Chapter 340

Chapter 340
## Chapter 340. Life and Death (1)

—

The moment my speech concluded, the weeping ceased. Even so, there were plenty who still doubted the reality of what I shared.

“Survive…? In a mess like this?”

“There is no breaking away from the curse of the Spirit…”

It was baffling that some fool was still pointing fingers at the Spirit.

“Open your eyes and look. Do you honestly believe that the chaos unfolding around us is the result of a Spirit’s wrath?”

No matter how plain the facts are, people only perceive what aligns with their biases. In moments like this, you have to force them to question their own assumptions.

“An ambush with the clear malice of a Heaven and Earth Net. A calculated abduction. Fellow students returning completely brainwashed.”

“……”

“Are you saying a Spirit caused all of this? Is this Spirit some all-powerful Primordial Lord of Heaven (*Won-si-cheon-jon*)!”

“Th—then… who, who exactly is waging this war against us?”

The moment a direct inquiry was voiced—

“Does that matter?”

I jarred them awake.

“W—what?”

“Does it matter at this very second who wants us dead or what their motives are?”

What truly matters.

“…If that isn’t what matters.”

“The only thing that matters is that someone is actively trying to slaughter us, and we are dying exactly according to their script!”

Where their focus needs to be right now.

“We can uncover their identity and purpose after we manage to stay alive. What good does that information do if we end up as corpses?”

“……”

“The only thing occupying your mind right now should be survival.”

What they must contemplate, and what they must execute.

“Once we make it out, we can track down the culprits and exact our vengeance. Isn’t gathering in a mob to retaliate after taking a hit exactly what you people do best?”

“Tha—that is true…”

“If it clicks, stop wallowing on the ground and shedding tears; figure out a way to pull through. Aren’t you all supposed to be the elite disciples of renowned, prestigious sects!!!”

The countenances of the crowd, which had been pale and hollow with despair, suddenly flushed crimson.

“Take a look over there. Do you see any of the Tae-eul Sect disciples weeping? The ones you all look down on as third-rate? Can you genuinely claim to be disciples of top-tier sects while acting like this?”

When someone perceived as inferior accomplishes something remarkable, people usually diminish the achievement rather than respect the person.

“Now that I think about it, those Tae-eul Sect… guys never stopped swinging their blades…”

“Well, Jin-so-un is an anomaly to begin with, so he doesn’t count…”

“…The Geum, Eun, and Dong brothers and Hong-sa-ryeon aren’t even considered high-tier experts.”

Before long, a sense of capability sparks within them. They begin to question why they couldn’t replicate what those individuals managed to do. They rationalize that the challenge must not be that insurmountable after all. It is a petty, small-minded thought process, but in our current predicament, even such pettiness must be leveraged. Because we must survive. Staying alive takes precedence over everything else.

“Th—then what is our next move?”

Their next move?

“Why are you asking me?”

“…Eh?”

“You need to discover your own path to survival.”

“What kind of insane—”

I severed his sentence and focused ahead. I had commanded their focus sufficiently; it was time to deliver the core message.

“I intend to form a cohort and break through this perimeter.”

“Then what is the strategy for—”

“However! I will only permit those who truly wish to follow.”

“……”

The warmth drained from their gazes once more. I had inadvertently stirred up bitter memories for individuals who had just suffered a betrayal.

“Representative Jin. Are you planning to cast us aside as well!”

“Do you not hold the obligations of a representative…!”

“If you attempt to flee with only your inner circle, we will absolutely obstruct you.”

Those wretched bastards, they were just claiming I wasn’t their leader a moment ago. Human nature is truly a spectacle. Their mentality remains identical whether they are low-tier mercenaries or high-ranking executives of the Murim Alliance.

“I already stated my terms. I will guide whoever wants to come.”

“……”

“The identity of the person does not matter; I will take anyone. Even the severely wounded.”

“What sort of twisted logic is that? Who in this place doesn’t want to live…”

Once more, I blocked out his voice.

“However, there is a catch.”

“In a crisis like this, what could you possibly—”

“Absolute Obedience (*Sang-myeong-ha-bok*).”

“…!”
“…!”

The irritation that had been bubbling beneath the surface instantly boiled over.

