Chapter: 654
It was around night time, just before heading to the Central Plains.
I visited the princess in the middle of the night for my last appointment in the North Sea.
“This place is one where only blood relatives, specifically those who are destined for the position of princess, could enter for generations.”
Holding a lantern, I found myself in an underground passage located on one side of the castle.
I don’t understand why there are so many underground areas here.
Following the princess’s guidance, I continued to walk for a while. Suddenly, in the midst of our walking, the princess spoke to me.
“Old Young Master Gu.”
“Yes?”
“I have something to ask you.”
“Please speak. I’ll listen attentively.”
“Why did you want to save the non-commissioned officers?”
It was a rather unexpected question amidst our dark stroll.
I took a moment to catch my breath, looked at her, and said, “What do you mean by that?”
“I mean it in the simplest way. I tried to align my words to your intentions, but it just doesn’t make sense to me.”
Nodding after hearing the princess’s words, I thought, As expected.
‘So I hit the reaction I intended.’
The conflicted atmosphere when I first met the princess flashed through my mind.
Just as I had expected at the time, that situation was indeed intentional on the princess’s part.
This implies she reacted that way because she knew I needed Woohyuk.
“If I say it’s ‘because we’re close,’ would that be an inadequate reason?”
“How does it sound to you, Young Master?”
“It might seem a bit lacking…”
I wondered if I needed to add more explanation.
No, if I think about it, there must be more reasons.
“Seeing the condition, it seems I could put him to good use if I take him along.”
Woohyuk had been forcibly turned into a human by the energy that Mang had infused into him. He’s become considerably stronger, and since he has magic in him, the chances of him betraying me are quite low.
Nothing is more trustworthy than a bond formed through solidarity.
“There’s also something good I can leave him with, and the situation itself was just perfect…”
Moreover, Woohyuk is a major figure among shamans. Although the current treatment is somewhat unclear, he was originally the disciple who garnered the most attention.
Even though Goeseon, a reputed master shaman, has odd behavior and personality, it wouldn’t be out of place for him to be regarded as the next leader.
Just considering that, having Woohyuk around was quite advantageous.
He’s the disciple of the next sect leader.
The highest-rated shaman currently in the world.
Even at this young age, he possesses exceptional talent and can compete with the elders.
Woohyuk is incredibly valuable when it comes to connections.
If someone asked why I need to bring Woohyuk, I could deliver an overflowing explanation.
‘Except for that.’
I don’t think my intent will change.
“In the end, besides the reasons I mentioned at the beginning, there isn’t much else.”
I saved him because he’s my friend. Any additional reason would just be an excuse to make it sound better.
“Even if His Highness might feel uncomfortable, it’s difficult to find anything else.”
“… I see.”
After that, the princess didn’t say anything further.
Originally, it would have been impossible to bring Woohyuk like this.
Perhaps it was possible because the princess acted as if she did not notice anything.
‘Had it been different, I would have truly considered hitting you like that.’
The fact that there was no need for such measures signifies that the princess purposefully overlooked it.
‘Should I say thank you?’
I hesitated for a moment, but I knew that it would be pointless.
Whether it’s an apology or gratitude, these are words unsuitable to say to the princess right now.
Not only did my daughter rebel after being devoured by an iceberg, but she also ended up dying.
In the chaos following the war, instead of executing the offender, they were sent off unharmed.
It was evident that the princess’s feelings were far from good.
‘The fact that you are guiding me so well right now is also remarkable.’
What kind of mindset is she in while taking these steps? I had no understanding at all.
I wondered what it would have been like had it been me.
Well, I didn’t particularly want to imagine it.
“… Lastly, I wish to ask one more question.”
“Please speak.”
“Do you have a set goal, Young Master?”
“Yes?”
Suddenly?
‘Goal?’
A goal. The question caught me slightly off guard, but I quickly arrived at an answer.
“It’s not anything grand.”
Originally it wasn’t, but perhaps it’s something I should accomplish after regressing.
“I have work to do, and while I’m at it, I’m thinking of saving the world a bit.”
To halt the Blood Demon and the Heavenly Demon, and simultaneously prevent the blood calamity.
That’s the goal I’m currently holding.
Upon mentioning this, the princess in front of me suddenly burst into laughter.
“Haha… You said it wasn’t grand, but that’s quite a statement.”
“I merely stated my goal, it’s not that significant.”
I had also intended it as a joke for her to take lightly.
The princess didn’t seem entirely convinced, though.
As I aimed to resume walking, she asked, “Then, what will you do after you achieve that goal?”
“…”
Her flowing question came to a halt right at my feet.
‘What next?’
What would I do next?
Those words left me feeling a peculiar emptiness.
When it’s all over.
‘After it’s all over….’
After finishing everything I need to do, what will I do?
I tried to conjure up a thought, but nothing came to mind immediately.
‘I don’t know.’
