Episode 5, Chapter 6: Dohwa's Secret Fruit

You made it back!

So, your audience with Manwol proved worthwhile.

Ah, as sharp as ever. He gave me this antler.

As for what to do with it... that'll be our task to ponder.

I see... I shall also search for more information...

Will you give me some time?

Meanwhile, could you help me?

Yes, of course. What do you need me to do?

The gisaengs of Dohwa Garden remember every story they've ever heard.

Their memories form Dohwa Garden's information network.

Please speak to the gisaengs here in the garden and see if they know anything of use to you.

Can I help you?

Apologies, that doesn't sound familiar to me.

Maehwa might know.

You need a talisman to undo barriers.

I've heard that undoing advanced barriers requires a talisman written with special ink.

Apologies, that doesn't sound familiar to me.

Maehwa might know.

You need a talisman to undo barriers.

I've heard that undoing advanced barriers requires a talisman written with special ink.

No problem!

Hello.

Antler... like from a deer? I only know that it's used as medicine.

But I have heard Manwol has the power to reveal hidden things.

For example, the answer to a riddle... and a barrier could also be a hidden thing.

I can't be sure if this is directly related to the antler, though.

Oooh... I don't know about barriers.

How about asking Nancho?

Antler... like from a deer? I only know that it's used as medicine.

Oh, I've heard Manwol has the power to undo hidden things.

For example, the answer to a riddle... and a barrier could also be a hidden thing.

I can't be sure if this is directly related to the antler though.

Oooh... I don't know about barriers.

How about asking Nancho?

I'm glad I was able to help.

Hello.

Like a deer antler...?

I heard Manwol's antlers are filled with his divine power.

There are many who seek his antlers... but I've never heard of anyone actually obtaining one.

Excuse me? Can't the Divine Maiden undo a barrier? Ahahaha... Aha...

Hm, even those who serve the gods have their own specialties. Much like how us gisaengs have our own gifts...

I've heard there's a talented shaman in Wolha. Try visiting her.

Like a deer antler...?

I heard Manwol's antlers are filled with his divine power.

There are many who seek his antlers... but I've never heard of anyone actually obtaining one.

Excuse me? Can't the Divine Maiden undo a barrier? Ahahaha... Aha...

Hm, even those who serve the gods have their own specialties. Much like how us gisaeng have our own gifts...

I've heard there's a talented shaman in Wolha. Try visiting her.

My pleasure, Divine Maiden. I understand the efforts you put in for us.

I'm just sorry we couldn't be of more help.

...They're all so kind.

Let's return to Jiwon.

Oh, you're here.

I hope the girls weren't disrespectful.

Did you learn anything useful?

Manwol's powers reveal the truth... and his powers are in the antler.

And there's a shaman who specializes in barriers in Wolha.

So, I believe we need a talisman written with ink made from this antler.

It seems you've gathered all the information you need.

Shall we head out then?

Huh? To where...?

Well, we have some ingredients to collect.

I've already finished preparations.

Huh...? Did you know already?

What the garden hears, I hear, too.

Why did you ask us to gather information, then?

Divine Maiden, how was it talking with the girls?

Uh, why do you ask...?

For generations, Kumiho Divine Maidens have all lived with a solemn duty...

to bring stability to the mortal realm.

To fulfill that duty, they cut ties with the mortal realm and lived in distant solitude... for a thousand years.

But that's... so sad.

I thought, perhaps you could spend some time with those you wish to protect.

You wanted me to converse with mortals.

Did I overstep?

...Not at all.

Thank you.

Don't mention it.

Ahem!

If everyone's done talking, let's get moving!

I hate stuff like this.

...When did he get here?

First, we need Gabi's power. Let's go to Firefly Lake.

Bring it on! Come at me! Come on!

Gabi?

Hyaaaaah!

Huh? Jiwon?! Help me!

Ugh, these guys never quit!

Were you attacked?

There are a few stragglers still running around.

They want to avenge Duoxini, or whatever.

Looks like you've been busy.

But, uh, who's this?

She doesn't look like a normal fox.

Nice to meet you. My name is Mina.

Mina...? Th-the Kumiho Divine Maiden?

Why is a member of the Empyrean Fangs here? The dokkaebi incident's been settled.

Don't worry. She's here for your help.

For my help?

Yes, please.

