Official Expedition Sets Out (2)
"So... you're saying that trial was planned from the very beginning?"
"Yes."
"And you threw yourself into prison on purpose too?"
"Yes."
"You arranged for that kid to be released, but stayed in jail yourself just to make sure the trial happened?"
"...Do you even realize you could've been executed in that trial?"
"But I didn't die, did I?"
"...You're insane. For real."
"Princess, mind your words."
Despite Alex's warning, Yuria glared at Eunhyeon with utter disbelief, as if she hadn't heard a thing.
"Alex! Is that a normal way to think? Who but a madman would create a situation where they could die at any mistake? If that kid hadn't caught the demon, you would've been executed on the spot. You know that, right?"
"Y-Yeah... If I really hadn't caught the demon, Hyun would be... by now..."
Erin imagined it—hanged publicly at the execution grounds—and her face drained of color.
Looking back now, she realized just how reckless Eunhyeon's plan had been. If she'd messed up even slightly and let the demon escape, not only would she have suffered, but so would Eunhyeon with his death sentence, and even Illyana, Riod, and the others.
Eunhyeon had chosen her because he believed she could handle it, telling her to have confidence, and she'd acted on her trust in him. But to outsiders, it was like asking a newbie adventurer fighting slimes to take down a minotaur.
"I was absolutely certain Erin would succeed in catching the demon. That's why I made the plan."
It had been a drastic shift from the original midway through. If he hadn't witnessed Erin awakening her divine beast power and unleashing her gumiho strength, he never would've scrapped the initial plan for something so extreme.
Even if Erin fell short in raw power against the succubus, both shared the same energy drain ability—and he knew a gumiho's version outclassed a succubus's as a higher-tier skill. So he'd been sure Erin wouldn't lose.
And indeed, she'd overwhelmed the succubus with sheer force. Illyana and Alex, who'd seen Erin defeat the succubus with swordsmanship in the dream world, said her skill was unbelievable for someone who'd only held a sword for three months.
—Nngh, I dunno... A woman's voice just popped into my head... She introduced herself as Gallerhead...
Eunhyeon was certain one of the hundred ghosts had helped her, and planning this expedition was all part of growing her fundamental gumiho abilities.
"You know why I was so sure Erin would succeed, don't you, Princess?"
"......"
Captured by the fixed mindset of the web novel 'Fate-Pioneering Merhen', Yuria couldn't deny it—she knew Erin harbored the power of the gumiho divine beast.
"But Queen Dianne revoked the public trial and spared you and the kid to hunt the demon in the capital. If that turns out to be a lie..."
It could escalate to insulting the royal family. A summary execution without trial was possible.
"They don't even know demons exist properly, and they botched handling this incident. How would they spot my lie? If anyone did—like Riod or Abros, veterans of the Arkena Great War twenty years ago—they're keeping quiet because it's in their interest."
"What? What does that mean?"
"This kingdom's defenses against demons are way too vague. With no solid info or experience, they just swept incidents like this under the rug. According to Riod and Abros, when the attack happened, Riod reported the demon possibility at court, but they denied it, swore him to secrecy, and said never to tell outsiders—didn't want to tarnish the national image."
"......"
"That's why I lied. Among the young nobles with vague demon awareness, this incident will shift their thinking—five victims, after all. Any noble who spots my lie in court will get my intent too. They won't press me. If this plants demon vigilance and countermeasures, it strengthens the kingdom."
That was why, when Eunhyeon, Riod, Abros, and Alex drank together, the Armitas father and son had stared at him in awe.
"But not everyone will stay vigilant and prepare. They hate tangible losses for intangible threats—hiding demons to protect the image proves it."
"That's on them now. I set the stage for vigilance. I'm no king; I can't order nobles around. And anyone fixating on current losses without countermeasures in this mess is doomed anyway."
Yuria pondered his words deeply. Everyone there did.
"Alright, dinner's over. We'll pack early tomorrow and resume marching. Eight of us makes four pairs for night watch."
The expedition's first night ended early; they retreated to tents.
