NOVEL NEXT Ch. 5
Chapter 5: Heart, It Has Arrived
The Murim Alliance Luoyang branch, visited by Jin Yeomyeong.
“So, what exactly is this ‘paternity leave’ Ink Sword Hero is talking about?”
Branch Leader Hwangbo Gak was receiving a report from the Deputy Branch Leader.
On the desk lay Ink Sword Hero Jin Yeomyeong’s leave application.
Of course, the Alliance had a leave system—for injuries or martial training.
But Jin Yeomyeong’s application shockingly listed “child-rearing.”
In his absence, a commotion had erupted.
The Deputy Branch Leader was subdued, not quite subdued, and ended up granting Jin Yeomyeong leave.
Hwangbo Gak frowned, urging the Deputy Branch Leader’s response.
“Yes, it was quite a bold statement.”
The Deputy Branch Leader gauged Hwangbo Gak’s mood.
Not just because he was superior. The Branch Leader was from the Hwangbo clan, like the current Alliance Leader.
“He said he’d focus on child-rearing. They can send mission letters, but he won’t respond most of the time. He’ll check missions at the branch when possible. Anyway, don’t expect him to take every mission. That’s what he said.”
“Arrogant.”
“Indeed. His recent rise in fame and momentum must have led him to look down on the branch. Though not directly under us, treating me, the Deputy Branch Leader, like this…”
Hwangbo Gak stroked his chin.
‘Rest, but occasionally take missions?’
Hwangbo Gak’s eyes narrowed.
What was the point? He’d already intimidated the Deputy Branch Leader into granting leave.
Looking at the Deputy Branch Leader, he kept bowing incessantly. Pathetic. Just a pawn to use and discard.
Hwangbo Gak recalled Ink Sword Hero Jin Yeomyeong.
Unlike the Deputy, he was different. Strong in martial arts, tactless, and naive—qualities that made him useful.
The plan was to give him tough missions, then extend a hand to recruit him at the right moment.
But Jin Yeomyeong’s sudden change was troubling.
Some complained there were too many Hwangbo clan members in the Alliance.
Perhaps their influence was at play.
“We need to put a watch on Jin Yeomyeong.”
“Huh? Surveillance?”
The Deputy Branch Leader was puzzled, not expecting this.
Surveilling a master like Jin Yeomyeong required a skilled watcher, a significant waste of resources.
Hwangbo Gak whispered.
“Don’t you know that practicing demonic arts can change one’s nature?”
The Deputy Branch Leader stiffened as if struck by lightning.
“Jin Yeomyeong?”
“Don’t overreact. It’s just a precaution. Demonic Cult remnants have been showing up lately.”
“His title is Ink Sword Hero. And yesterday, he reportedly exposed a Demonic Cultist at the Dragon Sword Gang and beheaded him.”
“He acted contrary to that title, didn’t he? And hasn’t the Demonic Cult used sacrifice tactics to gain trust before?”
“B-but…”
The Deputy Branch Leader nodded reluctantly.
Despite being wronged, he found it hard to link Jin Yeomyeong to the Demonic Cult.
‘Even this guy needs to be handled well.’
Hwangbo Gak decided not to ignore the Deputy. The more thorough, the better.
He placed a hand on the Deputy’s shoulder.
“You, the Deputy Branch Leader, were humiliated. I can’t let this slide.”
“Branch Leader…”
“It’s not just suspicion about Jin Yeomyeong. He’s a key figure the Alliance expects—let’s call him a core talent. If he humiliated you, an investigation is warranted, isn’t it?”
The sweet word “core talent” stuck in the Deputy’s mind. He nodded vigorously, moved.
“Branch Leader, you’re absolutely right. I’ll dispatch an Alliance member to monitor his presence and arrange a suitable master. Luckily, among the outer hall martial artists, there’s one eager to take down Jin Yeomyeong.”
“Such a person exists?”
“Yes, a martial artist named Kwak Daebang. He’s quite skilled.”
“Why target Jin Yeomyeong?”
“Jealousy.”
“Jealousy. Good. Show me a report on this Kwak first.”
The outer hall sent personnel files with assignments.
A useful person could be recruited now.
Gain talent and monitor Jin Yeomyeong.
‘Paternity leave? Making up a term I’ve never heard. At least come up with a believable excuse.’
What was behind such nonsense?
It needed to be uncovered.
* * *
“I said I’d take a break.”
“Really?”
Despite telling her beforehand, Yeom Ja-yeong couldn’t believe it. Given how obsessed I’d been with Alliance missions, it was natural.
“I’ll only go to the Alliance when absolutely necessary. Even if they send mission letters home, I’ll only act if I feel like it.”
