Knock, knock.

Gi-Gyu stood before an old, worn door and knocked on it politely. He could hear someone inside, but he didn’t enter, as he wasn’t given permission to enter. When no response came from inside after a while, Gi-Gyu knocked again.

Knock, knock.

Finally, the forging sounds stopped, and an elderly voice announced, “Come in.” 

When Gi-Gyu entered, he saw Old Man Hwang focused on his work. It was past 10 p.m., but that was the time they agreed on when Gi-Gyu contacted Old Man Hwang earlier. 

Old Man Hwang must’ve been quenching and tempering because he was covered in sweat. In one of his hands was a thick hammer bigger than his leg. 

Without turning toward Gi-Gyu, the blacksmith declared, “I’ve received your payment. I’ve to say I was worried our cooperation would come to an abrupt end.” 

The old man began hammering again as Gi-Gyu apologized, “I’m sorry, Sir.”

“No, it’s all right. I actually didn’t expect to see you again. The way you sent your payment was obviously part of your last will.”

The older man had seemingly guessed the dire situation Gi-Gyu was in when he sent the payment. 

‘Wisdom does indeed come with age,’ thought Gi-Gyu. 

Old Man Hwang continued, “After years, someone who can help my babies see the world appears, only to die days later. I was very disappointed.”

Clang, clang.

The blacksmith hammered...