Murim Login - Chapter 9

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 9
Ding.
–
[Taewon Jin Family Protective Technique]
has been acquired.
– Upon mastering this martial art, you will gain various effects.
– Achievement,
[Learn a Martial Art]
has been completed.
– As a reward for completing the achievement, you obtain the title,
[Novice Practitioner]
.
“Good grief.”
The moment the system notification appeared, I collapsed onto the ground. Dust billowed up around me, but what did it matter? I was already a beggar anyway.
‘Why is this so brutal?’
Jin Tae-kyung’s Study contained only two types of books.
Erotic novels. And everything else. Among the four hundred or so volumes, excluding the erotic novels, only about a hundred remained.
‘Quite the character.’
Had he been born in Korea, he’d be running an illegal adult website; had he been born in America, he’d be serving time. In any case, after finishing the classification, the martial arts manuals numbered merely thirty or so.
‘If only the manuals were even half as numerous as the erotic novels.’
It was regrettable, but there was a silver lining. I had discovered the martial arts manuals I needed immediately.
The Taewon Jin Family Sword Technique and the Taewon Jin Family Protective Technique—the family’s hereditary martial arts that I had forgotten due to not practicing for far too long.
‘Checking the Taewon Jin Family Protective Technique.’
Ding.
Skill Window
[Taewon Jin Family Protective Technique]
Type
: Footwork
Grade
: First-Class
Restriction
: Direct Bloodline of Taewon Jin Family
Proficiency
: First Stage
Description
: A footwork technique devised by the founder of the Taewon Jin Family. Limited in variation and monotonous, yet practical in actual combat.
The description of the Taewon Jin Family Sword Technique was not much different. However.
‘Limited in variation and monotonous, my foot.’
The hereditary martial art created by whoever that founder was—whether ancestor or ancient bird—was dreadfully complex. Just thinking about last night made my teeth grind involuntarily.
–
[Taewon Jin Family Secret Manual]
I began to learn it.
– Memorizing the incantations. The speed varies depending on the martial arts grade and intelligence stat.
Yeah, everything was fine up to that point. The real problem started after.
–
[Taewon Jin Family Secret Manual]
Marking the footwork patterns. (0 / 100)
I followed the footprints the system displayed, executing the movement technique, but it was brutally rigid and precise—the slightest deviation from the marked path meant failure. Even a delayed next movement meant failure.
Only by treading the entire sequence perfectly could I complete one full cycle.
‘This insane piece-of-shit game.’
There was a significant difference in physique between my real self and this character. My height had shrunk nearly half a span, and my reach was shorter. Without fine control, mistakes cascaded relentlessly.
‘It’s a miracle I succeeded at all.’
After completing a hundred cycles, my hands and feet trembled with exhaustion.
‘But at least I gained one thing.’
From years of hunting, I had grown accustomed to combat—especially group battles. In fights where life and death hung in the balance, the most crucial element was luck first, footwork second.
Advance. Retreat. Or hold position. Even with an arm severed, I could survive if my legs still moved. But once the legs were gone, it was over.
The feet must move before the hands. Every battle I’d experienced proved this, and that’s why I prioritized learning footwork first.
‘But…’
It was too slow. Even with the system’s aid, half a day had slipped away. How much more time would I need to master spear techniques as well?
‘Today marks the fifth day.’
Virtual reality games supposedly ran faster than reality. But even accounting for the time multiplier, five days was a considerable span.
“Sigh.”
I exhaled and forcibly cast aside my wandering thoughts.
Rescue? Logout? Now wasn’t the time to cling to possibilities—I had to push forward, even alone.
‘That’s enough for today.’
I gathered the martial arts manuals and rose to my feet.
When I arrived at the second-floor bedroom, I realized an unusual book had slipped between the manuals.
[Night King’s Magnificent Men]
“Ahem.”
Oh no, what a careless mistake.
* * *
“You’re already coughing, sir?”
The Servant regarded me with wide eyes. A breakfast tray rested in his hands.
“I couldn’t sleep well…”
My answer was truthful. The cause lay in the breathing meditation.
‘This effect is incredible.’
Beyond clarifying the mind and sharpening the senses, the breathing meditation possessed the efficacy of dispelling fatigue. Now that I thought about it, I couldn’t recall feeling tired since I’d begun the practice.
‘The pain has almost vanished too.’
“Your wounds could worsen if you overexert yourself. Please be careful.”
Warmth bloomed in my chest at the Servant’s words. Even in this wretched game, there existed an NPC like a ray of light. I’d finally found someone sane.
