By the time we’d finished eating the wild boar, Im Sobaek looked around at us.

“Sword Demon, Yukhap, Mongrang, Cult Leader. I’d like to talk to you all—just this once—about martial arts. I hope you’ll hear me out.”

We leaned in closer to the fire and watched Im Sobaek. His tone was so serious that the only sound was the crackling of the flames.

The Lecher was the first to speak, his voice unusually solemn.

“We’re ready to listen, Alliance Leader.”

Im Sobaek spoke.

“This is my personal opinion. You may all take it differently. Frankly, if one’s level isn’t high enough, or their philosophy of martial arts is fundamentally different, this might sound pointless. But that doesn’t matter. Our bellies are full, the breeze is nice, and you four are rare masters. I’m ready to talk.”