A tremor ran through the ranks of the Rootless Squad prostrated behind Bu Eunseol.
For Bu Eunseol, a mere successor candidate, to request the position of an official Captain of the Demonic Palace was audacious. To imply that the Rootless Squad—a gathering of castaways—be recognized as an official combat squad was nothing short of revolutionary.
“…”
The Divine Demonic Emperor, gazing down from his high seat, turned his head and offered a slight nod to Yeop Hyo-cheon. Immediately, Jin Seol and the handmaidens flanking the Grand Commander slowly descended from the platform, bearing a box.
Jin Seol approached Bu Eunseol and lifted the lid.
Click.
Inside, nestled in red silk, lay a command token glittering with five colors. Carved into its center were two characters: Deathly Shadow.
A chill settled in Bu Eunseol’s chest.
No matter how miraculous the Divine Demonic Emperor’s power, he could not have forged such a token in the blink of an eye. This meant the Emperor had predicted that Bu Eunseol would succeed in his mission and subsequently demand official status for his subordinates.
It must be one of two things, Bu Eunseol reasoned.
Either the Divine Demonic Emperor possessed the foresight to fathom every ripple of the future, or there was a shadow reporting Bu Eunseol’s every movement in the Gangho to the Palace.
It does not matter.
Bu Eunseol banished the thought. Now was not the time for suspicion.
He could feel the intense heat radiating from the squad members behind him. He had to accept the aspirations of the Deathly Shadow Squad with both hands.
Looking down at the young man, the Divine Demonic Emperor spoke, his voice low and resonant. “I heard you exterminated the Streaked Demonic Sect secretly and quietly.”
The Rootless Squad had dismantled the elites of the Streaked Demonic Sect in an instant, all while keeping their identities shrouded in darkness. Consequently, rumors had circulated in the martial world that the Demonic Palace had dispatched “shadows that bring death secretly.”
As that reputation spread, the Divine Demonic Emperor had bestowed the name upon them.
“Disciple of Wolf Fang Pavilion, Bu Eunseol.”
The Emperor’s gaze was calm but heavy as a mountain.
“For the merit of dealing with the Streaked Demonic Sect, I appoint you as the Captain of the Deathly Shadow Squad, a Third-Grade Combat Squad of this Palace.”
Sneers touched the lips of the Captains standing in attendance within the great hall.
As expected, a Third-Grade Combat Squad.
The military structure of the Demonic Palace was strictly hierarchical. First-Grade units answered only to their direct superiors and possessed autonomy in their operations. Second-Grade units held a voice and some discretion regarding mission execution. Third-Grade units, however, were tools to be used—they had to strictly obey and execute orders from above without question.
“However,” the Divine Demonic Emperor continued, silencing the silent ridicule in the room. “While performing missions related to the successor candidacy, I will allow you to perform independent missions at your discretion.”
Instantly, the eyes of the attending Captains widened.
Though named a Third-Grade Combat Squad, Bu Eunseol had effectively been granted the authority of a First-Grade unit.
- That greenhorn is going to perform independent missions?
- He said only for missions related to the candidacy.
- Ah, I see. If he fails to become the successor, he will be discarded like a hound after the hunt.
Ignoring the telepathic whispers weaving through the air, Bu Eunseol bowed his head.
“I receive your command.”
Respectfully, he accepted the token of his new authority.
***
A few days later, inside the Demonic Palace.
Forty martial artists marched toward the center of the complex, maintaining a formation so rigid it seemed measured by a ruler. The character Sever was embroidered on the backs of their uniforms, and at their waists hung swords and scabbards marked with a crimson line.
They were the members of the Life-Severing Squad.
Stomp, stomp.
Suddenly, a group of thirty approached from the opposite direction.
In stark contrast to the Life-Severing Squad, these men wore luxurious uniforms that flowed with radiance and carried a chaotic variety of weapons. Their gait was too free-spirited to belong to martial artists of the Demonic Palace; some were even chatting idly with their neighbors.
It was a sight unimaginable in the Demonic Palace, a place that idolized solemnity and discipline.
They were the Deathly Shadow Squad under Bu Eunseol’s command.
As long as you do not disrupt the chain of command, it does not matter what you do.
Upon entering the Palace, Bu Eunseol had given them a simple decree.
Your individuality is your weapon, and that will become my strength.
Bu Eunseol acknowledged their unique natures even after their elevation to official status. He understood that the Deathly Shadow Squad exerted its greatest power in a free atmosphere. Perhaps it seemed a trivial order, yet they followed it faithfully, treating it as a supreme command.
They had become loyal subordinates who executed Bu Eunseol’s will with absolute devotion.
“Ridiculous bastards.”
Watching them amble like a street gang, the Life-Severing Squad Captain, Gok Jin-dong, muttered in a low voice. “Just because you got lucky and became official members, you walk around dressed up like peacocks.”
