un shook his head and left his quarters.
***
Not long after Mok Gyeong-un left, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol, who judged that he had completely disappeared, couldn't contain his anger and vented his frustration by breaking everything in his quarters.
-Bang bang!
This was the first time in his life that he had experienced such humiliation.
Not only was he threatened and had his weakness caught, but he was even addicted to poison.
If he didn't vent this anger somewhere, he felt like he wouldn't be able to endure it.
-Bang!
He even smashed his own bed.
Only after breaking almost everything inside did he seem to calm down a bit. Im Gyu-wol, who sat on the floor, gritted his teeth and muttered in a small voice:
-Grind!
"Don't think this is over. I will definitely pay you back somehow."
He made a vow for the future.
Even if it took ten years, it wasn't too late for a man's revenge.
To the bastard who had given him such humiliation, he would definitely repay it equally, no, twice, three times…
"What will you repay?"
'!?'
At that moment, Im Gyu-wol's expression stiffened at the voice coming from behind.
There was no presence felt behind him at all.
Had he heard an illusion?
As he turned his head with a tense expression, Mok Gyeong-un was standing at the door of his quarters, holding two scrolls of the fake Prison Battlefield Maps.
'Ah…'
270: Chapter 269: Underground Prison (1)
The next morning, on a chilly day.
Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo visited the office of Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol, the head of the Fourth Office.
Entering the office, Mak Myeong-bo's eyes flickered with surprise.
Im Gyu-wol had a swollen face, as if injured, and was shirtless while the Embroidered Uniform Guard's dedicated physician was applying needles and moxibustion to his right shoulder.
Judging by his expression, the injury did not seem light.
Mak Myeong-bo asked in surprise:
"Thousand-men Commander, where did you get injured?"
At his question, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol replied in an irritated voice:
"Can't you tell by looking?"
Last night, thinking the guy had left, he had vowed for the future, but was caught off guard.
Who would have thought the guy would come back?
Of course, he thought he would return to the trainee dormitory.
Anyway, as a result, he had paid a severe price.
[Uuugh.]
[Let's end it here. Still, you're lucky. If you were even slightly useless, it would have been better to just dispose of you.]
Lucky?
Damn bastard.
Not only did he make him a wreck like this, but his right shoulder was completely broken.
According to the physician, it would take over a month of recuperation for the broken bone to fully heal.
But the worst part was that he said he wouldn't be able to move his shoulder freely like before.
It was practically devastating news for him, as his right hand was his dominant hand.
'Bae Ji-seok!'
He was so angry that he wanted to tear the guy apart and kill him, but not only was his weakness caught, but he was also addicted to poison, so he had no choice but to cater to the guy's whims.
This made him even more miserable.
'Damn bastard. I will definitely repay this grudge someday.'
Even though he had suffered like that yesterday, he still hadn't given up.
It was said to lie on sticks and taste gall.
Although he had to grovel for now, if he endured this misery, he believed an opportunity would surely come someday.
"But what's the matter?"
At Im Gyu-wol's question, Mak Myeong-bo clasped his hands together and said with a bow:
"I've come to borrow the Prison Battlefield Maps necessary for the apprentice trainees' prison infiltration today."
"Prison Battlefield Maps?"
The Prison Battlefield Maps were very important items.
Since they contained the locations of mechanical traps and all the internal geography of the prison, the number of maps was limited, and because they couldn't be carelessly leaked, they were kept by Im Gyu-wol, the head of the Fourth Office, who was in charge of the prisons.
"If it's that, in that case…"
Im Gyu-wol, who was about to speak, stopped as if realizing something.
'Tsk.'
There were still two Prison Battlefield Maps tied with red thread on top of the maps.
If he had his way, he wanted to hand over those Prison Battlefield Maps as they were.
But since that Bae Ji-seok bastard had already confirmed those incorrect Prison Battlefield Maps, he couldn't deceive him.
So he had to replace them with the correct Prison Battlefield Maps.