“Are you attempting to assert authority over us right now!”

“How can you demand such things when our lives are on the line…!”

Just as they pointed out, it was hardly the conventional moment to claim power. Nor did I need to.

“Absolute Obedience. Under my leadership, your sects, lineages, and alliances mean absolutely nothing. Your sole duty is to move as soldiers under the command of the squad leaders I designate. That is my solitary requirement.”

“But if the entire camp chooses to join, does that condition even alter anything?”

“It alters everything. In a theater where our lives are on the line, I refuse to tolerate anyone playing political games between the Orthodox Society or the White Faction.”

“……”

“Make your decision. Do you ride with me? Or do you perish… wait, perhaps you would prefer to navigate this on your own with your grand reputations?”

Furthermore, I issued a stern caveat to those who might treat this oath loosely.

“The moment you commit, my directives become absolute law. If you disregard an order for any pretext during our escape, I will execute you on the spot. Do not make this choice lightly.”

Leaving those words hanging, I turned on my heel. To prepare for what was coming, there were immediate tasks that demanded my attention.

“Is this your grand strategy?”

Right then, Cheol-sun-jik, staring at me as if I had entirely lost my mind, stepped into my path to question me.

“Are you suggesting we just foster camaraderie and magically push through this together?”

“Are you treating this like a military simulation? Why grasp for unity now when we couldn’t even stand each other under normal circumstances?”

I casually stepped past him. I had no spare seconds to squander on a pointless debate. Cheol-sun-jik wavered for a split second before hastening to match my stride.

“Then what is your actual angle?”

“Do you truly wish to know? Are you committing to my unit?”

“……”

“If you have no intention of joining, go figure out an escape route with the rest of the 12 Peaks Stars children.”

“…What scale are we talking about for this unit? At least give me that much context…”

“With the numbers we have left, what else could it be but a ‘Dan’ (Unit)? Or would you prefer I label it a ‘Gak’ (Palace) on paper just to soothe your ego?”

The man suddenly halted in his tracks.

“…Representative Jin, you just said this wasn’t the time to simulate a war.”

“Correct. So return to me when your resolve is absolute. I have countless arrangements to finalize—”

“I am in.”

“What?”

“The 12 Peaks Stars will place themselves under Representative Jin’s command.”

I brought myself to a stop alongside him.

“Are you authorized to make a sweeping declaration like that on your own?”

Cheol-sun-jik gave me a look that suggested my question was utterly ridiculous. Well, considering the circumstances, it worked out.

“Very well. You are designated as the **3rd Squad Leader (Sam-dae-ju)**.”

“…I was the very first to pledge allegiance, so why am I relegated to the 3rd Squad Leader?”

His demeanor made it clear he viewed a leadership position as his birthright. He truly is an aggravating fellow.

“The **1st Squad Leader (Il-dae-ju)** is going to be spearheading the vanguard right alongside me. If you want that position—”

“No. Three has always been my preferred number.”

“…Go brief your people, dismantle the shelters, and assemble everyone at the center of the camp.”

Regardless of his attitude, his mind operates with incredible swiftness. Sa-ryeon, who had quietly observed the entire interaction, spoke up with an anxious expression.

“What happens if they actually try to break out on their own? If they just abandon the wounded…”

“Rest easy, that scenario won’t play out.”

“How can you be so certain?”

I raised my gaze to look across the grounds. Amidst the frantic scramble, one particular area was drawing a crowd.

“Two of the academy’s premier powerhouses are anchoring a single squad. What could the rest possibly accomplish on their own?”

“…Is Priest Il-gak aligning with us?”

“Seeing as he is our 1st Squad Leader.”

“The Shaolin Temple acts as the de facto spearhead of the Orthodox Society…! There is no universe where Priest Il-gak would simply cast aside the Orthodox Society…”

Even if he entertained the notion, I couldn’t allow it. Why else would I have forced them into making a choice? It was precisely because of their ingrained habit of clustering together during a crisis. For that reason, Il-gak had to serve as a squad leader in my force. Without a figure to serve as a mental and physical anchor, how could any cohesion be forged? Especially among those who were weeping and declaring their doom just moments prior.

“1st Squad Leader!”

I shouted for Il-gak, who was already struggling while being hemmed in by members of the Orthodox Society.

