Chapter 326: Title Match (3) |
Mok In-gwang’s earliest memory was of a cold winter.
The icy ground of a back alley, the biting wind, the gnawing hunger and thirst… a childhood spent struggling to survive alongside other orphans.
He didn’t know how he ended up there.
It was simply his reality, a fact of life no one questioned, not even himself.
Knowing the reason wouldn't have changed anything anyway.
He spent his youth in that harsh environment.
Fortunately, he had the ability to survive.
Born with a naturally strong constitution, he remained healthy while other children succumbed to illness and starvation, and he was a skilled fighter, able to hold his own even against larger opponents.
But he also had a fatal flaw.
He was prone to sudden outbursts of anger, escalating minor conflicts into major confrontations.
Naturally, he was constantly involved in fights, and his few friends and acquaintances gradually distanced themselves, his reputation plummeting until he was completely isolated.
And so, he lived a chaotic and volatile life, a walking time bomb, constantly causing trouble and disrupting the fragile peace around him.
Until one day,
His life changed.
About twenty years ago.
He didn’t understand it at the time, but the entire city seemed to be in a state of unrest. And it was during that time that young Mok In-gwang encountered him.
“Hmm, such a young child… in this state… What is this world coming to?”
An old man with a long, flowing beard, dressed in worn-out robes, his face etched with worry.
He looked at the boy, his eyes dull and lifeless, and spoke softly.
“Hey.”
“…”
“Snap out of it.”
Mok In-gwang tilted his head, confused by the sudden, blunt words.
Wait, was it always like this…?
And his voice… it sounded strange.
But the old man, as if he had no intention of waiting for a response, continued, a kind smile on his face.
“Hmm— You carry a burden no child should bear. This must be fate. Tell me, child, what is your name?”
“…”
“Oh dear, I’m so forgetful. I haven’t even introduced myself. I am…”
He paused, then, seeing the boy’s continued silence, introduced himself.
“…Mad Demon.”
“…?!”
His mind snapped back to reality.
“Ugh!”
Mok In-gwang’s eyes flew open.
And then, a wave of pain, so intense it felt like torture, washed over him.
His entire body ached, as if he had been beaten and broken.
“Oh! You’re awake! I thought you might react to that! Hahaha!”
As he flinched and groaned, the voice he had vaguely heard in his dream echoed loudly, its tone cheerful and boisterous.
A man with a strange, unfamiliar attire, his muscular arms crossed, confidently declared,
“But it’s too late! I won!”
Harley, having emerged victorious from their battle for the title of ‘Mad Demon’, nodded firmly.
His resolute demeanor, his unwavering conviction, left no room for argument.
“Ha…”
Mok In-gwang sighed, his voice weak and hollow.
But it wasn’t just because of his opponent’s words.
He didn’t even have the energy to be annoyed.
‘I had a feeling…’
Beyond the physical pain, he could sense it.
The madness that had been rampaging within him was now… calm, under his control.
He had pushed himself to the limit, accepting the risk of being consumed by madness, and had fought until the very end, finally resigning himself to his fate…
And yet, his Ki was more stable than ever before.
He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt this… clear-headed.
“…So, I’ve been thinking about a new title for you. How about… ‘Mad Dog’? Simple, but impactful! Or if you don’t like that…”
Harley, as if they hadn’t just been fighting moments ago, continued to chatter, suggesting various alternatives.
Mad Claw, Soul-Severing Madman, Mad Dragon King…
His words were completely inconsiderate, but neither Harley nor Mok In-gwang seemed to care.
‘He’s controlling the madness within me. How is that even possible?’
Mok In-gwang’s thoughts were in disarray.
Perhaps because the madness that had plagued him his entire life had subsided, his animosity towards his opponent had also decreased significantly.
There was no point in resisting now, not in his current state.
But his curiosity, his desire to understand how his opponent had achieved such a feat, was overwhelming.
He had almost given up, believing it was impossible…
‘…Perhaps he can help me.’
As he stared at Harley, lost in thought, his opponent frowned and took a step back.
“No, I’m not giving it up. I like it. You choose a different one.”
It seemed like he was still fixated on the title.
This was making him look like a fool.
“…Madman.”
He sighed, muttering the word under his breath, his voice filled with a strange mixture of resignation and awe.
He hadn’t realized it, but this was the third time he had called his opponent a ‘madman’ since their encounter.
Three strikes, and he was out.
The true madness had triumphed over the imitation.
____________________
Harley, accompanied by the now docile and subdued Mok In-gwang, descended the mountain.
He had been careful with his strength control, so there weren't any broken bones… but Mok In-gwang’s body was still battered and bruised, his clothes torn and tattered.
