Chapter 177
Chapter 177
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>Translator: Ryuma
>Chapter: 177
>Chapter Title: Career Path (2)
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All of these plans had been devised by her, and carried out by her.
The instructors of the Demonic Path Academy, and even Pavilion Master Yeom Ga-hwi, had readily accepted the plan and allowed the junior cadets to participate for a simple reason.
“Ha-at!”
It served as proof that the cadets had overcome the memories of that day.
Just as the instructors and Pavilion Master Yeom Ga-hwi had hoped, the cadets confronted those memories with unshaken eyes.
As fanatics chanting Ala's name swarmed from all directions.
Clang!
“Ha-at!”
They unleashed martial arts even more refined than on that day, decisively driving back Ala's fanatics.
Dokgo Pae, who had been scolded by Il-mok as a fool, now displayed a greatly improved Dokgo Lone Sword after months of dedicated practice, bravely fending off fanatics at the vanguard.
“Uhahaha! I am Dokgo Pae, the eldest grandson of the Dokgo Clan!”
Whenever he swung his massive greatsword packed with immense power, those playing the fanatics had to frantically leap aside or roll on the ground.
It was only natural.
‘Damn it. I heard this was all just acting.’
‘Why isn’t Senior Dokgo following the choreography!’
Excited, Dokgo Pae was swinging his sword as if it were real combat.
But Dokgo Pae was the only one standing out like that. The overall flow of the battle was vastly different from that day.
The cadet who had been wounded in the thigh and rescued by So-hong fought bravely to repel the fanatics, and the one who had barely survived thanks to the Black Tiger Squad members was no different.
Jeong-hyeon, instead of falling into heart demons, supported the allies with arrows using the Spirit Archery Technique from the start of the battle, while Gwak Sul calmly issued commands.
Joo Seo-yeon, who had suffered a grievous injury protecting Il-mok that day, now simply bravely repelled the fanatics without guarding him.
Though the battle's progression was entirely different from reality, no one minded.
This play was to commemorate their escape from nightmares—to celebrate their true victory in that holy war.
“Hahaha! How feeble you are, leader of these heretics!”
The one reciting the most out-of-touch lines was, predictably, the protagonist playing Il-mok: Bang Mi-hwa.
She couldn’t care less.
The higher-ups saw it as some religious or progressive event.
‘As the second president of the Drama Club, I have zero intention of following the legacy left by the first!’
In truth, she had prepared this performance for purely personal reasons.
Last year’s play had been made by Baek Cheon, so repeating it would make him the star, not her.
After clashing weapons countless times with Chu Il-hwan, who was scripted as the enemy leader.
True to the protagonist role, per the script, her sword sliced across Chu Il-hwan’s throat.
“Guh…”
As the heretic leader groaned and collapsed, she declared boldly in Il-mok’s role.
“Hahaha! How dare you heretics invade the Divine Cult’s territory! I, Il-mok, the eighth disciple of the great one, shall not forgive you!!”
Whether that was the final line or not, soon all of Ala's fanatics lay fallen.
Those standing firm were all Il-mok’s classmates.
Unlike that day when they had barely survived the battle, each wore a spirited expression.
All but one.
The real protagonist of the play, Il-mok—who had been assigned the audience role—alone had a flushed face.
‘Please. Someone make a mouse hole for me.’
It felt like the heart demons he had barely escaped were coming back.
* * *
After the splendid graduation ceremony ended.
Il-mok left the Demonic Path Academy with his classmates and headed to the main headquarters.
“Where are you planning to go?”
“The Combat Squad seems best, don’t you think?”
“Hmm. I was leaning that way too. How about we join the same squad?”
Having graduated from the Demonic Path Academy, they could now proudly be called the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s junior disciples, chatting about their career paths as they walked.
Even Joo Seo-yeon, who had lived solely for the goal of entering the Silver Guard Hall as Il-mok’s maidservant and bodyguard, was thrilled at the thought of soon becoming the junior of her admired someone.
Jeong-hyeon, who had vowed the same to become Il-mok’s personal guard, followed behind him with an excited expression—though she kept her head bowed in embarrassment, unnoticed by others.
Il-mok didn’t mingle in the conversations like the others, but he exuded his own air of joy.
‘Finally. I’m finally free!’
He hadn’t felt this happy even on the day he passed the civil service exam and ended his grueling exam prep life.
After all, this was the end of his stay at what was essentially a preparatory mental asylum. He could boldly claim it had been harsher than exam prep life.
Of course, his classmates—who had splendidly graduated from the preparatory mental asylum—were no longer mere prospects. They had become full-fledged lunatics, but that was of no concern to Il-mok.
‘I won’t get tangled up with them anymore!’
Neither those classmates nor the lunatics swarming the headquarters. Not if things went according to his plan.
Then, Dokgo Pae strode forward with spirited steps and blocked Il-mok’s path.
“Young Master Il-mok. As of today, I plan to head to the Black Tiger Squad. Two seniors from the Black Tiger Squad protected us and departed half a year ago, so I’ll fill their vacancies, hone my skills, and one day become the head of the Dokgo Clan.”
Il-mok was puzzled.
He couldn’t understand why Dokgo Pae was declaring his personal vow to him.
But it was a good day, so Il-mok graciously humored the nonsense.
“Best of luck.”
He offered encouragement and tried to leave, but as expected of a lunatic, Dokgo Pae blocked him again.
“And someday, I’ll even compete with you for the Cult Leader position! So, as a rival and competitor, can you tell me? Young Master Il-mok, what do you plan to do for our Divine Cult from now on?”
