Everyone has heard of psychological warfare right?
Whether people are a hardcore marine or an ice cold killer, they are still fundamentally human. If one knew where to push the buttons of their humanity, it could make even the toughest of rocks break down in squabbling fear and mourning tears.
And this would not have been possible with Martial Kim alone playing the lead role in triggering the Chief Commissioner’s haunting past. If it weren't for the detective and officer, pushing their boss into one meeting after another, the forensic chemist would not have had time to coordinate efforts with support staff to install the necessary wiretap to record a confession.
Even then it would not be enough. The true hero of this trap was: the weather.
--- Divine intervention: the right timing of nature, the right setting on earth, and the right people put in place. I thank the heavens for standing on my side of justice. The many souls the Belt Rapist had stole, have been avenged. My honour restored...yet, even as they remove the chains from my hands and feet, why does my heart feel so heavy?
It was definitely a moment of celebration. A hard fought battle won...but who should he share this joyous moment with?
--- Martial Blue Sister, Martial Red Sister, Martial Yellow Sister, my fellow members of Moon Tavern and friends of the martial arts world... This victory would truly feel complete, if I could at least share my tale with a familiar ear. How I miss the way they smile, the sound of their laughter. How I regret reprimanding them of their playful teases.
Sigh. Even if Martial Kim had only been in this strange new world for only a short time, his mind and body felt he had been trapped for a long eternity. He feared the memories of his home would slowly fade into nothing, leaving him for good along the waves of the wandering winds. So he did everything in his power to constantly remind himself of who he was, where he belonged, and how much he yearned to return.
Nay, he has to return home!
However, hero or not – he was just still a human. Even his own cultivation has been halved. There was no way for him to snap his fingers and create an acceptable miracle to return to the comforts of his world.
So without much choice, he decided to follow where this strange river flowed. If it travelled South, he will survive in the South. If it wandered West, he cannot object and thrive in the West. It was better than exhausting himself to death by swimming against the currents, wouldn’t you agree?
“Kim, you good?”
“Hm? Oh, yes, Professor Stone. I am just glad, this is over.”
Perhaps it was good fortune, the young master gained a new friend, this Forensic Chemist Professor Stone. He was the first one to greet him upon his freedom, even the first person to ever shake the young master’s hand in congratulations.
It was a sweet feeling, not going to lie...albeit a little awkward. Not like culture of handshaking was a common thing back where he came from. Everyone simply bowed or folded their hands in a salute. Rarely a bold touch!
“So, what are you going to do now Kim?” Prof. Stone asked. “If I were you, I would treat myself to a big meal!”
Martial Kim was interrupted by a rumble of his stomach. He silenced it with a hand and tried to be polite, “A hot meal would be wonderful. However, there is one thing that must be resolved.”
“What would that be?”
“A formal apology.”
“Oh. Pffft. That’s so easy!” Prof. Stone chuckled, and turned to the side, “You heard him Detective, Officer. You really think you can say ‘hi’ empty handed? Hmm?”
“...”
“...”
Detective Fraulein and Officer Roland didn’t know where to look. They felt staring at Martial Kim in the eye would allow him to read their vulnerable thoughts. While looking away gave them some ease, it also felt awkward with how hard the young master was staring. They tensed up, whenever the young master moved so much as a finger while idle – they imagined a swift punch or kick flying in their direction.
“......S...sorry.” Detective Fraulein muttered. Not exactly a humble bow, but it was enough. “So, we even?”
Martial Kim shrugged, “I did openly strike your constables. I too am in the wrong. So yes, slate is clear. For now.”
“Did you really had to add the ‘for now’ part?...Damn it, why am I breaking into a cold sweat!?”
“And you, Constable?”
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Officer Roland felt the spotlight was on him and he hadn’t prepared a speech for this moment. He couldn’t stop scratching at the collar of his uniform or tap a finger on his belt. Still he got some words out, “My bad.”
“Now, now, dear constable,” Martial Kim hummed. “There is no need to admit how bad or terrible you are. No one is perfect, not even myself. In saying that, I have faith you will take these events as a valuable lesson and grow to become a better soldier of justice.”
“...Ma’am, is this considered assault and battery on my emotions? Can I charge him?”
Martial Kim and Prof. Stone gave a shrug – near synchronized. It was just too uncanny for Detective Fraulein to say anything.
