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[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
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Chapter 154. Two Martial Arts
“Where there is light, there is also darkness. Since ancient times, the territories of nobles have always had an underworld that thrives on violence, blood, and black money.”
Ludan’s words were, in fact, something I had witnessed and experienced more closely than anyone.
Social outcasts, immigrants, orphans, misfits, and those who sought to make money in easier, more illegal ways.
Such people, who belong more to the night than the day, are a constant presence in any era or nation.
“Just as villages form when people gather and lords eventually emerge, order began to take shape even in the chaos of the underworld.”
I listened with interest as Ludan recounted the history of the underworld, neatly organized from his perspective.
“They are called ‘Godfathers.’”
Godfathers are figures of authority and respect among the bosses of the underworld, akin to nobles or lords in the daylight world.
The term literally means they become a father figure to those in the underworld who have nowhere else to turn.
“Some provide money and violence to nobles in exchange for their protection, others collaborate with merchants to expand into various businesses, and some hone their skills to focus on assassination or mercenary work…”
Ludan listed the various paths these underworld organizations had taken.
“Only a few Godfathers with exceptional talent and strategy continued to thrive and grow their organizations.”
“I see.”
It was a strange feeling to hear the history of the world I had been part of from an outsider’s perspective.
“Do you know the criteria for classifying underworld organizations, Your Highness?”
“Of course.”
It was similar to the hierarchy of noble titles, from king down to duke, marquis, count, viscount, and baron.
“Organizations that wield influence over an entire kingdom are called first-rate organizations.”
First-rate organizations rival the power of major lords. Even the Duchy of Grunewald would think twice before clashing with them head-on.
‘They are the true rulers of the night, deserving of the title “Kings of the Night.”’
The Dark King, Karzan’s nemesis, was the Godfather of a first-rate organization that ruled over Flanders.
“Second-rate organizations would be those that influence duchies like Grunewald or Valkenhain, or marquis-level territories.”
I pretended not to know and asked.
“Ah, yes.”
Ludan looked impressed, as if to say, “You’re as sharp as ever.”
“As you said, second-rate organizations are those that dominate the underworld of a duchy or control entire industries like mercenary work, gambling, or assassination across a kingdom.”
“Then.”
I asked like a student who had grasped the lesson.
“A second-rate organization controls the Duchy of Grunewald, while a third-rate organization controls the capital city, Grunewald City?”
“Correct. However, as you know, Grunewald City is one of the largest cities in the kingdom—”
Ludan gestured as he explained.
“The Godfather of a second-rate organization reigns like a king of the underworld, while five third-rate organizations maintain a balance of power under the name of the ‘Five Great Organizations.’”
“I see.”
The scale was too large for any single organization to dominate entirely.
Given its status as a hub of continental trade, the number of underworld figures vying for a piece of the pie was as numerous as ants.
‘Ugh, disgusting bastards.’
It was truly lamentable that so many societal outcasts thrived in such a way.
‘I’ll make you all straighten up and live properly someday.’
Of course, there were still many mountains to climb before that could happen.
“By the way.”
I subtly steered the conversation to the main point.
“Is the Bisakino Brotherhood one of those five organizations?”
“Ah! Do you know of them, Your Highness?”
I answered without going into detail.
“I happened to learn about them.”
“As you said, they are one of the five major organizations that rule the night in this city. They’ve been making a name for themselves since my youth and have now achieved their current status as a homegrown organization.”
Something bothered me, so I asked.
“If they’re a homegrown organization, does that mean there are foreign organizations too?”
“Yes.”
Ludan explained.
“Grunewald Harbor has long been a melting pot of people from various nations. Naturally, there have been several intense power struggles between homegrown and foreign factions in the underworld.”
“Hmm. I see.”
It must have been a chaotic mess, reminiscent of the Warring States period. Even without hearing the details, I could imagine the tumultuous history between them.
But honestly, I wasn’t that curious.
‘What’s there to see? It’s probably just a cesspool of scams and disgraceful behavior.’
The reason those in the underworld who pursue romance and cooperation are respected is precisely because there are so many trashy individuals who disregard such values.
“Do you know anything about the Bisakino Brotherhood?”
“Not in detail, but they are classified as relatively conservative.”
“Hmm.”
That was a bit strange. Trying to manipulate the young master of the Duchy of Grunewald doesn’t seem like something conservative types would do.
“Could there be factions within the organization?”
“That’s possible. Rumor has it they absorbed several other organizations during their rise.”
“…Hmm.”
Then it makes sense. If there are extreme hardliners within, they might pull some tricks.
‘I’ll need to look into this further.’
Which faction to oppose and which to ally with? Making the right choice is crucial to elevating Zizek to a position of influence within the Bisakino Brotherhood and ultimately taking control of the organization.
For my goals, Zizek must become a major figure in the underworld.
“Aside from the Bisakino Brotherhood, two of the five organizations are formed by foreigners. To explain them…”
Ludan’s explanation continued, and I diligently absorbed the structure of Grunewald’s underworld into my mind.
.
.
.
“Shall we stop here for today?”
Ludan wiped the sweat from his brow.
“You already have a tutor, yet here I am, giving you a lecture out of nowhere.”
“But it’s been a great help.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Ludan smiled lightly, then added in a concerned voice.
“…Be careful.”
He clearly guessed why I was so interested in the underworld.
“I’ll be extra careful. I can’t afford to waste what little life I have left, can I?”
I grinned mischievously, joking about my limited lifespan like a cheeky old man.
“Oh, Your Highness.”
But Ludan was a serious man, and it seemed he genuinely felt sorry for me, so I thought it best to stop joking.
