The flames of the candle flickered in the wind, and so too did the future of the Sama family.

The head of the Heavenly Demon Sect gazed at the candle before him. The flame was weak. The wax had melted, sticking to the floor as it burned down.

How strong was the flame? It was nearly at the end of the wick, barely hanging on, trembling as if it would extinguish any moment.

The flame would not last through the night.

And so, the Sama family’s future would be the same.

"Master."

A man stepped out from the shadows, accompanied by a slightly nervous-looking man.

His gaze was lowered, his back hunched. Even the sword on his back was trembling slightly.

He was shaking, as if this was the first time he had come to the field.

I couldn’t gauge his skill. But the man beside him was different. The one who spoke exuded a powerful aura, with a presence that felt like a beast just by his forceful demeanor.

"I’ve heard the story."

"...I didn’t expect the Soul-Stealing Sword to come out in person."

"Isn’t this the famous Sama family? Even if the family is on the decline, someone like me should step forward."

"Who is the person next to you?"

"My disciple. Even within the entire Rakshasa Sect, his talent is top-tier."

"......."

"Don’t worry. It’s natural for him to be nervous. This is his first real battle."

"His first real battle...?"

All hopeful disciples are sent to the Magic Academy. It’s a rule at the main temple that children begin wielding swords at a young age.

Those without talent are expelled, while those with talent endure and become warriors at the main temple.

It’s not rare for someone without talent to become a martial artist.

But it’s almost unheard of for someone who has never seen real combat to become one.

"...You brought him from the Magic Academy?"

"He was a servant at the Rakshasa Sect. When I found him, he was scrawny, hauling luggage."

"His age...?"

"He’s twenty-five now. It’s been a year since I brought him."

"He started too late to wield a sword."

"Even so, he was worth bringing."

The Soul-Stealing Sword, No Hacheon, smiled.

"Do you believe that, even though he’s been wielding a sword for less than a year, he’s already looking at breaking through a wall?"

"...What do you mean by that...?"

"With more real combat, his growth will accelerate. That’s why I’m keeping him around."

The face of the head of the Heavenly Demon Sect hardened.

"No, Master. We can’t afford any more bloodshed. The lower ones are innocent. We should only deal with those who caused this."

"You’re too soft-hearted. I’ll remember that. Where is the Blood Demon Army located?"

"They are currently residing in the Sama family’s estate."

"So you’re telling the truth. Even after a month of being here, they’ve taken no action...?"

No Hacheon sighed.

"Are you certain they provided the information?"

"Absolutely certain."

"Even after confirming the Sama family’s warehouse, they’ve done nothing. The Blood Demon Army must have been bribed. But what a surprise, Master. You, who value justice, came to ask for our help."

"Our sect is also a small faction under the Rakshasa Sect. Though our roots are in the Sama family, now we are closer to the Rakshasa Sect."

"You’re right. The Heavenly Demon Sect and Rakshasa Sect are one. Who could have known that the Sama family would steal the tribute meant for the leader? This is a matter that concerns the leader’s dignity. Everyone involved will face severe punishment."

"The situation in the Sama family is unfortunate, but I, too, am the head of a sect and couldn’t leave it alone."

"I understand. It must have been a heavy decision. The evidence you sent was thoroughly examined. It’s undeniable. The hidden figures who checked the warehouse confirmed it. Some boxes that should have contained valuable items were empty. Plus, there were rumors about the recent appearance of bandits."

No Hacheon’s expression turned cold.

"The Sama family staged this to steal the tribute. They must have distributed some of it on the market. They must have been in league with the righteous sects. Their intentions are wicked. They are the traitors of traitors."

"Master, if that person escapes, I will never be able to face the leader."

"I know. That’s why I came here personally. I’ll capture him. If the situation doesn’t allow, I’ll bring back the head of the family."

No Hacheon’s voice was heavy, full of resolve.

"This will all end tonight."

The head of the Heavenly Demon Sect suppressed a smile.

Yes, tonight. Once this night is over, everything will go according to plan.

The blood has already been spilled, and the justification is sufficient.

It’s easy to take control of a beast that has lost its head.

The name of the Sama family will be obscured under the name of the Heavenly Demon Sect.

It’s coming.

The culmination of years of planning.

***

"...The Soul-Stealing Sword (탈혼검)?"

Samaak’s expression stiffened.

"The Soul-Stealing Sword, No Hacheon, is coming here?"

"Yes! That’s right!"

"What... Since when has the Heavenly Demon Sect been...?"

In the continuing reports, I could feel a clear malice from one person.

"There were no damn bandits! We searched the mountain and found nothing! It was all just a rumor!"

"And the mysterious figures who attacked the merchant group..."

"I don’t know about that. But the circumstances are obvious. The origin of the rumors came from the Heavenly Demon Sect, and now faceless figures are tormenting the Sama family. They’re hiding under the guise of bandits! And the origin of the rumors came from the Heavenly Demon Sect!"

