[Got it! Form the core! Hurry!]
“Th-this is how?”
[It’s complete! Stage 3 formation! This guy learns really quickly!]
“Hehe.”
A bizarre sight of a giant centipede and a fox hugging and jumping up and down in joy.
In a clearing made by carving wood, a beautiful formation radiates a blood-like light.
The centipede girl, who sucked away my life force, completed the Stage 3 formation under Gui Ho’s teachings.
It’s a multi-layered formation.
‘Impressive. Is that the level of high curse casters?’
The Stage 0 formation I unlocked as a trait is, quite literally, just a blank canvas.
I merely declared this space as under my influence.
The formation has no effects whatsoever.
The Stage 1 formation, which goes one step further, begins to exert influence within the formation.
Since the Stage 1 formation has detection abilities, it can be used like CCTV.
Then, the Stage 2 formation is the stage where curses can be applied to the formation.
After equipping the desired curses onto the formation, like sleep curse, weakening curse, etc.
By using the detection ability, curses can be applied to those who enter the formation.
However, the Stage 2 formation has the limitation of being able to equip only one type of curse.
The Stage 3 formation, the multi-layered formation, resolves that limitation.
It allows the caster to unleash two or more curses on those who enter the formation, reaching a level akin to calamity for the affected.
‘Those curse casters… They have it coming.’
Unlike magic, which gradually dissipates over time once cast, a formation remains semi-permanent.
Moreover, demonic energy is harder to detect than mana, making hidden formations engraved in space difficult for even skilled curse casters to find unless they exert great effort.
Moreover, the centipede girl can create avatars, meaning she can set up such multi-layered formations simultaneously in different locations.
Once mastered, it would be possible to spread landmines that are impossible to detect and cover a vast area.
That’s why mages suppress it as wicked and filthy sorcery.
How can they face something that’s utterly unbeatable?
[Well done! Seo Gong! Great job! Hahaha! I’ve made a decision! I must adopt Seo Gong as my direct disciple! With this kid, we can aim for not just double-layered formations but triple-layered and beyond!]
“Thank you, Master!”
“Seo Gong?”
[I’ve given this kid a name. I can’t just call my disciple ‘bug’.]
I wondered who Seo Gong referred to.
It seems Gui Ho has named the centipede girl.
Seo Gong, Seo Gong, Seo Gong…
Well, it doesn’t sound bad.
Though it’s a name far from my naming sense.
But why is it ‘Seo Gong’?
“But why Seo Gong? Since it’s a giant centipede, shouldn’t it be Duke or something?”
[The body and the vessel are small, and the foresight is narrow, so it was named Seo Gong, meaning ‘small centipede’.]
“Oh. Now that you mention it, it fits perfectly. Good naming.”
“Taesu! Is that what it meant?!”
[Do you have any complaints about the decision of your heavenly master?]
“I do! Of course! Please give her a prettier name! Something like Elizaveta! Or Kristina! There are so many!”
[Ugh… Do you really like those nonsensical southern names…? Originally, in the northern region, there’s a custom of giving lowly names to avoid the envy of spirits, yet you don’t understand the heart of this master. Tsk, tsk.]
“Th-that’s what it means…! I, an unworthy disciple! Will humbly cherish the name Seo Gong given by the Master!”
The centipede girl bows respectfully as she accepts her name.
It seems Gui Ho’s sweet talk was effective.
Still, taking her as a direct disciple means she has thoroughly won Gui Ho’s heart.
At first, he was horrified, calling her a monster.
Now, he’s just pleased that she’s overflowing with demonic energy.
[I’ve completed the formation for your old love, and now both my disciple and I will be going into seclusion training. How about you join us in seclusion until you unlock Stage 1 formation?]
“I’m good. At this rate, it’ll take over 100 years for me. Just go alone with your disciple.”
[Oh? Why the sudden honorifics? After treating me like a child, you suddenly change once it’s time to part ways, you cheeky brat. If the end is good, it leaves a good impression, and you’re trying to aim for that?]
“Think whatever you want.”
Really, my mind just changed.
When I first brought him out, he looked like an elementary school kid fox; he was so clueless.
