"Gasp..! Huff..! Just... a bit... more...!!!"
"Alright! Almost there! Just a little more! Keep pushing!"
"Uwaaah..! Ha! Huff... huff... It’s... done...! We did it, Don Sahaeng!"
"Hm! See? It works when you try!"
Otis’s fox-like gaze didn’t miss the burning zeal bordering on obsession for strength.
"Moejang. Is this the right way?"
"If we're heading inland, this path is correct."
"No, I mean—the gap between our outfits—is this really appropriate?"
"The clothes suitable for you aren't available, and as fugitives, we mustn't stand out. This attire is appropriate."
"You—a nobleman—wearing a suit... Right. Never mind."
"Stop. From here on, follow me precisely. Any lapse in attention could be dangerous."
"Huh? That’s a huge tree. What’s so special about it?"
"It’s not a tree. It’s a form of Arts."
"An Arts? That thing?"
"To be precise, it's closer to a security device fashioned from a venerated tree as its catalyst. Now, throw this stone under the tree. And under no circumstances look up."
"Why shouldn’t I look up...?"
"It's not benign. This isn’t a scare tactic or a joke—it’s an order. Understood?"
"Y-yes. Understood."
"Huh? The path we came on...?"
There had been a dirt road winding through the forest just moments ago. Did the spirit trick us?
"This is [Barrier Arts]. Anyone not granted entry can't even find the gate. Receive this."
"This is... that thing you hang under a blade... so..."
"Call it an escort if you like. Either way, move. We’re on a tight schedule."
"I see it coming into view. Stay close and call me 'Uncle' when I address you."
"Got it, Uncle."
"Now, what I wanted—"
"Is practice. Practice is important."
"I’ve said this—"
"That I'm your uncle. Now let's go in. We’ve walked since dawn; I’m starving."
The buildings formed a rural settlement—concrete storefronts reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s mingled with traditional hanok-style houses. A handful of jangseung totem poles stood sentry.
"Indeed. It’s a fusion of the backstreets we just traversed and the town proper. You’ll need to adjust. Missions sometimes send us to other regions."
"By other regions, you mean places like Lungmen?"
"Lungmen. You know more than I expected."
"I’ve been poking around, and some people can’t help but tell you who they are and where they’re from. I've picked up bits of intel."
"Lungmen. Perhaps we'll be dispatched there someday. At your growth rate, it won't be long."
"Is that true? You promise, Moe—sorry, Uncle!!"
"Yes. For now, let’s fill our stomachs over there."
"Ooh—gukbap. You've got good taste, Uncle."
"Hm."
"So, where are we headed next?"
"You said the body had an arrow lodged in it. They’d attach a fletching like this."
"Right... I do recall an arrow. I just remember there was a fletching."
"Hunters in this region modify their arrow fletching to prove their kill. That means..."
"If we find whoever used that arrow, we can deduce where the creature came from, right?"
"Exactly. Well done."
"Thanks."
"Let’s eat!!"
"Help yourself—"
"Uncle, stop pouring radish kimchi brine. If you want to avoid a blade carving here."
"This tastes incredible."
"I’m fine with the chili paste. Why pour brine into the broth?"
"Understood. Yet another recruitment fail. Another bruise on the heart."
"Have you poured it on others? Didn’t they fight back?"
"What about the scars on your arm? You’re covered in them."
"Those? These are the wounds Faust left me."
"At least eat alone then...?"
"I pity you who don’t appreciate this flavor."
"Phew... I’m stuffed."
"Go settle the bill."
"Let’s go, Moe—sorry, Uncle!"
"Ugh. The stench of beast..."
"That means we’re close. Now we split up. Listen carefully: blue fletching, two circles, and one bar. Remember."
"Blue fletching with two circles and a single bar... blue fletching with two circles and a single bar... got it."
"Good. Once you find it, stay put."
"How will you find me?"
"Now, close your eyes."
"Why close my eyes...? Ugh! What did you spray?"
"Don’t freak out. It’s just a raspberry-scented fluid. I’ll follow this scent—when you find him, spray this grape-scented one."
"What if I’m late?"
"I’ll come get you. Now disperse."
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