"How did you find out about that?"

"Prostitutes! Gamblers! Damn! I’ve had deep connections with the people down there! I know how their world works! Rats like them know the most! And I’m from that world! I tried to stop at a reasonable point, but with the 30th Warrior working, I couldn’t just sit still! It was bothering me!"

A document slipped from the 29th Warrior’s pocket.

"This was something we retrieved from the Heavenly Demon Sect. I seduced a maid."

"...?"

"What?! What’s wrong?! I hated maids! And I don’t like women either, so don’t look at me like that! It was just part of the mission!"

Samaak snatched the paper from his hands.

The moment he read it, his expression crumbled.

"...What is this?"

"You can see what’s written there, right? There was a Sama family warrior who frequently visited the Heavenly Demon Sect. He probably thought it was a secret meeting, but there were more eyes than he expected. Several people saw him."

"......."

"I gathered testimonies from those who encountered him, and from that, the outline was formed. Following the outline, I learned the full details and even tracked down the shadow itself. I thought it was necessary to get solid evidence, so I obtained that as well."

Samaak staggered, pressing his forehead against the wall. I grabbed the paper from his hands and looked at it.

"There’s a secret storage inside the Heavenly Demon Sect. Only a few can access it. Once someone enters, their name is recorded. If the entry ledger isn’t thoroughly maintained, there could be an internal traitor. This is a copy of that ledger, hidden in the deepest part of the Heavenly Demon Sect."

The name was written there.

The name of the bodyguard, Chu Yeongyeong.

"Chu Yeongyeong is the traitor. He stole the tribute and brought it to the Heavenly Demon Sect. The reason is unknown, but..."

It was certain... almost certain evidence.

Samaak leaned against the wall with a pale face. He took a deep breath and raised his head.

"...Why is the Soul-Stealing Sword coming here all of a sudden?"

"The message went to the Rakshasa Sect, which is affiliated with the Heavenly Demon Sect. The sect leader, seeing that we hadn’t acted, reported us, claiming, ‘The Blood Demon Army received the information but hasn’t acted. They must have been bribed.’ The small issue escalated into a bigger one, and fearing the involvement of the Blood Demon Army’s power, the Rakshasa Sect sent someone. That person is the Soul-Stealing Sword."

"So, a master from the Rakshasa Sect is coming after me."

"Yes. That’s right. And they’re probably also coming after us. They’ll catch us first, and then reveal everything. But now that the evidence fabricated by the Heavenly Demon Sect is almost certain, if the head is caught..."

"Then I’ll die. Quietly. No one will be able to say anything even if I die."

"Even if the Soul-Stealing Sword doesn’t kill you, if you’re caught, the Heavenly Demon Sect will take care of things internally."

The 29th Warrior turned to look at me.

"30th Warrior, things have gotten complicated. We don’t know how far the Heavenly Demon Sect has infiltrated the Sama family. Even Chu Yeongyeong, one of the bodyguards, could be with the Heavenly Demon Sect. Other warriors might be involved too."

"There’s no one we can turn to for help, is there?"

"Once they capture the head, they’ll probably hand him over to the Heavenly Demon Sect. And we will be caught in the bloodshed. There’s a way to avoid getting involved, though. We can pretend we didn’t see anything."

The 29th Warrior was asking me.

Taking the easier route, it might still not be too late.

"You can hand the head of the Sama family over to the Soul-Stealing Sword right now. If you show that you acted late, you can avoid suspicion of bribery."

It was a cold statement.

At the same time, the most practical one for survival.

I remained silent. I had heard of the Soul-Stealing Sword. A famous master even in the Rakshasa Sect. His appearance meant everything would be wrapped up quickly.

I couldn’t face the Soul-Stealing Sword.

There was only death.

Even without meeting him, I knew this. His achievements alone numbered in the dozens.

Someone with a title like that earned it for a reason.

Someone with the power to match such a title can also be called by another name.

"Time is running out, 30th Warrior."

Samaak silently looked at me. His eyes already seemed close to resignation.

I thought quickly. The sect leader of the Heavenly Demon Sect. The trap he had laid.

The Heavenly Demon Sect had probably spent years planning the downfall of the Sama family. Whether out of vengeance or greed, I couldn’t know.

What mattered was that it wasn’t too late. I could still point the sword at Samaak’s neck. Secure my identity and hand him over to the Soul-Stealing Sword, who would arrive soon.

The Blood Demon Army would get evidence of their work, and the Soul-Stealing Sword would take Samaak away.

The head of the Sama family might be eliminated. The family itself might be uprooted.

But people can still survive.

At least I could survive.

"......."

There, what awaits me?

The 29th Warrior fidgeted with his feet. Samaak wiped his face.

"Chu Yeongyeong. He’s been serving the Sama family since my grandfather’s time."