What’s with this sudden surge of emotion?
I began breakfast with a numb expression.
The side dishes were uniformly either too salty or too bland, but I pushed through them using my hunger as seasoning, then downed the medicinal broth in one gulp.
“Ugh.”
My brow furrowed involuntarily at the taste. Soon after, the Servant cleared the table and bowed his head.
“Then I shall take my leave.”
“Ah, wait a moment.”
“Please lower your speech. Why do you speak so formally to me?”
Now that I thought about it, he had a point.
At first, the graphics and artificial intelligence were so realistic that I’d used formal speech with every NPC I met, but by now I’d grown somewhat accustomed to it.
The time had come to reclaim the dignity of a player. I answered with gravity.
“For now, I’ll speak however feels comfortable.”
Damn it, I couldn’t bring myself to drop the formality. The man clearly looked to be in his forties—I couldn’t very well call him “this guy” or “that guy.”
Cursed game, with graphics so unnecessarily good that I can’t even speak casually.
At this rate, I’ll end up befriending NPCs.
When I emphasized the fact that I’d suffered a head injury, the Servant reluctantly nodded.
“I see no choice then. Is there something you wish me to do?”
“I was wondering if there’s an empty room.”
The Servant tilted his head quizzically.
“I could arrange that, but might I ask what purpose you intend for it?”
“I want to practice martial arts.”
“Pardon?”
“All the rooms here are either filthy or stuffy… but why do you have that expression?”
* * *
The Servant who left the Pavilion rushed straight to the Family Head’s Office.
Once the Servant’s report concluded, Jin Wi-kyung’s solemn voice rang out from beyond the stack of documents.
“Well done.”
The moment the Servant departed, Jin Wi-kyung leaped to his feet and scattered the documents into the air.
“Excellent news! No work today!”
“Who gave you permission?”
Wi Paeng, who caught every last document as it fluttered down, let out a sigh.
“If others learn of your behavior, there will be talk.”
“The Third is finally going to seriously learn martial arts—what could be more important than that!”
“More pressing is the fact that the Elder Council is watching for an opening.”
The Elder Council. At those words, Jin Wi-kyung’s expression darkened.
“Damned old fools.”
“A family assembly may be called soon. From their perspective, they’ve spotted weakness, so naturally they’ll strike.”
The agenda was predictable—it would begin with Jin Tae-kyung’s usual conduct and end with attacks on me, the source of the rumors.
“Those bastards are relentless.”
“How long has this been going on? Worms breed in ancient pillars.”
“Is there no way?”
“So you’re volunteering to be the Third Young Master’s shield again.”
Wi Paeng exhaled a long sigh.
“My lord. Would you permit this humble servant to speak?”
“I refuse.”
“Then I must refuse as well. The embezzlement of sect funds alone numbers five instances. The rest are beyond counting. Had the main family enforced their rules strictly, the Third Young Master would be a miracle of survival.”
“Good heavens. This man.”
“Since we’re on the subject, ask any servant in the main house. To you, he’s a beloved younger brother, but to others… well, I needn’t elaborate.”
“What grievance do you have against our youngest? Why do you speak like this?”
“Because I’m frustrated. Frustrated. Whenever the Third Young Master causes trouble, you clean it up. To prevent it, you concede to the Elder Council’s demands. You’re gradually losing authority this way. Do you know what rumors are spreading now?”
“What rumors?”
“Some say the Third Young Master is the Elder Council’s faction. That he receives allowance from them and deliberately causes incidents.”
Jin Wi-kyung’s eyelids trembled.
“This is outrageous beyond measure!”
“I’d prefer it were true. If the Elder Council slipped him silver, at least he wouldn’t embezzle sect funds.”
“You….”
“I’ve said my piece. Dismiss me if you will.”
Jin Wi-kyung let out a deep sigh.
“I’ve been thinking this cannot continue as it is.”
“Thinking is good. The problem is you don’t act on it.”
“Still, I must do my utmost this time.”
“Ah, my lord….”
“This is the last time. I promise you this clearly.”
Jin Wi-kyung spoke with gravity. Wi Paeng asked in a skeptical tone.
“Truly, my lord?”
“The boy’s memories are still incomplete. Moreover… he’s changed overnight, become a different person. You’ve noticed it yourself.”
“That may be true, but….”
Wi Paeng trailed off.
The Third Young Master had indeed changed. Whether his memory loss was a lie or truth, his current behavior was undeniably promising.
