Forward! My First Conquest. (Part 2)

"OOOOOOOHHH!!! You truly are a miracle worker Gwishin nim~! It wouldn't surprise me if you are Hariwhata!"

*Leap* *Hug*

Finding Heon at the same place I told him to hide, he leaps with so much joy as he embrace me when I told him how I manage to get the King to be more amicable with us and even provide us with a place to stay.

"You're a much more reliable than any of Hyung's former allies! To think you could subjugate a whole city overnight, not even Hyung is capable of that."

He rubs his face all over my chest and I can only remember how many of those gang leaders seem to know him and one even called him Young Master...

(Well he did have a family name and that Hyung he calls all the time).

"I'm glad you're okay."

I pat his head and continue to walk with him still attached asking:

"Well then, lead the way Unnie."

I talk to the youngest servant who became the only one to lead us. Unlike the servants who separated when we leave the throne room, she seems...

*Glare*

(Intense...)

With her short black bob hair tied with a bun on top, a tense ear and tsil, the one to accomoany us is a tiger-kin girl wearing the usual apron with a robe underneath. Seeing her posture that seem ready to pull those hidden weapons underneath her clothes, I can't help but feel like she's more of a warrior wearing a costume instead of a real servant.

"You, servant! As your new ruler, lead the way to where Gwishin nim wishes! Hahaha!"

Heon seems to easily embrace his new situation judging by his confident acts. The beast-girl seems to lose a bit of her patience hearing him speak as her hair rise with each passing time.

"Very well... Follow me please..."

The beast-girl tries her best to hold back her anger as she gesture us to follow and turn around but with the way her tail move like snake following its prey, it feels like she has eyes behind her back.

"Hah? I can't see your face but I can tell you're acting inappriate."

(H-Heon?)

Heon lets me go and walk over the maid with his chest held high. I could see the maid clearly losing her patience as every hair visible starts to stand. He points his finger right at her face shouting:

"What's with that face, huh!?"

*Glint*

Sensing clear murderous intent I quickly move my hand beside Heon's face and catch her hand in the act. Tithrring very close between life or death as her hidden steel claws barely touch his neck, Heon fells to the floor in shock as he sees the tiger-kin coming so close to separating his head from his shoulders...

(Heon you really are a naughty kid).

"Krrrgh!

I could feel her abnormal strength as she tries to shake my hand away but compared to all I have faced, its like holding the hand of a child. My firm grip easily keep her in place as I then slowly drag her away from Heon.

*Yank* *Grab*

"Kyaa!"

As my forceful action cause her to lose her footing, I grab both her arms and,

*SQUUUEZE* *Clang* *Clang* *Psssh*

"Aaaah!"

From her robe, then to her hidden steel gloves filled with needles, chains, and claws, I use my power to turn what my hand touches to ash as my power peel layer by layer of her weapons until pieces of it starts to fall fron the hole left agape by her sleeves.

"Aaah! Stop! Please... Stop!"

*Release*

"Urgh!"

"If I knew you were that short tempered, I would've disarmed you first."

Fallen to the ground shaking, hugging her own arms as she lay before her broken weapons, I look at her arms and see the dark marks left behind by my powers. I kneel down, her cowering form stops shivering as cracks starts to spread from the marks I left behind. Staring down on her crumbling body like a castle of sand, her eyes filled with defiance is now nothing but regret and horror. Her eyes look away as if she wishes to flee but her body is completely paralyzed.

"N-No, w-wait, please, let me go. I... I..."

Noticing how different her attitude is compared to the rabbit-kin when he is cornered, I can't help but wonder if that boy really is just brave. I hold where I left my mark and she quickly turn to me shouting:

"W-Wait! Please! I have a brother I need to take care! I..."

*Iiing*

Stopping the cracks from spreading, I absorb the black cracks back to me as I then stop her from speaking saying:

"That's unfortunate isn't it? So, let's just say sorry and pretend this never happened okay?"

I turn around and see a completely different sight. Filled with nothing but respect and shimmer in his ruby eyes, Heon crawls to me as in a hurry. He grabs me by my knees shouting:

"T-That was awesome! Gwishin-nim, Gwishin-nim, what was that? That power to turn whatever you touch to ash, you must seriously teach me that! So not only from your weapons but hands as well?"

Grabbing me by my thigh, then by the hem of my shirt, and soon my sleeves, he crawls up even as the sound of tear loosen my shirt shouting:

"Please, Gwishin nim!"

