Translator: Wan ED/PR: Personal Ghost
37. Ruins of myth (4)
Ok Toyeon’s red eyes opened wide, and she examined Tao Sihu from the top to bottom, while asking:
“You, you were at the baseball stadium last time, right? Um, I think you were that kid among the highschoolers at that time, who was wearing TC Knights hat. No? You didn’t?”
Did Ok Toyeon divide people into those who were wearing that wreck team hat and those who weren’t?
Tao Sihu greeted her while taking off the baseball hat he was wearing at Jang Namuk’s insistence.
“Hello, CEO Ok Toyeon-nim. Yes, I was also there.”
The face of Ok Toyeon, who heard Tao Sihu’s reply, turned even more serious.
“Was anyone around you injured in the meantime? Were you at the funeral? Did you have any close people be seriously injured or die, even if you weren’t around?”
“Excuse me? No, there wasn’t…”
If a person related to TC Group, or from Military School, died like this, an article would come out.
Tao Sihu and Jang Namuk were noticeably confused as if they completely couldn’t guess where that came from.
“Okay? Then why am I seeing a Death Mark[1]?”
“Death Mark…? Are You perhaps talking about the mark which appears as an omen of death?!”
Jang Namuk was frightened by Ok Toyeon’s words.
Compared to him, Tao Sihu’s face was calm as if he had guts or it didn’t hit him yet.
“Yeah. Among the rabbits of the Moon Palace, I’m the Hwi Tree Rabbit[2] who received a blessing of Śakra-nim. I experienced and saw numerous deaths. I can read Death Marks to a degree.”
Śakra, Hwi Tree Rabit, Death Marks.
The myth of Hwi Tree Rabbit, whom Śakra bestowed a blessing, was famous even in this world.
In the distant past, the monkey, fox and rabbit, who had a deep friendship, gathered their strength to rescue an elder, who collapsed because of hunger.
The monkey and fox went looking for food to feed the elder, but the rabbit, who couldn’t find anything, burned her own body in the act of sacrificial self-immolation[3], and the elder was deeply moved by this.
The identity of that elder was Śakra.
To save that rabbit, Śakra made her into the Hwi Rabbit, engraved on the moon, and she was considered the symbol of undying.
“Unlike other Jin people, my soul doesn’t leave my body and fall into a deep sleep, and even if I lose my body, after crossing the cycle of reincarnation, I’ll reclaim my body again. Though, it can take a bit of time.”
After Ok Toyeon spoke like this with a pompous face, she said as if she was showing some kindness.
“Originally, I wouldn’t inform you about something like this, but… benefactor’s friend… no, well, I saw you once before, and because you’re so extremely young, I’m giving you advice. If you hate dying, don’t participate in any funerals, distance yourself from the items that have cursed fate attached to them, and if possible, don’t play with that kid benefactor… ack!”
Puk!
Ok Toyeon’s words stopped almost simultaneously with the sound of back-slapping.
Even though she was wearing an authentic uniform, a top of the thin shirt, I couldn’t believe such clear sound came out when hitting her back.
It was not a skill of an ordinary expert.
I saw the sneak-attack expert, Ok Toyun tightly grab the shoulder of staggering Ok Toyeon.
“Toyeon, you were here, huh?”
“Uh, unnie! Toyun unnie? I think you’re going to dislocate my shoulder! Aaai, I’m dying! Save Hwi Tree Rabbit!”
Ok Toyeon, who talked about how she was Hwi Tree Rabbit, which transcends death a moment ago, was yelling that she was dying.
Ok Toyun put more strength into the hand grasping the shoulder.
“Toyeon, you won’t die unless the Hwi Tree Rabbit’s blessing is lifted, you know?”
“Even so, it’s painful! Even if I live again, dying is dying!”
“What about ‘My profound apologies, Sir, for delaying work so considerably’?”
“Got it. I’m going, I’m going! Can’t you loosen your hand even a little bit? Ah, I heard there is a handmade rice cake cafe around, can’t we go? I wanted to eat a set of cold rice cakes with unnie… Ouch! Ouch-ouch!”
Ok Toyun, who shut Ok Toyeon’s mouth, quickly left after slightly nodding towards us.
I was amazed to see the two of them escape the sport ground full of people instantly.
