Weapon-Eating Bastard [EN]: Chapter 188

Weapon-Eating Bastard – Episode 188

The Cadet Corps guys seem pretty shocked, but I never intended to incorporate them into my Warrior Unit in the first place.

It would involve too much cumbersome work.

The cadets are already scattered across various administrative departments, Warrior Units, research centers, and training centers, each according to their aptitude.

Even though I have the status of a quasi-Elder, I can’t just pull talent without consulting the relevant departments.

Well, I could, but it might create friction in future endeavors.

‘And more than anything.’

Just as I trust the guys from my Cadet Corps days, they trust me.

They are already my people.

They’re making their mark in their respective departments.

If I give them a little push, they’ll rise to the top.

And then?

“You guys shouldn’t be stuck under me in some Warrior Unit. You need to do your best in your respective positions and become the best.”

It was something I could say because I trusted them.

It was something I could say because, even as time passed in different places and in different ways, we could still consider each other comrades for a long time.

The guys seemed to understand the meaning of my words, their eyes shining.

“With your abilities, it should be easy to increase your influence in your current departments. There’s no need to transfer to my Warrior Unit.”

The fifteen people gathered here.

In the future, as they increase their influence, they will become my power in their respective positions.

And I’m confident that these guys won’t end up mediocre.

They will fly higher and farther than anyone else.

Then, Kim Han playfully smiled and nudged me.

“So, in short, you’re saying that since you’ve invested in us, we should become so successful that you can recoup your investment later, right?”

“Well, it’s not much different.”

“Uh… it’s very… ahem! Since you’re being so positive!”

“Spit it out if you don’t like it.”

I chuckled and joked, and the faces of the Cadet Corps guys turned grim.

In the silence, I said with an awkward expression.

“…It’s a joke. What am I supposed to do if you guys get so stiff?”

Choi In-ha forced a smile and said.

“Ha, haha. We know, we know. But… it’s probably better if you don’t joke around, sir.”

“…Ahem, I thought you were threatening to betray us.”

“Thinking about it, instead of joining your Warrior Unit and doing the same things we did in the Cadet Corps…”

“Eek! Don’t even mention that time. I still have nightmares! I’d rather fight monsters in a dangerous zone!”

With more than ten guys talking loudly, the house quickly became noisy.

I frowned.

“You guys, seriously.”

“Anyway, we understand your intentions, sir.”

Choi In-ha nodded with a bitter smile.

“It’s a shame. I was looking forward to wielding my sword by your side.”

“Me too. I was eagerly waiting for your return from the Warrior Pilgrimage.”

Choi In-ha fiddled with the hilt of the sword placed next to him, and Kim Bo-sung did the same.

The other guys also pretended to dislike it, but they seemed inwardly disappointed.

“Don’t misunderstand. It’s just that I’m running out of cards to play, so I’ll use you guys whenever I need you.”

“……”

All fifteen cadets, including Choi In-ha, Kim Han, and Kim Bo-sung, wore bitter expressions.

All the members of Class 5 looked at Lee Cheol with strange eyes.

‘No, it’s nice that you trust us, but…’

‘It feels good, but… what is it? This uneasy feeling.’

-Fight each other from now on.

That phrase replays in my head.

Is this what they call post-traumatic stress disorder?

“Speaking of which, shall we see your skills after a long time?”

And, as expected, Lee Cheol stood up and said.

The fifteen promising talents of Soongmoo Lee Family felt a chill run down their spines.

* * *

Some time later, at the training grounds within the Soongmoo Lee Family estate.

“Ugh…”

“S, save me…”

“He’s a monster. Sir, you’re definitely a monster.”

Leaving the writhing guys behind, I retrieved Mujin and wore it on my finger.

I had a simultaneous sparring session with them, just like when we first met in the Cadet Corps.

The difference was that I used magic power, and instead of one-on-one, I faced them all alone.

‘They’ve really grown amazingly. They’re showing far greater capabilities than their achieved realm.’

It’s beyond satisfaction; it’s astonishment.

Moreover, their teamwork is excellent.

Even though they’re living in different departments, they even use Combined Formations.

In particular, Choi In-ha’s growth was remarkable.

The sight of him dispersing the pressure of the Gravity Formation, which even the Elders struggled with, and rushing in was quite impressive.

Of course, he got hit hard in the solar plexus and passed out.