The members of the Deathly Shadow Squad possessed not only deep internal energy but also keen hearing. There was no way they missed Gok Jin-dong’s insult.
“Why, who is this? Isn’t it the Life-Severing Squad Captain?”
“What?”
When Won Se-mun, walking crookedly at the front, waved his hands playfully, Gok Jin-dong glared.
“Are you insane?”
“You?”
“How dare a mere squad member play jokes on a Squad Captain?”
Jo Nam-cheon, stepping up beside Won Se-mun, smirked. “It seems the Squad Captain dislikes even receiving greetings.”
“What did you say?”
“All Won Se-mun did was gather his hands and welcome the Squad Captain, didn’t he?”
“With that face grinning like an idiot?”
“Then what? Should he smile welcomingly? Or are you telling him to cry while greeting you?”
“Hmph.”
Gok Jin-dong, momentarily lost for words, smiled insidiously. “Your arrogance will only last for now.”
“What do you mean?”
“Although he was appointed as an official Squad Captain, in reality, is he not still merely a successor candidate? If your Captain falls from the candidacy… you will all become yesterday’s cold leftovers again. Hehehe.”
Though Bu Eunseol was an official Captain, he had obtained the rank strictly through his status as a candidate. It was a position secured by bypassing the organizational system through the Divine Demonic Emperor’s favor. Had the Emperor not limited his independent authority solely to candidacy missions?
If Bu Eunseol failed? The Deathly Shadow Squad would be cast aside.
“You worry about everything.”
Wi Cheon-gyeong, his bangs obscuring his eyes, brushed past Gok Jin-dong. “Even if our Squad Captain does not become the successor of this Palace, he is the orthodox successor of the Ten Demonic Sects. It is you, Squad Captain Gok, who should be worrying about preserving your own position.”
“Preserving? This worthless Rootless Squad bastard…”
“We are not the Rootless Squad. We are the Deathly Shadow Squad, Squad Captain Gok.”
Yellow lightning flashed in Wi Cheon-gyeong’s eyes through the curtain of his hair.
“You couldn’t possibly have missed our Squad Captain receiving the command token a few days ago. Or are you rejecting the name bestowed by the Divine Demonic Emperor himself?”
At those words, Gok Jin-dong turned ashen. He hurriedly shook his head. “No, I absolutely did not mean that.”
To ignore a name bestowed by the Emperor was to court death. If word reached the Judiciary Hall, he could be punished for the crime of disrespect.
“What I said just now was a mistake. Forget it.”
As Gok Jin-dong wiped a cold sweat from his brow and waved his hand dismissively, Jo Nam-cheon smiled and respectfully gathered his hands.
“Squad Captain, you should also pay a little more attention to watching your own back from now on.”
With a smirk, he turned away, and the other members giggled as they followed.
Hehehe!
Smiles rippled across the faces of the Deathly Shadow Squad.
To think we could land a blow on that damn Life-Severing Squad Captain.
People really do need to succeed first to see results!
We’ve hit the jackpot. Serving a nobleman like the Squad Captain changes everything.
They had always been the despised ones. To think that the Life-Severing Squad Captain, usually a thorn in their side, couldn’t even throw a fit after being humiliated?
Bwahahaha!
For the first time, they were fully enjoying their elevated status.
***
There were numerous combat squads in the Demonic Palace, but their status and treatment varied wildly.
The members of the Three Great Combat Squads—the Heavenly Assassination Squad, Dark Heavens Squad, and Soul Extinguishing Squad—were the elite of the elite. They were assigned private quarters and servants responsible for their meals. In contrast, lower-ranking units were relegated to common dormitories and the communal dining hall.
From that perspective, the Deathly Shadow Squad was receiving exceptional treatment.
They were provided with a standalone dormitory building exclusively for their use. In front of it lay a dedicated training ground, and a small private office had been installed for Bu Eunseol.
“One truly must stand in the right line.”
Jo Nam-cheon, watching workers carefully replace the signboard, shook his head in admiration. “Since the Divine Demonic Emperor appointed him directly, this kind of treatment is possible.”
Wi Cheon-gyeong stood next to him, thoughtful. “But it’s strange. Usually, when a new squad is created, they build a new building. Why did they give us the one the Demonic Shadow Squad used?”
Jo Nam-cheon stroked his chin. “Isn’t the Squad Captain going to become the successor of the Demonic Palace anyway? When that time comes, our status will change again, so they probably mean for us to use it temporarily.”
Wi Cheon-gyeong smiled instead of answering.
He believed it too. If it was Bu Eunseol, he would surely become the successor. And they, too, would spread their wings and fly even higher.
Won Se-mun, who was supervising the blade training in the yard, scoffed. “Hmph, why don’t you just sing a song praising the Squad Captain?”
“Actually, the Life-Severing Squad Captain wasn’t wrong.”
“What do you mean?”
