Chapter 82
Chapter 82
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 82
Chapter Title: Hungry Ghost
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The next day.
Estor left the inn early in the morning, saying he had to visit the Haberth Magic Tower and the Earth Church's temple, leaving Yuri and Ha-ryeong to arrive at the exhibition hall sometime after noon.
"Don't wander off on your own today. We're sticking together the whole time."
Ha-ryeong shot him a glare, still holding a grudge from yesterday. Even though she'd called him all sorts of nasty names like pathetic and such, Yuri couldn't deny his guilt over what happened, so he meekly nodded.
"..."
Thanks to checking the catalog in advance, they didn't get lost in the vast hall, but they hadn't even looked around much when their steps halted.
They had run into Leisi. Yuri had anticipated this might happen, but actually coming face-to-face with her made him freeze for a moment.
"Long time no see."
He'd planned to pretend not to know her and slip away, but Ha-ryeong spoke up first.
Leisi wasn't alone. A short, plump man with round, blinking eyes looked at Yuri and Ha-ryeong before turning back to her.
"Do you know them?"
Leisi seemed just as surprised that Ha-ryeong had spoken first. She hesitated for a second but quickly composed herself.
She didn't want word getting out that she'd met Yuri if possible—but they were too famous now. The rumor that the famed Fate Dragon had come to Aldran with the Sword Dragon and Dark Flame was already circulating among the city's elite.
'Well... it's not like we're meeting alone...'
She didn't want to spark unnecessary misunderstandings with Elena, but there was no helping it now. Leisi cleared her throat and spoke.
"It's the Fate Dragon and Dark Flame."
"Ah...!"
The man's already round eyes widened even further as he let out an exclamation.
"The ones who've been so famous lately?"
"Yeah."
"Nice to meet you. I'm Fabian Bazette, disciple of Master Gu Zel Haberth."
Yuri was a little surprised by the beaming introduction. The impregnable fortress, lord of the Haberth Magic Tower. He'd never heard the name 'Fabian Bazette' before, but as a disciple of the Iron Wall, he was someone Estor had mentioned just a few days ago.
'Silver Wood.'
The prodigy of the Haberth Magic Tower, who'd reached the late 4th Tier at just 21. It wasn't a stretch to imagine him with Leisi.
'Is that guy a Possessor too?'
It was a question he couldn't ask outright. If Leisi was keeping Yuri's secret, then Yuri had to do the same for hers. He wasn't ready to make an enemy of her yet.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Yuri."
"I'm Ha-ryeong."
Ha-ryeong followed up with her introduction right away, then stared straight at Leisi.
"Are you ignoring my greeting?"
Leisi's eyebrow twitched slightly at the sharp tone.
"As if. I just didn't expect to run into you here, so I was caught off guard for a moment. Uh, long time no see, Lady Ha-ryeong."
"I heard you met Yuri yesterday, but you didn't expect to see us today?"
Ha-ryeong's attitude remained edged, her voice cool and her expression impassive. It wasn't outright hostility, but it was damn close.
"..."
Leisi had a pretty good idea why, so she glared back at Ha-ryeong without responding. Ha-ryeong didn't look away either. Yuri and Fabian were the only ones left feeling awkward.
"Please pass on my regards to the young lady."
Ha-ryeong backed down first after their staring contest. Well, it wasn't really backing down—it was more like stabbing Leisi with a dagger.
"Are you close enough to exchange greetings?"
"Of course. The young lady and I are friends."
"Friends?"
Leisi's eyebrow spasmed. She swallowed the angry retort bubbling up, taking a deep breath, but her glare didn't soften.
"We'll head out first."
Yuri finally intervened. Leisi clicked her tongue and looked away.
'What the hell? Is she really a thief cat?'
The thought came naturally. Until yesterday, he hadn't given much thought to why Ha-ryeong, that assassin, had come looking for him. He'd never really known what kind of person she was anyway.
But seeing her attitude now...
'No way, Cat Panties?'
The puzzle pieces clicked in Leisi's mind. She felt a chill run down her spine and hurriedly sent Yuri a magic message.
[Is that woman Cat Panties by any chance?]
What the hell kind of ridiculous, embarrassing nonsense was this? Yuri, passing by Leisi with Ha-ryeong, turned back to her in sheer disbelief.
