Chapter: 454
The successful world remains, while the other worlds are erased.
It means that out of countless possibilities, only the successful worlds persist.
So far, that was fine.
Actually, it wasn’t fine, but let’s just pretend it is for now.
Regardless of how it happens, even if disaster succeeds in becoming the master of the world I came from…
“Having a new owner means that all life on the land has been wiped out, right?”
In the end, whatever the outcome, it just means that from my current standpoint, it will result in a dog-shit situation.
Ha.
This is no different from fighting a battle with a predetermined outcome.
I recall…
The disasters that Yeon Il-cheon called me, along with the causal connections tied to me.
Then there’s the divine sword’s words, which reveal that the Heavenly Demon, whom I thought to be a disaster, was the one who caused my regression.
And the traces my mother left behind.
For some reason, it even includes the lingering powers of the Heavenly Demon.
“Do you really think the regression you experienced was just a miracle?”
Yeon Il-cheon’s thoughts resonate in my mind.
Looking at the current circumstances, it all makes sense.
Including the words of the Blood Demon, who said it felt like someone was covering their ears. Past heroes tried things but ultimately failed.
When I see all of this…
“What on earth do you want?”
It seems the world wants something from me.
The problem is, what the heck is it?
Crack.
Could it be that, just like Yeon Il-cheon mentioned, the world really wants me to become a disaster?
I have no idea.
Even just figuring out what I currently know is already complicated to the point of inducing a migraine.
Plus, one more thing.
I had something to ask the Blood Demon.
“I get what you’re saying, but…”
Regardless of how the world is, no matter what it’s about.
I understand your words.
“But in the end, what do you want?”
[…]
What is the purpose of the Blood Demon standing before me? That’s what I really want to know.
Even if the world is throwing a tantrum and talking about the end of days, the real question is what the Blood Demon’s objectives are.
Does he too wish for disasters to come forth and rule according to the will of the world?
I don’t think so.
“That guy definitely has a purpose.”
My instincts tell me as much.
The Blood Demon wouldn’t act according to such logic.
The Blood Demon from my world was also trying to establish a group called the Star of the Meteor.
Here, in the world I’m in now, he’s also subtly influencing events while residing in Jang Seon-yeon’s body.
It seems he wants something, considering his body is torn and sealed.
What could that be?
It’s a puzzle I didn’t understand in my previous life.
Further along…
“Is the Blood Demon an ally or an enemy?”
I know that he’s not an ally, being an entity that once triggered a catastrophe.
Then, is he an enemy?
I need to figure that out.
[Hah.]
Upon hearing my question, the Blood Demon lets out a short breath.
[… What an intriguing individual.]
“What do you mean by that?”
[If you truly heard my previous words, you would have been resigned to a distant future by now. You’re far too calm for a mortal who is merely beginning to shed their outer shell.]
Calm?
Calmness can go freeze to death.
The absurdity of the Blood Demon’s statement hits me hard.
Calm? I look like I’m about to lose my mind, yet you say “calm” is appropriate?
How could I be at peace when I’m in danger of dying no matter what I do? I was filled with a desire to throw it all away.
It’s such an annoying and absurd tale to hear.
Whether it’s the world’s will to create disasters or the other worlds that have arisen as a result, endlessly repeating the same stories…
To me, it’s just complicated and nauseating chatter.
Still…
Yet,
No matter how bad things seem, I can’t surrender—so I just want to keep pushing forward.
Crap.
If I don’t do something, humanity will face extinction.
So it’s not just a chance to complain.
I’m not the kind of person who would just sit by when I have a chance to act.
I’m the type who would rather die than engage in actions that would harm me.
In this utterly wretched situation, there’s only one reason I’m compelled to do something.
The faces that flicker through my mind, the ones who lived and died for me. They’re my reason for living now.
If I think of it as my duty to them, I can’t just stand by.
During moments of despair, I must search for solutions.
That’s my only task at hand.
