Chapter 60

Even with a sufficient amount of yoryoku, Aime's new body is still sleeping. Because of this, Jihu was simply sitting on the ground with the doll's head on his lap. Meanwhile, Hisashi was painting the dark starry night.

Given the curse of Goshu, he wasn't able to see the beauty of stars as a kid. So now that he can, he looks at it with more appreciation. Seeing this, Jihu was once again conflicted.

'Is it right for me to live life once again after I've killed innocents?' Jihu thought after seeing the teen's innocent-like expression.

Meanwhile, in Hisashi's mind, he once again starts to see the events he experienced through a lens.

'The old man only managed to get Aime back… because she's not dead in the first place, and not human. If she were and the exact same scenario happened…'

Hisashi didn't continue his thought and focused more on his painting. Later on, Aime wakes up which excites Jihu but then discovers that like before, her memories were wiped out. Seeing this, Hisashi didn't bother to remind her of their previous memories with him and finished his painting.

He sneakily packs up as Jihu reminds Aime who she was and he was. That was when she had a look of surprise on her face and pointed behind him.

"Then pa… Papa, who's that mister?" Aime points to Hisashi which made him stop in his tracks. He also now has his straw hat covering his face.

"Stay here," Jihu said as he walk to Hisashi. "Are you leaving now?" He asks the teen.

"Yes. Don't mind me." "Can you listen to what I'm about to say?"

"What is it?" Hisashi turns around.

"It may come hypocritical and obnoxious, but that thing in your heart… If you keep feeding it more. Just like I did, it would consume you."

"What are you meaning to say?" Hisashi asks in a cold voice.

"Nothing. I just want to thank you for giving me back my life. It won't be the same, but I won't let the same thing happen again. If not for Aime being alone, I'll surrender myself, but I can't. I'll do my best to repent, and you try your best to accept what I said." Jihu then said goodbye and walk back to Aime.

Before walking away, Hisashi just stood there.

'Old man, I don't think it's for us to decide. Vengeance isn't ours.' He thought as he leaves.

…

On the way to the neighboring country, Hisashi has to traverse many mountain ranges. For the past month, he has been trying to fly. After all, his first destination after getting his scroll which is due in the next months is to look if his brother is okay… and if the story he drew as a kid is true. Something he has been bothered about for a long time.

For now, he has been traversing this mountain range for a few days now. It's not hard for him, it's just that he's encountering so many beasts. They aren't crazy strong, but if this attacks a normal civilian, they would pummel it in seconds.

Using his wooden sword, he continues to knock every single one leaving behind a trail of unconscious wild beasts that can be sold for quite a profit.

"This… This number of beasts is triple or quadruple that of Hino's. How are they not attacking the Goryeo? Or rather… are they just attacking the Han Country?"

Hisashi thinks about which is more likely. He has read many books about beasts before and even though he has no rich experience in them aside from hunting some, he knows that this is unusual.

"Is that why they are rumored to be in a bad situation right now? I hope there's some devil there."

A few days later, Hisashi stands at the top of the mountain. However, no town can be seen in sight. There are only trees and some rivers from up there. Bored of normally going down the mountain, Hisashi jumps high and shoots himself forward. With the force of the wind, he glides through it and he even conjures some wind wings from his back, adjusting his trajectory to land safely.

It was his attempt at flying, but he was unsuccessful in doing so. He can manipulate the wings and flap by manipulating the mana around and the one composing it. However, it was useless as he just continue to fall from the sky.

He tried studying different kinds of birds but finds out that it's not as simple as flapping the wings. Even then, he still tried and tried.

While gliding midair, Hisashi closes his eyes and tries to sense the mana around the wind wings and it. With his control, it was easy enough to take control over it but he still can't lift himself.

He can't produce enough thrust to push himself upward and he continues to fall to the ground. He opens his eyes and sees the ground approaching fast, and shoots out a strong gust of wind to slow himself down.

Now, he has set foot in Han country. Before he can take another foot forward, he tilts his body sidewards effectively dodging a fast arrow coming his way.

He didn't even need to spread out his Ki as a woman with a bow comes out of the tree.

"That is a warning shot. The next one will go through your head. Return from whence you came and there will be no trouble!" The woman commands as she loads up her bow.

"What's your problem?! I just set foot here. I'm not even here to cause any trouble. I just want to look around the country!" Hisashi states his displeasure but he didn't draw any of his sword.

"Shut up, you vicious liar. Your lies won't fool me."

"What makes you think that I'm here to cause trouble? I'm just a wandering adventurer." Hisashi asks the young lady.

"Do tell me. What adventurer owns three swords and hides their identity."

"It's for protection. I encountered many beasts just to come here."

"For protection… and for killing. A sword used for protection is concealed, to not incite challenge. Not only did you have three, but you displayed oh so boldly. That's what my master told me. You are not here to peacefully stroll but to fight for someone… or something. Now, enough with your lies."

"No, I'm not. I-" "I said enough!"

"No! I-" Before he can finish his sentence, an arrow came flying to his face which he easily catches. However, his hands blocked some of his vision and by the time he looks back at the woman, she was already gone.