886

 [Chapter 221]

[From the Lowest Place]

The players dispatched to Gangneung returned in a miserable state.

Journalists waiting on the outskirts of Seoul reported their appearance in the media, drawing the attention of the entire nation.

"Did the subjugation end in failure!?" "I don't see <Yama > and <Thunder God>, they couldn't have died, right?" "What on earth happened!? Did the subjugation end successfully!?"

The appearance of the players on screen was that of defeated soldiers.

They didn't say anything.

Even <Lord > Noh Eun-ha kept his mouth shut, refusing interview requests and returning to his clan.

People anxiously waited for the official announcement from the Fairy government.

After some time passed, the content announced by the Fairy government gave them a great shock.

[Thanks to the players' dedication, we were able to subjugate the 3rd rank overrank monster Basilisk, but...]

The subjugation of the Twins Basilisk.

The announcement that started with good news was followed by bad news and worse news.

""""...."""

The deaths of <Yama > and <Thunder God>.

Following <First Sword> last year, now even these two people, considered the strongest of the 2nd generation, had passed away.

The void left by their deaths was too big.

People never thought they would die.

"L-lies... That's impossible!! How can it make sense that the Basilisk is a 3rd rank overrank, but <Yama >, <Thunder God>, and <Lord > struggled against it even when they combined their powers!?"

People denied reality.

Of course, they had to.

The attack team had made thorough preparations to subjugate the two Basilisks.

They mobilized more people than regulations allowed for the subjugation.

Moreover, it was an operation where 7 Twelve Seats were deployed.

In terms of elite forces, it could be said to be half of the Uijeongbu recapture battle.

Yet the damage was so severe.

It was simply unbelievable.

However, the final content announced by the Fairy government was even more unbelievable.

[We have discovered that all of this was plotted by the former Twelve Seat leader, <King of Darkness> Baek Seo-jin. On that day, Baek Seo-jin led Slayers...]

""""...."""

The defection of the <King of Darkness>?

Nonsense.

Everyone was at a loss for words.

Even the reporters filming the Fairy government's announcement at the scene were dumbfounded.

They were so shocked that they couldn't stop the Blue House spokesperson who calmly finished the announcement and turned away.

"Baek Seo-jin... defected?"

One of the living myths who contributed to rebuilding this country.

<King of Darkness> Baek Seo-jin, who could be said to be the most intact among them.

People didn't know how to react to the fact that he had defected.

☆

It was as expected.

The citizens couldn't accept Baek Seo-jin's defection as it was and were in confusion.

Whether Baek Seo-jin's defection was true.

Or if he was being threatened by Slayers, etc.

All sorts of speculations were popping up.

Unfortunately, the Fairy government couldn't provide an official answer beyond the fact that Baek Seo-jin had defected.

They too were in the process of grasping the situation.

"To think that old man had such thoughts, it's hard to believe..."

Fairy Im Ga-eul.

Her feelings weren't much different from the citizens'.

She didn't want to believe it.

But all the players who returned from Gangneung unanimously claimed Baek Seo-jin's defection.

And Baek Seo-jin's whereabouts had become completely unknown.

"Come to think of it... When I became the Fairy and tried to touch darkness without knowing better, he did hate it terribly."

Im Ga-eul recalled old times.

Having become the Fairy anyway, she decided to become a wise ruler and govern people, but she ran into various obstacles in the early days of her rule.

At that time, there were more things she couldn't do than things she could do.

The officials were busy working among themselves, setting her up as a symbol.

It was fortunate that <Iron Fortress> Moon Jun gradually transferred power to the Fairy, otherwise it would have ended up like China.

And at that time, Baek Seo-jin expressed extreme displeasure at Im Ga-eul's idea of bringing darkness into the light.

"After that... I had no choice but to be careful about touching darkness."

Nevertheless.

Im Ga-eul worked on gradually bringing darkness into the light while being mindful of Baek Seo-jin.

She judged that it would be fine as long as she didn't touch the root of darkness.

In fact, Baek Seo-jin turned a blind eye.

But thinking about it now, Baek Seo-jin must have felt her existence as a threat and was planning this.

Moreover─

"─To think that most of the disasters that occurred after I took power were artificially caused by Grandfather Baek Seo-jin and Armageddon... The frequency of disasters did strangely increase as soon as I took power, so that's why."

Baek Seo-jin had been trying to make her position awkward by causing disasters for a long time.

Im Ga-eul couldn't help but be angry about this point.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that her affection for Baek Seo-jin had completely disappeared because of this.

The conclusion was simple.

We need to eliminate Baek Seo-jin and the Slayers, and change this country anew.

However, compared to the simple conclusion, the process was by no means smooth.

There was a problem with the forces to defeat Baek Seo-jin right away.