I could see why Hwang Jiho called her ‘warrior of To tribe’, as true to his word, she was using amazing footwork with great ability.
On the other hand, Tao Sihu, who was said to show a Death Mark, spoke with a peaceful face.
“Well, it should be fine if I’m careful! Shall I refrain from offering condolences for the time being? There are no people around me who seem like they’re going to die, but I can make some kind of excuse, right? If I’m dragged to the self-reflection room because I caused an incident, I won’t be able to go give condolences, right?”
“Sihu…”
If that bastard came to Eungwang School, he would be in class 0.
Jang Namuk had a worried face as if he was somehow half worried about Tao Sihu, and half worried about the incident Tao Sihu could cause.
Ok Toyeon threw some ominous words, but we moved according to our plans.
Thanks to eating without holding back at the baseball stadium, our stomachs were full, and we decided to rent a private indoor basketball court to play.
Me and Yu Sang-hun, Jang Namuk and Tao Sihu, we all divided into teams and played a match, and then Yu Sang-hun and Tao Sihu, who still didn’t have enough, played 1 on 1 a bit more.
While the two people poured all their attention to the basketball, I spoke to Jang Namuk who was sitting at the bench.
“I wanted to ask you about something in the Military School’s rules.”
I asked about rules related to bringing in personal items.
Jang Namuk, as if he memorized them all, started to smoothly recite each line of their content.
On the outside, it was well-known that majority of the daily necessities for Military Academy’s cadets was provided by the army.
“… Those are banned items, and even if it’s something from permitted items, according to the rules, you have to write them all down.”
After the school rules explanation ended, I fell into thoughts for a while, and then suggested in low voice.
“Replace all items Tao Sihu brought after May. Buy similar ones to fill them up. And please bring those replaced items to me. Without Tao Sihu’s knowledge.”
“It’s possible, but if I do it without Sihu’s knowledge, it will take some time. If I cooperate with Sihu, I can do this immediately…”
“Can’t.”
In the game, Tao Sihu moved very carefully and meticulously.
Even so, he was murdered inside the Military Academy, which had immaculate security and was completely closed.
The culprit who killed Tao Sihu would be a close relative, who could visit him in the Military Academy, or someone inside the Military Academy.
There is also a high chance it’s someone who Tao Sihu trusts.
‘Even if Tao Sihu says that he and Jang Namuk are friends, if that bastard trusts the culprit more than Jang Namuk and moves with them, it’s the end. And if that happens, Jang Namuk will also be in danger.’
It was like that if we look at how that bastard Tao Sihu went to the east coast to drown in the sea after he was slapped with Jang Namuk’s betrayal.
Even if I was to trust Tao Sihu’s character, it was difficult to trust his mind.
‘There is not enough information. Even for the Ho tribe, it would be difficult to figure out everything about the inside information of the army, Military Academy and TC Group. And right now, there are is a lot of event events that they will have to help with…’
With limited information and means.
Without confirming who, in the complex background surrounding Tao Sihu, is a culprit, we currently could only trust Jang Namuk and Tao Wonu.
‘Looking broadly, the TC Group’s next head family could be included, but we have no point of contact with them, and it would be difficult to use their power on the Military School’s side, right?’
I spoke resolutely.
“You have to do it alone. Don’t be caught by other kids or military instructors.”
As if Jang Namuk recalled Ok Toyeon’s words, he nodded with a serious expression.
As if they didn’t hear our conversation at all, Yu Sang-hun and Tao Sihu chased the ball in close fight with smiles like before.
***
After the final academic rankings announcements ended, the summer break was just around the corner.
The Student Council published the announcement about a variety of events during the summer break and a letter of plea of which the gist was ‘Please commit incidents in moderation’, which seemed to be targeted at class 0.
The first event for the 1st years’ summer break was a youth training camp.
It was next week straight away after the summer break would start.
‘Arrangements finished.’
I made all plans according to the information I knew and the changing situation in this world.
I also put countermeasures against variables.
‘I don’t know to what degree those variables will be, but…’
It was time to trust my Playable Characters, NPCs and Ho tribe members.
“Master-nim!”
Today was a day I decided to meet with Yeom Junyeol for the last time before the vacation.
