Original subtitles

Byong!

You! Come and get it!

I'll kill you all!

Three Vices.

Yes, Overlord.

That's it. That's the fighting spirit of Koryo.

The spirit of kill…

or be killed.

That's polo.

Yes, just so, sir.

Just the way our ancestors rode across the plains.

Am I right, Yakson?

Correct, Overlord.

Oh, Songi is sitting over there, Yakson.

Yes, Overlord.

- Dokmyong. - Overlord.

You think Songi and Yakson are a good match?

Perhaps so.

Just like a seer. “Perhaps so.”

Never a straight answer.

No, no, no…

Another man down.

It's not over till it's over, sir.

Still, the Blue seems to have the initiative.

Look at them run away.

Guess they're not ready for a man's game.

Well said.

No...

- Pull yourself together! - Get up!

Get up!

Incredible.

Polo is incredible.

Too true. Nothing else is quite like it.

Silence.

That's dog exterminator's work, not men's work.

Goddess of Mercy…

People watching, cheering.

It's enough to make Buddha weep.

That's that.

- No loafing. Get to work, go on. - Yes'm.

Loafers.

Don't let the water get too hot?

Too good to listen, is she?

Squirming like a lost puppy.

What you lookin' for, huh? Huh?

I'm…

Well? Prep the next game!

Is that what you're staring at?

Him again? Him?

Now, now, Nanjang.

They grew up together in the temple. Like brother and sister.

Who asked you, yappy, huh?

Brew that tea. Fill the cups when it's done.

Yes'm. You, hurry.

Go on.

See that?

The Red was wiped out in the first match.

I'll say it again.

It's kill or be killed.

You'll be fighting condemned criminals.

Men who know the staff and the sword.

You must fight to survive!

Mount up.

Sir!

You saw, the Red won!

And you will again.

They're nothing but slaves this time.

- Kill them all! - Yes, sir!

Focus on the prize. Move out!

Abbot… look… There, there!

Did you see?

Is that… is it him?

It's Musang. Musang.

Isn't that Musang?

How did he..?

Musang..?

Miss, it's that slave. Kim Jun.

Hush. I'm watching.

I hope he doesn't die.

Right down there.

Your Grace, hot green tea.

I've seen her somewhere before.

And your sweets.

Never mind that.

It's you.

Look. Your brother is out there. Kim Jun.

You grew up together in the temple?

Pray for him.

Head Cook.

Yes, Miss.

He's her brother of sorts. This girl, I mean.

Ah, yes…

He's fighting in the arena.

Miss.

He stands at the crossroads of life and death.

Tell me, do you mind if she stays and watches with me?

Miss, it's not… oh, dear…

Songi.

What's this? Her brother, you say?

Just so, ma'am.

Oh? In that case, it couldn't hurt to let her watch.

Yes, Your Grace.

Nanjang.

Ma'am.

Leave the child here until the games are over.

Her, ma'am?

Ma'am.

Come watch with me.

- I'm grateful, Miss. - You needn't be.

We're equally concerned, you and I.

Pay your respects to the Overlord.

You all know the rules.

Whichever side puts the ball in the goal wins.

At the gong and the flag we begin.

Men! Take your positions!

- Positions! - Positions!

Whoa, this polo sets my liver on fire…

Look, lookit-lookit..!

- Yeah, Musang! - Musang!

- Dirty player! - That's it.

- Musang… - Musang!

Thank you, Lord Buddha. Thank you.

That's right. You won't die like that.

Live. You have to live, Kim Jun…

Nanjang, look, over there. That's Kim Jun.

Over here!

Gapi!

- Yes. - Cheater!

- Yes! - Well done.

- Kill him! - Kill him!

Kim Jun!

Musang… Musang…

Kill him, kill him, kill him!

Kill him, kill him, kill him!

Kill him! Kill him!

Kill him, Kim Jun! Kill him, you fool!

- Kill him! - Just kill him!

Kill him, kill him, kill him!

Yes. He did it.

We won!

Well done, Kim Jun. Well done.

Very well done.

I'm proud of you. So proud.

Your brother won. He lived.

Yes, Miss.