Jin Wi-kyung, who had been lost in thought, spoke again.
“Wi Paeng.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Draft an order under my name.”
“What sort of…?”
“Gather some appropriate charges and impose confinement to the Training Pavilion as punishment.”
“Ah, I see.”
Wi Paeng struck his forehead. It was largely for show, but in the current situation, it was an excellent emergency measure. It would ease the pressure he’d face at the upcoming council meeting while reducing the severity of Jin Tae-kyung’s punishment.
And beyond that….
“You’ve also granted the Third Young Master’s request. He was looking for a place to train, after all.”
Wasn’t this killing three birds with one stone? Wi Paeng genuinely marveled at it.
“As expected of our lord.”
“Our family is like this. Ah, did I mention it? Tae-kyung was quite brilliant even as a child, and one day….”
“…I should go draft the decree.”
* * *
“Therefore, the Third Young Master Jin Tae-kyung, who has violated fourteen laws and disrupted the discipline of our household, is hereby confined to the Training Pavilion for an indefinite period.”
The man—was his name Wi Paeng?—droned on with all the charm of spoiled rice, and I suddenly raised my hand.
“Um, I have a question.”
“Please speak.”
“What does ‘indefinite period’ mean?”
Wi Paeng answered with visible reluctance.
“It means there is no set time limit.”
“Ah.”
I thought the game language system had glitched again. Fortunately, it matches what I know. Haha.
“Hahaha.”
“Hehehe.”
Laughter is contagious by nature. The warriors who came with Wi Paeng began laughing along with me.
In that suddenly warm atmosphere, Wi Paeng recited the final line.
“The criminal Jin Tae-kyung shall obey the decree.”
“I refuse.”
“…?”
“…?”
“I said no. Damn it.”
The two men approaching with ropes exchanged confused glances with Wi Paeng. Regardless, I spoke my mind.
“I asked for a single room to train in, not to be thrown in a prison.”
Are these people completely insane?
“Now, Third Young Master. Calm yourself and listen to me.”
“Listen to what? The Training Pavilion has everything necessary for cultivation. The accommodations are not poor either. Don’t waste my time with this nonsense.”
His expression confirmed I’d struck a nerve. I drove the point home.
“You’re like people telling soldiers to serve happily because their pay went up. I’m not doing it. I’ll just train alone in a room or courtyard instead.”
Honestly, the Training Pavilion didn’t sound terrible in isolation.
But the word “indefinite” stuck in my throat like a thorn. I needed to learn martial arts and level up urgently—I couldn’t afford to waste time waiting to be released from confinement.
I simply sprawled out on the ground.
“Do your worst!”
“Third Young Master. Please stop this and get up.”
Wi Paeng frowned and glared at me.
“This decision was made by the Young Master for your own good.”
“Jin Wi-kyung? Or rather, Elder Brother?”
That idiot of an elder brother issued this command?
At that moment, Wi Paeng’s lips moved. Simultaneously, a voice reached my ears—strange and unlike ordinary speech.
– This is a voice transmission. Do not be alarmed and listen carefully.
Transmission through sound. I’d read about it in martial arts novels—a form of telepathy used only by masters.
– You’ve lost your memories, so you may not realize it, but the Third Young Master is a person of concern. Greater punishment may come down soon, which is why the Young Master is taking precautions beforehand.
I’ve lived twenty-seven years working hard, and now you speak of aggravated punishment?
As sorrow gripped me, Wi Paeng’s voice continued through the transmission.
– Though it’s called indefinite confinement, do you truly believe the Young Master would keep you locked in the Training Pavilion for life?
I shook my head. That man would never do such a thing. Unless he wanted to be trapped alone in the Training Pavilion with me.
– At most, I’ll have you released within seven days. What do you say?
Fierce determination blazed in Wi Paeng’s eyes. If I refused even this, he looked ready to drag me out by force.
‘Damn it, these NPCs are all thugs, what the hell.’
Hey, you bastard. You’re really that good at fighting?
I activated [Sense] to check Wi Paeng’s level.
[Lv.???]
“….”
A thug indeed. A level thug. This man was as much a butcher as Jin Wi-kyung. Wi Paeng’s eyes widened as he asked.
– What will you do?
Trembling with fear, I held up three fingers.
– …Four days. Please let me out in four days?
What kind of bastard was this? Wi Paeng, who had been glaring at me with that expression, soon sighed and spoke.
“Very well.”
#Training_Pavilion #Confinement #Negotiation #Successful.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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