Chapter: 318
As soon as I heard the story, I was momentarily dumbfounded.
‘What is he saying now?’
It was because I couldn’t comprehend at all what Cheol Ji-seon had suddenly spat out while eating.
The divine asked me to help him kill him.
These are the very words that Cheol Ji-seon himself just uttered.
Why on earth did Cheol Ji-seon suddenly ask me to share a meal with him?
He even broke his promise with Moyong Hi-ah for this.
Thanks to that, it was unexpected information.
And then came the question.
‘Why?’
That doesn’t mean I didn’t think this could happen.
It’s just that Cheol Ji-seon is revealing this to me.
It truly was something I never anticipated.
‘Why?’
Why on earth is this happening?
I tried to conjure up a reason, but nothing specific came to mind.
The fact that Jang Seon-yeon knew about Cheol Ji-seon and approached him.
I had learned of that from the information Pae Woo-cheol shared with me in the past.
Even if Pae Woo-cheol hadn’t informed me, I had already somewhat anticipated it.
Is Jang Seon-yeon planning to flirt with me?
When recalling past lives, how could I possibly miss such a fact?
If there’s something else at play.
At that time, the target was not me, but the sleeping dragon.
Compared to the sleeping dragon, which didn’t show much reaction whatsoever.
I can absolutely confirm that I am reacting much more distinctly to that guy.
The difference is.
It was only as I approached a certain age that the Demonic Realm transfer incident unfolded.
Thus, a possibility emerged to bring it into the present.
Of course, it’s not guaranteed whether Jang Seon-yeon will behave according to expectations.
Judging by what I’m witnessing now, I could sense that time was running out for him.
And.
‘I’m actually hoping for that.’
I hope so.
I sincerely wish he would seize the right moment to cause trouble for me.
To that end, it was appropriate for Jang Seon-yeon to approach Cheol Ji-seon.
The catalyst for everything.
The role of the dagger rests in Cheol Ji-seon’s hands.
It remains a mere question.
Even considering all of that.
The fact that Cheol Ji-seon is currently telling me about his dealings with Jang Seon-yeon.
It’s a situation I simply cannot parse.
It’s this kind of thought that led me to ask.
“Why are you telling me all this?”
“Because we’re friends…?”
The words that escaped Cheol Ji-seon’s mouth in response to my question were:
A story that made me chuckle internally.
‘Friends?’
Did he genuinely think that just because he called me a friend, we were friends?
Strangely enough, neither of us probably feels that way.
I kept him near for practical reasons.
Did he think of me as a friend? I doubt it.
“Sure, we’re friends. Friends indeed.”
After tossing a piece of side dish into my mouth and chewing, I gazed back at Cheol Ji-seon.
Between those quivering eyes hid an unknown feeling, flitting back and forth.
“But that’s not a good enough reason to tell me this right now, is it?”
“…”
“I feel like there must be a more concrete reason. What could it be?”
If Jang Seon-yeon approached Cheol Ji-seon in the same manner during his past life.
There must have been a reason for Cheol Ji-seon to associate with Jang Seon-yeon.
I can’t help but wonder what was offered to him.
Why is he tossing it away now to tell me in this lifetime?
Just because he’s a friend who talks?
‘I’m not some clueless idiot wandering in a flower garden.’
It’s far too suspicious of a story to believe outright.
At my question, Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes quivered significantly.
I can somewhat imagine how much he agonized before bringing it up.
Still, that doesn’t mean I should just let it drop.
Feeling the urge to pry a bit more, I pressed:
“… You, having heard this story.”
Cheol Ji-seon pinned his trembling gaze on me as he spoke.
“I didn’t ask what you mean by that. I asked why you’re telling me.”
“…Hmm?”
It was a rather unexpected twist to the conversation.
But.
“I’m saying that you already knew this story….”
“…!”
That was quite a bombshell.
I widened my eyes slightly upon hearing Cheol Ji-seon’s words.
It was a mistake.
The story Cheol Ji-seon mentioned was undoubtedly a blunder of mine.
Yet, now he was pressing on that mistake.
He seemed to view it a bit differently.
‘Look at this guy, huh?’
Was I underestimating him too much?
“How can you be certain of that?”
“I’m not certain. It’s just my hunch. But….”
His trembling eyes settled down a bit.
“I’m starting to think more and more that it might not just be a delusion.”
“…Oh.”
“You… hated the divine. It was almost to the point of disgust.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because no one in this Shinryonggwan is unaware of that.”
Well, it’s true.
The fact that I went to Cheol Ji-seon’s place, caused chaos, and engaged in a standoff with the divine.
That scandal spread rapidly throughout the area within days.
As a result.
Jinryong felt insecure about his position concerning the divine.
I’ve heard all sorts of rumors, ranging from jealousy to downright absurdity.
What a ridiculous story that is; if there’s any truth to it.
“Yeah, I dislike that guy. So what’s the issue with that?”
