Chapter 27. South Continent
South Continent. The hero team departed from the starting city of Eretria at the crack of dawn. As Kang Ji-hyuk watched the receding walls, he recalled the first time he'd laid eyes on Celly. He couldn't quite remember if it was the 13th loop or the 14th, but there was a faint memory of brushing past her. Their only exchange had been a simple greeting, but he'd often heard she was a skilled telekinesis mage. ...Would she accept?
Red Hawk Guild was one of the top ten guilds, so there was no guarantee they'd jump at his recruitment offer. Especially after he'd bluntly told them that if they were just chasing profits, they should look elsewhere. If she turned out to be the money-loving type, his chances would drop even further. Until he tested the waters, he couldn't say for sure. It was like Schrödinger's cat.
Gid scratched under his nose with his finger and asked Ji-hyuk in a sly tone.
“Boss, how strong is this Cheonma guy?”
Ji-hyuk glanced at the bald brute. His eyes were brimming with curiosity. Well, for guys who'd spent years in the mercenary world, debates about who was stronger were the ultimate icebreaker. In a world where strength decided hierarchy through raw contests, it was a natural question.
The hero spread his palm wide for all to see. At first, no one got it.
“He's in the top five on this continent.”
“For real? ...That old dude?!”
Ludvine was even more shocked than Gid. The idea that the kindly, next-door-neighbor type of guy was that strong was hard to swallow. But since it was the boss saying it, she couldn't exactly dismiss it either.
The lizardman Kayak nodded as if he'd half-expected it. Grace, the chain-smoking healer, just thought who gives a shit who's stronger and puffed away calmly. Comparisons like that were beneath a healer like her.
The carriage buzzed with chatter about who outranked whom. Ji-hyuk tuned it out and turned his gaze back outside. The city, bathed in the dawning light, had grown even more distant.
“Fuck, anyway, one thing I do know—no one beats me in the sack!”
In the end, Gid capped off the conversation by bragging about his stamina. Ludvine, already knowing he and Bruce were cut from the same lewd cloth, shot him a dirty look and wagged her finger scoldingly.
“Why are all you bald bastards such pervs?”
“I'm a man who's handled five women in one night, that's what!”
“Die of syphilis, creep.”
“Huh? Boss, guess what this redhead called me.”
“Hey, Boss isn't... hehe, nothing at all.”
Ludvine glared daggers at the bald idiot, grinding her teeth. Gid pulled a dumb face and kept teasing the freckled redhead.
“I'm gonna kill you for real.”
“Doonna keel yoo.”
“Don't mock me.”
“Doon mooock mee.”
At that point, Kayak cleared his throat pointedly—a signal to cut it out. Ludvine huffed and whipped her head away from Gid's smug face. When her mind was in turmoil, nothing soothed it like ogling the boss. Boss... She let her lewd fantasies unfurl again. Lately, her frustrations had been building—those thoughts hit harder than ever. ...Hell, she'd even snuck in a quick masturbation session last night.
The carriage fell quiet once more. Yawns spread like a contagion. Outside, day was breaking, but inside, it felt like night was deepening. Everyone drifted into sleep or deep thought.
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The hero team traveled nonstop for a full ten days before finally reaching the mid-sized city of Pesonomia.
Rumors of the demon cult's presence hung in the air, giving the place an eerie chill. Unease flickered in the eyes of passersby on the streets.
“Fuck, this place gives me the creeps.”
Even with people around, it felt like a ghost town. The overcast sky didn't help. Soon, fat raindrops began to plop down, and by the time the carriage reached the inner castle, the heavens unleashed a torrent.
Ji-hyuk gave his subordinates and comrades a casual heads-up as they passed through the gates.
“Mission's basically underway now. Stay sharp, everyone.”
“Got it, Boss.”
This was demon cult business. No telling when or where those maniacs might strike, so slackening off wasn't an option.
The carriage pulled up to the count's castle through the downpour. The team hopped out, shielding their heads, and dashed inside.
Someone was already waiting in the hall, having heard of their arrival. Not the count, but his wife. The dignified middle-aged lady welcomed the heroes with great fanfare. The empire must have been eagerly awaiting their aid.
“Welcome to Pesonomia, heroes.”
“We're grateful for such a grand reception, Madam.”
“After coming all this way without hesitation, it's the least we could do. I only hope the journey wasn't too taxing.”
“Your hospitality is more than enough.”
They exchanged light pleasantries. The countess provided fine lodgings and a meal for the team. It was getting late, so she seemed inclined to save business for tomorrow.
She'd gone all out—each team member got two personal maids. Gid's face split into a goofy grin at the thought of steamy bath service.
Ji-hyuk was shown to the largest, most lavish room. His maids were especially stunning, clearly assigned with nighttime duties in mind.
The hero enjoyed their thorough bath assistance. There were subtle brushes near his groin. But he didn't touch them. The mission had started the moment they entered the city. As leader, he couldn't afford to relax in this comfort.
After bathing and changing into fresh clothes, Ji-hyuk headed to the dining hall for a simple dinner before returning to his room.
Rumble...
Outside, the rain still poured in sheets, thunder crashing and lightning flashing.
Ji-hyuk stood by the window, taking in the rainy nightscape. The empty streets, slick with water, carried a desolate air. He sipped tea from a cup on the table.
His mind was a whirlwind. Demon cult, gang leader, mysterious stone. This was his first time diving into this mission personally, so details were fuzzy. He just knew those elements connected somehow. Tomorrow's briefing on the city's situation should clarify things.
After a while gazing out, he lay down. Soft warmth enveloped him. Yet the city's ominous aura seeped in, prickling his skin like a blade. ...Cozy lodgings, but no peaceful night.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The next morning, late. Ji-hyuk finished preparing and sought the count. But he was too ill for talk. The countess met him instead.
“Did you sleep well last night?”
“Yes, quite comfortably.”
“I'm relieved. I was worried you might be uncomfortable.”
The middle-aged lady smiled and took a sip of tea. A brief lull in conversation. Ji-hyuk scanned her face closely.
“Can I hear exactly what's going on?”
“Of course.”
She set her cup down with a clink and licked her lips lightly.
“It started about half a year ago.”
Her tale went something like this:
- Half a year ago, the demon cult's crow legions began raiding villages.
- Realizing the threat, the count mobilized private soldiers to track them but failed.
- After a few more raids, the cult infiltrated the city itself.
- Disappearances multiplied, but no leads.
And she added at the end:
“They're definitely in bed with the gang leader. How else could they sneak inside? ...With the demon cult involved, we couldn't risk stirring them up ourselves. That's why we called the empire. If the gang joins in, it'd be a real mess.”
“You did the right thing.”
The demon cult was a massive heretical group. Tangled with the gang leader, it was too much for the count alone. Poke wrong, and they'd bite back. Calling in hero specialists was smart.
“Can you handle it before it blows up? Knights and soldiers at your disposal.”
“Can't move without investigation. No proof the gang's with the cult yet. Just suspicion, right?”
Her gentle tone sharpened.
“Investigation? Why? It's obvious the gang leader's behind it. Take him out, and things go back to normal.”
“Madam, the cult's the priority. That's why I'm here. If the gang's involved, we'll deal with them too. ...Understood?”
“...That's hard to grasp.”
“Leave it to me. I'll sort it out. ...Have the knights and soldiers ready to move on my order.”
“...Fine.”
Ji-hyuk flashed a reassuring smile.
“I get your worry for the city. Don't stress. If the gang leader's a problem, he's gone.”
“Please take care of it.”
They rose and bowed lightly. As Ji-hyuk turned away, his face hardened instantly.
...Something felt off. Uneasy.