Chapter: 663
The first emotion I felt when I heard Pilduma’s words was disappointment.
‘What?’
I wondered if he was trying to pull off something grand. What could he possibly be doing?
‘The Resurrection of a Hundred-Level Monster?’
That was unexpected, though not quite in a good way.
Not really, if it were normal circumstances, I might have been a little surprised…
‘There’s nothing major right now.’
Maybe it’s because I had just witnessed all sorts of random events, but I felt like I was hearing something incredible. Yet, I wasn’t particularly moved by it.
‘That’s quite a story, though.’
It’s not just anything; there’s a demon sealed beneath the land of Hanam, and Pilduma is trying to resurrect it.
Hearing that alone sounds like a significant situation.
‘This is seriously messed up.’
They’re hiding everywhere. If that’s the case, why wouldn’t they say they’re all sealed evenly across regions?
My head was beginning to throb on its own.
‘If that’s true.’
Why is it buried underground? How did he find out about it, and how does he plan to resurrect and utilize it?
All of that had to be questioned.
No, even if that’s not the point.
‘I have to remind myself again that this never happened in my past life.’
To begin with, Pilduma was a survivor of the Zhuge family.
It was also unexpected that they would be preparing for something in Hanam around this time.
‘In my previous life, the lead was just one of the Sapa warriors.’
He was a reclusive figure gradually making a name for himself.
He was an old man who showcased his strength by eliminating two leaders of the Blind Man right as he appeared.
After that, he came under the command of Cheonma and governed the Cheonra Black Watchtower.
‘Looking back, it’s really odd.’
Initially, I had no clue that Hanam was dreaming of revenge against the Murim Alliance or the revival of the Zhuge family.
Even if it existed, it was an unknown fact, which means…
‘It means failure.’
It was evidence that Pilduma failed to realize his intention.
‘So, does that mean what this gentleman is attempting to do will ultimately fail as well?’
I have no idea.
So many things have happened differently compared to my past life, and perhaps the event Pilduma is pursuing now could be something my past actions triggered.
There’s no way to be absolutely certain about anything.
‘It’s not easy.’
It seems he managed the process well, but the endeavor he’s aiming for is rather ambiguous.
I had the thought that perhaps he had some kind of strange power, like sorcery, and was trying to use that to accomplish his goals.
‘So he was planning to use a demon.’
Of course, if what he said is true, then having a hundred-level monster around would indeed create quite a stir.
‘The news from the North Sea probably hasn’t reached anyone.’
It’s classified information that the North Sea is currently at war and that the princess, the highest power, is in poor health.
The moment that info circulates, who knows how the Maeng side will respond?
Accordingly, it’s safe to assume that the news of a hundred-level monster appearing in the North Sea hasn’t spread either.
‘The Central Plains are already in chaos with the red monsters.’
It’s been three years since the red magic gates that hadn’t appeared in hundreds of years burst open.
Thanks to that, the peace that was barely maintained was starting to fray, and the Maeng was barely pretending everything was “fine” on the surface.
But what if a hundred-level monster pops up here?
It would undoubtedly lead to total chaos.
‘Or could it be that he’s aiming for that?’
Given the current situation, could he be trying to resurrect a hundred-level monster?
If that happens, he could completely disrupt the forced peace that Maeng is attempting to establish.
‘But then again, why didn’t he do that in the past life…’
The emergence of red monsters is faster than in my previous life.
Events that should have occurred alongside Cheonma’s appearance have only now erupted.
Given that the Maeng’s role is faltering due to the disaster at Shinryonggwan, perhaps this is the opportune time for the lead to strike.
‘So, does this imply that I also have a stake in this?’
I gazed at the old man through my mask.
For some reason, he looked particularly tense while staring at me.
He’s been working toward this particular outcome, but he appears far more anxious than expected.
What’s with that? I didn’t do anything out of the ordinary today.
Could it be that his expression looks so grim not due to anxiety, but because I managed to tear through some sort of barrier?
If that’s the case, I can understand…
‘…Who would’ve guessed it would tear so easily?’
Who knew it could come apart like this without a hitch?
Isn’t that more on the folks who didn’t construct it properly?
Yeah, that makes sense.
‘Anyway.’
In the end, it’s no different than saying I’m also somewhat responsible for the current situation.
‘Well, when hasn’t it been my fault?’
I don’t feel guilty about it.
No, I made an effort to not feel that way.
[… A dragon? Is there really such a thing under the land of Hanam?]
“Indeed.”
[How did you figure that out?]