<Yama > and <Thunder God> died.

Two out of three Twelve Seat dealers have passed away, so it's difficult to fill their positions, and people's morale has greatly dropped.

Im Ga-eul sighed.

To ease the citizens' anxiety, she had to fill the vacancies in the Twelve Seats as soon as possible.

But there weren't many players with the reputation to replace <Yama > and <Thunder God>.

That's how much those two had contributed to this country.

Of course, Im Ga-eul intended to hold a state funeral for the two.

They were faithful people who had been her sword all this time.

Now I can't even get angry at that Kang Hyeon-cheol anymore.

Im Ga-eul gave a bitter smile.

After a moment of silence for the two, she decided to analyze the situation coolly.

In fact, there were not two but three Twelve Seat positions that needed to be filled.

"With Hye-rim in that state, we can't have her as a Twelve Seat."

<Holy Mother> Park Hye-rim.

Since returning from Gangneung, she had been repeatedly losing consciousness and waking up, having seizures.

It wasn't known to the world, but she was currently under strict surveillance by Regulus Clan members.

Apparently, whenever she came to her senses, she would cry, not believing <Yama >'s death, and say things uncharacteristic of <Holy Mother>, like she would cruelly kill the Slayers.

She was consumed by evil.

Im Ga-eul understood her feelings.

However, since she was currently pregnant, she couldn't be allowed to do as she wished.

It's dangerous for the baby too, so she should give up her Twelve Seat position.

For Park Hye-rim's health as well.

Im Ga-eul planned to have her step down from the Twelve Seat position.

Negotiations with Regulus Clan had already been completed.

Regulus Clan's damage was quite large too, so it's a problem whether they can put forward the next candidate...

Considering Hye-rim's contributions, I should try to push it to Regulus Clan if possible.

Meanwhile, Im Ga-eul dispatched Precise Memory and trustworthy players to Gangneung.

It was to track Baek Seo-jin and the Slayers, and to recover the bodies of people still left at the scene.

And Precise Memory spread magic in the area to find out how they were killed.

Those memories were only horrifying.

Grateful for the players' dedication.

Im Ga-eul decided to do what she could to pray for their souls.

"How Hyeon-cheol died... We must absolutely not let Hye-rim know. I should tell the relevant people to keep quiet."

Mine Halphas.

And Barbatos.

Im Ga-eul decided to evaluate them as Mines on par with Mastema.

☆

Cheongju City, Seondu Mountain.

A dojo in a mountain valley.

The previous generation <Divine Spear> Nam Gung Seong-un was exerting himself in physical training, swinging his spear as usual today.

"Huu... I've grown old too."

The spear feels heavier than before.

It's because his soul's lifespan has become short after manifesting myths countless times.

Even elixir can't fix the soul.

That's why he hasn't used elixir even after losing an arm while subjugating Leviathan.

The old man with little life left now only thought of quietly waiting for his death day and entrusting the world to the next generation.

So he hoped the elixir would be used not on himself, but on people with bright futures ahead.

He had gotten used to wielding the spear with one arm anyway.

He was sweating.

Nam Gung Seong-un activated his gift.

The energy of <Ice Flower> floated around, cooling the heat.

It was then.

"Master, may I come in?"

"Is that Myung-jin? Yes, come in."

A disciple living in the mountain valley dojo knocked on the door.

He wondered if something had happened.

The people living in the dojo rarely spoke to Nam Gung Seong-un when he was swinging his spear.

His prediction was correct.

The disciple delivered bad news.

"...Is that really true?"

"It's on TV and the internet. Just now, a phone call came in saying that the government will come to seek your advice on the current situation."

"..."

The defection of <King of Darkness> Baek Seo-jin.

Nam Gung Seong-un recalled his comrade with whom he once fought to rebuild a new country in a destroyed world.

"I need to check for myself."

The cold air floating around Nam Gung Seong-un writhed fiercely.

He withdrew his aura and walked out of the dojo, making thudding sounds on the floor.

The disciple followed him, reading the mood.

As soon as they entered the room, he quickly turned on the TV.

"..."

Nam Gung Seong-un sat down.

Sitting cross-legged, he checked the news and gritted his teeth.

His eyes blazed.

"Baek Seo-jin, you bastard..."

There wasn't much mention of Baek Seo-jin in the news.

That was enough to make Nam Gung Seong-un angry.

Baek Seo-jin killed <Iron Fortress> Moon Jun.

He harmed many other people and caused many disasters.

He violated benevolence and righteousness.

Nam Gung Seong-un stood up.

"I need to go up to Seoul." "The government is coming down now..."

"Tell them I'm going up."

"Yes, I understand, Master."

He had intended to withdraw from the secular world.

However, Nam Gung Seong-un couldn't ignore Baek Seo-jin's defection.

