Just hold on until dawn.
Today’s meeting spot is at a casino south of the Yangtze River in Wuhan. Since it’s the place where Hao-mun’s influence thrives the most in Hubei Province, it was an optimal location for Do-mun to make a move.
But only at night.
Hubei Province is a realm of righteous factions. Even Do-mun would have to tread carefully during the daytime. Once the sun sets, Im Ha-yeon will be elected as the new Master of Arcane Fragrance.
Since the gathering starts at midnight, I thought I just had to endure for a few more hours.
“Why? Don’t want to take it? Master of Arcane Fragrance? If you don’t want a new face, how about accepting a gift of apology instead?”
Seems like the crazy guy didn’t plan on giving me any time at all.
“Dead Arm Ghost. This isn’t a place to flaunt your hobbies.”
A ghost that cuts off arms. How long has he been rolling around in shady gambling dens to earn a title like that?
“Master of Arcane Fragrance. Do you not know that mulling over that nickname in front of me means you should be prepared to lose an arm?”
Did he want a nickname like Three Arms and Nothing, just for picking up other people’s limbs? Do-mun chuckled and bared his teeth at Dead Arm Ghost’s words.
The atmosphere freezes over.
I can’t let an internal conflict start without doing anything. With a voice that still held a hint of laughter, I stood up from my seat.
“Looks like I’m the one darkening the mood here.”
“Our newbie finally speaks up.”
“I’ve heard the name Shadowless Thief in the martial world. I look forward to working with you.”
Even a lunatic has his reasons for doing insane things. Trying to seize the atmosphere to shake things up, but there’s no need to play along.
I maintained a calm tone and introduced myself while taking a combat position.
“As far as I know, the previous Shadowless Thief had pink hair.”
“The current Shadowless Thief claims to represent the previous generation.”
Master of Arcane Fragrance answered Dead Arm Ghost’s suspicious question on my behalf.
“A representative? The Shadowless Thief had a representative?”
Do-mun looked me up and down, skeptical.
“I inherited the martial arts of the righteous faction and gained a minor reputation.”
As I introduced myself, I turned my head, naturally shifting everyone’s gaze to the disciples of the ghost faction. They nodded, seemingly agreeing with my words.
What will you do if you can’t believe it? I’ve got my certification mark already stamped.
“How amusing. Very amusing.”
“What’s so amusing?”
With a relaxed demeanor, I asked Do-mun. While his mouth smiled, his eyes were anything but merry. What was he trying to say?
“A black-haired Shadowless Thief. I have someone in mind right now.”
It’s you, Kang Yoon-ho.
Do-mun’s insidious gaze felt like it was licking over my mask.
“There are so many black-haired people in Wuhan, I really have no idea whom you’re talking about.”
Do you really think I’d be that flustered? In Wuhan, black-haired folks are a dime a dozen. Your men probably had their food delivered by a black-haired person yesterday.
My snicker echoed inside the mask, amplifying as it reverberated.
“Is that so? It might be. But hey, newbie, why are you pulling such stunts?”
Was it because my simple maneuver blocked her easy plan to rattle me? This time, Do-mun took a step back, as if to probe me.
“Do righteous thieves need a reason?”
“I’m quite suspicious. You act as if you want to be the new Master of Arcane Fragrance in a short amount of time, and I never misidentify that kind of motive.”
Do-mun stepped closer, ready to strip away any wrong words that might fall from his mouth.
“Can I ask you something?”
There’s no need to shrink back and give away any clues. I’ll counter a question with a question. I asked in a steady voice.
“First, my question….”
“Master of Arcane Fragrance. If you’ve created this kind of atmosphere in the gathering, at least show some common courtesy.”
That’s why you need a lot of allies. Master of Arcane Fragrance didn’t hide her displeasure in her commanding tone, and Do-mun clucked his tongue, staring at me with an annoyed expression.
“Tsk. Fine. Newbie. Go ahead and ask.”
“Why do you cut off other people’s arms?”
“Why? If you strip away all the complications… because it’s fun?”
Do-mun hesitated briefly before answering my question as if it was nothing significant.
I knew you would say that. I scoffed and began to speak again.
“I do it because it’s fun too.”
“What?”
Do-mun stopped moving forward, almost advancing toward me.
