Chapter 311: The Hunted Demons, the Hunting Demon
Chapter 311: The Hunted Demons, the Hunting Demon
“Oh, my. Look at them.”
Ko Yeonju, who had been resting her palm on the ground, dusted off her hands and stood up. Everyone turned to look at her.
She spoke with a bitter smile.
“They’re absolutely furious, aren’t they? Their killing intent is so thick…. I think it’s the pursuit team. No, I’m sure of it.”
As Ko Yeonju spoke with conviction, everyone let out a deep groan. Just as she said, and just as I had sensed, the Vagabonds’ pursuit team had appeared. I was caught in an emotion I couldn't quite place, unsure whether to laugh or cry. The very thought I’d had just moments ago while staring into the campfire had become a reality.
“Wh-what do we do? Shouldn’t we run away, too?”
“That’s right! Let’s get out of here before those Vagabond bastards attack! Please?”
Soon, voices filled with fear began to erupt from all around. Having personally experienced the Vagabonds’ massacre in Mule, their terror seemed to be etched deep into their bones. However, Ko Yeonju shook her head at the Users’ cries.
“It’s no use running. They’re certain we’re here.”
“But…”
“They’re charging this way as if their lives depend on it. If we run now, we’ll eventually be caught.”
This was the judgment of none other than the Shadow Queen. The female User who had first suggested running stared back, her expression bleak.
Ko Yeonju was right. Assuming the Vagabonds had formed a proper pursuit team, it was a miracle we had made it this far without being caught. Furthermore, if we turned our backs and fled now, the slower Users would most likely be overtaken. In the end, it was only a matter of time.
But most importantly, I had no intention of running. I was starving for information. For them to serve themselves up on a platter, saying, “Come and get me,” was something I would welcome with open arms.
“Then are we… going to die here…?”
A voice, so pitiful it could pluck at the heartstrings of anyone who heard it, echoed from somewhere. The thought of facing death again after just barely surviving seemed to fill them with a sense of despair. As the mood threatened to sink in response to that voice, I took a step forward.
“User Ko Yeonju. Can you tell the distance and number of the pursuit team?”
“When I first sensed them, it was 800 meters…. Ah, it’s closer now. I can’t get an exact count, but I think there are about forty of them.”
Forty, huh.
“Forty is fewer than the number that was in the plaza. This might be more manageable than I thought.”
“Su… Yes. It’s been a while, but I suppose I can remind the Vagabonds of the Shadow Queen’s fearsome reputation. Hoho.”
Ko Yeonju started to say something but quickly changed her words at my signal. Instantly, a flicker of hope appeared on some of the faces that had been steeped in gloom. The Users who had seen me since the plaza would remember the overwhelming display I had put on against dozens of Vagabonds. With one of the Ten Strong, the Shadow Queen, here as well, their thoughts might have shifted from ‘We’re going to die’ to ‘Oh. Now that you mention it, maybe we have a chance.’
And that change in mindset was exactly what I was aiming for.
Whether in a small skirmish or a large-scale battle, morale plays a crucial role. And as for what Ko Yeonju was about to say, I hadn’t heard it, but I could easily guess.
It was hard to believe the Vagabonds would have formed a pursuit team with just anyone. We had already killed over sixty of them in the plaza alone. The fact that they still sent forty meant the skill level of this pursuit team was not to be underestimated. Or, there was a possibility they had included someone incredibly powerful among them.
“You’re right. I lost my precious comrades to those Vagabond bastards. It’s too unfair to just die here quietly. Even a worm will turn when stepped on, and I’m going to struggle with everything I’ve got.”
“You said it! Let those sons of bitches come! I may have lost my left arm, but I still have my right. If I’m going to die, I’m taking at least one of them with me as a travel companion.”
Jo Seungwoo chimed in at the perfect moment. Seeing him give a slight wink, I knew he had caught on to my intention to boost morale. The man next to him just seemed angry about losing his arm, but either way, it was effective.
I calmly looked around at the other Users.
