Chapter 248
Chapter 248
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 249
Chapter Title: The Ten Demons Assemble
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Somewhere in South Korea, in the hidden lair of the Ten Demon Society.
In pitch-black darkness where nothing was visible, eight demons gathered after a long time.
"It's been ages since we've all met like this."
A voice echoed from the darkness. Then another voice came from the opposite side.
"Not everyone's here. Two are missing."
Silence fell over the lair at those words.
The two who had vanished.
They were referring to Seong-jin and Won-hyeok, S-Rank demons who had died last year during the mission to identify the Child of Prophecy.
Even if the demons within the Ten Demon Society didn't get along well, it was still sad to lose comrades they'd been with for so long.
"Enough of the gloomy talk. Let's discuss why we're here today."
Someone spoke up, and everyone nodded.
"I heard Han Dae-hyeon collapsed today?"
"Word is it was a cerebral hemorrhage. He got through the worst of it, but it's true he doesn't have much time left."
"Heh heh. It looks like it's finally time for us to step out into the world. We need to get Han Se-jin to take over Hansung Group quickly."
Han Se-jin was a prime pro-demon figure.
And one of the rare humans willing to join hands with demons to fulfill his own desires.
Since demons and Han Se-jin could fill each other's needs, they had maintained a secret, deep relationship for a long time.
All of this had been prepared bit by bit through the 'prophecy' given by the King of the First Generation demons.
"It's too early to celebrate. Han Se-jin hasn't been confirmed as the next owner yet."
"Hm? Isn't it already decided?"
"Don't you know Han Se-yeon has been rapidly gaining ground within Hansung Group lately? There are still variables."
"Han Se-yeon... Yeah, her reputation has been good these days. She's proving herself with results too. An unexpected wildcard."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
Unlike her brother Han Se-jin, her younger sister Han Se-yeon's competence was already known worldwide.
"Oh right, what happened with that? The plan to assassinate Han Se-yeon."
"It failed. We targeted a moment without security, but there must've been a mistake. Even with two A-Rank demons... Tsk."
The voice of the demon who had failed the mission sounded frustrated.
"I heard the opponent was Kim Jin-woo."
"...Kim Jin-woo? You mean that demon hunter?"
The name Kim Jin-woo caused a small stir in the lair.
Among demons, 'Kim Jin-woo' was known by the nickname 'demon hunter,' as famous as the Child of Prophecy—almost no one hadn't heard of him.
There were even rumors that Kim Jin-woo had the ability to distinguish demons.
"That guy's always getting tangled up with us somehow."
"Hmm. True. But didn't we only send two A-Rank demons this time? And he took them all down by himself?"
One demon muttered in disbelief.
As the conversation about Kim Jin-woo and Hansung Group continued for a while.
Someone who had been quietly observing since the meeting began murmured softly.
"...This is chaotic."
The lair fell silent in an instant.
Everyone shut their mouths and turned toward the voice.
Someone was lounging in a massive chair.
It was the demons' 'King.'
"We haven't even identified the most important Child of Prophecy, and now we can't even tell who will take over the Han family. What a pathetic situation."
Everyone bowed their heads and avoided the King's dissatisfied gaze as he muttered.
"We'll have to use 'that.'"
"...'That'?"
"Prepare the sacrifices to activate the Prophet's Altar."
Everyone's faces filled with shock at the King's declaration.
The Prophet's Altar.
It was the mystical name holding the power of prophecy.
To use its power required an enormous number of sacrifices—from humans to demons' souls, and even other mystical elements.
That was why, even though the demons possessed the mystery of prophecy, they rarely attempted to glimpse the future.
At the same time, everyone in the Ten Demon Society thought the same thing.
...Soon, a storm of blood would sweep the world.
After the incident with the Han family, the weekend flew by in a flash. Monday, the start of the week, arrived.
"Hey! Kim Sun-woo! Team up with us!"
"Come with us. I'll buy you lunch!"
"Senior! Join our team!"
The Wizard Academy had turned into exam season.
Especially this midterm, there was a group project for all grades together—teams of six, with two members chosen freely per grade—leading to constant love calls from everywhere.
In other words, it was a huge hassle.
I already had plenty to think about with Hansung Group and the demons, and I was exhausted enough as it was.
"Alright, everyone quiet down."
At my words, the roughly thirty students gathered hoping to team up with me fell silent.
The noisy classroom went dead quiet with one word from me, drawing an incredulous chuckle.
What kind of situation was this?
"Honestly, I don't even know most of you, so I'll leave picking my teammate to you guys. Compete among yourselves and the winner comes."
?
The students blinked blankly, as if they hadn't expected this.
"You get it, right? So go kill each other... I mean, go outside, discuss among yourselves, and just one of you come back."
"Oh. Okay. Got it."
The students nodded and started conferring among themselves.
"Uh... so how do we compete? Rock-paper-scissors?"
"That's not fair. Let's spar evenly."
"You guys decide that and get out."
I shooed them with my hand, and they poured out into the hallway.