But with time, Gui Ho has shown a more mature side, reflecting on his past with regret and remorse.
And above all.
It’s huge that Gui Ho is a reliable being.
Because we have shared a common goal for a long time.
[I didn’t expect you to be aware of the monsters in the other world and preparing to fight against them. 200 years ago, I was ambushed by the four apostles sent by that guy and received a fatal injury, and that’s how I ended up like this. Since I decided to take revenge back then, my heart has not changed one bit. Even though I have lost the power of Taesu now, my responsibility to protect the northern region has not disappeared. I will definitely get back at him.]
Grinding his teeth and displaying murderous intent, Gui Ho.
The one who left such injuries on Gui Ho was none other than the Four Heavenly Kings.
In other words, Gui Ho and I have a common enemy, the final boss Draken.
‘It seems the power of the Taesu is immense. To have been on par with the Four Heavenly Kings 200 years ago.’
200 years ago, the Four Heavenly Kings would have been different members.
The current Four Heavenly Kings are just a bunch of half-baked individuals who haven’t fully grown, but the members back then were top-notch.
To have survived against all four at once is no small feat.
If Gui Ho regained his peak strength, he’d be an incredible ally.
[Especially that damn Blood Ghoul! I hate that guy the most! He took an interest in my curses and quickly copied them! His magic, swordsmanship, nothing was simple! Ultimately, it was him who dealt the blow to my heart! Ugh! Just thinking about that pale face raises my blood pressure!]
“……”
Among the Four Heavenly Kings from 200 years ago, if it’s the Blood Ghoul…
Huh? That must be Transylvania!
‘They can’t meet under any circumstances.’
Even by accident, I can’t let them meet.
The fact that I’m close enough to Transylvania to touch her chest must remain concealed.
I made a firm resolution.
[Then I will train Seo Gong to be useful in upcoming battles!]
“S-Sifu? What do you mean? Are you asking me to betray Draken…?”
[Haven’t you already betrayed him? You’ve been hanging around humans this whole time.]
“That’s not betrayal! It’s just a bit of cooperation because you said you needed my life force!”
[People would call that betrayal, silly disciple.]
“That’s impossible…”
With a blank expression, Seo Gong’s shoulders droop.
Under his master’s guidance, he must grow strong enough to land a blow on Draken.
Otherwise, he’ll live his life chased by the Four Heavenly Kings.
It’s obvious which choice he should make.
‘I’ve unexpectedly gained a solid ally in a surprising place.’
Though he may be down now, having an ally who was once a Taesu from the North is nothing short of reassuring.
Moreover, he’s personally giving me a genius curse caster as a battle asset, which fills me with anticipation.
Seo Gong can just be dedicated to Gui Ho from now on.
[Though I may look like a Taesu, I’ve got plenty of life force! I’ll absorb some of mine as training! Now, let’s go! Into seclusion!]
“Uwaaaa! Master, yours looks unappetizing! I want Yoo Jin’s! Yoo Jin’s life force!”
Seo Gong, having his nape bitten by Gui Ho, is dragged away.
But for some reason, Seo Gong’s expression looks suspiciously cheerful.
[You little brat.]
“……!”
At that moment.
Gui Ho releases his grip on Seo Gong’s nape.
With a whoosh, he jumps behind me.
[You think I wouldn’t notice if you create an avatar?]
“Ugh?! How did you know?! I never said I can make avatars!”
[I can see the life force. You’ll need to wait a thousand years before you can deceive me.]
“That’s impossible!”
With Gui Ho grabbing the giant centipede behind me, both he and I can distinguish between Seo Gong’s avatar and the real one, making things quite unfavorable.
“Uwaaaa! I can’t say goodbye to that delicious life force! I don’t want seclusion! Nooo!”
[I find that life force of yours quite appetizing, but I’m holding back. You should hold back too. You’ll see each other again anyway.]
“I understand… Next time we meet, I’ll make sure to drain every last drop until you’re a mummy!”
“Yeah. See you.”
Seo Gong, having resigned himself, absorbed all the avatars back into his main body and was pulled away by Gui Ho.
A refreshing feeling, like sending off a troublesome daughter.
