Chapter 592. In Battle (2)

Chapter 592. In Battle (2)

“Fools who can't do anything with their own strength mistakenly think my master's achievements are theirs. Idiot kings do not sink their nations, but treacherous dogs of retainers do, Knight Wiggins. If fools like that young man, who do not understand their positions, gain enough influence... It's bound to destabilize the organization.”

Wiggins neither agreed nor disagreed with Vator's argument. Of course, he also didn't have plans to defend Lee Hyeon-Su from criticisms, either. “Sir Vator... That young man hasn't reached that stage yet.”

“That is why he's still alive,” said Vator, his expression stiff. “However, I can see the buds blooming already. As such, I decided to warn him ahead of time. And now, he will probably stop having untoward thoughts.”

Wiggins studied Vator with a great deal of interest.

'This man is surprisingly thoughtful, isn't he?'

Not only that, but his loyalty toward Kang Jin-Ho seemed absolute, too. Bringing someone like Vator to his side should be considered a stroke of heavenly fortune for Kang Jin-Ho. Except... How should Wiggins describe this?

Wiggins casually leaned back against his couch. “Regardless... I'm having difficulty understanding this situation. To think there was a faction within the organization wishing to oppose Mister Jin-Ho! Resisting him should be impossible with such low strength of South Korean martial artists, so I'm rather puzzled by this development.”

Vator tutted loudly. “It is possible. Because they do not know.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“It is possible because their levels are so pathetic. A foot soldier with military training and knowledge would never think of destroying a tank with a rifle. However, a random redneck with zero knowledge of how fearsome tanks can be would think he can do it.”

“Hmm... Do you think South Korean martial artists are simply not strong enough to accurately gauge Mister Jin-Ho's strength?”

“Most likely.”

If that was the case, this event made more sense to Wiggins. Even so...

“Even if that's true, shouldn't they feel instinctive fear toward Mister Jin-Ho?” Wiggins curiously asked.

Vator narrowed his eyes in contemplation. “Someone must've incited them from behind the scene.”RêAd lateSt chapters at novelhall.com Only

“Are you implying that Mister Jin-Ho has deliberately let them be?”

Vator slowly shook his head. “My master is a perfect existence as a martial artist. However, he still exhibits a fatal flaw as the head of an organization.”

“A... fatal flaw, is it?”

“Yes. He's too soft on his own people.”

“Hmm...” Wiggins nodded while agreeing with that assessment. He didn't need to look far to see the proof, after all. Kang Jin-Ho placed far-too-much trust in people he saw as his allies, and the shining example of that was how he treated Wiggins and Vator.

Maybe it was a trait of a wise, benevolent king. However... Idiocy wasn't the sole reason countless monarchs in the history books failed to be benevolent and kind leaders.

Humans tended to grow arrogant the more trusted they were. If they were allowed to sit, humans would soon start whining about wanting to lie down instead. That was human nature.

Using force and coercion to manipulate humans was several times 'easier' than ruling over them through faith and trust.

“Of course, I would dare not say treating allies well is wrong. No, such a trait should be commended. Not many are benevolent enough to do so, after all. No, my master's problem is how he decides someone is his ally. His criteria seem nebulous at best.”

“Mm...” Wiggins rubbed his chin in deliberation.

“You are not much different, Knight Wiggins,” Vator suddenly shot a sharp glare in Wiggins' direction.

“Please call me Mister Wiggins, Sir Vator,” said Wiggins.

“Your title doesn't really matter. Even if you don't want to be called a knight anymore, your background will still remain the same, anyway. Now, answer me. Do you serve my master in earnest?”

The vibe coming from Vator was unsettling. However, Wiggins was very different from Lee Hyeon-Su and didn't even get flustered by this incredible pressure. He simply shrugged his shoulders as if this question was a bit troubling to answer.

“If I'm being honest, I'm not familiar with how the East's master-servant relationship works.”

“Hmph. Even though the concept of a master-servant relationship did not originate from the East?”

“Of course. I won't deny that. Even then, that concept has evolved into something akin to a contract on our side of the globe. So, I'm a contractor in that sense. I help the Martial Assembly and Mister Jin-Ho and get compensated for it. However, it'll be troublesome for me if you expect absolute loyalty to the point of sacrificing my life.”

