Hero Stories: The Price of the Past

We face a new opportunity in life on a daily basis.

Once we make a decision, we have to live with the consequences that come along with it.

It's all about making the best possible choices in our given circumstances in order to reach the goal in the end.

Every decision requires sacrifice.

No matter how promising it may look... There's no exception.

Good morning, Zahhak.

You're quite diligent. I didn't expect everything to be prepared at this time of the day.

I heard you were coming this morning, so I arranged everything to be completed by the time you arrived here.

None other than Zahhak himself is coming... Of course, I prepared everything to perfection.

How may I assist you? Perhaps, you're here for someone?

Yes, you.

Me?

Did he just say he came to see me? Without any prior notice? What's going on? I didn't even expect him to know who I am...

Is it really about what I think it's about? He remembers me from the last mission Hasol and I were on, and he was impressed by how we handled it?

If that's the reason he gave me a task outside of my regular work, maybe he's here to entrust me with another special job...

I can't believe how fast this opportunity came. An opportunity to go to the north and stay close to Zahhak...!

...What are you thinking about so intensely?

N-Nothing. You said you wanted to talk to me about something?

How's the recent situation in the south?

The recent situation...

...He's probably asking me about how I handled the secret mission he gave me last time.

Not only did I take care of it perfectly, but I reviewed everything a dozen times so there's no possible loose ends. I'm sure of it.

So there's no reason to be nervous. Just answer him calmly. I need to present myself in a way that will impress him.

I completed the task you gave me flawlessly.

I arrested every member of the "Rusty Eye Patch." I also learned everything I could about each corrupt government official and sorted them out as well.

I compiled all the evidence necessary for a trial, of course. As requested, everything was done based on the documents you previously collected.

Furthermore, I strengthened the security in the south so that the people would feel safer, and...

...You strengthened the security?

Ah, yes, I did.

Give me a current status report of the troops.

I took the required actions against the corrupt soldiers and recruited more to make up for the loss, so the total number overall has increased.

It's enough to cover the entire southern region. That's one of the reasons we were able to clear the remnants of the "Rusty Eye Patch" in a timely manne...

...And the port?

I'm sorry?

There are enough soldiers guarding the port, correct?

Ah... I assigned the minimum number of troops required for that area since it's quite secluded, aside from the fishing boats there and any people that show up if there's a big event...

Only the minimum number...

...Come to think of it, he wanted to see the port when he came here some time ago.

Are you...planning to take a look around the port today?

Yes, and I need someone to show me the area.

Ah...

So, he meant the situation of the port when he asked me how things were in the south.

He was the one who helped us send out a search party. So it's obvious that he knows everything worked out well afterward...

Of course, he's not here because he noticed me. Why would he be? I feel stupid for getting excited over nothing...

...After hearing your report, you may be the perfect person for the job. Can you take me to the port and help me take a look around?

...Me?

Do you see anyone else here besides you and me?

Ah, sure. I'll be more than happy to!

There you are, Yoonryoung! I've been looking for you everywhere. I have something to report to you.

What is it?

I investigated the case of the stolen item in the market alley as you ordered yesterday, and it turned out to be a simple misunderstanding...

...

...Who's this? Is he your guest? He doesn't look like he's from around here...

How rude! Do you have any idea who this is?!

*gulping*

Stop. Don't bother.

But his behavior was totally unacceptable...

He doesn't need to know who I am. Actually, I'd rather do this discreetly.

...Understood.

I-Is he someone important? I was just curious...since I didn't recognize him...

Silence! We should be grateful that he is being generous enough to allow such a mistake to go unpunished, but now you're standing there, making excuses?

I'd like to apologize for his poor manners.

He was an orphan left on the street, so I took him in and trained him to be a soldier. But obviously, he still has a lot to learn...

...

Father, do you not recognize me? It's me, your son!

Quiet! I don't recall having a half Shadow Elf son!

I don't care about the price, so just take him already! Now!

Judging by his strong grip, he can be useful after he's been properly trained.

Father!

...Having parents doesn't always guarantee good manners either.

What do you mean?

Forget it. You, draw your sword.

Me...? My sword, why...?

There's no need to panic. I just want to see your skills.

