Chapter 282: Everyone Makes Mistakes
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 282: Everyone Makes Mistakes
Renowned heroes gathered from all across the realm. Their staging ground was Joaquin Academy—the undisputed final destination of the Demon King’s army.
Barely a week had passed since the emergency countermeasure meeting. Yet, the vast majority of heroes willingly responded to the mobilization order.
Executive Director Seong (formerly Director Seong), who had expected major hurdles during conscription, felt the creases on his forehead smooth out. He had assumed that even in a great war threatening humanity's survival, heroes of noble origin would prioritize their own skin. They were simply that kind of breed.
Yet, they had voluntarily traveled to Joaquin Academy. On arrival, they tossed remarks toward Seong one after another. Their reasoning shared a common thread.
“Did the Heavenly Sword not summon us? Of course we must come.”
“If the Association or the state had led this, I wouldn't have bothered. But if it's the Heavenly Sword who calls, that is a different story entirely.”
“My younger brother was one of the survivors of 4th Corps Commander Permush’s invasion. He told me that if it weren't for the Heavenly Sword, not just him, but everyone present back then would have been annihilated. My brother isn't in condition to join this war, but I will fight in his stead—to repay the debt of gratitude to the Heavenly Sword on his behalf.”
They were not answering the call of the nation. Emotional appeals were never enough to stir nobles from their thrones; left to that, they would have calmly accepted their own extinction.
While nobles valued personal gain, they held their honor, pride, and dignity as aristocrats in even higher regard.
This war offered all three of those top priorities—by standing alongside the Heavenly Sword. For that single honor, those arrogant aristocrats had gathered with one mind and purpose.
Furthermore, the fact that the battlefield was Joaquin Academy contributed significantly to their unity. After all, the very place where they had spent their youth was on the verge of being reduced to ashes.
Even heroes who viewed Kang Geomma unfavorably assembled under the pretext of "protecting Joaquin Academy." Whatever their noble justification, Executive Director Seong simply cared that they had assembled.
As a result, the vast grounds of Joaquin Academy were bursting at the seams—a rare sight. Not a single student was among the sea of people; every last one was a seasoned veteran, their faces marked by years of experienced authority.
Thanks to them, the academy during winter break was unexpectedly bustling. Among the crowd were a few acquainted with Kang Geomma. All Mute Kahn Elizabeth and the Iron Leg, Mao Rang, were among them.
“Ah, representatives from the Iron King Family! And Lancelot Company as well! I cannot thank both parties enough for accepting the summons.”
Executive Director Seong rushed over to greet them. All Mute bowed respectfully, while Mao Rang offered a cupped-fist salute, each greeting him in her own manner.
“Good to see you, Director Seong. Ah, or is it Executive Director now? Congratulations on your promotion.”
“Indeed. I heard you were a department manager not long ago, and now you’ve already reached executive director. Skipping three or four ranks in a single year... My Iron King Family will have to stay on your good side, Executive Director Seong.”
“Oh, please, don't say such things, both of you.”
Executive Director Seong replied bashfully.
“Honestly, I've been sick with anxiety because I was given a role far beyond my abilities. Goodness, an executive director! When I first heard, I tried my hardest to refuse, but the Association President appointed me directly this time, leaving me no room to decline. If I had only taken on the title of executive director, I might have swallowed it, but...”
Executive Director Seong was the supervisor of this mobilization order. Though he was not combat personnel, things had somehow turned out this way. Then again, perhaps the fact that he was a non-combatant made him the ideal person to oversee logistics.
Because the line between administrators and fighters was crystal clear, no one voiced complaints. Complaining would have made one look narrow-minded in this atmosphere. Thanks to that, Executive Director Seong was able to conduct operations smoothly, which was a blessing in disguise for him.
“Ah, here I am complaining in front of such distinguished guests. Please, this way. We have prepared a separate gathering for the heroes fighting on the front lines.”
Executive Director Seong guided the two to a private room. Those already seated inside were all legendary figures.
'The Sword Emperor, Spear Saint, Tyrant, Archery Saint, All-Power...'