[Looking at this, I see how you were able to embark on the path of escape.]
“Stop with the trivial talk. Just answer my question.”
What is the Blood Demon’s purpose?
I intend to manage the Blood Demon in accordance with Shin Noya’s wishes.
I need to prioritize my objectives.
There’s a mountain of urgent matters to address.
I must clarify where to begin and what to do first.
Of course.
There’s no guarantee the Blood Demon will offer an adequate response, though.
[My purpose? How could you possibly conclude I have one?]
“Isn’t it obvious? For an old man buried underground, you certainly seem to have plenty of drive.”
[Chuckle, chuckle…]
The sarcasm in my tone induces a chuckle from the Blood Demon.
[My purpose is…]
“Are you thinking about instigating the bloody catastrophe of the past again?”
The bloodshed caused by the Blood Demon centuries ago—
The five warriors, including Shin Noya, famously thwarted it. Does the Blood Demon intend to trigger it once more?
Upon hearing my question, the Blood Demon reacts with a smile.
[If that were the case, what would you plan to do?]
“We’d have to stop you.”
In nonchalant response, my words spill out.
Woooooosh—!
The iceberg starts to resonate loudly.
Tsk tsk tsk.
The Blood Demon’s laughter mixes in and disturbs my senses.
[You little brat who knows nothing about this world. How do you intend to prevent me?]
“I have to do something.”
[That’s amusing. Do you think it’s hard for me to simply kill you here and now?]
A chilling energy envelops me.
The coldness leaking out from the iceberg creeps up to the nape of my neck.
The Blood Demon’s words slice through the air, hinting that this isn’t merely a threat.
They come through with excruciating clarity.
But…
“You don’t intend to kill me, do you?”
I know that well.
The Blood Demon cannot kill me.
“You want something from me, right?”
With a slight upward curve of my lips, I state my belief.
[…]
Sigh.
The relentless chill emanating from the iceberg suddenly calms.
The reason I could talk boldly in front of a dangerously intimidating Blood Demon was this.
That he called on me to see someone who resembles a creature from another world.
As I observe how he subtly seeks to provide me with information, it makes sense that he’s hoping for something from me.
That might not be the case, but at least, judging by the reaction right now, it’s fairly certain.
[Hah.]
The Blood Demon’s brief comment was tinged with unexpected surprise.
[You’re quicker on the uptake than I anticipated.]
As expected.
I squint at his response.
“What do you want from me?”
An impending disaster. Something that beings from another world desire of me.
I must understand what it is.
As I glance at the Blood Demon, concealing my tangled feelings, he merely chuckles again.
Then, after a brief silence unfolds…
[You asked… what my purpose was.]
The Blood Demon slowly opens his mouth to me.
[I dream of creating a paradise.]
At that, my brow furrows in disbelief.
“Paradise…?”
It sounds fabulous, but it becomes a strangely eerie term once I remember the one voicing it: the Blood Demon.
After all, it’s too hopeful of a word to be issued by a being that once caused a disaster.
As I ponder its meaning, suddenly…
[O Revered One of the Other World.]
The Blood Demon calls out to me.
[There’s only one thing I wish from you.]
I lean in, listening closely.
[One day, when you have completed your shedding and have grasped the meaning of this world, come back to me once more. That is all I wish for.]
“Isn’t it not possible to come here just because you want to?”
It sounds ridiculous.
It would be a challenge to traverse even in the same world, let alone in a completely different one.
Even if I can’t comprehend why the Blood Demon would desire this, it’s an oddly peculiar request to make.
The Blood Demon, catching my skepticism, quickly responds.
[If you successfully complete your shedding, nothing would be impossible.]
“…What the heck is this shedding nonsense that you keep spouting?”
[That too will eventually become clear.]
If I manage this shedding thing…
Does that mean I’ll figure out how to traverse dimensions?
Or, perhaps, it might reveal the truth behind this incomprehensible phenomenon.
Regardless, none of that matters now.