Stop asking questions, and do as you're told!

A-All right...!

Bring me a training sword, Yoonryoung.

...Right away, sir.

The more I see, the less I'm able to figure out what's going on in Zahhak's mind.

He said he wanted to be discreet, but then suddenly he's curious about a young soldier's elementary skills?

There's no way that kid grabbed his attention... Could it be his way of evaluating how well-trained the southern soldiers are?

If that's the case, he can always ask me for a demonstration.

That was pretty good. You must have trained him well.

Thank you. I strongly believe that structured training is the key to building a perfect foundation, so I strive to reach that goal every day.

I like your confidence. It'd be nice if I could see how disciplined your soldiers are as we travel, similar to what I did just now.

Your wish is my command, sir.

Speaking of... Did Hasol leave already?

Yes, she left the day after she received her orders.

All right then.

...Zahhak, would it be okay for me to ask you one thing?

What is it?

I'd like to know...about the order you gave Hasol.

...Why do you want to know about that?

Ah, it's just that...she left in such a hurry, so I was wondering if there was an urgent matter...

My apologies, sir. I didn't mean to be rude.

But I can't help it. I asked her about it before she left, but all I got was a vague answer.

What if she was assigned to a much more important mission than me, or Zahhak has more faith in her than me...?

I can't afford to let Hasol beat me again...

...I don't know what you're thinking, but one thing I can say for certain is that you're wasting your energy on something that's not worth it.

...

Checking the port is as important as the order I gave Hasol. I had you in mind for this task from the very beginning.

You did? From the beginning?

I'm able to move more discreetly and safer with you than with her.

Zahhak...

That's what it was... He believed that I'd be more capable of handling this mission in a safer way than Hasol.

So I wasn't mistaken. He does think highly of me because of the last mission. Yet here I am, doubting his trust in me...

How embarrassing. I should never doubt Zahhak ever again, and I need to make sure I complete my task at any cost so that he doesn't regret placing his faith in me.

...

I don't know about anything else, but I like that she doesn't talk too much.

CLANK!

*cheering*

As usual, the guy with the white hair won.

Contrary to his delicate looks, his skills are just unbelievable.

Well, regardless of his looks or skills, he's nothing but a slave that's destined to fight to the death in this stadium.

Who would've thought he would bring such entertainment to this rundown stadium? Does anyone even know where he's from?

So...I guess this is it?

...Urk.

Well played.

Wait up! Hey!

...

What? "Well played?" Don't be ridiculous!

I know I'm nothing but low-hanging fruit to you, but do you really have to be that pretentious and condescending?

...I see you're as delusional as usual.

I really thought I could win today! I was so sure I knew each and every single move of yours, inside and out!

This doesn't make sense at all!

All right. I'm going to leave so that you can continue babbling on all you want.

I told you to wait!

*sighing* If you have something to say, just say it and be done with it.

Argh... Fine, then let me ask you this.

Where in the world did you learn your skills? That one move you used today, I swear I've never seen you use it before!

Why do I have to tell you where or how I learned what I know? Do you honestly expect me to teach my enemy, who, by the way, is always looking for an opportunity to slit my throat?

I'm glad you brought that up.

So you're fully aware that we're enemies who are supposed to kill each other, so why aren't you doing it? Do you think I don't realize you're going easy on me on purpose?

Judging by your track record, you're not the type that values friend or foe. Is it because you don't even think my life is worth taking...

...Tch.

Do you really?

Let me give you a piece of friendly advice. You're never going to beat me, even if you try two, no, three times harder than you do now. So give up already and channel that energy into something else.

What...!

You jerk, I won't beat you even if I try three times harder? Then what are you going to do if I try three times harder with three more swords, huh?

...

Is that supposed to be a joke? That's exactly why you're always in second place.

What's the point of knowing where my skills come from or wielding a hundred swords?

A narrow mind transforms even the most exceptional skill in the world into something mundane.

...

Are we done here? If so, stop bothering me with these challenge...

...Then what kind of mindset do I need?

...What?

What kind of mindset will help me become strong like you?

Didn't I say it already? I'm not foolish enough to tell my enemy my skills.

I'm not asking you as your enemy. I just want to become as strong as you.