All Mute wetted her lips, imprinting their faces into her memory. Meanwhile, having finished his duty, Executive Director Seong slipped quietly out of the room.
'Is it really alright for me to be in a place like this?'
The legends of the old generation had gathered under one roof. All Mute felt that compared to them, she fell vastly short. Seeing her like this, Mao Rang offered a faint smile and leaned close to whisper in her ear.
“If you're already shrinking back now, what will you do in front of the Demon King's army? Besides, the protagonist hasn't even made his entrance yet.”
Come to think of it, aside from their seats, one spot remained vacant. That seat surely belonged to him.
'Has he not arrived yet?'
As All Mute tilted her head, Medea gestured for them to hurry and sit down.
“Geomma is running a bit late due to some personal business. You two, come sit down first.”
The two nodded and took seats away from the head of the table. A brief silence settled over the room. Without an ounce of exaggeration, the air felt heavy and dense. Partly due to the formidable aura radiating from these giants, but given the circumstances, a somber atmosphere was only natural.
A week from now, it would be a miracle if even half the people in this room survived. Who among them would fall, no one could say. That was the nature of war.
Sensing this, Medea clapped her hands together to lighten the mood.
“Anyway, to think I’d live to see a day like this—fighting a war alongside my own students. You really do live long enough to see everything.”
“Yes, we consider it an honor as well.”
It was Mao Rang who answered.
“To think we are standing alongside the Academy Principal and the other Seven Star Heroes... This event will be remembered for generations in the Iron King Family.”
“Well, we have to win this war first if there's going to be a next generation to remember it~”
Meain, a woman with a perpetually languid expression, ruined the mood. Medea gasped out in anger.
“Sister!”
“Did I say anything wrong?”
“Right or wrong, read the room when you speak! How many times do I have to tell you? Don't tell me you talk like that when teaching the Heaven Class students too! That's it. Once this is over, I'm seriously considering firing you.”
“Tch, cheapskate.”
“...”
Faced with the childish bickering between the sisters, Mao Rang and All Mute fell silent. It felt exhausting before things had even begun. Not just them, but the other Seven Stars didn't even bother looking over, seemingly embarrassed by the display.
Screeech.
Amid the Poison Twins' squabbling, the long-awaited face finally stepped into the gathering. It was none other than Kang Geomma.
“You've all gathered.”
The moment he appeared, the twins' expressions stiffened, and they swallowed back their idle chatter. All Mute and Mao Rang similarly swallowed the greetings that were about to spill from their lips. Kang Geomma’s presence was far from ordinary. He had always radiated a black substance, but now, an uncanny magic power seemed layered over it. Lucky it was a familiar face; otherwise, his ferocious presence could easily have been mistaken for that of a Majin.
Thud.
Feeling the eyes on him, Kang Geomma casually took his seat at the head of the table. He knew full well what those stares were asking.
'I get that you're curious why magic power is oozing from my body.'
But it wasn't something he could easily explain right now. The situation was dire. There was no time to waste on trivial explanations.
'It'll come to light during the war anyway. No need to mention it now.'
A man with many secrets possessed a mysterious charm, after all.
“My apologies. I had somewhere to drop by, which delayed me.”
“Think nothing of it. You carry the heaviest burden of us all; if anything, you should be resting more rather than entertaining us old folks. My apologies for that.”
The Spear Saint laughed good-naturedly. The moment Kang Geomma arrived, a bright smile had bloomed across his face.
“The protagonist always arrives last. Glad you're here.”
The Sword Emperor chimed in. Naturally, the Poison Twins tried to cause a fuss as well, but the Sword Emperor, seated right beside them, held them back. Conforming to his restraint, they merely wore quiet smiles on their lips. The Archery Saint gave Kang Geomma a side-glance before looking away. Though silent, he didn't seem inclined to scold him either.
Seeing this scene, All Mute and Mao Rang were momentarily stunned. The legends of the old generation weren't just praising Kang Geomma—they were practically putting him on a pedestal. Rather than fawning over power, they genuinely seemed to hold Kang Geomma in awe. Then again, considering everything he had accomplished so far, anyone would feel the same.