“By the way, Kim,” The detective still chanced to ask, “How did you do that trick? The flying thing?”
“Yeah, no wires,” Officer Roland added, curious himself, “I mean you even made everything in the house move. Come on, tell us how you did that? Hidden strings?”
--- Simply Flying Skills and Inner Energy Manipulation. Even a young disciple of a martial arts sect can move a peachwood sword if they focus hard enough, let alone a cluster of knives or even furniture. I am truly shocked no one in this world recognizes it.
But Martial Kim simply said, “A magician reveals not their tricks. Otherwise, the fun would be lost.”
The detective and officer let out a groan before they left. Even when one case was closed, crime never sleeps, so duty calls. Prof. Stone on the other hand decided to stay and keep the young master company as he showed him to the police station lobby. Not like Martial Kim was going to stay another night in the station right? Hah, this wasn’t a hotel!
“Oh, Professor Stone.”
“Ye, Kim? What is it?”
“...If it is not too much, I would like to request a small favour.”
“Kim. You helped us catch a killer. You deserve a medal for what you’ve been through. So of course you can ask for something! What is it?”
Martial Kim felt his heart sink, and he hadn’t delivered the first word! “It is about Miss Keekee.”
“Ah yes, your girlfriend.”
“She is not my...Well...Er. It is my fault for dragging her into this mess. I believe, I put her through so much stress and emotional turmoil, given the severity of this case. No doubt she must either hate me, or no longer wants to do anything with me.”
“Uh huh?” Prof. Stone nodded along.
“Would it be possible, you could tell her, I am sorry.”
“...Is that all?”
“Er. Yes. If it is not too much trouble.”
“Well. Super easy” Prof. Stone chirped as he brought him to the lobby. Then he suddenly called out to the crowd, “Did you hear that? He’s sorry! Kim is sorry! S – O – R – R – Y!”
“P-Professor Stone!?” Martial Kim blushed and didn’t understand why Prof. Stone turned to tell his words to a complete stranger. This was a private matter no? Why go shouting about his embarrassment to—
“...M-Miss Keekee!?”
“KIM!”
Oh! So Keekee had been waiting for him in the lobby? Was it the whole time? Days? Or every now and then? You know what: those details didn’t matter. The film assistant didn’t hesitate to throw her petite body against the young master, hanging off him in a tender hug. She wiped the tears on his chest as she clung onto him.
“Kim! Oh Kim! I’m so glad you’re alright! D-did they hurt you!? D-did they bully you! I-if you want, I know a some lawyers to help you out! Just say the word!”
“H...how? Why?” For once, the knight-errant was flustered by this surprise attack. He found himself nearly thrown off kilter despite how small the young lady was. Normally his first reaction would be to throw the attacker of his shoulder and twist them into the ground.
His hands were still human – he pulled her into an embrace without thinking.
“H-how come you are here?” the young master asked such ridiculous question.
Prof. Stone couldn’t contain his smirk and told him a secret, “I asked Keekee to make the wig and robes you used. I mean, dollar store product can only go so far. Girl put in blood, sweat, maybe a bloody tear drop or two to make the costume hyper realistic. Movie expert, right?”
“M-Miss Keekee bled from her eyes? Fo-for my sake!?”
“...It was metaphorical, Kim. C-calm down. G-go back to hugging your girlfriend. Thaaat’s it. Not to brag, but Keekee did an excellent job in setting up the prop to drop the leopard cloth on the Chief Commissioner when he last expected it. Really sold the whole horror flick we were making. This girl, she deserves a Golden Globe in special effects or something.”
Martial Kim felt a nod rubbing his chest, her warm arms holding him tight like a buckle. The warmth of another human being made his eyes well up, his breathing haggard, and knees weak. There was nothing more he wanted to than to hold Keekee in his arms.
--- I-I should not touch her like this. We are not proper lovers. What, what would people say? They would surely tarnish her virtue and dignity through vicious gossip?.......I should let her go....I should......But...
He didn’t want to. She was just too soft.
“Miss Keekee...Thank you, for waiting for me.”
“Of course! What are friends are for!?”
Congratulations all around! However, the nightmare may be over but this was only the beginning. If only Martial Kim knew the fate and heavens have something in store for him to test his wit, mettle, and integrity.
Never would he have imagined, the moment he was free of his cage – marked the first step in forging an unforgettable bond with the forensic chemist and film assistant.
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