The Protagonist’s Guardian Angel

She smoothly built a campfire and set up a place to sleep, which made her seem even more pitiful. I offered to prepare a room for her again.

But Sayoon and Yoohee, feeling guilty for making me worry, refused.

These kids are stubborn as hell.

It’s good that they don’t take others’ consideration for granted, but it’s a bit sad for this mister to be so strict.

“But how about Ogumhee?”

I couldn’t pass up a good chance to chat with Sayoon.

So, I set a few torches in the backyard to keep it warm and brewed some tea.

Thinking this was acceptable, Sayoon sat in front of the campfire, wrapped in an old blanket that looked like it came from Hongseong Clan, and accepted the tea I offered. Yoohee smiled, politely declined, and began to meditate.

“Are you having any difficulties?”

“Not particularly.”

“That’s good. For me, mastering Hongseong Divine Art isn’t easy.”

Sayoon awkwardly smiled with her tongue poking out, then shifted her gaze to the campfire. Watching the crackling fire, she let out a soft sigh.

“I’m worried because a below-average person like me is expected to perform well… I haven’t taken elixirs or trained like they have since childhood.”

“I see.”

“The reason the Senior Sister went out this time was also because of me.”

I knew that. But since I understood that Sayoon wanted silence right now, I just nodded along.

Was that the right response?

Sayoon cupped her teacup with both hands and took a small sip.

“Will I be able to grow to a level where I can satisfy them?”

It seems that practicing the Star-Moon Martial Art wasn’t easy at all for her.

I noticed her eyes, which were fixed on the campfire, wavering a bit, so I stood up.

“Well, the Falling Sun Sword left because he believes in you and wants to support you. Instead of believing in yourself, wouldn’t it be better to trust that the Falling Sun Sword believes in you? Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have faith in yourself.”

I poked the campfire with a stick. Sparks flew up, and the sweet potatoes and chestnuts I had thrown in earlier rolled out, nicely roasted.

Letting them cool down a bit, I gathered the firewood together again.

“And you also told me: ‘滴水穿石’, dripping water pierces stone. Just keep working hard steadily.”

“That’s… true.”

As her gaze, which had been staring at me, returned to the campfire, I poked a sweet potato with a stick and offered it to her.

“Here, have this as a late night snack.”

“Oh, um, that’s fine…”

“Sweet potatoes aren’t that expensive. I made a lot, and it’s too much for me to eat alone.”

“Uh. Th-thank you.”

“And you too, Senior Yoohee, stop pretending to meditate.”

“Huh? Hehe, how did you know?”

Yoohee, sitting cross-legged with her eyes closed, awkwardly smiled as she got up. I offered her a sweet potato as she approached me, and while peeling a roasted chestnut with a small knife, I replied.

“Your eyebrows were twitching, and your legs were fidgeting. What kind of meditation is that?”

“Uh… Hehe.”

Yoohee scratched the back of her head. Just as she started to awkwardly munch on the sweet potato, a voice came from above.

“It looks like you have time to play in the middle of the night. I should have done it one more time earlier.”

And with a leap.

This time she was properly dressed. It wasn’t the Moonjeong outfit, just casual clothes, but with such a good figure, even those looked good on her.

Moving her long legs, she came over to me and subtly reached for the chestnuts I had peeled.

“One for one nyang…”

“No, it looks hot; I’m trying to cool it for you.”

“Just kidding, go ahead and eat.”

“Hehe.”

Giggling, she stuffed a roasted chestnut in her mouth and began to chew. As she ate the chestnuts I had peeled, feeling unsatisfied, Chaejin casually said to Sayoon while peeling her own sweet potato and chestnut.
As Chaejin, engrossed in munching on roasted chestnuts and dried persimmons, casually spoke to Sayoon, she said,

“Always doubt. Always be cautious. Always think.”

“Huh?”

“You need to see the essence to dissolve your hesitation.”

“…Thank you.”

“Though Moonjeong and Hongseong are rivals, we’ve united under the name of the righteous way.”

Then she puffed up with pride, showing an arrogant demeanor.

“So, I can give a little guidance to a junior who desires to learn.”

“Ooo…”

“Ooo…”

“Ooo…”

The three of us, including Sayoon and Yoohee, gasped in awe, causing her to swagger even more.

Seeing this, she really seemed like a remarkable master of the righteous way, not counting all that soot smeared on her face from the snacks.

“Maybe clean up a bit before you talk.”

I offered her the handkerchief I had tucked away.

Only then did Chaejin realize and shyly wiped her face. Once her haughty master persona returned, Yoohee looked at us curiously.