You told me to stop challenging you? Fine, I'll stop. But answer me this. What kind of mindset do I need to be different?

...

I thought he would go away after tiring himself out as usual. Does he really mean it this time?

...That makes it four swords now?

Yes, I've gotten used to wielding three swords already.

I thought it was just in anger when you mentioned using multiple swords, but then you really went ahead with the idea.

...I realized that it's quite an effective way to fight once I tried it.

You almost sound as if you enjoy fighting in a place like this.

You know there's no way I could enjoy being a pawn in a game Humans put on...

...

What's so entertaining about watching someone fight for their life...? Sometimes I'm amazed at how such vile thoughts seem to come so naturally to Humans.

I guess that's one of their cruel base instincts. In any case, when do you think you'll finish polishing your swords?

I'm almost done. I've just got to do...

SLAM!

What was that?

I think it came from outside.

CLANK!

I-Intruders! Shadow Elves!

There are too many of them! Do they intend to kill us?!

Kill them all! Burn them to the ground!

What's...going on? What are those Shadow Elves doing here...?

One thing I know for sure is that this place turned into a battlefield.

Hey, you two! What are you doing standing there mindlessly? Don't you see what's happening right now?

Hurry up and slay those creatures! Now!

...

Zahhak, I'll take this side, so you should...

...All right.

SLASH!

Ack!

*gasping* A-Are you out of your mind? What are you...!

Zahhak! Who are you pointing your sword at right now?!

...This is our chance.

Our chance? What in the world are you talking about?

This is our chance to finally quit being pawns in those filthy Human's games.

What?

Don't tell me you've never thought about leaving this damned place.

...

SWISH! *stabbing*

Urk...

...You're right. It's now or never.

...That's...

Zahhak? Did you find anything?

...

He's silent again. I heard that he was a man of few words...

Is he assessing the current status of public security right now? Or perhaps he's contemplating some important mission.

Whatever it is, he probably has everything planned out, so I should stay out of his way and just wait.

Here we are, in Theranhad.

Yes.

It's been a while since the two of you have been back home, hasn't it.

You two must be really emotional right now. You guys never had a chance to visit since you joined us.

...Not really.

...I don't have good memories of this place.

Ah...

And this isn't exactly our hometown either. We lived far up north...

That place doesn't belong to Theranhad anymore.

Ah... I see. *clearing throat*

In any case, I feel great traveling to a far-away land. What about you? We've never visited a place just for fun. It was always for missions.

Unlike the northern region, this place is so peaceful. I feel so welcomed here.

I get how excited you are, but refrain from doing anything that makes you stand out. You don't exactly blend in with the Humans in this area either.

I can feel their suspicious eyes looking at us right now.

I know. But now that we're here, why can't we take a stroll, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy this moment to its fullest?

You need to take it down a notch.

Haha... All right, let's have some fun here. What should we do first?

Huh? You tell me. I don't know anything about Theranhad.

...So you came here with no plans.

We're strangers to this land...so the first thing we need to do is get some information about where things are.

I'll go ask that guard over there for directions. Wait here.

Okay.

...

I feel so discouraged that none of you understand what I'm trying to say. Come on, it's the first trip the three of us have taken together.

Is that so?

The sky is so clear, and the village is bustling with noise and excitement...although it's only filled with Humans.

Ah, Zahhak. Since you find our little stroll so boring, how about this?

No one knows who we are, so think of it as a secret adventure to an unknown place. Saying it this way piques your interest now, doesn't it?

Not at all.

*sighing* So hard to please.

...What are you doing?

I found a stick lying around, so I'm just doodling with it. What do you think of my masterpiece?

Hmm...

Of course, Zahhak won't say anything nice. But that's okay. I know that he doesn't have an artistic bone in his body.

We're talking about a doodle here...

Here, you try.

No, thank you.

I bet you'll have fun. Come on, hold the stick like this...

I said, no.

It's okay. I'll show you how it's done. Or why don't you write something? Here, inside my drawing...

Seriously...

Nicely done. You have surprisingly neat penmanship. It actually made my drawing even prettier.

What are you two doing over there?

We're leaving our mark. Here, take a look.

...I can't believe it's still here.

