The path to Jang Uk's hideout was winding and uneven, scattered with moss-covered stones and dense foliage. As Yul, Dang-gu, and Hae-rin rode toward their destination, the air was heavy with tension.

They had no confirmation of where Uk and Mu-deok had disappeared, but Hae-rin's intuition told her they would find them somewhere remote. Songrim's spirit plaque had been found near these woods, a clue Yul was intent on investigating.

Dang-gu, always the one to lighten the mood, looked over his shoulder.

"It's strange, isn't it? Uk always finds trouble wherever he goes. I wouldn't be surprised if he's cooking up something reckless again."

Hae-rin's lips curved slightly. "Perhaps, but he wouldn't be alone. Mu-deok seems capable of keeping him in check—most of the time."

Yul glanced at her, his calm expression betraying a hint of curiosity. "You're oddly calm about this, Hae-rin. I thought you'd have more to say about Mu-deok's influence on Uk."

Hae-rin didn't respond immediately, focusing on the trail ahead. The lingering jealousy she had felt in previous encounters with Mu-deok now simmered into quiet observation. She wouldn't let emotions cloud her purpose.

"Mu-deok is resourceful," she said finally.

"But let's hope she doesn't lead him too far astray."

The three riders reached a clearing where the forest opened up to reveal a modest cabin surrounded by wildflowers. A faint smell of chicken wafted through the air, and a curious dog barked at their arrival.

"This must be the place," Dang-gu announced, dismounting with an excited grin.

Yul's sharp eyes scanned the area. "It's secluded enough to be a hideout. Let's find out if they're inside."

Inside the cabin, Jang Uk was sulking by the fire while Mu-deok stirred a pot of soup. The air between them was filled with tension. Uk had been struggling to focus on his training, his thoughts distracted by the looming duel with the Crown Prince.

"You're not going to get anywhere if you keep brooding like this," Mu-deok scolded, not even looking at him.

"You have less than a month to master Ryusu properly."

Uk leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed. "What's the point? Even if I master Ryusu, they'll still try to bring me down. Jin-mu will make sure of it."

Before Mu-deok could retort, a knock at the door interrupted them. She frowned and approached cautiously, peeking through the crack. When she saw who it was, she sighed in relief and opened the door.

"Lady Hae-rin, Masters Yul and Dang-gu," she greeted, stepping aside. "What brings you here?"

The trio entered, their presence instantly filling the small cabin. Dang-gu's grin widened when he saw Uk slouched against the wall.

"We knew you couldn't stay out of trouble for long!"

Uk straightened up, his eyes narrowing. "What are you three doing here? Shouldn't you be at Songrim, enjoying your comfortable lives?"

"We came because we're your friends," Yul replied simply, his calm tone a stark contrast to Uk's defensive stance.

Hae-rin stepped forward, her gaze steady.

"And because the situation has escalated. The Unanimous Assembly has been called. Your fate is being debated as we speak."

Uk's expression darkened, but before he could respond, Mu-deok spoke up.

" Lady Hae-rin, may I ask what they've decided so far?"

Hae-rin hesitated, glancing at Yul and Dang-gu before answering.

"They've stripped Uk of his title. Songrim has shouldered the humiliation in case he loses the duel, but..." Her voice trailed off, her calm composure wavering slightly.

"The Crown Prince and Jin-mu are pushing for harsher consequences."

Uk let out a bitter laugh. "Of course they are. Jin-mu wants my head, and the Crown Prince wants to prove his strength. What else is new?"

Yul stepped closer, his voice firm. "This isn't a joke, Uk. If you lose, you could lose more than your right to be Gwangju. You could lose your life."

The weight of Yul's words hung heavy in the room. Mu-deok looked at Uk, her usual sharp demeanor softening for a moment.

"That's why we're here," she said. "To make sure he's ready."

The scene shifted to Songrim, where the Unanimous Assembly was in full swing. Eleven mages from the great families sat around the table, their expressions ranging from concerned to outright hostile. Master Park Jin stood tall at the head of the room, his face a mask of controlled anger.

"Jang Uk has been reckless," one of the elders declared. "He has disrespected the Crown Prince and endangered our traditions. How can we allow him to continue on this path?"

"Enough," Park Jin said sharply, silencing the murmurs around the room. "Jang Uk's actions may be unorthodox, but he has the potential to surpass us all. It is our duty to guide him, not condemn him."

"Guide him?" Jin-mu's voice cut through the air like a blade. "He has ignored every rule and defied every master he's had. He is a danger to Daeho."

At that moment, the doors to the assembly hall opened, and the leader of Jin entered with her family. Lady Joo Hwa and Lord Park Tae-joon, Hae-rin's parents, commanded immediate respect as they took their seats.

"Master Park Jin is correct," Lord Tae-joon said, his deep voice resonating through the hall.

"Jang Uk's lineage may be controversial, but his talent is undeniable. We should be fostering his growth, not stifling it."

Lady Joo Hwa nodded in agreement. "Our families have a responsibility to nurture the next generation. If Jang Uk has the potential to lead, we must ensure he is given the chance to prove himself."

Despite their support, the tension in the room remained palpable. Jin-mu's smirk didn't waver, but his eyes gleamed with malicious intent.

"Very well," he said finally.

"Let him prove himself. But if he fails, we cannot be held responsible for what happens next."

Back at the cabin, the atmosphere had shifted. Hae-rin watched as Yul sparred with Uk, offering pointers as they practiced. Dang-gu, meanwhile, lounged by the fire, occasionally throwing in a teasing comment.

Mu-deok approached Hae-rin, her expression unreadable.

"Lady Hae-rin," she said quietly, "may I ask you something?"

"Of course," Hae-rin replied, turning to face her.

"Do you think Jang Uk has a chance of winning this duel?"

Hae-rin's gaze drifted to where Uk was training, his movements growing more precise with each strike.

"If he can master Ryusu in time, then yes. But it won't be easy. The Crown Prince is formidable, and Jin-mu will do everything in his power to ensure Uk fails."

Mu-deok nodded thoughtfully. "You're a good friend to him. He may not say it, but I think he values your support."

Hae-rin's calm expression softened slightly. "We all want to see him succeed, Mu-deok. Not just for his sake, but for the future of Daeho."

As the sun began to set, the trio prepared to leave. Dang-gu clapped Uk on the shoulder. "Don't let us down, Uk. We're counting on you."

Yul nodded in agreement, his calm demeanor unwavering. "We'll be waiting for you at Songrim. Don't forget what's at stake."

Hae-rin lingered for a moment, her gaze meeting Uk's. "Stay focused," she said softly.

"And trust in yourself. You're capable of more than you realize."

With that, the trio mounted their horses and disappeared into the fading light, leaving Uk and Mu-deok to continue their training in the quiet solitude of Danhyanggok.