Relief spread across Yeom Ja-yeong’s face as she heard my explanation.
“I was worried you’d overdo the missions.”
“?”
“I thought you might push for a high rank to show Tae-bok…”
“Hm.”
I had thought that.
In my past life.
My master was a reclusive expert, and I came from humble origins.
I wanted recognition.
After Tae-bok was born, that desire grew stronger.
Later, it wasn’t about promotion but necessity—I couldn’t leave the Alliance due to his treatment.
“Now that I think about it, you always told me not to be too tied to the Alliance.”
“Yes. Your dreams aren’t limited to the Alliance.”
The more I sought recognition, the more control the Alliance gained over me.
What a contradictory structure.
But I hadn’t seen it in my past life.
My wife had, though.
“You’re right. It’s all futile now. Rank? I want to spend time with you and Tae-bok.”
I looked at her face.
“Why are you staring?”
She’d given birth yesterday. Fatigue was etched on her face.
“Even after giving birth yesterday, you’re still beautiful.”
“Haha. What nonsense.”
A woman’s body isn’t normal post-birth.
Lochia, swelling, stretched joints… the list goes on.
She needed to focus on herself for a while.
“You could use medicine, but you can’t.”
Medicines for mothers affect breast milk. What’s a tonic for her isn’t for the baby. Mothers often neglected their own medicine for their child.
Especially after Tae-bok vomited bile, Yeom Ja-yeong forgot herself, focusing only on him.
So I had to care for her.
I had to look after the self she’d forgotten.
I’d tell her about the Severed Meridian a bit later.
“Let’s hold each other.”
I moved closer to her, who struggled to move.
“I’ll spend time. With you, with the baby.”
.
.
Soft breathing.
She was asleep.
About the size of my forearm, a tiny, fragile baby slept.
I’d brought the Divine Physician yesterday, visited the Alliance this morning.
I hadn’t had time to talk with Tae-bok.
“Hello.”
Because he’s my son? Even with his features not fully formed, he looked incredibly handsome.
While asleep, he didn’t feel hunger, his peace unmatched.
“Tae-bok. It’s tough coming into the world, isn’t it?”
According to the Divine Physician, Tae-bok’s Severed Meridian had no cause. No need for us to blame or feel sorry.
“I’m sorry.”
Still, I felt sorry.
Just sorry.
Starting life with hunger, unable to taste breast milk, I felt so sorry.
Huu.
Uncried emotions swirled in my chest.
Thud, thud, I tapped my heart aimlessly.
It wasn’t time to cry yet.
“I promise. Father will definitely cure you. Yes, I will cure you. For that…”
I came back.
I swallowed those words, worried Yeom Ja-yeong or Elder Jeong might hear.
Tae-bok, Father came back.
A father who knows your next ten years came back.
I came to overturn those ten years.
So rest easy.
Just grow, entrusting everything to me.
Thud, thud, I tapped my heart again.
It was getting hard to hold back, so I stood.
Something felt like it would burst.
I stepped into the courtyard, closed my eyes, and breathed.
Calmly, slowly, deeply.
Still, my chest wouldn’t settle.
‘Heart Demon?’
Why at this moment?
While watching Tae-bok.
But I soon realized.
‘It came back with me through time.’
I regulated my breathing.
Calmly, slowly, deeply.
As I approached the Heart Demon with each breath,
As expected.
The emotions from my past life.
Regret, self-blame, pain—staring at me from within.
And the moment we met eyes, the Heart Demon overwhelmed me.
If I’d done it differently,
If I’d done it right,
Could I have not lost?
Isn’t that so, Jin Yeomyeong?
A fierce pain surged in my chest.
‘It’s okay. It’s fine.’
Breathing regulation.
Calmly, slowly, deeply.
I accepted the Heart Demon.
Drew it into me.
To see myself clearly.
‘Look. I’m not the past me.’
The Heart Demon flowed through me.
Showed me.
Me, standing at the starting point to change everything before losing Tae-bok.
The me now.
‘So help me.’
For a new beginning.
The Heart Demon, having circled within me, looked at me.
I looked back at the Heart Demon.
As time passed in our mutual gaze,
‘My chest… feels lighter.’
The Heart Demon accepted my request.
It transformed.
Regret for not protecting became a purpose to protect, Self-blame burrowing within turned into energy to face the world,
And the intense pain became a will stronger than ever.
The heart from my past life transformed into a will to live in this life.
“This is…”
The change in my heart soon affected my body.
My well-trained physique, honed by regular practice, followed my mind without hesitation.
‘Insight?’
Something had arrived.