"…Go prepare the apprentice trainees, and I'll personally give them to you."
"But your body is not well…"
"Haha. Didn't I say I would personally bring them to you?"
"Understood."
Although puzzled, how could he disobey his superior's order?
Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo withdrew.
After he left, Im Gyu-wol was about to ask the Embroidered Uniform Guard physician to finish the treatment.
At that moment, someone knocked on the office door.
"I, Thousand-men Commander…"
It was the voice of Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo.
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol shouted irritably:
"Didn't I clearly say I would personally bring them to you…"
At that moment, the office door opened.
As the door opened, Im Gyu-wol, startled by the sight of a middle-aged man in a silver ceremonial robe entering, hastily rose from his seat while wrapping his bandages and paid his respects.
"I- I greet the Defender-in-Chief."
4th rank Embroidered Uniform Guard Defender-in-Chief.
Although the Embroidered Uniform Guard was attached to the title, the Defender-in-Chief was not a position incorporated into the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
In a way, it could be considered a special rank.
The Defender-in-Chief was the escort warrior for the princes who received the throne, and since they could mobilize the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Chief Banners in special situations or emergencies, the affiliation name "Embroidered Uniform Guard" was attached to the front.
'Why is the Defender-in-Chief here?'
The Defender-in-Chief was equivalent in rank to the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Pacification Commissioner, who could be considered the chief executive officer.
In conclusion, he was a higher-ranking official and a person of power.
"It's been a while, Thousand-men Commander Im."
"I- I'm extremely grateful that you remember me."
He was sincerely grateful that he remembered him from when he was just a Lesser Banner.
The Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom in front of him was someone who was close to the position he desired the most.
Although he had been pushed out of the position of Crown Prince now, wasn't he closely serving as an escort to this prince who was once the most likely candidate for the throne succession?
Moreover, his martial arts were said to be no inferior to those of the Northern Pacification Commissioner or the Chief Eunuchs of the Eastern and Western Depots.
Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom said to him:
"Could we have a private conversation for a moment?"
"Of course."
At his words, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol hurriedly sent out the Imperial Palace physician.
And he personally locked the office door.
However, the eyes of Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom, who was looking at his back as he walked shirtless, sharpened fiercely.
Unaware of this, Im Gyu-wol prepared seats.
After examining the surroundings with his senses, Muk Seom, who sat at the table, lightly waved his hand.
'!?'
Im Gyu-wol couldn't hide his bewilderment.
The reason was that Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom had used true energy to block the sound inside and outside the room.
It seemed he wanted to have a confidential conversation.
"I'll get straight to the point without beating around the bush."
"Yes? About what?"
"You were cooperating with Hundred-men Commander Gyeom-chang under the command of the Associate Military Commissioner, right?"
'What?'
At that question, Im Gyu-wol's expression stiffened.
This was a matter that required attention and confidentiality.
Im Gyu-wol belonged to the faction of the Grand Preceptor Hangyun, who held the positions of Grand Preceptor and Admiral of the Central Military Commission, so he also received orders from Associate Military Commissioner Sang Ik-seo.
Originally, even if they were both from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, only the Fourth Office could be deployed for prison duties.
However, with the order from Associate Military Commissioner Sang Ik-seo, Hundred-men Commander Gyeom-chang was temporarily incorporated into the Fourth Office under the pretext of cooperating for the interrogation of the Fire Faith Order believers.
This was a confidential matter that was carried out only when trusted individuals belonging to the faction were on duty, so how did this person know about it?
So Im Gyu-wol tried his best not to show any signs and opened his mouth.
"I don't know what you're talking about…"
"No need to deceive me. I'm also a person of His Excellency Hangyun."
'!?'
At those words, Im Gyu-wol furrowed his brows.
A person of His Excellency Hangyun?
He had heard that there were quite a few people in the faction that he didn't know, but Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom was even more known as a person of this prince, Prince Jong.
Therefore, there was no way he could trust him.
At that moment, Im Gyu-wol took something out of his bosom and showed it.
It was none other than…
'Huh?'
