Secrets of the Hidden Headquarters
"What is this place?" Ji-eun asked in amazement.
"This is the real headquarters of our research club," Cheol-su said, leading the way with his flashlight.
As they walked through the dark tunnel, Min-woo realized that the Defective Martial Arts Research Club he had known was merely the tip of the iceberg. The tunnel walls were covered with complex martial arts theory diagrams, and storage vaults containing ancient martial arts manuals could be seen throughout.
"Senior, how deep does this go?" Min-woo asked.
"About three floors underground. This has been a secret space since the university was built," Cheol-su explained. "It has a history dating back 300 years."
As they walked through the tunnel, Min-woo examined the drawings on the walls more closely. Among them were complex energy circulation diagrams he had never seen before, and some looked like schemas connecting multiple martial arts into one.
"What are these drawings?" Ji-eun asked, pointing to one of the diagrams.
"Martial arts fusion theory," Cheol-su stopped walking and explained. "These are the basic principles of the Eternal Cycle Scripture developed by the Infinite One 300 years ago. They show how different martial arts can be integrated into one complete system."
[Special Area Entry]
Area Name: Infinite Guardian Corps Secret Headquarters
Security Level: Top Secret
History: 300 years (established after the Infinite War)
Current Status: Emergency Alert State
Special Effect: Knowledge acquisition speed +50%
Min-woo was surprised to see the system message. It meant that just being here had a learning effect.
"What's inside those vaults?" Min-woo asked with curiosity.
"Various defective martial arts and related research materials. But the most important thing..." Cheol-su smiled meaningfully. "You'll see soon."
The tunnel was longer than expected. There were several branching points leading to other passages, but Cheol-su seemed to know exactly which way to go.
"This place is like a complete maze," Ji-eun said in admiration.
"It was intentionally made complex. People who don't know the way can never reach the core area," Cheol-su explained. "And there are traps throughout."
"Traps?"
"They're deactivated now, but normally only authorized people can pass through. It detects martial arts energy, and if an unauthorized person enters..."
Cheol-su didn't finish his sentence, but Min-woo and Ji-eun understood well enough.
After walking for about 10 more minutes, a massive iron door appeared at the end of the tunnel. The door was engraved with complex patterns, and in the center was a yin-yang shaped lock.
Cheol-su placed his hand on the lock and used a special energy circulation technique. Instantly, the lock began to glow blue and slowly rotate.
CLICK... CLICK... CLICK...
Complex mechanical sounds echoed, and the massive iron door opened to the left and right.
"Wow..." Min-woo and Ji-eun gasped simultaneously.
It was an underground library of unimaginable scale. Martial arts manuals were packed from floor to ceiling, which appeared to be about 10 meters high, and in the center sat a huge circular table. Various types of defective martial arts manuals and research materials were organized on the table.
But the most amazing thing was the mystical atmosphere enveloping the entire space. The air was permeated with the scent of ancient wisdom, and dim light emanated from various points on the walls.
"This is... absolutely incredible," Ji-eun said, looking at the martial arts manuals lining the walls.
"Everything here consists of defective martial arts," Cheol-su said proudly. "This is the world's largest defective martial arts library, collected over 300 years."
Min-woo felt his system responding frantically. The amount of information flooding the screen was so overwhelming it was almost dizzying.
[⚠️ System Overload Warning!]
Detected Defective Martial Arts: 2,847 types
Unclassified Advanced Defective Martial Arts: 324 types
Legendary Defective Martial Arts: 15 types
Eternal Cycle Scripture Related Martial Arts: 12 types discovered!
Processing capacity exceeded - switching to gradual scan mode
"Senior, are all of these really defective martial arts?" Min-woo asked in surprise.
"That's right. And what you see here is just a small portion," Cheol-su said, sitting at the central table. "These are the ones we're protecting among all the defective martial arts scattered around the world."
"Protecting?"
Cheol-su's expression became serious. "Min-woo, Ji-eun. It's time to tell you the truth. We're not just a simple club. We are... the Infinite Guardian Corps."
"Infinite Guardian Corps?" Ji-eun tilted her head. "I've never heard that name before."
