Chapter 370

Chapter 370
## Chapter 370. The Fluctuating Currents (2)

—

“……And so, we are currently scheduling to grant Jin So-woon *Hag-gwan-saeng* a detached private quarters this time around.”

It was bizarre.

No, a truly surreal phenomenon was taking place.

“Should there be any other requirements you have, please feel free to inform us at your earliest convenience.”

The scholar standing directly in front of me introduced his role as the head of personnel for the Black Martial Pavilion.

To speak plainly, however, I could not comprehend a single word that came out of his mouth after that introduction.

“So……. are you implying that such perks are readily available if I choose to submit an application to the Black Martial Pavilion?”

“That is precisely correct!”

The scholar clapped his hands together enthusiastically to validate his point, showing great excitement, but I remained entirely unmoved.

This reaction was due to the fact that I still failed to grasp why a circumstance like this was unfolding in the first place.

“Hmm…… hasn’t the registration window for academy students already reached its deadline?”

“Ah! A revised announcement will be distributed by the Talent Hall very shortly. They indicated they will take second and even third preferences for the purpose of balancing departmental numbers.”

“……For what reason?”

The Talent Hall of the Murim Alliance was never known to be such an accommodating administrative body.

It was an office notorious for being more rigid than any other regarding staffing matters and for offering absolutely no flexibility…….

Yet, an office like that was now willingly entertaining second and third choices?

“Well…… how might I explain it? Should we say it is to ensure the frictionless distribution of personnel across every individual department within the Murim Alliance……?”

It appeared that the scholar standing before me was just as clueless about the underlying reality of the situation as I was.

He bore the expression of someone who didn’t fully comprehend the words slipping from his own tongue.

Was this person not accustomed to seeing endless queues of candidates begging for a mere chance to enter the Black Martial Pavilion?

For a figure of that stature to personally seek out an academy student to pitch perks and benefits was nothing short of bizarre.

“Hmm…… I understand. For the time being, I shall deliberate on it.”

In order to make sense of this unprecedented anomaly, I sent the representative from the Black Martial Pavilion on his way, and immediately afterward, an attendant informed me that yet another visitor had arrived.

“They indicate that the personnel manager from the Red Dragon Pavilion has arrived.”

“What?”

From where did they say they hailed?

As if they had been rushing around frantically to get here, droplets of perspiration were beadily forming across the forehead of the personnel official who walked into the room, despite the lingering chill of the winter breeze outside.

“It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am the head of personnel for the Red Dragon Pavilion…….”

“Yes, I have already been informed. That the Talent Hall is once again opening up submissions for second and third preferences.”

“Ah…… has a predecessor already paid a visit before my arrival?”

“An individual representing the Black Martial Pavilion departed just moments ago.”

“Ha! That underhanded scoundrel…… ah, pray forgive my language. In any case, that means our discussion can proceed swiftly. If Jin So-woon *Hag-gwan-saeng* decides to join our Red Dragon Pavilion…….”

“Before we proceed, might I inquire about one matter?”

“Ah! Please ask whatever you wish. I shall gladly provide answers regarding the exclusive perks of the Red Dragon Pavilion, or the allocation of rest days and overnight leaves.”

I questioned the Red Dragon Pavilion’s personnel manager, whose complexion had finally regained some warmth, with absolute sincerity.

“What in the world is actually taking place right now?”

“Pardon me?”

“Under normal circumstances, shouldn’t the Red Dragon Pavilion or the Blue Dragon Pavilion be inundated with candidates, requiring an intensive screening phase?”

“……Haha. Well, that, yes, that is indeed the case.”

“And yet, I fail to see why individuals holding prestigious titles as personnel managers are actively making rounds to solicit academy students in this manner.”

Was it due to the elevated temperature within the living space?

The scholar once more began to sweat profusely, a slick film covering his brow.

“Ahem……! In truth, it is because the Red Dragon Pavilion spares no resources when it comes to securing the absolute finest talent. Naturally, our halls are currently a chaotic madhouse due to the sheer volume of academy students who applied, but, well, um…… let us just say we wish to harvest an even greater concentration of elite individuals?”

