In Dogwi’s mind, the events that followed came rushing back.
Dogwi trailed in Ho Cheon-an’s footsteps. Just as Ho Cheon-an earned gambling funds through the Sacheon Outcast incident, during the day, he practiced with Wi Seorye, receiving gold from Dokgo Yeongcheon, and at night, he went to the gambling den to train.
This “training” meant he wagered money on the pitiful odds known as cards every day.
As a result, Dogwi became known in the gambling circles of Yunnan, a name that no one was unaware of. He would jump into action whenever a strong gambler appeared, bet without even looking at his hand, and yet, the next day, return with more gold.
Indeed, he had behaved like a legendary fool, so how could rumors not spread?
Recalling those times brought a bitter smile to Dogwi’s face.
At that moment, Ho Cheon-an’s hand moved like lightning. Dogwi, who had missed the starting moment just like the previous round with Ho Cheon-an, found that Ho Cheon-an’s techniques began to rain down on him as if to deny him any possibility.
Ho Cheon-an seized upon Dogwi’s moment of distraction, slipping through the opening.
Tap!
The cup that had been moving gracefully in Ho Cheon-an’s hand came to a halt.
The guests swallowed hard, focusing intently. There were so few who could track the exchanges between Ho Cheon-an and Dogwi that it was almost pitiful, but still, the majority of the crowd being renowned martial artists meant their ability to follow the flow of the game was quite good.
To them, the outcome of this one move would serve as the turning point, where Ho Cheon-an had the chance to completely gain the upper hand.
Could Dogwi suppress Ho Cheon-an’s momentum? Or would Ho Cheon-an successfully flip the flow and seize victory?
All eyes were on Dogwi, who was about to place his bet.
Feeling the weight of their gazes, Dogwi calmly opened his mouth.
“Thank you.”
However, what came out of Dogwi’s mouth wasn’t the number on the dice but an expression of gratitude.
“What an unexpected remark.”
“An unexpected remark… Indeed. But still, I wish to express my gratitude.”
Dogwi was confident in reaching the realm of luck.
There were obvious clues left by Ho Cheon-an, and there were limitless funds earned from his dealings with Wi Seorye. Thus, Dogwi thought he only needed to walk the path laid before him.
Therefore, although the journey to seize luck might be difficult, he believed it wouldn’t be too arduous. Still, the training to catch luck proved to be far more challenging than any time spent wandering the world.
The gazes.
The greedy eyes of gamblers who could empty their pockets with just a few plays. The ridicule heard every time he entered the gambling den. And the mocking laughter from Gilu and the managers of the gambling den that twisted like the tongue in his mouth.
For Dogwi, who took pride in being a gambler, these were not easy gazes to bear.
He had to grasp the sensation of luck, yet he couldn’t concentrate at all. The pride built up over a lifetime of gambling skills had fallen into the gutter—how could he maintain his sanity?
Dogwi was always tormented by temptation.
If he didn’t chase luck at the table and simply opened his eyes, focusing on his opponent, he could silence the sneers in front of him and the ridicule behind him in an instant.
What would happen if he showed his true skills to the gamblers who had treated him like a golden goose? They would grasp their empty pockets, their faces contorted in frustration and despair. And the crowd that laughed at him would stare at him in awe.
He would silence those who underestimated and mocked him without a word.
What a delightful thought it was.
If he could only open his eyes to feel luck and forgo the training for just a moment, it would surely be easier to retrieve the money from his pockets than to execute all of that.
Yet, every time he attempted to open his eyes, a scene returned to Dogwi’s mind.
Ho Cheon-an, flicking his fingers as if merely relieved, tossed the dice into the jar.
In that moment, it was clear that he had qualified to rule over the peak of gamblers, touching the essence of luck, yet he had turned to leave it all behind.
“Perhaps had I not met you, I might have wandered the world, sharpening my gambling skills outside the well. Even if I had no goal like you, I might have continued to pursue the upper realm.”
So how could he not feel grateful?
“However, regardless of what I experienced in my world, had it not been for you, I could not have reached my current level.”
Had there been no presence of the pioneer known as Ho Cheon-an, Dogwi would have succumbed to confusion and given up on training. Had he not witnessed the figure disappearing into the distance, shaking off everything, he would have never shed the pride he had built up over a lifetime.
“And now, I can show the fruits of my labor here; I am truly joyful.”
Dogwi had missed the start of the cup mix. Just as Ho Cheon-an had been caught up in curiosity, Dogwi, too, felt nostalgic about every journey he had undergone since leaving Sacheon that could potentially become the final competition.
