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Chapter 136: Head Bang Beats (2)

As we returned after dinner, Moyong Hi-ah asked me.

“How did it go?”

Though her lady had returned, the expression on her face didn’t seem promising.

“It seems it wasn’t today.”

As expected, my prediction was spot on.

“There were some interruptions.”

“Interruptions?”

“Yeah, there was a clueless heroic blade among us.”

Moyong Hi-ah thought of Gu Jeolyub. He had a decent facial expression, but his body language indicated he had some skill too. It was just that the situation wasn’t favorable.

“Fortunately, it was a day later than I expected.”

Based on the information, I had anticipated today, but was something off?

He had yet to arrive at the Dragon Meeting.

“Are you going to try again tomorrow?”

“I’ve already paid, so I might as well use it.”

Moyong Hi-ah was pleasantly surprised by Huangbo Cheolwi’s acting skills, which also helped her with her thoughts.

Tang Soyeol’s participation was unexpected as well.

‘Why is that child here so early?’

Poison Phoenix Tang Soyeol, known for his kind face but not-so-kind personality, was the prized gem of the Tang Clan. He appeared to pressure Huangbo Cheolwi, who looked about twice his size when exaggerated. He seemed to have grown since we last met.

Because of that, Huangbo Cheolwi was desperately trying to calm his racing heart.

And above all…

‘Nangong…’

Among those who seemed to be with Tang Soyeol, she recalled a woman wearing clothes from the Nangong Clan.

The aura given off by her light blue hair and hazy blue eyes was exceptional.

‘Could there really be someone like that in the Nangong Clan?’

If she was related to them, the only person that came to mind was his sister. Information was limited since she rarely came outside.

‘Why would someone like that be here?’

If my assumptions about the Nangong Clan were right, she should be arriving tomorrow.

If she had blood ties, it felt like something was definitely off with her group.

I heard they were pushing for an engagement with the Nangong Clan…

Was that group then pursuing an engagement? The Heroic Blade’s clan leader would presumably be there.

I heard he was engaged to the son of Hohyeop.

‘Then who among them could it be?’

Moyong Hi-ah felt the chill wind sneaking in through the window. She thought of the clueless boy who’d tried to save her and the figure watching Huangbo Cheolwi.

Calm and leisurely.

The boy had remained quiet amidst the chaotic atmosphere.

Her instincts were sharp, sharper than those around her.

Since childhood, she had been aware of her talents, so she was quite confident in her capabilities.

That instinct was urging her to keep an eye on the boy.

Though he was trying hard to avoid her gaze while eating the food in front of him.

But his second glance was constantly tracking Huangbo Cheolwi’s movements.

As if indicating he would intervene at the slightest sign of trouble.

Among the two possible reasons he wasn’t betting was either to avoid drawing attention or because he didn’t think it was necessary.

‘That’s not it.’

Even if Huangbo Cheolwi wasn’t outstanding enough to step foot in the Dragon Meeting, he still hailed from a prestigious family.

Even someone like Seolbong couldn’t face Huangbo Cheolwi without putting up a bet.

Not to mention he couldn’t just jump in from that distance.

“Miss?”

“Sorry, I got lost in thought for a bit.”

Perhaps because unexpected situations were piling up, she felt weary. At her words, the attendant immediately said he would bring tea.

Left alone, Moyong Hi-ah whispered softly to the wind.

“I hope everything flows as planned.”

A situation that doesn’t unfold as intended was exactly what Moyong Hi-ah despised.

Having spent about three years in the Demonic Gate, half of the initial participants had died, and it was time for everyone to face facts.

Seeing the purple light of the moon, the red sky.

Eating the flesh of demon beasts.

Her desire to continue living was dwindling.

– What did you just say?

A sharp aura swept through the cave. Wi Seol-Ah hadn’t drawn her sword, but her Qi was no different.

– It seems you’re not understanding what I’m saying.

Despite bearing the menacing aura, Moyong Hi-ah didn’t change her expression at all.

Instead, she only hardened her resolute expression further.

– Are you saying I must come to understand this garbage you’re spouting?

It was rare for Wi Seol-Ah to raise her voice.

Especially not this aggressively.

– Are you telling me to abandon my comrades? How can you expect me to understand that?

– And what will you do if you can’t understand?

– Seolbong!

Despite Wi Seol-Ah’s intense shout, Moyong Hi-ah’s expression remained icy.

– So Sword Demoness, I understand that you value discussions and respect, but do you plan on maintaining those values while losing everyone?

– Even so…

– That’s what!

Moyong Hi-ah slammed the fan she was holding down to the floor, which had already become torn and worn by intense times.

– It’s only possible when there’s a method. Sword Demoness, you can’t shoulder everything.

– Then instead, I…

– Do you think we can manage once you’re gone?

– …Seolbong.