Ah, you mean that doodle?

I meant to remove it the moment I found it. But I couldn't, no matter how hard I tried.

The villagers said it's been there for a very long time. So I decided to leave it although it's a bit of an eyesore.

...Ha.

...

Let's go.

All right.

He looks displeased all of a sudden... Finding that doodle must've really upset him.

Should I find a way to remove it once and for all?

I've seen enough. You're pretty competent.

Thank you. We're getting close to the end of this village now.

Then let's go to the harbor.

Right away, sir. Should I summon someone who can assist you with your work?

No, you're all I need. Lead the way quietly since I have a message for you.

As you command.

...

...

I don't know how much time has passed. He hasn't said a word after looking at every port in the region.

There must be something really important that made him come all the way to the south. So naturally, he has a lot on his mind...

...Is he really getting ready to travel to the West?

No, I shouldn't assume what his next step is going to be. He's going to let me know if he has an assignment for me, so I should just wai...

...Your management skills are quite impressive.

I'm sorry?

You're very organized and meticulous.

Thank you. I just try my best to complete my tasks.

But this isn't enough. We need to strengthen security even more.

Place your strongest units in Big Hand Harbor and the surrounding area.

Did you say...Big Hand Harbor?

I'm going to set sail to the West soon.

I see. You want me to assign guards in preparation for your return. I'll arrange that right away.

No, I'm planning to use Night Hand Harbor when I return.

Night Hand Harbor?

Clear the area and open the harbor prior to my arrival. I'll meet you there.

But Big Hand Harbor is closer to the main road and is a more convenient location to dock. May I ask why you want to use a closed harbor?

You don't need to know that right now. I'll explain things later.

Ah, all right. Then shouldn't I place more troops at Night Hand Harbor if that's where you'll be arriving?

No. Mark my words and be sure to concentrate your soldiers at Big Hand Harbor. A "person of interest" who poses a great threat to our country will enter through there.

You must do everything in your power to stop him from coming in.

...I understand. Consider it done.

I'll make the necessary arrangements right away. Could you give me a description of this person that we should keep an eye out for?

A description...

"A man with Distorted Eyes carrying multiple swords" should suffice.

I think we're done here. Let's return.

...Zahhak?

Yes.

If I may... can I ask you for a favor before you leave?

A favor.

I'd like to have your guidance, just as you did with the soldiers after testing their skills.

...Why would I need to give you guidance?

...

Not only have I heard about how skilled you are, but I saw it for myself while looking around this place with you today. You've already reached a level that's high enough to earn my trust, but still you seek more?

Ah...I appreciate your kind words, sir.

But this person of interest must be someone extraordinary, considering the warning you gave me, so I'd like to be cautious and well-prepared.

I believe I'll feel more confident in completing my task flawlessly if I were given an opportunity to learn from you.

All right then. I'm not going to go easy on you, so you should focus on my blade with all your might.

Draw your sword.

You came back early.

I guess you took care of it as fast as last time, huh?

Kind of.

Of course you did. No wonder those people up there favor you two.

I've heard so much about what you've accomplished so far, but I'm quite impressed to see your work in person. Honestly, I was a bit skeptical since neither of you are a pureblood.

Not too shabby for having only half of our blood.

...

...Right. Thank you.

Yeah? But why doesn't that Suin say anything?

I'm trying to have a friendly conversation for the first time here, but it seems like you're trying to ignore me or something?

Or...you're not upset about what you've done, are you?

...

You are? You actually feel bad about killing your enemies? Is it even possible to have compassion for them?

Well, I guess this situation could be pretty uncomfortable since you two are somewhat related to them.

I know. Killing your kin must be...

*drawing sword*

...What. Why are you unsheathing your sword?

Ha, scary. Are you glaring at us right now?

...Ran.

Take it easy. Pointing your sword at them is only going to make things more difficult for us.

...Tch.

It doesn't seem like you have any particular business with us, and we're done with our tasks, so we're leaving.

...Ha.

You arrogant punks, how dare you point your sword at us! I guess that sword gives you the illusion that you're great and powerful, but in reality, you're nothing but half-breeds.

How long is the elder going to pamper those mutts anyway? You know what? I wouldn't be surprised to hear that they woke up one day and decided to turn on us.

