Chapter 63
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Necromancer Society (2)
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At where eyes should have been, a skull burning with deep crimson energy circled Kang Sa-hu, its jaw clacking noisily as it moved.
[Our Sa-hu-! When did you get heeere-!]
"We just arrived and were in the middle of a conversation."
[Yaaay-! If you came, you should've come see me first! I'm sulking!]
"Really, it feels like it's been less than five minutes since I set foot on Necromancer Society soil."
Kang Sa-hu responded without missing a beat, but Myeongwang, the king of the Necromancer Society who spoke through the skull, made no effort to hide her sulkiness.
[Then you should've at least said something beforehand! Anyway, glad you made it! You're coming to see me right away, right?!]
"No. I was planning to visit my parents first."
Kang Sa-hu stated it as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, causing the skull to gape wide open with a sharp crack, as if in shock.
[What about me?!]
"I'll head straight to you after seeing my parents, without stopping anywhere else."
[Ugh.... Fine, I get it. Family comes first. Of course....]
She said she understood, but the hurt in her voice was plain as day. Kang Sa-hu picked up the thread matter-of-factly.
"And of course, you're family to me too, Myeongwang."
[...For real?!]
The voice from the skull grew misty at Kang Sa-hu's warm reply.
"Naturally. What Necromancer could ever say you're not family? You are family to every Necromancer."
[Heh, hehehe. Right? I am family, aren't I?]
"Yes."
Pleased with his answer, the skull—which had been bobbing up and down excitedly—suddenly whipped its head toward him.
[Then hurry up and come see me! I'll be waiting!]
"Understood. I'll see you soon, Myeongwang."
With that, the conversation ended, and the red glow in the skull's sockets flickered out.
Clatter
The skull tumbled to the ground. Kang Sa-hu turned to the Death Knights.
"It seems Myeongwang is waiting, so let's hurry and see my parents, then head to the castle."
[Got it! Of course. It's been ages since you've seen Ella and Seung-hwan, so you should go to them first.]
Verdact nodded in understanding, agreeing heartily.
After exchanging final goodbyes, Kang Sa-hu pulled out a Soul Core to summon a Giant Hound for faster travel.
Woof!
[Whoa! What the heck is that?!]
The Death Knights' red-glowing eyes widened at the sight of the Giant Hound, which stood three meters tall on all fours.
[A dog? A wolf? If it's a wolf, is it maybe Fenrir?!]
"No, it's a creature called a Giant Hound. A monster that came through a Gate."
Kang Sa-hu explained patiently, and one Death Knight nodded as if getting it, smacking its helmet with its gauntlet like a person rubbing their head.
[Oh yeah, Ella mentioned you awakened too! Damn, hitting over 400 years old means my memory's going.]
Verdact, who had become a Death Knight when the Necromancer Society was founded, grumbled and shook his head.
But he soon fixed his gaze on Kang Sa-hu and offered solemn advice in a deep, serious tone.
[You've heard this place is dealing with headaches over these Awakeners, right?]
"Yes, my parents told me."
[Myeongwang will probably want to discuss it with you and get your advice. Might be good to think it over ahead of time.]
"I'll keep that in mind."
It could turn into a hassle, but Kang Sa-hu accepted the advice maturely. Verdact's fiery eyes softened.
[Good. Look at me, holding you up. We'll have plenty of time to talk later, so go on now.]
"Understood. See you all later."
Kang Sa-hu leaped onto the Giant Hound's back. The beast, which had been lying patiently, sprang to its feet the moment he mounted.
With his perfect knowledge of Necromancer Society's layout, Kang Sa-hu pictured the route in his mind. The Giant Hound, linked to him mentally, confirmed the destination and kicked off powerfully, charging ahead.
[Whoa. That Giant Hound is insanely fast.]
[But weird. No spirit energy, yet its soul is intact.]
The Death Knights showed interest in the Giant Hound, and Verdact nodded along.
[Sa-hu's gained some real power. The strongest Necromancer since awakening. Can't wait to see just how mighty it is.]
[Hahaha. Haven't heard that title in ages.]
The Death Knights burst into laughter at the title Myeongwang herself had bestowed on Kang Sa-hu after an incident seven years ago in the Necromancer Society.
The Giant Hound had no spirit, but it did have a soul—so it could think and feel emotions.
And right now.
As it raced through the outskirts of the Necromancer Society, the emotions it felt were bewilderment, astonishment, and a faint dread.
For a Giant Hound, arriving in this underworld alone was shocking enough. But the entire area ahead felt enveloped in an indescribably immense power.