The dormitory operated even during the vacation for the students who remained at school to study, or the students who were from distant provinces but remained in Seoul to participate in outside activities, and I naturally chose to stay at the dormitory.
So it wasn’t difficult for me to meet at school even during the vacation, but the problem was Yeom Junyeol.
“I’m glad we could meet before the break. Because when the break starts, it will be difficult for me to come to school.”
The star Player Yeom Juneyol had a lot of broadcasting events during the break, and was going on a trip with those good-for-nothing guys to play, so he would be busy.
“I regretfully got a second place this time and also lost in chess, but I’ll work diligently during the vacation to get good results in the 2nd semester. Even with assignments master-nim gives me, I’ll bring results!”
Even though he would be busy, my disciple, who was showing bright aspirations, was praiseworthy.
I was worried, because when he said he was sorry the previous time, he didn’t have energy, but I was glad now.
“Okay. I’ll give you a lot of vacation homework. Work hard.”
“If I don’t know how to do something, can I ask You a question about it?”
“Naturally.”
“… Yes! Thank You!”
Was it necessary to be so happy at my words that I’d give him vacation homework?
After I finished the lesson with overflowing with energy Yeom Junyeol.
“Today I’ll be the one to send you off. Go first.”
I always used the Gwangrim ‘Time without Traces’ to escape first, but today I decided to remain.
Even though Yeom Junyeol was confused, he was happy.
“Master-nim will see me off? Ah… Thank You…!”
Yeom Junyeol looked back a few time and repeated his goodbyes.
“Then, I’ll really, truly go first!”
A while after, Yeom Junyeol disappeared.
I called the name of a person, who seemed to be hiding in this space.
“Teacher Yong Jegeon-nim, are You here?”
At those words, the space in the corner of the classroom full of dust twisted, and Yong Jegeon appeared.
As after the exams ended, Yeom Junyeol continued to lack energy, I thought that Yeom Bangyeol and Cheongryong would request Yong Jegeon to follow him, and aimed for that.
He truly was.
“Did you read my traces? Incredible.”
Regretfully, while using Player’s Trajectory and using Gwangrim as Yeom Junyeol, it was difficult to read Yong Jegeon’s traces.
“… No matter how I look, it seems like Junyeol’s trace. Take off your mask.”
Taking the mask itself wasn’t difficult.
On the brink of completely taking off the crow mask, I lifted the Gwangrim and returned to the form that looked like Jo Uisin.
Yong Jegeon, who saw my build change completely just before taking off the mask, had a disappointed look.
“Should I ambush you? That’s a pity.”
I should be cautious against him ambushing me next time.
“Then for what matter did you call me?”
“Teacher Yong Jegeon-nim, as You remember, You asked me to include You next time.”
Yong Jegeon’s eyes sparkled.
“Speak.”
“It’s about youth training camp.”
“If so, then it’s not a problem. Because I’m vice-homeroom teacher now, and I can go together with you on the basis of being vice-homeroom teacher. I packed all baggage for the trip. This time the class 0, class 1 and class 2 are moving using a cruiser, right? I’ll also board it…”
“Don’t board, please.”
At those resolute words, Yong Jegeon closed his mouth as if he was at a loss for words.
I felt refreshed, because it seemed that I had dealt a punch to Yong Jegeon who for a while now read my insides and made me embarrassed.
“Instead, I have a request.”
***
The descendant, who currently was using the name Kim Sinrok, and was a descendant of Ho and Ung, Kim Sinrok.
He learned the identity of his parents not long after he became an adult.
Because they committed a deadly sin, their names were erased from the Gaecheon myth, but his father’s achievements were so great, they remained in the Ho tribe’s records.
The exploits of Jeok-ho, who defeated foreign enemies at the front lines together with Baek-ho, Hwang-ho and Cheong-ho, made Kim Sinrok’s heart tremble.
Among those four warriors, only Jeok-ho left behind a descendant.
Unknowingly, he was somehow excited by the thought that he was the sole remaining trace of the myth.
‘But I’m not the only one now.’
Though he was not a warrior, who ran on the battlefield, there was one more Myth category Ho tribe member.
The very Eun-ho.
The old Ho tribe’s leader, who was erased from the records because he asked for mercy for the Ung tribe together with Jeok-ho, coupled with the reason that in the myth he was Jeok-ho’s sole superior.