Yet, he walked steadily, without a single complaint.
Harley, watching him from a few steps behind, nodded slowly, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
‘Hmm, as expected. The effect is even better than I thought. I don’t know when he’ll recover, but I don’t have to worry about him for now.’
Of course, his opponent’s sudden change in demeanor wasn't normal.
It was a side effect of the rather… forceful method he had used to suppress his madness. A temporary mental instability.
It was convenient, though.
‘It was a coincidence that we met… but it worked out well.’
He had gained quite a bit from this encounter.
Not just a new martial arts technique, but also a deeper understanding of ‘madness’, and valuable information about the Murim world.
‘And most importantly, I’ve formed a connection with a talented individual.’
Of course, he couldn't fully trust someone he had just been fighting.
Their current truce was a temporary arrangement, a result of various coincidences.
He would need to take further measures to ensure his loyalty…
‘But judging by his reaction, controlling his madness seems to be enough for now.’
He had already acquired the necessary leverage.
It seemed to be a sensitive issue for him.
Of course, there was a chance he might turn on him later…
“What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing. Hahaha!”
“…Put your fists down first, if you don’t actually intend to kill me.”
His companion didn't seem to be resisting, perhaps because he also had something he wanted from Harley.
He had submitted, both physically and mentally.
“Let’s go, friend!”
“…Where to?”
And so, each with their own hidden motives, they set off on their next journey.
“Hey, buddy, where’s the hottest spot these days?”
“Hot…?”
“Ah— Where’s everyone talking about?”
“Mount Song, of course. The righteous factions are gathering there. Of course, they’re not all elites, but it’s a symbolic event… Wait, are you planning to…?”
“Hahaha! Let’s go!”
“You madman! What are you thinking?!”
What was he thinking?
He was already this close, he might as well make an appearance!
And there was no better place to showcase the new ‘Mad Demon’ than the Murim Alliance meeting.
‘I can’t miss this opportunity!’
Harley, glancing at Mok In-gwang, who was reluctantly following him with a sour expression, casually said,
“So, what’s your new title going to be? I personally like Mad Dog! Or if you don’t like that…”
“…”
Mok In-gwang gritted his teeth.
It seemed like he hadn’t completely given up yet.
____________________
Shaolin Temple, Guest Quarters.
Hugo, having left the reception hall, followed the monk who was guiding him.
It was his daily routine before the official meeting began.
“Thank you for your assistance, as always.”
“Don’t worry. He’s recovering well.”
He entered a room filled with the scent of herbs and glanced at the pale young man lying motionless on a bed.
Like at the Zhuge Clan, he had been asked to treat a patient.
‘I wonder if it’s okay to use a foreign god’s power in a Buddhist temple…’
He had taken precautions to prevent the holy power from leaking out…
Fortunately, the Shaolin Temple wasn’t hostile towards other religions.
Their pursuit wasn’t blind faith or worship, but enlightenment and self-improvement, following the example of divine beings.
Wooong—
He placed the holy symbol on the patient’s forehead and observed the changes, his eyes narrowed.
He had done this many times. He could assess the patient’s reaction.
And the result was…
‘Strange. It’s the same as Zhuge Hyemi’s.’
It wasn’t a disease.
And it didn’t seem to be a constitutional issue either…
“…Ah, you’re here.”
The young man’s eyes fluttered open, and a dry, raspy voice escaped his lips.
“Please stay still. We’re almost done.”
“I’m indebted to you, Divine Healer. I’m feeling much better now. I can even take short walks.”
His voice sounded much stronger than before.
Ha Seung-hoon, the nameless Divine Healer, a guest of the Zhuge Clan, nodded slowly, recalling his conversation with Grand Elder Zhuge Gunak before his departure.
After his participation in the meeting was confirmed, the Zhuge Clan had asked him for a favor.
To treat a patient at the Shaolin Temple who had similar symptoms to Zhuge Hyemi.
They had collaborated on her treatment, so it wasn’t easy to hide her recovery.
If the Shaolin Temple found out later, they would feel betrayed.
And she couldn’t stay hidden forever.
‘The Shaolin Temple is the most influential righteous faction. It wouldn’t be bad to build a connection with them.’
And it was a request Hugo couldn't refuse.
It aligned with his objective of expanding his influence in Ganghwange.
And there was another reason he had agreed.
“His recovery is faster than expected. It seems the Shaolin Temple has also put in a lot of effort.”
“Hahaha… We’re eternally grateful. I hope to repay your kindness someday. And yours as well, Divine Healer.”
“Your words are enough, Your Highness. I’ll finish the treatment now.”
The patient was a member of the imperial family.
A direct descendant of the last Emperor.