The military tally of the Central Military Commission, with Grand Preceptor as the Admiral.
Seeing the military tally that could mobilize the Central Military Commission, not anything else, Im Gyu-wol could sense that his words were true.
This was evidence that couldn't be entrusted unless there was considerable trust.
"I borrowed this military tally from His Excellency in case you couldn't believe me."
-Thud!
At this, Im Gyu-wol knelt on one knee and clasped his hands together, paying his respects to him.
"I was unaware."
"Get up. It's natural for you not to know. There are only a few people who know this fact, including His Excellency."
At his words, Im Gyu-wol inwardly felt excited.
Did the fact that Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom was saying this mean that His Excellency Hangyun had decided to make great use of him?
Otherwise, there was no way someone in such a high position would reveal his true faction.
Feeling excited, Im Gyu-wol stood up, and Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom lowered his voice and abruptly said something unexpected.
"By the way, did Hundred-men Commander Gyeom-chang finish the interrogation?"
"Are you talking about the interrogation?"
"Yes."
"Not yet."
At his answer, Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom stroked his beard and let out a groan.
"Hmm. Can't be helped."
"…But how do you know about that?"
"No. You don't need to know that much."
"Pardon?"
"Rather, a slight problem has arisen, and Hundred-men Commander Gyeom-chang can no longer continue the interrogation."
"What do you mean by that?"
Until just a few days ago, Hundred-men Commander Gyeom-chang was determined to continue the interrogation in order to find that so-called Treasure Orb.
He was doing so because there was an order from the Associate Military Commissioner not to ask why, but suddenly saying he couldn't continue the interrogation made him curious.
So…
"It's just as I said. Rather, there's something I need you to do. Since it's a direct order from His Excellency, you can do it, right?"
"What kind of order?"
"It's something that only you, as the head of the Fourth Office, can do. If you help me accomplish this safely, the Grand Preceptor will acknowledge your merit."
"Th- the Grand Preceptor, you say?"
At these words, Im Gyu-wol swallowed dry saliva and spoke with an enthusiastic voice, clasping his hands together:
"Please tell me anything. I, Im, will definitely carry out His Excellency's order."
"I'm glad to hear that. Then, the late-stage disciples sent by the Heaven and Earth Society will soon try to break out the Fire Faith Order believer imprisoned in the Eternal Hell Prison. I'd like you to assist them."
'!?'
As soon as he finished speaking, Im Gyu-wol couldn't hide his perplexity.
What the hell was going on?
Why did His Excellency the Grand Preceptor give such an order, just like that Bae Ji-seok bastard last night?
Unlike regular prisons where prisoners could be taken out through various methods, the underground prison was a place where it was absolutely impossible to take out prisoners.
That's why, unlike before, he knew that people were sent in to interrogate the Fire Faith Order believers.
But why were they suddenly trying to kidnap them? He didn't know, but it was extremely difficult.
'What should I do about this?'
He didn't know exactly who they were trying to kidnap, but he was also in a position where he had to forcibly help that Bae Ji-seok bastard.
That bastard also said he would break someone out of the Eternal Hell Prison…
'Wait… something is strange.'
Something coincidentally overlapped in terms of timing.
It was strange that the higher-ups were suddenly trying to forcibly take out the Fire Faith Order believer they had given up on, and it was too much of a coincidence that the Bae Ji-seok bastard was also trying to kidnap someone from the Eternal Hell Prison.
'Could it be… that the person that Bae Ji-seok bastard is trying to kidnap is also a Fire Faith Order believer?'
So in order to prevent that, were they trying to take out the Fire Faith Order believer in advance?
If this was the case, it made sense for the higher-ups to suddenly give such an order.
But this was just his guess.
And that wasn't the problem.
'Damn it.'
Right now, not only was his weakness caught, but he was also addicted to poison.
So he had no choice but to forcibly follow Bae Ji-seok.
But if this guess turned out to be correct, he wouldn't be able to carry out the order from the higher-ups and would end up betraying them.
