---

Chapter 454 – Thank Goodness

A successful world remains, while the others are erased.

It means that only the successful world remains, extracting countless possibilities.

Up to this point, it was tolerable.

In truth, it wasn’t all that tolerable, but let’s pretend it is for now.

Even if I somehow succeed in bringing calamity to my world.

‘Welcoming a new master means every living being on the land has been erased once.’

Ultimately, no matter the outcome, it meant that what awaited me was nothing but a problematic situation.

‘Hah.’

This is no different from a battle with a predetermined end.

I recall.

The calamity that Yeon Ilcheon referred to me and the causal connections binding me.

Along with the words of the divine sword that the Heavenly Demon, whom I considered a calamity, actually reincarnated me.

The traces left by my mother.

And for some reason, even the remaining powers of the Heavenly Demon.

– Do you truly believe that the reincarnation you experienced was just a miracle?

Yeon Ilcheon’s words resonate deeply.

Looking at the current circumstances makes it clear.

Including the words from the Blood Demon, who felt as if someone was covering my ears, heroes of the past attempted something, but it ultimately failed.

When reflecting on these events.

‘What exactly do they want?’

It felt like the world wanted something from me.

The problem was, what exactly that something was.

Crack.

Perhaps, just as Yeon Ilcheon said, do they wish for me to become the calamity?

I don’t know.

Even the things I have managed to grasp are quite complicated.

On top of that.

There was something I needed to ask the Blood Demon.

“I understand everything, but…”

No matter how the world is, or how things may be.

I get the words.

“In the end, what do you want?”

[…]

What is the purpose of the Blood Demon in front of me? I was curious about that.

Even if the world is going crazy and speaking of an apocalypse, what is the actual goal of the Blood Demon standing before me?

Do they also hope for the calamity to appear and reign by the world’s will?

I don’t think so.

‘That guy has some kind of motive.’

My instincts tell me that.

The Blood Demon doesn’t act according to such logic.

The Blood Demon in my world seeking to establish the Yuseong organization.

And now, the subtle movements made through Jang Seonyeon’s body in the world I find myself in.

Claiming to be torn apart and sealed, it seems as if there’s something they’re hoping for.

What could that be?

It posed a question that I couldn’t fathom in my previous life.

Furthermore.

‘Is the Blood Demon an ally? An enemy?’

Having once invoked the Blood Calamity as a calamity, I know it won’t be an ally.

So, is it an enemy?

I needed to figure that out.

[Hah.]

Hearing my question, the Blood Demon lets out a short breath.

[… Truly a fascinating individual.]

“What are you talking about?”

[If you truly heard what I just said, you should have slumped into the distant future by now. You’re surprisingly calm for someone who has just begun to break free from the mortal coil.]

Calm?

‘Calm my ass.’

The absurdity of the Blood Demon’s words was striking.

Calm? I’m on the brink of losing my mind, and they mention calm?

I might drop dead at any moment, so how could I be calm? The desire to throw everything away was overwhelming.

Just listening to this nonsense was infuriating.

It’s not like the world’s will is trying to conjure calamities, nor is it as if other worlds are endlessly echoing such thoughts.

To me, it’s only convoluted tales that make me want to vomit.

Yet.

‘Still.’

No matter how much that’s the case, I couldn’t give up, so I pushed onward.

‘Dammit.’

If I do nothing, humanity is doomed.

That’s the only reason to curse like this.

I am not someone who would willingly lose out.

Even in this damnable situation, the only reason I am forcing myself to do something is one.

The faces that flash through my mind, those who lived and died for me. The reason I am alive now.

If I consider it a karma for them, I cannot settle down here.

Instead of wallowing in despair, I needed to find a method.

That was all I needed to do.

[Looking at this, I can see how you began to break free.]

“Stop with the nonsense. Just answer my question.”

What is the purpose of the Blood Demon?

While I intend to deal with the Blood Demon according to the will of Shin Noya,

‘I must prioritize my steps first.’

With countless things piling up that need to be stopped.

I needed to sort out what to block first and what actions to take.

Of course.

There’s no guarantee that the Blood Demon will provide satisfactory answers to that inquiry.

[My purpose, you wonder how I came to possess one?]

“Isn’t it obvious? For someone buried in the ground, your will seems awfully fervent.”

[Heh….]

With sarcasm in their voice, the Blood Demon chuckles.

[My purpose…]

“Are you thinking of causing another Blood Calamity as before?”

The Blood Calamity that the Blood Demon instigated centuries ago.

Is the Blood Demon attempting to incite the calamity once more, known to have been thwarted by five martial artists, including Shin Noya?

Hearing my question, the Blood Demon smiles.

[If that were the case, what would you do?]

“I would stop you.”

The reply I spat out casually.

Wooooo-!

The Ice Spirit starts to let out a booming sound.

Heh heh heh heh.

The sound of the Blood Demon’s laughter reverberated, mixing with the echoes around me in a dizzying manner.

[You, a mere blood wretch, who doesn’t even know this world properly—how do you plan to stop me?]

“I will find a way.”