“That paradise you mentioned, is that what you wish for me to visit?”
[Well…]
So you won’t answer, huh?
…
“Why would I agree to your request?”
[If you remember our conversation just now, you’ll surely feel compelled to seek me out. So, this too is of little concern.]
Is that truly because of the word ‘paradise’?
Or is it for some other reason? I simply can’t tell.
I find myself caught up in a tangle of thoughts, spurred on by his words.
What should I do?
Is everything the Blood Demon said so far the truth?
If not, what is the intention behind those words?
Conversely, if everything the Blood Demon has said is indeed true…
What on earth should I do?
Everything feels like it’s teetering beyond what I can bear.
Unlike the time I prevented the Heavenly Demon’s catastrophe and vowed to protect my loved ones’ peace.
Now, I’m increasingly aware of just how tough and challenging this is.
Damn it.
It’s sobering how simply living a normal, peaceful life can be so arduous. It leaves me with nothing but sour sentiment.
First… I need to find a way back to my original world.
I’ve realized it’s not the moment to sulk and reminisce about the past.
I need to resolve the situation and return to my original world immediately.
Damn…
How did it come to this?
That poisonous concoction has me blinded, tangled up inside.
No, should I consider it a benefit to have gained this information?
One curious thought floats to the surface of my mind.
What if all of this is the trial Dangjemun spoke of?
What if everything I’m undergoing right now is actually part of the test she mentioned?
Does that mean the Blood Demon’s words turn out to be false?
In that case, that might make life easier.
The shock from what I heard moments ago instills a wish that it’s all just a mirage.
As my mind swirls with convoluted thoughts, I’m about to sigh, rubbing my temples in fatigue.
[If you wish now…]
The Blood Demon speaks to me.
[I can return you to the world you originally came from right now.]
“…!”
My eyes widen at the casual declaration.
Wait, you can really send me back right this moment?
I stare upward at the iceberg in surprise.
[If you sincerely desire it.]
“Of course…”
Just as I’m about to assert that it should be a foregone conclusion.
I find myself biting my lip, a slew of thoughts flooding my mind.
Putting aside the notion that this whole situation is part of Dangjemun’s test, can I genuinely return to my original world with the Blood Demon’s help, in spite of the existence of Dokcheondan and Baekmaseok?
Beyond my hesitation about whether the Blood Demon would genuinely send me back, this question gnaws at me deeply.
[Tsk, tsk… You’re hesitating.]
“…”
[Is that hesitation a reflection of your doubt in me? Or perhaps it’s just your foolishness?]
I feel myself clenching my teeth at the Blood Demon’s words.
[Is it because you haven’t fully shed your skin yet? You appear to still have remnants of human immaturity.]
“Shut up.”
I bark back fiercely, like a growl.
“I am human.”
[…]
Whether I’ve become something else or something is growing within me, I stand firm in my humanity.
I wish I could abandon it, but this damn straw of humanity, subtly gnawing at me, is still too hard to let go.
He listens quietly, as if pondering my words, then glances somberly.
[Then, if that’s the case, it matters not. Ultimately, the essence is what holds significance.]
He offers me fleeting words laden with meaning.
Then, just then…
Rumble, rumble…
Without warning, the dimension behind me begins to warp and twist.
It’s the same magical portal I entered through, following the woman they call the dancer.
And just like before, she emerges, wearing a veil.
She’s the dancer once more.
This time she bows her head slightly in greeting while looking at me.
I shoot a frustrated glance at the Blood Demon.
“Does this mean I’m done now that I’ve seen everything?”
[As I mentioned, I can send you away whenever you desire. However, I offered this little display because it seems you harbor lingering attachments to this place.]
“ If this is what you call sincerity, then it’s a tad odd.”
Am I supposed to be grateful for surviving and obtaining this information?
As I ponder what the Blood Demon referred to, I reflect deeper.
What, by Blood Demon’s standards, ties me to this realm?
Regret.
The examination called “regret” springs to my mind.