Seeing something pretty wholseome, I pat his head and make him stand properly saying:

"Like I said, that's not a path you want to take. But don't worry, I'll teach you something awesome almost nobody use here or all of the Comfederation for that matter."

"Woah! Is it a secret technique? Is it-mmph!"

I hold his mouth from speaking and carry him close as to stop him from picking fights before saying:

"No, but it is a powerful technique even owlians can use. Also... If you try to pick fights like that again, I hope you're very prepared for a heavy punishment... Or I might just not intervene in time."

"... I'm sorry."

Heon apoligized and I acknowledge it by turning around saying:

"Good, and as for that Unnie, get yourself some care. We'll head to the bath by ourselves."

"Wait, you know where it is, Gwishin-nim?"

"Of course not, but seeing all the palaces I've been its not rare to find huge baths so all I have to do is just follow the sound of streaming water in a large room."

"Amazing..."

As I carry Heon away and leaving the servant behind, I can't help but wonder if... I'm the bad guy?

(No, no, no! Then again... All of the enemies I face are usually those who will fight to the death, and those that either die or knocked out by my attacks. Seeing someone plead their life with me just... Aaah! Why am I the bad person!?)

"Um, I'm sorry really Gwishin nim. So please don't make that face."

"Hm?"

I cover my face with my hand as I realize how much I'm furrowing my brow.

"Fuuuh..."

I take in the air and try to calm my nerves before asking:

"So, what's with that kind of attitude? You should know not everyone is so patient."

"That's... How I must I act to not mirror my Hyung. It's to show how they have to accept defeat! That's how we do it in the republic, the losers have no right for their pride."

"I still remembered how you cry for your mother and Hyung."

"T-That's... Spiritual entities are just on a different level! Mental attacks are no fair!"

"Then what of your situation? I'm sure you must-"

"Don't you say, I lost! That doesn't count! Traitors have no right for victo-mmph!"

I pat his head down and ruffle his hair to make him quiet saying:

"Okay, okay, but just for context, the people here won't be fighting for us... I think since we're waiting for their answer tommorow. We'll still be conquering the Republic by the two of us."

"Heh, as expected of Gwishin nim, not even a King of a country can witshstand an ultimatum. With how strong you are, and with me everyone will tumble very quickly."

"I always wonder where does your confidence come from?"

"You of course, Gwishin nim."

"Right..."

*************************************

*Splash* *Splash*

The waters, a mesmerizing hue of dark red, and this wonderous aroma I can only describe to be... Like blossoms. A room filled with luxury and decadance. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, depicting tales tales and scenery of epic scale. The warmth of the crimson waters embraced like a fuzzy blanket, being here feels like time itself seemed to pause.

(Woah... This... Is this really a bath? If so, this is the most wonderful bath in the world for me!)

As we finally take a bath, I decided to bond with him more by helping him wash but...

"Um, why are you covering your eyes shut like that? You're missing out on the full experience of this bath."

"I'm a man of integrity! I would never stare upon a woman's body. Also, the soap hurts!"

"Huh? Oh, sorry... Also... What if I tell you I'm a man? Won't you open your eyes?"

"Still, no! I won't be like my Hyung who goes "Awooga!" Everytime he sees a pretty lady and chase skirts on every city he conquers."

"Right... Just saying now, I'm actually a man so don't get it all twisted in the future- Oh you're missing some spots. That's why I tell you to use the scrub they provide."

"Thanks, Gwishin nim. Aaah~ Warm water, I wonder how long has it been? Ooo~"

*Splash*

As I finish scrubbing his small back and rinsing off this foreign soap that looks more like oil, with his body shimmering Heon slowly submerge himself into the deep red waters filled with bliss and satisfaction. Wondering if this is the same red water back at the adventurer's guild, I quickly rinse myself and submerge as well close to him. Curious about this Hyung he speaks so much, I forgoe that thought for another asking:

"What about you, Heon? Hearing you speak... What kind of person do you want to be?"

He slowly moves closer to me with his back turn saying:

"I said a part of it already but I wanna be strong as my Hyung but the opposite of him as a person."

"And that is...?"

"To be cruel, to be untolerant, to be unforgiving to our enemies! To drive my foes before me and hear their lament!"

(Did I seriously chose someone dangerous to help?)

I lean back at bath, lounging ny head back muttering:

"Sigh... Well, that's the opposite of what I want."

"Huh? What do you mean, Gwishin nim? Those people cannot be trusted unless you curse them, like you cursed me."