[What's Cat Panties?]
He didn't ask who it was. They both knew each other were Possessors, but Yuri had never outright admitted it himself.
[Still playing dumb, so shameless...! Cat Panties, right?]
[Lady Leisi, this is really throwing me off. Cat Panties? What kind of panties are those?]
[Th-that...]
[I don't get calling a perfectly normal person 'panties.' What kind of metaphor is that? So, in your eyes, does Ha-ryeong look like cat panties? Do I look like panties too?]
[W-wait, that's not what I meant!]
[Seeing people as panties—what kind of twisted sense is that? I'm serious here, Lady Leisi—you should see a doctor. No, wait. Someone like you can probably meet a priest, so go to them instead.]
She didn't even give Leisi a chance to explain, hitting her with a barrage of telepathic messages. Leisi's face flushed beet red, her shoulders trembling. If Fabian weren't beside her and this weren't the exhibition hall, she'd have screamed bloody murder...!
[Next time, I hope you've gotten that... mental illness treated.]
[W-wait...! Don't get the wrong idea!]
[By the way, is that Silver Wood next to you a Possessor too?]
The sudden question blanked Leisi's mind for a second. But she didn't let herself get played like an idiot and answered quickly.
[No?]
[Boyfriend then?]
[Don't say such disgusting things!]
Leisi shrieked in genuine disgust, and Yuri didn't press further. That ended their conversation.
"Huu... huuu..."
Leisi glared at the backs of Yuri and Ha-ryeong as they walked away, steadying her breathing. She was relieved he hadn't asked more about Fabian.
Fabian was a Possessor. But Leisi couldn't reveal that. Relationships between Possessors required careful, delicate handling.
"What was that about?"
"Nothing."
Fabian blinked his round eyes as he asked, but Leisi couldn't explain.
"Why'd you do that?"
Yuri whispered to Ha-ryeong too.
"I couldn't help it."
She answered without looking back. She pressed her lips together for a moment, then opened them again.
"Is the shitstick next to her a Possessor too?"
"Shit... what?"
"Shitstick."
"That's a bit harsh."
"So, is the shitstick a Possessor?"
That was the moment a new nickname was born for Fabian Bazette, prodigy of the Haberth Magic Tower, Silver Wood—unknown even to himself.
"No."
"Really?"
"Probably."
Different magic towers, but both were favorites of their lords, so it wasn't odd for Leisi and Fabian to be friendly. Still, in Yuri's mind, Fabian was now pegged as a Possessor.
That raised a new question: who was Fabian? He was 21. If that shitstick really was a Possessor, he was the youngest one Yuri had identified.
'Possession age seems random.'
The body Lee Soo-hyuk possessed, Yuri's, was 20. He didn't know Leisi's exact age at possession, but she'd entered the Derusia Magic Tower in her early to mid-teens.
Even accounting for random possession ages, Fabian qualified as the 'latest' Possessor.
'My previous number one had been the same guy for half a year—could it be that bastard?'
The one using the nickname 'HeavenGuard.'
A newbie who'd joined late in the community forums but was sharp and tenacious. Yuri had admired his grit in clawing for number one and posted comments and replies for him several times, but the newbie hadn't just taken handouts—he'd kept grinding on his own.
'No way it's that guy?'
He hadn't interacted deeply with him in the community or with Fabian, so he couldn't be sure. Yuri set aside thoughts of Fabian and glanced at Ha-ryeong walking beside him. Her expression was the same as always, but she seemed a bit less upset than before.
"Were you mad because of me?"
"What are you talking about out of nowhere?"
"Did yesterday's thing piss you off on my behalf?"
"You're overthinking it. Truth is, I've disliked Leisi Yuzha since back in Lutran. That's all."
"Doesn't seem like it."
"Why would I get mad for you, Yuri? Don't talk nonsense."
"Yesterday you were saying stuff like it'd be better to nip the problem in the bud for my future, kill her or not, all that."
"That wasn't serious. See? Didn't I win you over big time by saying that? That's why I said it. I'm a calculating assassin like that."
Ha-ryeong spoke quickly without turning her head, and she didn't seem likely to admit more if pressed.
"Yeah, sure."
Yuri chuckled and nodded. Whatever the truth, it wasn't a bad feeling to have someone getting angry for his sake.