“…….”

“And among that number, Jin So-woon *Hag-gwan-saeng*, who served as the Academy Representative, stands as our absolute highest recruitment target.”

Despite his smooth explanations, the reality remained entirely incomprehensible.

The reason being.

“……Don’t the affiliates of the White Way Association historically transition into the Red Dragon Pavilion in massive quantities?”

The personnel official instantly began to show signs of distress, as though a hidden vulnerability had been exposed.

“Th-that is merely a matter of ancient history now. A significant amount of time has passed since any form of bias based on one’s origin sect was abolished.”

“…….”

“I-it is the absolute truth……? Haha…….”

I could not fathom why the image of him dabbing away his perspiration while stammering those sentences felt so incredibly deceptive.

At any rate, it didn’t appear that any enlightening revelation would come to light even if I pushed the matter further.

I courteously indicated that it was time for his departure.

“I see. I shall give it some thought.”

“Oh! In that case, will you be submitting an application?”

“I stated that I will think it over.”

“Ah…… that presents a bit of a predicament…….”

What exactly was the predicament?

Right at that moment, the distinct sound of knocking resonated from the entryway.

Directly following that, the muffled voice of a worker asserting, ‘You are forbidden from entering,’ could be heard, but…….

A moment later, the door swung open forcefully, and a different scholar strode into the room.

“You…… you base creature……!”

The newcomer fixed his gaze upon the Red Dragon Pavilion scholar with an intensity bordering on murderous, as if he had caught a traitor red-handed.

“You conniving worm……! How! How could you pull such a stunt!”

The Red Dragon Pavilion scholar, caught completely off guard by the sudden hostility, was unable to mask his utter panic.

“I-I deeply apologize. I was left with no alternative either. Are you not well aware of our Grand Hall Master’s temperament…… he declared that if I failed to secure Young Master Jin, he would permanently strip me of my right to hold a scholar’s brush!”

“Be that as it may! How can a respectable gentleman utter two opposing truths with a single mouth and abandon a solemn pledge so callously!”

Observing the intense dispute unfolding between the two individuals, a thought crossed my mind.

I couldn’t make heads or tails of the situation.

I simply wished they would both clear out immediately.

Why on earth were they causing such a frantic scene in this place?

“To you as well?”

In response to my inquiry, Geum-pyo’s expression crumpled like a discarded piece of parchment.

“Why do you look so shocked? Is it forbidden for me to receive an invitation from the Red Dragon Pavilion?”

Ah…… I must have failed to control my facial expressions properly.

I moved quickly to remedy the awkward moment.

“Ah, no…… that wasn’t my meaning…… right! I was merely taken aback that the Blue Dragon Pavilion didn’t dispatch an envoy. Shouldn’t the Blue Dragon Pavilion be recruiting someone of your caliber…….”

“Save your breath. There is no need to formulate false explanations.”

Sigh…… witnessing the insolence of my *Saje*s which seemed to expand with each passing day, it appeared I had been far too lenient, possessing a heart as vast as the open ocean of late…….

“At any rate, both Eun-ho and Dong-ryong had audiences with personnel representatives. Ah, as for Eun-ho, a figure claiming to be the actual Department Head of the Mantong-bu made a personal appearance.”

“……What on earth is truly transpiring?”

Eun-ho had previously voiced his desire to enlist in the Mantong-bu to me.

Because the notion was so preposterous, I had practically desperately gripped his robes to dissuade him, yet.

[I intend to…… become incredibly legendary.]

The resolve of Eun-ho, who uttered such utterly foolish phrases, remained unshakeable.

I couldn’t fathom why he was so determined to plunge into that meat grinder.

Still, since the agents of the Mantong-bu would inevitably deploy to the frontlines once the hostilities commenced, and seeing as I required an individual to serve as a tactician for the White Wolf Pavilion, I had readily given him my blessing to pursue it.