“Very well...!” Vator growled menacingly. “If that is the contract my master formed with you, I shall respect his decision. However, do remember this. The moment you choose betrayal, you will have to deal with my fists.”

“Don't worry. That will never happen.”

“Hmph.” Vator spun on his heels and exited the room.

Kang Jin-Ho narrowed his eyes and stared at Lee Hyeon-Su.

Lee Hyeon-Su was looking down, his expression stiff. The ample hints of respect gushing out of his pose forced Kang Jin-Ho to tilt his head slightly.

Was this... nervousness? No, it didn't seem that way.

“Did something happen?” Kang Jin-Ho curiously asked.

“...I was reprimanded earlier.”

“Reprimanded?”

“It was something necessary. Please don't mind it.”

Kang Jin-Ho slowly nodded. He wasn't sure what this was all about, but Lee Hyeon-Su said it was necessary. In that case, it must be.

“Okay. Then, let's get started.”

“We need to sort out four places,” said Lee Hyeon-Su.

“Mm...”

“Firstly, the location where the elders have gathered. Then, Lee Jung-Geol's official residence. Also, the rebel forces within the Assembly, and finally...” Lee Hyeon-Su whispered the details into Kang Jin-Ho's ear.

“That's more than I thought,” Kang Jin-Ho muttered while nodding slowly.

“Yes, sir. Considering our forces, needing to clean up so many places at once is not ideal. However, the removal of malignant tumors necessitates the removal of benign tumors as well. This event was bound to happen, anyway.”

“Right, that's true,” Kang Jin-Ho replied with a voice devoid of emotion.

Lee Hyeon-Su's head faltered even lower after realizing that. Kang Jin-Ho... was always like this, wasn't he?

Most of the time, Kang Jin-Ho seemed a little too dull for his own good. However, whenever he perceived a need to step forward, he'd become colder and crueler than anyone Lee Hyeon-Su knew. This chasm between the two personas sent a chill of dread down Lee Hyeon-Su's spine.

'Sir Vator is right.'

Maybe, Lee Hyeon-Su was subconsciously trying to exploit Kang Jin-Ho's so-called dull side. Even though all Lee Hyeon-Su could do was shiver pitifully whenever Kang Jin-Ho revealed his true self, didn't he try to lecture this fearsome returner while the latter was in his peaceful mode some time ago?

Lee Hyeon-Su reflected on his mistake.

'Never forget, Lee Hyeon-Su!'

Exploiting another's goodwill was the worst thing he could do.

Lee Hyeon-Su raised his head and stared at Kang Jin-Ho. “Mister Jin-Ho?”

“Mm?”

“Once this event is over, please make up your mind.”

Kang Jin-Ho narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean by that?”

“If you are thinking of standing at the top, please do not hesitate. I... and everyone else will risk our lives to assist you.”

An unreadable smile suddenly formed on Kang Jin-Ho's lips. It was cruel... Yet also captivating for some reason!

“Spewing something idiot again, huh?” Kang Jin-Ho growled like a predator. With his switch well and truly flipped, Kang Jin-Ho's slightly bloodshot eyes glared straight at Lee Hyeon-Su. “I'm not the one hesitating. You all are. And it's not me who needs to stand at the top... It's you lot. Clench your teeth, pull up your socks, and do your best to follow me. Until you can reach where I am.”

A smile quickly bloomed on Lee Hyeon-Su's lips next.

'Yes, this is it!'

Here it is, the true Kang Jin-Ho!

It felt like all the complicated thoughts swirling around in Lee Hyeon-Su's head were cleared out in an instant.

Indeed, there was no need to overthink anything. He only needed to charge ahead according to Kang Jin-Ho's wishes. The path ahead would always open up as long as Lee Hyeon-Su ran forward while looking at Kang Jin-Ho's broad back.

“Very well, sir. Let's begin.”

Kang Jin-Ho didn't say anything and walked ahead, then jumped off the rooftop. After witnessing that scene, Lee Hyeon-Su also didn't linger around and headed toward the rooftop exit while taking out his phone.

And so, it was time to begin.