abcnovels
Chapter 166
Chapter 166
Chapter 166
Se-Hoon and his companions immediately returned to Babel. With everything that happened, it was dangerous to stay outside, and more importantly, Jin-Hyun's condition had worsened.
“There's nothing seriously wrong with his current condition, but his mana circuits have weakened considerably. He should rest and receive treatment for a few days.”
Thankfully, there was no major issue with Jin-Hyun’s body, but he was still hospitalized at Askus for treatment. And while he was recuperating, the Heroes Association launched a large investigation.
Their first target was the Flame Sect, the suspect behind the incident. Given the involvement of the Demon Force, a special task force was dispatched to conduct a thorough investigation.
But the results were disappointing. The investigation concluded that the incident was all just a personal vendetta carried out by heroes who just happened to be affiliated with the Flame Sect; they and their associates had all been apprehended.
Of course, no evidence of the Flame Sect working with the Pleasure District was found either. Instead, it was discovered that inside information had been leaked from within the perpetrators' homes.
In the end, the Flame Sect was cleared of suspicion amidst criticism that it was an incompetent group unable to manage its people. It stirred a lot of talk.
“Is it true that the mentors who have been with the organization for decades really colluded with the Demon Forces?”
“I was aware that the Flame Sect wasn't what it used to be, but I didn't think it was this bad...”
It was a severe blow to the Flame Sect’s public image, but that was all. It fell short of being a decisive strike.
“Hmm...”
Lying on the porch, Se-Hoon disinterestedly scrolled through the news articles from the past few days.
So, this is all they can achieve, then.
He had an inkling as to how the incident would end when the Flame Sect's mentors openly revealed themselves, but it ended more anticlimactically than he had imagined.
With the investigation nearing an end, Se-Hoon shifted his focus to other news. At that moment, Sung-Ha, who was practicing with a spear in the yard, suddenly asked, “What happened to them?”
“Hmm? Ah, you mean the mentors?”
Whoosh!
Instead of confirming, Sung-Ha continued swinging his spear.
His lofty demeanor irked Se-Hoon, but he still replied, “They were all sent to a detention center. I heard they were all diagnosed as brain dead.”
To fight Jin-Hyun, the four mentors transformed themselves into demons and were obligated in that state. While it had all happened in a dream, their experience was so mentally taxing that they couldn't endure their deaths and ended up in a vegetative state.
“...”
Staying silent, Sung-Ha continued swinging his spear. Even though the mentors who attacked them sided with Won-Ryong after Jin-Hyun retired, they were all original members of the Flame Sect. Regardless of how they thought, their relationship wasn't bad enough to justify such betrayal.
He must have a lot going on in his mind.
Though Sung-Ha normally lacked empathy and consideration, his self-centered self had a soft spot when it came to Jin-Hyun. The incident had definitely given him a lot to think about.
Still, he should at least treat his guests properly.
Shaking his head at how Sung-Ha didn’t care about his presence, focusing only on his spear practice, Se-Hoon observed his surroundings.
Surrounded by vegetation, the traditional building felt more atmospheric than the private training room in Babel he had seen before.
They were currently in the old residence of the Flame Sect; he had tagged along to visit when Jin-Hyun had been discharged. Here, the natural breeze pleasantly tickled his face, and the view of trees, forests, and mountains beyond the fence made a picturesque scene.
So this is how it was when the building was still standing.
He recalled the sight of Mad Dog sitting on the charred remains amidst the desolate, burned scene, staring into the distance.
Just then, Sung-Ha, who was swinging his spear, finally broke his silence.
“Thank you.”
“...Huh?”
Caught off guard by the sudden thanks, Se-Hoon looked at him in confusion. A beat later, Sung-Ha, who hadn’t stopped swinging his spear, nonchalantly explained, “Without you, I wouldn't have been able to see my master in his past self.”
Having only heard stories of his master’s past from others until now, just a glimpse of his master’s prime filled Sung-Ha with a myriad of emotions. He felt joy upon seeing how powerful his master was, awe upon realizing he was the Flame Sect's ultimate strength, and serenity from finding a clear path for his own Inferno Ring.
Most importantly, it felt as though a heavy burden had been lifted, which resolved many worries at once.
