Chapter 3
Chapter 3
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: Belloca City's Sanctuary
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"You should not worry so much, for you only need to be a little careful during the initial stages of our return, and I assure you it won't take long at all before we find our rhythm again."
= But isn't that first part precisely where the greatest danger lies, my lord?
"The world of Onbiroad is incredibly vast, and there are currently countless groups wandering about who are imitating the name of our Dark Phoenix. Even as we move through the various regions, the sheer number of pretenders makes it highly unlikely that anyone will be able to spot the true original members easily."
= What? Are you actually saying there are people out there who have the audacity to imitate the Dark Phoenix of all things? You're telling me such individuals truly exist?
At the mention of these imitators by Geon-woo, Ilryeong began to exude a chilling and lethal aura that filled the room. Although the entity appeared merely as a small half-spirit, Ilryeong was certainly not a being to be taken lightly by anyone who valued their life. Geon-woo had intended his words to be reassuring, but it seemed his explanation had backfired and ignited the spirit's protective fury instead.
"You must calm down, as they probably just picked up a name they thought was abandoned and decided to run with it for their own gain."
The mercenary group led by Geon-woo was known as the Dark Phoenix, a name that resonated with the most authority among the first wave of support forces who had crossed over from Earth to aid Onbiroad. In other words, among the foreign heroes who arrived to lend their strength, Geon-woo's band held the highest level of prestige and respect. As a result, users from the subsequent second and third waves of Ark Capsules often heard tales of their legendary feats from the local residents of Onbiroad. This had led many newcomers to borrow the Dark Phoenix name outright or adopt concepts that evoked a connection to it, hoping to capitalize on that established fame. Therefore, even if Geon-woo resumed his activities under his old title, his true identity was unlikely to be exposed to the public immediately.
= We must track every one of them down and hold them strictly accountable for their insolence.
Ilryeong apparently could not tolerate the idea of others using the Dark Phoenix name without explicit permission. Geon-woo yielded slightly to the spirit's intense reaction, signaling that he would indeed take action if such pretenders appeared directly before them, as he saw no reason to refuse a request from such a valued subordinate.
= My lord! This is certainly no trivial matter that should be taken so lightly by someone of your stature.
Even that concession seemed insufficient to Ilryeong, but Geon-woo simply shook his head to bring the conversation back to their primary focus. "We are not here to simply enjoy the scenery of Onbiroad like the other Healing Life users, for our ultimate goal is to build the necessary strength to stop the dimensional invasion once and for all."
= Understood, my lord. So, your plan is to return to the front lines once more to face the enemy head-on?
"Well, to properly hunt those demons and grow our power, we will eventually have to enter their territory," Geon-woo replied with a firm nod. Ilryeong bowed deeply, declaring that he would follow his lord with his very life, and Geon-woo began checking his gear one last time to prepare for full immersion into Onbiroad. He grabbed a small magic pouch with spatial expansion properties from a lower shelf and secured it to his belt before stepping toward the magic circle in the corner of the waiting room. The circle flashed with a brilliant light, transporting the two of them instantly to their destination.
* *
The first thing Geon-woo sensed upon his arrival was the overwhelming bustle of a massive crowd. Ilryeong peered around from his shoulder and confirmed that they had arrived at one of Onbiroad’s many sanctuaries, a vast hall reminiscent of a soccer field with high stone ceilings and floors. Bright lights flickered constantly throughout the hall as user avatars materialized in various spots, representing those who had either logged out in the sanctuary or were respawning after a recent death.
‘Ilryeong, it is over there, isn't it?’ Geon-woo asked through their soul link, directing his gaze toward a specific area of the hall. Ilryeong confirmed the direction and Geon-woo immediately headed toward the surrounding corridors that housed a row of maintenance rooms. These small spaces were typically used by players to sort their loot or perform final gear checks before setting out on a journey. Geon-woo spotted his target—the sixth maintenance room—and was relieved to find it empty. He stepped inside the bare stone chamber and closed the door behind him.
Rumble rumble rumble!
Right after sealing the room, Geon-woo channeled his mana to activate his unique awakening skill: Psychokinesis: Earth. He stood rigidly as the stone ground beneath his feet began to sink, pulling him deep underground. The floor above him pieced itself back together like a complex puzzle, leaving no trace of his descent. After descending fifty meters, he arrived in a small, hidden stone chamber and activated a magic lantern, letting out a sigh of relief when he saw that the hideout was exactly as he had left it seven years ago.
= Who would ever guess that the Dark Phoenix had a secret hideout hidden directly beneath the sanctuary? Ilryeong asked proudly. Geon-woo chuckled at his subordinate's boast, but a flicker of tension soon crossed his face as he prepared for the most important step of his return. To truly reclaim the former glory of his mercenary group, his primary forces needed to be intact.
As Geon-woo circulated his 9-star Thousand Brains Divided Heart Spirit Control Art, the heavy scraping of stone echoed through the chamber. The lids of eight stone coffins began to slide open, and the eight undead warriors—known as jiangshi—who were linked directly to his soul began to raise their upper bodies. Terrifying auras poured from their forms, having been preserved in specialized medicinal drugs for seven years. Geon-woo was astonished to find that they had grown even stronger than he had anticipated during his long absence.
"Yes, every one of you is significantly more powerful than before, which is truly excellent and beyond perfect," Geon-woo whispered, marveling at his undying limbs.
* *
Step. Step. Step.
"What on earth is going on? Who are those people in the corridor?" one onlooker whispered as Geon-woo’s group marched toward the sanctuary exit. The nine members were arranged in two disciplined columns, dominating the space with perfectly synchronized steps. Eight warriors in black armor and robes escorted Geon-woo, who walked alone in the center, his face hidden behind a full-face helmet. Every member of the group was clad from head to toe in face-concealing black gear, ranging from metal plates and leather armor to hoods and bandages. They drew every eye in the vicinity, as their striking appearance reminded the veteran players of the old Dark Phoenix trend that had once dominated the world of Onbiroad.