Whatever they chose, it'd take time, and the winner would come find me.
It didn't matter who.
With 'rank adjustment points,' teaming with low scorers still gave an advantage.
"Whew."
With a moment of peace, I rested my chin on the desk and gazed out the window.
During lunch, students were peacefully playing soccer on the field. Some familiar faces too.
Shin Young-jun, Jeon Min-gi, Park In-hwan...
Dazedly watching, I used mana, making the ball's movements look brutally magical.
Especially Shin Young-jun tackling with a mad grin—like a lunatic incarnate.
...So peaceful.
"...Tsk."
As expected, the demons had started moving.
Han Se-yeon had nearly met a bad end.
Even thinking back gave me chills.
I wouldn't feel at ease until I resolved the demon issue ASAP.
In the original story, after Han Dae-hyeon died, there was a brief period when Han Se-jin took over the Han family.
That was also when demons rampaged, causing massive chaos in society.
If demons started running wild in this ever-changing world, that'd be when Hell's Gate truly opened.
What should I do?
The thought crossed my mind.
What if I used the wish ticket from Ja-un for demon subjugation...
With Ja-un's power, we wouldn't be at a big disadvantage even against the Ten Demon Society.
"Hmm."
As I pondered various future plans while admiring the view outside.
An alarm popped up in front of me.
A text message synced from my smartphone.
Using the outsider perk, I checked it immediately.
[Jin-woo, I want to repay you for helping me last time. You free today?]
It was from Han Se-yeon.
8 PM that evening.
As promised with Han Se-yeon, I headed to Hansung Medical Center where Han Dae-hyeon was hospitalized, disguised as Kim Jin-woo.
Ding.
I got off the elevator and arrived at the VIP ward.
The waiting area was empty.
No signs of people around. Neither Han Se-jin nor Han Se-yeon in sight.
Opening my smartphone, a new message had arrived.
[Got held up at work, might be 10 minutes late. Sorry! Be right there!]
Ten minutes was fine. I could wait.
I sat in the chair in front of the hospital room.
As I waited for Han Se-yeon, the door to the room opened and someone stepped out.
An immense presence hit me, sending chills down my spine.
The strongest sword guarding the Han family and Han Dae-hyeon.
The Sword Ghost, Jang Su-gi.
I bowed politely, and Jang Su-gi crossed his arms, staring straight at me.
His probing gaze made me tense for no reason.
Jang Su-gi's skill was among the world's top five.
"We've been seeing a lot of you lately. Here to meet the young lady?"
"Yes, that's right."
I said, lifting the fruit basket in my hand.
Jang Su-gi nodded and went back inside. He emerged again shortly after and spoke to me.
"The Chairman says to come in."
...Han Dae-hyeon?
I was puzzled but nodded and entered the room. I had things to discuss with Han Dae-hyeon anyway, so I welcomed it.
Inside was a luxurious room.
Not a hospital room—more like a top-tier hotel suite. Especially the view from the window.
"Long time no see."
Han Dae-hyeon said from his bed. Despite collapsing, he looked healthier than expected.
"Long time no see. How's your health?"
"I'm fine. Sit down. I meant to meet last time, but it's been delayed."
I sat in the chair by the bed.
Han Dae-hyeon stared at me intently before speaking.
"You were with Se-yeon on Saturday?"
"Yes, we had a personal appointment."
"I heard you protected her during the attack. Thank you truly."
"Not at all."
Han Dae-hyeon nodded and fell into thought for a moment.
"Let's continue from our last talk. You said you could solve my problem, right?"
When I'd met Han Dae-hyeon before, I'd said that to pique his interest.
His problem was regret over past actions.
Guilt toward his siblings he'd fought against to become head of the Han family.
He feared history repeating with his own children.
That was why he'd picked Han Se-jin as successor—not wanting to encourage competition between his kids.
But Han Se-yeon had inherited the Han family's 'ambition' more than anyone.
For those carrying Han blood, competing over Hansung Group was inevitable fate.
"I can help, though not a complete solution."
"How? Do you even know what my worry is?"
After some thought, I spoke.
"From what I see, Vice Chairman Han Se-jin has inherited much of your ruthless side."
Did my words come out of nowhere? Doubt flickered in Han Dae-hyeon's eyes.
"...What are you saying?"
"Aren't you worried Vice Chairman Han Se-jin might harm Director Han Se-yeon?"
Han Dae-hyeon clamped his mouth shut. No change in expression, but his eyes betrayed agitation.
"I know. Once you pass, Vice Chairman Han Se-jin won't let Han Se-yeon live."
Han Dae-hyeon showed no particular reaction, as if he knew too.
"Generation after generation, the Han family never spares those blocking their path."
This wasn't just my knowledge—it was written in this world's history.
I told Han Dae-hyeon.
"I'll take responsibility for protecting Han Se-yeon. If you don't trust me, I can swear a blood oath. In return, I have a favor to as—
That was when.
With a creak, the door opened.
I stopped speaking and turned toward it.
Han Se-yeon was staring at me in surprise.