(When did I do that!?)

"Ahem, just saying, but what makes you think I'm a Gwishin? Or what's a Gwishin anyways?"

*Splash*

"Huh? What are you talking about, Gwishin nim? Gwishin is a Gwishin!"

He slaps the waters as to make a point and I can't help but sigh.

"Haaah..."

(It feels like I'll never get my answer).

"Alright, changing subject, lets say you become like your Hyung, and then avengs him, is that really all?"

"Hm? What do you mean, Gwishin nim?"

"Let's just say your ambition is... Hollow."

"!?!?"

*Splash*

My word seem to lower his spirit as he swims further away replying:

"That may be true Gwishin nim, I admit that its all pretty shallow... But what's the point of wanting something more? I never even manage to fufill any of those wish even when my Hyung is still alive. We failed to conquer Hwanara and now I can't even save up enough provisions. The more I try to limit my ambition, the less I achieve."

Seeing Heon downthroted, I grab him by his back and drag him closer replying:

"Then shouldn't it be time you did the opposite?"

"Huh?"

"If what you say is true, shouldn't you be aiming higher to achieve your initial goal?"

"Wha?"

"If a city is what fails you, then dream bigger! Conquer a province- no, let's aim for the world! Then a city would feel like nothing."

"Hahaha!"

*Splash*

Heon seems to regain his laughter as he stands shouting:

"Even I can tell that's crazy! Hahaha! But... You're right Gwishin nim, I'll aim not only the Republic, I'll be conquering the Heavens! Heh... Yeah..."

Sitting back down, Heon hugs his knees as if that flare of spirit fades away and he says:

"Thanks for that suggestion but, you truly are crule Gwishin nim. Unless you'll change our promise, I'll probably be dead when the Republic falls under our Hangong Fam. I may be young but I at least know how to pay my debts, and something so amazing will always come at a steep price, so..."

Heon finally seem to open his eyes yet he won't turn around fully. He grip his knees and continue saying:

"If you truly are kind Gwishin nim, at least make my death the happiest one so I won't regret it in hell-ack."

*Splash*

Hearing his lament and depressed filled request, I splash his face to stop this derailing emotion.

"Enough with that negativity!"

*Grab*

I grab Heon by his face and forcr him to face me which he then shuts his eyes. But even still I continue saying:

"Heon! Listen very closely, and me make this clear. I'm no Gwishin, I have no curse place on you or will I do anything to you at the end of this journey."

"..."

Heon seems quiet by my statement with his eyes and lips still shut tight. I still continue saying:

"I... May try to be more lenient on you, but please do control yourself. I'm not trying to be mean, Its just that there will be times I can't protect you. Especially when I heard you're losing in war."

"War!?"

That word seem to grab his attention so much so he opens his eyes in shock only to shut it again shouting:

"I see nothing!"

(Hm?)

"Wait, Heon... Do you not know what's happening in your country?"

"Oh, are you talking about flower affairs? Yeah, we couldn't care less what those snubs at the top do with their pollen. The last biggest War I ever know is... Is of course with my Hyung when the flower capital came to invade us."

I let him go and sit him down saying:

"It seems, I need to understand a bit more about the Republic. So let's just rest."

"Republic? Oh yeah, many of the Hyungs and Noonas do say that. But more importantly! Huup.. nggh!"

Heon reaches his arm around as he tries to grab something and when I present my arm, he hastily grabs it shouting:

"Gwishin nim! If you really wish to make me happy, teach me that secret technique yoy promised!"

(Promised?)

I pat his wet hair saying:

"Sure, but I'm gonna need time to prepare it, so take a good rest and control yourself okay? Can't teach you techniques when you're dead."

"It? Will it be a secret weapon!? Ooh~ I can't wait! This warm water isn't keeping my excitement, I'm leaving first."

Seeing Heon trying to leave the bath and failing as he can't raise his feet over the wall is a but sad. So I decided to raise him by his armpit and put him outside saying:

"Don't run."

"Yes, Gwishin nim!"

He shouts back barely being qble to contain his excitement. Speed walking out of the baths

Seeing him act like how I would whenever I receive a new year present makes me rethink of my decision of asking him for help. Even if I didn't send him to danger folloeing me is alrrafy quite dangerous... Ah, right.

"Maybe just like Juha, I should keep a close eye on him. Just like she did to me. Hum..."