Yet, Dogwi smiled leisurely.
Even if he claimed he had learned to see luck, no matter how hard he tried, he merely managed to read fragments of it. Today, however, the flow of luck felt clearer than ever.
Dogwi pushed his bet forward and contemplated.
Why was the flow of luck clearer now than ever before?
Although it was a novel experience, for some reason, Dogwi felt certain of the answer.
It was Ho Cheon-an who guided the flow of luck. The ripple, which should have flowed steadily without a hitch, flickered and revealed the current of luck more distinctly than any other time.
So, Dogwi spoke with more conviction than ever.
“I will bet on 7.”
Ho Cheon-an silently gazed at the single bet Dogwi presented, slowly lifting his head to meet Dogwi’s gaze. Dogwi faced Ho Cheon-an’s stare head-on.
“I have proven it.”
That he had caught up to Ho Cheon-an. He had reached the realm of luck where only Ho Cheon-an could previously tread.
Then, how would Ho Cheon-an respond to Dogwi’s proof? What answer would he give?
“Death.”
Dogwi could read the answer in Ho Cheon-an’s expression.
Ho Cheon-an wore a more ferocious smile than ever before.
—
The basics of gambling are to not show your emotions. Humans are creatures of thought, able to derive answers through contemplation. The honest reactions of the body’s extremities can occasionally serve as clues, forming the foundation for correct reasoning.
Thus, I have always managed my expressions at the gambling table.
But in this game, I chose to forego expression management. I had to invest all of my stamina into this decisive match.
The techniques that can be used in gambling are finite. Techniques become obvious when used too often. Thus, techniques must always be used sparingly, adjusting the tempo as needed.
Yet, I was pouring it all out without reserve now.
The opponent was on the same level as me. Even doing my best, I couldn’t be sure if my techniques would work, so how could I save them in this setting?
My focus intensified to the maximum with every passing moment. I wouldn’t let go of the overall game’s perspective but peeled away the specific details. There was no guarantee that laying down a long-term plan would lead the flow of the game to my liking, so those detailed long-term plans felt like a waste of mental energy.
“I will bet on 10.”
“Death.”
Thus, I concentrated on winning each round, each game. There was no need for profit and loss calculations. The one who falls ends here.
“I’ll put one more on 7.”
“I accept and will reveal.”
The rounds flowed endlessly.
In the endless stream of turns, I became solely absorbed in the gamble. While the sunset rested upon my fingertips and twilight descended, soon lanterns were lit, brightening the dusk.
Looking back, the wives had sent the servants to light the lanterns. The black cat, shaking her head as if she didn’t want to be involved, nodded in agreement, along with Miss Yeo Il-ye. Hyeok Gi-rin clenched his fists in encouragement, while Dokgo I-seol and Moyong Yeon-hwa observed the gambling tableau.
After sending a grateful glance to my wives, I refocused on the match with Dogwi.
The night’s gambling brought new variables.
The lanterns placed around provided enough light to illuminate the gambling table, but the flames flickered and burned unevenly with the wind.
Those living movements, like snakes, occasionally cast shadows that obstructed our view of the table.
From my perspective, this was an environment I had never encountered before.
In my early days, I trained in the cozy atmosphere of the Outcast Inn, and after some refinement, I frequented the thriving gambling halls of Sacheon City and the likes of Gilu.
Unlike me, who was maintaining caution due to my inexperience, Dogwi played without interruption. Perhaps due to his ample experience in gambling under the lights, he naturally seized the initiative, using the shadows to his advantage.
“I’ll bet on 7.”
“I’ll bet two on 8.”
“Death.”
The tide ebbed toward Dogwi. To reverse this tilt, I had no choice but to start unveiling the techniques I had withheld.
Techniques that had no place in the Martial World. Despite Dogwi’s familiarity with the shadows, he was just as lost in the momentary lapses of visibility as I was. With unfamiliar techniques emerging, I sensed the offensive slowing down.
How long had it been since I felt this tension on the gambling board?
Amid checking the game’s state and technical points, a smile naturally broke out.
Once I started enjoying it, there was a lingering sense of regret for my choice of gameplay.
Both Dogwi and I could mostly draw the intended eyes by shaking our cups, and with one person confidently wagering on the dice, we exchanged a single bet each.
“It seems we won’t come to a conclusion like this. How about changing the bets from dice to cards?”
“That sounds good.”