“Stop whining, everyone, and sit down.”

“Ugh…”

“You’ve become incredibly strong, like a real monster.”

I sat them down and looked to the side.

The nanny, who had been preparing in advance, approached at my signal.

“Nanny, please.”

“Yes, sir.”

The nanny went around and handed each of the sitting cadets a thick hardcover book and a gold card.

“What is this, sir?”

Kim Han tilted his head and opened the book.

[Ironclad Twelve Swords]

[Six Thousand Steps]

[Iron Shadow Strong Attack]

…….

Watching Kim Han’s expression gradually turn to astonishment, I began to explain.

“It’s a secret manual. A high-level martial arts book. It’s probably much higher than the regular martial arts supplied to the Four Gods Unit. I’ve personally revised and added to it, so it should be quite useful.”

I gestured with my chin and continued.

“Magic power techniques are also written in it. I’ve already investigated and written down things that won’t conflict with what you’ve already learned. My aunt, Elder Lee Kyung-hwa, has personally confirmed its safety, so the effects will be certain.”

“……!”

“Oh, no, what is this…”

“That gold card is a membership card. As you may know from the news, I’m running several businesses outside the family. If you have any financial problems, you can use that card to request support. Additional support for necessary equipment, elixirs, and pills will also be provided gradually, so keep that in mind. Feel free to ask if you have any special requests.”

Kim Bo-sung, who was right in front of me, had his mouth wide open.

Everyone had dazed expressions.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at their expressions.

‘Even so, did they think I wouldn’t do anything for them, even though I’m a direct descendant of the Soongmoo Lee Family?’

I’ve given them a slightly more special gift than my other siblings, but even the other direct descendants spare no support for the people in their factions who will help them in the Family Head competition.

But these guys didn’t seem to expect anything.

Are they naive or just foolish?

Still, that’s why it’s easy to treat them comfortably.

“We can’t do anything for you… this is too much, sir.”

“You don’t have to do this for us!”

The guys who received what I gave them said in embarrassment.

“If you know it’s a big deal, pay me back later. As I said before, it’s an investment.”

“Even so… the other direct descendants don’t go this far.”

Of course, what I gave them is quite a big benefit.

But they’re not that valuable to me.

It’s just a book that organizes the knowledge from the weapons I’ve absorbed, and the elixirs and pills are just things I get from my own pharmaceutical company.

Considering the growth and loyalty of these guys that I’ll get in return… it’s more than worth it.

“If you don’t like it, just give it back. It’s not a big deal to me, so if it’s burdensome, then whatever.”

I grabbed the book and card held in Kim Han’s hand, who was at the front.

Twitch!

Kim Han clutched the book tightly and didn’t let go.

“You said it was burdensome? Won’t you let go?”

“Haha! How could it be burdensome! I’m just so grateful! Ha! Haha!”

Kim Han hugged the book and took a step back.

Even the taciturn Choi In-ha was glancing around and secretly hiding the book and card behind his back.

I chuckled and brushed it off.

* * *

I spent almost half a day with my Cadet Corps classmates.

Since they had each taken a day off, it was time to part ways.

Everyone said their goodbyes one by one and returned to their respective positions.

And the last one left was Choi In-ha.

“Sir. Do you have a moment?”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“If you’re not going to use us in the Warrior Unit, then how do you plan to create a Warrior Unit?”

Choi In-ha was curious about that.

A direct Warrior Unit consists of those who become the hands and feet of a direct descendant in family affairs or external missions.

Trust is essential, and considering Lee Cheol’s current situation, skill was also necessary.

“Actually, I don’t really need a direct Warrior Unit.”

External missions?

I’m capable enough to handle even high-level missions alone.

If it’s a mission that requires a Warrior Unit… I can cooperate with the Black Turtle Society, or I can operate the strike force that Jung Jin-soo recently built.

“I acknowledge your strength, sir, but you still need people to be your arms and legs. And if you, sir…”

Choi In-ha paused for a moment before continuing.

“…If you’re aiming for the position of Family Head, you need to increase your influence even more. Especially since the Council of Elders is targeting you.”

I nodded.

Influence.

Becoming the Family Head of the Soongmoo Lee Family is not possible with mere force or skill.

Even my third brother in my previous life secretly recruited the Elders one by one from within and eventually seized control of the family.

The Warrior Unit is the same.

