Chapter 16 — The Traitor's Cry
The Jaegal Clan was consumed by chaos. Warriors ran in every direction, formations activated, and screams echoed through the walls. Jaegal Seong, the second son, fought fiercely, his sword carving deadly arcs through the air. Even though he had been awakened in a rush, he killed invaders with terrifying precision.
But at a critical moment, three enemies surrounded him. He was about to fall—until my blade sliced through one of their throats.
— You?! — Seong's eyes widened.
— Later, — I said, breathless. — Now don't die.
We fought side by side for a few moments. Then I moved closer to him amid the chaos.
— Something's wrong… — I muttered. — How did they know exactly where to enter? How did they know the weak spots in the formations? There's a spy among us.
— You mean… someone from the inside?!
— We don't know who. Yet. But if you hurry, I might be able to show you something. There's a place where we might intercept him. Go to the underground chamber behind the smaller library. Meet me there in fifteen minutes.
Seong hesitated, then nodded. He left with a few trusted guards.
I, however, went in another direction.
In the hidden courtyard behind the northern wall, Ma Yung was waiting for me.
— Why did you call me here? — he asked, irritated.
— Because it's time to choose a side, — I replied bluntly. — The night has already bled. But the future is still undecided.
He looked at me with suspicion.
— Are you imply—
— I'm not implying. I'm offering. Join me. If you do, when the Gwan Clan takes these lands, they'll leave a portion under your command. The Jaegal lands will be yours—or at least, the part I find useless.
Ma Yung narrowed his eyes. His silence was answer enough.
— Come, — I said, turning on my heels. — Let's meet Gwan Taejin at the rendezvous point.
The elder followed me without a word.
We arrived at the rocky clearing, where the Gwan Clan's patriarch was already waiting.
— You're late, — Taejin said.
— No. I'm right on time, — I replied. — Fifteen minutes have passed.
Then, I did what needed to be done.
I drove the sword into my own body.
Steel tore through flesh, and I screamed with all my strength.
— TRAITOR! ELDER MA YUNG HAS JOINED THE GWAN CLAN! HE WANTED TO SURRENDER OUR CLAN!
Ma Yung's expression froze. Taejin took a step back, confused.
At that exact moment, the second son appeared with dozens of guards. Seeing me bleeding and Taejin before me, his face twisted with fury.
— KILL THEM! ALL OF THEM!
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4 — Whisper of the Core
Current level of the brother (Jaegal Seong).