In the martial arts world, if there are the Five Great Families, the Demon Sect has its equivalent.

The Myeongmun Families.

These are groups with a massive following and extensive influence, far surpassing the average sects. Their histories stretch back generations.

"Sama Family?"

As I read the mission paper, I burned it as usual, but the contents lingered in my mind.

What kind of place is the Sama Family? It’s one of the most renowned Myeongmun Families within the Demon Sect.

They have no formal affiliation with any specific sect, yet their power and prestige are widely recognized across the sect.

Generations of masters have emerged from the Sama Family. Among them, the infamous Sama Gon, also known as Ghost Shadow, stands out.

Although his whereabouts are currently unknown, the mere mention of his name was enough to strike fear into the hearts of many within the sect.

This is where the suspicion began.

The Sama Family is undeniably a renowned family. So why…

"…are they involved with the righteous sects?"

"‘Observe the movements of the Sama Family and confirm whether they’ve committed any treachery,’ huh," Number 29 murmured as she reread the mission.

"The mission details are strange, but what’s even stranger is that we’re the ones assigned to it," she added.

"Agreed."

"The Blood Demon Division isn’t particularly prestigious. Nominally, we’re under Lady Ilma’s command, but the real enforcers of sect rules are the Blood Execution Division. That division is composed of top martial artists and serves directly under the Thousand-Blood Blade Fiend. But compared to them? The Blood Demon Division is often treated as expendable."

"……"

"A mission involving a Myeongmun Family would typically fall under the Blood Execution Division. Sending us instead would undoubtedly offend the family."

"And it’s still unclear why such a family would align with the righteous sects."

"Too many questions. We’ll have to see for ourselves."

This time, traveling as official members of the Blood Demon Division, we didn’t bother with elaborate disguises. We simply wore masks, as we did within the sect.

On our way to the Sama Family, we weren’t allowed to use any inns or services, forcing us to camp outdoors.

"Never thought I’d have to chew on flavorless meat out here…"

"At least we can cook it. Could be worse."

"True."

After eating, I instinctively picked up my sword. Number 29 gave me an exasperated look.

"Don’t you ever get tired of this? I thought you’d tone it down during a mission."

"I can’t sleep unless I loosen up first."

"…Fine. I can’t let you train alone. I’ll join."

"You don’t have to push yourself."

"If you can do it, so can I."

"Never one to back down, are you?"

"I can hear you, you know."

We walked side by side on the road, the destination still nearly twenty days away. Occasionally, we stopped to admire the scenery.

"The Demon Sect’s territory is so vast. I wonder what the Central Plains are like."

"They must be even broader."

"There must be far more people roaming there than in this barren place."

"Probably."

"I’d like to see it at least once."

As we grew accustomed to camping, nights spent resting back-to-back became more frequent. Under the night sky, shooting stars occasionally streaked across our view.

Number 29 broke the silence. "…Number 30."

"Yes?"

"When we reach the Sama Family, what’s the first thing you want to do?"

The first thing?

Since this was a mission, it felt odd to want something personal.

Still, I gave it some thought before answering, "I’d like to eat something delicious."

"Do you think the Sama Family will treat us well?"

"As unwelcome guests, probably not. But we’re technically inspectors, so they might offer us something out of obligation."

"Do you have any money?"

"I’ve got a little travel allowance."

"How much?"

"Enough to stay a few days…"

"Hmm…"

"What about you?"

"I…"

She glanced at me. Even with the mask, I could tell her eyes were sparkling.

"The stars are bright. They remind me of sweets. Can’t you spare a little of that allowance? I’ll stop by a nearby village."

So that’s why she asked.

"…Leaving the mission area is against the rules."

"I know. But what if we reach the Sama Family and they don’t feed us? Wouldn’t it be better to spend a little and grab something tasty while we can?"

She waved her hand persuasively.

"If we eat something better than this bland meat, it’ll boost morale and improve our mission success rate. Only one of us needs to go. One can stroll, and the other can use light footwork to fetch the sweets."

"…Hah."

"Why are you laughing? You’re tired of this too!"

"Do you like sweets?"

"Sometimes. My sister used to buy me sweets when I had a bad day. Strangely, the ones she bought always tasted better. It became a habit."

"That was a bit underhanded."

"I didn’t mean it that way!"

I stood up. "Then I’ll go."

"…Huh? I can go instead."

I grabbed my sword. "It won’t be as sweet as the ones your sister bought, but it’ll be better than buying them yourself, won’t it, Number 29?"

She froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Ahaha! What was that? That’s so corny!"

…Maybe I overstepped.

"Ahem."

"Do you even know what I like?"

"Tell me. I’ll fetch it tomorrow morning."

