After leaving the Black Cloud Hall, Mi-ryeong made her way deep into the forest. Her steps were swift, but careful. Though she couldn't help but think of Do-hyun and So-yeon, who remained behind to guard the Hall, she had someone she absolutely had to meet tonight.
As darkness thickened among the trees, she came to a stop and surveyed her surroundings. From her sleeve, she pulled out a delicate silk scarf and unfolded it, letting it flutter gently in the wind. The movement was a signal—one only a select few would recognize.
Moments later, a faint rustle passed through the trees, too subtle for most to hear. But to Mi-ryeong, it was a familiar code.
From the shadows, a figure emerged. His face was hidden, but his eyes gleamed like shards of darkness. Mi-ryeong met his gaze without fear, her own expression a mix of calm determination and tightly coiled tension.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," the man said in a low voice.
Mi-ryeong didn't reply at first. She simply studied him, then gave a small nod. Silence fell between them—heavy, weighted, filled with unspoken secrets and uncertain alliances.
"Did you bring what we discussed?" she asked softly.
The man didn't answer. Instead, he handed her a small box. Mi-ryeong took it and carefully opened the lid to inspect the contents. In the quiet shadows of the forest, their conversation continued—whispers traded beneath the veil of night, as the moon crept higher above the trees.
*****
The Return to a Lively Black Cloud Hall
While Mi-ryeong was away, the Black Cloud Hall remained quiet. With only Lee Do-hyun and Han So-yeon present, a calm routine had settled in.
So-yeon spent her time training at the archery range, loosing arrows with steady focus. Do-hyun stood beside her in silence, watching over her.
"This kind of peace isn't so bad," he said with a soft smile.
So-yeon smiled as she drew back another arrow. "Still, I kind of miss the noise and chaos… especially now that everyone's gone."
Just then, the front doors burst open.
"Captain! I'm back!"
It was Baek Wol-hee, marching in with a triumphant grin. There was a spark in her eyes—she looked both energized and satisfied.
"I got some pretty valuable info at the Sapa meeting. And had a bit of fun, too. Bet it was boring without me, huh?"
So-yeon lowered her bow and smiled in welcome. "You made it back safely. I spent the time training, as usual."
Wol-hee strode over and gave So-yeon a quick, playful hug. "Of course you did. That's just like you. But now that I'm back, let's bring some noise into this place."
Just then, another voice called from outside.
"Hmm, guess I wasn't the only one late to the party."
It was Cheong Un-jin, stepping inside with his usual lazy grin and a bottle of wine in hand. He strolled in and closed the door behind him.
"Back already, Cheong Un-jin?" Do-hyun turned to greet him.
Un-jin lifted the wine bottle with a smile. "Brought a little gift from Poongwollu. Thought we could all use a drink."
Wol-hee laughed at the sight of him. "Really? You weren't satisfied partying at Poongwollu? Had to bring the party here too?"
He shrugged. "Hey, the company's better here."
He set the bottle down and made himself comfortable.
And just like that, the silence that had settled over the Hall was gone. Laughter, conversation, and warmth returned. The four sat together, catching up and trading stories as the evening deepened.
Do-hyun looked around at each of them and felt a quiet sense of relief.
I'm glad they're all here. This… this is what it means to not be alone in this fight.
So-yeon glanced around at her companions under the soft lights of the Hall. The peace from before had been meaningful—but this, this feeling of shared purpose and camaraderie, was irreplaceable.
Wol-hee, seated again with her comrades, felt resolve welling in her chest.
With the information I got from the Sapa meeting… I might've found a way to get even stronger.
Cheong Un-jin, swirling his drink, muttered under his breath with a faint smile, "When we're together like this… there's nothing to fear."
And so, under the warm glow of their shared sanctuary, the night at Black Cloud Hall passed—filled with renewed strength and unity.
***
Who Is Mi-ryeong?
Mi-ryeong moved quietly along a narrow forest path, preparing for another secret meeting. Moonlight filtered gently through the leaves, illuminating her steps.
Soon, two figures emerged from the trees.
They were dressed in crisp official robes, but their expressions were cautious—and deeply respectful.
"Young Lady… officials from the palace have arrived," one man said in a hushed tone. He moved carefully, as if aware of how fragile the situation might be.
The other man, older and more serious in appearance, bowed deeply. "Lady Mi-ryeong. We were worried when you traveled this far. The palace wishes for your prompt return."
Mi-ryeong smiled faintly, looking over the two.
One of them, clearly older than her, still addressed her with the utmost deference. That alone made it clear—Mi-ryeong was no ordinary figure.
"Return?" she replied playfully. "That sounds boring, don't you think?"
She tilted her head slightly, glancing around the woods. "There's something much more interesting happening here. I need to see it for myself. It won't take long, so just wait a little longer."
The older man looked uncomfortable. "But, my lady… this is a direct order from the highest ranks. Your safety is—"
Mi-ryeong cut him off with a wave of her hand. "No need to worry. I have something to confirm here. You should gather a few people and stay close by. Something interesting is about to happen."
Her voice was calm, but carried a strange, almost mystical authority.
The older official held her gaze for a long moment, then finally lowered his head.
"Understood, Lady Mi-ryeong. We will follow your orders. But please… be cautious. We'll make preparations and wait for your word."
Mi-ryeong nodded and turned away from them.
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and anticipation.
Exploring the martial world—learning how it moved and where it was headed—was more exciting than anything else. And this time, she could feel it.
Something important was coming.