Should I just sleep comfortably instead?
It was still something I was quite unsure of.
With a blank expression and pursed lips, the princess glanced at me and added.
“I think it would be good for you to ponder this deeply at least once. I know I shouldn’t interfere… but, Young Master…”
I could feel the princess’s light blue gaze piercing through the darkness.
“It seems you’re buried somewhere.”
“…”
After this, the princess and I exchanged no further words until we reached our destination.
We arrived at a large room underground.
Inside, it was filled with unknown books.
A cool breeze mixed with the scent of old paper created a unique aroma.
From my perspective, as someone who hadn’t studied at all, it was an aroma I truly despised.
I picked up a book and examined it.
There wasn’t a title written anywhere on it.
Curiosity piqued, I opened it slightly.
Swish.
“Ah, that’s under a spell, so if someone who isn’t a blood relative opens it, there’ll be consequences… but you’ve already done so.”
“… A little earlier wouldn’t have killed you, you know?”
“I didn’t expect you to open it so quickly.”
“I apologize. I didn’t really mean to.”
What should I do? Should I just close it again?
Noticing my awkward expression, the princess spoke.
“Since you’ve already opened it, why not see what’s inside?”
“… What do you mean?”
“I mean, can you read the text?”
I turned my gaze back to the book following the princess’s words.
The densely packed letters filled my vision.
How on earth can they write so small?
“Yes, it’s coming through loud and clear. It’s enough to give me a headache.”
I guess it’s because I’ve always loathed reading. Just looking at it annoys me.
“I see, so you can see it.”
“Why? Isn’t that supposed to be the case?”
“It shouldn’t be.”
“Yes?”
“That’s something that only blood relatives can read.”
Uh… but why can I see it so clearly?
Just as I was beginning to wonder if something was off, the princess continued.
“One; it seems like your reading of it is meaningless for Old Young Master.”
“What do you mean?”
Upon hearing my question, the princess came closer and snatched the book from my hands.
Rustle.
The sound of flipping pages tickled my ears.
“You wanted information about magic, didn’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Then do you know what magic is, first of all?”
“… I can’t say I do in detail.”
Reflecting on what I heard before, I recalled.
“I heard that it was brought by dragons.”
They say that the mysterious power known as magic was brought forth by dragons.
“That’s correct. Magic was originally a gift from dragons.”
With that, the princess closed the book she was perusing and placed it on the desk.
Snap!
She clapped her hands lightly.
In an instant…
Flicker-!
The lights mounted on the walls flared to life. Of course, it wasn’t me who did it.
Could it have been ignited by energy? But it felt somewhat subtle for that.
There was no evidence of ‘Samadhi Evolution’, and there was no warm energy coming from the princess either, so it didn’t quite feel like it was from a painter.
It was something altogether different.
“… What was that just now?”
“That was indeed magic. I see your expression registered the difference immediately.”
Recognition was an understatement.
I realized something was distinctly different. The question was, ‘What is different?’
I was unable to grasp that subtle nuance.
Haha.
Seeing my confused expression, the princess chuckled.
“Doesn’t it seem peculiar to you?”
“Yes, very much so.”
“Indeed. That is magic.”
“Oh?”
“A power that defies reason. That is magic.”
“The explanation is quite lacking, though.”
It was terribly insufficient. A power that defies reason? It’s utterly nonsensical to use that as an explanation.
“Before we go further, may I inquire why does Young Master wish to learn about magic?”
“Hmm.”
I felt silence wash over me for a moment after hearing her question.
It wasn’t hard to answer; I just wished to offer a more plausible reason. Still, no matter how hard I thought, I couldn’t come up with one.
The reason I wanted to learn magic wasn’t anything grand.
“Because it looks useful.”
“… Hmm?”
“I thought it would be good to know since I have never come across this information before.”
The distinction between knowing and not knowing is essential.
Given that I’d never seen or heard of it in my previous life, I thought it might be advantageous to have that knowledge.
The princess didn’t exhibit any significant reaction upon hearing me.
She simply raised her hand lightly.
Swish.
This action prompted an observable shift from the bookshelf.
Thud.
Among the amassed books, one slid out and flew into the princess’s hands.
With the book now in her grip, the princess turned to me for another inquiry.
“How does it look to you this time?”
“What are you implying?”
“It seems you may have employed magic. Or rather…”
“You made a wager.”
This time it wasn’t about magic but playful banter.
“Oh.”
The princess responded in approval at my definitive answer.
This prompted a question in my mind.
Why the excitement?
“You’re quite perceptive. Or did you simply guess?”
“Guess? Seeing it so clearly, it’s not that hard.”
“Hmmm?”
While they appeared somewhat similar, the flow of energy was distinctly different.
The magic I had witnessed previously carried an entirely different essence.
After processing this, the princess tilted her head slightly.
“That’s fascinating.”
“What do you mean?”
