Descent of the Demon Master

Transforming the Round Table? What on Earth was Wiggins on about?

“Wiggins, now isn’t the time to debate whose ideology is more correct,” said the Master urgently.

“This isn't about ideologies, Master,” Wiggins grinned airily back. “I strongly suspect that once you hear my proposal, you will very quickly agree to it.”

The Master's expression rapidly dyed in confusion.

“Master, your offer is realistically the best way to benefit everyone involved, yes?”

“Well, at least that is my honest opinion.”

“Then, if the Round Table fails to agree, wouldn't it suggest the organization has a fundamental flaw? Wouldn't you agree?”

That was an unexpected jab. The Master couldn’t immediately think of a counter and falteringly nodded. “Yes, you could say that.”

“Master…” Wiggins stared somberly at the Master. “One of the things I've realized while in the company of the Assembly is that peace can only be achieved through strength. And to achieve the highest possible effectiveness, you need someone with strength to accompany you.”

What Wiggins said seemed to oppose the Round Table’s ideals, yet it didn’t stray from the Round Table’s methods either! The reason for that was simple.

The Round Table pursued equality and fairness for all, but all the decisions made in the service of achieving those goals still required overpowering strength to bring to reality.

This subtle contradiction stopped the Master from arguing back.

“Master, the Assembly Master has guaranteed your safety, so take your time and objectively think about this. The Round Table is no longer the same organization you know. Also… Once you step back from the role and Knight Leveaux takes over the Round Table… I assure you, the Round Table will lose even more of its former glory and luster.”

“Wiggins, do not underestimate the Round Table like this!”

“But, Master… What you’ve said is filled with contradictions, no?”

“Contradictions?”

“Yes," Wiggins nodded, then regulated his breathing before continuing on. "You said you believe in the Round Table's system. But you also are deeply skeptical of Knight Leveaux taking on the role of the next Master.”

“…”

“If the Round Table's system is designed to completely eliminate the human element, you shouldn't have anything to worry about. But your current attitude suggests that you have accepted the Round Table not being as stable as everything thinks.

“The way I see it, the Round Table is simply suppressing those affiliated with it through its unstable, incomplete system.”

The Master still failed to think of a counterargument and could only frown deeply. “So? What are you trying to say here, Wiggins?”

“Please go back and try. See if the Round Table will head in the direction you’ve envisioned.”

“…”

“If you get a favorable result, then the Assembly Master will accept your offer. Isn't that right, my lord?” Wiggins glanced at Kang Jin-Ho and asked, but the latter was pouting slightly, indicating that he wasn't too happy about that counteroffer.

Wiggins sneakily tugged at Kang Jin-Ho’s sleeve while addressing the Master. “May we be excused for a minute?”

“Mm…” The Master slowly nodded.

Wiggins and Kang Jin-Ho left the room and entered the nearby corridor. Wiggins cast a sound barrier around them to block their voices from reaching the unintended audience.

“My lord, you must accept this offer.”

Kang Jin-Ho cocked an eyebrow. “Even though I’m not convinced?”

“Deals like this will never be made again. Think of it as a once-in-a-lifetime clearance super sale.”

“...Mm?” Kang Jin-Ho remained unconvinced despite Wiggins passionately arguing his case, even going as far as resorting to language he didn't usually use.

“My lord, may I ask why you’re reluctant to accept this deal?”

Kang Jin-Ho shook his head. “Our movements being restricted is bound to create problems. It might be fine for now, but in the future? It'll come back to haunt us.”

“I also think the same, my lord. However…” Wiggins suddenly smiled suspiciously. “If we amend that part of the deal, will you accept it?”

“Well, I won't see a reason not to. As long as that part is resolved.” Kang Jin-Ho shrugged. Unfortunately, that clause about Korea not attacking other countries first was the core of the Master's conditions. The rest were basically him offering an unending free buffet to the Assembly. “However, will the Master have a reason to support us if that clause is removed from the agreement?”

“Leave that to me, my lord.”

“Mm?”

“There is no need to overthink this. After all, we're dealing with the other side's fundamental issue.”

“Their fundamental issue, is it?”

