Chapter 326
Chapter 326
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 326
Chapter Title: Before the Title (3)
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The first scene Mok Ingwang remembered was a freezing winter.
Even in the bitter cold of midwinter, he lived on the icy pavement of back alleys, enduring days of hunger and thirst alongside other orphans.
He had no idea how he had ended up in such a life.
To him back then, it was simply the natural order of things—not just for himself, but for everyone around him. No one cared about the reasons why.
Then again, knowing wouldn't have changed a thing.
That's how he spent his childhood in that harsh environment.
One fortunate thing was that he possessed the ability to survive it.
Born with a sturdy body, he never suffered so much as a minor illness while other children succumbed one by one to the unforgiving conditions. And when conflicts arose with bigger kids, his natural talent for fighting allowed him to stand his ground.
But even he had one fatal flaw.
His damnable temper, which grew worse with age.
He seemed fine most of the time, but then would suddenly snap, turning minor issues into massive snowballs.
Fights were constant around him as a result. He lost what little respect he had, his reputation hitting rock bottom, until he ended up isolating himself.
Even in that state, he couldn't suppress the sudden surges of rage from within, living like a walking bomb that sparked trouble at random.
Then, one day, the turning point of his life arrived.
About twenty years ago.
He didn't know the reason back then, but the whole city seemed abuzz. That's when the boy Mok Ingwang met him.
"Heavens, how did a child end up here...? What is this world coming to?"
An elderly man with a long beard, dressed in worn Daoist robes, his face etched with worry.
He stared straight at the boy, whose lifeless eyes showed he was merely clinging to survival, and slowly spoke.
"Hey."
"...?"
"Get your head on straight."
Mok Ingwang tilted his head at the abrupt bluntness.
Wait, was it always like this...?
His voice sounds off too...?
But whether the boy questioned it or not, the old man before him continued with a kindly expression, showing no intention of waiting.
"Heavens— a child carrying burdens he shouldn't. This must be fate. Yes, child. What is your name?"
"... ."
"Ah, I got ahead of myself. I forgot to introduce myself. I am..."
The old man slowly introduced himself to the still-silent boy.
"From now on, I am your Mad Demon."
"...?!"
His mind surged violently.
"Kuh!"
Mok Ingwang's eyes, which had been shut like those of the dead, snapped open.
What followed was immense pain radiating from every part of his body.
Not a single spot was free from the throbbing agony, as if he'd been tortured.
"Oh! You're conscious? I had a hunch, but reacting to that phrase...! Kra ha ha ha!"
As his body twitched involuntarily, a boisterous voice rang out—the same one he'd vaguely heard in his dreamlike state.
A man in an utterly bizarre outfit, far removed from this world's norms but now somewhat familiar, crossed his muscular arms and declared proudly.
"Too late now! I won anyway!"
Harley, who had decisively won the duel over the title of Mad Demon, nodded solemnly.
His resolute demeanor radiated an unyielding conviction that he wouldn't yield no matter what.
"Ha..."
Mok Ingwang let out a deflating sigh.
But it wasn't just because the man's words were ridiculous.
No, he barely had the presence of mind to even comprehend what Harley was saying.
So it really happened.
Beyond the excruciating pain throughout his body, he sensed the presence of madness.
The frenzied energy that had raged wildly during their intense battle was now calmly under his control.
He had risked being completely consumed by it, enduring until the very last moment before accepting defeat and resigning himself—yet somehow, his energy was now more stable than ever.
His mind felt clearer than it had in ages, hazy memories struggling to recall the last time.
"...So I thought up a new title for you. How about Mad Dog, simple and straightforward? Like it bites and never lets go! If not that, then..."
Even amid this, Harley chatted amiably as if their fight had never happened, rattling off title suggestions.
Mad Battle Fiend, Soul-escaping Maniac, Mad Dragon King, and more.
There was zero consideration for the recipient in his words, but neither Harley saying them nor Mok Ingwang hearing them minded a bit.
To think he could even control the madness dwelling within me. Just who the hell is he?
His thoughts tangled in confusion.
He wasn't sure if it was because the madness that had tormented him his whole life had subsided, but his hostility toward the man had largely faded.
Not that rebelling further made sense when he was this battered anyway.
The dominant emotions now were curiosity and excitement—he just wanted to know what the man had done to make this possible.
How had he even done it?
Until now, he'd thought it impossible and nearly given up...
Maybe I can use this guy to make it happen.
As he stared blankly, Harley misinterpreted the look, frowning and stepping back.
"Tch, no dice. Not backing down. I like this one, so pick something else."
Apparently, that title was still the only thing on his mind.
Doesn't that make me the idiot with my head spinning?
"...You lunatic."
In the end, he spat out the words welling from within with a sigh and a hollow voice.
He wasn't aware, but since they'd faced each other, this was the third time he'd called him a "lunatic."
In other words...
Three strikes, lunatic out.