*Slide*

I open to the dressing room and start wearing the many clothes already prepared at the shelves. Drying myself, I start to realize most of the holes or the large ones in my body have already closed into thin pink layer of skin like after someone peel off the scab.

(I wonder if they'll atay like the big scars?)

Finding the one that fits me, I start to wonder how to wear this new piece of clothes and slowly figuring out and notice how comfy it is.

Similar to the crimson robe the Sentinels wear but unlike the robes I usually wear where you just put it on from the side this one must be put from top and strap at our feet.

(How interesting).

Without any mirror inside, I skip another self reflection and immediately head out to find Heon.

*Slide*

"Eep! Hm? Wait... Gwishin... Nim?"

"Hm? Oh?"

Heon who's already waiting outside look at me surprised with reddened cheeks. Other than the nice crimson robe he wears very clumsily but still fitting his features, the clean and sparkling look he have after he takes that bath, he is like a completely different person with much clearer skin and sparkling hair. No one would think he was a beggar and more of a noble.

(Wow, do clothes and bath really change someone that much?)

But other than me, he too is completely stunned as he struggles to speak or even look at me before I pat his head saying:

"Let's wait for a while, maybe someone will guide us."

"Y-Yes, Gwishin nim!"

Heon clumsily follows along as I decided to help by holding one of the items hanging at the bags.

"What's wrong? Are you sick? Is the hot water too much?"

Worried as his face keep getting red, I lean closer holding his forehead to check if he has a fever but,

"N-No! None of such nonsense! I'm as healthy as a blooming coconut!"

(Coconut? Hearing nut is it a unique food here?)

Heon brush my hands aside as he back away. His eyes wanders back and forth between looking at me and away befote finally asking:

"Y-You... Have quite the weird hair colour Gwishin nim."

"Is it? Ah right, this is my natural hair colour. Maybe because of the dirt and grime, my hair colour got obscrured. Beside is blonde that weird when there's brown and red hair here?"

"T-Those are still normal! I mean you're the only person with yellow hair."

"Really? I can assure you there's a much more people with more colorful hair. Like pink, green, or my sister has 3 hair colour of purple, orange, and green."

"Wha!? That's possible!? Are you sure you and the rest are not from another planet?"

"The world is just a much bigger place, Heon... Also, you know about hair dyes right?"

(I can't believe I'm the one now saying this things when a few months I was the most clueless person).

"What? The hell is that? I know dyes for armour or vehicle sprays, but hair have dyes? How wasteful! That exactly sounds like the stuff flower nobles would come up with!"

"Well I suppose there are many ways to view things. Also, you look much better now with those new clothes. You look like an entirely different person!"

Heon who's already finding it hard to even fave turn his head even further away as I see even his ears burns red and hear him softly mutter:

"(You too...)"

Seeing his flustered expression I soon realize,

(No way...)

"Uwah! W-What is it!?"

I pat his head and lean closer again and Heon freaks out but I try to make it clear by saying:

"Just to make sure, I'm really genuinely a man. So don't misunderstand."

(Not wanting to resort to extremes, I decided to let it off for now).

"T-That's worse! Aaah!"

Heon shouts back as I wonder what he's thinking or comparing?

***********************************

Satisfied by my own decision, and the time I get to bond more with Heon, we decided to roam the palace as no servants are there to guide us despite waiting for quite a while. Taking the annitiative to explore the palace, I can't help but become taken aback by the beautiful craft of this place. Just like the interior back at my sector, the thought that somebody had to carve out a mountain side just to create the foundation to build such a gigantic estate is baffling. While those with strength can easily split apart mountains, to control such strength to carve the necessary part takes another level of skill. Or even more amazing if that person start chieseling at the side little by little.

*Whoosh*

Feeling the wind blow from the open windows, we are unveiled by the busy city ligthing night into day.

"Hmm... This might be the first time I get to look down upon the star city."

Heon accompany me by my side still avoiding eye contact leans at the window saying something interesting as I can't help but ask,

"Star city?"

"Mm! That's what we... Or what I call a bright city. Since we live under them all the time, they are like the stars of the night for us. We can only dream what it's like to live there."

"Can you not go there?"

I ask in curiosity as I stand beside him to watch the sparkling view and he shakes his head replying:

"Nope, you apparently need to have this identification before you could even enter."

"This may sound stupid but have you not tried to get one?"

"Nope! I heard from Hyung, me and my family got banished, exiled, and pretty much had all our possesion taken. We couldn't get one even if we want to."

"I see... I'm sorry to hear that."