“I used to vaguely think my goal was to grow stronger and lead the Flame Sect, but now I have a clear goal.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“To reach the level Master reached in his past.”
Reaching that level and leading the Flame Sect then would be the best way to honor his master’s will and strength.
Making a small smile, Se-Hoon nodded.
“That's a pretty good goal.”
“So, I want to thank you again. Thank you, truly.”
Se-Hoon’s eyes twitched. He would likely have just accepted the unreserved gratitude from anyone else, but when it came from the insolent Sung-Ha, it felt suspicious and out of place.
Feeling a strange chill, Se-Hoon responded, “Instead of just expressing your gratitude in words, why not show some sincerity.”
“Sincerity...”
After a moment of contemplation, Sung-Ha seemed to have come up with a great idea.
“I'll allow you to delay payment and receive my help.”
“...Delay payment?”
“In case there's a moment when you can't prepare your part of the deal in time.”
Sung-Ha, who had been swinging his spear, finally stopped. He turned to look at Se-Hoon with a slight smirk.
“Then I'll make an exception and give it to you in advance.”
[The bond with 'Yeom Sung-Ha' has grown to Lv. 3.]
[Since the bond has grown to Lv.3, the existing Relationship has deepened.]
[Relationship: Transaction]
[A Relationship built on transactions, where both parties exchange equal value, may be found by some to be a bit cold, but the story changes once trust is established.
Trusting someone enough to accept delaying payment without collateral means the Relationship has become significantly stronger. If this trust deepens further, the Relationship can evolve beyond mere transactions.
*A Fatestone is created with each established transaction.
*The maturation rate of the Fatestone increases during an ongoing transaction.
* The probability of the subject’s synesthetic mindscape manifesting inside the Fatestone increases for the period a credit relationship with you is maintained.
*Currently created Fatestones: 0]
Se-Hoon’s eyebrows shot up in shock at the notification messages in front of him.
A level three relationship? With Yeom Sung-Ha of all people?
He doubted everything in an instant. Was stopping the attack, perhaps even the whole regression, an illusion created by the Dream Demon’s subordinate?
[Activating Awakening Dream]
Whoosh-!
Se-Hoon felt like a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head. Realizing it was his skill detecting signs of mental contamination, he accepted it was no dream.
Well... this is really unexpected.
All he had done was choose the most efficient method to get them out of the dream safely. He had no idea Sung-Ha would have been impacted this much.
Still a bit in disbelief, he reviewed the details of the deepened Relationship again. It was during this that he suddenly realized something and looked at Sung-Ha.
“Wait a minute. Were you planning to ignore me if I didn’t prepare my part of the deal until now?”
Genuinely puzzled, Sung-Ha looked at him and asked, “Is there a reason you’re asking such an obvious question?”
“What the.... Hey. I've been giving you advances all this time.”
“That’s because you never asked for the payment. I was always ready to pay.”
“...”
Se-Hoon knew Sung-Ha wasn’t wrong, but Sung-Ha’s tone and expression made something snap inside Se-Hoon. Abruptly standing up, Se-Hoon gestured toward Sung-Ha with his hand.
“Hand me a spear.”
“You want to spar with me?”
“Yeah.”
Feeling a surge of bloodlust for the first time in a while, Se-Hoon looked at Sung-Ha.
“I think someone needs a good beating right now.”
To teach Sung-Ha manners, he had to do it either through Jin-Hyun or by directly beating them into him. Filled with determination, Se-Hoon took the spear from the curious yet nonchalant Sung-Ha.
“I don’t mind, but try not to overexert yourself.”
“What are you talking about?”
Sounding genuinely innocent, Sung-Ha responded, “Anyone challenging me with a spear must have something wrong with their head. That’s why I’m trying to tell you not to push yourself too—”
“You're so dead!!!”
Boom!!!
Se-Hoon lunged, and soon, the courtyard echoed with continuous, loud crashes.
Meanwhile, Kwang-Soo, watching the two from a distance, was making a peculiar expression.
“I see they’re getting along.”
Leaving the two with a mutter that would irritate Se-Hoon if he heard it, Kwang-Soo headed to the back of the house. Walking around, he soon arrived at a small garden and casually began talking to Jin-Hyun, who was resting on a bench.