However, owing to the fact that the entry trial was notoriously agonizing, the initial strategy was for him to remain within the White Wolf Pavilion for the interim and attempt the Mantong-bu examination at a later date.

“They indicated that the Mantong-bu intends to administer an evaluation specifically timed with the graduation of this current academy class. It is transparently an effort to harvest a select few from the student body.”

Observing these assessments being organized as if they had merely been biding their time, I found myself entirely incapable of tracking how the gears of this world were turning.

“Then what is the status of the remaining academy students?”

“The rest of the academy students are likely engaged in private consultations with various personnel officers at this exact moment.”

“An occurrence of this nature has never transpired before in history…….”

Precisely at that instant, Geum-pyo struck his open palm with a closed fist, as if a sudden recollection had dawned upon him.

“Ah! Furthermore, around the residential quarters, the senior members and prominent elders of various clans have arrived and are severely reprimanding the academy students under their jurisdiction.”

“For what reason?”

“Because the academy students filed their applications entirely according to their own whims.”

“What do you mean, according to their own whims…….”

Conventionally, upon completing one’s tenure at the Academy, an individual would naturally gravitate toward an organization where the leverage of their seniors or their respective sect held significant weight.

Treading the smooth path established by one’s predecessors offered the swiftest and most guaranteed trajectory for advancement.

Yet they were facing reprimands for applying according to their own desires? What could possibly…….

“Where exactly did they submit their choices?”

“The White Wolf Pavilion.”

I nearly sprayed out the tea currently resting in my mouth.

What sort of ridiculous fairy tale was this?

Why would academy students willingly choose the White Wolf Pavilion? That is a destination reserved exclusively for those who bomb every single preferred option…….

“Were you truly oblivious? This entire chaotic landscape stems directly from your actions, *Sahyung*.”

“…….”

Had I unknowingly brandished a blade against the throats of the student body and coerced them?

To enlist in the White Wolf Pavilion?

“What did you just utter?”

“……Did you honestly not realize? Because *Sahyung* unyielding pledged yourself to the White Wolf Pavilion, the remaining academy students began submitting their paperwork for the White Wolf Pavilion in rapid succession as well.”

“No, I mean, for what earthly reason?!”

“Because our *Dae-sahyung* is proceeding there.”

“This impudent wretch…… why has his manner of speaking been so deeply flawed for a while now?”

The moment I cocked my fist back, Geum-pyo flinched noticeably and retreated a couple of inches.

“Ahem, it is not quite like that, *Sahyung*.”

“Articulate your thoughts rationally before you taste my fist. What exactly took place?”

Geum-pyo, whose lips were twitching nervously, shifted his eyes about as if meticulously filtering his vocabulary, before finally offering a cautious explanation.

“In all likelihood, the academy students who were deeply affected by the spectacle of the *Sahyung* they hold in such high esteem, submitted their names to the White Wolf Pavilion solely to remain by *Sahyung*’s side—that is the nature of the conclusion I have reached.”

I demanded that he speak rationally, yet he persisted in spouting absurdities.

“Regardless, as a direct consequence, the candidate pools for the remaining departments have been rendered entirely barren, and conversely, the White Wolf Pavilion finds itself in a position where they must turn away prospective recruits for the absolute first time since their inception. That is the precise reason the Talent Hall initiated the call for second and third preferences.”

包装“…….”

While I had anticipated to a certain degree that my path forward would shift dramatically by taking such bold strides.

To think I would find myself locked in a rivalry with fellow academy students over a mere officer slot within the White Wolf Pavilion.

Even so, I remain the top graduate. Surely they wouldn’t have the audacity to reject me on paper?

There is no way, surely…….

As I sat there agonizing over this highly unanticipated turn of events, Geum-pyo inquired with a tone of caution.

“*Sahyung*, is there an absolute necessity for you to enter the White Wolf Pavilion?”

“Hmm?”

