The Road Ahead

The Iron Will Sect was bustling with activity, preparing to depart. Disciples loaded supplies onto wagons, adjusting straps on traveling packs, and securing weapons. Yet, something felt different—there were fewer people now, though no one spoke of it aloud. Leader Yang stood at the forefront, his calm presence commanding respect as the village elders gathered around him.

"Leader Yang, we are forever in your debt," one elder said, bowing deeply. His voice trembled with gratitude. "Our village owes you more than we can repay."

Leader Yang offered a soft smile, his hands folded behind his back. "You owe us nothing. It is our duty to protect and guide those in need."

Behind them, So Hyeon stood apart, her usually bright demeanor dimmed. She leaned against a wooden post, lost in thought, watching the villagers as they scurried about, but her mind was elsewhere. Would they come? The question gnawed at her. Would Min Joon and Jin Seok stay here, or would they take the chance to come with us?

The quiet was broken by a familiar voice. "So Hyeon, why are you sulking? You met them a week ago," the young martial artist, Lee Kang, teased. His grin was boyish, but there was a hint of concern beneath his words.

So Hyeon turned to him, her playful anger flashing. "Will you ever shut up, Lee Kang?" She raised a fist, mock-threatening to knock some sense into him.

Lee Kang chuckled and leaned back, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, hey! No need for violence. I'm just saying, you've been unusually quiet lately. It's not like you."

So Hyeon sighed, letting her hand fall. "It's not about how long I've known them," she muttered. "There's something about those two... They're different. They remind me of..." She trailed off, unable to find the words.

Lee Kang tilted his head, his teasing expression softening. "You care about them, huh?"

So Hyeon crossed her arms, looking away. "They're like wild dogs. They don't know how to be part of a pack. But maybe... they could."

Lee Kang smiled faintly. "Well, if they do come, they'll have you to thank. You're the one who brought them here."

So Hyeon didn't respond, but deep down, she hoped they would choose the road ahead with the Iron Will Sect. If they stay here... what will become of them?

The preparations were complete. The Iron Will Sect was ready to depart. Wagons creaked as they began to roll forward, and the horses snorted softly, their hooves clattering against the dirt road. The sect moved slowly toward the village gate, the quiet of the night broken only by the rustling wind and the occasional murmur of conversation.

The gate loomed ahead, dimly lit by lanterns swaying gently in the breeze. Shadows danced across the ground, and the moon cast a pale glow over the departing group. Just as the first wagon approached the threshold, something stirred in the darkness.

Two pairs of golden eyes glimmered from the shadows just beyond the gate, piercing through the gloom like twin stars. The sight froze everyone in place. A hushed silence fell over the sect, tension hanging in the air.

Leader Yang, calm as ever, exhaled softly, a faint smile touching his lips. Beside him, So Hyeon's eyes widened, then softened with relief. She let out a long breath, her shoulders relaxing as a grin spread across her face.

"They came," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy.

From the shadows, a figure stepped forward. Min Joon, his face illuminated by the faint lantern light, grinned broadly. He cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted with unrestrained energy.

"IRON WILL SECT! WE'LL JOIN YOU GUYS—BUT WE HAVE SOME CONDITIONS!"

His voice echoed through the night, bold and unapologetic. He stood tall, his tattered clothes clinging to his lean frame, but his confidence radiated like the moonlight. Beside him, Jin Seok emerged, quieter, his golden eyes steady and unreadable, but a faint smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Leader Yang chuckled softly, his expression warm. "Conditions, you say?" he called out, his voice carrying an amused undertone.

Min Joon's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's right! But you'll have to hear them on the road!"

So Hyeon couldn't hold back any longer. She laughed, the sound light and joyful. "You idiot!" she yelled. "Get over here already!"

Min Joon and Jin Seok exchanged a glance before walking forward, their steps slow but determined. They passed through the gate, finally joining the Iron Will Sect under the watchful eyes of the moon.

Leader Yang nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "Welcome," he said simply, but the word carried its weight.

As the wagon wheels creaked and rolled through the darkened village, whispers floated through the night air like the wind. A group of young disciples walked beside the horses, their voices low but sharp.

"Who even are those two?" one asked, glancing at the wagon ahead. "Strutting around like they're already part of the sect."

"They must think they're something special," another muttered. "We'll see how long that lasts." the one added "ım sure Elders will do something about these brats"

Inside the wagon, the lantern's soft glow flickered, casting long shadows over Jin Seok, Min Joon, and Leader Yang. Jin Seok sat upright, his expression unreadable but serious, while Min Joon lounged lazily, his arms folded behind his head, grinning like he'd already won some invisible contest.

Leader Yang, ever composed, studied them both with calm eyes. "I assume you didn't shout those conditions without reason," he said at last, his voice smooth as silk. "So, what are they?"

Jin Seok met his gaze, unwavering. "Four conditions," he began, his voice steady. "First—we will never be hungry again."

Leader Yang's expression remained calm, but something flickered in his eyes. Min Joon leaned forward, nodding enthusiastically. "Yeah, no more scavenging or stealing," he added, grinning wide. "We've had enough of that."

"Second," Jin Seok continued, "we want to get stronger. Stronger than anyone."

"Stronger than So Hyeon?" Leader Yang asked, amusement playing at the corners of his lips.

Jin Seok's eyes narrowed. "Third condition," he said, ignoring the question, "we get to fight her once a week. No holding back."

Min Joon chuckled. "We had her last time," he said, clearly enjoying the memory. "Next time, we'll win without being given an advantage."

Leader Yang raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Jin Seok leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening. "Fourth," he said, "we want personal shelter. A space of our own."

Leader Yang tilted his head, as though weighing their words carefully. "And if we don't meet these conditions?" he asked softly.

"We'll leave," Jin Seok answered without hesitation. "Disappear. You'll never see us again."

Min Joon gave an exaggerated nod, his grin widening. "Gone like smoke," he said with a flourish, as if the idea of vanishing was as easy as breathing.

There was a pause, a stillness between them, broken only by the sound of hooves on the dirt road. Leader Yang regarded them both with an inscrutable expression, then finally spoke.

"You ask for much," he said. "And yet, you offer nothing in return."

Jin Seok didn't flinch. "If we're that special, why don't you prove our worth by investing in us?" His voice was steady, his eyes unblinking.

Min Joon leaned back, arms crossed, and added, "He's right, you know."

Leader Yang's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "And what, exactly, do you think you'll become with such an investment?"

Jin Seok's answer came swiftly, as if he'd already prepared it. "Do you think I can see the future? How should I know? You're the one telling us we have potential."

The wagon creaked as the Iron Will Sect continued its slow departure under the veil of night. The distant murmurs of disciples still echoed beyond the wooden walls of the cart , but the three within remained locked in tense silence.

Leader Yang studied them both, his hands folded neatly in his lap. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but edged with authority. "You must be willing to meet one condition of my own."

Min Joon's eyes narrowed. "And what is that?"

Leader Yang leaned forward. Telling the kids his condintion while having a big smile on his face

Min Joon thought it sounded easy, but Jin Seok felt otherwise hearing that made him think that this could be harder than he thoughy he was.

And with that, the conversation ended, leaving only the creak of the wagon and the cold night air swirling around them