Chapter: 763
Passus…
The monster’s body vanished, danced away by the wind, and I gazed at the white stone left on the ground.
It stood as neatly as if someone had placed it there.
At first glance, it appeared almost transparent, yet the clarity of the white was striking, and I could feel the energy swelling inside it.
The energy was far beyond the top-tier Dokcheondan.
I knew obtaining it would be significantly beneficial.
“…”
I hesitated to touch the stone.
Not only was the gaze from behind preventing me from using the Magic Absorption Technique, but I had to momentarily freeze at the memory of the previous situation.
‘What is this?’
What is this unsettling feeling?
What did I just hear?
[Thank you… Thank you… .]
“…”
Before the monster disappeared, it had thanked me.
Though its speech was awkward, understanding it was no trouble.
Could it have been a mishearing or just an illusion?
No one knew better than me that it wasn’t.
‘What the hell.’
It’s not shocking for a monster to speak human language.
After all, treating dragons merely as monsters seemed problematic from the get-go.
I had a proper conversation with that Mang guy I met in the North Sea, so this shouldn’t be so surprising…
“Why….”
Why did this guy, who had said nothing so far, suddenly speak to me at the last moment?
Not even a different line, but just a simple thank you.
It was that very word that filled my heart with unease after it had disappeared.
What on earth is going on?
Sure, I could just ignore it, but once I started questioning it, it stuck in my chest like a burr.
‘Ugh, this is annoying.’
Ultimately, I frowned.
Why bother making people feel uneasy when you could’ve just faded away like a monster?
‘Why can’t anything just resolve neatly?’
That’s just how my life is.
Dammit.
Ignoring the complicated emotions swirling within me, I plopped down heavily.
Hah…
I let out a sigh I had been holding in.
Then, suddenly—
“Is it… over?”
“The monster…?”
“I can’t see it… It really seems… it truly seems to be over.”
Others scanned the situation, their voices filled with tension.
The traces of the long-gone monster and the red monsters burning all around became eerily quiet.
Or rather, within the silent, settling atmosphere, one person suddenly cried out energetically.
“Oh, it seems Soyeomra finished off that monster!”
Huh?
I immediately turned my head at what sounded like utter nonsense.
What are you rambling about now?
“Is that why he approached me with that dying body? To finish me off?”
“With that battered body…? You can’t mean… did he actually want to get us out of danger…?”
“Soyeomra… you.”
The old men had collectively turned red-eyed.
I screamed in disbelief at this somewhat horrifying scene.
“Did all of you drink together? Did none of you see the thunder just now?”
Just speaking such foolishness makes it seem as if I took it all down myself.
The hunting was done by the Heavenly King, yet I’m receiving applause.
How could they arrive at this ridiculous conclusion in this situation?
“I just came to take a look. They’re all dead now, so don’t get your wires crossed.”
“Look at how humble he is….”
“I misjudged you simply based on outward appearances… Soyeomra is nothing like the rumors!”
“They said you have talent but are foul-tempered, look terrifying, and are preoccupied with women… Who would’ve thought you’d be such a self-sacrificing youth?”
“That’s why you can’t believe in rumors…”
“…I really think I’ll need to tear my tongue out.”
I was so fed up that I was about to get up.
Wobble—!
“Ugh!”
My body swayed, and I fell flat again.
Hah…Hah.
That was close.
I nearly lost consciousness since I had reached the limit of my body.
‘No way.’
That absolutely cannot happen.
I shouldn’t faint just yet. Yes, the danger may be over since the monsters are dealt with, but—
‘…there’s still work left to do.’
The most important business still lay ahead.
Recalling that, I managed to gather myself again.
Hah…
As I steadied my breath, Dang So-yeol rushed over to help me up.
“Are you okay…?”
“…Then, I’m fine.”
“What exactly does ‘fine’ mean…?”
“All my limbs are intact. That means I’m fine.”
At least nothing was torn apart.
That was sufficient for me.
I swallowed hard while pretending not to notice the blood pooling back inside and examined my body.
The dragon’s form had already begun regenerating.
I didn’t use any energy.
Only a tiny fraction was left, but I couldn’t expend it for regeneration as I needed to build it up a bit.
I glanced up into the air.
‘…That’s fast.’
The sky was gradually clearing up, as if to announce the monster’s demise.
As I observed the relief on the faces of those around me, I thought,
“This isn’t the time to rest.”
I said to them in a low voice.
“I think I took care of that unknown guy… but the raid isn’t over yet.”
“…”
When I shook them out of their stupor, their expressions immediately froze.
We had put out the big fire, but other things were still ablaze.
That was my intent behind the words.
The onslaught was not over yet.
I barely managed to get people to escape from the center.
Since we hadn’t subdued all the monsters, battles were likely still occurring in various locations.
Moreover, if only we could…
‘It would be great if we could buy a little more time.’
But I doubt that will last long.
They must have figured it out by now, looking at the sky.
That something in their plan had gone awry.
‘But thinking about that is probably too late now.’
Shaking my head, I addressed the others.
“Right now is not the time to relax; it’s time to do what we need to do.”
