Enigma of Darkness//Vkook

The Dawn of Gandok

Though Taehyung had once hesitated, that uncertainty had faded. Now, he stood with unwavering resolve. Jeongguk and the Moon Goddess were by his side, and his brothers and parents were stationed protectively behind him. The elders, with whom he had consulted earlier, were present to manage any unrest if needed, and officers alongside Jeongguk’s and Jin’s teams vigilantly monitored the surroundings. 

Every precaution had been taken; this assembly was there for him, alert, on guard, and united. Taehyung was no longer just a name in Gandok—he was now a mate of the realm. This was not a moment for doubt; he needed his people to understand that.

Taehyung greeted the crowd again, commanding them to rise. The gathered people instinctively obeyed, rising in silent submission to his authority. In the distance, within the shadowed cells, imprisoned thugs watched the scene in astonishment. They hadn't expected Taehyung to be the mate and now buzzed with excitement, hurriedly calling their bald boss. 

“Boss, the leader is the big leader! You were the first to recognize his potential,” they flattered, while the boss smirked, watching eagerly alongside them. The guards monitoring the broadcast barked at the prisoners to quiet down.

Addressing the people, Taehyung’s voice rang with sincerity and gravitas. “I know that for many of you, seeing me as Jeongguk’s mate—and one of Gandok’s own long-awaited mates—is shocking, even disappointing. To be honest, it was as much a shock to me as it is to you. I questioned why I, of all people, was chosen. Unlike my brother, diligent and disciplined, or my mate, who is steadfast and resolute, I’ve always been someone driven by a quest for knowledge, by a yearning to live freely and seek justice for the wronged. That path, however, was not easy. Along the way, I lost many—some I could save, others I could not.

“My reputation is less than ideal, and I’ve never sought to hide that. What I wrote was truthful, even if it was blunt or uncomfortable. I didn’t care to polish my image to appease others’ opinions. The truth is, people often see what they wish to see, and for some, I will always be the rebel. But I will not change myself to fit their expectations. It is not I who must change—it is they who must shift their perspective.”

"But none of this needs to happen in haste. I understand that you have countless questions—about this arrangement, about us, and about what lies ahead for you and Gandok. This land, once a sanctuary where Gana and Dokja built a family rooted in love and compassion, has now transformed into a place marred by crime, vengeance, brutality, and inequality.

The legacy of Gandok’s protectors has been tarnished, and the very family that once stood as its foundation—the Ji family—appears to have rusted and crumbled under the weight of time and corruption. You, the people of Gandok, find yourselves caught in doubt, uncertain of where to turn or what to believe in. And I am here to help you see a new path forward."

"But can you trust me? Do you even want to trust me?" Taehyung paused, letting the question settle. "Some of you may be wondering if this union between our families is just another ploy, a desperate attempt to win back your faith." He could see the hesitant expressions in the crowd, a flicker of uncertainty as if their unspoken doubts had just been voiced.

Taehyung offered a reassuring smile. "I've always been critical of the actions of the three families. When I disagreed, I didn’t stay silent—I spoke up, I wrote, I challenged. And if there’s one thing I can say with absolute conviction, it’s that I trust Jeongguk and Jin-hyung. I trust their motives, their love for Gandok, and their unwavering commitment to their work. So, if you find it hard to trust me, then place your faith in them. Together, we will lead Gandok toward something worthy of your trust."