He decided to prepare to go up to Seoul immediately.

On the other hand─

─None of the living myths know properly about Baek Seo-jin's myth.

In this state, if I fight now, I might not be a match.

Nam Gung Seong-un coolly analyzed his own strength and Baek Seo-jin's strength.

He wouldn't be able to win.

In fact, the only help he could provide was in dealing with the Slayers.

No, there was one more thing.

"I didn't want to tell Yeon-hwa, but I have no choice."

<Abyss > is by Baek Seo-jin's side.

He too can manifest a myth.

In the end, <Lord > Noh Eun-ha has to fight two myth embodiers.

It's too reckless.

If Noh Eun-ha faces Baek Seo-jin, someone needs to be able to face <Abyss >.

As far as Nam Gung Seong-un could think, there was only one person who could take that place currently.

<Divine Spear> Ryu Yeon-hwa.

There was no one else.

In Nam Gung Seong-un's view, Ryu Yeon-hwa had already embodied a myth.

All that remained was to manifest it.

I don't know how much time is left.

Make Ryu Yeon-hwa manifest a myth.

It doesn't matter if she can't.

Then he and she can join forces to face <Abyss >.

"Baek Seo-jin, you bastard who should be condemned by heaven and earth... I feel pathetic for thinking of you as a friend today."

With one sleeve fluttering.

Nam Gung Seong-un headed for Seoul.

☆

At that time.

Eun-ha, who had returned from Gangneung, was receiving intensive treatment.

"You ended up like this after manifesting a myth twice. It's fortunate that the Lord has a body superior to humans, otherwise you could have died." "I had no choice. You know that too."

"That's why I'm not saying anything more and quietly scolding you like this. Come on, take off your clothes."

Many clan members were injured, but Eun-ha was the most severely injured.

Even when he faced off against Baek Seo-jin, he looked calm on the outside, but in reality, blood was flowing profusely from his wounds under his clan uniform.

That's not all.

Due to using myths consecutively, the ability of his entire body had decreased.

Perhaps there might even be a problem with his soul.

"It's frustrating... I can't see the soul so I can't treat it. In my opinion, the most seriously injured part is probably the soul..."

"I think I'm fine enough. The gift somewhat eased the burden..."

"It only eased it, but didn't completely eliminate it, right?"

"Well, that's true." "Be careful. If your soul gets damaged, you might suddenly pass away at some point." "Okay, I'll be careful."

Noh Eun-ah and Cha Eun-woo were busy treating the injuries of clan members as soon as their own injuries recovered.

So it fell to Iriya to take full charge of Eun-ha.

She took off Eun-ha's patient gown and examined his wounds.

"...Somehow your touch feels a bit off?"

"Huh? It must be your imagination."

"It must be my imagination, right?"

"I'm not so tactless as to play around with this kind of thing. I don't do things like the twins or Ariel."

"Right, sorry for doubting you."

"Now, take off your pants too. Take off all your underwear too so I can examine in detail."

Is she really not playing around?

Eun-ha looked back at Iriya who was slapping his back.

He took off his pants with a resigned face.

As he was about to take off his underwear too─

"─Eun-ha, are you okay? Does it hurt?"

"Wah!" "..."

Lee Yu-jeong came in carrying Noh Yu-rin.

Lee Yu-jeong, who opened the door and came in, witnessed the scene of him taking off his underwear in front of Iriya.

"Oh, Yu-jeong. You came...?"

"Welcome, Third Angel and Yu-rin Angel."

Because the situation looked bad.

Eun-ha felt nervous for no reason.

He tried to greet Lee Yu-jeong with an evasive smile.

Then Lee Yu-jeong, who was standing stiffly with her hand on the doorknob─

─Creeak

She quietly closed the door.

She seemed to be shocked.

 Eun-ha hurriedly put on his underwear.

"Yu-jeong, wait! I was taking off my clothes to receive treatment! I'm really innocent this time!?"

When Lee Yu-jeong gets angry, she becomes silent.

That's why she's scarier.

Han Seo-hyeon would at least respond to his words when she was angry, even if she was tapping her foot.

But Lee Yu-jeong locked the door and shut herself in, not even trying to talk.

So he had no choice but to chase after her to quickly resolve her anger.

"Anyway... The Lord hasn't changed even after becoming a hero."

Iriya gave a bitter smile, they say.

☆

"I know too. It was just a joke. Watching you receive treatment in that state also seems a bit unsightly..."

"Yeah, I'm glad if it was a joke."

Was it really a joke?

Eun-ha felt relieved yet uneasy at Lee Yu-jeong's smiling words.

Then he picked up Noh Yu-rin.

"Kau!"

"Are you happy to see daddy?"

The child seems to be growing fast.