“Those two are busy brawling it out, so I just came here.”
“I see. Then I'll call them after their spar is over.”
Extremely calm, Jin-Hyun poured some tea.
“Would you like a cup?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Alright.”
Without a making second offer, Jin-Hyun quietly sipped his tea. Sitting beside him, Kwang-Soo silently gazed at the garden. The serene scene continued until Jin-Hyun almost finished his tea.
“You have less than a year left, don’t you?” asked Kwang-Soo softly.
“...”
“There's no way you could be fine after that much dream mana corroded your body.”
It was just like Kwang-Soo said. Though Jin-Hyun had told Sung-Ha there were no issues, his health was far from good. His organs especially had drastically deteriorated.
“It’s just a matter of time. This was bound to happen.”
He had already been in a state where hospitalization was recommended due to the possibility of collapse at any moment. As such, becoming a terminal patient with less than a year to live didn’t faze him.
But it did faze Kwang-Soo. He frowned.
“Are you kidding me?”
“Please try to understand. I don’t want to hold back a disciple who has finally envisioned his own path.”
“...”
Kwang-Soo hesitated to say anything. Could he guarantee he wouldn’t act the same way in Jin-Hyun's situation?
“...Tsk.”
Everyone had their priorities, and for Jin-Hyun, his disciple's future came before his own ticking life.
“When he comes to me complaining later, I'll beat you up, so be prepared.”
“Thank you.”
Smiling at the blunt response, Jin-Hyun glanced down at his hand. Despite it being an almost empty teacup, his hand was faintly trembling. Comparing this frail state to the brief return of his prime, he tightly grasped the cup.
Changing the topic, he questioned the disgruntled Kwang-Soo beside him.
“Have you given up on climbing a Tower of Heroes?”
A brief silence fell before Kwang-Soo answered, “I haven’t given up yet. I just have more urgent matters to handle.”
“You mean Doppelganger.”
At Kwang-Soo’s lack of denial, Jin-Hyun finished his tea.
“Even if I tell you to give up and focus on the summit, you won't listen, right?”
“...Stop trying to make me repeat an explanation for something you already know I won’t do.”
“There’s not much time left for me, so I assumed it was okay.”
“This bastard...”
Defeated by Jin-Hyun’s playful words, Kwang-Soo sighed deeply.
“I need to deal with that matter to climb a Tower of Heroes.
“Is that what you think?”
“No, Baek-Yeon and Ludwig told me so.”
“If those two said so, it must have some basis.”
As Perfect Ones, their advice was not to be ignored. If they both agreed on something, there was likely a significant reason behind it.
Jin-Hyun observed his old comrade, who had grown even stronger; Kwang-Soo was a stark contrast to himself, who was gradually withering away. In time, Kwang-Soo would eventually succumb to time as well, but he had a chance to break through his limits and reach far beyond.
“...Don’t you ever give up.”
Hearing the raw emotions in those words, Kwang-Soo turned to look at him. But Jin-Hyun had already turned to face the mountain beyond the face, staring at the peak with many emotions crossing his face.
“Being forced to give up... is quite a miserable experience.”
Revealing a part of himself he wouldn’t show his disciple, Jin-Hyun spoke with a mix of complicated emotions.
Deeply understanding the weight in Jin-Hyun’s words, Kwang-Soo turned his gaze back.
“I know.”
“I see.”
Placing his empty teacup down, Jin-Hyun touched his trembling hand.
“That’s a relief...”
***
In a city shrouded in a faint purple mist, numerous luminescent lights eerily lit up on the bizarre, physics-defying tall buildings. Standing at the top, countless beings could be seen walking around with lethargic expressions on the streets below. This was District One, the origin and hub of the Pleasure District.
Within a conference room with a towering skyscraper at its center, Felix spoke confidently to his audience.
“Through this incident, information about our bait has spread, significantly increasing our clientele. At this rate, we can easily meet twice the initial quota you requested.”
The woman with deep purple hair sitting at the head of the table, the Dream Demon, stared at him. She wore a faint, gentle smile, but her eyes lacked amusement. But despite the unsettling gaze, Felix maintained his composure.
“So?” In a languid voice, the Dream Demon continued, “Does this mean the operation was a success?”