As I felt relief wash over me, Mi Jeong suddenly turns her head and glares.
“What’s wrong?”
“……Detection, done. Someone has entered the forest.”
I had set up a Stage 1 formation at the entrance of the forest.
The fact that the formation reacted means someone has come.
And at this timing, there is only one person who comes to Sancheong Forest.
“Let’s hide.”
“……Okay.”
It’s Yerina.
.
.
.
This is dangerous.
Very dangerous.
Despite being oblivious to curses and having a weak sense for demonic energy, I sensed it immediately.
This formation is not ordinary.
“Ughhhh!”
“……!”
Inside the massive formation radiating in red, Alicia is bound and groaning.
Seeing that, I lost my reason.
“Alicia!”
I don’t know what kind of device is in there or what curse will befall her.
Yet, my feet moved toward the formation uncontrollably.
Knowing it’s a trap, I couldn’t bear to watch Alicia suffering right in front of me.
If I hesitated and lost Alicia, it would be an unbearable pain.
A couple of curses? I could certainly withstand them with this sturdy body.
“Just a little more…! Ugh! Wait!”
The moment I entered the inside, my body suddenly felt heavy.
As if carrying a giant rock, I felt like I might collapse at any moment.
But this is nothing.
While it may be a bit tough, I can definitely move forward.
The real issue is a sneak attack when I’m defenseless…
‘Transylvania is protecting me. It’s okay.’
At that moment, Transylvania, with a sword in hand, shot me a glance from outside the formation.
Though she’s a person I can’t rely on entirely, as long as the slave contract is valid, she’ll do her best to protect me.
Unless dozens of great mages come rushing at me, she should be able to fend off anyone.
Now I just have to hurry up and rescue Alicia!
“Ugh!”
“U-nee! Don’t come!”
“Hush up, you troublesome brat! If you hadn’t gotten caught by that weird curse caster, this wouldn’t be happening!”
I snapped.
Releasing my pent-up feelings, I let out my anger.
Instead of holding it deep inside me.
I lash out against the one I cherish most.
Against my only friend.
Against my precious little sister.
Yet, this is also the anger I unleash against myself.
“Why the hell did you get caught and make me worry so much?!”
I almost doubted Alicia.
I almost believed she had betrayed me, that she wanted my man.
Such anger towards myself makes me furious.
Is there anyone who dedicates themselves to me like Alicia does?
Is there anyone who follows me sincerely?
Is there anyone who sees me not just as the Frost Duchess but as a person?
Besides Yoo Jin, there’s barely anyone.
Had I lost the one person who was unique to me over a fleeting emotion, I would have been in unbearable pain.
Thank goodness I was given another chance.
If I had made an irreversible choice back then…
It terrifies me.
Just imagining rejecting Alicia hurts like hell.
That’s why I’m even angrier now.
“This curse is dangerous!”
“That’s nothing…! I’ll just cut it all down!”
I draw my sword and swing it.
But the sword blade fails to slice through the floating red light in the air, simply passing through.
Nothing changes.
And right after, kuh?!
A counterattack flies in.
The strike mirrors exactly the attack I just unleashed.
I quickly twist my sword to defend, but the shock sends me flying out of the formation.
“Reflection?!”
What kind of childish curse is this!
What’s with this curse that reflects my attacks!
So you absolutely won’t let Alicia go easily, huh?!
“Sis, I’m fine! Don’t get hurt unnecessarily…”
“Shut up, you troublemaker! I won’t give you up! I’d rather die than let you go! Focus on how to escape! Stop talking nonsense!”
With a clack.
Wrapping bandages around my hands, I grip my sword once more.
Then, I step back into the formation, struggling to advance toward Alicia.
‘The curse reflected all my attacks…’
Clang!
As I lightly slash with my sword, yet another attack flies towards me.
Suddenly, the sword blade strikes from mid-air, yet I manage to block it effortlessly.
‘The time gap is about 0.3 seconds.’
There’s a time difference.
Knowing this makes the counter-strategy simple.
It doesn’t diverge much from my initial plan.
“Bend.”
Nothing in this world is uncuttable.