“There’s no issue. It’s merely a story that could aid your decision-making at this moment.”
Choice, Cheol Ji-seon said.
“Just because I dislike that guy doesn’t mean you should tell me that.”
“Seolbong.”
To the words that spilled out as if answering me.
My ears perked up.
“Dokbong… Geommuhee, Jamryong, Geomryong…”
“What are you trying to pull…?”
“Even the already raucous descendants of the Sword Lord… and even the Two Dragons.”
Through Cheol Ji-seon’s fidgeting fingertips.
There is an incomprehensible chill.
“The people around you. If just one were involved, they’d be utterly ridiculous characters. And you sit at the center of it all.”
I wondered if he’d done some background checking.
Seemed he was just outlining what he perceived.
But why bring that up in front of me right now?
That was the crucial point.
At some moment, Cheol Ji-seon’s eyes ceased to tremble.
“Every rumor about you is terrifying. All of them are downright frightening. Let alone your face.”
“Hey, why is my face even in there? Are you trying to pick a fight?”
“…Sorry.”
I had been listening closely when I suddenly erupted in frustration.
“In that chaotic atmosphere, oddly enough, the company around you comprises only extraordinary and neat individuals…”
“What is that supposed to mean? My reputation is trash, doesn’t it seem odd my company is neat?”
“Yeah. A lot.”
“Then what do you expect me to do…?”
“Despite having that kind of company around, the only rumors that keep spreading are those. It’s suspicious.”
The fingertips tapping against the desk in a staccato manner.
The glances on me felt discomforting.
“Conversely, the rumors concerning the divine are extraordinarily profound when they involve you.”
As he continued to speak, Cheol Ji-seon gradually transformed into someone else entirely.
If he’s cold, I can see it as cold.
If he’s rigid, that word could fit too.
“The other largest reason is… the fact that you keep me around.”
At Cheol Ji-seon’s words, I crossed my arms and leaned back in my seat.
“Why is that?”
“…Even while I was taking the entrance exam, and now, you want to keep me close.”
Interesting.
I thought he was merely some weakling with power.
I wonder from when he started seeing clearer.
“The divine is keeping watch over you, asking me to assist in killing you. In light of that, you are trying to keep me by you. Apparently, you see value in having me around.”
“Since when? When did you start thinking like this?”
“Since the divine… mentioned those words to me.”
So he means it hasn’t even been a few days?
It looks like Cheol Ji-seon is far sharper than I initially believed.
Based on his observations, you can glean a bit of understanding.
When pondering that.
It’s entirely different to consider not just predictions but also motivations.
“You need me.”
Cheol Ji-seon asserted.
“Exactly, I need you.”
I didn’t refute Cheol Ji-seon’s words.
There was no need for me to do that.
I require Cheol Ji-seon.
To be more precise, it’s not Cheol Ji-seon I need, but rather the power he wields.
“So.”
With that in mind.
I posed another question to Cheol Ji-seon.
“Why are you divulging all this to me?”
“…You asked me to tell you why I informed you about the conversation with the divine.”
“Those predictions might be amusing, but that doesn’t justify your conversation about Jang Ga. There must be a different reason.”
What Cheol Ji-seon referenced was ultimately about our poor relationship with Jang Ga.
The only truth remains that I need Cheol Ji-seon.
That does not explain why he divulged the secret plots hatched by Jang Seon-yeon.
Of course, Jang Seon-yeon needs Cheol Ji-seon too.
He’d surely fulfill every desire and request presented by Cheol Ji-seon.
After learning that, there was no compelling reason for him to shift his focus in my direction.
I am also in the dark about the intentions of that scoundrel.
Even if I were aware, I had no inclination to yield.
Upon hearing my query, Cheol Ji-seon momentarily wore a guileful expression before speaking up.
“…The divine didn’t inspire good feelings.”
“Feelings?”
“Yeah… it felt disconcerting.”
Didn’t inspire good feelings?
That is the simplest yet most convenient reasoning for making an emotionally driven decision.
If Cheol Ji-seon were the same individual I had known up until now.
It’s possible he might have chosen such a naive path.
But the Cheol Ji-seon I see now had a different aura.
“And…”
Inquiring for further reasoning got me another thought.
“…And…”
The tremors that had barely subsided in Cheol Ji-seon now, for some reason, began to resurface gradually.
Starting from his shoulders.
The pupils quivered faintly.
It wasn’t the same apprehension I sensed before.
An unfamiliar dread began to seep into the atmosphere.
Why such a reaction?
“The divine’s words were laced with threats. However, you…”
“I?”
In response to my inquiry while crossing my arms to glare at Cheol Ji-seon.
He closed his eyes and spoke.
As if he couldn’t bear to hold my gaze for too long.
Then he voiced.
“…I felt like you might kill me.”
In the bustling restaurant.
Those somewhat spine-chilling words slipped out.
There were many people coming and going around.
Yet, I’m certain no one heard him.