It was a force even most Necromancers—masters of necromancy and spirit summoning—couldn't sense, limited to the absolute top echelon. Yet the Giant Hound, with instincts far sharper than any reasoning beast, perceived it naturally.
"You've got a good sense for qi."
Bound in a master-servant link, Kang Sa-hu sensed the hound's feelings and thoughts, chuckling softly.
The Giant Hound sent a curious probe about the sensation, but for once, Kang Sa-hu declined to answer.
"Ignorance is bliss."
He knew the secret behind that power all too well. Revealing it would bring more harm than good.
What if it learned the Necromancer Society itself stemmed from a single being—one who held limited power over life and death within this space?
Even a rational person would feel uneasy. For a Giant Hound, driven more by instinct than intellect, who knew what reaction it might have?
Of course, he could always revert it to a Soul Core or suppress it with his abilities if it panicked. But avoiding the hassle altogether was best.
"Not much farther. Hang in there a bit longer."
Woof woof!
The Giant Hound barked reassuringly at its master's caring words.
It had received regional info telepathically.
And it had crossed far greater distances multiple times back in Korea, so this was no burden.
The spot via Stonehenge was just the entrance to the Necromancer Society. The real heart began in Salisbury, still five kilometers away.
But the underworld had minimal elevation changes and few obstacles, making it ideal for the Giant Hound.
Soon after it picked up speed, the distant Necromancer Society drew near.
"Whoa! What the—?!"
As they ventured deeper from the outskirts, homes began appearing.
The outer areas housed many Necromancers experimenting with magic or risky tests, so skeletons, zombies, and dullahans—summoned familiars—dotted the landscape.
Necromancers startled by the approaching Giant Hound braced for attack, only to gape at Kang Sa-hu riding it.
"K-Kang Sa-hu?!"
"No way, Sa-hu?!"
"Hello. Long time no see."
Even in the underworld, the Necromancer Society bustled with people coming and going.
Kang Sa-hu bowed and greeted those who recognized him.
"Oh my gosh! Sa-huuu-!"
Another high-pitched greeting rang out, drawing a wry smile from Kang Sa-hu.
After a round of cheers from onlookers, he dismounted.
"Sa-huuuuu-!!"
A familiar voice cried out as someone charged at him.
Recognizing his father, Kang Seung-hwan, Kang Sa-hu smiled softly and embraced him.
"Father. Long time no see."
"Waaah! Sa-hu! How long has it been?!"
"It's not even a full year yet."
He'd arrived weeks before the Great Cataclysm, so a quick calculation put it under a year. Kang Seung-hwan wiped his tears.
"Nonsense! Feels like ten years! Let me get a good look at my boy!"
Though he said "look," he thoroughly checked arms, back, legs for injuries—then burst into tears again.
"Aigoo, my son! What happened to you?! How much did you suffer to bulk up like this?!"
At his words, Kang Sa-hu glanced at his own body.
Indeed, unlike his former lean, sharp look, he'd gained not just flesh but solid muscle—like a well-trained athlete.
"Just realizing it myself. Guess all that hunting toned me up naturally."
Mention of hunting conjured visions of his son's hardships, nearly setting Kang Seung-hwan off again.
Kang Sa-hu gently gripped his shoulder and turned him aside.
Whoosh!
As Kang Seung-hwan twisted in confusion, a palm sliced through the air where he'd stood.
Chilled, he stumbled back. There stood Kang Sa-hu's mother, Ella Carter, hair slightly disheveled from her rush.
"Sa-hu."
"Mother."
Unfazed by her missed strike, she called his name calmly and hugged him.
Kang Seung-hwan, watching from a few steps away, welled up again—but Ella's glare warned against nonsense, so he clamped his mouth with both hands.
"Sniff, snurf, snurf."
Ignoring his stifled sobs, Ella scanned Kang Sa-hu.
"You've built up quite the physique."
"Happened naturally from awakening and hunting."
Ella nodded in understanding.
"Must've been tough getting here. Let's settle in and talk. Fancy some black tea?"
"Yes, of course."
True to her British roots, she offered tea over coffee. Kang Sa-hu nodded and converted the Giant Hound back to its Soul Core.
Though she didn't show it, Ella's eyes widened anew at how the imposing beast vanished with a mere gesture from her son.
"...You've got plenty to tell—and questions for us too."
"Just like you said, let's chat over tea."
"Right. Let's go."
Ella linked arms with Kang Sa-hu, letting him escort her.
"Snurp, snurf!"
Fearful of a scolding smack, Kang Seung-hwan followed, still muffling his mouth with both hands.