Now it was clear: he was curious about Il-mok’s career path and had blocked him for that.
“Ahem. If what you plan to do is truly beneficial to the Divine Cult, I’ll join the Black Tiger Squad later and go with you instead.”
No sooner had he finished than the gazes of the walking cadets all turned to Il-mok.
They couldn’t help but be curious.
Il-mok had already told the Black Tiger Squad Leader and White Claw Squad Leader that after graduating, he would carry out a solemn order from the Heavenly Demon.
For the young junior disciples, it was an irresistible topic of curiosity. They just hadn’t dared ask directly.
And Il-mok, now the center of attention, answered.
“I’ll need to discuss it with Master first to know the specifics.”
There was no such mission from his master, but his face was utterly confident.
“Ahem. Then, after talking with the Venerable, let me know discreetly. I’ll hold off joining the Black Tiger Squad for a few days until you call for me.”
Il-mok nodded to Dokgo Pae’s insistent offer.
“Very well.”
Of course, he had zero intention of contacting him.
* * *
After passing through the forest path and reaching the headquarters entrance.
The junior disciples who had graduated from the Demonic Path Academy scattered in all directions.
“How far do you plan to follow me?”
At Il-mok’s question, Joo Seo-yeon and Jeong-hyeon—who had been happily trailing him—halted.
“Well, from now on, I’m Young Master’s maidservant, so I should follow you, right?”
Il-mok let out a light sigh at Joo Seo-yeon’s bright reply.
“Shouldn’t you first apply to enter the Silver Guard Hall, get accepted, and then come find me?”
“Ah…”
“…….”
Il-mok sighed faintly at the two women’s foolish expressions.
‘Has Jeong-hyeon been influenced by that idiot too…?’
Her sudden vow to become his maidservant was suspicious enough, and everything felt ominous.
As if she’d been brainwashed by Joo Seo-yeon.
“Even if Master orders it, I’ll be staying at Wind Rock Hall for a while, so both of you go apply to the Silver Guard Hall first.”
“You absolutely can’t abandon me, Young Master!”
“Y-Yes, as you say.”
Fortunately, Jeong-hyeon and Joo Seo-yeon reacted differently, clasped their fists in salute, and headed toward the Silver Guard Hall.
Having shaken off the two tails at last, Il-mok headed straight for the Heavenly Demon Hall.
At the end of the graduation ceremony. After that horrific play.
A transmission had awakened Il-mok’s spirit, on the verge of heart demons.
- When you return to headquarters, come see this old man first.
It was a transmission from his master, the Heavenly Demon.
The other self on the brink of outburst had vanished deep into his unconscious at that single transmission.
Upon arriving at the Heavenly Demon Hall, Il-mok immediately prostrated himself and paid respects to his master.
“I see the Lord of Ten Thousand Demons!”
“Hahaha. Rise.”
The Heavenly Demon’s eyes, smiling softly, held an overt emotion.
Pride.
“Hahaha. I knew your talent was exceptional, but even this old man didn’t expect you to escape Extreme Demon so soon after graduating from the Demonic Path Academy.”
It was a growth speed unprecedented in the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s history—even compared to the current Heavenly Demon himself.
At the Heavenly Demon’s lavish praise, Il-mok bowed his head modestly.
“It’s all thanks to Master’s teachings.”
“Hahaha. You’re gilding this old man’s face.”
The Silver Guard Hall Leader, who always stayed by the Heavenly Demon’s side, felt a novel sensation at his genuine joy.
Over ten years at the Heavenly Demon’s side as Silver Guard Hall Leader, yet this was the first time seeing him so delighted.
“I’ve heard the story.”
“……?”
At the abrupt remark, Il-mok made a puzzled face, and the Heavenly Demon continued.
“You told the Black Tiger Squad Leader and White Claw Squad Leader that this old man gave you a separate task?”
Il-mok nearly flinched.
‘Why are these guys so loose-lipped despite their appearances?’
He hadn’t expected them to tattle to his master.
“I-I’m sorry, Master.”
Having dared to misuse the Heavenly Demon’s name, he didn’t know what horrific punishment awaited.
Il-mok trembled in fear, but for some reason, the Heavenly Demon still looked pleased.
“Hahaha. No need to worry. As if this old man wouldn’t understand your intentions.”
“???”
“You used that excuse because you have something you absolutely want to do instead of joining a Combat Squad.”
Evidently, the Heavenly Demon’s eyes were fully covered by rose-tinted glasses.
“So now, tell me. This old man is quite curious too. What is this task you’re so eager to do for the Divine Cult, even invoking this old man’s name?”
“…….”
Il-mok swallowed dryly.
‘One wrong wrap, and I’m in danger.’
Il-mok’s goal had been singular from the start: head to a branch in the Central Plains.
As a rural branch, it would be free from the Heavenly Demon or senior brothers’ reach, with no one outranking him.
If he could get there, he could end this slave-like life and enjoy freedom.
Of course, Il-mok had already begun escaping Extreme Demon. No more dodging training or ignoring enlightenment under the pretense of mental illness.
Now, higher realms would alleviate his madness.
But even from that perspective, a Central Plains branch beat headquarters, Il-mok concluded.
‘Stay here, and I might get summoned daily by Master or Eldest Senior Brother to play knowledge blanket.’
He planned to settle in a quiet rural Central Plains branch, train peacefully, and rest.
The problem: spilling his true intentions honestly could lead to horrific punishment for misusing the Heavenly Demon’s name.
Realizing his life hung on his three-inch tongue, Il-mok’s mind raced.
Fortunately, ever since deciding on the Central Plains, he had prepared a pretext in advance.