Including myself and the Mercenary Clan members, plus the newly joined Users, we numbered 15 in total. A breakdown by class showed six melee types, two archers, five mages, and two priests. It was fortunate that they were all combat Users, but even so, none of them particularly stood out.
To be frank, besides myself and Ko Yeonju, everyone else was a level below the Vagabonds who had attacked Mule. At best, only six or seven of them would be helpful in a fight; the rest, including the injured, were as good as useless. But I didn't voice this fact. Even if they couldn't contribute to the fight, they could at least serve as meat shields.
What should I do…
As I was lost in thought, I felt a prickling sensation on my face. By now, everyone was looking at me with expectant eyes. If our forces were evenly matched, we might have had options, but our group’s level was so low that the range of available strategies was extremely narrow. It got to the point where I thought it would be better to just have Ko Yeonju act as a keeper while I fought alone.
After roughly organizing my thoughts, I spoke quietly.
“First, we will change our location.”
*
A frigid voice swept through the room, and Lee Junseong turned around with a startled look. The door was wide open. Standing there was a handsome man with a cold impression, his face cast in a dark shadow.
“Ho. Kim Yoohyun. It’s been a while. Lee Junseong? Get out.”
“Congratulations on waking up, Lee Hyoeul. As expected of my brother, he’s amazing. Get out, Lee Junseong.”
At the two orders of dismissal, Lee Junseong looked back and forth between them, at a loss. But soon, his shoulders slumped, and he began to walk away dejectedly. As the sound of the door closing echoed, Kim Yoohyun slowly approached the bed and looked down at Lee Hyoeul. She met his gaze for a moment before snorting with a “Hmph.”
“Is that the first thing you say? Isn’t that a bit harsh for someone who just woke up from the brink of death? If I’m awake, you could at least try to be a little happier.”
“Congratulations again on waking up. If it weren’t for my brother, you might not have. So you should thank Soohyun.”
For a moment, Lee Hyoeul looked dumbfounded at Kim Yoohyun’s calm words. But it was fleeting. She quickly composed herself and spoke.
“Right. What did I expect from you? Putting that aside, what’s this all of a sudden about your brother? And what’s Mule?”
“While you were unconscious, the User who decursed the Banshee’s curse was my younger brother, Kim Soohyun. And after healing you, Soohyun left for Mule immediately. I haven’t been able to contact him since.”
A clear answer. Lee Hyoeul tilted her head. She blinked three or four times as if trying to think, then let out a faint sigh.
“The Vagabonds’ attacks have begun. One of those places is Mule. The person who healed my body is your younger brother, named Kim Soohyun. And your brother left for Mule. You’ve lost contact with him since. Tell me if I got anything wrong.”
“Nothing.”
“So he really is your brother… Anyway, okay. And you’re saying you’re going to leave for Mule to save him. If contact was lost, the Warp Gate must be down too. So what’s the plan?”
“The Warp Gate to Eden is still active. I plan to go there first.”
“So. You’re going to walk from Eden.”
Kim Yoohyun slowly nodded. Seeing his reaction, Lee Hyoeul’s eyes narrowed fiercely. Assuming one could walk at a normal pace without any interruptions, the distance between Eden and Mule would take about three weeks. From a common-sense perspective, it was an absurd plan.
Lee Hyoeul bit her lip and let out another deep sigh. If it had been anyone else, she would have cursed them out for being crazy, but the person before her was Kim Yoohyun. She knew his usual behavior and personality, and his tone carried a heavy seriousness that couldn't be laughed off.
“Kim Yoohyun. Because it’s you, I won’t say anything else. I’m just going to say two things, so calm down and listen.”
“…”
“Even if you go to Eden, it’s a three-week journey to Mule at the very fastest. And an attack like this will be over in two days at most. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
“It sounds like you’re saying there’s a high probability that Soohyun is dead.”
“I’m saying that by the time you arrive, the situation will likely be over. He could be dead, or he could have escaped alive. Your brother’s situation is certainly unfortunate, but there’s nothing you can do right now, is there? Let’s think rationally. Okay?”
