Mt. Hogok—a towering peak within the vast mountain range northeast of Samul Gaya. It took nearly five days on foot from Sunjel Garrison to reach its foothills, and for that reason, the region remained largely untouched by external invasion. Yet unlike other borderlands, the lands around Hogok Mountain were peculiarly peaceful, with little threat from wild beasts. This unusual safety had allowed a large village, Hosan Village, to flourish at the mountain's base. The locals believed this serenity came from divine favor—some spoke of Maitreya's protection, venerated at the Hyundo Temple at the mountain's edge, while others credited a guardian spirit said to dwell in the cascading waters of Woonrak Falls.
Whatever the cause, the mountain had long been a haven—until fifteen years ago.
That was when a small bandit hideout appeared in the heart of Hogok's forests. What began as a ragtag gathering of outlaws slowly transformed into something far more insidious. They called themselves Hojung Teaching—a sect cloaked in spiritual language, preaching salvation and rebirth. Though they no longer raided openly, their doctrine spread like a shadow. More and more people abandoned their homes, donating their wealth and disappearing into the sect's hidden commune in the mountains. When Hojung Teaching's preachers descended into Hosan Village to spread their doctrine, the townspeople grew wary, even hostile.
Up a winding trail along the mountain path, a young figure climbed hastily. He was scarcely past adolescence, clad in a monk's robe, though his hair had grown over a full inch—a sign of rebellion. Clutched to his chest was a bundle wrapped tightly in black cloth, and he flinched at every sound, clearly harboring something of great value.
The boy monk glanced behind him. A man was ascending the trail behind him—a stranger, armed with two swords. He had never seen this man before. He was surely not a common traveler. The path he was on led only one way: from Hyundo Temple. Had his master sent someone after him? Just moments ago, the stranger had been far down the hill, yet now he was alarmingly close.
"I must hurry. I must reach Guangdu… our Divine Master… This treasure… it will make him truly the Maitreya."
The boy gripped the bundle tighter and quickened his pace. He looked back again—no sign of the swordsman.
Where did he go? He already crossed the bridge? That means he's in the woods now... My master goes too far. Always locking that treasure away in the temple, doing nothing but sending men after me—just because I took it for the sake of the true Maitreya.
Just a little further. There's a hiding spot near the rocks…
After what felt like an eternity, he reached a rocky slope—Bawi Ridge. He looked down again. No trace of the swordsman, but he knew the man must now be climbing the steeper hidden paths. He barely had time for a single incense stick's burn. He had to hide—
But as he turned toward his usual hiding spot, he froze. From the very spot he had hoped to hide, masked men emerged, weapons in hand.
"Hey there, monk. Where's the fire?" one called out, his voice mocking.
"Such a heavy bundle—you should've asked someone like me to carry it." another jeered.
"Running away from your temple with the Maitreya's statue… shameful. Hand it over."
The young monk froze.
How do they know? How could they know I have the Golden Maitreya? Unless…
The young monk stepped back in panic, clutching the bundle tighter.
"Are you… are you from our Hojung Teaching?"
One of the masked men chuckled darkly.
"So… Nogani, our little monk, finally embraces the faith. But tell me—when did you join us?" He swung his sword through the air, the blade glinting ominously.
The boy's breath caught. "You know my name… Does our Master Guangdu know of this?"
A knife flashed toward him. He stumbled, tripped on a stone, and fell hard. The black cloth unraveled slightly, revealing a glint of gold—the serene face of a Buddha statue.
The men's eyes lit up.
The boy scrambled to cover it again.
"You… you're not true believers! You're unbelievers! Heretics! You still carry the bandit's heart!"
The men began to circle, their weapons raised.
"Calling us heretics? From a little temple brat who worships some foreign idol?"
"Don't worry. You'll meet your god soon enough."
The monk looked up in terror.
"Aren't you afraid of the Maitreya's wrath? If Master Guangdu hears of this—"
"Sounds like he sent them himself!"