It was a normal question, but Felix knew it was closer to a reprimand. He tensed, maintaining the smile.
“We did suffer some initial damage due to inadequate response, but we managed to cope adequately...”
“28 A-rank heroes. Plus, 279 individuals who supported or traded with them. They also cleared out those who had infiltrated small to mid-sized and large guilds across Europe."
“...”
“Furthermore, the Mirror of Demons has been secured by the Heroes Association, putting us under surveillance.... Do you truly think this will benefit our influx of material for the Expansion?”
Even if a few of the heroes they were cooperating with were captured, it would likely still have been manageable if the Mirror of Dreams had not been discovered. Yet it had, and its exposure was highly detrimental to their expansion plans.
If potential high-value clients became wary of being tainted by the demonic aura of the Mirror of Dreams, they might even be unable to acquire enough materials.
Backed into a corner, Felix broke out into a sweat and forced a smile.
“On the contrary, it means those still on our side are pretty secure. Madame, you know how much of a pain those half-heartedly involved can be.”
“Hmm...”
“Those so-called heroes, even when they fall into decline and are stuck in their own world, still pride themselves as humanity’s protectors. To effectively use such people as material, it’s more convenient to deal with those who have already been thoroughly broken and tainted.”
Though the number of potential clients might decrease, the quality of the remaining ones would exceed expectations.
The Dream Demon intently watched Felix, who continued to smile desperately.
“Of course, we will compensate you for the damages our mistakes cause in our future transactions.”
At this, the Dream Demon smiled more gently.
“You seem to be a bit better than the guy before.”
“Thank you.”
Bowing, Felix trembled slightly. Nothing pleased him more than being considered better than his arrogant brother.
“Still, I hope you’ll be more cautious in the future. It’s not a pleasant experience to lose one of your own kids, no matter how weak he was.”
Losing Makif, who had died during the ambush on the car, was minor, but he was still someone personally selected by the Dream Demon for his talents.
“I will keep that in mind.”
Still smiling, she replied, “Good. I look forward to it.”
“I'll be leaving now, ma’am.”
Finished with his report, Felix bowed his head before exiting the conference room.
Once he had left, the Dream Demon rose from her chair and the surroundings blurred. Now standing in a luxurious hospital room, she moved to the bedside.
“Ah... ugh...”
Looking down at Makif lying on the bed, continuously groaning, the Dream Demon’s yellow eyes glowed eerily. A second later, a purple butterfly emerged from Makif's forehead, fluttering up to the Dream Demon’s fingertip.
Upon landing, a purple mist arose before her eyes to reveal several hazy scenes. Makif’s body crushed to the floor, his mana not obeying his commands, and the indifferent gaze of someone’s hypnotic purple eyes.
When the last one appeared, the Dream Demon felt her heart race. It didn’t matter that she couldn’t see who it was.
That... is definitely Ethereal Vision.
It finally made sense. Ethereal Vision made easily subduing Makif and completely isolated her power's interference possible.
I never imagined Babel would have such a talented person.... Could it be the same person who subdued that Singh I sent as a courier?
Back then, she had just thought the person breaking the seal she had implanted in Amir’s heart was competent, but now she found herself wanting that talent.
Who could it be...
She guessed it was either Se-Hoon, who was at the scene, or someone secretly placed by one of the Perfect Ones. Either way, both possibilities were worth exploring. And after a bit of thought, she came to a decision.
I need to look inside Babel.
With the expansion project underway, acquiring such valuable material was crucial. Deciding it was time to act more aggressively, the Dream Demon immediately acted.
“About the Babel infiltration we discussed earlier, accelerate the plan,” she whispered to the air.
“Understood.”
Hearing the reply echo in her ear, the Dream Demon, satisfied, glanced down again.
“...”
Makif was completely motionless, not even groaning anymore. By transforming part of his mind into a butterfly to view his memories, she had completely shattered his psyche.
Gazing at his pitiful state, the Dream Demon fell into thought briefly.
“Hm...”
Then, she smiled.
“I can take a glimpse at it twice more.”
If she could find clues about the individual with Ethereal Vision, she didn’t care what happened to Makif.
Turning, the Dream Demon silently vanished from the hospital room.