Chapter 755: Appearance of a Hero (3)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 755: Appearance of a Hero (3)
“Good heavens…”
In a residence some distance from the Murim Alliance.
Beside a lake adorned with autumn-tinged maple leaves and koi with shimmering scales, an old man let out a low groan.
A vast, terrifying energy was gathering in the air, melodies of power weaving together to form a grand design. Others might have been blind to it, but the old man—the Immortal Healer—saw the dreadful spectacle with perfect clarity.
‘…My Lord. What in the world are you doing?’
That was undoubtedly the power of sorcery. It was a systematic, calculated domain, one that had clearly been prepared for a very long time. He couldn't even begin to imagine what had been used as a sacrifice to fuel it.
It was chilling. What could they possibly be planning to create something so monstrous?
‘…’
Wiping away cold sweat, the Immortal Healer frowned.
Even now… should I head down to the city?
The Immortal Healer’s physical condition was barely better than that of an ordinary person. Due to the distance, he couldn't hear the sounds of the city, but he could feel the chaos in his gut. He could feel the pain and the screams. Someone was being hurt, someone was crying out, and their agony felt like his own.
He had to go.
Worries about what his old body could actually accomplish were a luxury he couldn't afford. Hadn't he known this from the moment he abandoned his surname?
‘I am a healer.’
Though he had spent his life running from his own lamentable fate, the Immortal Healer had never forgotten that conviction. He had repeatedly extended his own life, but that life wasn't worth living if it meant turning his back on the suffering before him.
As he resolved to move toward the city, his feet suddenly froze.
— Elder, please do not forget.
“…”
The words he had heard at dawn bound him in place.
— Today, no matter what happens, please close your eyes and cover your ears. Just stay in your residence for a little while.
They were the words of that damned brat who had tormented him under the guise of "lessons."
— What do you mean by that?
— You will certainly try to intervene, Elder. I am asking you to endure it, just for a bit.
— You’re speaking in riddles. You have to speak plainly for this old man to understand, don't you?
— …
The rascal had paused to ponder. His thinking face was terrifyingly grim—a look the Immortal Healer couldn't fix, as he lacked any skill in cosmetic surgery.
After a moment, the boy spoke as if trying to persuade him.
— Just trust me and stay put. If this doesn't work, I'll have to resort to threats, so would you mind just trusting me instead?
— …?
He had thought the boy was a complete lunatic. Threatening someone while making a request—what kind of mindset did it take to say such a thing? It was absurd, but the frightening part was that the bastard looked like he would actually follow through. He was a truly dignified madman.
— …In all my life, I have never met anyone like you.
— Yes, it’s my first time meeting someone like me, too.
— Enough with the silly jokes. So, what is it you want me to do?
The funny thing was, even though the boy's words were infuriating, the Healer always found himself listening. The boy’s way of speaking was crude, but he never broke his word. He was the type who wouldn't let others suffer, even if he had to take the loss himself.
The only problem was… all his solutions seemed to involve him breaking his own body to fix the world.
In a word: sacrifice. He was a boy who would throw himself into the gears to stop the machine. To call him a Saint would be ridiculous, yet for a fleeting moment, the word had crossed the Healer's mind.
The Immortal Healer wondered if he was going a little mad himself.
— …It’s simple. Just don’t leave this place today, no matter what happens.
— What in the world is going to happen?
— Just know that, and don’t leave. That’s all.
The Immortal Healer hadn't responded to those words, which had been uttered like a solemn vow. If that boy was speaking so forcefully, it meant something truly cataclysmic was about to occur.
— What a strange boy.
The Immortal Healer let out a hollow laugh.
— If something big happens, I should pack my bags and run. Telling me to just stay here is like telling this old man to die…
— I’m saying this because it’s obvious you won’t run away.
— …
The boy’s eyes had been resolute.
— It’s obvious you’ll step in with that frail body of yours, Elder. And that would be a pain for me. So… please, just stay here.