Cheol-su brought over an ancient book from the central table and opened it. Inside were detailed records of the Infinite War from 300 years ago, complete with illustrations. It was an elaborate record book with detailed artwork.
"300 years ago, the Infinite One, who obtained the absolute martial art called the Eternal Cycle Scripture, ruled the martial world. That power was beyond imagination. They say he could split the sky and move mountains."
Cheol-su opened one page of the book. It showed a massive mountain split in two.
"This is a record of the Infinite One splitting Mount Tai in half. With a single sword energy."
Ji-eun gasped. "Is such a thing really possible?"
"With the complete power of the Eternal Cycle Scripture, it's possible," Cheol-su nodded. "But that power was too strong. The Infinite One gradually became intoxicated with that power and eventually tried to dominate the entire martial world."
Cheol-su turned to the next page. This time it showed countless martial artists united against one massive enemy.
[Historical Records Updated]
The Infinite War (300 years ago):
The Infinite One: Absolute master who completed the Eternal Cycle Scripture Allied Forces: All martial arts sects united against the Infinite One Result: The Infinite One subdued, Eternal Cycle Scripture forcibly divided Follow-up: Each fragment secretly scattered around the world Casualties: 70% of allied forces, 30% of entire martial world population
"The war continued for three years. The entire martial world was divided in two. One side was the Infinite One and his followers, the other was the resistance alliance."
Min-woo felt chills reading the records. The number of casualties was enormous.
"But after the allied forces defeated the Infinite One, they made an important decision. Instead of completely destroying the Eternal Cycle Scripture, they divided it into thousands of pieces and hid them."
"Why didn't they destroy it?" Min-woo asked.
Cheol-su opened another page. It showed several sages in council.
"The leaders of the allied forces realized something. The Eternal Cycle Scripture itself was neither good nor evil—just a tool. The problem was the heart of the person using it."
"So?"
"So that when a greater danger arises someday, a true successor could appear and use this power correctly," Cheol-su explained. "And protecting those fragments and finding the real successor is the mission of our Infinite Guardian Corps."
Ji-eun raised a question. "But how do you distinguish the real successor?"
"Good question," Cheol-su smiled. "The answer is right here."
He brought another ancient book from the table. The cover read 'Signs of the Successor.'
"The true successor has several characteristics. First, the ability to intuitively understand defective martial arts. Second, the talent to combine different martial arts. Third..."
Cheol-su looked meaningfully at Min-woo.
"Third, when gaining power, having the heart to share it rather than monopolize it."
Min-woo suddenly felt chills. "Then by any chance... the defective martial arts we've found so far..."
"That's right. They're all fragments of the Eternal Cycle Scripture," Cheol-su nodded. "Phantom Step, Iron Wall Internal Force... all of these were originally parts of one perfect martial arts system."
Then Ji-eun said with a shocked expression, "Then Min-woo's successful combination..."
"A part of the Eternal Cycle Scripture has been restored," Cheol-su said with emotion. "It's the first successful case in 300 years."
Cheol-su brought another book from the bookshelf. This time it was a thick research notebook.
"This contains 300 years of accumulated research records by our Guardian Corps. It also has records of previous successor candidates."
"There were other successor candidates?" Ji-eun asked.
"Of course. Over 300 years, there were dozens of candidates. But..." Cheol-su's expression darkened. "Most failed, or else..."
"Or else?"
"They were captured by the Martial Purification Alliance."
[Important Information Update]
Min-woo's Identity: Presumed true successor of the Eternal Cycle Scripture
Meaning of Combination Ability: Special ability to recombine scattered martial arts fragments
Guardian Corps' Purpose: Protect and support Min-woo
Current Situation: Historic moment after 300 years
Risk Level: Extremely high (90% of previous successors failed based on precedent)
"But senior, then why is the Martial Purification Alliance interfering with us?" Ji-eun raised a question.
Cheol-su's expression darkened. "They're also after the Eternal Cycle Scripture. But their purpose is different. We want to pass it on to the true successor, but they..."
"Want to monopolize it," Min-woo said, recalling his conversation with Professor Jang Hyeon-seok.