The people in the room cowered in silence. They understood Wi Seol-Ah’s feelings, but it was undeniable that Moyong Hi-ah was not wrong.

It had always been like this. She never uttered a false word.

It was the same now.

– Even the Sleeping Dragon outside, along with the others, are in that position.

– So you mean to say we should abandon Gu Gongja?

– Yes.

With a biting sound, Wi Seol-Ah gritted her teeth at Moyong Hi-ah’s unwavering statement. The crunch was audible, indicating how hard she was biting.

Moyong Hi-ah’s gaze turned toward me.

– Gu Gongja.

– Yes.

I answered her with a dull tone. I understood all too well that this was the most appropriate response.

– I’ll hear your resentment later.

– Later? When you’re dead?

– Yes.

– Crazy girl, look at you being so resolute.

Unintentionally, I chuckled at that. Wi Seol-Ah was about to interject, but—

– As expected… this won’t do. I…

– I will do it.

– …!

Wi Seol-Ah’s expression twisted at my response.

– It’s easy enough to do.

– What nonsense are you talking about…! If it can happen, then…

– You’d be dead.

Upon my answer, Wi Seol-Ah pressed her lips tightly.

Who can say how many demon beasts were outside? She knew well how the situation was progressing.

Counting wasn’t even an option.

In such a scenario, the Sleeping Dragon and others were barely managing to hold their ground.

Wi Seol-Ah was the same. She had just been taking a break to recuperate after fighting until recently.

– But is there anything wrong with what that glory said?

– Gu Gongja…

– Right now isn’t the time to indulge in sentiments; if you’re going to blame me, blame everyone but that girl.

I was also blaming my weak self.

Wi Seol-Ah often looked tired when losing someone.

But what could I do?

– If it’s not me, then everyone dies.

– I could do that role too.

– That’s true, everyone could do it except me.

But among them, I was the one whose death wouldn’t pose the biggest issue. If Wi Seol-Ah, the strongest, died, hope for the survivors would be lost.

In times like these, with even one more person falling, the gap couldn’t be filled.

– Everyone has already burned bridges that could allow for a way out.

…

– Do you think I want to die? But it’s said we’re all gonna die anyway.

Would drawing attention allow these people to survive? I had no certainty in that.

Still, it had to be done.

Though I sensed something from Wi Seol-Ah’s gaze, I averted my eyes. The others who had been holding their breath didn’t want to meet my gaze.

I didn’t care if it was guilt or bittersweet relief.

– Three years, huh? Quite a long time to endure.

Not that it was appropriate to say.

I had survived longer than I should have, given the circumstances.

Just the fact that I had survived by stepping on the heads of those wanting to live felt like a burden.

Now, I felt I could breathe a little easier.

– Hey.

– Yes.

Moyong Hi-ah was still looking at me. Her gaze was unwavering.

…

– Aren’t you supposed to have something to say?

– No, nothing at all.

At this point, there was no need for me to say anything.

If you asked whether I resented Moyong Hi-ah, I wouldn’t say no, but I could understand her.

People change so much.

Understanding her current self was something else entirely.

– I’m leaving.

When I said that, Wi Seol-Ah reached out, but ultimately couldn’t grasp me. The moment to do so had passed long ago.

Moyong Hi-ah didn’t add any further words.

That was just her nature. She’d cut loose or take something without hesitation if it served her purpose.

Yet, not everyone hated or distained her. The reason was straightforward.

Because she was someone who always placed herself within the boundaries she determined.

In this situation, if the most unnecessary person wasn’t me but Moyong Hi-ah, she would have likely stepped out without hesitation.

But that wouldn’t happen.

Whether it was Seolbong, the Sleeping Dragon, or Wi Seol-Ah.

If even one person crumbled, none would endure.

Suddenly, as if wanting to catch up with the forward-moving Moyong Hi-ah, I asked her something different.

– When you get back, are you going to do something pointless again?

– You’re suddenly asking something strange. What do you mean by pointless?

– Just answer me.

– I probably will.

– Amazing, do you understand that’s quite a foolish thing?

– It’s simply needed.

– Crazy girl…

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

That dialogue had ended. There was no more to say.

Ignoring Wi Seol-Ah, who had fallen to despair, I moved past her.

The next time I reunited with the group was around five years after leaving the Demonic Gate.

A lot had changed by then. I had survived, and so had they.

When we met again, there were no tearful reunions filled with splendid joy.

I had to kill them all.

As the moon hung high in the center of the sky, my room felt big enough to be deemed too nice for one.

“Posture.”

At my words, Gu Jeolyub hurriedly adjusted his stance. He seemed to be losing strength, getting more unsteady by the moment.

“You’re pulling a bet? Do you want to die?”

“No, I don’t…!”

It was obvious he was gradually injecting Qi from his lower dantian.

Gu Jeolyub, standing as if in punishment, banged his head on the floor while grunting.