— Hah…! This brat, really.
The words had crossed a line, and the Immortal Healer was about to snap, but—
— Please.
The boy looked him in the eye and continued.
— Nothing will happen. I’ll make sure of it, no matter what it takes.
— …
He could feel the desperation. It was faint, but it was undeniably there.
Perhaps that was why, despite it making no sense, the Immortal Healer had ultimately agreed. He had simply chosen to believe the words the child had spoken.
That was all. And yet…
“This… this isn’t right.”
It wasn't right at all. From the hazy dark clouds gathering overhead to the sorcery formation nearing completion, the sight alone sent shivers down his spine. What was the catalyst for a spell of this magnitude, and what would happen once it was complete? Something he didn't even want to imagine.
The Immortal Healer dared to make that prediction. It would surely be a disaster, and yet…
“…What are you thinking?”
What on earth was that child thinking? Did he truly believe he could handle this? It was a claim that defied common sense, yet that one baseless statement was holding the Immortal Healer’s feet in place.
“…”
It was suffocating. His chest tightened, and his breathing grew ragged. He had to go. This was beyond a request; he had to intervene.
Just as the Immortal Healer finally decided to move—
“…Stay.”
“…!”
Someone stopped him. He whipped his head around to see a weary-looking woman standing behind him.
“How did you get out?”
Pale blue hair and snow-white skin. She had the sharp eyes befitting her bloodline, but a deep exhaustion seemed to dull their edge. She was like a living enchantment—a woman with features that looked as if they were crafted from flowers.
She was clutching a familiar uniform in her hand. It was the clothing of the one the Immortal Healer called that "damned brat."
Seeing her, the Immortal Healer’s brow furrowed instantly.
“I told the patient not to wander out. It seems none of you listen to a word this old man says.”
“…”
Despite the scolding, the woman remained expressionless. She was always like that—unmoved by anyone’s words. With the exception of one person.
Step.
The woman ignored him and walked forward. She brought the clothes to her nose and sniffed them several times.
What in the world is she doing?
The Immortal Healer was momentarily baffled, but after a few sniffs, she went so far as to put on the outer coat.
“What do you think you’re doing…”
“…I was trying to sleep…”
Shing.
As she spoke, the woman suddenly drew her sword.
“…”
At the sight, the old man fell silent. The dazed woman’s entire atmosphere shifted the moment she gripped her blade. It was enough to silence even the Immortal Healer, who had seen all manner of monsters in his long life.
“The scent is too strong… I can’t… sleep.”
“…What…”
“So… I’ll be back… You… stay here.”
“Wait. Where are you going? I’m also—”
“Stay.”
“…!”
The woman’s eyes locked onto the Immortal Healer. His body trembled slightly under her gaze. Her sleepy eyes were gone, replaced by a cold, razor-sharp focus.
Startled, he froze for a moment. In that instant, the woman moved with a flutter of fabric. The surprised Immortal Healer tried to grab her, but his hand only swiped through empty air.
She was already gone.
Fzzt!
A brief flash of light, and nothing remained where she had stood.
“Haha…?”
As the Immortal Healer laughed hollowly at the absurdity, thud—a hand landed on his shoulder.
Now what?
“I tried my best to keep her here. I suppose she takes after me quite a bit, being my kin and all.”
The one who had grabbed him was a middle-aged man with the same pale blue hair as the woman. The most striking thing about him was that he had only one arm. It was another face the Immortal Healer recognized.
“…You?”
“My apologies. This is all my fault for failing to properly educate my niece and disciple.”
The Healer didn't like the way the man was grinning, as if something were amusing. When it came to misusing a handsome face, this man was likely the best in the world.
“So, as my punishment, I will go and retrieve her. Elder, please wait just a moment.”
Huh?
“…What? Wait!”
Swoosh!
As if on cue, the man’s form also vanished. In an instant, two of his patients had staged an escape.