The next morning, I set out early, stopping by a village I had scouted. After buying the sweets, I caught up with Number 29, who was strolling leisurely.

She held up one of the sweets to the sunlight before slipping it under her mask.

Chewing slowly, she muttered, "…It doesn’t taste like my sister’s."

"Wouldn’t it be strange if it did?"

"True. But… it’s sweet enough."

She turned her head, her voice dropping to a barely audible whisper.

"…Thanks."

It was the first time I’d heard her say that. I chose not to reply, knowing it might make her defensive.

We continued down the ridgeline until the Sama Family’s village came into view. Its size far surpassed that of the Black Heaven Manor, resembling a fortress. As we walked through the crowd, towering walls loomed ahead.

A gatekeeper stopped us.

"Who are you?"

I presented the Blood Demon Token. "We’re from the Blood Demon Division."

"…!"

"Could you arrange for us to meet the head of the Sama Family?"

"…Tch."

The gatekeeper’s disdain was palpable. I had expected a cold reception but not open hostility.

We entered the gates, stepping into the vast estate.

"This place is enormous," Number 29 whispered.

Indeed, the estate was far larger than the Black Heaven Manor. Rows of buildings lined the area, almost like a small village. There was even a proper training ground, where warriors stared at us with wide eyes.

Our masks didn’t help the attention.

"This way."

A servant guided us to a secluded, rundown pavilion. Dust covered the open floorboards, and the air reeked of neglect.

Number 29 gritted her teeth. "What is this? This is insulting!"

"……"

"Blatantly disrespectful—!"

I stepped in front of her. "Is this where we wait?"

"Y-Yes!"

"Understood. Let’s go."

"Why are you letting this slide?!"

"It’s just waiting, Number 29."

"I know that! But didn’t you see the servant’s attitude?"

She glared at the retreating servant.

"They’re openly hostile. Even the servants are in on it. They’re mocking us!"

"It doesn’t matter if we’re insulted. We’re here as representatives, not individuals. Let’s just complete the mission."

"…Fine. But this is frustrating."

Though she grumbled, she followed my lead, swallowing her pride as we sat in the pavilion.

As I observed the surroundings, it became apparent that the Sama Family’s estate was in disrepair. Neglected buildings, murky ponds, and overgrown weeds.

"Number 29."

"What?"

"Didn’t you find the buildings strangely dilapidated?"

"……"

She glanced around.

"Are you saying the Sama Family is struggling financially?"

Her quick deduction caught me off guard.

"…Sharp as ever."

"It’d be stupid not to notice. But yeah, even unused buildings should be maintained by servants. Yet there are places here that look outright abandoned."

"The number of servants doesn’t seem adequate either."

"The warriors we saw earlier weren’t many in number."

"Is this normal for a Myeongmun Family?"

"I don’t know. I’ve never dealt with such groups. Maybe the family head can explain."

We waited, but the family head didn’t show. Instead, a warrior approached.

"I’m Choo Euikyung, a guard of the family head. I heard you’re from the Blood Demon Division."

"Yes, that’s correct."

The man scrutinized us, his face grim, before letting out a sigh.

"The family head is currently occupied. He’ll be available in three days. Until then, please stay here."

"In this pavilion?"

"…Of course not. That was a mistake by a servant. Proper accommodations have been prepared. As a member of the Sama Family, I’ll ensure you’re treated with respect. I apologize for the earlier offense."

Sur

prisingly, the guard’s apology was sincere. Even Number 29 held back her usual retorts.

Three days. With nearly a month for our mission, three days was a small concession.

I nodded. The guard thanked me and left to summon another servant.

The same servant from before returned, this time with a red, swollen cheek and traces of blood at the corner of their mouth.

Had they already been punished?

Number 29 sighed, crouching before the young servant. With a flick of her sleeve, she wiped the blood from their mouth and applied an ointment from her pouch.

"Don’t touch the treated area, and don’t wash your face tonight."

"……"

"No need to thank me. Just take us to our lodgings. Quickly."

The servant fidgeted before bowing deeply. "…I’m sorry."

"Just do better next time."

Her stern tone was a stark contrast to her earlier anger. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

"…Heh."

"Why are you laughing?"

"You’re pleasant to watch. Am I not allowed to laugh?"

"Annoying!"

The accommodations, while not luxurious, were far better than the pavilion. The meal provided was modest but leagues ahead of the flavorless meat we had endured.

Three days passed, confirming my suspicions: the Sama Family was in decline. Their resources, manpower, and influence were far below expectations.

Finally, the family head summoned us. He appeared weary, casting a lazy gaze in our direction.

"…So."

His lips curled into a sly smile.

"Are you the mutts chasing baseless rumors?"