Thank you. Thank you, Miss. Thank you.

I'm proud. So proud.

But… will you be all right?

Who is that?

The slave you spared, sir. Kim Jun.

Amazing. A great fighter.

Thanks to your mercy.

He's a ringer, a ringer.

Didn't you capture him at Chungyong Temple?

I believe so, sir.

We lost him to my brother.

See if we can't get him.

Yes, sir.

- Musang. - Musang.

- Musang! - Musang!

But a dream.

It is written, “All life is but a dream.”

But I'd settle just for today.

That wasn't my Musang.

That wasn't Musang.

Isn't it a miracle he's alive?

A blessing from Buddha.

He's right. It's true, Abbot.

He's a demon. No better than a demon.

Worthless wimps!

Bunch of losers!

Losers! Worthless!

Well done.

But you should have killed him when you had the chance.

If he's in the next match, he'll try to kill you.

I'm warning you, forget about mercy.

Remember, it's kill or be killed.

Kill to survive.

Call the doctor.

Fight!

Fight to live!

Move out!

Sir. Move out.

It's serious, sir.

Move him to the infirmary.

Yes, sir.

Well? You heard him. Get a stretcher.

Yes, sir.

Overlord, are you fatigued?

I am. It snuck up on me.

- Yakson. - Overlord.

- We're leaving. - Yes, sir.

Make way for the Overlord! Sir.

Well then? The Overlord has risen!

Halt the game!

No.

Proceed.

Proceed.

I'll just take Yakson with me. Proceed.

Father.

Well? Escort my father.

Sir.

Make way for the Overlord!

How is he? Where's Musang?

Good question. I can't see him.

- Watch it..! - What the..?

Sorry, sorry!

Ready, and… one, twoo!

- Infirmary. - Sir.

- Abbot. - Sir.

Musang. I have to see him. I have to see how he is.

He's been hurt.

But it's not lethal.

He was lucid enough to make the score.

He's on a stretcher. I have to go. I have to see my Musang.

Like they'll let us see him? Abbot, think about it. Please.

- Please… - Abbot…

The Tripitaka Koryo was originally begun…

as a prayer to Buddha…

during the Khitan Invasion.

And Buddha answered the people's prayers.

When the woodblock prints were completed, the Khitan were repulsed.

Yes, sir.

Not only that, the work itself has raised Koryo's woodblocks… and engravings…

to a new level.

Just so, Head Abbot.

Unfortunately, the work is far from complete.

It's up to you to ensure the Buddhist canon is preserved.

Maintained and supplemented.

Just as Uichon did with the Directorate of Buddhist Scriptures.

Yes, sir.

I hoped to leave it to Abbot Subop.

But he still has work to do in the world.

Abbot, you've had enough.

- Abbot. - Leave him.

He's got to wash out the bitter taste in his mouth.

So do I, actually.

At least it's clear you and Musang have gone separate ways.

Forget him, Abbot.

He stands at the gates to hell.

And there's nothing I can do.

He wouldn't hurt a fly.

And now he kills like an executioner.

He…

He's turned…

into a madman.

But I just don't get it.

Why did he volunteer for the games?

He was always so innocent.

Why would he..?

He's chosen his own path.

For himself. And for Wola.

To protect her.

They grew up together in paradise only to be thrust into hell.

The hell of slavery.

Musang has chosen to live as Kim Jun now.

Kim Jun.

Exactly. Not Musang. Kim Jun.

Choe Chunghon's slave, Kim Jun.

He's accepted reality.

Not Musang, Kim Jun.

No. He has a pure heart.

Buddha still lives inside him.

You can lie to the world, but not to yourself.

He'll be back.

He'll come back.

I know him. He'll be back.

Just as storm-tossed boat must someday land on the far hills of nirvana…

when the waves of fate have calmed…

he'll be back.

But there is one good thing.

He's much better at martial arts now than he ever was in the temple.

He was remarkable.

I couldn't believe my eyes. That it was Musang, I mean.

You saw it. He attacked like a man possessed.

Possessed.

He's a true warrior now.

A warrior.