Im Gyu-wol's eyes trembled severely, confused by the situation where he was caught between a rock and a hard place.
At that moment, Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom raised one eyebrow.
Then…
-Thud! Shwip!
He suddenly lifted Im Gyu-wol's chin and stared intently into his eyes.
"Y- Your Excellency?"
Why was he suddenly doing this?
As he was puzzled, Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom said something unexpected:
"Ha… look at this."
"Pardon? What…"
"You've also been addicted to poison."
'!?'
At those words, Im Gyu-wol's eyes widened.
How did Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom know about this?
But then he asked:
"Am I right? Or not? Just answer that."
"…"
At his question, Im Gyu-wol was at a loss for what to do.
Because his weaknesses, including the embezzlement ledger, had been caught by Bae Ji-seok, it was extremely cautious to even say something.
Seeing his reaction, Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom shook his head and said:
"It seems you've been caught by other weaknesses besides poison."
'How does he know that?'
Im Gyu-wol couldn't hide his surprise at Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom's insight.
Even though he couldn't answer anything, it was amazing how he deduced his situation to this extent.
But on the other hand, he became afraid.
His weaknesses caught by that bastard, that is, the embezzlement ledger, were connected to the higher-ups, Grand Preceptor Hangyun, and could cause damage, so he was scared of being cast out if they found out.
Not knowing what to do, Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom placed his hand on his shoulder and spoke in a chilling voice:
"I don't know what weaknesses have made you tight-lipped, but let me make it clear. Confessing the truth right now is the only chance for you to live."
-Squeeze!
With those words, the hand of Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom on his shoulder tightened its grip.
***
The 12 trainees of the Snake Guard were waiting.
They had finished preparing to infiltrate the prison, but they were still waiting because they hadn't received the Prison Battlefield Maps yet.
At that moment, a Deputy Thousand-men Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was seen coming from the other side of the pavilion.
In the case the Deputy Thousand-men Commander was carrying, there were twelve scrolls.
"Looks like he's here."
It was Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo, who had been waiting for a long time like the trainees and was feeling frustrated. What the hell was he talking about with Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom that it took so long?
'He should have just given them then.'
In any case, he didn't come in person and sent the Deputy Thousand-men Commander instead. Anyway, because of that, the infiltration was delayed, and the prisoners' meal distribution was also delayed.
Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo shouted irritably:
"Why are you so late?"
"My apologies. Phew… But Thousand-men Commander, don't you know?"
At the Embroidered Uniform Guard Deputy Thousand-men Commander's words, Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo shook his head. Then he extended his hand.
"Give them to me. I need to distribute them to the trainees and inform them of their infiltration locations."
"I guess it's because the meal distribution was delayed. Then I'll distribute them directly to the trainees right away."
"Alright."
Thousand-men Commander Mak Myeong-bo, whose mind had become impatient, told him to do so.
In that way, the twelve apprentice trainees received the Prison Battlefield Maps and were assigned their respective infiltration locations. Most of the trainees were evenly deployed from the first to the third floor of the prison.
'Hmm.'
At this moment, the eyes of Mok Gyeong-un, who had the face of Trainee Bae Ji-seok, narrowed. The place he was assigned to was none other than the third floor of the prison.
'…What's going on, Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol?'
It was different from the original plan. They had clearly agreed to assign him to the Eternal Hell Prison, the lowest level of the prison. But assigning him to the third floor of the prison was tantamount to breaking that agreement.
"What? The E- Eternal Hell Prison?"
At that moment, someone asked in a perplexed voice. It was Yeom Gyeong, a disciple of the Huashan Sect.
The Eternal Hell Prison, the lowest level of the prison. The ones assigned there were none other than Joo Woonhyang and Yeom Gyeong, a disciple of the Huashan Sect.
***
The trainees who entered the Imperial Palace prison felt uneasy due to the dark internal atmosphere. Unlike the prisons in other counties, this place was created by digging underground, so it was full of moisture, and the internal air was extremely thick.