“Yes, my lord. The Round Table is not a for-profit organization. At the very least, it's trying to emulate a peacekeeping operation. But it'd be more correct to say a tax-funded welfare support program. If you could receive it, anyone would only be glad to do so.”

“…?”

Wiggins smirked. “Of course, passing the screening process is where the challenge lies. However, I give you my word that that clause will be eliminated from this deal. That is why I ask you to trust me with this negotiation.”

“Hmm…” Kang Jin-Ho narrowed his eyes while staring at Wiggins before eventually nodding away. “Very well. I’ll leave it to you, then.”

Kang Jin-Ho figured Wiggins might be better suited to dealing with the Master. After all, Wiggins should know more about the Round Table’s inner workings than Kang Jin-Ho ever could.

“Thank you, my lord. Then, shall we head back in?”

Kang Jin-Ho nodded, then the two men stepped back inside the room where the Master was waiting.

However, the Master's complexion didn't seem as relaxed as before. He wasn't the type to worry about losing his life, but the look on his face suggested that Wiggins' earlier diagnosis of the Round Table greatly concerned him.

Wiggins stopped standing behind Kang Jin-Ho, which he did throughout this meeting, and stood proudly next to his boss. This change indicated he was about to actively participate in this negotiation.

“Master?”

“What is it, Wiggins?”

“You wish to support us in East Asia for the sake of global peace. Is it not?”

“Yes, the two are interconnected.”

“In that case, yes, we will accept your deal. However, we must put forward our own condition as well.”

“...Your condition?” The Master tilted his head in confusion. He promised unconditional support as per the terms of the deal, so what condition was Wiggins thinking of adding this time? “What kind of condition do you have in mind?”

“If you return to the Round Table and get its approval, we will unconditionally accept your offer.”

“Mm…?”

“However, if you fail to get that approval…” Wiggins smirked deeply. “You must eliminate the clause forbidding us from invading other countries.”

The Master dazedly stared at Wiggins. “Failing to get the Round Table’s approval means everything is over, so what will change by removing that clause?”

“That is precisely why you don’t have a reason to reject our condition, Master. Am I wrong?”

“Just what are you…” The Master falteringly rubbed his jaw and mouth.

In the past, Wiggins could only dance on the Master’s wide-reaching palm. Even if his abilities had been acknowledged, at the end of the day, Wiggins’ choices and actions didn’t stray from what the Master expected from him.

But now? Wiggins was definitely trying something that the Master hadn’t even thought of. Was this a good thing? Or was Wiggins merely being too reckless for his own good? Whatever it was, this behavior was something the Master hadn’t witnessed from Wiggins until today.

“What will change if I accept this new condition?” The Master cautiously asked.

Wiggins nodded deeply, his voice remaining composed. “We only need you to give us your word that, even if that clause is removed from the deal, you will still support the Martial Assembly to the fullest extent of your abilities. That is our condition.”

“Well, I’ll be…” The Master slowly shook his head as if he couldn’t understand it. “Very well. I give you my word. I don’t see a reason why I shouldn’t, anyway. However, I must be honest with you, Wiggins. I can’t figure out what you’re thinking here.”

“Master…” Wiggins grinned slightly. “We all are merely trying to achieve what’s best for everyone.”

“Does that also include the Round Table?”

“Of course.”

The Master chuckled helplessly. “You've been here only for a few months, yet you've already become an accomplished scammer, Wiggins. Losing an arm seems to have enlarged your balls a little too much.”

“I’m still the same person as I was back in the Round Table, Master. It’s just that… Now I can see a little further ahead than before. That is all.”

“It feels like you pulled a fast one on me, Wiggins,” the Master muttered while helplessly shaking his head. Then, he shifted his gaze to Kang Jin-Ho. “Assembly Master… I shall ensure all of my conditions are fully satisfied. That is why I expect you to stick to your side of the deal.”

“Mm…” Kang Jin-Ho sighed softly. “I’m the type to never repeat what I say or go back on my word. As long as it’s a promise, obviously…”

The Master’s eyes opened a little wider. “Then, with this… Our talk is…!”

