Chapter 12. Demon Realm
With basic training complete, Mahushu finally dove into full combat drills. From that moment, Ji-hyuk's demeanor shifted completely. He'd been as gentle as a spring breeze while drilling fundamentals, but now he was fierce and chilling as a storm.
"Distance control is everything with a spear. I'm going to drill that into you starting now."
"Yes."
"Your basics are solid enough, so it's time to learn techniques."
He gripped a crude wooden sword. A razor-sharp aura slammed into Mahushu's body.
Agh—
She instinctively staggered back a step. It was a truly spine-tingling presence.
"I'll attack first. No holding back. ...Here we go."
"Yes."
Mahushu gripped her short spear with both hands, aimed it at Ji-hyuk, and lowered into stance. He charged at her. She thrust her spear out fast—but he slipped past it effortlessly and closed into her guard. The wooden sword thwacked her side. He'd moderated the force, but it still packed a punch.
"Ugh."
The groan burst out; it hurt like hell.
"You're dead."
Frustration surged through Mahushu. Beastkin blood ran hot in her veins, fueling an intense competitive fire.
"Again—let's go again!!"
"Good."
Ji-hyuk fell back, then advanced once more. Mahushu focused harder this time, thrusting her spear quicker toward his approach. But again, he dodged and thwacked her body with the wooden sword. It stung enough to bring tears to her eyes. That only ignited her resolve further.
I won't lose—!
"Again!!"
She demanded rematches over and over. By the end, bruises mottled her entire body. He didn't hesitate on her face either—a livid welt slashed across her cheek like a streak. Only after a brutal crack to her neck did she finally go quiet. Her eyes blazed with fury, but she clearly hated taking another hit.
"Frustrated?"
"...Yes."
"Then get stronger. Weak warriors die. You just died a hundred times."
"I'll get stronger—!!"
Mahushu bellowed it at the top of her lungs. Ji-hyuk grinned.
Yeah, that's the spirit. Makes raising her worthwhile.
"But you're not a true warrior yet."
Her face flushed crimson, eyes trembling with rage. Honorable warrior—that was her core. Denying it struck at her very existence.
"Put in the work, though, and you can become a warrior everyone reveres. Everything takes process. You think great warriors popped out overnight? Nah."
"...Yes."
"So give it everything. I'll guarantee you become that person."
"Yes, I will—I swear I'll work hard. I'll become a great warrior—!!"
Ji-hyuk nodded, satisfied. First step locked in.
"Alright, let's get serious. Time for techniques. Memorize them and drill nonstop."
Mahushu followed his teachings without question, learning fast even for a beastkin. At this rate, she'd be a standout warrior before they even reached the capital. Her obedience and quick uptake made teaching fun for Ji-hyuk. He finally got why Eizel had been so obsessed with him—molding talent into something extraordinary was a hell of a rush.
"Good work today. ...Wanna keep practicing?"
"Yes."
"Then grind it out. I'm heading back."
Ji-hyuk patted her back. Warmth seeped from her body into his palm. As he headed to the lodging, someone approached midway—a messenger from the baron, by the look.
"His Lordship summons you."
"Got it. On my way."
Ji-hyuk skipped the lodging and veered straight for the palace. He soon reached the baron's office.
"You called...?"
"Sit comfortably."
Ji-hyuk took the chair without protest. A maid poured tea and set down the cup. He gulped it down.
"Everything you asked for is ready. You could leave right now."
"Ah, really? I'm just grateful for the trouble."
"It's the least I can do."
The demon hadn't emerged from the Demon Realm yet, but demons could turn anytime. They couldn't act directly, so watching helplessly sucked—but processing it fast was best. Help was help, win or lose.
"Then we leave tomorrow."
"...That soon?"
The baron hadn't expected an immediate departure. But Ji-hyuk didn't budge.
"Staying a day or two longer changes nothing. Better to handle it ASAP."
He seemed to underestimate the terror. The baron worried.
"Demons aren't pushovers."
"Don't sweat it. I've killed them myself."
"If there's no issue, that's a relief... I just hope nothing bad happens to you."
Ji-hyuk grinned.
"Won't."
The group left at dawn. In the jolting carriage, Ji-hyuk silently watched the fields brighten. The Demon Realm loomed close now; everyone clamped their mouths shut, lost in thoughts.