"Exactly. And the problem is..." Cheol-su said worriedly, "they're starting to notice that you're the successor."
Cheol-su pointed to a map on the wall. It showed countless dots spread across the world.
"The red dots are areas controlled by the Martial Purification Alliance, and the blue dots are our Guardian Corps strongholds."
Min-woo was surprised looking at the map. There were far more red dots than blue ones.
"Are we really this outnumbered?"
"Unfortunately, yes. Their financial resources and manpower are incomparable to ours. But..." Cheol-su showed a hopeful expression. "If a true successor appears, the situation could change."
Just then, an alarm began sounding throughout the underground headquarters.
Beep-----Beep-----Beep-----
"What's happening?" Ji-eun asked in alarm.
Cheol-su quickly checked the monitors on the wall. Multiple screens lit up showing the school's surface from various angles. But around Building 3, people in black clothes were gathering in large numbers.
"Damn... they moved much faster than expected," Cheol-su gritted his teeth.
Min-woo looked closely at the monitors. About 20 agents were systematically surrounding the building. Each was standing guard at designated positions and carrying advanced detection equipment.
[Emergency Situation Occurred!]
Intruders: Presumed Martial Purification Alliance special forces
Scale: 15-20 people
Equipment: Advanced detection equipment, defective martial arts neutralization tools
Objective: Presumed discovery of underground headquarters and Min-woo's capture
Encirclement completion: 85%
"What do we do?" Min-woo asked in panic.
"Stay calm for now," Cheol-su said, checking other monitors. "They haven't found the underground yet. But we don't have much time."
Cheol-su pressed several buttons on the control panel. Other screens lit up showing the interior of the building.
"They've infiltrated the first floor too," Cheol-su pointed to one screen. "They've sealed off both the elevators and stairs."
"Then we're completely trapped?" Ji-eun asked with a pale face.
"Not yet," Cheol-su opened another panel on the wall. "We have emergency escape routes."
But suddenly, footsteps were heard from another passage. The sound of several people running quickly.
Cheol-su rushed toward the weapons storage in alarm, but soon sighed in relief.
"Cheol-su!" Seong-min, So-ra, and other research club members rushed in urgently. All were panting and showed expressions of emergency.
"Seong-min hyung! What happened?" Cheol-su asked.
"Purification Alliance agents have swarmed the surface," Seong-min said, gasping for breath. "They've already searched the research room and are now combing through all of Building 3."
So-ra took out important documents from her bag and said, "I brought all the materials for emergency incineration. But there's no time."
"It's only a matter of time before we're discovered," another member said worriedly.
Then an even more shocking scene appeared on the monitors. The agents on the surface had begun using special detection equipment. On screen, they were pressing devices to the ground and scanning underground.
"Underground detectors," Cheol-su said in a tense voice. "We really don't have much time now."
Cheol-su looked at Min-woo. "Min-woo, now you really have to choose. Will you go to the end with us, or..."
"I'll go to the end," Min-woo said resolutely. "I can't give up now."
Ji-eun also nodded. "I'll join you too."
At that moment, Min-woo felt something strange. The system suddenly began showing new reactions.
[Awakening occurs in crisis situation!]
Stress Level: Extreme
Adrenaline Level: Maximum
Awakening Effect: New abilities temporarily activated
Duration: 30 minutes
[New Temporary Abilities Unlocked!]
Extended Danger Detection: Locate all enemies within 200-meter radius
Strategic Analysis: Automatic calculation of optimal escape routes
Team Coordination: 200% increase in cooperation efficiency with allies
Min-woo suddenly felt his mind clearing. Like fog lifting, the situation began to appear clearly.
"Senior," Min-woo said with a confident voice. "I think I can find the escape route."
"What?"
"I'm not sure exactly, but... I have a feeling. I know which way to go."
[New Alliance Formed]
Official Infinite Guardian Corps Membership: Kang Min-woo, Choi Ji-eun
Current Situation: Active protection system initiated
Urgent Mission: Move to safe location
Long-term Goal: Continue Eternal Cycle Scripture restoration
"Good!" Cheol-su said with a determined expression. "Then we execute the emergency plan. Seong-min hyung, So-ra noona, let's gather the important materials here first."
