Chapter 246
Chapter 246
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 247
Chapter Title: Devil's Forest Training
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Friday evening, 8 PM.
The monster field near Taebaek Mountain, 'Devil's Forest.'
Paaaat—!
A magic circle rose from the ground, and six massive tree trunks were summoned, shooting up like sprouting vines.
The trunks writhed like living snakes before rapidly launching toward their target.
—Kieeeek!
The B-Grade monster, 'Green Forest Demon,' saw the incoming trunks and bolted in panic.
But it didn't last long.
A new trunk summoned in front of it, blocking its path.
With its way blocked, the Green Forest Demon panicked.
The trunks chasing from behind wrapped around its legs, and soon its entire body was bound by the vines, rendering it immobile.
—Kiek! Kieeek!
Terrified, the Green Forest Demon twisted its body to escape the tightening vines.
But Gretel's vines, enhanced by the Millennium Ginseng, only squeezed tighter.
"...Whoa. Impressive."
I marveled at the Green Forest Demon completely ensnared by the vines.
Its binding ability had leveled up significantly.
Gretel's trunks were tougher than before, and each one could move with precise control. This was superior to most binding spells.
"Gretel, you're amazing."
"Ungae."
Gretel looked at me and smiled cutely.
I smiled back.
Consuming the S-Grade spirit medicine, Millennium Ginseng, had clearly helped her a ton.
At this level, I could summon her in real combat and fight alongside her.
Of course, I could only summon her as Kim Jinwoo, which was a shame, but she'd definitely be a big help.
Worth giving up the spirit medicine.
I conjured a magic orb and smashed the head of the fully bound Green Forest Demon.
[You defeated the B-Grade monster 'Green Forest Demon' through coordinated combat with your summon.]
['Immortal Demonic Tree Gretel''s stats have slightly increased.]
['Immortal Demonic Tree Gretel' feels joy.]
['Mysterious Demonic Tree Fruit???]'s positive energy has been infused.]
After checking the messages, I turned to Gretel.
A small golden fruit had newly sprouted above her head.
I swallowed hard at the sight.
I didn't know what effect it held, but since the 'Fruit Generation' rank had risen, its effects must have improved too.
What could it do?
Ah, I wanted to try it right now.
"......Ungae?"
Gretel sensed my fruit-staring intent—murderous? maybe—and looked at me anxiously.
I quickly averted my gaze and played it cool.
Then I checked the time.
8:05 PM.
Appointment time was approaching. I'd confirmed Gretel's abilities, so time to head to the meeting spot.
"Gretel, good work. Go rest at home."
"Ungae."
I immediately unsummoned her.
A bright flash, and Gretel's form vanished completely.
I dusted off my hands and headed down the mountain.
"Sunwoo!"
Arriving at the spot, today's appointee, Yoon Hayoung, greeted me with a bright smile.
Her uniform meant she'd come straight from school activities.
"What's up? Calling me out like this all of a sudden."
Yoon Hayoung asked with a grin.
"No real reason—just wanted to check how much you've practiced Demon Slayer."
With original events accelerating, hidden demons might start acting up.
Plus, the Hansung family's 'Sibling Strife'—the catalyst from the original—had begun, so it was time to boost Yoon Hayoung's power accordingly.
"Demon Slayer? Hmm, that's fine, but where do we test it? It only works on demon-type monsters."
"Right here. We've got 'Devil's Forest.'"
"Devil's Forest? Oh! I think I've heard there's one on Taebaek Mountain."
"Yeah, I scouted a bit earlier and spotted some demon-types."
"Really? Neat."
Yoon Hayoung glanced at the mountain behind me and muttered blankly.
And so, Yoon Hayoung and I climbed toward Devil's Forest.
To encounter demon monsters, we had to go deep—about 15 minutes in.
Then Yoon Hayoung glanced at me and asked.
"Sunwoo. You studying for midterms?"
Midterms?
As far as I remembered, nothing special happened during these.
The Sacred Martial Festival was over, so no need to obsess over grades like before.
Of course, prepare for surprises, but without a trigger, I was fairly relaxed.
"Not really."
"Ooh~ As expected of the Sacred Martial Festival MVP. Confident, huh?"
Not getting my meaning, Yoon Hayoung took it differently.
I just smiled faintly instead of answering.
—Grooooowl...
A demon's cry echoed from somewhere in the forest, brushing past our ears.
Tense, Yoon Hayoung stopped and scanned the surroundings.
—Kieeeek!
At the same time, a forest demon charged us with a screech.
Its massive build suggested at least A-Grade.
As I prepared to counter, a pure white energy beam shot from behind me toward it.
Paaang—
I blinked in daze.
......What?
The monster charging us had vanished in the blink of an eye.
An anticlimactic end for an A-Grade.
"Whoa. What was that?"
I turned, stunned.
In just a few months, Demon Slayer had grown much stronger.