“I enjoy watching rich folks quake in fear, wondering if they’re next. It’s delightful to see them struggling in despair once they receive my invitation, ultimately succumbing and wailing in defeat. And when they think they’ve managed to get away, and that’s the extent of their luck, it’s a pleasure watching Po-kyu’s come to drag them down. Don’t you enjoy that too, Master of Arcane Fragrance?”
It’s not that I want to be a rogue or a master of thieves. I act this way because it’s enjoyable. I’ve become the Master of Arcane Fragrance by following my own will.
As a faction member, and a leader of thieves, it was the answer I could give.
Heh.
“Was that a satisfying answer?”
Now it was my turn to provoke. I moved a step closer to Do-mun and asked if he felt satisfied.
Do-mun pouted, locking eyes with mine.
A brief silence envelops us. Perhaps a gambler seeks to find the slightest hint of charade.
I won’t care.
Give it your best try and see if you can find an opening. If my act were that easily exposed, I wouldn’t even be standing here.
“Heh heh. Wow, I take pride in being a lunatic myself, but I never expected there’d actually be a nutjob I would have to recognize for the first time in my life.”
Did he yield to my reasoning? Do-mun gave me a hollow laugh and started to clap.
“Then…”
At this point, we should be thinking about starting the meeting. I turned to sit down.
“But you know, that’s a bit lacking for me to acknowledge you.”
Do-mun’s tone held an unmistakable air of ridicule.
Right. From the start, hoping to persuade with words was a futile hope.
From the very beginning, he didn’t come here to laugh and chat. He was looking to expose my identity, ready to provoke me to mobilize the forces brought along if necessary.
Sword and shield. How to deal against an opponent who doesn’t want a duel of logic with wordplay?
I saw this coming.
I had methods I could use.
“Who asked for your acknowledgment?”
Countering fire with fire, it had to be done.
“What?”
Do-mun’s eyes grew wide at my sudden change in attitude.
“If you have ears, you’ve heard what I’ve done, and if you have eyes, you must have seen what I’ve accomplished. I’ve already proved myself in front of the disciples of the ghost faction, so why should I need acknowledgment from a gambler?”
I slammed my voice down in frustration.
“It seems our newbie is very angry….”
“Today, this is a pre-celebration for my ascension as Master. Those seated here acknowledge me, and the disciples who have gathered after a decade in Wuhan prove me. If you didn’t come here to congratulate me, then what’s the reason for your presence?”
Reveal your intent. I struck swiftly at his hidden motives.
“Well…”
I don’t want him to respond. I need to dominate the stage. I should present myself as towering above him.
I stepped right up to Do-mun, interrupting him.
“Are you that curious what face hides beneath my mask?”
So close, we could almost touch.
Do-mun’s eyes glimmered with desire as if he had finally grasped something he craved.
“I’m very curious. I’m extremely curious.”
My blade may be tiny.
It’s a battle of momentum. A clash of wills. Going head-on will only lead me to a defensive stance.
Even if I showed anger, to Do-mun, it might just seem like a rookie’s last desperate act. After all, he came prepared for the gathering today to back him up.
But the real blade hasn’t been swung yet.
Even in the battle of wills, a smaller blade can triumph over a larger one, without a doubt.
Precisely.
“If you really want to see, I can give you a chance to remove it yourself.”
Giving your opponent the hilt is how you fight back.
“Master of Arcane Fragrance!”
“Everyone, be quiet! Doubts should be kept until the end or completely shed.”
I heard the startled voice of Master of Arcane Fragrance who had been silently observing the situation, but I didn’t look away.
I needed to keep my predatory gaze fixed on Do-mun, ready to strike.
“If you want, remove it yourself. But remember one thing.”
I’d give my blade to you.
The choice is yours, but that doesn’t mean I’m surrendering.
“What do you mean by that?”
“This mask is one that the disciples of the ghost faction made me wear, claiming it’s my face. If you want to remove it yourself, then…”
My mask symbolizes the entirety of the ghost faction.
By assigning meaning, I’ll weight this veil of deceit that has to be pulled off.
“If you do remove it?”
“Then it will mean that Do-mun no longer trusts the entire ghost faction.”
Even seen as defenseless, I know your weakness. I know what you fear the most.
My one vote.
The very vote you need to rise to power.
If you’re looking for a chance to swing that blade, I’ll hand you mine. But if you don’t hurt me with that swing…
‘You’ll lose everything.’
“Hah….”
For the first time today, confusion flickered in Do-mun’s eyes.