“No, wait,” Kang Jin-Ho abruptly cut the Master off. “Before we go anywhere, let’s make one thing clear. You said trust is the key to all negotiations. Correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“That’s a problem, because I don’t trust you,” said Kang Jin-Ho, his cold eyes locked squarely on the Master. “It isn’t only you, though. I don’t trust anyone. So, I don’t base my decisions on things like trust. My principle is this. Anyone who breaks our agreement in some form will pay accordingly.”

“…!”

“You’d do well to picture what will happen if you break this deal. Because your experience will be far worse than where your imaginations can take you.”

The Master's expression crumpled a little. He could tell that Kang Jin-Ho wasn't merely bluffing here. The Master had dealt with countless people until now, so he was confident of seeing through any bluff.

Kang Jin-Ho was busy emitting the whiff of a man who was quite used to this kind of scenario.

“Our chat ends here,” Kang Jin-Ho got up while muttering that. “Have fun on your way back home.”

Kang Jin-Ho exchanged a quick but meaningful glance with Wiggins before exiting the room. Wiggins and the Master silently watched Kang Jin-Ho’s figure open the door and disappear into the corridor.

“...I’ll be honest, Wiggins,” the Master released a lengthy groan when Kang Jin-Ho’s presence had distanced itself far enough away. “Your lord is one indecipherable existence, isn’t he?”

“And that makes my job so much harder, unfortunately…” Wiggins chuckled helplessly.

The Master stared at the now-closed doorway with renewed interest.

‘That man isn’t merely strong…!’

Kang Jin-Ho carried the smell of a man who had led a large-scale organization before. But such a scent should have been almost impossible to pick up from a martial artist possessing overwhelming strength.

That wasn't the end of the story for Kang Jin-Ho, though, since he seemed fully capable of sussing out the core of the matter, too.

“Wiggins? I think I get now why you chose South Korea as your new home.”

“Thank you for finally understanding my decision,” Wiggins chuckled again.

The Master’s voice grew somber, more withdrawn. “However, I hope you also realize this.”

“...And what would that be, Master?”

“A man who chooses extreme methods will eventually resort to true extremes. For now, his personality and boldness have paid off, resulting in the rapid growth of the Martial Assembly, but…” The Master glanced at Wiggins. "In return, your side ended up making far too many enemies. If the strength you fostered without help can't cope with the enemies of your own creation…

“The Martial Assembly will crumble in the blink of an eye.”

Wiggins sheepishly scratched his cheek. The Master was right about that one.

If Wiggins hadn’t been here, any negotiation with the Round Table would have faltered even before it could get going. Which would have isolated the Martial Assembly with no allies in sight. That would surely be the absolute worst possible outcome.

“That is why I’m here, Master,” said Wiggins with a subtle smirk.

“Is that right? But is your lord receptive to your advice?”

“Honestly? It’s almost like talking to a wall, but…” Wiggins suddenly made a weird face while staring back at the Master. “...At least he’s more reasonable than you were, Master.”

“Mm? Say what? How dare you! You won't find anyone more open-minded than me!"

“That is what every boomer under the sun says, Master.”

“…”

Wiggins chuckled again. “Yes, I am always on the lookout for such dangers. Isolation on the world stage is never a good thing, after all.”

“I see. However, the burden on your shoulders must be considerable.”

Wiggins coolly shook his head. “No, Master. I don't feel any of the burden you're speaking of. Well, almost.”

The Master cocked an eyebrow. “...Why do you say that?”

Instead of replying immediately, Wiggins glanced at the doorway. More correctly, his gaze was chasing after Kang Jin-Ho’s traces.

“Because I can't imagine my lord losing to anyone, no matter how many enemies we make along the way. I'm just glad that my lord doesn't see me as an enemy.”

“…” The Master silently groaned under his breath after sensing how firm Wiggins’ faith in Kang Jin-Ho was.

‘I’m… envious.’

Kang Jin-Ho somehow managed to capture Wiggins’ loyalty in such a short window of time. In that case…

‘...Maybe it’s fine to trust him a little?’

The Master's gaze also lingered for a while in the doorway Kang Jin-Ho used to exit the room.

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