The moment false madness bowed before true madness.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ Harley descended the mountain with the now meek-as-a-lamb former Mad Demon, Mok Ingwang, right after he awoke.
He'd controlled his strength carefully, so nothing was outright broken—but that was it. His body was still a ragged mess, yet Mok Ingwang trudged on without a single groan.
Watching from a few steps behind, Harley stroked his chin and nodded slowly.
Hm, I expected as much, but the effect is better than thought. No idea when he'll revert, but for now, no worries.
Of course, a man who'd been berserk moments ago turning this docile wasn't normal.
It was a mental side effect from aggressively suppressing and subduing the madness rampaging in his body.
But his current obedient, slightly listless state was perfect for handling, so no complaints.
Meeting him was chance... but good things are good.
He'd gained plenty from it.
Insights into martial arts he could use, a deeper understanding of "madness," and plenty of useful info from Mok Ingwang himself.
But above all, forging ties with talent like him is the real win.
Of course, they were throwing punches just minutes ago, so blind trust was out.
This temporary truce and companionship was just a fleeting event from overlapping conditions.
To truly bind him, more measures were needed...
But judging by his reaction, just being able to control his madness seems enough.
He already had the clues needed, so no hesitation.
Whatever the circumstances, it was clearly a sore spot for him.
Though there was the minor issue of when he might bare his fangs again...
"What? Those eyes? Why are you staring like that?"
"Huh? Oh, nothing. Ka ha ha ha!"
"...Put the fist down first. If you're not actually trying to kill me."
Mok Ingwang didn't seem to rebel despite the sudden partnership—maybe he wanted something from Harley too.
Though his forceful submission played a part.
"Alright, let's go, friend!"
"...Where to."
Thus, the pair—with their own ulterior motives—set off for their next destination.
"Man, you're dense. Where's the hottest spot right now?"
"Hot...?"
"You know, the big talk of the town these days."
"That's Mount Song, of course. All the major righteous faction forces are gathering. Not all elites, but the symbolism..."
"Wait, you don't mean—?"
"U ha ha ha! Let's go!"
"You madman! What are you thinking?"
What was he thinking?
They were practically there—time to make a grand entrance!
No better showcase for the new "Mad Demon" than that event.
Can't miss a big event like this!
As Harley strode ahead confidently, he glanced back at Mok Ingwang's sour expression and tossed out a casual remark.
"So, what's your new title? I still say Mad Dog's the best! Or..."
"... ."
Ah, gritted teeth.
He hadn't fully made peace with it yet.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇ In the reception hall of Shaolin Temple, welcoming guests.
Hugo emerged and followed the guiding monk, as usual before the main assembly began—for his routine duties of late.
"Well then, please take care of it today as well."
"No worries. The progress has been quite good so far."
He entered a room thick with the scent of herbs and turned his gaze to one side.
A gaunt young man lay there, seemingly dead.
Just like at House Zhuge, this was the patient he'd been asked to treat.
Wondering if using divine power from another dimension in a temple is wise...
Of course, he'd taken extra precautions to prevent holy energy from leaking out, just in case...
Still, fortunate that Shaolin wasn't exclusivist toward other faiths.
They sought enlightenment by emulating the divine, not blind worship.
Wooong—
Hugo placed the holy emblem in his hand against the patient's forehead, narrowing his eyes to observe the changes.
As the saying goes, even a dog in a private school recites poetry after three years—having done this several times, he could easily gauge the response.
And the diagnosis?
Amazing. Identical reaction to Zhuge Hye-mi.
No matter how he looked, it wasn't a disease.
Nor a specific constitution issue...
"...Ah, you're here."
Then, the quietly lying youth's eyelids slowly parted, a dry voice escaping his lips.
"Ah, please stay still. Almost done."
"Indebted again today. Thanks to the divine one, I'm much better. I can even take short walks now."
His voice was indeed much improved—not mere flattery.
Hugo nodded slowly. Ha Seung-hoon, the Nameless Divine Physician and guest physician of House Zhuge, recalled a private conversation with Elder Zhuge Gun-ak before departing for Shaolin.
Right after his joining was decided, House Zhuge had requested one favor.
Shaolin had someone with the same symptoms as Zhuge Hye-mi—could he take a look?
They'd already collaborated on research for her treatment, so hiding her recovery wasn't easy.
Even if fine now, if word got out later, wouldn't Shaolin feel deeply betrayed?
She couldn't hide in the clan forever.
Shaolin is the top symbolic and practical righteous force. Building ties now is smart.
It was a request Hugo had no reason to refuse.
It aligned perfectly with expanding his influence in the Kanghwan Realm.
And one more fact influencing his decision...
"Progress is faster than expected. Looks like Shaolin put in a lot of effort too."
"Ha ha ha... Always grateful. Hope I can repay the favor someday. To you as well, divine one."
"Your words alone are thanks enough, Your Highness. Now for the finishing touches."
The patient's identity: an imperial scion entrusted to Shaolin.
The last emperor's direct descendant, no less.