Faster progress than expected.
Yoon Hayoung looked at me and grinned.
"Sunwoo. I've gotten a lot better, right?"
Meanwhile, at a hidden villa somewhere in Gangwon Province belonging to Han Sejin.
Elrin walked the villa's hallway with a stiff expression.
She had guard duty for Han Sejin that evening.
She'd joined under him to subjugate Jaun, but he'd blackmailed her with the Hansung clan's secret tome, 'Book of Runes,' forcing her hand.
And for prideful Elrin, this grated.
But she had to endure.
Just two and a half more years.
Once the contract ended, she'd get the clan tome back from Hansung.
And mastering 'Rune Binding' from it would let her get revenge on Jaun and Hansung.
......She wished, but she knew even with Rune Binding, she couldn't take on both powers alone.
For true revenge, she'd need like-minded allies.
"I wonder what the priestess is up to."
Curiosity struck.
The clan priestess who'd cast Rune Binding before her.
Probably preparing something else for the clan's vengeance.
Having already taken out one Jaun member, she surely had reliable comrades unlike Elrin.
"......Take me in too."
Sigh.
If she could learn Rune Binding directly from her, no need for this misery under Hansung.
Why hadn't she?
......Because I'm too young?
Feeling regretful, Elrin reached the end of the hall—Han Sejin's door.
As she raised her hand to knock.
—Aren't you worrying too much?
Han Sejin's voice, conversing with someone.
—Han Sejin Vice Chairman, do you know how much we've invested in you?
—I do. Don't worry. Hansung Group will be mine.
—Fine. We'll handle Han Seoyeon. No sibling bonds between you two, so you won't object?
—......That's not a big issue, but if you go too far, Father might notice.
—I'll handle it.
Creak.
The door opened, and a cold-faced man emerged.
Spotting Elrin, he stared.
Elrin met his gaze calmly.
He turned sharply and left down the hall.
Elrin blankly watched his back.
Ominous magic power. Her 'Rune Clan' blood's special detection told her he wasn't human.
'......A demon?'
Time flew to Saturday evening, 8 PM.
The day I'd promised drinks with Han Seoyeon.
The spot: a quiet out-of-the-way bar on Seoul's outskirts, picked by Han Seoyeon to avoid eyes.
Not your average dive—luxurious rooms with perfect soundproofing.
"So, you discovered ore in a dungeon and started a company?"
At the bar, Han Seoyeon and I caught up on recent events.
She shared about Han Daehyun and Han Sejin; I explained starting Ddal.
Mine were all coincidences, so Han Seoyeon kept reacting with surprise throughout.
"Feels like all the luck happens just to you, Jinwoo."
"Yeah."
I smiled faintly, feigning ignorance.
"No, really—is it good luck or sharp instincts? And you know so much. Weirdly so......"
I sipped my drink instead of answering.
First booze in ages—goes down smooth. Nice. High-end stuff always hits different.
"......I'm really curious. Who are you?"
Han Seoyeon stared into my eyes. I smiled faintly back.
"But Han Seoyeon."
"Yes?"
"Any suspicious stuff lately?"
"Suspicious?"
"Yeah, like being tailed. Or watched."
She pondered my question.
"......Not sure. Why?"
"You're a chairman candidate—bound to happen. And who knows what crazies might do."
This was worrying about demon interference from the original.
Han Sejin had long dealt with demons for his goals.
"Hmm. Hard to say so far. But yeah, makes me think I should be careful."
Han Seoyeon muttered thoughtfully.
I nodded and gathered my things.
"Alright, shall we head out? Don't wanna overdo the drinking."
"Yeah. Important times for both of us."
We stepped out of the bar.
Cool night air brushed my skin. Nice buzz.
Wanted more, but given the timing, caution first.
Would suck if demons ambushed like in the original.
Glancing over, Han Seoyeon wore a hat and mask.
Probably minding prying eyes.
"Then, see you here..."
That's when it hit.
A chilling aura swept over me.
Killing intent—from not one, but several. Probably three...
"......Jinwoo?"
My face hardened suddenly; Han Seoyeon called my name.
I quickly gathered mana.
Couldn't predict the attack—better prepare.
Then, powerful magic surged.
From a nearby rooftop.
Magic energy shot toward Han Seoyeon.
I dashed in front, erecting a barrier to block.
Kwaaaang!
Sensing the intent let me fend off the surprise.
On the roof, a figure glared. Scanning revealed a demon.
So, one of Han Sejin's demon underlings.
I conjured magic orbs and fired.
Paaaang—!
"Argh!"
A scream.
Hit true. Not tanking basic spells meant not too strong.
Problem: two more lurked...
"......J-Jinwoo?"
Shocked by the assault, Han Seoyeon called me shakily.
She pulled out her smartphone, probably to call security, but froze at the screen.
"What's wrong?"
She looked at me with trembling eyes.
"......Father collapsed."