Lee Hyoeul’s persuasion was perfectly logical. But she was overlooking one crucial thing: Kim Yoohyun was a serious brother’s fool. In his mind, the image of Kim Soohyun, eyes trembling as he pitifully cried out for his older brother, was already seared into his brain.
“You might be right.”
“Hmph. Good, you get it. You really surprised me. Look at the situation, the situation. No, before that, are you really Kim Yoohyun?”
“Lee Hyoeul.”
“?”
Kim Yoohyun slowly bent down, closing the distance between them. As their eyes were about to meet, her face flushed red, and she shyly averted her gaze.
Finally, Kim Yoohyun spoke in a low voice.
“You see. I don’t know what’s happening right now. To be precise, the correct answer is that I don’t care.”
“Wh-what?”
“Even the slightest possibility that he’s alive is enough. For me, getting Soohyun back is the priority. Thinking rationally, assessing the situation… those are things to consider after that.”
“You…!”
“Listen carefully. I am going to save my brother. Whether he’s alive, dead, or captured, my decision won’t change. Even if it means drawing out the power of the Thunder God, I will find my brother one way or another. Take care of yourself. I have no intention of taking the clan members with me.”
With those words, Kim Yoohyun straightened up. Lee Hyoeul stared at him with a dazed expression before her face crumpled in anger and she shouted.
“You, you! What are you talking about…! You brother’s fool!”
“It was written in my True Name as well. I’m personally proud of it.”
“Shut up! What the hell do you think you can do by yourself! And the Thunder God? You’re going to use the Thunder God’s power? In the worst-case scenario, you’ll die too…!”
“If Soohyun is dead, I’m sure I’ll be in enough pain to die myself. Dying there wouldn’t be so bad compared to suffering through that.”
“What about the clan members who followed you here! There’s a limit to how much you can meddle, you idiot! Huh? D-don’t go! Hey! Hey!”
It was then. Just as Kim Yoohyun ignored Lee Hyoeul’s words and was about to leave, the door suddenly burst open.
“Excuse me…”
Through the open doorway, a small voice was heard, and Seo Gahui cautiously peeked her head in. She scanned the room with an awkward expression and continued quietly.
“Someone from the Mercenary Clan is here to see you.”
*
I ran with all my might. The forest blurred past me. Fortunately, none of the Vagabonds seemed faster than me, so after infiltrating the perimeter with a surprise attack, I was able to create some distance. But it was a distance of less than thirty meters. I could feel numerous presences chasing me from behind, accompanied by enraged shouts.
Rustle! Rustle!
“Stop right there, you bastard!”
“Don’t get excited! Watch out for traps!”
So they knew.
A faint smile touched my lips at the voices from behind. But it was fine. They were competent enough to figure that much out. And my plan had been formulated with that in mind.
There was no need to drag this out; I planned to deal a heavy blow right at the start.
After running for about ten minutes, a vast darkness appeared before my eyes. At a glance, it looked like the darkness that surrounded the forest, but I knew its true nature. It was more accurate to call it a ‘curtain’ made of collected shadows.
Just as I thought I had lured them inside, I abruptly turned around. As I aimed my sword, I could see the pursuing Vagabonds flinch. In my hand was ‘Victoria’s Glory,’ emitting a soft glow.
“Halt! Everyone, halt!”
“Watch out for the sword’s light!”
It was then.
As the Vagabonds hastily stopped, the clustered shadows were released all at once. Simultaneously, the Users who had been hiding within revealed themselves. As if remembering my command not to give them any opening, they fired the spells and arrows they had prepared without a moment’s delay as soon as the curtain fell.
Shhhk! Shh-shhhk!
Boom! Ka-boom!
Magic, arrows, and countless shadows surged forward. But the Vagabonds didn't just stand there. A round barrier formed around the ones in the vanguard, and in an instant, translucent shields were layered one after another. It seemed they had been prepared.
Watching this, I unleashed the latent ability of ‘Victoria’s Glory’ that I had been preparing—Sword Flash.
In that moment, countless flashes of sword light burst before my eyes.