Seol-Hwi struggled with the decision. It wasnt a difficult situation, but it did involve her. His choice would change his relationship with Seo Ryeong.

Favor Should I wait a little longer? It seemed like intervening right this instant wouldnt help him much. His favorability wouldnt go up if he pretended not to see it, but hed get a display of Seo Ryeongs martial arts skills. Itd be helpful if they got a chance to team up for a mission in the future.

<You have selected Keep watching.>

The rest happened quickly.

The man named Kyu suddenly accelerated, rapidly closing the distance between himself and Seo Ryeong. She seemed to have expected this, but it looked like she was too lateshe didnt have time to draw her sword.

But then her hand waved, sending a throwing blade at the man. Kyu wasnt shabby enough to die from that, nor did it really slow him down.

However, Seol-Hwi wasnt worried.

That wasnt a simple throwing blade. It was a rope bladethe attached cord would allow Seo Ryeong to retrieve the blade, thus covering the disadvantages of a throwing weapon.

As expected, Seo Ryeong yanked the rope back, catching Kyu by surprise. He managed to spin around and slice the rope, but that bought Seo Ryeong the time she needed to draw her sword and moved to attack.

Intervene

Keep watching

Pretend to not see

[How would you like to increase favorability?]

Seol-Hwi considered the sudden pop-up.

Well, I need to watch for a little longer. From what hed seen so far, Seol-Hwi couldnt judge Kyus skills. And, since he couldnt see their level, it wasnt really a fight.

So he picked the same option as before.

<You have selected Keep watching.>

Swords clashedonce, twice. Surprisingly, Kyu was on the back foot, and Seo Ryeong was not about to stop. A faint green qi coated her sword, suggesting that she was about to use the Unified Light Demonic Martial Arts.

The Unified Light Demonic Martial Arts drew no distinction between high and low. It followed the opponents every move and gave no second chances. Any opening would be punished without allowing the opponent a chance to counter.

Looks good. Seol-Hwi was enjoying himself. Seo Ryeongs skills were a lot better than expected, especially because her swordsmanship style was different from what he expected.

It took a swordsman to understand swordsmanship.

Seol-Hwi couldnt help but wonder how strong he was now.

He wasnt quite sure how strong Seo Ryeong was, but she was fighting Kyu. Even as the least skilled of his four subordinates, Seol-Hwi was surprised to see that she had the upper hand. It didnt even look like she was giving it her all.

Agh! Kyus thighs were cut by Seo Ryeongs sharp blade and his form collapsed. Seo Ryeong kicked him over and scowled.

What are you trying to do? Shouldnt you people be a little stronger?

Ugh The man clutched his thigh and groaned but didnt reply.

No, that wasnt it.

Intervene

Keep watching

Pretend to not see

[How would you like to increase favorability?]

This time, the question made Seol-Hwi antsy. It was a strange situation.

What should I do? Whats happening?

He didnt know if Kyu was faking it or not. The leg wound would definitely maim himdid he have another plan, then? The man he called Kang was nowhere to be found.

4 3

Seol-Hwi thought about it a little more and decided.

Well, if theres a problem, itll ask me again.

<You have selected Keep watching.>

Whoa!

Ha! Kyu leaped at Seo Ryeong, somehow overcoming his crippled legs. She was battered on her neck, chest, and stomach by a flurry of blows and collapsed onto the ground.

And, just then, Seol-Hwi saw his skills.

Kyu Yeon [Private Guards 4th Member]

Health: 3.32 million

Internal Energy: 3.35 million

Combat Power: 2.24 million (+4% in melee)

Kang Seok [Private Guards 3rd Member]

Health: 2.1 million

Internal Energy: 2.3 million

Combat Power: 2.4 million

This is insane!

Seo Ryeong [Command Unit 4th Member]

Health: 360k

Internal Energy: 1.22 million

Combat Power: 1.12 million (+Speculation)

Her stats werent even half of theirs.

Seo Ryeong reeled back from the one-sided assault, but her opponent had a long reach. His strong form and clean movements made it clear that his skills were amazingand he obviously wasnt pulling his punches.

Why? Why isnt it showing up?! He couldnt afford to keep watchinghe couldnt watch the woman who smiled at him be ruined.

Unfortunately, the system did not oblige.

Ugh! In the end, Seo Ryeong was knocked over without a fight.

Im going to make it hurt. Of course your body is weak at your level. This time, Kyu used internal energy.

Agggh! Seo Ryeong could no longer resist. All she could do was clutch her chest. Ugh, how?

How can I move? Kyu sneered. Theres something called the Great Shift Method. It changed the location of your blood points. Were nothing like your unit.

Ah. Ugh Seo Ryeong managed to tamp down the pain and control her breathing. You You think the captain is going to ignore this?

Youre the one who hurt our men to begin with. Even the Hidden Truth captain wont intervene in these mattersunless I kill you.

Indeed, captains were not interested in inter-unit conflicts, short of a murder. That was why they could get away with this.

The command unit captain wont leave you alone.

Seol-Hwis heart shook. This was the first time anyone had relied on his help.

What? Huh What was that?

Hahaha. Hehehehe.

All of them laughed uproariously.

You must be talking about the one the Earth Demon brought. Kang Seok walked up to her. But did you know? He used to do chores in the library.

Seo Ryeongs eyes widened. Her expression held shock, but also wonder and confusion.

Look here. Your captain is an asshole. He was, and he still is. Theres nothing he can do. Kang Seok gently stroked her hair. You should come work for us. Then we

A glob of sticky saliva splashed onto his fingers.

Even if you lock me in a room where I cant see the sky, Ill never work for you.

Y-You bitch

Seo Ryeong didnt even blink.

You spoke well. Did you say the captain wont intervene unless I die?

What?

Youre done. Seo Ryeong smirked.

Kang Seok grabbed her jaw, knowing she was trying to commit suicide.

Huh? Seo Ryeong was perplexed. She has a small poison capsule attached to her molarsbut nothing happened when she bit down.

As expected, Kyu Yeon said. Just in case, I hit the blood points in your face.

That was why hed hit her neck.

What a shame. A smile danced on Kyu Yeons lips. Ive been holding back for too long.

Lets start by cutting off one of your hands Kang Seok grabbed Seo Ryeong by her hair.

Seo Ryeong screamed in pain.

Intervene

<You have selected Intervene.>