“Let’s map out the structural layout of the unit!”

The nearby Orthodox Society members glared in shock. I am simply summoning my own squad leader; what exactly do they hope to achieve by staring daggers at me?

“1st Squad Leader, time is slipping away!”

“……”

“Priest Il-gak! What nonsense is this? It is only proper that the Shaolin Temple remains by our side!”

“1st Squad Leader!!!”

He wouldn’t find it simple to turn his back on the Shaolin Temple merely because of his status within the representative circle. The Shaolin Temple and the Orthodox Society held immense significance for one another.

“Nothing has been set in stone yet. We must deliberate on this matter methodically—”

“Priest Il-gak. Is it your intention to desert us?”

Il-gak pulled himself away from the frantic Orthodox Society members clutching at his robes and closed the distance between us.

“Jin Si-ju, what game are you playing? Did you not fully anticipate that the Orthodox Society members would push back?”

“So, are you stating you decline the position of 1st Squad Leader?”

“…There is a massive contingent of Shaolin monks and secular disciples present. I cannot simply take action while disregarding their collective stance.”

“I see… that’s your position.”

In an instant, a flicker of uncertainty passed through Il-gak’s eyes.

“What exactly is your scheme?”

This fellow talks to me as if I were some low-life con artist.

“Me? A scheme?”

“Jin Si-ju, you are well aware that the current environment does not allow them to easily bow to your unilateral commands. The foundation of the Orthodox Society has always been built upon ‘mutual consultation.’”

I am well aware of that. However, we do not possess the luxury of time required for such elegant protocols right now.

“…At the very least, reveal what you are plotting.”

“No need, you just expressed your desire to maneuver alongside the Orthodox Society. If that’s the case, so be it. I shall proceed on my own path.”

“Jin Si-ju!!!”

“But answer me this. What is your plan for the crippled and those left in the dust?”

Il-gak’s eyes widened sharply.

“The people that Mu-dang and Gong-dong cast aside… do you honestly possess the capacity to carry them all? What about the remnants of the Ak and Je-gal Families?”

“……”

“I am well aware of the camaraderie within the Orthodox Society. But when the walls close in, won’t the urge to leave them behind take over? When your own survival hangs in the balance, won’t you abandon them to save yourself?”

“We would never—”

“That right there.”

I locked eyes with his unyielding gaze.

“Can you absolutely promise that you can guide every single soul through ‘mutual consultation’?”

Il-gak’s features turned rigid. He, too, was entirely acquainted with the darker shades of human nature.

“Absolute command. Do you honestly believe I demanded that for my own amusement?”

No, quite the opposite, it is a burden taken up for the protection of others and to preserve as many lives as possible.

“What can you realistically achieve in a dense wilderness where you can’t see a foot ahead, while directing a mob that has never once fought as a cohesive unit?”

I, too, felt the weight of dread. Absolute command is merely another phrase for absolute accountability.

“Furthermore, can individuals who prioritize their own self-preservation to a fault truly bring themselves to make even a minor sacrifice for someone else?”

“……”

“There will certainly be those who scoff at my decree to integrate the wounded. But you see, from my perspective.”

The most agonizing memory of my previous existence wasn’t being utilized as disposable fodder. It was the aftermath of being cast aside by them, wandering in total darkness without a path. Even though every fiber of my being screamed to survive, to crawl if I had to, I was crushed by the utter despair of having nowhere to turn.

“I want to at least offer those who are desperately fighting for breath a chance to struggle.”

If someone possesses a fierce, burning attachment to life, I want to present a lifeline they can desperately grasp. I view that as the ultimate retribution against those who left me to rot in my past life. For that reason, I refuse to back down. Even if their grievous wounds make them a liability in a skirmish. If they harbor the resolve to live, and if they place their absolute faith in my command. I will ensure they have a fighting chance to pull through.

I swung around to leave without a second thought. I wasn’t going to stand there demanding an immediate reply. And yet—

“…I will accept the role.”

Il-gak’s confirmation echoed behind me without delay. I turned back around once more. The horizon ahead appeared noticeably clearer.

“Excellent. 1st Squad Leader. Collect the fighters who intend to ride with us and assemble in the center. Leave behind anyone who wants to argue.”