What made them feel even more eerie were the bloodstains and smells that permeated everywhere. This became worse with each floor they descended.
The first underground floor showed signs of being made with care, but as they went down to the lower floors, the ground was dug and the supports were fixed, so the dirt and dust falling from here and there further heightened the feeling of unease.
In that way, the trainees were deployed one by one to their assigned areas.
-Creak!
On the way to the third underground floor, Mok Gyeong-un unfolded the Prison Battlefield Map he had received.
'Ah.'
Mok Gyeong-un snorted inwardly. This Prison Battlefield Map wasn't the fake one tied with red thread. If he only looked this far, it seemed like nothing had been done to the map, but this was a normal map with some parts redrawn as inconspicuously as possible to mislead the path.
It seemed to have been intentionally made to get caught in the mechanical trap. In the end, this was also an incorrect map.
'…As I thought.'
The corners of Mok Gyeong-un's mouth twitched. At first, he had a feeling of disbelief, but it seemed that someone else had intervened.
It would have been difficult for him, who was addicted to poison and had his weaknesses caught, to do such a bold act of betrayal in just a few quarters of an hour.
-Creak!
Mok Gyeong-un eventually rolled up the incorrect Prison Battlefield Map. Whoever had intervened, there was one thing they didn't know.
Just in case, he had scanned all the normal maps, so this kind of prank was meaningless to him.
271: Chapter 270: Underground Prison (2)
-Creak!
Mok Gyeong-un unfolded the Prison Battlefield Map scroll and then rolled it back into the bamboo case.
Someone was closely observing Mok Gyeong-un, or more precisely, the one with Trainee Bae Ji-seok's face.
It was none other than Joo Woonhyang, who had been assigned to the Eternal Hell Prison.
They hadn't reached the third underground floor yet, and he found it odd that he was unfolding the Prison Battlefield Map.
But Mok Gyeong-un's expression bothered him.
'What is it?'
After looking at the map, his expression seemed somewhat unsettled.
So Joo Woonhyang looked at the scroll case of the Prison Battlefield Map hanging from his waist with a doubtful gaze.
Was there something wrong with the map?
He had doubts, but there was no way to confirm anything right away.
The trainees were deployed one by one to their assigned areas, and the only ones left were Joo Woonhyang and Yeom Gyeong, who were being deployed to the Eternal Hell Prison.
When they reached the lowest level, the remaining personnel were the two of them and two Lesser Banners of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
However, unlike their expectation of being assigned to the area closest to the exit since they were apprentices, even after descending to the lowest level, that area was taken by the two Lesser Banners who had accompanied them.
Yeom Gyeong, who had been holding back for fear of getting penalty points again, finally protested.
"We're assigned to the inner area?"
"That's right."
"But even if we look at the Prison Battlefield Map, it's difficult to know these winding cave paths."
"So because you're scared, you want me to change the deployment since we need to distribute the meals as soon as possible?"
"That's not what I meant…"
"You punk, if you get penalty points one more time, you'll be eliminated from the Embroidered Uniform Guard selection process."
At the Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banner's words, Yeom Gyeong had no choice but to shut his mouth.
He glared at Joo Woonhyang as if telling him to say something too, but he didn't express any particular dissatisfaction.
In the end, they had no choice but to part ways with the only remaining Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banner and head deeper into the Eternal Hell Prison.
Yeom Gyeong, who was pulling the meal distribution cart along the corridor, stopped.
The area marked with 丁 (ding) was where he would be deployed.
'At least that's a relief. It's not the very end.'
He had to be relieved about this.
As he was about to enter the cave engraved with 丁 on the wall, Joo Woonhyang suddenly called out to him.
"Hey."
Wondering why he was calling him, he turned his head, and Joo Woonhyang had already approached him.
"Wh- what is it? You?"
Although Yeom Gyeong disliked Joo Woonhyang, he had judged that he couldn't recklessly confront him after seeing his skills during the internal energy measurement.
So he couldn't help but feel intimidated without realizing it.
