Demonic Being (2)
A plain black uniform without even a single decorative tassel. A wide-brimmed hat on his head. And a longsword casually slung at the waist. Everything visible was black, save for the white skin.
Judging by appearance alone, he might seem like a ronin or nameless warrior from the Joseon era... but.
Thud.
Nobility overflowed from a single step. His indifferent gaze seemed to look down upon the heavens themselves, and an aura surpassing all emanated from a frame barely scraping 170cm.
"I sought you out on business, yet unexpectedly, I encounter a welcome face in such a place. Heh heh heh!"
The Heavenly Demon's gaze turned to Yun-seok. Her unshaken, serene black pupils were like an abyss of immeasurable depth. A sensation as if everything could be pierced through.
"...Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand thousand years! Sword Demon Jeong Dae-un pays respects to the Heavenly Sovereign!"
Regaining his wits, the Sword Demon cried out three cheers of long live, prostrating himself flat.
Now, Yun-seok felt he could somewhat grasp their faith. How could such an absolute being be called human?
"Excessive courtesy becomes mere formality in the end. Rise."
"As you command."
The Sword Demon rose soundlessly and retreated three steps. Clasping his hands behind his back, he bowed his head deeply, fixing his gaze to the ground. His breathing so regulated that not even a sound escaped—like he wasn't a living human but part of the scenery.
For a moment, Yun-seok wondered if such extremes were necessary... but that must be how they truly faced the heavens.
"......"
Curious about Eshton's reaction, he glanced over. Overwhelmed by the Heavenly Demon's presence, the man trembled with a pale face.
Yun-seok couldn't understand it. Certainly, that domineering aura was beyond immense... but somehow, it felt incredibly comfortable.
Was that why?
"...How did you recognize me?"
Yun-seok asked without hesitation. He'd been wondering since earlier. He was masked right now. His build had grown 10cm taller than before. He'd even switched to dual swords, and countless other things had changed. There wasn't a single clue to his old self.
Yet she'd known at a glance?
The Heavenly Demon answered without a hint of hesitation.
"Hmm, I suppose I can only say I knew the moment I saw you. But isn't it the same for you?"
"......"
Realizing it was a foolish question, Yun-seok shut his mouth. She was right. Even without word that the Heavenly Sovereign was coming, even without her restored youth and archaic speech and laughter. He'd have recognized her instantly. No evidence, but he was certain.
"By the way, it seems you were sharing some amusing tales in this one's absence."
Suddenly, the Heavenly Demon spoke up. And then...
"So, Vice Sovereign, is it?"
The comfortable atmosphere vanished. Pressure tightened in an instant.
"Division Leader Jeong, care to explain what this is about?"
"As you command."
So-called Division Leader Jeong—the Sword Demon—immediately knelt and confessed everything in detail. How, seeking a challenger fitting her standards as she'd mentioned before, he'd reached Yun-seok. How, intending to bring him along, Yun-seok had revealed the Heavenly Demon Sword.
"He followed this one's sword? Are you certain?"
"Compared to the Heavenly Sovereign, these eyes are mere knotholes, but how could one who follows the heavens fail to recognize heaven itself?"
The Sword Demon continued, recounting how he'd persuaded Yun-seok to accept the Vice Sovereign position. Surprisingly, the Heavenly Demon listened expressionlessly, but there was one moment of change.
"Hmm... So he regarded this one as his master in his heart?"
A bemused glint, intrigued yet awkward. Hard to call it joy, but not displeasure either.
"Yes. Though the Vice Sovereign said even the Heavenly Sovereign might not deem him a disciple."
"I'm not asking Division Leader Jeong. You, speak. Is it true?"
The Heavenly Demon's eyes fixed on Yun-seok. He nodded slowly. She stroked her smooth chin silently, then declared firmly.
"Your intent is commendable, but you cannot be my disciple."
As expected, perhaps? He hadn't truly hoped for it. He knew well it was just casual instruction on a whim, their bond being what it was.
However...
"The Vice Sovereign of our cult is a position placing no one above—not even this one, the Sovereign."
Heavy silence descended. Yun-seok belatedly grasped her meaning. She'd officially acknowledged it here. That Yun-seok was her successor as Vice Sovereign.
"Why?"
"Heh heh! Asking so vaguely—how is this one to know what you mean?"
She knew full well, asking anyway. Otherwise, her eyes wouldn't gleam with such leisurely mischief, like a senior teasing a junior.
"Step out for a moment. I have urgent matters to discuss with the Vice Sovereign."
"As you command."
At her words, the Sword Demon led the others from the chamber.
"How long do you intend to keep that mask on?"
Yun-seok removed it without protest. Then asked.
"What's your aim?"
"You mean overlooking your scheme to use the Vice Sovereign seat?"
"...Yes."
As Yun-seok nodded, the Heavenly Demon replied nonchalantly.
"It seemed more amusing that way. Besides, with a successor, those fools won't pester this one anymore, no?"