“When I faced a similar situation in the past, I somehow articulated a different response. My father, the former princess, remarked that I had a knack for magic.”
It feels too starkly different to be called simply “different,” doesn’t it?
“Considering this, I’m not entirely confident, but it seems you may have considerable talent for magic.”
“… Is that so?”
Talent, you say?
Hearing this made me inwardly chuckle.
‘Is there really anything?’
I’ve spent my whole life being told I was untalented or foolish. To suddenly discover something now feels rather peculiar.
And to top it off…
‘Something like not martial arts, but this enigmatic power called magic.’
It wasn’t particularly comforting.
As I pondered these trivial thoughts, the princess handed the book back to me.
“Give it a read.”
I promptly accepted the book and opened it.
It was much the same as before. The page was replete with tightly packed letters, prompting a frown.
However, having been told to read it, I resolved to try at least.
“Hmm?”
Suddenly, I sensed something odd.
It was a bizarre sensation as I read each line about myself.
What is this…?
‘Why does it read so easily?’
I heard that the scripts in the North Sea and the Central Plains differ, but why does it seem so effortless to read?
Realizing this, I glanced back at the princess.
“As I previously stated, magic is of the dragons, and this book is likewise enchanted. It is a magical spell that only blood relatives can read.”
“… So are you implying I have the ability to read such a book?”
“It would be fair to believe that the magical barriers do not affect you. You’re a dragon, after all.”
If so, does this mean that my ability to read it is a manifestation of magical power?
If it was indeed protected by magic, I ought not to be capable of reading it.
‘The power brought forth by dragons…’
I can surmise that it was either the work of a net or a malignant horse.
What could be their motive for bringing this forth?
“Furthermore, upon reflecting, I recall you once mentioned gods too.”
Not just in the North Sea but also in the Central Plains, there were discussions regarding magic linked to divine beings.
‘That was during the time when Jiegal Hyuk’s neck needed to be healed.’
While I was treating Jiegal Hyuk utilizing the Baekgeup Stone.
Upon agreeing to witness the process, I observed closely.
The stone was placed on the ground, adorned with myriad unfamiliar sigils, positioning Jiegal Hyuk in the center, and for several hours, the divine being merely sat there with closed eyes.
Does that too count as “magic”?
Given that Jiegal Hyuk’s neck was mended, one could argue that something indeed occurred.
An irrational power that transcends logic.
It definitely differed fundamentally from martial arts.
“Information regarding magic, dear Young Master, is your promised reward, now handed to you.”
At this point, I peered once more at the book.
“… Is it just this single book?”
With stacks of books everywhere, is this really all there is? I looked at the princess as if to question, “Isn’t this a bit stingy?”
“Please don’t view it that way. This is a breach of the ancestral laws of the Ice Palace that have been upheld through generations.”
So I’m supposed to be grateful for the privilege of just seeing this one book?
Tch.
“In addition…”
As the princess continued speaking, I began reading the text written inside the book once again.
“The book you are holding contains instructions for constructing the heart’s ring, which is tremendously significant when employing magic.”
Explanations filtered into my ears while my gaze became fixated on the writing.
‘The ring for the heart. Initially, it doesn’t seem dramatically different from the heart techniques.’
Typically, energy is harnessed from the air, later converted and contained within the danjeon.
The Gu Flame Wheel Technique emits heat through the energy harnessed in such a manner.
Martial arts among other factions and clans might have different branches but generally follow similar patterns.
Nevertheless.
‘This ring…’
Establishing a foundation from the very beginning to the end was curious.
It was peculiar that it focused on the middle and upper regions while entirely bypassing the lower.
‘Does this mean I need to utilize this to wield magic?’
Should I give it a shot?
“Thus, though I am unable to showcase other texts due to regulations… I do believe it’s appropriate to show you at least the beginning chapters.”
‘As for the technique, I guess we’ll see…’
“Regrettably, I cannot allow you to take it. This remains the most I could do, even within the princess’s authority.”
The princess continued her discourse, but I tuned it out, focusing instead on the flow of energy.
“I can overlook the copying. If you write it down now, you should be able to finish before you depart. However, I would advise against trying to learn it directly now. The former princess took half a year to master this…”
‘Next, if I send this to the midsection…’
I manipulated delicate energy using the principles, guiding it toward the heart.
And then…
Snap!
As I sensed something filling up, I felt a light ring form within my heart—just as the term suggested.
“Even I, who was praised for my talent, required no less than three months, so I recommend taking your time after all.”
“Okay.”
“Tackle it step by step. What was that you said?”
With an air of relief on my face, I looked toward the princess.
“I’ve completed the ring. Fortunately, it wasn’t overly difficult. Oh, is it okay if I read further? It seems like there’s still a lot of time left for just one.”
“…”
For some reason, the princess’s expression crumpled at my statement.
Today, I felt like I had encountered that expression time and again.
Why?
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