To him, Woonhyang extended his hand and said:
"Let me see your Prison Battlefield Map."
"What?"
"I said let me see yours."
He didn't understand why he was doing this, but Joo Woonhyang's gaze was fixed on the scroll of the Prison Battlefield Map hanging from Yeom Gyeong's waist.
Already feeling intimidated by being alone with him in the Eternal Hell Prison, Yeom Gyeong reluctantly handed over the map.
After receiving Yeom Gyeong's Prison Battlefield Map, Joo Woonhyang simultaneously unfolded his own map and Yeom Gyeong's scroll.
However…
'…They're the same?'
The maps were not different at all.
***
Mok Gyeong-un pulled the meal distribution cart and moved along the corridor.
As he moved, Mok Gyeong-un's mind was calculating the route to the Eternal Hell Prison.
He had to consider the various mechanical devices and the prison guards deployed in the middle of the corridors since he was assigned to the opposite side of the passage leading underground.
As he was pondering like that for a while, the prison where his first assigned prisoner was located came into view.
A thick iron gate blocked the cave-like dug-out area.
'The smell is strong.'
He thought the stench would get worse as he went down to the lower floors, but the prisoners on the third floor of the prison were not being treated well as humans.
They were defecating and urinating in that narrow prison and leaving it as it was.
'Ah.'
Mok Gyeong-un covered his nose with his sleeve.
It was nauseating because his sense of smell was more developed.
It seemed they were changed from time to time, but judging by the accumulated amount and the dizzying stench, the interval seemed quite long.
'It's inefficient.'
This method of confinement seemed suitable for causing long-term suffering, but it didn't particularly suit his taste.
Rather than simply neglecting them to get used to it, wouldn't it be more efficient to clearly imprint the pain, even if for a short time, and cleanly kill them?
Instead of wasting unnecessary manpower and space.
Mok Gyeong-un opened the meal distribution box.
-Clang!
As soon as he did that, a prisoner with disheveled hair clung to the bars, extended his hand, and wailed.
"Food! Food!"
The eyes visible through the tangled hair were far from human.
They were eyes that had become solely devoted to basic desires.
Well, if one was locked up alone in such a dark and damp prison for a long time, it would be stranger not to go crazy.
'Oho.'
The prisoner grabbed the iron bars with his emaciated arms and extended his hand.
Mok Gyeong-un stared intently at the prisoner and eventually handed over the rice ball from the distribution box.
The prisoner snatched the rice ball and went inside, crouching in the corner and gobbling it up.
He seemed to be afraid of it being taken away.
Seeing this, the corners of Mok Gyeong-un's mouth twitched.
'He's close to a beast.'
This was quite interesting.
It seemed that when humans were stripped of a layer, they became closer to their most primitive instincts.
Eventually, Mok Gyeong-un scooped water with a square bucket and poured it into the trumpet-shaped hole next to the prison's iron bars.
-Glug glug!
The water that flowed in was collected in a small hole dug inside the prison.
They provide rice and water only once a day through meal distribution.
They only supply enough to barely sustain their lives.
'I can see why the Embroidered Uniform Guards of the Fourth Office are desperate to transfer to another department.'
It was an interesting sight that made humans closer to their essence, but for ordinary people, working in such a place itself could be quite unpleasant.
Mok Gyeong-un then moved to the next prison.
After completing the second and third distributions, he pulled the cart for the fourth distribution deeper inside.
The corridors were truly complex beyond words.
'It's a maze itself.'
If the shape were neat, it would be understandable, but when it was so winding, it was difficult to remember.
The distance from one prison to another was quite far, and the corridors were designed like a maze to prevent any possible escape.
Moreover, the intersections were made to look almost the same, so it was bound to be confusing.
'Well, I've memorized the entire map, so it doesn't matter.'
In Mok Gyeong-un's mind, these paths weren't seen as simple flat surfaces but as three-dimensional.
Therefore, there was no way he would get lost.
As he was naturally pulling the cart towards the next prison, which was close to the passage leading underground, it happened.