How many years did Dead Arm Ghost prepare to become the leader of Hao-mun? My mask has now become a gamble that puts the odds of the entire gambling table on the line.
If that exposed face is someone else’s, then Do-mun’s previous plans will all come crashing down.
What he once thought would be an easy ‘mark,’ I’ve now turned into a superbet for life.
“I’ll say it one last time. If you want, remove it. But if not…”
I won’t be satisfied just making a gamble with all your chips.
“If not?”
With Do-mun’s question, I moved.
The moon is fading now.
I’ve reached for the Shadowless Body Technique without a warm-up, gliding effortlessly across the floor, lifting my own wager.
What I held was a scabbard, a new bet.
“Would you honor your senior with a drink?”
Forget this.
If you accept this drink, I will forget your rudeness today. But you have to cast away your doubts. Put away the blade I gave you with your own.
I extended the liquor bottle with a cunning smile.
Do-mun’s eyes trembled.
Raising the stakes appropriately is a gambler’s virtue, but knowing when to fold is equally as important.
Will you throw yourself into the gamble with every chance of losing? Or will you back down with a drink?
Deep breaths in the moment of decision.
“Ha ha ha ha! Fine! Let’s see how special the drink from my junior really is! Bring the biggest cup!”
Do-mun declared his surrender.
*
The moon is waning.
“Everyone, head home.”
“Today was enjoyable. Until we meet again.”
For some, the longest night was ending; for others, it was the night spent awaiting the safe return of a loved one.
“Ugh. Those old folks don’t know moderation!”
Do-mun stretched and waved goodbye to the black-haired Master of Arcane Fragrance, who stepped into the carriage.
What started in a tense atmosphere turned into a cheerful farewell as they waved goodbye.
“Thank you, Master Do-mun. Shall we arrange a meeting with the Master of Arcane Fragrance?”
Perhaps this could lead to a simple solution. One of Da-mun’s subordinates asked.
“What will we do when we meet?”
“There must be something you wish for. Whether it be a woman, power, whatever it is. Hand it over, receive just one vote, and it’s all settled.”
Ha ha ha ha ha.
“Master Do-mun?”
“Right. Looks like no one noticed.”
In Do-mun’s voice, the laughter was now gone.
“What are you saying?”
“I took time to ensure my suspicions were not founded, so it makes sense.”
“Master?”
“Give me half a day. Bring Im Ha-yeon. Search every place I doubted. If they resist, I won’t hesitate to slay anyone, even a ghost! Find her no matter what!”
“Are you ordering an army to move?”
“Do I have to repeat myself?”
“I will do it. But isn’t it better not to provoke the new Master of Arcane Fragrance unnecessarily? A conversation would be wiser, wouldn’t it?”
The hostage can become a bargaining chip.
Even if the new Master of Arcane Fragrance is the representative of the previous generation, taking someone’s daughter hostage is a different weight from taking a righteous man’s daughter.
“A black-haired Master of Arcane Fragrance? Ha ha ha.”
“Though it seems sudden, if it represents the Shadowless Thief, it matches quite well, doesn’t it?”
No one from the Do-mun faction actually expected a black-haired person to emerge as the new Master of Arcane Fragrance. But if the Masters and the people of the ghost faction acknowledged it, then why would there be any doubt?
Do-mun gazed, perplexed, at the confused subordinates, illuminating the reason for concern.
“You fools. It’s too perfect!”
It was perfect. Too perfect.
“What?”
Kang Yoon-ho made no mistakes.
Kang Yoon-ho’s Shadowless Thief performance shook even the mighty Do-mun, sowing doubt throughout the night.
The disciples of the ghost faction, who knew the truth, even began to deeply consider if they had indeed found the next appointed Master.
Only one unavoidable fact remained, unnoticed by everyone at the gathering.
“When I don’t know who the mark is when the table is set, I’m the one who plays mark.”
The opponent is a man who collects the wrists of numerous con artists.
Beyond just being a leader, Do-mun carried a single ambition: to become the king of all factions.
“Right away, I’ll move!”
“Bring that fake Shadowless Thief in before dawn.”
The moon is fading, and the dawn is about to break. The black-haired barbarian who desired the sun will see it rise soon.
But the night hasn’t ended yet.
The madman’s night, prepared for over ten years, is not over yet.
No one is ever satisfied with the time given. It is when everyone pushes for their final victory point that the real struggle begins.