[How foolish. Do you think it would be difficult for me to kill you here and now?]

I felt their energy.

The chill seeping out from the Ice Spirit felt as if it had reached my throat.

The Blood Demon’s words weren’t just threats; they were precise and vividly felt.

However.

“You have no intention of killing me.”

I knew it.

The Blood Demon couldn’t kill me.

“You want something from me, right? Isn’t that so?”

As I raised the corners of my mouth, saying those words.

[…]

Suuuu.

The energy that had been gushing out from the Ice Spirit instantly calmed.

The reason I could boldly confront the ridiculously dangerous Blood Demon was this.

The fact that they purposely called for someone like me, and their relatively gentle treatment, indicated they must desire something from me.

It might not be just that.

At least judging from the current reaction, it was certain.

[Hah.]

The Blood Demon’s short utterance held a hint of surprise.

[You’re quicker on the uptake than expected.]

As anticipated.

I furrowed my brows as I confirmed the Blood Demon’s reaction.

“What do you want from me?”

The calamity from a past generation. An existence from another world wanting something from me.

I needed to know what that was.

Concealing my complicated gaze, I looked at the Blood Demon, who merely smiled faintly in response.

As the brief silence passed.

[You asked me… what my purpose is.]

The Blood Demon spoke to me slowly.

[I dream of creating a paradise.]

Those words brought a frown to my brow.

“A paradise…?”

It sounded nice in theory, but hearing it from the Blood Demon felt oddly jarring.

For a calamity that once instigated the Blood Calamity, it feels like too hopeful of a word.

While I racked my brain to decipher what that could mean.

[He, the transcendent being.]

The Blood Demon addressed me.

[What I desire from you is simple.]

I listened closely to what they had to say.

[Someday, when you have completely broken free and come to understand the world’s will, come find me once more. That’s all I wish for.]

“But I can’t just go wherever I want and come back here, can I?”

It was ridiculous.

It’s already difficult enough to move within the same world, let alone visit another one.

I had no idea why the Blood Demon would desire that, but it was an absurd request on the face of it.

Upon hearing my doubt, the Blood Demon immediately answered.

[If you successfully break free, nothing will be impossible.]

“… What is this break free thing you keep mentioning?”

[That will become apparent in due time.]

If I undergo this so-called breaking free,

Would I learn how to traverse through realms?

Or would I understand this incomprehensible phenomenon?

No matter what, it didn’t matter right now.

“What you said about paradise; is that why you want me to come?”

[Who knows.]

It seemed they chose not to answer.

“… What makes you think I would grant your request?”

[If you remember our conversation now, you will surely wish to find me later. This is inconsequential as well.]

Whether it was because of the word ‘paradise’ or another reason entirely, I couldn’t tell.

Just from what I’ve heard so far, the situation was already convoluted.

‘What should I do?’

Were all the Blood Demon’s words the truth?

If not, what was their intent behind saying them?

Conversely, if everything said by the Blood Demon were true…

‘What am I supposed to do?’

The levels of pressure I was under were surpassing what I could handle.

Unlike the time I resolved to stop the Heavenly Demon’s Blood Calamity and secure my precious ones’ peace.

Now, I was gradually realizing how difficult and burdensome that task actually was.

It’s agonizing.

Realizing that living a normal, peaceful life can be such a challenge is nothing short of infuriating.

‘For now… I need to find a way back to my original world first.’

I came to feel that this moment wasn’t the time to wallow in the past or feel sorry for myself.

I should have organized my circumstances and aimed to return to my original world immediately.

‘Dammit….’

How did it end up like this?

It felt like I’ve become entangled due to the Blood Heavenly Pill.

Is this even a gain from obtaining such information?

One question rose within me.

‘What if all of this is the trial that Tang Je-mun spoke of?’

What if everything I’m experiencing is part of the trial she mentioned?

Would that mean all that the Blood Demon said was false?

‘That would actually be for the best.’

Hearing those words was such a shock that I would prefer it to all be a mere illusion.

As chaotic thoughts surged within my tired mind.

While I was about to exhale a sigh, pinching my brows in exhaustion.

[If that’s what you wish.]

The Blood Demon spoke to me.

[I can immediately send you back to the world you originally belonged to.]

“…!”

My eyes widen at the casual declaration.

What? They can send me back this instant?

I looked up at the Ice Spirit with wide eyes.

[If you truly wish for it.]

“Of course….”

Just as I was about to blurt that out, a thought crossed my mind, causing me to seal my lips tightly.

Even if this situation were a test from Tang Je-mun, could I truly accept Blood Demon’s help to return to my original world, surpassing the existence of the Poison Heavenly Pill and White Horse Stone?

I didn’t trust whether the Blood Demon would genuinely return me to my original world, but it formed an essential question nonetheless.

[Heh, you’re hesitating.]

“…”

[Is that hesitation doubt about me? Or is it your own regret?]

Upon hearing the Blood Demon’s words, I unconsciously bit my lip.

[Is it because you haven’t fully broken free yet? It seems some aspects of your humanity remain.]