“…”
Watching the empty space where they had been, the old man’s face crumpled into a deep frown.
“…Those damned Namgung bastards.”
The quiet whisper was laden with exasperation.
After flying through the air, his feet finally touched the ground.
Thud!
Clang! Clang!
The sharp sounds of battle echoed from all around, yet this particular spot was relatively deserted. Only after arriving did the young man, Gu Yangcheon, look back.
“Cough.”
An old man stood there, letting out a series of dry coughs. It was the Unyielding Demon.
“Haa… haa.”
Looking at him, Gu Yangcheon spoke.
[You’re in a sorry state.]
“…”
Drenched in sweat, the old man was a pathetic sight. He knew it too, wearing a slightly awkward expression.
“…I’ve shown an unsightly side to the… Cult Leader.”
[Yes, you were quite unsightly. But it was an amusing spectacle nonetheless.]
“…I did not expect the Lord of the Hwangbo Clan to appear so suddenly.”
Not just his appearance, but his martial prowess had been unexpected. His power had far exceeded their projections.
[Hmm.]
A hint of displeasure radiated from Gu Yangcheon. Seeing it, the old man quickly added:
“H-However! There is no problem with the plan.”
The plan was what mattered. As long as there were no hitches, it would be fine. That was the intention behind his words—a point Gu Yangcheon acknowledged.
[Yes, as long as there are no problems with that.]
Ssk.
The masked face turned toward the sky. The dark clouds were much blacker than before, and the connecting lines of the formation were almost complete.
[Is that the thing you spoke of?]
“It is,” the old man nodded. “It is a ritual activated using six catalysts.”
As he spoke, he watched the other’s reaction. There was none. It was a signal to continue.
“Once the lines are all connected… the calamity I explained to you before will erupt.”
[I see. Ah, right. Captain of the Cheonra.]
“Yes, Cult Leader.”
[I have one thing to ask.]
“Please, speak.”
[This ritual—does it activate even without you?]
“That is… what do you mean…?”
[Answer.]
He hesitated at the cold question, but the old man eventually answered.
“Since the ritual has already been activated, it will not stop unless the catalysts are found and destroyed.”
[And the catalysts are hidden, of course?]
“Yes. Even if the Captain of the Wind Dragon Army himself intervenes… he will not be able to find and disable them within the day.”
[Excellent.]
Gu Yangcheon laughed. The Captain of the Wind Dragon Army would need at least a day. If not him, it would take several days. There would be no problem.
Furthermore…
The violet gaze from within the mask turned to the Unyielding Demon.
[That’s a real relief.]
“Cult Leader…?”
What was that gaze? For some reason, a chill ran down the Unyielding Demon’s spine. As he was about to voice his confusion—
Thud.
He felt a presence. The Unyielding Demon turned his head to see someone approaching. It was a figure dressed in yellow, their face completely covered.
“What!”
An enemy? The Unyielding Demon quickly grabbed his blunt weapon and rose to his feet. He hadn't noticed their approach, which meant they were a powerful expert. He was startled, but fortunately, he wasn't worried. After all, standing beside him was one of the Three Venerables, an absolute master, the Dishonored Venerable—
Squish!
“…Gack…!?”
Vomiting blood, the Unyielding Demon’s eyes trembled. He looked down at his chest. A hand had burst through it from behind.
With a sickening creak, he turned his head to look at the one who had ambushed him.
“…Cult… Leader…?”
Drip.
His eyes were filled with pure confusion. Then, a hand slowly reached for the mask.
Clack.
The hand grasped the mask and slowly removed it. The cracked mask came off completely, and the face within greeted the Unyielding Demon.
“…Huh…?”
Shock washed over the old man. The shining violet eyes were the same, but the face was much younger than he had imagined. No, being young wasn't the issue. The important thing was…
“…You… bastard… you are…”
The identity of the man he had thought was the Heavenly Demon was a face the Unyielding Demon recognized.