"Where are we going?" Min-woo asked.
"We have an emergency base," Cheol-su said, opening a secret panel on the wall. "It's a safe house in the city. We'll regroup there and plan our next move."
When the panel opened, a complex control screen appeared. Cheol-su skillfully operated several buttons.
"Emergency system activation," Cheol-su muttered. "Encrypt all important data... activate backup system... schedule self-destruct device..."
"Self-destruct device?" Ji-eun asked in surprise.
"It's a last resort. If we're completely surrounded, it's to protect all the information here."
Min-woo felt chills down his spine. He realized how serious these people were about their mission.
Another secret passage in the underground headquarters opened. This time it was a tunnel directly connected to outside the school. The tunnel entrance was hidden in the wall behind the library, completely undetectable from the outside.
"This is an emergency escape route built 300 years ago," Cheol-su explained. "It connects directly to an alley in the city."
The tunnel's structure was amazing. Dim lighting was installed on the walls, and there was even an air circulation system. The floor was paved flat for rapid movement.
"This facility was built 300 years ago?" Ji-eun asked in amazement.
"It was built by the survivors after the Infinite War. In preparation for when crisis would come again," Seong-min explained.
The group gathered important materials and core martial arts manuals and entered the tunnel. Min-woo put the original Phantom Step and Iron Wall Internal Force, along with several newly discovered Eternal Cycle Scripture fragments, into his backpack.
[Important Items Acquired]
Eternal Cycle Scripture Fragment #3: Part of "Heavenly Thunder Divine Art"
Eternal Cycle Scripture Fragment #7: Core of "All Things Return to One Method"
Eternal Cycle Scripture Fragment #12: Foundation of "Infinite Sword Technique"
Expected Combination Possibility: 85% (when fused with existing martial arts)
Potential Risk Level: High (higher difficulty as martial arts become more powerful)
While passing through the tunnel, Cheol-su provided additional explanation.
"This tunnel is divided into three routes. One leads to the city center, one to the harbor area, and one to the mountains. We can choose different paths depending on the situation."
"It's really meticulously planned," Min-woo admired.
"It's the result of 300 years of accumulated experience," So-ra said. "It's one of the reasons our organization has survived this long."
While passing through the tunnel, Ji-eun tightly grasped Min-woo's hand.
"Are you scared?" Min-woo asked in a small voice.
"No. Actually, I'm excited," Ji-eun smiled. "This is my first adventure like this in my entire life. And..."
"And?"
"Because I'm with you, I feel more courageous," Ji-eun said honestly.
Min-woo felt warmth in his heart. Even in such a dangerous situation, she was trusting him and following along. He wasn't alone anymore. He had trustworthy companions and someone precious to protect.
At the midpoint of the tunnel, Cheol-su stopped briefly.
"Let's check the situation here for a moment." He opened a small panel on the wall. Inside was a small monitor.
The screen showed the surface situation in real time. Martial Purification Alliance agents were still searching Building 3, but they didn't seem to have discovered the underground headquarters yet.
"Fortunately, we haven't been discovered yet," Seong-min sighed in relief.
"But it's only a matter of time," Cheol-su said worriedly. "Their detection equipment is becoming increasingly sophisticated."
Min-woo noticed something strange while watching the screen. Some of the agents were moving in different directions.
"Look there," Min-woo pointed at the screen. "Some of them are going elsewhere."
Cheol-su looked closely at the screen. "Don't tell me... are they looking for other escape routes?"
"How could they? How would they know about this tunnel?" So-ra said.
But Min-woo's system was sending different warnings.
[Additional Risk Factors Detected]
Surface Encirclement: 85% complete
Expected Search Time: Possible underground headquarters discovery in 45 minutes
New Risk: Surveillance personnel also deployed around escape routes
Recommended Response: Maximum speed movement + use alternate routes
"Senior, I think we should hurry," Min-woo said urgently. "I have a bad feeling about something."
Cheol-su decided to trust Min-woo's words. "Understood. Everyone hurry."
The group quickly moved along the tunnel again. The tunnel was longer than expected, but rest areas were prepared at intervals. Emergency water and simple medical supplies were stored on the walls.