“By the way, Chae Jin and the Innkeeper seem quite close, huh?”

Chaejin and I exchanged glances and replied curtly,

“Not really.”

We’re just bound by a contract, after all.

I shot a disinterested glance at her and then turned my eyes to Sayoon. She seemed lost in thought, pondering over what Chaejin had said earlier, just staring at the campfire in silence.

“Such incredible focus… Impressive, Hongseong’s Yoohee?”

“Yes?”

“You mentioned Hongryeon went to fetch a potion for her?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm… Should I go fetch a potion for my little sister as well… But then again, she’s such a brat…”

She seemed quite motivated just from a few words I said.

Chaejin then put down her remaining snacks and went to a corner. Plopping down cross-legged, she closed her eyes.

Isn’t that a bit much for a bodyguard?

I looked at her and then at Sayoon, who, feeling awkward, closed her eyes too.

Oh boy.

But I couldn’t disturb Sayoon’s focus.

After staring at her for a while, I went into the room.

I wish I could gain something from this.

A good amount of time passed since the discovery of the monster hounds.

There hadn’t been any significant problems other than a few more hounds being spotted or a couple of patrol members suffering minor injuries.

Even that had diminished as patrols were strengthened, including members from Hongseong, leading to a decrease in the incidents, and for the past few days, not even a hound had appeared.

Maybe that’s why?

The initial tension that had engulfed Seomhwa Village was slowly fading away.

“Yes, indeed.”

That said, security hadn’t stopped.

Even though it was on a rotation, there were days when Sayoon was assigned to my guard, making me hope that no monsters were spotted.

Of course, that shouldn’t happen.

I received training from Sayoon, who was on rotation for guarding, with Ogumhee’s lessons helping me quite a lot. I certainly felt invigorated throughout my body.

Plus, since Chaejin was giving me intensive training every day, I felt I had gotten in much better shape than before.

Chaejin mentioned a few days ago that if I keep training like this, my dantian would eventually build up…

But that’s not the important part.

What’s important is that Sayoon’s expression has been darkening day by day.

“Looks like you’re still pondering a lot these days.”

“Haha… The Innkeeper’s eyes can’t be deceived. Yes, I still haven’t grasped the true essence of Yuseong-kwon…”

I tried sending her some contemplative questions on a piece of parchment to help her gain enlightenment, but… was that not enough?

Tsk, if only Hongryeon was around to guide her.
“Seriously.”

“This is why self-study is tough.”

“I think I’ve almost got it… but the last part is a bit…”

And then it happened.

– Beep!! Bang!! Beep!! Bang!! Beep!! Bang!!

A powerful explosion echoed from quite far away.

What was surprising was that the explosions were coming from different directions.

Sayoon and I turned our heads, while Ryuhyun, who was looking at the goods at the store, hurriedly dashed out.

“What is that noise?”

At the same moment, descending from above was Chaejin. Clad in the tight Moonjeong outfit and wielding her sword, she was no longer the vacant-looking woman she had been.

Her sharp eyes revealed ferocity. The defined muscles she displayed contained the strength to slice anything apart.

And she had a firm spirit capable of controlling that strength smoothly.

A top-notch warrior stood before me.

“The fact that it exploded like this means there’s more than one Mabok…”

“Then you have only one thing to do. Go and smash them to pieces.”

Not only were the guards tired, but the Hongseong clan had to keep coming down, preventing proper training.

My goal was to prevent the annihilation of Hongseong.

Thus, this situation needed to be resolved quickly, and to do that, I had to catch the Mabok.

I felt a bit regretful about not seeing Sayoon often, but there was nothing I could do.

“Ah, of course!!”

The moment I gave my permission, Chaejin vanished. Using her light-footed technique, she disappeared into the distance, and Ryuhyun also took up her weapon.

“Sayoon! You stay here with the innkeeper.”

“Yes!!”

With that, Ryuhyun also used her light-footed technique and quickly disappeared, while Sayoon glanced at me.

“You don’t look well. Don’t worry; nothing will happen. Ryuhyun is strong, and so is Chaejin…”

And then it happened.

A figure in black robes slowly walked into the entrance connected to the back courtyard.

“Wait, what…”

At his sudden appearance, Sayoon took a step forward.

It was understandable since a fierce killing intent radiated from the person in black.

Perhaps he had been waiting for Chaejin and Ryuhyun to leave.

“Is this Yun Wol, the innkeeper?”

His voice was cold and hollow. The figure in black, with ice-cold eyes, stared at me while slowly drawing the sword hanging behind his waist.