Clearly, the party leader only tossed this task at me, not revealing what I was supposed to do.
Didn’t you essentially throw me into the gutter?
This seems to be a lot more plausible.
While I genuinely want to just close my eyes and ask the Blood Demon to send me back…
…Tsk.
At this point, I find myself unconsciously turning my feet back toward the demon realm, toward the portal.
Just before stepping inside, I hear…
[It looks like there are guests outside searching for you.]
“Guests…?”
I halt in my tracks at the Blood Demon’s words, glancing back uncertainly.
A guest suddenly looking for me?
The Blood Demon stifles a grin and continues.
[I don’t know what you wish for in this place, but I sincerely hope you have sweet dreams.]
He clearly has no intention of enlightening me about this guest.
“…”
Hearing that, I shift my gaze.
I may not know much about the Blood Demon from the world I came from.
At the very least, the Blood Demon from this world seems to have lost his marbles.
I turn away from the Blood Demon and walk toward the demon realm again.
Thud-thud-thud-
When I open my eyes again, I find myself back in the same place I first entered.
Oh, if there’s anything different this time…
The sun is up!?
I clearly remember it being night before I entered.
How can it be daytime now?
What the heck?
No matter how I look at it, this doesn’t seem like a conversation worth all this time.
But why is it already day?
Adjusting my eyes to the light, I began to look around.
“The master left a message.”
From behind me, the dancer speaks up from inside the magical portal.
What? A sudden message? I glance back at her in confusion.
She peers at me from behind her veil, stating:
“I promise.”
Her voice is as dry as a desert – completely devoid of life, feeling almost wooden.
Is she trying to imitate the Blood Demon’s speech?
“No matter what you do here, I will not interfere.”
…What?
I want to reflect that I have no clue what that means.
“…That’s the master’s message.”
With that, the magical portal wraps tightly around the dancer and vanishes completely.
She’s literally gone, leaving behind only those cryptic words.
Staring at the fading portal, I can hardly believe what just happened.
Alone in the eerie stillness of the forest, I think:
Did I really just meet the Blood Demon and conclude our conversation?
So what do I do now…?
Left with my thoughts, I ponder the path ahead.
It’s lucky I got involved in the Murim Alliance right off the bat, met the Blood Demon, and made it out without mishaps.
Yet the thought of how to proceed weighs heavily on my mind.
Should I head back to where I originally was?
I hesitate momentarily, shaking my head.
No, I’ll be better off acting on my own.
It seems a lot safer than hanging around the Murim Alliance.
Though, I understand this place isn’t exactly a haven either.
Should I just make a run for it and worry about the rest later?
I think about it – no one seemed to be waiting for me in the place I disappeared from.
But honestly, this is actually a good situation for me—it means I can slip away naturally.
Just then, moments before I leap forth…
SHWAAAAA—!
“Huh?”
Out of nowhere, my scorpion buddy bursts from my arms, letting out a sound that resembles a cry.
I blink in surprise as I gaze down at it.
“Oh right, you were here too?”
I had completely forgotten about the little guy tucked in my clothes!
Did it go quiet just to keep a low profile while watching everything?
…Hold on, come to think of it.
Did the Blood Demon ever mention anything about him?
Did he just neglect to acknowledge it?
The mystery occupies my thoughts, keeping me on edge.
SHWAAAAA!
In the meantime, my trusty scorpion, reemerging after a long time, grips my arm tightly, gesturing toward something.
What’s it up to now?
“I’m kinda busy right now, so I’ll check in later…”
Given that escaping is the priority, I try to brush past the scorpion and leap again.
CRASH!
“…!”
I feel something familiar rumbling far behind us.
Turning, I raise my senses, tuning into whatever is happening.
Now sharp, I detect the scent of blood.
What kind of situation am I walking into?
If this were any other time, I’d either analyze the situation or hightail it out.
Yet, while my mind implores I stay cool, my body’s already darting toward the source of the noise.
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