-Thud!
-Clank! Thud!
-Argh!
From a nearby place not far away, a strange sound was heard, followed by a scream.
Mok Gyeong-un turned his head and looked in the direction where the sound came from.
'…That place?'
The direction the sound came from was where the mechanical trap was triggered.
Why was there a scream from there?
-Aaaah.
But for some reason, the screams continued as if in great pain.
If it continued, it seemed that the prison guards, that is, the guards on standby, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banners might come.
So…
'No choice.'
-Shwip! Woosh!
Mok Gyeong-un blocked the spreading sound with his true energy and moved there.
After going a short distance, he found a place with numerous arrows stuck in the floor, indicating that a mechanical trap had been triggered.
In front of it was someone with arrows piercing their entire body.
That someone was none other than Trainee Ahn Jong-hu, who had been assigned to the third floor of the prison along with him.
"Uugh."
It was clear why he had screamed.
Mok Gyeong-un approached him.
Then, the suffering Trainee Ahn Jong-hu saw Mok Gyeong-un and desperately pleaded for help.
"Uugh… s- save me."
He had desperate eyes, not wanting to die.
Mok Gyeong-un approached him, bent down, and said:
"It seems it's already too late for that."
"Cough… ugh… pl- please…"
Mok Gyeong-un looked at his condition with dry eyes.
Arrows had already pierced his abdomen and chest in several places, and the bleeding was too severe, so there was no hope.
The only unharmed parts were his face above the collarbone and his left arm.
"I… I…"
"I don't know why you went into a place with a mechanical trap and caused trouble."
"Wh- what are you… talking… about… I just… followed the map…"
"You didn't misread the map?"
"That can't be… cough cough… ack! Gasp! Gasp!"
Trainee Ahn Jong-hu coughed up blood and then couldn't breathe properly as if his airway was blocked.
Mok Gyeong-un stared at him as he suffered and eventually…
-Tap tap tap!
He struck his acupuncture points.
As he pressed the acupuncture points, Ahn Jong-hu closed his eyes and dropped his head to the side.
It was just an acupuncture point that made him fall asleep, but it could allow him to pass away without further pain.
Of course, it wasn't done out of pity or mercy.
Mok Gyeong-un stared blankly at his dead face for a while and then looked at the case held in his right hand.
Although there was an arrow pierced in his wrist, the case containing the Prison Battlefield Map was relatively intact.
Mok Gyeong-un opened the case, took out the Prison Battlefield Map, and looked at it.
And as he unfolded it…
'!?'
One of Mok Gyeong-un's eyebrows raised.
That was because the map that Trainee Ahn Jong-hu had was exactly the same as the incorrect map he had been given.
'They used their brain a bit.'
***
Just half a quarter of an hour ago,
Thousand-men Commander Im Gyu-wol asked Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom with a puzzled look:
"What? You want me to replace all the Prison Battlefield Maps for the third floor and the Eternal Hell Prison with fake ones?"
"That's right."
Im Gyu-wol frowned at Muk Seom's order.
If he did that, there would be other accidents besides Bae Ji-seok (Mok Gyeong-un) and Joo Woonhyang.
Was there a need to sacrifice innocent guys for something that could be handled by dealing with just one bastard?
To the puzzled Im Gyu-wol, Muk Seom held the scroll tied with red thread that Im Gyu-wol had tried to discard and said:
"If someone has even a little discernment, there's no way they wouldn't notice such an obvious trap. Don't you think?"
"Th- that wasn't intentional, but it was to mark it so that I wouldn't get confused later and give it to that bastard. I was going to change it back."
"It doesn't matter either way. Since you said the guy already knew about it, it's better to use it this time."
"What do you mean by using it?"
"Give the same map to all the apprentice trainees who are supposed to be with him."
-Tap tap!
Defender-in-Chief Muk Seom tapped his own head with his fingers and said:
"Use your brain more. When dealing with clever guys, you can't be simple-minded and need to think in multiple layers."
"Ah…"
***
-Clank!