“Shut up.”

I spat it out fiercely.

“I am a human.”

[…]

Whether it be having become a demon or something sprouting within my body, I was still human.

I wished to discard everything, yet this damned straw was something I initially couldn’t let go of.

Hearing my words, the Blood Demon fell silent for a moment, seemingly contemplating.

[Fine, if you insist, then it matters none. Ultimately, the essence is what matters.]

They uttered those ambiguous words to me.

And at that moment.

Chirurururug.

Suddenly, the dimension behind me began to warp.

The Demonic Gate I first entered following the dancer.

The same place where a woman wearing a veil appeared as before.

It was the Dancer.

This time too, she slightly bowed to me as we locked eyes.

Seeing that, I spoke to the Blood Demon with irritation.

“Is this your way of saying I’ve seen enough and should leave now?”

[As I said, I can send you back whenever you wish. However, it seems you still have some lingering attachments here, which is why I showed my intentions.]

“Lingering attachment to what? That’s lame.”

Should I be thankful for surviving and obtaining information?

I remembered the Demonic Gate and pondered.

What lingering attachment do I have to this place, as the Blood Demon said?

‘Regret.’

Recalling the trial’s name was regret.

Considering how Tang Je-mun hadn’t instructed me on what to do and abruptly tossed everything to me.

‘Did she just want me to end up being screwed?’

That seemed more plausible.

Initially, I thought about just giving my eyes a good prayer and asking the Blood Demon to send me back.

‘… Tch.’

At that moment, my feet were already turning back toward the Demonic Gate.

Just before entering the Demonic Gate.

[Outside, it seems a guest has come in search of you.]

“Guest…?”

The Blood Demon’s words made me stop and glance back.

A guest suddenly looking for me?

With a wide smile, the Blood Demon continued.

[I don’t know what you wish for here, but I hope you get a good dream as you leave.]

They showed no intention of revealing who that guest was.

“…”

Hearing that, I turned my head.

I might not know what the Blood Demon of my original world is like, but at least this world’s Blood Demon felt completely unhinged.

I did not respond to the Blood Demon and turned my steps back toward the Demonic Gate.

Thud thud thud-!

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself back in the original area, just like the first time I came.

Ah, one difference this time was.

‘The sun is up?’

I clearly remember it being night when I entered.

But now, the sun was shining.

‘What gives?’

No matter how I looked at it, that conversation hadn’t taken enough time to warrant such a passage of time.

So why was it already day?

Adjusting my eyes from the darkness, I looked around.

“The Master has left a message for you.”

The dancer behind me spoke up from within the Demonic Gate.

Suddenly receiving a message, I cast a glance at the dancer.

She looked at me from behind her veil and said this.

“I promise.”

Her voice was hoarse and lacked vitality, almost sounding like a block of wood.

Was she mimicking the Blood Demon’s tones?

“Whatever I do here, I shall not interfere.”

“… What?”

I wanted to ask what that meant, but—

“… That is the message from the Master.”

Before I could respond, the Demonic Gate wrapped around the dancer and she disappeared.

Staring at them disappearing in disbelief, I rolled my eyes around, directing my attention elsewhere.

There was no one else around; I was completely alone in the forest.

Had I really just spoken with the Blood Demon and that was it?

‘What do I do now…?’

Being left solitary while pondering forward felt overwhelming.

I had initially crashed into the Martial Alliance, met the Blood Demon, and somehow returned without any incident, which was fortunate.

Yet, when I considered what to do next, I could feel my daunting perplexity grow immensely.

Should I return to where I was before?

I briefly contemplated but immediately shook my head.

‘No, I should act independently for now.’

At that moment, it would definitely be safer there than venturing anywhere.

Ah, that doesn’t mean it’s entirely safe here either.

‘Should I just flee for now?’

Be it the So Sword Sect or anyone else.

It would be strange if no one was waiting where I had vanished, but I preferred it this way.

Just as I was about to leap away, pulling my breath back,

Shaaaa–!

“Huh?”

Suddenly, a Red Water Clan member popped out from my arms, letting out a crying sound.

My eyes widened at the sight.

“Oh right, you were here too.”

I had completely forgotten about this little one tucked away earlier.

Had they stayed quiet, causing me to overlook their presence?

‘… Wait, hold on.’

I realized that the Blood Demon hadn’t mentioned them.

Had they chosen to ignore it?

This situation was becoming somewhat suspect.

Shaaaa.

Meanwhile, the Red Water Clan member, finally showing their face, tugged my arm and pointed somewhere with their little head.

What on earth are they doing?

“Look, I’m busy right now, so just wait until later….”

I really needed to escape right now but was already about to jump again when—

Boom-!

“…!”

I felt a familiar Thunder Qi resonating in the distance.

Concentrating on the Thunder Qi, I turned my head and heightened my perception.

As I heightened my perception, the smell of blood brushed against my nose.

What was happening?

Under normal circumstances, I’d either be figuring out the situation or running away immediately, but—

Contrary to my raging mind telling me to remain calm, my body was already racing toward the source of the sound.

 

---