An utterly absurd reason. Yet it rang true, deepening his confusion.
"However, this one owes them a debt of heart. So it's only proper to leave someone qualified in the seat before departing."
The Heavenly Demon slowly drew her sword.
"Let me see. How much stronger you've become."
Her eyes brimmed with delight—likely just an excuse to test him. Still, he couldn't relax.
"Then, just like before. Three times. Block just three."
Three times. Far from easy.
"Survive that, and the cult is yours henceforth."
Words befitting a cult leader? Yun-seok held his tongue, simply drawing his twin swords to face her.
"......"
Back then, he'd blocked her sword three times. No guarantee now. He'd grown incomparably stronger, but so had she. And now, not even same-floor challengers—conditions worse than before.
Seventeen swords in use. The ghostly energy on the blades grows denser.
Yun-seok activated King of Ten Thousand Swords first. Swords floated around him, but the Heavenly Demon's brow didn't twitch. She merely murmured one word.
"Gama."
Her sword moved gracefully. The energy cloaking it was black, suiting her perfectly.
Whoosh!
Was the first just a probe? It felt that ordinary. But that's why chills ran down his spine. Despite his vast martial insight, he couldn't even identify it.
Yun-seok heightened his focus to the limit. And saw it. Space warping around the black energy on her blade.
High-speed short-range spatial translocation.
He didn't know what it was. But blocking blindly seemed impossible. Yun-seok instantly shifted behind her via spatial movement.
And...
Slash-!
The soul of the ancient hunter protects the user from undetected peril.
Blue light burst from his gloves. He couldn't comprehend. Her sword had clearly sliced empty air. So why was he cut?
Unknown. Yun-seok simply kept his eyes locked on the Heavenly Demon.
"You possess some intriguing trinket."
Surviving by gear's grace, yet she showed no reaction. Just that casual remark before preparing the next indifferently.
Shaman's Law seals unique skill <Heavenly Demon Body> within the domain.
Yun-seok urgently activated Shaman's Law. A counter knowing her unique skill.
But...
Heaven's Blessing nullifies the administrator's authority.
Heaven's Blessing. Some authority, not skill. Anyway, Shaman's Law failed too.
But Yun-seok didn't care.
If blocking's impossible, strike first.
Overlord, Force, Yield, Illusion, Dull, Heavy, Light, Swift. His blades shimmered in eight hues embodying those essences.
Interest flickered in the Heavenly Demon's eyes.
"Could it be... from the Sword God? You crafted it after his sword?"
She'd clashed with the Sword God on the 10th floor too? She saw its origin at a glance. Then tilted her head.
"Still, something's off. No matter how I look, you lack the skill to best him..."
True enough. Sword God Lee Hyun-hak. He'd won exploiting techniques and authorities, but facing that monster with one sword was absurd. He'd mimicked to create Eightfold Sword Qi, but the Formless Sword was still beyond reach.
Yet he'd won then. No different now. Might not win, but enduring three strikes? Possible.
Whoosh!
Yun-seok lunged, thrusting. Eightfold Sword Qi spiraled from the tips.
But the Heavenly Demon merely murmured pityingly.
"Still unaware of your own color."
Her belated sword exhaled black energy. No spatial warp this time. Yet it pierced his Eightfold Sword Qi effortlessly.
Dizzy, Yun-seok moved to use Vajra Naham Step. Block this, then seek reversal with Heaven-Earth Reversal.
But...
"Enough."
Her sword shattered only the Eightfold Sword Qi and dissipated.
"Let's stop here."
At the abrupt halt, doubt filled Yun-seok's eyes. She asked.
"How long has it been?"
"...?"
"How much time since that day."
Not calendar days. Time warped here—one's day another's weeks.
Yun-seok roughly calculated. Arena duels, explorations, missions...
"...A bit over half a year."
She laughed self-mockingly.
"Ha ha hat! Mere half-year! Yes, that's right!"
"...?"
"Know this? Countless Murim warriors would wail in despair, decades wasted, upon seeing you!"
Praise, seemingly. So why stop? Disappointed in his gear reliance over swordplay?
Instead of brooding, Yun-seok asked straight.
"...Weren't you disappointed?"
"I was. But my greed was too much. I see now it was wrong. You haven't even taken your first true step. Ah, no worries—the Vice Sovereign seat's yours regardless."
Despite his efforts, to her, he was still a novice not even started. No rebuttal.
Judgment of the Destruction Lord and skills remained, but she meant more than that.
"You've changed since then. Why that face? Fill lacks as they come. Moreover..."
She scratched her nape, trailing off, then continued sheepishly. Voice softer than usual.
"This one is here, no?"
"...?"
"Not taking you as disciple—don't misunderstand. Got it?"
Finally, Yun-seok realized. She'd teach him again.
And...
"Ahem! Even from Cheonma Cave, a Vice Sovereign knowing only the first form of Heavenly Demon Sword? Tsk. This one will seem odd too. Prepare yourself."
Red Tidal Wave. Just one of many forms.