I know the Council of Empyrean Fangs and dokkaebi have had conflicts, but...

Ahh, I don't care about stuff like that. A friend of a friend, is a friend!

What do you need help with? Just say the word.

You need me to turn this into a powder?

It must be bound with exceptional energy and then crushed with unimaginable force.

That's the most certain way to preserve the antler's divine properties.

I got it.

I feel like I owe you one for all your help, anyway.

Look out, everyone.

Haha!

Is this good enough?

Your strength is really no joke, huh? I'm impressed.

Shall we go to Wolha?

The Shaman will be able to write a talisman to break the barrier.

Let's go to the guardian shrine.

Shaman Deok, did you receive our message?

Hmm... I wasn't told to expect the Kumiho Divine Maiden. What barrier are you planning to break?

It's a special barrier. Nobody else but you would even dare to try, Shaman Deok.

Hmm, fair enough. If the Kumiho Divine Maiden can't break it, then I guess I'm your only hope. What is it?

It's a barrier made by Sangun.

*Laugh* Now, come on... Even I can't do that.

It might be possible with special ink, something specifically for breaking barriers.

We've ground Manwol's antler into powder.

Surely this rare ingredient will do the trick?

Ha, you're... thorough... Feels like I'm the one trapped in a barrier.

If you want to make ink from that, go visit the smithy in Naksan.

Burn the powder? Did Deok send you here?

Now, you don't see that everyday. That fussy shaman sent gofers?

We're not gophers...

Come by later. You need to buy animal glue too, don't you?

Animal glue?

You need animal glue to make ink!

Go visit the alchemist.

I heard she's from the west and has a knack for collecting things.

Oh, hey! You guys are from back west, too!

Animal glue is expensive. It's used as medicine too.

We were sent by a shaman named Deok... Do you know her?

Deok? Oh, she's brilliant!

Alright. I'll give you animal glue, so put in a good word for me.

I'd love to get my hands on one of her talismans.

For academic purposes.

Huh? Uh... Oh, okay.

Here, take it.

But, uh, what is this?

It has a really high heat tolerance!

Oh, this is, uh...

A secret? Ahh, typical. Shaman Deok never reveals where she gets her materials, says it'll taint the talisman.

I, uh, wouldn't want to lose a client by asking the gofers.

We are not gophers!

*Humming*

Ah... Okay... Never mind, then..

This is everything we need, right?

Let's head back to Wolha now.

Welcome.

Wait a moment.

All done.

Burn this talisman in front of the barrier.

Thank you for you help, young shaman.

Hmm. It was an honor to assist the Divine Maiden.

My role ends here.

Please don't forget. The doors to Dohwa Garden... are always open.

The doorknob is glowing mysteriously.

Nothing happens.

Did it work...?

This is Azure Orchard, Sangun's home.

Look, there's someone here.

Sangun!

Sangun!

...Sangun.

Mina...?

(Depression, regret, and sadness...)

(A whirlwind of negative emotions...)

(Is this really Sangun...?)

...I made sure nobody could enter.

Hey, Sangun. You look like death warmed over.

There was no way of knowin' if you were alive or not.

...Leeho?

How much... time has passed...?

I apologize for breaking the barrier and entering by force.

But... what is going on with you?

...I'm sorry, but I cannot be of any service to you.

Leave here immediately.

All of you, get out.

Hey pal, what the hell is your problem?

Sangun...!

...Ugh!

H-hurry... Go...!

Graaaahhh!

What's happening...?

At last...

It's open.

Ah...?

The barrier has broken thanks to you...

and I'm free from that odious mask.

I thank you.

Sangun... what happened?

I will hold a funeral for the Divine Maiden... Miho.

...Run. Get away... quickly... as far as you can...

Stop being so hypocritical. Aren't you sick of it?

We are the ones who killed Miho!

Graaahhh!

If he really wanted to kill us...

we would already be dead.

Sangun is trying to fight it, too!

Ah...!

I see it.

Sangun is stopping himself.

Something is... trying to consume Sangun!

Make me an opening.

Even just for a moment...!

Here goes!

Ergh...!

Hah!

Now!

Miho.

My hundreds of years spent with you are full of regret.

Why... why... did I not speak that one word?

...I must...

...I must see her...

Ergh...!

Sangun...?

Thank goodness...