At first, he showed dissatisfaction, asking what he did wrong.

I kindly helped him wear an expression he’d like.

‘He might have genuine grievances.’

Of course, I didn’t assume Gu Jeolyub’s actions were driven by bad intentions.

Thoughts—good.

That age was the driving force behind many reckless actions.

It could become a variety of things later down the line.

‘But that only applies if you have the skill.’

Objectively viewing Gu Jeolyub, his talents were impressive for his age. He was worthy of being labeled a genius.

However, this land was vast, and there were many late-stage talents.

Right now, Gu Jeolyub would lose not only to Nangong Bi-ah but also to Tang Soyeol.

“Who are you intending to save looking like that?”

“…I’ve heard that if you’re too weak, you shouldn’t hesitate to save the underdog.”

“What a nice saying, but why’d you break my arm?”

“…That’s…”

“Right, there’s no way I was at fault.”

Yep…

“Y-Yes? Yes!”

“Ah, no, First Prince!”

Surely it was a wonderful saying. I couldn’t dare say that statement was wrong.

The reason why this era had come and why we could lay their strength to waste was indeed because of such a cooperative spirit.

Though I was too busy surviving to do such things.

“Then you should be saving the weak; why the unnecessary meddling?”

“What does that even mean…?”

99

Moyong Hi-ah wasn’t weak. Gu Jeolyub didn’t seem to grasp that far.

“A clueless fool, stepping far over his station.”

“ ”

As an odd silence descended, I turned back to find Wi Seol-Ah and Nangong Bi-ah looking at me with strange expressions.

“What?”

“Uh, nothing…”

“Yup…”

What’s with that weird reaction…? I turned back to Gu Jeolyub.

“Did you think you would win earlier?”

“ ”

“From your reaction, it seems like you thought that.”

Gu Jeolyub flinched. It looked like he thought he could win.

“…Was it not?”

“No, you might have won.”

He probably did win, as Huangbo Cheolwi didn’t seem that strong.

But it wouldn’t have been easy.

Having strong vigor was good, but it had to be paired with situational awareness.

“Then…!”

“Intervening is something you do when you can take responsibility.”

The consequences of the chaos that would unfold were considerable.

An inn turned into a battlefield, and we as a group would bear those responsibilities. Possible entanglements with the Huangbo clan and any potential issues with the Dragon Meeting schedule would make things even more complicated.

“Can you take responsibility for all this on your own?”

“…”

“Understand your position; that cooperative willfulness is good if you’re alone. If you dislike it, just get lost.”

Having a good mindset fitting for a hero is worth nothing if it’s not backed by the skills to support it.

It might seem like a mean thing to say, but there are plenty who burn themselves and everyone around just for that cooperative spirit.

This damned Central Plains isn’t free from such people. And I was well aware that not all heroes have happy endings.

“…I’m sorry. I’ll be more careful.”

Stumbling, Gu Jeolyub stood up.

His expression was still poor, and he looked like he didn’t quite understand.

I hadn’t asked him to understand in the first place.

Honestly, Gu Jeolyub would have a far better mindset than someone like me.

At that moment, I was only venting my frustration at nearly entangling myself with Moyong Hi-ah.

‘What was I thinking?’

It wasn’t that Moyong Hi-ah was weak, but that I found it surprising she stayed silent while something like that was happening.

It could be annoying, but that was something only someone like me could do.

[You really think you can stay quiet? It’d be a blessing if I didn’t break anything!]

…In terms of Moyong Hi-ah, I knew she was not one to simply accept things.

Was there something mixed in with her agenda to achieve whatever she wanted?

‘What was she trying to obtain?’

The sky-blue eyes glowing in the shadows come to mind.

Thinking about that left an inexplicable weight in my heart, so I sipped tea.

And then, I briefly glanced at Nangong Bi-ah.

That fleeting moment earlier when Moyong Hi-ah had reacted toward her has returned to my thoughts.

‘If that’s the case, have they already determined their goal?’

Moyong Hi-ah’s intentions and her connection with Nangong Bi-ah.

| |…..

..

.

……

She must have been famous from a past life; it wouldn’t be a surprise to find out it’s the same this time.

Moyong Hi-ah was trying to gain a certain man. What was the purpose behind it, I didn’t know.

Whether it was love or for some goal, she hadn’t spoken of it.

Even as time passed, her motives hadn’t changed much.

Even during those nights spent together with me.

‘What a pointless thought.’

Though it’s said that memories of your first woman hardly fade, it seemed I had no lingering impressions.

It likely had to do with the fact that it wasn’t an affair born from affection.

‘Well, from now on, I just have to avoid getting entangled….’

That would suffice.

I thought so until…

“Nice to meet you! I’m Moyong Hi-ah!”

But the sight of her smiling brightly from the morning made me realize right away.

I was already quite hopelessly lost.

 

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