“…That’s correct.”
“We still have work ahead.”
Everyone nodded.
Clearing the embers and protecting civilians.
People willing to take up the sword for stability.
Even amidst genuine pretentiousness, I recalled their faces one by one.
As I swiftly skimmed through dozens of faces, I realized one thing.
‘…Most of these faces are unfamiliar to me.’
The truth is, a majority were people I didn’t know.
In their past lives, they likely perished at the beginning of the war.
“…”
I mulled over every one of their faces.
In my last life, neither I nor anyone else remembered them.
So I knew I had no right to do so.
Nevertheless, this time, I wanted to try and remember them.
Without delay, I headed directly to where civilians were gathered for evacuation.
It wasn’t very far from the headquarters of the alliance. It was a vantage point if you wanted to see it.
You might wonder why they set up so close to where the raid happened.
There was a reason for this.
‘So they can see it.’
I needed the gathered people to see the Murim Alliance.
Because,
‘Distrust would deepen even further.’
During the evacuation, those who had developed distrust toward the alliance.
Or those who had lost their faith in it due to the current situation.
It was a means to deepen the emotional division they carried.
And this method turned out to be more effective than expected.
“Watch out—!”
“Please take care while moving!”
A spot full of a throng of people.
Through the gaps, figures clad in yellow uniforms guarded and guided the masses.
They were Hwangbo Family members.
“If anyone is feeling unwell, come here immediately!!”
They had even set out physicians and water.
To prepare for unforeseen attacks, guards were on high alert, scanning the surroundings.
“…Even offering physicians…”
“How could that happen…?”
Seeing this, many expressed admiration.
In Central, physicians are rare figures, and those belonging to the esteemed families are individuals that even their blood relatives seldom touch.
Bringing those physicians into shelters to care for others.
“… The Hwangbo Family is truly a family among families…”
“They reportedly moved before anyone else during the raid.”
“They are absolutely remarkable.”
“How shall I repay this kindness…?”
Their faces brimmed with gratitude.
Most here had received help from the Hwangbo Family.
“Compared to that, what of the Murim Alliance…!”
At those words, a heavy silence fell over the crowd.
The man who spoke seemed unable to control his emotions, despite feeling the oppressive atmosphere.
“Be careful… Regardless, don’t insult the Murim Alliance…”
“What do you mean ‘calm down’? What have they done for us to end up like this?!”
Cursing the alliance in the heart of Hanam was highly dangerous. Yet, the man couldn’t hold back, and others hesitated, showing expressions of agreement.
“They prance around, claiming they protect the Central Plains, but where were they and what were they doing…!”
“…Exactly. They were too busy protecting the influential and the innkeepers. They didn’t give us a thought.”
“I saw it too…!”
One by one, as people chimed in, their voices began to rise like a crescendo.
“What is justice… Even now, the leader is trapped and unable to move. What on earth was protecting us…?”
The rising heat of anger culminated in a sigh.
The exasperation of questioning what they had believed in.
Observing the bitterness across their faces, I quietly moved my body.
Or rather, to be precise, it would be more accurate to say the Heavenly Lord moved.
What this means is that I was now riding on the back of the Heavenly Lord.
‘…Hmm.’
I’ve lived long enough to ride on the backs of the Three Lords.
It was indeed a truly uncomfortable situation.
But, I had no choice.
I needed to recover my strength quickly, so I had to rest.
Movement also needed someone’s power to get underway.
‘…Why are they fighting each other?’
The three women began squabbling over who would carry me.
Was it my mistake to merely ask them to carry me to my destination?
The moment I expressed that thought, sparks ignited in the women’s eyes.
It all started with Dang So-yeol.
Dang So-yeol stepped forward nonchalantly and tried to carry me, only to be blocked simultaneously by Wi Seol-ah and Namgung Bi-ah.
Their reasoning? “Why is Dang So-yeol carrying him?”
In response, Dang So-yeol argued that since she had always supported me, she should naturally be the one to do it this time.
It was a logical argument, however, the two ladies dismissed it outright.
Namgung Bi-ah insisted that since it was Dang So-yeol doing it out of insecurity, it was now her turn.
Wi Seol-ah, not to be outdone, pulled the “I was originally the attendant, so I should carry out my duties” card.
Hearing that was enough to leave me stunned.
When on earth had I stopped doing my job, and now I lay with a bandage on my chest?
How ridiculous was it to argue who would carry whom?
At first, it seemed like the discussion had a logical point—but soon enough, I realized.
In truth, it was nothing but a relentless desire to claim the role for themselves without any logic.
Then, in the chaos, Bong-soon tried sneaking a chance to lift me, but got caught, resulting in an even bigger mess.
Eventually, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, and as I pondered how to resolve this absurd situation—
– “I’ll carry him!”
The Heavenly Lord, who had been observing, stepped in to bring order to the chaos.
They nearly reached the point of fighting, but everyone zipped their mouths at the Heavenly Lord’s words.
‘What on earth is this…?’
I couldn’t understand what caused them to bicker so much over carrying someone.
Anyway.