Tsk-tsk-tsk, at least he's alive. That in itself is a miracle.

He fought like this?

I'll prepare some medicine. Two weeks worth.

Kim Jun.

The general keeps his word. You faced death in the arena.

You can have a commission if you want.

You'll be under the doctor's care for two weeks.

Try to get some rest.

Lieutenant…

What do you mean? Rest for two weeks now?

I can't.

I'm in the next match.

You'll die in your condition.

I don't care.

I was as good as dead when I entered.

I'll play if it kills me.

You survived one match.

That's it.

- Let's go. - Yes, sir.

Wait. I have to play.

I'll be in that match.

Wait, sir! Let me see the general!

Please… lieutenant, lieutenant…

Easy, easy. Relax.

- Lieutenant. - All right.

Just rest now.

That's right. Rest, rest.

Let me play. Let me play, lieutenant.

Sir, do you think he's wrong in the head?

He can't even walk and wants in the games?

Definitely nuts.

Either that or he's got a death wish.

Don't you think, sir?

He's far different than you'll ever be.

Sir?

I noticed it from the start.

We saw that in the arena.

- Huh? - Huh?

Overlord, the tournament was hardly worth seeing today.

No. I saw plenty.

Now that's a man.

The last Red standing. The slave.

Oh, well, do you think so?

Oh, yes. People think the elderly are fools.

Treated as though they don't know a thing.

In fact, there's no fox like an old fox.

Overlord, playing chess all the time…

It just won't do.

Why?

Chess is a highly demanding game, sir.

The constant drain on your strength is detrimental to your health.

At my age…

if it's not draining…

it's not living, it's dying.

But as one matures, it's best to enjoy the comforts of life.

That's not living, that's dying.

Now tell me, how am I?

Will I last a bit longer?

For many years, sir.

Sycophant.

Leave me.

Yes, Overlord.

Yakson.

Overlord.

It's fun to have a kibitzer when we're playing chess.

Dongmyong is off doing something.

Come and watch.

Yes, Overlord.

Show the physicians out.

That doctor and Hyang seem to be mighty cozy.

They want me to stop playing with you.

You have been in the capital a while now.

Sir?

Oh, just something that occurred to me.

It's not bad to get some air now and then.

- Yakson. - Yes, Overlord.

Any thoughts on today's tournament?

I've felt it many times, but the intensity of it keeps the warrior spirit alive.

True, true.

In fact, the founder of Koryo, King Taejo himself, loved polo.

So did Emperor Uijang, before Yi Uimin ousted him.

You see, the games…

are no different than actual combat.

That's why it's so important to the men.

- Yakson. - Yes, Overlord.

Any thoughts on seeing Songi today?

I'm not… that is… I'm only…

Your father served Myongjong, Sinjong…

Huijong, Kangjong and now Emperor Kojong.

He served me all his life.

And held a high court post.

You have many accolades. I want to treat you and your brothers with care.

My Songi is a bright girl.

She'll make you a good wife.

I've already mentioned you to her father.

Did you move?

- Yes. Just here, sir. - I see.

Well, now…

Will he be all right? Kim Jun, I mean.

He was on a stretcher.

But he was incredible. Just like my Yangbaek.

Yangbaek fought just like that.

We're talking about Kim Jun here.

Self-control.

Yes, Miss.

He was barely hanging on at the end.

Yes, Miss, too true.

But he was great. Truly.

Staggering, yet he raised his hand to me.

Twice.

A slave daring to wave to me…

Well, he was carried away in the moment.

Yes, Miss, he must have been.

Out of gratitude to his patron.

You think?

Of course, Miss.

He wouldn't even be in the arena if not for you.

True… true…

Commendable, in a way.

I hope it's nothing.

The doctor will fix him up.

I'm sure of it.

You think?

A wounded man needs proper food..

Yunsim.

Go to the kitchen.

For the next few days, I want Kim Jun's table to buckle...

under the weight of good food.

He needs nourishment to fight again.

Yes, Miss.

Right. Off you go.

But, Miss, will he fight tomorrow in his condition?

Hm?

You're right. He was struggling at the end.

Fighting to hang on.