“… It’s part of the information left behind by our ancestors.”
‘Ancestors?’
The term ‘ancestors’ implies information from the now-extinct Zhuge family.
Since they were reputed to possess expertise in divination, it lends some credibility.
‘Confirming whether that’s true is another issue, though.’
For now, I should focus on a different matter.
‘The hundred-level monster.’
Assuming Pilduma’s words are true, what happens when the demon manifests…
And, thus, what benefits will arise?
When I envision utilizing them, I picture advantageous scenarios.
‘Pilduma isn’t some foolish old man.’
Hanam is a safe zone due to its protective barrier.
Moreover, with the Bimuje Festival approaching, many champions are gathering in the vicinity.
Top-tier clans and well-rooted noble families are likely to join in.
‘Would summoning a demon in such a place even matter?’
I know how strong a hundred-level monster is from personal experience.
No doubt, its strength was formidable.
Far beyond the capability of red monsters, it was something else entirely.
but.
‘That doesn’t mean it’s unbeatable.’
It’s said I could win due to my father’s presence, yet when a throng of strong experts converge, it’s not the point where defeat is impossible.
‘There would be collateral damage, but toppling the alliance would be a tall order.’
Unless the enemy’s capabilities were exceptional, aside from the leader, there aren’t any powerful martial artists left.
Would Pilduma really be oblivious to that?
I doubt it.
He’s not incompetent. At least, that’s how I perceive it.
‘If he knows and still chooses to proceed, it surely indicates that he has some plan.’
It suggests he has something up his sleeve to push forward even after triggering such calamity.
[Hmm]
He rested his chin on his hand, acting as though lost in thought for a brief moment.
His forehead creased with tension visible in my actions.
He still appeared uncharacteristically tense, even for that moment.
But.
‘I don’t mind. It actually makes things easier.’
If he perceives me as a threat, that could be beneficial.
‘If Pilduma’s scheme succeeds and monsters appear on the land of Hanam…’
Tap-tap-tap.
I rhythmically tapped the table where my glass rested with my fingertips.
Aside from that sound, the surrounding area fell eerily silent, as if breath had ceased entirely.
Around a minute passed like this.
Tap.
My drumming fingers finally came to a halt.
The calculations were complete.
[So…]
I promptly addressed Pilduma.
[What can I do to assist?]
The conclusion of this plan isn’t bad for me.
No.
It’s not merely good;
‘It could be quite useful.’
I anticipated that this would facilitate executing my plan more swiftly.
When I emerged from the cave, it was still nighttime.
Not much time had passed.
It seemed like it was due to the conversation not dragging on.
Slosh.
I strolled through the grass, scanning my surroundings.
The chirping of insects that I had previously heard had vanished.
Perhaps the energy I had interacted with earlier was the issue.
‘Not just the sounds.’
The terrain appeared subtly distorted.
To be precise, it wasn’t twisted but returned to its natural state.
‘Did it alter even what I see?’
Could it be an illusion cast over the terrain to conceal its true location?
That bizarre method triggered memories of a time long past.
‘It almost feels like what I encountered in Sacheon.’
Less than a year after my return, I had visited Sacheon and saw the note regarding Yeon-ga.
What I encountered there bore a similar resemblance to this.
Upon entering, it had been disguised as a cliff, and a tree with pure white leaves had been shedding its foliage.
‘…’
As I recalled this, I felt a binding sensation in my heart.
‘If this is sorcery, does that mean what I encountered at Yeon-ga was also sorcery?’
I had originally thought it too estranged to be labeled a tactic but perhaps it was indeed sorcery?
‘They said the magic was brought by the dragon. How did Yeon-ga manage to conceal that location with sorcery?’
The note regarding Yeon-ga had been veiled by the dragon’s power.
Its descendants were cursed and ended up as half-dragons.
How did all this unfold that way?
While frowning at these peculiar connections…
“Master.”
Nahi, who had followed behind, got my attention.
As I turned around, I simultaneously removed the mask I had been wearing.
Crack.
Then, bones and muscles convulsed, energy surged, and my body reverted to its original shape.
Thanks to my enhanced capabilities, the duration and precision of the gas transformation technique have improved.
Loosening my body here and there, I spoke to Nahi.
“Why?”
“… Are you truly going to follow the author’s words?”
“Hmm?”
That was a surprising statement coming from Nahi.
Hearing it, I narrowed my eyes.
“What do you mean?”
“It seems the author is not a trustworthy individual…”
Upon hearing this, I nodded in acknowledgment.
It implied for Nahi to elaborate further.
