Gildong and the Hwalbindang were in a village by the sea. They were handing out grain.
A sign caught Gildong's eye. He laughed as he read it.
"What's so funny?" Nabi asked.
"I'm the new minister of war," Gildong said. "The king is ordering me to come to the palace."
Mok scratched his head. "Why is that funny?"
"The king's still trying to capture me," Gildong said. "I guess he'll never give up."
"What will you do?" Chibong asked.
Gildong looked out across the sea. "I think it's time for a new adventure. But first I am going to the palace."
"What?" Mok gulped. "You can't go, boss. It's not safe."
"I'll be fine," Gildong said. "I must see the king and end this once and for all." He gathered everyone closer. "Here is what you must do while I'm gone . . ."
At the palace Gildong entered the courtyard.
"Your Majesty." Gildong bowed. "I am lowborn, yet you want me as your minister of war. I'm honored."
Heup grinned. "Now!" he yelled.
Soldiers ran in and surrounded Gildong. Their spears moved in fast. But Gildong reached for his fan. "Fly!"
"Where did he go?" the king cried.
Gildong stood high above. He laughed as everyone below looked for him. "Up here!"
The crowd looked up.
"Your Majesty is very generous to make me a minister," Gildong said. "But I'm going to refuse the position. You'll be rid of me at last."
"What?" The king looked shocked.
"I'm leaving your kingdom for a new adventure," Gildong said. "I'll create a new country with the Hwalbindang, far from here. Lowborn people will be treated fairly. They will have the same opportunities as nobles. Good-bye."
Gildong opened his fan, and a fierce wind swirled around the palace. He soared high into the sky. Thwoosh!
He landed on a large ship.
Chibong hurried over. "Everything's ready, boss, just as you requested."
"Are we really leaving, little lord?" Nabi asked.
Gildong sighed. "I'm not a lord."
"But you are our boss." Mok laughed. "Maybe you should be our king!"
Gildong shook his head. "I don't think so. I only want to do good in the world. Now let's go!"
Everyone sang as the ship took off.
"We'll sail to a new land. We'll make everything grand. Thanks to Hong Gildong."
The Hwalbindang sailed beyond the horizon. And only they know what happened next.