As the descendant that Eun-ho hid appeared, he no longer was the sole trace of the myth.
‘I can’t receive the same treatment as Eunho-nim’s descendants, because I have the blood of Ung mixed in, right? I became an impurity of the myth.’
As he reproached himself, Kim Sinrok crossed the gates to the head’s main mansion and started to walk through the maze garden.
In his arms, he held a paper bag full of printed documents.
As those weren’t a high security level documents, it was fine to send them through a device, but Hwang-ho, as if on some kind of whim, called him here.
— Make sure to drop by today. Why? Ah, is there a need for an excuse? Okay, there are budget execution documents to do, right? Take that and come.
He had a tone as if the purpose weren’t the documents but Kim Sinrok’s visit.
As he couldn’t disobey the words of the head, Hwang-ho, Kim Sinrok made some time to come all the way here.
‘But as I didn’t come in a long time, shouldn’t I at least eat dinner with them? Teach the descendants children how to cook and…’
Wiing—
When Kim Sinrok opened the main door, he came eye to eye with an unexpected being.
Jeok-ho.
Because Jeok-ho was standing as if he was waiting, it was like he was waiting for Kim Sinrok.
‘… You’re here today, huh?’[4]
Jeok-ho, who didn’t particularly change his expression, though it wasn’t as much as Baek-ho, somehow seemed to make a relieved face after looking at Kim Sinrok.
‘It has to be an illusion, right?’
After hearing the words that his father, the hero from the myth, was still alive, he caused several big incidents.
Punishment for all the reckless actions he committed to rescue him were bore not by him but Jeok-ho.
He couldn’t forget the fact that him being born became a shackle and restriction for Jeok-ho.
While thinking that he has no qualifications to be his child, Kim Sinrok greeted him politely.
“Hello, Jeokho-nim.”
The face of Jeok-ho, who received the greeting, clouded.
You saw it, right?
Perhaps Jeok-ho may be more comfortable if he wasn’t greeted at all.
“Sinrok oppa! Hello!”
“Wow, is Sinrok hyung also staying today? Hwangho-nim said that He will come soon, so we can play together!”
“These days Jeokho-nim also stays at the mansion and divine beast doesn’t go on the walks, so we’re happy because the mansion is crowded.”
Jeok-ho stays at the mansion?
Kim Sinrok, who was worried about the reason, got to the conclusion straight away.
‘You were injured last time, and Hwangho-nim worried a lot. As the information about Zhu Ganglie was dug up, He is thinking of making You recuperate, huh? If I’m not here, You should be able to rest comfortably, right?’
Kim Sinrok, who judged that it’s the best to think of prioritizing Jeok-ho’s rest, put the paper bag of the documents on the table.
“I came for a moment to fulfill Hwangho-nim’s errand. I’ll be going straight away.”
At Kim Sinrok’s words, descendants made regretful faces.
“Can’t You stay longer and then go…”
“Correct.”
“Sinrok oppa why are You busy every day? Does Hwangho-nim make You work so much?”
“Right!”
Kim Sinrok calmed the descendants for a few minutes, and then stepped through the entrance again.
Even after his back had disappeared, Jeok-ho stood for a very long time, staring at the door.
*~*~*
[1] Death Mark — it’s an omen of death or serious injury, which is why Ok Toyeon asks about injures.
[2] Hwi Tree Rabbit — So, I translated it as ‘Cherished Rabbit’ before, but after getting a closer look at the hanja, it appears it’s 櫰 not 懷. And 櫰 refers to either Styphnolobium japonicum (Chinese Scholar Tree) or Juniperus chinensis (Chinese juniper). Chinese Scholar Tree/Chinese Juniper Tree Rabbit sounds a bit strange even for me, so I decided to just romanize the Korean and go with ‘Hwi Tree’. It’s also in case it refers to some other tree. Perhaps Ancient Tree Rabbit would be the best translation?
[3] sacrificial self-immolation — 소신공양 (su-sin-gong-yang) — a Buddhism practice of self-immolation.
[4] ‘… You’re here today, huh?’ — Kim Sinrok uses here a polite tone.
Translator’s note: Who taught Jin people to speak? Why none of them can do it properly?
Did you see a mistake? 🐞
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