At the moment when Cheol Ji-seon was about to divulge details regarding Jang Ga.
Because the stage had long been set, I replayed Cheol Ji-seon’s words in my mind.
‘Because I thought you would kill me.’
Why would he think that?
I treated him well; that much is clear.
Cheol Ji-seon’s words struck me like a bolt of lightning.
I didn’t imply how in the world he thought I might kill him.
It was more about:
‘How did you know?’
That I had aimed to erase Cheol Ji-seon along with Jang Seon-yeon.
The fact that he had caught on was shocking.
I had believed I was adept at keeping it under wraps.
How did he catch wind of it?
‘… How fascinating.’
I thought he was dim-witted and petty.
Turns out he may have more substance than I expected.
“Why would you think that? I have no intention of killing you.”
Grinning as I spoke, I noticed Cheol Ji-seon didn’t seem to quite buy it.
I haven’t been entirely innocent in this life.
I haven’t been senselessly going around slaying people, but I did have my share of turmoil.
How on earth did he find out?
So, is he not planning to answer?
“Alright, let’s suppose I am planning to kill you.”
“…”
“But, buddy.”
Druk.
I shifted my posture slightly, leaning forward.
“If I were indeed planning to kill you, do you think crossing that line now would stop me?”
“…”
“If you’re accurately predicting, it likely wouldn’t matter in the least.”
The strength Cheol Ji-seon possesses is immensely valuable.
But along with that utility comes a significant risk.
His martial skills go beyond human capability.
Which makes him somewhat cumbersome to handle.
At this point, I need to utilize him.
This power is incredibly necessary, yet it’s true that I have placed Cheol Ji-seon among the targets to potentially remove.
If that makes things convenient in the future.
“And if I harbored such intentions, wouldn’t it also be the case that Jang Seon-yeon shares them?”
“…The divine plans to use me until the very end.”
“Not me?”
“…Uh-huh.”
“That’s a contradiction. If so, then you should have stuck with Jang Seon-yeon instead. That would heighten your chances of survival.”
If you are to be used completely, then sticking with him would make more sense.
So why would you come to me, someone you fear might take your life?
Upon my quip, Cheol Ji-seon held tightly onto his trembling hands.
“If you overcome the divine, it will render this all meaningless.”
“Buddy, why do you keep speaking as though I’m set on killing everyone? It’s creepy.”
I hadn’t anticipated Cheol Ji-seon turning out like this.
How could one be so sharp? I thought he was a useless guy.
‘Is it because my comparison point was too stark, like Jegal Hyuk?’
Since he compared himself to the infamous head of the Demonic Cult.
Was he always this bright?
It’s surprisingly starting to become irritating.
I didn’t expect Cheol Ji-seon to reach such a conclusion.
In essence, he indicates it’s not Jang Ga, but he feels I might win.
Moreover, there’s an impression I may go for his life, prompting him to genuinely seek to ally with a potential threat.
“Why should I comply with that?”
“Because I hold value.”
“Your self-love is more extravagant than I thought.”
Indeed, the value is there.
The only question is how to leverage it.
While gazing at Cheol Ji-seon, I suddenly had another thought.
Given this turn of events, I could gain insight into how he might react in different situations.
“I find something quite puzzling.”
“…What is it?”
“Jang Seon-yeon asked you to assist in killing me.”
The implication being that Jang Ga requested Cheol Ji-seon’s help.
“How can I assist?”
If he lends a hand, Jang Seon-yeon would find it effortless to do me in.
This indicates Cheol Ji-seon’s power is significant.
“It wasn’t a direct request to kill you…”
Cheol Ji-seon appeared flustered by my words and shifted his stance.
But it ultimately doesn’t veer away from the core of the issue.
Given Jang Seon-yeon’s psyche, that’s probably how it translates.
I’m well aware of Cheol Ji-seon’s capabilities.
I’ve experienced them firsthand.
I’ve seen them from afar, too.
“So, do you possess that level of power?”
“…”
“What is it?”
My knowledge leads me to inquire further.
Is it possible that Cheol Ji-seon will actually disclose the truth to me?
If Cheol Ji-seon reveals that power to me.
What would I do then?
I’m uncertain about that just now. I’ll have to consider it after I hear it.
“That is….”
The restless fingertips nagged at me.
Not knowing what they would do, I kept watch.
“I….”
Cheol Ji-seon pondered for an extended moment.
Yet, for now, I could afford to wait.
This silence possessed invaluable worth.
As I continued to wait, Cheol Ji-seon, fists clenched tightly, eventually told me.
“…I can open the magic gate.”
That was the answer I had been eagerly awaiting.
My site has received a lot of DMCA notices, lol. From now on, I will update the MTL on https://darkmtl.com/.
The site is fast and lightweight because there are no ads yet. However, the theme is different from Cybor-TL, so take some time to familiarize yourself.
Support me by donating at least $10, and you'll have the right to request any novel from Novelpia (excluding 19+ content) using a newly developed tool.