How bad is it, I wonder?

Who is he?

Who's this Kim Jun?

I heard he was a monk. And your brother?

Kannan.

Yes, Nanjang.

That Kim Jun in the arena is her brother?

Yes. They grew up together.

Oh? So that's why you're chasing after him, running around acting the fool?

He's really your brother?

Yes.

Just my luck to be stuck with a clumsy loafer like you.

Watching the games with the Miss in her box?

You nuts? Are you?

Mind your place! You should have said no. Think you can sit there?

Ignorant! Insolent!

How dare you? Huh? Watching? Having fun?

She didn't mean to. The Miss insisted.

Please.

What?

It would have been worse if she had disobeyed the Miss. What could she do?

You've lost your mind, too, that's what it is.

How dare you mouth off to me?

You asked for it.

No! No..!

What's all this?

Nanjang.

You're Yunsim, right?

What? Does the Miss want something?

Yes. You know Kim Jun?

The Red team's last man standing.

What about him?

The Miss wants him loaded down with food, that's what.

What? For Kim Jun?

Oh, my heart..!

More food, less beatings.

Fine. What the Miss wants, the Miss gets.

Filthy, low-life… Ten years in the kitchen and I'm serving a slave?

Just my luck.

You hear that Kannan?

Yes'm.

Then get to work!

If the Miss isn't happy we're all dead.

Yes'm.

Wola, let's get some deer meat.

A real feast. For your brother.

A real feast!

She recovered fast.

Giggling and such. Has she lost her mind?

Kim Jun wants to fight?

- That's what he said? - Yes, sir.

That's what I like to hear.

But it's impossible.

Only the fit can play.

In his condition he'll endanger his teammates.

Yangbaek, your thoughts?

From what I saw, it's impossible.

That Kim Jun. If only he hadn't hesitated.

Wasting mercy on that scum.

But, sir…

Should we let him die in the arena like he wants?

What?

There's still fire in his eyes.

We need it in his body. What good is it in his eyes?

If it's in his eyes, the body will survive.

Nothing is impossible to a man who has passed through fire.

Enough.

I saw him on that stretcher.

He was a wreck.

Pick from what we've got left.

Argh.

If you ask me, you're a fool.

Play tomorrow and you'll die like a dog.

Better than living like one.

If I must be a dog, I'll go out growling.

To the spirit nothing is impossible.

What's that mean?

Something the Abbot taught me.

If you focus, you can do anything.

Are you Kim Jun?

Wola's brother.

Come along.

Are you deaf?

The Miss gave orders. Come along.

Please, Musang.

Are you all right?

Come with us, please. Come on.

- Come on. - Hurry.

Musang.

Careful.

Go on. You'll never eat like this again.

Come on. Oh, dear…

Come along…

What is all this?

I mean to say, why me?

The Miss ordered it, after seeing you in the arena today.

Count yourself lucky.

I'll leave the rest to you.

Yes'm.

Wola must be particularly happy.

Seeing her brother feted like this, I mean.

Stop gushing.

Just do your work.

Yes'm.

Come along.

Sit.

Eat, Musang.

The Miss gave special orders.

She said you fought well.

True, true…

I only saw a little, but you were amazing.

And lucky to be alive.

Did you see a doctor?

Mm, I'm fine.

Wola, I'm fine, nothing's wrong, really.

The doctor said so.

Here, eat this.

It's fine.

In that case, how about a drink?

Nothing like liquor to prevent hemorrhage.

I'll just…

I'll be going.

You two enjoy a nice family meal, huh?

Well, then.

Look at you, yum-yum-yum.

Yunsim, what are you doing here?

Don't you trust us to serve him?

Did the Miss send you?

Trust you?

When the Miss wants it done, we follow it through, you know that.

Or I catch it.

I know.

Yunsim, you saw, so let's go.

Let them have a family meal.

All right.

Anyway, enjoy.

I'm sure the Miss will ask…

What?

She wanted to know how bad he was.

And if he's fighting tomorrow or not.

Listen.

I can do it. I can fight.

No…

Tell your mistress.

Kim Jun can fight.

I can go into the arena.