Eunhyeon woke the party at dawn, they ate preserved rations, broke camp swiftly, and marched on. Resuming at sunrise, they reached the Arkys Great Labyrinth entrance by noon.
Those with bad memories here grimaced at the entrance.
"Never thought I'd come back here."
"Yeah... Normally it'd be suicide, but this time's different."
Aisha glanced at Eunhyeon, staring calmly at the entrance. Despite nearly dying inside before, no fear stirred—thanks to him. He'd crushed the beasts effortlessly and led them out.
But why return?
"Formation change. I'll take point; everyone else, fall back."
"Pardon?"
"Alex, Merdin, cover the rear against ambushes."
His confidence bordered on recklessness. Even Erin, who trusted him most, looked puzzled—except Alex, who nodded.
"Got it."
"Alex?"
How did this man accept Eunhyeon's words without question? Yuria was baffled, but Alex—having sparred him—knew he never bluffed without reason.
"Time's short; I'll clear everything. The goal isn't exploring this labyrinth anyway. Lots to do—let's move fast."
"...Fine."
"Hyun, want me to carry your pack?"
"Thanks, but you sure?"
"It's the least I can do—and you boosted my stamina anyway. Hehe."
"Appreciate it. Thanks."
With mana reinforcement, even a delicate girl could bear heavy loads. For Erin, nightly training made it effortless. Eunhyeon admired her desire to help him fight unscathed.
"Aisha."
"Yes?"
"Traps are yours. I'll detect, but handling beasts and traps slows me."
"Ah... Got it."
His seamless orders drew nods.
"Alright. Let's go."
Summoning a sword into his right hand, Eunhyeon declared, and the dungeon delve began.
"Huh...?"
It was Erin's first time seeing Eunhyeon's true power unleashed. Eager to gauge her mentor's strength, she watched intently.
But something felt off, tilting her head. Not the wooden longsword from her training—a rapier gleamed in his grip.
The delve was smooth. Eunhyeon swept beasts aside, advancing at breakneck speed—astonishing.
"Aisha."
"Yes!"
Spotting a spear trap, he pointed his rapier; Aisha dashed out.
She was so fast, her trap disarms lagged behind his clears, bottlenecking progress.
Kuooo!
Dodging a massive bullbearer's charge with a twist, Eunhyeon sliced its legs cleanly. His swordplay was fluid, devastating. The beast crashed into the wall, collapsing without front legs to bear its weight.
His rapier pierced its head mid-fall—no scream. He withdrew it, eyes forward, advancing slowly.
Krrrng...
Beasts faltered under his presence; he exploited the gaps.
Juhyeonseong Geukwonryu
Shifting Form and Changing Position
His form blurred like mist, leaving afterimages, reappearing amid the beasts.
Startled, they lunged instinctively at the threat—but he flowed around attacks, piercing gaps, methodically culling them one by one.
It was a one-man massacre. Each kill splashed beast blood on his clothes, staining his rapier crimson—a brutal sight. Yet his sword dance at the center was beautiful.
Impressive.
'Eh, Gallerhead?'
Erin startled at the clear woman's voice in her mind. She'd tried summoning her before with no response, yet here she was—unprompted, without gumiho form.
But having experienced it once, it wasn't as shocking.
Back then, twin swords... He’s deeply versed in Three Swordsmanship too.
'Oh... Right, you fought Hyun once, Gallerhead.'
To Erin, amnesiac of her body possession by Miho, it was just confusing.
Yes. Ahh, I want to fight him again soon.
'...?'
The voice sounded thrilled. Erin tilted her head in confusion when it continued.
Memorize his every move. You know why the rapier, right?
'Yes.'
Erin easily guessed why the rapier for the slaughter—his actions always considered her. He wanted her to watch, to grow.
My Three Swordsmanship differs from his. Follow whichever inspires you—but find your style.
'Yes. Thanks for the advice.'
Eunhyeon finished the beasts, spotting another trap.
"Aisha."
"Ah! Got it! Almost done—wait! How are you this fast? Geez!"
Still midway on the last, she grumbled at his call, hurrying.
Eunhyeon's bus ran flawlessly.