"Why are you laughing? Nothing's funny."
As he opened his mouth to retort to her sidelong glare—
—Boom.
The exhibition hall shook violently. The sudden tremor made Yuri and Ha-ryeong sway. Several mages in the hall couldn't keep their footing and collapsed.
"Eh, earthquake?"
A nearby mage cried out in alarm. The shaking didn't stop after one jolt. Boom, boom, boom...! It grew more intense, felling more people, and quite a few mages levitated into the air to steady themselves.
"What the hell is this all of a sudden?"
Mages at the booths screamed too. Aldran's history had no record of an earthquake this big, and the building was fitted with all sorts of disaster-prevention spells.
'It's not the ground shaking.'
Yuri looked down in surprise. It was as if a giant had grabbed the exhibition hall and was shaking it—the building itself was trembling.
"Up."
Ha-ryeong scanned around quickly and spat out the word. Yuri immediately looked up.
At the center of the hall, below the high ceiling, someone stood. He hadn't been there moments ago, nor had he risen from the crowd. He'd appeared out of nowhere, gazing down at the hall.
His face was hidden. He wore a large robe with the hood up, and a mask over his face that was split open at the mouth.
The mysterious figure slowly raised both arms. His wide sleeves fell back, revealing muscled forearms and a golden gem-studded bracelet on his right wrist.
'Cultist?'
The mask and bracelet screamed it. Even if he wasn't, hovering in the middle of the shaking hall with that grotesque mask was a blatant declaration of villainy.
So Yuri didn't hesitate and hurled Black Fang. Ha-ryeong judged the same; Black Fang and a flurry of daggers surged toward the figure.
Leisi made the same call to attack in that instant. —Crackle! A bolt of lightning shot at him, joined by attack spells from other mages.
"Hah."
A sneer escaped the figure—Hungry Ghost's—mouth. —Thump! An invisible giant heart beat loudly, and the air shuddered with a spreading wave. The wave nullified the spells first, then halted Yuri and Ha-ryeong's daggers.
"It's you two."
The gleam from his pitch-black eyeholes fixed on Yuri and Ha-ryeong. He twitched a finger, and the stopped daggers spun around, shooting back at them.
Just a flick of one finger, but the returning daggers packed real power. Even with protective aura up, Yuri and Ha-ryeong were pushed back. Yuri snatched Black Fang midair and caught Ha-ryeong's waist.
They hadn't fully crossed blades, but the force in those daggers was enough to gauge him. Stronger than the crone Witchwood at 6th Tier. Stronger than a High Priest. What did the golden bracelet mean? The mask? His gaze when he said 'It's you two' had locked right on them.
[Yuri.]
Before Ha-ryeong could send her message, Yuri grabbed her waist and dragged them both backward. Boom, boom, boom! The invisible heartbeat and the hall's shaking intensified. Something was about to go down here.
As the crowd panicked and tried to flee the anomaly, Yuri prioritized escape with Ha-ryeong.
Hungry Ghost twisted his lips beneath the mask and formed hand seals before his chest.
This wasn't a diocese. No followers. No setup to amplify divine magic.
Even so, it was enough to devour one exhibition hall. The divine power he'd stockpiled for years to topple a city manifested as black light.
If slaughter was the only goal, no need for a makeshift sanctuary. But he was building one anyway—
To tear a rift centered here.
—Zzzzzzz!
Black light spread from Hungry Ghost, instantly blanketing the ceiling. Darkness swallowed the lights, plunging the hall into blackout-like gloom. The shadowed ceiling looked more like the night sky than an indoor space.
In the midst of this artificial night, something appeared above Hungry Ghost's head.
A massive, pale finger. Its joints protruded with bony knobs, ending in long, sharp nails stained black like they dripped poison.
The moment they saw that finger, chills raced through everyone's bodies. It wasn't martial arts or magic. Something entirely different—not an illusion. The darkness cloaking the ceiling was a gate to another world, and through it, a single finger had descended into this one.
Just one finger, but its mere sight stirred nauseating dread in their chests.
Ha-ryeong's trembling body pressed against him. A glance showed her face pale, cold sweat beading on her forehead.
Hungry Ghost, hands still sealed, ecstatically gazed up at the finger. Then it moved. The finger slowly bent, and —kreeeeee! Its nail raked across the air.