Watch.

Careful.

See? No problem, see…

Musang.

Looks to me like you're on the verge of collapse.

Fight? Just eat.

Wait, wait, wait.

Let me see your mistress. Let me see her!

What? My mistress?

“See her?” What kind of talk is that for a slave?

Uppity…

Wait, wait!

Wait… wait!

Musang.

Why are you doing this?

You can't go into the arena.

Why would you want to? Why?

I have to, Wola. It's the only way.

Why? So you can earn a commission?

What's that matter?

Why do you want to die?

I won't die!

Musang…

You're like a different person.

Can't we just live like this?

We'll make do.

We'll be slaves, but we'll be alive.

It won't do. A better day will come.

I'll send you to Abbot Subop.

I don't want to.

You think I could do that at your expense?

We'll make do.

Please stop this…

I won't.

I can't.

Wola.

What?

Kim Jun asked to see me?

I can't… I've never seen the like.

How dare he?

Yes, he was so desperate. It was pitiful.

And yet he begged to play tomorrow?

Was he hurt badly?

Yes, very much so.

It was terrible.

Oh? That bad?

A toast.

I was in a cold sweat today.

I didn't think we had a prayer.

Neither did I, sir.

I was quite concerned.

A real feather in Song Kilyu's cap.

Not at all.

No, no. He's absolutely right.

None of us here thought the Red would take the day.

True.

This Kim Jun surprised us all.

Just thinking about it fills me with pride.

Me, too.

Anyway, well done, General Song.

You honor me. To your greater glory, sir.

What about tomorrow?

What's your strategy?

Your pardon.

Tomorrow is still unclear.

Kim Jun is seriously injured.

Quite so.

My brother's team tomorrow will be monsters to a man.

We'll be up against it.

A meat grinder.

A glorious day. Despite ending in a draw.

Yes, sir.

They had a ringer.

Kim Jun was unbelievable.

Who would have thought a slave had it in him?

I was surprised myself.

Thanks to one slave Chae U's team barely made it through.

He was barely with us at the end there.

His grit surprised me.

He's down for the count now.

Tomorrow may be boring.

You'll be grinning the whole day.

This afternoon the Overlord had a medical examination.

And?

He was told to stop playing chess.

Because of Yi Kyubo, of course.

Last night he snuck out to Chae U's house.

We can't leave this alone. It has to be dealt with.

Yi Kyubo is leaking all the Overlord's plans.

I've been thinking. We'll have our chance.

Nothing quite like hen's blood for a hex.

What hex?

A death hex. A life-shortener.

You know, a secret hex, secret.

To kill whom?

Whom do you think? Head of the Royal Secretariat, perhaps?

There's one other thing.

With Chae U dead, you can hold your heads high.

And it won't hurt me, either.

Now, as you know…

You pierce the heart.

The head.

The heart, the liver.

And finally, the throat.

Trust me.

The Overlord isn't long for this world. The problem is Chae U.

You're all worrying yourselves sick.

What about the military? The Overlord?

The waiting is killing you.

It's true. It's true.

Everything points in your direction, but still we're worried.

Like I said before, I've cast my own runes.

It's strange, every time it's the same.

All bad.

What you've done is taboo.

The runes can be cast only once.

You broke taboo. Your cast isn't true.

Ah, is that it?

Cast the spell.

Write the hex.

Place the curse.

And Chae U is through.

What I curse stays cursed.

You wanted to see me?

Yes, Miss.

I have a request, if you'll pardon my impertinence.

This request is to enter the arena again?

Exactly, Miss.

Forgive my asking one more thing.

But if I don't fight, it's all been for nothing.

I've looked into your past life.

Miss.

I'm sorry, but I can't allow it.

Nothing is as precious as one's own life.

Yet some things are more important than life.

Please.

Grant me one more request.

Please, Miss.

Miss…

I won't lose my possession without a fair return.

I was quite clear. I own you.

I am your master. Understand?

I'm responsible for you.

You won't go back in the arena.

I must.

I have to.

Grant my request, Miss.

I can do it.

I know I can win.

You won't be sorry.

Please, Miss.

Miss!