“…Are we truly bringing the injured along?”

“Absolute Obedience! If they can adhere to that single rule, anyone is welcome.”

“Tell me truthfully… this isn’t some convoluted scheme—some hidden agenda—to utilize them as shields, is it?”

What kind of monster does this bald monk think I am?

“…How can someone harboring such malicious assumptions call themselves a holy man?”

“A—Amitabha. Then I shall go and deliberate with the rest.”

The moment Il-gak parted from me and returned to the Orthodox Society, a storm of objections erupted, and shortly after, a loud dispute broke out. They were undoubtedly throwing a tantrum over the absurdity of Il-gak suddenly submitting to my authority.

I redirected my focus. I was done wasting attention on the Orthodox Society; it was time to move. Was it because they witnessed Il-gak fall into line? The academy students who lacked any other leadership began drifting toward me one by one.

“Representative! Ca—can we join your unit as well?”

“Naturally. **Wi-rip-gun**. You are assigned to the **5th Squad**.”

“You—you actually recognize my name?”

I might not look the part, but I possess a flawless memory. I clapped the boy on his shoulder.

“Of course I do. Once the 5th Squad Leader is assigned, your only job is to follow their directives.”

“I—I understand.”

Leaving the stunned recruit behind, I kept moving through the camp.

“Pl—please include me too. My left arm is still functional…”

“**Yeo-juk-myeong** of the Seo-wol-mun. Isn’t your real lethality rooted in your throwing daggers anyway? You are assigned to the **7th Squad**.”

“How could you possibly know…”

Yeo-juk-myeong’s voice drifted off in sheer astonishment.

“Why? Did I get it wrong? That’s precisely what is documented in your academy files.”

“…You committed all of those details to memory?”

“Is there an issue with that?”

“No—no, it’s just profoundly remarkable…”

“Gather your gear and locate your squad leader. Moving forward, you address me as the Unit Commander.”

Yeo-juk-myeong, still wearing a stunned expression, let out a grin.

“Understood!”

Indeed, a rough laugh is infinitely preferable to a grim, sorrowful face. At the very least, while they can still crack a smile, their spirits won’t shatter. I surveyed the individuals who had coalesced around me before I had even realized it.

“Are you lot planning to sign up as well?”

**Du-so-gwang** of the Jong-nam Sect stood there alongside his inner circle of martial brothers. Had they concluded that moving swiftly was wise after watching Il-gak make his move?

“We come with a stipulation. Given that we have synchronized our martial forms since our days in Jong-nam—”

Without bothering to hear the rest of his pitch, I delivered a sharp kick directly to his shin.

“What is the meaning of this violence…!”

**Yang-su** glared at me with murderous intent while propping up Du-so-gwang, who had collapsed onto the dirt. I locked eyes with him for a brief second before delivering a sharp smack to the back of his head.

“Did my previous speech entirely bypass your brain? Are your ears plugged up with wax? Do I need to pierce another opening in your face?! Absolute Obedience! You arrogant brats!”

“……”

“Beat it. I have zero utility for individuals like you. Go ahead and test your luck surviving on your own with your precious pride.”

“How dare you insult the honor of Jong-nam…!”

In that instant, Du-so-gwang scrambled to his feet and desperately threw himself in front of his martial brothers to hold them back.

“Stop! We will abide by your conditions.”

“Your conditions?”

“I—I will follow the directives of the Unit Commander.”

Yes, that is the exact attitude required.

“Du-so-gwang, you are placed in the **7th Squad**. Yang-su, you report to the **8th Squad**. **Jang-gwang-bo**, you join the **3rd Squad**, and **Gwak-su-san**, you are designated as the **4th Squad Leader**.”

“Gwak-su-san is the youngest apprentice among us…”

“What did you just mumble? Speak up, I can’t hear you when you whisper like a coward.”

“No—it’s nothing.”

Yang-su dropped his gaze and silenced himself. Contemplating a clash against the Demonic Cult alongside these wet-behind-the-ears kids was already giving me a massive headache. Regardless, the rallying of forces was complete. Whether they would successfully navigate their way back to civilization or draw their final breaths in this dirt was entirely dependent on the choices they made next.