“If you come along, I’ll spare your life.”

“Who are you targeting Yun Wol for?”

The figure didn’t answer, but I at least knew who he was.

Because of the skull pattern on his chest.

In Heavenly Bright Moon, those with that symbol were enemies from the evil organization, the Mabokdan.

If I could catch this guy, I could get that symbol and eventually turn it in to the Murim Alliance for a reward.

By the way, judging by the symbol on his chest, he was from the lowest rank…

Still, it was not to be taken lightly.

“Be careful. That guy’s stronger than Gak-jun.”

Even though he was the weakest member of the Mabokdan, he was still a class above Gak-jun.

“Just as expected from the wealthiest person in Seomhwa Village. You have a keen eye. Gak-jun is nothing more than trivial to me.”

His eyes gleamed with interest. It wasn’t particularly surprising. But if he could keep his guard up, that wouldn’t be a bad thing either.

“Huuh…”

Sayoon slowly inhaled and began to exhale. The drawn sword, sharp and glinting, lay before us, yet the Mabokdan member merely aimed his dagger without concern.

“Let’s see your renowned Hongseong Divine Art today.”

Whoa, isn’t that a bit out of line to say that to Sayoon, the youngest disciple, not even Hongryeon?

I really want to see that guy’s parents’ faces.

“Stay behind me.”
Like an arrow shot from a bow, Sayoon darts forward, her sword fast enough to start right from the get-go.

But—

-Chaeyaaaang!!

With a sharp metallic clang, Sayoon’s sword soars into the sky. The masked figure twists to avoid the deadly trajectory aimed at their neck, and before Sayoon can comprehend the sudden turn of events, they kick her right in the gut.

Thud! With the sound of cracking leather, Sayoon tumbles to the ground, and in that moment, they throw a dagger at me.

I dodged.

Between Chaejin, Sayoon, and the Hongseongmun strategists who came to protect us, I would’ve been skewered if we hadn’t prepared beforehand.

Anyway, I dodged.

Counting isn’t my strong suit, but I learned from a top-notch instructor; I should be able to avoid at least this much.

The masked figure looks at me bewildered, mouthing something before saying with a smirk:

“…According to the information, Yu Wol. I heard you can’t use martial arts.”

“Looks like that info needs updating. And now’s the time!!”

“Wha—?!”

I shouted at them while glancing behind, causing the masked figure to turn around.

Behind him stood Jeomsoi, awkwardly holding a broom.

“What the—!!”

-Swoosh!!

Taking advantage of the distraction, Sayoon, who had just gotten up from the ground, swiftly slashes with her sword.

The guy I thought was down for the count couldn’t block her attack, and Sayoon’s sword pierced right through his chest.

Cough…!!

Blood spews out. His face turns pale.

Did his legs give out? He slumps down, and I can’t help but laugh.

Looks like he’s not getting up.

I leisurely observe the horror and disbelief fading from the eyes of the enemy.

“It’s a bad move to get distracted when fighting.”

“H-How…”

His gaze shifts to Sayoon, filled with a mix of shock and disbelief. How could she get back up so soon after taking that hit?

Honestly, I’m a bit surprised, too.

After being hit and making eye contact with her, I had her hook the enemy’s attention.

As I pondered this, Sayoon rubbed her still-pained chest and gave a bright smile.

“Actually, someone else mentioned something to me…”

Someone else, huh? Could it be… me?

“It seems like it could happen, so I learned a little about the Hongseong Divine Art’s defensive technique from Ryuhyun the day before yesterday.”

Haha, good job on that!

I wanted to pat her on the head, but I suppressed that urge with monstrous self-control.

“By the way, it looks like they’re not just after me… The townspeople might be in danger too.”

Sayoon seemed to come to that realization, her expression growing grim.

Why? I couldn’t be unaware of her inner thoughts at this moment.

Should we safely wait here for others to come? Or should we go help those in town who might be in danger?

Earlier, Ryuhyun instructed Sayoon to stay close to me.

To help her with this inner conflict, I spoke up.

“I’m thinking of heading out to help whoever I can. So… wanna come with?”

“If the innkeeper allows it.”

Her eyes sparkled.

Even though she’s the youngest of the Hongseong Clan, she seems to believe without a doubt that those trained in martial arts should help those who aren’t.

Ahh.

This is the side of us we love!

Even amid trials and tribulations.

Even through the unreasonable suffering inflicted upon us.

We, the Sayoon Corps, supported what never gave up.

Then—

“Then we should go.”

There’s no reason to refuse.

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