The dice and cups were pushed to the corners of the table, and new cards were distributed between me and Dogwi. Before long, the card game had turned into a complete unpredictable free-for-all.
Revealing the position of visible cards and estimating the numbers of concealed ones, bluffing to throw off predictions, and pressing down under the weight of the bets.
Truly, it was a fierce struggle where no one could see even an inch ahead.
“I’ll bet two cards.”
“I accept. Let’s reveal.”
The game ebbed and flowed like a turbulent sea.
The stakes shifted as I lost five cards and my heart sank, only to rise clenched-fisted after winning four back. To pressure my opponent, I wagered wildly with no basis, desperately hoping Dogwi would fall for my tricks more than ever.
And ultimately, I forgot it all.
I became absorbed in claiming the two characters that made up “victory.” All my mind and body seemed to move solely for gambling. I instinctively realized this.
This was the best and optimal state in which to unleash all my abilities.
Thus, I pushed Dogwi fiercely, yet he only gave in for a moment before swiftly coming after me. How long had we exchanged moves without a sign of warning?
Suddenly, a loud clap jolted my consciousness apart.
Senses focused on the game splintered and scattered everywhere. Upon realizing my absorption had been broken, I couldn’t help but let out a hollow laugh.
The night ended, and the sun hung high in the sky.
Only after becoming aware of the flow of time did I understand why my concentration had slipped. I had remained seated from last evening until noon today, persisting without rest.
What about Dogwi’s condition?
As I observed Dogwi’s face, I noticed the unmistakable signs of fatigue etched on it. His slightly trembling fingertips suggested his physical limits were near. Considering that Dogwi had not cultivated martial arts, this was quite plausible.
It seemed both he and I needed a break, so I temporarily halted my hands. Seeing Dogwi pick up his cup, I too surveyed the surroundings to pull my gambling-focused mind back together.
The first thing that caught my eye was my wives. Seeing them remain just as they were from dinner, it appeared they had been cheering me on all along. Meeting their gaze, their fists were raised in encouragement or waving at me, making my heart tingle.
What could a foolish husband, gambling through the banquet, have that they found enjoyable?
I silently conveyed my gratitude with my eyes before scanning around again. As it was midday, the guests were either enjoying the banquet with me or giving their attention to the gambling table.
Amid those guests, I felt a furious gaze and turned my head, meeting Wi Seorye’s eyes.
With a slouched posture glaring with fiery eyes, she seemed to have much to say.
I had to create a sheepish expression at that furious look.
I had essentially dressed up Dogwi’s upcoming challenge as my stubbornness. Having received a lecture from the black cat, it was no wonder Wi Seorye was quite upset.
So let’s be honest.
Wi Seorye was right, and I was wrong.
I had extended the time set for the match against Dogwi late into the night. As if that wasn’t enough, I had also lost track of time, absorbed in gambling.
This was clear evidence that a yearning for gambling was piling up in my heart.
Before mastering gambling skills, I couldn’t dare be victorious for the sake of managing my fame. After mastering my skills, there had been no rivals to defeat, leaving me with this unquenchable thirst.
If this craving could not be expressed as infatuation, then what else could?
As Wi Seorye had pointed out, I had indeed harbored a deep attachment.
“Haha.”
With this realization settling deep within me, I made up my mind.
“I will end it.”
Upon hearing my words, Dogwi stared at me intently before sharing a bitter smile.
“I appear to have come too late.”
Late?
This remark from Dogwi made me momentarily reflective. If Dogwi had arrived at this mountain lodge before my wedding ceremony, would I have spent days or months delving into gambling just to contend with him? Could I have physically battled with Dogwi, ensuring that both he and I would be left with no regrets?
Perhaps so.
“Perhaps so.”
But it might also not have happened. Our competition might have forever run parallel, or unexpected interruptions might have occurred, resulting in an unfinished match.
“Yet, is it not greedy to always wish for ‘luck’ to follow?”
At my words, Dogwi’s eyes widened. I surmised that Dogwi was recalling the process it took to become a great gambler and the journey it took to arrive at this point.
In that process, he must have forged connections, giving and receiving help along the way. There had certainly been an abundance of serendipitous encounters and unfortunate incidents that couldn’t be expressed in any other manner.
“….So it is.”
I could not discern what events he was recalling, but Dogwi exhaled deeply, shaking off his disappointment, and that was enough.
“However, the contest must be resolved.”
With that, Dogwi picked up the dice that had been cast aside in the corner of the table. Grasping the white dice marked with black dots in his hand, he tossed it high into the sky with all his strength. In an instant, Dogwi’s white dice vanished into the noon sun.