That was the last thing Yuri saw.
.
.
.
"Ugh."
He opened his eyes to a throbbing headache.
He bolted upright, clutching his sweat-soaked hair with both hands. It wasn't just his hair—his body was damp too, his tank top and shorts clinging uncomfortably from sleep.
"Damn it..."
Had it been a nightmare? He raked his sweaty hair, then hauled his languid body up, his mind slowly clearing.
A dream... yeah, he'd dreamed something... but he couldn't remember. If he'd stayed in bed longer, maybe fragments would linger. Like dreams do, it faded once he was up.
What was it? He pondered but drew a blank.
A glance at the clock: nearly 8 a.m. No time to laze in bed.
He got up. From beyond the closed door, TV sounds and cheerful chatter drifted in. Soon it'd be a knock-knock, followed by—
Son~? Still asleep?
Gonna skip breakfast and head to school?
—Mom's voice calling out.
He turned on his phone by the damp pillow. Lock screen: family photo from months ago. A bunch of unread KakaoTalks piled up overnight. He flipped on the light instead of replying right away.
Big bed, neat furniture, nice computer. Woof. Our dog, Namgung Jin, has sharp ears—he must've heard me. Scratch-scratch. He pawed frantically at the door, demanding I open up.
"Woof!"
Opening it revealed the brown Pomeranian gazing up with black eyes.
Panting with tongue out, Namgung Jin's head got a quick pet. Looking up—
"Huh? Up already on your own?"
Dad sat on the living room sofa, watching TV.
"Good sleep, son?"
Mom was setting the stew pot on the table. Woof-woof! Namgung Jin circled my feet, begging for more pets.
"Uh..."
Throb.
This familiar morning felt off somehow. Still half-asleep? He blinked his crusty eyes a few times, then bowed to Mom and Dad.
"Good... morning?"
"What's with the formal greeting all of a sudden?"
"Come eat quick and get ready for school. Don't keep Elena waiting."
Elena... Elena?
"Uh, yeah... sure."
Failing to recall his one childhood friend's name instantly—yeah, he must still be waking up.
KakaoTalk.
Phone buzzed during breakfast.
[Still asleep?]
It was Estor.
[Nope, up]
He replied, picked up his bowl, and stood.
"Put it in the sink. Dad'll wash up."
"Uh... okay."
"You're acting weird today, son? All spaced out?"
No idea. Why am I like this? Woof! Namgung Jin, gnawing a dog treat with his front paw, barked at me once more. Headache gone, but... my head felt fuzzy.
Wash up—no, too sweaty from the night, feeling gross. Shower first. What's first period today? School? Yeah, gotta wear the uniform.
Shower.
Dry hair.
Change underwear, slip on the uniform hanging in the room.
Heading out.
Said it, opened the front door, stepped outside.
"Why the long face?"
Met Elena.
Childhood friend since kids, thanks to our parents' ties. Same kindergarten, elementary, middle school—even high school together. Friends who know tease:
[You two gonna end up at the same college too lol?]
Yeah, that's how it is with Elena Haiderga and me.
"What's with my face?"
"Asking 'cause I don't know?"
She shot back, and her pale hand darted out, cool palm pressing my forehead.
"No fever?"
Elena muttered. As I blinked in confusion, she tilted her head, staring right at my face.
"You okay for real?"
Before I could answer, her voice came again.
"Yuri."
Yuri.
My name. Last name Lee, first name Yuri.
Is that really me? The fading throb reignited. My chest churned. No—like fire burned inside.
"L-Let's go."
Chest still hot, but I didn't want to dwell. Figuring out that heat would ruin everything.
So I forced my feet forward.
"Wait up!"
Elena caught up with a puzzled look.
Pressed the button, waited for the elevator. A nameless floral scent wafted from Elena beside me. Glanced over: blue flower hairpin in her neatly done blonde hair, pale skin beyond, eyes sparkling blue like the pin.
"What?"
She turned at my gaze, smiling. I couldn't reply, just grinned awkwardly and faced front.
Elevator arrived, doors opened. Mirror right there, reflecting us side by side.
"Not getting in?"
Elena, pressing 1, looked back.
Hard to move.
The me in the mirror didn't feel like me.
My chest burned like it was seared by flames.