When Jo Nam-cheon asked, Won Se-mun frowned. “What if the Squad Captain falls from the successor candidacy? Do you think he’ll remain as a Squad Captain of the Demonic Palace? Of course he’ll return to the Wolf Fang Pavilion.”
Jo Nam-cheon’s face darkened.
Although titled a Squad Captain, Bu Eunseol was the orthodox successor of the Wolf Fang Pavilion. If he failed here, there was no reason for him to remain in the Demonic Palace.
“Won Se-mun. You still haven’t abandoned that rebellious temperament.”
Just as Wi Cheon-gyeong sighed—
Creak.
The door to the office opened. Bu Eunseol and Hyeok So-jin stepped out.
As Jo Nam-cheon and Wi Cheon-gyeong gathered their hands to pay respects, Won Se-mun blurred into motion.
“Squad Captain! You are here.”
Before they knew it, Won Se-mun had scurried in front of Bu Eunseol, bowing deeply. “I have passed down all the blade techniques to the members and even finished the stance training.”
“You worked hard.”
When Bu Eunseol nodded, Won Se-mun vigorously rubbed his hands together. “Hard work? Isn’t this all so that our Squad Captain and I can do well? Hahaha!”
That crazy bastard…
Watching him, Jo Nam-cheon and Wi Cheon-gyeong’s eyes narrowed. He was criticizing Bu Eunseol’s uncertain future just a moment ago, and now he was bowing and scraping as if he would wash the man’s feet.
“Team Leader. Your words are different. Earlier, about the Squad Captain being a successor candidate…”
Han So-woong, wearing a dissatisfied expression, opened his mouth to object.
“Shut up!”
Won Se-mun stretched Han So-woong’s chubby cheeks left and right with agile hands. “The Squad Captain has big things ahead of him. Do not make him uncomfortable with useless words!”
“…”
At his shameless attitude, the faces of the First Team Leaders and the general members alike turned flat.
Thump, thump.
A martial artist in a black uniform slowly approached Bu Eunseol and gathered his hands.
“Wi Chung, martial artist of the Solitary Brightness Pavilion, greets the Squad Captain.”
“What is it?”
“A message that all successor candidates have gathered. Squad Captain Bu must also enter the Solitary Brightness Pavilion.”
“Understood.”
Nodding, Bu Eunseol withdrew a manual from his robes and held it out to Won Se-mun.
“What is this?”
“They are the Demonic Arts supreme techniques of the Heaven-Severing, Earth-Destroying. The First Team members must step forward at the very front during battle.”
“You wrote another martial arts manual?”
When Won Se-mun smiled broadly, Bu Eunseol’s voice turned cold. “No need to be happy. Those who fail to achieve three stars or more in this martial art within a month will not be able to become Deathly Shadow Squad members.”
Instantly, the expressions of the First Team members, who had been looking at Bu Eunseol with relaxed postures, hardened.
If you fail to master this martial art to three stars or more within a month, I will strip you of your status.
That was the ultimatum.
“I am going to the Solitary Brightness Pavilion, so train hard from now on.”
Bu Eunseol followed the messenger out of the compound, Hyeok So-jin trailing behind.
A silence like death descended upon the yard. The eyes of the members, recently full of laughter, burned hot again.
Bu Eunseol had not only given the Deathly Shadow Squad sweet benefits. He had made it clear that only those who constantly strove without settling for reality could remain.
Those who devoted themselves constantly—only such people could stay by Bu Eunseol’s side.
***
Thump, thump.
Bu Eunseol and Hyeok So-jin followed the guide past the pavilions toward the deep recesses of the Demonic Palace.
Successor candidates of the Demonic Palace are to come to the main palace by the Mid-Autumn Festival.
A while ago, the order of Yeop Hyo-cheon, the Grand Commander known as the ‘Darkness King’ among the Four Gods and Seven Kings, had been issued. To execute that strict order, the successor candidates of the Ten Demonic Sects had all gathered in one place.
“Brother Bu. Did you hear the story?” Hyeok So-jin, walking side by side, spoke in a low voice. “I heard that the successors of the White Demon Monastery, Infernal Blood Fortress, and Evil Spirit Sect were excluded from the candidacy this time.”
It was not particularly surprising.
Those three sects had all attacked Bu Eunseol and uniformly tasted bitter defeat. Their plans to suppress him with numbers had been frustrated one after another. Perhaps the Demonic Palace viewed such failure as a lack of qualification and purged them from the list.
“I see.”
As Bu Eunseol nodded and moved his feet, a pavilion shaped like a half-moon slowly revealed itself.
Solitary Brightness Pavilion.
It was the place where he first met the Grand Commander and received the order to deal with the Masters of Great Righteousness. Now, he sought the Solitary Brightness Pavilion again as an official Captain of the Demonic Palace.
And in that place…
The Flower Rain Sword Sect. The Blood-Stained Blade Clan. The Extreme Assassination Pavilion. The Annihilating Seals Palace.
All the rival candidates who would compete with Bu Eunseol for the throne were waiting.