Although he hadn't seen her for just a few days, Noh Yu-rin seemed to have grown a lot.

Eun-ha doted on his daughter while patting her to help her fall asleep.

"So how is it? Your body?"

At that moment, Lee Yu-jeong asked.

Her tone was laced with worry.

Eun-ha patted her bottom and told her.

"Fortunately, they say there's no problem at all." "Really?" "Yeah, really." "Riya unnie, is that true?"

It's a lie.

In fact, Eun-ha was covered in all sorts of wounds under his clothes.

There was also the price of using myths.

But Lee Yu-jeong, who didn't know much about myths, couldn't know that far.

Eun-ha gave Iriya a look.

Iriya sighed.

"Yes, there are some minor wounds but they're almost all healed. As you know, Third Angel, the Lord is very sturdy."

"Phew, I see."

In the end, Iriya also participated in the lie.

Lee Yu-jeong heard her words and finally showed a relieved expression.

But she couldn't be completely at ease.

Because there would be a grueling battle soon.

"You'll participate in the subjugation team too, right?"

"I have to. There's probably no one else who can fight that person besides me."

<King of Darkness> Baek Seo-jin.

The world was in an uproar due to his defection.

The Fairy government will soon form a team to subjugate Baek Seo-jin and gather players to appease public sentiment.

Before that, they'll have to elect new Twelve Seats to fill the vacant positions...

Eun-ha predicted the political situation.

Two Twelve Seat positions are vacant.

No, it would be three including <Holy Mother>'s position.

Currently, <Holy Mother> is not in a suitable state to participate in battle. Sadly, for <Holy Mother>'s health, we'll have to make her step down from her position.

Just earlier, he received a call from the Fairy.

Fairy Im Ga-eul informed Eun-ha of the results obtained from dispatching Precise Memory to Gangneung.

As a result, Eun-ha could know how <Yama > and <Thunder God> died in the end.

"It has to be me. So I have to go. Don't worry. As I've done many times before, I'll win and come back."

Eun-ha held Lee Yu-jeong's hand.

She also gripped his hand tightly.

She smiled as brightly as possible.

"You promised me, that's what we agreed on."

"Yeah, I promise." "Awoo!"

While hugging Lee Yu-jeong and Noh Yu-rin.

Eun-ha made a resolution.

That he must somehow quickly recover from his injuries and fight Baek Seo-jin.

And that evening─

[─The following is news that came in from an anonymous informant. According to the report, Mr. Noh, the chief secretary of Sirius Group, committed misconduct several years ago...]

[Breaking news. Alice Pharmaceuticals, which is evaluated to have virtually monopolized the potion market, is said to have committed tax evasion...]

[Breaking news just in. Questions are being raised about Luminous Group's abnormal financial structure...]

Sirius, Luminous, Alice, Hana.

The misconduct of groups ranking in the top 10 of the business world ignited public opinion.

Among them─

[─According to an employee who was in Sirius Group's secretariat, Mr. Noh...]

The story about Noh Eun-ha's father was mentioned the most.

☆

Laws exist to be obeyed.

But sometimes one cannot live in the world just by obeying the law.

Violation of law, evasion of law, illegality.

These too were elements that made up the world.

In a society where people are entangled with people, there is no one who lives strictly abiding by the law.

"It would be strange if nothing came out when digging. People can never live purely good lives."

<King of Darkness> Baek Seo-jin.

Deeply connected to the nature of darkness, he was well-versed in human beings.

All the things they did without obeying the law were in his hands.

That is darkness.

Although he had now lost the great influence he had on darkness, the information he had gathered so far was still vast.

That's not all.

He also had information he had personally collected for this day, without telling anyone.

So─

"─Now, Eun-ha. How will you respond to this?"

Before the players form a subjugation team and rush to where he is.

Baek Seo-jin decided to make the first move.

He divides them.

No, he brings down Noh Eun-ha.

"When you climb too high, the impact is that much greater when you fall. You've climbed too high to a position called <Lord > all this time."

People want those above them to be clean.

Even though they know it's absolutely impossible.

So if they learn that the hero they believed in wasn't actually clean, and if the degree is severe─

"─What will happen to your position?"

People will try to tear down everything Noh Eun-ha has built up so far.

That's the difference between himself and Noh Eun-ha.

Although he was acknowledged by the citizens as the <King of Darkness> from the beginning, Noh Eun-ha was praised as a national hero.

"Still, bringing you down first isn't very interesting. I'll start by gradually breaking down your surroundings."

However, thinking that Noh Eun-ha wouldn't fall just from this much.

Baek Seo-jin decided to target the people around him first.

The first target is─

"─Your father."

If your father falls.

Surely your mind will break down too, and even your myth will fade away.

Baek Seo-jin was confident.

It's a rebellion that starts from the lowest place.