"It's not that bad, I once heard Hyung said that we're lucky that's what we get. Plus we probably earn more when we are down here compared back in the city. Like look at that!"

Heon points towards the shimmering city with a bright smile shouting:

"When will we get to see something like this if I live in the city? Plus, I get to explore those massive ruins and go on a grand adventure to the mines and mountains like now. I wouldn't trade it for anything!"

I scratch my cheek as I notice my lips curve to a smile seeing him happy but remembering what I read back with Yoo-Sui I continue asking:

"Really? Well, I'm happy to hear that but... Don't some of the people actually live outside the capital? The files I read seem to make that the case."

"Hm? Files? Don't know what that is but if you're talking about the outposts then yes. They're estate owned by those flower nobles to extract precious resource on active spots. They're all more fortified then any camp I've ever seen. Heck they're more of a fortress than outposts."

Heon clench his hands and pumps his fist high as to show the grandeur of what he speaks and I can't help but notice,

"I'm surprised by how different this place could be when you're neighbours. I'm even more surprised all of you are willing to live in such conditions."

"Heh! No matter what they throw at us we will survive! That's the pride of the weak!"

"I see...? Well, let's continue our exploration. I'm getting quite hungry."

"Oh yeah! With a house this big, their food must be just as amazing if not a lot! To think a day would come where I could save up on precious rations."

Heon pats his massive backpack where he keeps all our supplies.

(Hm... Hearing what they're talking about supplies, I don't know about that but if its anything better than what he gave me I suppose everything is fine).

"Since we keep going up and near the roof, maybe we should start over and go down. That's usually where the kitchen and stuff usually is right?"

"Great thinking, Gwishin nim."

*Rumble*

"Oh? Wait, someone's coming. We can ask them for help."

"Oh? More servants?"

"Not really."

*Rumble*

"There you are! Stop right there!"

Those crimson robed sentinels come in droves with servants behind them. A few flew over us to block our path and soon I realize this is not a good company.

"I knew you would show your colours sooner or later, Dark Spawn! Typical shape shifters, you think you can be absolve of your crimes by changing your appearance? Nonsense!"

The voice a passionate sentinel echo as she grabs the hilt of her sword and continue shouting:

"The Sentinel King have graciously provided you with hospitality and you pay it back by maiming the hands of his servant!?"

(Maimed? I'm sure her arm is still attached and I did absorb the cracks right away).

Gripping the hilt of her blade tightly, the anger pouring out of the her is palpable by her shaking fists as she continue shouting:

"Not only did you traumatize her but worse of all, take her future away! It is utterly unforgivable! Prepare yourself, dark spawn!"

I raise my hand trying to reason saying:

"Um-"

"FyoJu!"

Drawing her sword out with such fury that it lets out a bright red light, the sentinels behind her burn with so much passion they all charge forward with their beasts and respective elements shouting:

" "Fyoju!" "

(Why is there so much figthing... I feel like it was so much peaceful when I was following Sis Yuwei but is this simply how it is? No... The fact that it is different means I truly am moving by my own, and I must accept my own actions).

Seeing a familiar beast with half a small fang charging right at me, I grab Heon by his shoulders and bring him close.

"Haha! Payback ti-uuuck!!!"

"Gaooo-umph!"

*Smash* *Crash*

(Has he not learn his lesson?)

Grabbing the other intact fang, I yank it off its jaws, and cut off the reigns. Hurling the rider off the beast before smashing its head right at the same spot but even harder this time.

*Crack*

"Huh?"

Heon seem shock as the floor beneath us crack and starts climbing me with all four limbs shouting:

"Gwishin niiiiim...!"

Just as planned, the floor below us crack and crumble down. Falling down with debris and feeling the Heon hughing me tighter, I hold him back and use the falling debri as platform and kick it up at the pursuing foes. Some dodge, some crush it under their might while few got swept away by it. Landing safely, I start running away while Heon starts asking:

"Gwishin nim, what's going on!?"

"This is the consequence of our own action I suppose."

"Damn rebels! Can't accept the truth of the situation it seems! Fine, crush- blegh!"

Hitting Heon softly in his head replying:

"Enough with the violence. Can't you see how it all keep getting worse?"

"T-Then, do you have any idea on what to do?"

"Me? Nope. I'm at a complete loss for words."

"What do you mean, Giwshin nim...! This can't end like this! I mean, aren't you much stronger!? Just crush them!"

Heon grabs me by cheeks as he panics and I can only wonder what to do now.