'!?'
Joo Woonhyang's expression stiffened.
He had just stepped on something, and it slightly sank inward.
Swallowing dry saliva, he was about to lower his gaze downward with a feeling of disbelief…
-Swish swish swish swish!
At that moment, arrow-like objects rained down from the ceiling.
'Tsk!'
Joo Woonhyang, without even having time to think, rolled forward in a hurry while holding the torch.
A rain of arrows covered the meal distribution cart where he had been standing.
If he had been a little late, he would have been riddled with arrows like a porcupine.
'What?'
He had moved according to the map, so why was the mechanical trap here triggered?
Something was strange.
Yeom Gyeong's Prison Battlefield Map and his own were identical.
That meant there was no way they could have played a trick with the map, so why…
'Ah!'
Suddenly, Joo Woonhyang furrowed his brows.
Since the maps were the same, he had thought there was no way they could deceive him with the map.
But if they had given the same map to other trainees with the intention of sacrificing them to target him…
-Creak! Clang!
"Huh?"
Joo Woonhyang suddenly bent his waist backward at the huge blade flying from the side of the wall.
-Clunk!
It was at that very moment.
The cave floor supporting him collapsed.
Almost a 4-jang length opened up, so there was no way to do anything about it.
'Damn it!'
Joo Woonhyang fell straight down the collapsed floor.
-Screech!
After Joo Woonhyang fell, the mechanical trap operated in reverse again, and the opened floor was raised back up as if nothing had happened.
-Thud thud!
After a while, two people walked there.
Those two were the Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banners who had come to the Eternal Hell Prison with Joo Woonhyang and Yeom Gyeong.
One of the Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banners looked at the place where only the meal distribution cart was left and said with a creepy smile:
"One has been dealt with."
***
Around the same time.
Third floor of the underground prison.
The two assigned Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banners arrived at the place where the mechanical trap had been triggered.
There was a trainee lying there with arrows piercing his entire body.
Judging by the absence of breathing or movement, he was definitely dead.
One of the Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banners approached, turned the corpse's face to the side, and confirmed the identity.
-Shwip!
The Lesser Banner who confirmed this smiled and said:
"Things went better than expected."
"No way?"
"Yes. It's Bae Ji-seok."
"That's good. I was worried that the guy assigned with him would die first and feel sorry for him… He's really lucky. I'll go up and report to that person, so you find that Ahn Jong-hu guy before he enters the mechanical trap."
"Got it."
As one of the Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banners left, the other one also tried to lay the corpse straight before finding Trainee Ahn Jong-hu.
Then, the Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banner hesitated and stared intently at the dead Trainee Bae Ji-seok.
Since he was dead anyway, he grabbed the face without being careful and turned it, but it felt like the skin was slightly shifting.
But it wasn't just a feeling.
-Slither!
The skin shifted.
No, not just the part he touched, but the entire skin shifted to the side, and the face skin became a bizarre shape.
'What the hell is this…'
-Shwip!
At that moment, someone placed a hand on his shoulder.
The startled Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banner tried to shake it off and launch his body forward to gain some distance.
However, the force pressing down on his shoulder was so strong that…
-Thud!
He fell flat on the ground.
As he lay there, perplexed, a voice reached his ear.
"I didn't expect you to come and check before the adhesive had even set properly."
'Adhesive?'
As he wondered what that meant, Trainee Bae Ji-seok's face skin shifted and slid down, revealing a grotesque and eerie appearance underneath.
'N- no way?'
The Embroidered Uniform Guard Lesser Banner turned pale at the sight.
The voice whispered to him:
"If you had just passed by, it would have been fine, but you're really unlucky."
"Wh- who the hell are you…"
-Grab!
Before he could even finish his words, the owner of the voice grabbed the back of his neck, and…
-Thud!
Threw him straight towards the trap with the mechanical device.
'!!!!!!!'
Without any time to react, thrown into the trap, the last thing he saw was Trainee Ahn Jong-hu waving at him with a smile, as if bidding farewell.