"......."

"Was it all a hopeless dream? I should never have struggled. If I had noticed earlier, maybe I could have escaped, but now it’s too late. Even if I have this, no one will believe me. The Soul-Stealing Sword will catch me, and when I’m caught, I’ll die."

"......."

"30th Warrior."

He looked at me.

"Capture me. If you do, maybe that pathetic life can be saved."

"...Why."

"I’m tired. I am."

Samaak chuckled bitterly.

"My time with you has been unbearable. Damn it. Even if I told you to fall, you clung to me disgustingly."

"......"

"Well, it’s fine. It doesn’t matter anymore. If you won’t capture me, I’ll walk on my own. The head of the Sama family can’t beg for his life. At least when I die, I want to do it with dignity."

A sound brushed against the wall. Something unseen was approaching.

The 29th Warrior flinched and looked back.

A killing intent. A heavy silence falling.

Through the gap, the presence of a massive beast could be felt, as if stretching its legs.

"The new master of the Sama family will be the Heavenly Demon Sect."

Samaak stepped forward.

"...I can only hope for mercy in that hand."

The presence of two figures settled in front of the building. Their heavy steps shook the structure.

The frightened gatekeeper fled. The room was filled with silence.

A giant man stepped forward. His glaring eyes and bleached hair reminded me of Samaak.

But different. If he were an endless beast...

—The author had clearly bared the teeth of a beast.

"Blood Demon Army?"

At the question, Samaak scoffed.

"They asked me about the suspicion. I was caught and couldn’t move a muscle."

"...This is different from what I heard."

"Are you from the Blood Demon Army too? I’m going crazy. There’s no way out. This happened just when the bodyguard wasn’t here."

"Are you the head of the Sama family?"

"Yes. That’s right. State your name."

"The world calls me the Soul-Stealing Sword, No Hacheon."

"A big fish has come. Who is the one beside you? A disciple, perhaps? Ah, it doesn’t matter anyway."

Samaak smiled grimly.

"The hunting dogs backed off, so it can’t be helped. Yes... impressive. The Blood Demon Army. Forcing out the hidden truth. Did you call them here?"

He was acting.

For me.

"...Hmm. Wasn’t it true that the Blood Demon Army received bribes?"

The thick eyebrows twitched. No Hacheon, the Soul-Stealing Sword, opened his mouth.

"Blood Demon Army, send him here. He has committed a grave crime by stealing the tribute meant for the Heavenly Demon Sect. The Rakshasa Sect will fully investigate this matter, and we will secure his person."

He extended his hand.

"Come here, head of the Sama family. If you cooperate willingly, I will not draw my sword."

Samaak stepped forward. I looked at his foot.

It trembled. His toes quivered, fear filling him but trying to hide it.

He too was afraid. His fate hanging by a thread, trembling dangerously.

But...

Even so, he moved

forward. He lied and arrogantly raised the corners of his mouth.

He defended me.

So I wouldn’t be caught up in this.

"The great man is kind, and so are our elders..."

The servants of the Sama family liked him. The lower-ranking ones looked up to him and tried their best to do something extra for him.

A man who struggled alone to not lose what he had. He worked without rest, risking his life to keep the Sama family’s name alive.

Sama Ilgeum.

I remembered his sword.

It was awful, but he fought with it as hard as he could.

The sword, stuck deep in the wooden pillar, was nearly impossible to pull out.

The 29th Warrior whispered my name.

"30th Warrior."

I know.

I know I shouldn’t intervene.

Just staying silent would make everything work out.

The mission would be completed. The suspicion would be cleared, and it would spread that the Blood Demon Army helped in the capture of the traitor.

Ilma would be pleased. Surely. The Heavenly Demon Sect would smile at my actions as well.

False merits built on lies.

False praise built on lies.

...But what does it all mean?

"Everything will work out, right?"

I remembered the conversation with the young servant. I still remembered his voice.

His trembling answer. The sweets he had given me.

The small voice that got angry on behalf of his master.

That was Samaak.

And now, no one was by his side.

If that’s the case, shouldn’t I be?

I had already seen it.

What I saw can’t be erased.

Even if everyone congratulates me for the false merit they built, I am the one who will know.

This moment, as I turn my gaze now.

"Samaak."

For the first time, I spoke his name, not the title of 'master.'

Samaak turned to me. His face twisted.

"You’re not...?"

"How can you lie?"

I put the answer to the past in the sword I gripped.

"...Of course."

Even in the short answer, there is meaning.

Every word I speak carries responsibility.

"There’s one thing left, isn’t there?"

I have eaten, seen, and heard.

I stand before an opponent I cannot defeat.

The glass of wine we shared.

The twisted but somewhat honest conversation.

The small promise placed on top of it...

"Everything will work out, young brother."

At the moment I have to draw the sword, I draw it.

"The bodyguard of the Sama family."