“The intuition feels right. There’s something suspicious in many areas.”
“What’s the basis?”
“…The most significant point among several is that they twisted the information rather than revealing everything.”
I nodded in agreement with her argument.
She was right.
Pilduma hardly provides me with complete information.
He’s clearly wary of me and’s covertly calculating something behind my back while affirming to follow my lead.
So, I figured she mentioned this because she sensed something was off.
“I know.”
I was already aware of that.
“I knew from the start that he wasn’t being fully transparent. I anticipated he would attempt to pull a fast one on me too.”
“If so…”
“Regardless, it doesn’t matter. I intend to discard them anyway.”
…!
Nahi’s eyes widened in shock at my casual statement.
Is that such a shocking revelation?
“Why?”
“That is…”
“Did you genuinely believe I would keep the old man around indefinitely?”
…
If that was expected, it would reflect poorly on them.
“Aha, no way.”
I hadn’t had even a hint of that intention.
Pilduma is an old dog.
Old and driven by ambition, at that. Trusting a character like that is idiotic.
Haven’t I experienced that countless times already?
I had zero intention of trusting Pilduma at all.
I merely thought it’d be useful for the time being, that’s all.
And…
‘Once this is over, I should take care of the old man too.’
Right before I wrap up the plan, I’d ensure to eliminate him.
Even though Cheonma utilized him to his advantage…
‘I have no interest in devouring something that’s already decayed.’
I’m nothing like Cheonma.
“Honey, while your concern was well-placed…”
I said while looking at Nahi.
“It was a bit overstepping just now.”
…!
At my words, Nahi hastily knelt down.
Seeing that, I continued speaking.
“Since when have you been offering advice on matters not previously touched upon? Or is this a command?”
“…I’m sorry…”
Nahi quivered, even though I had not asked her anything.
As I observed her, I found myself inwardly tsking my tongue.
“Get up.”
Upon my order, Nahi promptly stood. I contemplated torturing her a bit more but ultimately restrained myself.
My relationship with Nahi was forged through sorcery.
To me, she didn’t seem particularly trustworthy either.
Nobody earns my trust.
Everyone is expendable.
That’s the value of the minion I keep in my possession.
Because of that, I frowned at this unnecessary act.
Although unlikely, that feeling would be aggravated if Nahi turns out to have loyalty.
Ignoring the troubling notion, I pulled out a letter from my pocket and handed it to Nahi.
“Send this to Hyuk. If Ji-seon has no work, tell her to come to Hanam.”
“…I obey your orders.”
“Oh, and.”
Just as she received the letter, I stopped Nahi from vanishing.
“Tell that troublemaker to get over here.”
…!
A look of surprise crossed Nahi’s face at the mention of someone.
“Should I send a direct message?”
“Yeah, just let them know to come by next month at the latest.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
After Nahi finished her phrase, she bowed and vanished in an instant as smoke.
After confirming that, I scratched my cheek.
It was because of the “troublemaker” I had just mentioned.
‘Honestly, I’d rather not call him that.’
Over the past few years, I had created several more minions and trained them as followers.
Changjaengi was one of them.
However,
‘He’s a headache to deal with.’
Among those who are bound to go insane or be drenched in carnage, he’s particularly unhinged.
How else would I have thought of the sword saint from my previous life?
I’m unsure how far he surpasses that, but the feel is just as insane.
‘That’s why I usually tried not to call on him…’
Yet, I felt compelled to summon him, as he’s perfect for the job I had conceived.
‘If not this, I suppose it’s time to gather them all soon.’
My minions are scattered everywhere.
Now is the time to start summoning them all.
As the timing for my planned activities approaches, it’s crucial to gather my troops.
‘…But will that work out?’
Given they’re all lunatics, even I hesitate slightly.
‘No other choice.’
There’s no alternative; I have to do it.
I needed to succeed in this plan by any means necessary.
Swish.
‘About the plan…’
Just contemplating it gives me an uneasy feeling in my stomach.
I turned away.
In front of me, Seongyul, who had been waiting outside, walked up alongside me.
I spoke, gazing into his hazy yellow eyes.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes.”
As I stepped forward, Seongyul slowly followed behind me.
I looked up as I continued onward. I could see a crescent moon rising in the sky.
Watching that, I moved forward.
The first night after returning to Hanam slowly slips away.
There’s less than a month left until the martial arts event.
‘…Once that time passes…’
I must become a villain that the world fears.
Simultaneously,
‘I also think I shall become a hero shining brighter than anyone else.’
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