“To be perfectly frank, though I received an invitation from the Red Dragon Pavilion, I lack the inner fortitude to survive in that environment. I believe it is far wiser to journey to the White Wolf Pavilion and establish oneself swiftly, precisely as *Sahyung* indicated.”

Within the depths of Geum-pyo’s eyes, a particular yearning was transparently visible.

“But does that not present a different scenario for *Sahyung*? Even if you declined the Dragon and Phoenix Association…… could you not secure entry into the Blue Dragon Pavilion or the Red Dragon Pavilion as easily as you pleased? If your concern stems from the disciples of the Tae-eul Sect who will arrive in the future, Sa-ryeon and I possess more than enough capability to shield them.”

“…….”

“Could it be…… are you attempting to immolate your own future for our sake once again? Do you remain perpetually anxious regarding our well-being?”

It appeared that Geum-pyo was caught in the throes of a massive delusion.

“Or, do you harbor an alternative objective that demands your absolute enlistment?”

“…….”

Precisely as he articulated, it would make little difference if I transferred to the White Wolf Pavilion after spending time elsewhere.

Just as Seong Mo-ran had detailed, even if I gained entry after thoroughly enjoying myself while traversing the land of Kangho alongside the Dragon and Phoenix Association, I would likely still be eligible to command at least the rank of the Sojjeong-dae Commander.

However.

“I must absolutely gain entry to the White Wolf Pavilion.”

If I enter ‘now,’ I will serve as the immediate superior to those wretched bastards within the Sojjeong-dae leading up to the outbreak of the war.

That is the sole reason I must proceed.

“Irrespective of the obstacles, I must gain entry ‘now.’”

Because.

I must establish myself ‘now’ so that I can drive those miserable fools to the absolute brink of exhaustion before the conflict begins.

And that involves exacting every single ounce of retribution for the suffering I endured at their hands during my prior existence.

“Therefore, do not breathe another word on this matter.”

I can under no circumstances allow this opportunity to slip through my fingers.

The specific outcome I had been dreading ultimately materialised.

“……What on earth could this possibly be…….”

Eun-ho, who was observing the scene from adjacent to me, released a heavy sigh as though the predicament I had fallen into was utterly ludicrous.

“It appears…… there resides an individual within the White Wolf Pavilion who possesses a rare eye for discerning true potential.”

Did I perhaps mishear his words? Regardless, that was hardly the pressing issue at this particular juncture.

“……Do you believe…… do you truly believe this logical path holds any validity?”

I thrust forward the document of application that had been unceremoniously returned to me.

“Hmm…… when all is said and done, does the ultimate determination not rest entirely with their faction?”

That was undeniable.

The application I had dispatched to the White Wolf Pavilion had found its way back into my hands.

Accompanied by a written notice stating their inability to accommodate me.

“I stand as the apex graduate of the Murim Academy! The top scholar retains the absolute privilege to enlist in the specific sector they desire!!”

“……That statement is accurate.”

“What??? On account of their numbers reaching maximum capacity, they are unable to receive further personnel? In that scenario, they ought to purge the individuals whose academic marks fall short; why are they slicing from the absolute pinnacle of the roster? Is that not the correct logic?!”

“That statement is accurate.”

I surged to my feet abruptly, driven by the sheer absurdity of the current state of affairs.

I, Jin So-woon, could not simply sit idly by and witness such an irrational manifestation of injustice.

“Do not attempt to obstruct my path.”

“I have no intention of obstructing you.”

Huh?

“I am heavily occupied because I must commence preparations for my own evaluation at this moment.”

“……Is that so?”

Leaving behind an Eun-ho who somehow felt oddly detached and distant, I marched directly toward the headquarters of the White Wolf Pavilion.

Then, the moment I arrived on site, I demanded to see the head of personnel.

“What? Who?”

“I have arrived to conduct an audience with the personnel manager.”

“……We maintain no such position here.”

“You do not possess one?”

“Our Pavilion Master oversees the entirety of those matters. If you truly harbor a desire to speak with them, go seek out the Pavilion Master himself.”

“…….”