Outwardly, all Warrior Units maintain neutrality, but in reality, they are divided into factions.

“That’s true. So, I’ll create a Warrior Unit, but I don’t intend to go looking for them myself.”

“Yes? What do you mean…”

“I’ll make them come to me on their own. Do you think you’re the only people like you in this family?”

Choi In-ha’s eyes widened at my words.

“I know what my image is in the family. I plan to use that.”

I don’t care about background, status, or gender.

I’m already being discriminated against as a bastard, so what’s the point of caring about that? No, in the 21st century, that’s already outdated.

Only skill.

My impression on the people of the family is that I only value performance and skill.

‘And this will be quite tempting.’

There are those in this family who, despite their outstanding abilities, have not revealed themselves, either willingly or unwillingly.

Whether they’ve been pushed out of political competition, taken the wrong line, or are cowering due to the poor background, like the members of Class 5.

It doesn’t have to be warriors.

There are many talented people in this family.

“And you don’t have to worry about the Council of Elders. It’s about time they came looking for me.”

“Yes? Ah, yes.”

Choi In-ha replied and studied Lee Cheol’s expression.

Lee Cheol was wearing a very meaningful smile.

Flinch!

And because Choi In-ha knew what happened every time he saw that smile, he felt goosebumps rising.

“Go now. You’ve worked hard.”

“…Yes, sir.”

Choi In-ha chuckled softly and moved his feet.

I thought he might have changed since he left the Warrior Pilgrimage, since he’s gotten quite old….

But it wasn’t.

Lee Cheol was the same.

He lacked power and influence when he was in the family, but now he has both.

I was worried when I heard that he had clashed with the Council of Elders, but it seemed like there was no need to be.

* * *

Recently, a strange atmosphere had been flowing among the Elders.

It was because the authority of the Council of Elders was crumbling due to the youngest’s return and the actions he had shown afterward.

A leader who is swayed by a mere bastard, and that leader is not even putting up a plausible fight, and even forbade his subordinate Elders from cooperating with Lee Cheol.

And the moment voices of dissatisfaction began to emerge, certain documents were placed on the Elders’ desks.

They were documents related to the Elders’ corruption, and the sender was none other than Lee Cheol.

Even if it was just a minor corruption of receiving a few coins, the Soongmoo Lee Family does not tolerate it.

Depending on the severity, it’s not a matter of preserving one’s position, but of having to give up one’s head or a part of one’s body.

The number of those who did not know how the things they had thoroughly hidden had been documented and passed into Lee Cheol’s hands, and what to do about it, was increasing.

And Lee Won-cheon, the head of the Secretariat under the Soongmoo Lee Family Council of Elders and one of the senior Elders, was one of those people.

‘Ugh… damn it. How did I end up like this.’

Elder Lee Won-cheon distorted his face in front of the mansion on the outskirts where Lee Cheol was residing.

The main task of the Secretariat, which Lee Won-cheon was in charge of, was to manage the family’s etiquette, ancestral rites, and all kinds of traditional events and ceremonies.

Typically, it included the Iron Thread Ceremony and the Naming Ceremony, as well as managing the tombs of the ancestors on Soongmoo Mountain.

In fact, it was a place where there was not much to do unless it was for various holidays and other events, and of course, it was not a place where one could quickly accumulate achievements.

Those who know how much pressure such a place brings in the achievement-oriented Soongmoo Lee Family know.

But in the midst of all this, Lee Won-cheon recently received a certain document.

‘Damn it. I just received a little money for selecting a company related to ritual vessels… where did he get this?’

He sighed and fiddled with the bundle of documents in his arms.

In any case, if Lee Cheol has the original of this, there is not much he can do.

‘I’m afraid of the Council Head, but… what can I do? I’m afraid of losing my head right now!’

Lee Won-cheon made up his mind and stepped inside.

“Have you arrived, Elder Lee Won-cheon.”

A woman who appeared to be Lee Cheol’s nanny bowed politely and greeted him.

“Ahem! Yes, I’m a little late.”

“He’s waiting in the backyard.”

“I understand!”

Lee Won-cheon decided to steel his heart.

In Lee Won-cheon’s eyes, Lee Cheol was basking in the sun in the backyard.

“Have you arrived, Secretariat Head.”

Lee Cheol noticed him, quietly got up, and politely paid his respects.