‘I don’t know why I’m so weak to old men.’
Well, it’s probably because of my grandfather.
“Ahem, then I’ll bring you the Seven Stars of the Black Sea Technique and the stealth technique.”
“Please do.”
After finishing my tea, Ludan returned.
“Your Highness, here is the Seven Stars of the Black Sea Technique.”
“It’s been a while.”
I took the old martial arts manual.
I had postponed learning it earlier on Ludan’s advice, but now that I had mastered the Eternal Ocean Chain Technique, I felt confident I could understand the profound martial arts of the founding ancestor, Vitenfeld, embedded within this technique.
“And this is the stealth technique you requested.”
I muttered as I took the thin book.
“It’s thinner than I expected.”
“Stealth techniques are more like a collection of tricks, so there’s no need for many formal moves.”
“I suppose so.”
“This was also created by one of Grunewald’s ancestors. As you’ll see in the preface, it originated from an assassin from a foreign land.”
“When it comes to stealth, assassins are the experts, not noble warriors.”
I nodded.
“Its name is the ‘Whispering Snow in the Night.’ It’s a technique that allows you to move as silently and subtly as snow falling on a quiet night.”
“Whispering Snow in the Night.”
I rolled the name around in my mouth.
“Truly a poetic name. Our ancestors were all men of refined taste.”
“I think so too.”
I opened the first page of the book.
“It’s best to start with the easy stuff first.”
“Please read at your leisure. I wish I could lend it to you, but the rules don’t allow it.”
“Books are best read in the library, and martial arts are best practiced in the training hall. It’s fine.”
Ludan quietly stepped aside.
With my senses sharper than before, I noticed a spider weaving its web in the corner of the library and a fly dodging its trap.
‘Good, I feel sharper after a good night’s sleep.’
Then, with my nerves on edge, I focused intensely on the book.
- The essence of stealth is simple. It’s about erasing your presence, blending into the surroundings, and maximizing the principle of becoming one with the environment. However, its simplicity means that the practitioner’s talent greatly influences their success.
That was good news. In my past life, Karzan had been a skilled thief who could steal from the Dark King’s inner sanctum and escape unscathed.
- The first step is to perfectly contain your aura, suppressing even a wisp of mana from leaking out. The detailed principles are as follows…
Fortunately, Karzan’s five senses easily grasped the principles of this technique.
It was also because my personality and aptitude were well-suited to this kind of martial art.
‘Ah, so that’s how it is.’
Luckily, the Whispering Snow in the Night was a technique that resonated with me. The meaning of formulas and its deeper insights were not difficult to understand.
* * *
“Then I’ll take my leave for today.”
“Your Highness, I wish you success.”
I left the library, escorted by Ludan.
‘I’m lucky.’
I quickly grasped the subtleties of the Whispering Snow in the Night.
‘Even I’m surprised by how easily I understood it.’
In fact, I’m picking it up faster than I did with most sword techniques. Maybe my true talent lies in being a thief or assassin?
‘Maybe.’
In contrast, I had only memorized the incantations of the Seven Stars of the Black Sea Technique.
‘It’s quite difficult.’
As I’d heard, it’s profound, so I’ll need to rest and try again later to properly begin.
‘Not right now.’
Because tonight, I plan to return to the underworld.
But first, I need to practice the stealth technique a bit more. Since I’m already here, I’ll practice on my way back to the annex.
‘Snow falling quietly on a sleeping night.’
I recalled the imagery in the night. Like a lonely man watching the snow fall outside his window, I contained my aura and erased my presence.
‘Empty your mind. Become the flowing wind, the rock rooted in the earth.’
Indeed, this technique relied more on innate senses than deep study, contemplation, or repeated practice.
To put it simply:
Some children can produce a proper flute sound the first time they pick it up, while others struggle to grasp it no matter how much they’re taught.
‘Similarly, a man born with a massive frame and great strength will never surpass the stealth techniques of an assassin with ordinary talent, no matter how much he’s taught.’
But when it comes to learning martial arts, I have a natural gift.
Moreover, even before learning a proper stealth technique, I had honed my senses and gained practical experience as a thief…
‘Got it.’
I could use the stealth technique without much difficulty.
‘Good.’
Now, let’s test how well I can evade human senses with my first attempt at stealth in broad daylight.
I blended into the scenery and lightly passed by the servants. The servants, who should have greeted me, rudely ignored me, and I felt a sense of satisfaction.
‘This is so effective it’s almost making me feel a bit bad.’
I felt like a child being ignored.
I walked toward my residence with the heart of a bastard child being ostracized.
‘Huh?’
I clicked my tongue when I spotted Marco slacking off in the distance.
‘That little brat.’
I approached him from behind and whispered softly.
“Marco. Are you crazy? Who told you to slack off during work hours?”
Marco, who had been hiding with a basket beside him, jumped up in shock.
“Y-Y-Y-Your Highness?!”
Marco looked around in panic but failed to notice my presence behind him.
“Stop rolling your eyes and get back to work.”
“Y-Yes, sir!”
“Go ask Peter if he has any errands for you.”
“I-I’ll go see Peter right away.”
Watching Marco run off as if his pants were on fire, I soon spotted a dwarf arguing with a royal guard in front of the annex.
“Damn it! I get it, so just let me see His Highness!”
“You can’t just show up without an appointment.”
“People get busy! Can’t you skip the formalities for once? You! Who do you think made that sword? That armor? It was my apprentices, you hear me!”
“This is driving me crazy.”
‘…What’s with this guy?’
A dwarf who reeked of trouble was causing a scene.
‘Somehow, he reminds me of that old man Genningen.’
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[Translator - Pot]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
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