It’s the lesson I learned from my father, and I’ve realized the truth in that.
Whether it has substance or not.
As long as I can perceive it.
If I can see or feel it.
It means I can cut it.
So, cut it.
Cut the curse.
Cut the formation.
But the problem, as always, is ‘how’.
“Reveal your true form!”
Bang!
As I stomp my foot down forward.
I activate Beast Mode, unleashing all the wildness hidden within.
In an instant, my blood vessels expand as my blood flow skyrockets.
All that power focuses into my eyes.
At that moment, the blood vessels in my eyes bulge and burst, causing blood tears to flow.
It’s been four days since I turned on Beast Mode after my spar with Transylvania, so there’s a toll on my body.
But concentrating all my power in my eyes for just one second is enough.
One second is sufficient time to capture what you can’t normally see.
“I can see it!”
Then, just before Beast Mode turned off.
I finally located it.
A faint orb shimmering at the core of the formation.
A bizarre structure made of demonic energy that isn’t visible with normal eyesight.
My intuition tells me.
That’s the weakness of this formation.
That’s the core of this formation.
Cut that, and it’ll be enough.
As long as a swordsman is given something to cut, nothing else matters.
Just cut it, without questioning or hesitating.
Now, taking a breath.
With my blade raised, it’s time to swing.
I can’t say if this strike will shatter the orb.
I’ll just exert all the power I can muster.
If I fail, I’ll be hit by the reflected counterattack and die.
If I succeed, then I win.
That’s how simple the duel is.
“Cut!”
Paang!
A sound echoed, as if something was shattering in the empty air.
The pressure that weighed down on me lifts.
The red light that had filled the area fades away.
The threads of that light reach Alicia’s heart, then poof, disappear.
Finally, the impurity that had been lodged in Alicia’s chest reveals itself.
So she was under a curse this whole time!
“Alicia…”
Alicia looks around, as if in disbelief.
There isn’t a single scratch on her.
She is free, unbound from the curse.
Seeing that, I couldn’t help but choke back tears.
I drop my sword and rush toward Alicia.
“Waaaaah! That was scary!”
Thank goodness.
I’m so relieved she’s safe.
I hugged Alicia.
I cried and cried and cried.
.
.
.
“Waaaah! That was scary!”
“Ugh…”
Amidst the ruins of the formation.
Transylvania clicked her tongue while watching the two demihumans tangled up, wailing.
‘It was merely a curse that would be lifted if I pulled that rabbit demihuman out?’
A slow curse and a reflection curse.
It was a three-layered multi-formation with two curses cast simultaneously.
The solution to breaking it was rather simple.
Just stepping outside the formation.
As long as you don’t fight inside.
The blood vessel that dwelled in the rabbit’s heart would also break as soon as it left the formation.
Most likely, the designer of the formation, Yoo Jin, had anticipated the solution to be ‘bringing Alicia out’.
‘To break a formation that was made not to shatter…’
Could it be that her understanding of curses is disturbingly low?
It seems the Palana King mistook that she couldn’t move Alicia without deactivating the formation.
She perceived the formation as merely something to be ‘cut’.
Hence, utilizing her eyes, which normal people can’t see, she sliced the core of the formation.
The fact that the core of the formation could fundamentally be cut physically was proven for the first time in her centuries-long life, leaving Transylvania astonished.
“Are you okay? You weren’t hurt, right?”
“Y-yeah. Sis, but Yoo Jin—”
“I know! He’s been caught by that wicked curse caster too! I’ll kill him… I’ll chew that bastard up…!”
Under Yerina’s murderous energy, Alicia’s ears droop.
Though she trembles in fear, snuggling up to Yerina.
Not being able to see her face, Yerina merely hugs her tighter, thinking Alicia has yet to overcome the fear of the curse caster.
‘Sorry Yoo Jin. If you get caught, it will surely lead you to the Ice Cave.’
Transylvania decided to pray for Yoo Jin in advance.
Her calculations had gone awry.
She should have factored in this woman’s twisted affection and madness for you.
Unless Yerina captures him and makes all of this public, it’s likely that Yoo Jin won’t meet a good ending.