Lee Won-cheon looked at Lee Cheol and thought of a man.

‘Just now, it was like looking at the Family Head.’

It must have been a mistake.

Lee Won-cheon shook his head, calmed his pounding heart, and sat down in front of Lee Cheol.

“The Secretariat Head is the third. If you don’t mind, let’s skip the political rhetoric or troublesome probing. I think both the Secretariat Head and I know everything, don’t we?”

Third? What does that mean?

First, Lee Won-cheon nodded.

“Yes, if that’s more comfortable for you. I understand.”

Lee Won-cheon took a deep breath and his eyes lit up.

“Then tell me. What do you want?”

“You seem to be mistaken. I didn’t call the Secretariat Head because I wanted something from you. Rather, wasn’t it the Secretariat Head who came to me?”

“……You were the one who said to skip the probing.”

“The Secretariat Head was the one who did it first. Please don’t misunderstand who’s holding the knife.”

Crack!

Lee Won-cheon clenched the documents tightly.

Then Lee Cheol said with a meaningful smile.

“Don’t be so angry. I’m saying that because I’m thinking of doing something for you.”

“What?”

“I’ll give you the exact location, relics, and data related to the ancestors’ tombs. I heard that your recent performance has been a bit precarious. If you work with this tomb excavation project, you’ll be able to fill at least a few years.”

“……Why?”

The Secretariat Head’s eyes widened.

But soon, the Secretariat Head realized the meaning of this proposal.

‘The Council Head’s power……!’

He also realized what it meant to say that he was the third.

Two Elders had already visited him.

He was not the first to visit Lee Cheol.

“Are you telling me to become your force? With just this?”

“I don’t even want that.”

“Then why…….”

“Council Head… no, Lee Cheol-joong. Is a life of just receiving crumbs from that old hag really enough?”

Lee Won-cheon’s eyes trembled.

* * *

I was still sitting in the backyard, sipping the Job’s tears tea [a type of grain tea] that the nanny had brought.

The nanny preferred to prepare these teas herself rather than using ready-made products.

The taste was special, so I enjoyed the sweet taste of the tea while basking in the spring sun.

“……Sir.”

“Nanny. What’s wrong?”

“Are you really okay? Already, several Elders have……”

“It’s okay. I had to go this way.”

I said with a smile.

I had no intention of making the Elders my allies, fighting power struggles, creating factions… or engaging in such outdated political battles.

The support of the already stagnant Council of Elders is not necessary.

It would be convenient to have the support of the Elders in obtaining the throne of Family Head, but it doesn’t matter if I don’t have it.

But it is annoying.

So, I had to tear them apart.

‘It’s enough to just leave them to split up among themselves.’

I’ll throw them some crumbs and tear apart the Council Head’s forces, and make them start political battles among themselves.

The Elders may think of me as an enemy now, but it’s enough to slightly twist that perception and turn it towards the Council Head.

It’s hard for me to say it myself, but who would be loyal to a Council Head who is being swayed by a mere bastard?

What do I have to do? Nothing. I just need to watch the situation and maintain the balance.

And after that, I’ll completely sweep away the tattered Council of Elders.

‘What I need to be wary of is the intermediate process. I just need to make sure that my other brothers don’t contact the Elders who are cornered in an attempt to increase their power. But…….’

Council Head, Lee Cheol-joong.

The fact that he’s quiet is still a bit unsettling.

He’s an old monster who has lived from the end of the Great War until now.

I don’t think he’ll just let me get away with it.

‘Missions, disciplinary recommendations, political maneuvers… there must be something.’

In any case, I’ve decided on this route for the Council of Elders.

“Nanny, can you send a public document to all departments?”

At my words, the nanny tilted her head.

“What kind of public document?”

I slowly opened my mouth.

* * *

A rather embarrassing public document was posted on the Soongmoo Lee Family’s intranet public bulletin board, and a cooperation document was sent to each department as well.

The content was simple.

The youngest, Lee Cheol, is recruiting a Warrior Unit.

There are no qualifications or conditions for application, and there are no preferential matters or conditions.

Even the submission of documents will be received after the recruitment is over.

The content of the test is only one thing.

You must prove yourself in some way in front of Lee Cheol.

Lee Cheol of the Soongmoo Lee Family, who has shocked the family every time.

He has begun to expand his power in earnest.