They soon reached a small village by a babbling brook and paused for a meal. Food eased the tension—Gid started yapping.
"Fuck, wanna get that bath service again."
He leered sleazily, reminiscing about the maids' soft hands. Even on break, Mahushu drilled her spear forms. Yael pushed at double casting, so close yet that wall wouldn't budge. Kayak joined the frenzy, swinging his mace. Grendal sat in meditation as always. Gid alone sprawled on the dirt, chilling.
After scanning the group, Ji-hyuk headed to the knights. They rose at his approach.
"Nah, relax. Just checking in. ...Everything good?"
The knight captain leading them nodded.
"Yes, no issues."
Ji-hyuk eyed the six knights. All young except the older captain—probably scions from notable city families.
"Glad to hear. Speak up if problems or suggestions arise."
"Understood."
Ji-hyuk clapped the knight's arm and returned. The group rested longer, then rolled out. Sunset was hours off. The carriage pushed west over uneven dirt, jolting constantly. Drowsing Gid smacked his head against the wall multiple times, jolting awake.
"Ow, fuck. Drive smoother..."
Two more stops later, a tiny abandoned farming hamlet appeared—deserted, ramshackle huts, but better than camping raw. They claimed spots and crashed.
Next dawn, they ate quick and pushed west. Paths vanished; the carriage rattled over grass-choked trails studded with rocks. Risking a busted axle, Ji-hyuk called it—walk from here. Porters unloaded gear; the rest shouldered packs and trekked.
Grass rose from ankles to waist-high. The lead guide hacked ahead with a scythe, toppling stalks. Their path lay flattened behind.
"Watch for snakes."
Ji-hyuk warned against straying—snakes in the brush. Yael, creeped out by crawlers, glued to Mahushu with jittery eyes. Over a low hill, the Demon Realm forest appeared—eerie trees looming ominously. Even first-timers among the knights tensed up.
"Shit, creepy as fuck."
Gid spat and summed it up. Ominous vibes rippled like demons might burst out any second. Mahushu gawked curiously at the dense woods—a marvel after a lifetime of endless sands.
"Move."
They trudged slowly into the Demon Realm, halting before a narrow ditch as dusk fell—camp here. They cleared grass first, lit a fire, skewered dried meat to roast. Savory smells watered mouths. By setup's end, night deepened; the forest grew more sinister.
Ji-hyuk set rotating watches with the group and knights alternating nights. Knights first tonight. Bellies full, they bedded down. Gid groaned as he lay.
"Aaaah—"
Thin mats on dirt, but exhaustion made it comfy. Stars glittered beautifully overhead. Ji-hyuk gazed briefly, then closed his eyes.
Uwoooo—
Some unknown beast howled distantly, repeatedly through the night. Dreams were restless.
The group rose at dawn. Yesterday's clear sky now hung heavy with clouds. Ji-hyuk eyed it worriedly.
...Rain already? Bad start.
No rain fell, but clouds stubbornly blocked the sun. Torches lit the forest entrance—towering trees made it darker inside. Ji-hyuk walked beside the guide, aiming for the stele site deep somewhere. He'd gotten that from the herbalist.
"A stele...?"
The herbalist guide looked blank. Made sense—even old-timers didn't venture deep, just skimmed edges.
"Not a stele, but I saw some ruins."
"Lead there."
"Yes, sir."
The herbalist strode ahead; the group followed in two lines. Fields receded. Mahushu glanced back uneasily. Her sharp instincts screamed warning: Don't go in.
Yael felt it too, differently—impurities tainting the mana. Demonic energy. She'd sensed it from demons before: sticky, repulsive. Faint now, but like bugs crawling on skin.
"Fuck, my ass itches."
Gid voiced the grossness bluntly. Grendal and Kayak sensed the malice too. Knights occasionally gasped, rubbing necks—the air hummed with killing intent.
They trudged on, anxiety churning. Torch in hand tailing the guide, Ji-hyuk felt eyes on him. His head snapped toward it—nothing. He slowly turned forward, cracking his neck.
This bastard... already onto me?
Sharp instincts, as expected from a fugitive. Ji-hyuk's target was an odd demon: a coward who'd fled to the continent after losing a power struggle in the demon world. Once a Demon King's favorite concubine. A slut who'd spread for lowly humans for power. And still deluded, biding time for a comeback.
The whore of whores: Shaiya.
They'd come to capture that bitch.