Over ten years of hunting together, Jang-yeong had subtly fed Jaekyung bits and pieces of information. Stories about his father, the inner workings of the Whale King Palace, and more. They were all just fragments, but they were clearly subtle hints.
However, despite understanding it all, Jaekyung pretended not to know. It was a quiet declaration that he didn't want to get entangled in complicated affairs.
“Dao Friend. I know you are a wise man. To be honest, I feel the same way as you. When a great wave rises, I would rather avoid it than ride it.”
“If you know that, why are you trying to drag me into this?”
Now that their intentions were out in the open, Jaekyung didn't bother to hide his sharp attitude.
“Because this great wave is one that cannot be avoided, even if you wish to.”
Jang-yeong let out a deep sigh. His expression, with a furrowed brow and clenched teeth, was remarkably human. The frustration and sense of injustice he was feeling were palpable.
“Dao Friend. You are a special person. Your talent would shine even in the deepest waters of the Western Twin Lake. But such talent is both a blessing and a calamity. At least, that's how it is in this Western Twin Lake.”
“Are you talking about the Shattered Waters Whale King?”