...

...Huh? Why did you come bac...

You have nothing to worry about.

...What?

There's not even the slightest possibility that I'd stab you in the back and flee.

As much as I hate you arrogant imperious Shadow Elves, my hatred for Humans runs much deeper.

This is it for today. Are you done over there, Ran?

Yes.

All right. Let's go back.

...

Why are you standing there? Aren't you coming?

...Zahhak.

...

Don't even think about it, Ran.

But you know it too. How is this any different from what we did back then...?

It's completely different. Back then, we were just dragged around because of their abuse, regardless of our opinions.

But now, we chose this place of our own free will, and we carry on based on our judgment.

Our own free will... Then I'm more at a loss.

I have no idea whether we're doing the right thing or not right now.

What brought this on?

Lately, I've been having this thought.

Maybe there's a different side of them that we aren't aware of.

We spent our entire childhood locked up in a small place, so there's no way for us to have a broad perspective of the world...

...Amid told you that?

...

Ha... So you've been spending your time buried in those useless thoughts.

Let me remind you of something important that you seemed to forget while enjoying your newly-found freedom.

Can we even afford the luxury of considering that?

...

Think wisely. Would they even accept you if you changed your opinion now?

Do you really think such an ideal world you're imagining in your mind truly exists?

...

What an unpleasant dream...

Ever since I arrived here, my head has been plagued with all kinds of worthless thoughts.

This is exactly why I didn't want to come to the south...

How did you sleep last night, Zahhak?

You're here early today as well.

Of course. I see you're already up.

How did you sleep? I took extra care to ensure that you got a good night's sleep since it was your last night before departure.

...Is everything ready?

Yes, I made sure everything was prepared to perfection. Shall we go straight to the harbor?

Yes.

I checked everything down to the smallest detail since this royal ship hasn't set sail on a long voyage for a while.

Luckily, it's still in perfect condition. I double-checked everything right before coming here, so you can rest easy.

I see.

And I increased the number of guards and assigned the most skilled soldiers that I handpicked to be placed at the port, just as you advised.

I also noticed quite a marked improvement in my training, all thanks to you. I really appreciate your guidance.

I knew there was something special about the emperor's advisor.

...

We've been expecting you, Zahhak. It's such an honor to meet you in person.

Thank you for coming all the way to greet me.

I already heard about the arrival of a new advisor. Here, let me show you to your chambers.

He's the new advisor? But he looks so young!

Hey, watch your mouth. You shouldn't judge a person by their appearance.

He's the one who singlehandedly saved the emperor's life. Also, he's supposed to be very intelligent, sophisticated, and strong.

That's how he earned his reputation from those people in the palace and became appointed to the position of advisor, the one who is tasked to guide the emperor to the right path.

I heard some rumors on the street as well. He appeared out of nowhere, made a significant contribution, and shortly after, became the emperor's right-hand man.

But no one knows where he came from or anything about his family. I've heard so many suspicious rumors about him.

One of them is about how he used to be seen traveling around with non-Human creatures a long time ago.

But I didn't expect him to look so neat and young. He is a Human though, right?

Of course, he is. The rumor you heard is probably about someone who looks like him.

...

Come this way, Zahhak...

...This way is faster.

...

All right. I have no time to waste, so the faster is the better.

What do you think?

It seems sufficient. Just make sure you maintain this status.

Understood. I give you my word that I'll do my best to stop him. You may board this way.

But are you really planning to leave, Zahhak?

That's an odd question to ask at this point.

My apologies. But I couldn't help but wonder why you have to go there yourself when you can just send a delegation...

I'm preparing for the worst.

The worst...you mean that "person of interest?"

It's possible that he realizes our plan beforehand and pays a visit to the West. If that happens, any delegation we send won't be able to handle the situation properly without me there.

So I believe it's safest if I go and check things out myself.

I see... All right, please take care of yourself.

...Yoonryoung.

Yes. Is there anything else I can do for you?

There is one thing I've been meaning to ask him, if I were to confront him.

What is it? I can ask him for you if you want.

Yes, I hope you can get an answer from him.

Ask him...whether the scar on his chest still remains the same.