My head, along with those of the guests, looked up toward the sky. Even those guests who had previously shown no interest in gambling now seemed curious about the outcome of a contest that had lasted three whole days and nights.
Bang!
The dice tumbled energetically upon landing on the gambling table, bouncing back and rolling several times before finally stalling.
Some guests gasped at the sight of the dice. This was proof that I wasn’t the only one acknowledged by those rooting for Dogwi—expressive faces of disappointment were almost inevitable.
The dice showed 2.
Yet Dogwi’s expression remained unshaken.
It was evident he believed that gambling wasn’t over until it was truly over.
With that conviction, I quietly took hold of the black dice and threw it heavenward with all my might.
Whizzing!
The dice soared high, producing a sound unlike Dogwi’s, and as I watched, it became increasingly hard to gaze steadily at the sun. Eventually, as the dice fell, I shielded my eyes with my hand to better spot its descent.
Bang! Clatter.
The black dice hit the table, bouncing up and spinning wildly before coming to a stop. As the awe-infused breaths of the guests surrounded me, I slowly opened my eyes.
The number I envisioned appeared vividly.
One.
Well, that makes sense.
Upon reflection, I realized I had been incredibly lucky until now. Thinking back to all the predicaments I had survived in the Martial World, there had certainly been countless instances when fortune had smiled upon me.
So now, it was about time for luck to leave.
One was someone wholly devoted to reaching the peak of gambling, while the other was someone who had simply enjoyed luck thereafter.
If heaven had a say in the matter, it was evident it would choose to favor whoever among us was more deserving.
I lost.
Still, it had been a long while since I enjoyed myself quite like this.
“I lost.”
As those words left my lips, the lingering attachment I had to gambling evaporated entirely. A defeated gambler had to exit the table, after all.
“Congratulations, Dogwi.”
And now, let it be known that from now on, you are Dogwi, the God of Gambling.
I had the urge to hand over something flashy, perhaps a token or two, yet there were no mementos on hand, not even my usual gambling supplies, so instead, I offered him the pair of dice that had just been cast.
Though they seemed trivial, they may hold value as a keepsake.
With trembling fingers, Dogwi accepted the dice. He closed his eyes, as if a whirlwind of emotions rushed through him, and I smiled softly, shaking off my seat as I stood up.
Just as I had traversed the Martial World, experiencing an array of events, Dogwi had roamed the world for years, working to perfect his gambling skills. Now that he had finally achieved his long-cherished goal, I could only imagine the whirlwind within him.
So I took a moment to allow him to revel in those feelings.
Once I rose, my wives approached me. The wide-eyed black cat hurried forward, flustered, and quickly voiced her thoughts.
“Is this real?”
“Of course it’s real, why wouldn’t it be?”
“That can’t be right…!”
“It means Dogwi was that strong.”
Seeing that the fact I had lost at the gambling table was evidently a shock, I lightly patted the black cat’s confused shoulders, while Hyeok Gi-rin shook his fist, exclaiming.
“It was truly regretful! Such a razor-thin match!”
Rather than feeling wounded by defeat, I was pleased by the satisfaction of following through, so I nodded my head in appreciation for Hyeok Gi-rin’s encouragement.
“Next time, I’ll win.”
“The timing wasn’t right.”
I nodded at Dokgo I-seol’s suggestion for a rematch, while also agreeing with Moyong Yeon-hwa’s mention of regret. My attention subtly shifted to Yeo Il-ye, who had remained quiet.
“Were you pleased with this round, my Lord?”
“I was.”
“Then that’s enough.”
Yes. Yeo Il-ye was right. Did I really need to obsess over winning?
What if I lost to another gambler? If it was enjoyable, then that was the end of it.
With those thoughts in mind, a smile crept across my face. As I laughed, my wives appeared to relax, smiling in response. The black cat still looked quite confused, but as I took her hand, she could only manage a forced smile.
Watching them led me to wonder.
If I had been consumed by my attachment, if I had thrown the banquet’s conclusion aside to fully focus on the match with Dogwi, and if I had won, would I be laughing together with my wives now?
Probably not.
I likely would have thrown my present and future to gain hold of the attachments of the past.
So, it was now time to settle all attachments for the sake of the future and present.
“I have something to discuss, would you listen?”
With my wives looking at me with puzzled expressions, I began to speak slowly.
“I wish to retire from the Martial World.”
The eyes of my wives widened in astonishment.