"They really prepared everything," Ji-eun admired.
"300 years of accumulated know-how," Cheol-su said proudly. "It's why our organization has survived until now."
After walking for about 20 more minutes, dim light began to appear ahead. The end of the tunnel was approaching.
"We're almost there," Cheol-su said. "That's the city alley ahead."
But as they approached the exit, Cheol-su's expression became tense. He carefully checked the surrounding situation near the exit.
"Strange..." Cheol-su muttered.
"What?"
"It's too quiet. Usually there would be some people around at this time..."
Min-woo's system sent another warning.
[Danger Detected!]
Within 50 meters of exit: 2 suspicious individuals
Martial Arts Level: Mid-level Qi Gathering
Behavior Pattern: Waiting and surveillance
Presumption: Escape route blockade operation
"Senior, I think there are people waiting outside," Min-woo said in a small voice.
"What?" Cheol-su was surprised.
"I'm not sure exactly, but... I can feel a strange energy."
Cheol-su thought for a moment and made a decision. "We'll have to use the alternate route."
He opened another secret panel on the tunnel wall. A smaller passage appeared.
"This is an emergency alternate route. It's a bit narrow but leads to a safer place."
Passing through the narrow passage wasn't easy. But all the group members cooperated and passed through safely.
After 30 minutes, the group arrived at a small alley in the city. The place Cheol-su pointed to was an ordinary-looking two-story building. A small sign reading 'Ancient Books' hung there.
"From the outside, it just looks like a small bookstore," Cheol-su explained. "But it's actually our emergency base."
[New Base Secured]
Location: Hidden bookstore in city alley
Security Level: High
Facilities: Research lab, martial arts training ground, storage
Advantage: Completely disguised to ordinary people
Special Functions: Emergency communication network, emergency supply storage
When they entered the building, it really was an ordinary bookstore. Old books were packed everywhere, and there was even a dusty smell. But when Cheol-su pulled a special book, the back wall rotated and a hidden space appeared.
"Wow... it's really like a movie," Ji-eun marveled.
The hidden space was smaller than the underground headquarters, but it had all the necessary facilities. A small research room, martial arts training space, and even communication equipment.
"Now the real beginning starts," Cheol-su said, looking at all the members. "The Martial Purification Alliance has begun moving in earnest. We can no longer just hide."
Min-woo said with a determined expression, "Then we're going to fight back in earnest too."
"That's right. And Min-woo..." Cheol-su said seriously, "you have mountains of things to learn ahead. To awaken the true power of the Eternal Cycle Scripture, you need to become much stronger than you are now."
Cheol-su led Min-woo and Ji-eun to a new room. Various martial arts manuals and training tools were prepared there.
"You'll begin full-scale training here. But be careful," Cheol-su warned. "From now on, it's really a dangerous path."
[New Training System Activated]
Training Environment: Professional facilities available
Instructors: Infinite Guardian Corps experts
Goal: Challenge combination of advanced Eternal Cycle Scripture fragments
Expected Duration: 2-3 months intensive training
Risk Level: Very high (life-threatening if failed)
Ji-eun stood beside Min-woo and said, "We're together. We can do anything."
Min-woo looked out the window and made a resolution. He had truly stepped into a big world now. There was the Martial Purification Alliance as a massive enemy, and the tremendous goal of the Eternal Cycle Scripture. But with trustworthy companions...
'I can definitely do it.'
Stars were twinkling in the night sky. As if blessing the adventures that would unfold ahead.
Cheol-su made one last important statement. "Min-woo, remember this. The path you're walking now is the same path the Infinite One walked 300 years ago. But you must make a different choice than he did."
"What choice?"
"When you gain power, will you monopolize it alone, or will you share it with everyone?" Cheol-su said meaningfully. "That's the standard that separates a true successor from another Infinite One."
Min-woo nodded. He knew that moment of choice would come someday. But he had confidence in his current self. With Ji-eun, Senior Cheol-su, and all the companions of the Infinite Guardian Corps, he would be able to make the right choice.
Next Chapter Preview: First high-intensity training at the new base, and the Martial Purification Alliance's unexpected counterattack...