What sort of system was this? In my prior existence, it certainly wasn’t such an unorganized administrative framework.

Under standard conditions, it is an exceedingly arduous task to secure a direct meeting with the chief of a major department.

Yet, the martial artist standing before me, who presumably operated under the banner of the White Wolf Pavilion, casually indicated the direction of the private workspace as though the Pavilion Master were merely some ordinary, middle-aged neighbor.

“……Am I truly permitted to just walk in?”

“Why on earth would it be an issue? That old bastard tags along to our tavern gatherings every single evening as well.”

Upon absorbing those details, there was no longer any justification for hesitation.

I strode directly toward the private office of the White Wolf Pavilion Master.

As anticipated, not a single soul materialized to impede my progress along the corridor leading to the workspace, and despite the season being dead winter, the entrance leading into the White Wolf Pavilion office was flung completely wide.

And situated within that room.

“Hwaaa-am…….”

A man was yawning with utter laziness, his feet resting squarely atop the surface of the desk.

He caught sight of my figure and raised a question.

“Do you happen to have any spirits on your person?”

To demand alcohol from an individual he was encountering for the very first time, and who had arrived at his own professional office.

Was this character genuinely the Pavilion Master?

“How could I possibly be carrying such a thing?”

“If you are empty-handed, then you are empty-handed; why must you respond with such hostility and throw a tantrum?”

The man scratched at his spine roughly, then peered down into the depths of several discarded containers before uttering.

“Did the Yangga-ru dispatch you hither? Or was it the Cheongbin-ru that sent you?”

Both establishments were drinking dens renowned for their bottom-tier pricing in the vicinity of Wuhan; had he managed to accumulate debts in those establishments as well?

“It is neither of those choices. ……Are you truly the Pavilion Master?”

When I posed the question with an edge of caution, a thoroughly abrasive reply came back.

“Can you not discern that simple fact merely by looking at me?”

I could not discern it in the slightest.

Since his overall demeanor felt as though it would generate nothing but mounting irritation the longer our dialogue persisted, I transitioned to the primary issue without delay.

“I have journeyed here from the Murim Academy.”

“Murim Academy? I tell you, I cannot comprehend what on earth has possessed that institution of late. Have they collectively lost their sanity as a single unit? They are claiming they wish to enlist down here?”

“…….”

“Why are you here? Are you filled with regret? Retracting a returned application is strictly forbidden. I transferred the entire stack over to the Talent Hall because dealing with it was an absolute chore.”

Had this individual, who found even the basic sorting of paperwork to be an absolute chore, explicitly singled out my personal application to reject and return it?

Faced with a denial for which I could discern no rational motive, a spark of indignation began to flare up within my chest.

“I did not make this journey for that purpose.”

“Then for what?”

“I have returned to resubmit my paperwork because you sent the application back to me.”

“Return? ……Are you that Black Flame Dragon?”

“My name is…… Jin So-woon.”

The man unleashed a cavernous yawn and subsequently gestured with his head in recognition.

“Right, the rising talent of the Black Way, the Black Flame Dragon.”

Had the man finally located a container still holding a remnant of alcohol? His facial features illuminated with satisfaction as he upturned the vessel.

“I am truly sorry, but I cannot grant you entry.”

“……If the issue pertains to academic merit, my marks should be far more than satisfactory…….”

“Academic marks are not the source of the complication.”

The man, effectively severing my train of speech, callously wiped away the stray droplets of alcohol that had trickled down past his lips.

Then.

“You.”

He fixed his gaze upon me with eyes laced with crimson veins.

What exactly was this? In the archives of my recollection, the succeeding Master of the White Wolf Pavilion was never this much of a complete disaster…….

“Kuuu……! It is thoroughly exasperating. There are far too many factions attempting to claim ownership of you.”

“…….”

He dismissed me with a wave of his hand as though all relevant matters had concluded.

“I harbor an absolute hatred for tedious complications. Therefore, return from whence you came. I have no intention of accepting you into our ranks.”

……Is this individual completely out of his mind?