“Gu… yeom…”
“Sorry.”
Shluck!
“…Guh…”
Thud.
As the hand was ripped from his chest, the Unyielding Demon collapsed limply. Thump, thump. Something rolled to a stop beside him. It was the Unyielding Demon’s heart, torn from his chest. It was still beating, as if it still possessed a lingering will.
“…Guh… uh…”
The Unyielding Demon desperately tried to reach for it, but—
CRUNCH!
A foot came down and crushed the heart into the dirt.
“I was planning to use you a little longer,” an emotionless voice whispered in the Unyielding Demon’s ear. “Unfortunately, you’re no longer needed.”
Those were the last words the Unyielding Demon ever heard. The old man who dreamed of the Zhuge Clan's revival died powerlessly in the dirt.
Leaving the cooling body behind, Gu Yangcheon began to walk.
Crack—!!
As he moved, a rough sound echoed from his body as it began to shift. His massive physique started to shrink back to its original size.
“…”
His calm steps brought him before the figure from the Hwangbo Clan who had just appeared. The person was already kneeling to greet him.
“What’s the situation?” Gu Yangcheon asked nonchalantly.
“As you commanded, Cult Leader, we are focusing on rescuing civilians and avoiding kills as much as possible.”
Ssk.
The figure spoke as they removed their mask. It was Nahee, moving about in the guise of the Hwangbo Clan.
“Make sure there are as few people as possible in the central area.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
Gu Yangcheon stripped off the uniform he was wearing and handed it to Nahee. She took it with familiar ease and glanced at the Unyielding Demon’s corpse.
“What should be done with that?” she asked, referring to the body.
“I’ve already spoken to the Lord of the Hwangbo Clan; he’ll take care of it. Have your people dump it at the designated location.”
“Understood.”
The Unyielding Demon would be found dead in some remote mountain valley. No, he had to be. The story would be that the Lord of the Hwangbo Clan, after coming to his senses, had hunted the man down, and the Unyielding Demon had been killed in the ensuing struggle.
Gu Yangcheon expanded his senses to grasp the situation. The aftershocks of battle could be felt everywhere.
‘There are more than I thought.’
Those who were resisting the attack. It wasn't just the people of the Hwangbo Clan.
‘The Mount Hua Sect is here too. And a few other unaffiliated martial artists.’
He had expected them to collapse pathetically, but there were more people with good intentions than he had anticipated. Should he be happy about this or annoyed? He wasn't sure.
After assessing the situation, he immediately gave Nahee an order.
“Bring in more personnel.”
“I will contact the unit.”
The Night Reapers, who were on standby. It was time for them to move.
“Go.”
Fsh!
At Gu Yangcheon’s word, Nahee vanished.
Time was short. That was the only thought in his mind as he looked at the sky.
“…”
What should I do now?
He thought for a moment. It wasn't that he didn't know what to do; it was a question of whether what he had to do was the right thing. He pondered it for a moment, but…
“…I have to do it. What other choice is there?”
This, too, was a question with a predetermined answer.
“Let’s go.”
He tucked the mask away inside his robes. This was enough to give them a brief glimpse—to show them that there was a villain capable of creating such a disaster. He had shown that to the Alliance. It wasn't entirely sufficient, but it was enough for now.
This was an age of chaos. A manufactured one, perhaps, but an age of chaos nonetheless. A being who would bring about this chaos—something that embodied screams and despair. He had shown them the possibility of such a thing.
Now, leaving that persona behind, it was time to do something else.
— Waaaaah….
— Save me… save me….
— Dad…! Where are you, Dad…!! Daaaaad!
When an age of chaos arrives, a hero tends to appear along with it. Since a villain had created the chaos… it was now time for a hero to step onto the stage.
“…”
He suppressed the rising nausea, swallowed it down, and pushed off the ground, soaring into the air.
“This life, really…”
He had just finished playing the villain.
“Fucking hell.”
Now, it was time to be the hero.