Still, for the two of them, who had only ever seen the majestic and dignified side of the Seven Stars, it was a shocking sight. Furthermore, it clearly demonstrated the hierarchy among them.
The Heavenly Sword was at the top; everyone else was below.
Only then did Kang Geomma notice the presence of All Mute and Mao Rang. He gave a slight nod of acknowledgment. Caught off guard, the two bowed their heads hastily from their seats.
'...When I saw the Heavenly Sword before, it wasn't to this extent.'
It was hard to raise her head; a thick, sticky pressure pressed heavily against the back of her skull. Though Kang Geomma hadn't intended it, his sheer presence exerted immense pressure.
Mao Rang broke into a cold sweat. Her prediction had proven correct after all—that before long, the existence known as Kang Geomma would become someone she couldn't even dare to look at.
'To think it would reach this level...'
This was an anomaly. It far surpassed anything she had imagined. She had thought he would grow stronger day by day, but this was beyond mere growth. It was evolution.
Indeed. Kang Geomma had shed the mimicry of a human and evolved into something beyond. A new species of humanity, perhaps. That would be the proper term to call this inhuman entity.
Just as Mao Rang, overcome with chills and fear, slowly raised her eyes, her vision adjusted, and she noticed the fine hairs on her skin standing on end. Goosebumps covered her entire body.
Was it because of Kang Geomma’s presence? Not quite. The source of this chilling sensation was not in front of her, but behind. In fact, she felt a presence directly behind her back that had definitely not been there a second ago. Beads of sweat dripped down her temples. Because her face had turned ice-cold, the sweat felt unusually warm.
Mao Rang rolled only her eyes. Everyone was staring with eyes full of shock at her—or more precisely, past her. Only Kang Geomma narrowed his eyes in irritation.
What was this? What had happened in that fleeting moment as greetings were exchanged? Mao Rang shifted her gaze over her shoulder. Sure enough, the cause of this icy silence stood right behind her.
A beauty with skin as snow-white as rice cakes. However, her beauty was as artificial as a porcelain doll's, making it unnervingly eerie.
Everyone seemed flustered, having never seen her before, but Kang Geomma was the exception.
It was Kuarne’s confidante, Herya. Just like during the Joaquin Terror, she had manifested as an avatar.
'Why does that bastard treat the academy like his personal restroom, coming and going whenever he pleases?'
Whatever the causality behind it, this was likely that pale bastard's unique ability.
Whatever the case, he had manifested before Kang Geomma twice now.
Even if it was just an avatar, it couldn't have been easy unless one possessed extraordinary nerve. What impressive audacity.
At this point, even Kang Geomma was curious. What business did she have appearing out of nowhere like a ghost today?
“If you have something to deliver, deliver it.”
He cut straight to the point. The hands of those who were about to draw their armaments paused. Instead, they kept their hands resting on their weapons, glaring intently at Herya.
With an emotionless expression, Herya held the hem of her skirt and curtsied in greeting. She managed a decent imitation. But that was all. No matter how much she mimicked human behavior, it could not fill the void of her missing free will.
“I have come to deliver a message from Lord Kuarne.”
Kang Geomma rested his chin at an angle on one hand and gave a careless nod. Since ancient times, it was proper etiquette to treat even an envoy from a sworn enemy with hospitality. Let's at least hear it out.
“Know that in this war, humanity will be completely exterminated, so be prepared—”
Before the words could fully leave her lips, a flash of sword light gleamed. The edge of the sashimi knife carved a white arc through the air. The path of the blade left an acrid, burning odor from friction with the air.
Slice.
A head as white as a sheet of paper tumbled onto Mao Rang’s back, fell to the floor, and crushed into pieces upon impact. A beat later, the headless body disintegrated into dust.
“Oops.”
As everyone’s pupils dilated in shock, Kang Geomma let out a brief sigh, casually flicking his sashimi knife.