For a moment, I observed the refugees’ reactions.
With the Heavenly Lord’s support, I headed toward the pavilion.
‘It’s visible.’
A pavilion erected inside the headquarters of the Murim Alliance where martial arts competitions were underway.
Upon arriving, I spotted several people huddled together.
As soon as they saw us, they promptly drew their swords.
Sling-!!
“…Reveal your identity.”
I assessed them from a distance.
‘Hah.’
Seeing their faces made me chuckle.
‘Three Great Lords?’
More than forty people gathered, and among them were three in the upper ranks.
The man who had immediately unsheathed his sword was someone I recognized as well.
“Ilcheonggeom.”
Jang Seong-myeong, the first sword of the Ilcheong Sword Clan.
He was the current leader of Cheongryongdae and a master who had entered the ranks of the top hundred masters.
‘The right-hand man of that bastard.’
In my previous life, he was known as the right hand of Yoo Seong-geom.
At that moment—
“…Soyeomra…?”
The man beside me widened his eyes in recognition.
“Oh.”
I was curious who it was, only to discover a familiar face.
“It’s been a while, Dragon Lord.”
As I said this with a smile, he flinched and trembled.
The man’s true identity was none other than Beomdong, the Dragon Lord.
“How… could you…?”
In a panic, Beomdong spoke, while Ilcheonggeom at his side wore a perplexed expression.
“I thought you looked familiar. But you’re Soyeomra, aren’t you?”
He realized my true identity but still held his sword.
“I understand who you are. However, I’d like to ask, how did you come here?”
I sensed caution in his tone.
Mustering sharp energy, I stepped closer.
“I came because I heard that the leader is trapped here and I wanted to offer my help.”
“…Is that so?”
Upon hearing my answer, his alertness heightened.
Well, even I would find it strange if I were in his shoes.
“Yes.”
“I appreciate your concern, but there’s no need for that.”
“Why not?”
“Given the current situation, we must prohibit entry to outsiders. If you wish to offer assistance, it would be wiser to direct your efforts elsewhere.”
“…The situation as it is…”
Listening to those words had me pondering repeatedly.
It was such a bizarre statement that I struggled to figure out how to respond.
“Well… this situation is indeed a mess.”
“Thank you for your understanding…”
“But what are you guys doing here in this situation?”
“…What do you mean?”
Clearing my throat habitually made me hesitate. If I cleared it now, it would surely hurt like hell.
“The place is in disarray from the monsters’ assault! Citizens are screaming and crying, and you’re here doing what, exactly?”
While the chaos was raging and monsters wreaked havoc, what had the Murim Alliance been doing?
I already knew the answer to that.
“The innkeepers and the patrons. Busy catering to the sponsors… and here were the three supposed ‘Masters’ just twiddling their thumbs, leaving everything in this shambles.”
With every word I uttered, Ilcheonggeom’s expression grew more contorted.
“What did you just say…?”
“I don’t think you’re really that deaf, but if you want, I can repeat myself. Only, it might get a bit more colorful than before. Would that be alright?”
“This—!”
Ilcheonggeom, seemingly enraged, opened his aura immediately.
“Are you mocking not just the great lord but the entire alliance now?”
“Then does that sound like a compliment to you? If that’s what you’re hearing, it sounds like you might need a doctor’s visit.”
“This bastard really—!”
Ilcheonggeom approached, wielding his intent to strike me down at any moment.
As I watched him, a thought emerged.
It honestly didn’t matter whether he was furious or not.
In fact, I preferred it like this.
That way, my task would be a whole lot easier.
It was supposed to be that way.
‘This is seriously fucked up.’
No matter how I looked at it, I just couldn’t keep my cool.
Images of those who had charged forward to battle the monsters swirled in my mind.
Memories of that long list I had once memorized flashed through my thoughts.
That was a mistake. I learned it for nothing.
If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t be as pissed off as now.
‘But what can I do?’
If I had memorized it, I needed to take responsibility.
With Ilcheonggeom approaching, angry, I steeled my heart in turn.
“Calm it down now.”
The Heavenly Lord’s hand clasped my shoulder.
As soon as I felt his presence, my body involuntarily froze.
“I’m sorry. I will apologize on your behalf.”
“This is a slight against the alliance, and this isn’t something anyone but the involved should interrupt…”
Ilcheonggeom began to raise his voice to the Heavenly Lord but halted—upon recognizing who he was.
It was none other than the Great Lord of Meng. There was no way he wouldn’t recognize such a face.
“…Elder…?”
Ilcheonggeom’s face paled upon seeing the Heavenly Lord.
“Ah, how is it that you’re here, Elder…?”
The surprised Ilcheonggeom heard the Heavenly Lord reply.
“My young lord has business to attend to, so I came by for a moment.”
“Your young lord…?”
Ilcheonggeom’s gaze turned toward me.
Under normal circumstances, I would have denied or explained it away, but this time I didn’t feel the need to.
“What are you staring at?”
“…”
That was meant to say: If you want to find out, give it your best shot.
Ilcheonggeom’s expression was quite a sight, as I could tell my message landed perfectly.
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