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Chapter 655: Plan

The night passed, and noon had arrived.

It was finally time for me to speak of my departure to the Central Plains.

Feeling that time had come, I opened my eyes in the prepared chamber.

Huuuuu—

As I exhaled the breath I had been holding, energy trickled out with it.

The energy that had been swirling around began to settle into my heart.

“Hmm.”

It feels strange.

It’s similar to a bet, yet somehow different.

If it felt bad, that wouldn’t be right, so it seemed proper to describe it as awkward.

‘Subtle.’

It really is subtle.

Just a few hours ago, I had descended underground with the Gungju to obtain power related to sorcery.

The Gungju referred to it as a ‘ring,’ and I thought that name suited it quite well.

There was indeed a ring bound to my heart.

Unlike the energy gathered in my lower dantian, the ring was wrapped around the outside of my heart, slowly rotating.

I had created the ring using the cultivation method acquired underground, and as I continued to comprehend it, astonishingly, the number of rings began to increase.

What was once one ring had now become two.

‘What does this change mean?’

Why did two appear overnight?

I had merely breathed comfortably.

‘No idea.’

I tilted my head and sat up.

At the same time, I grabbed the book lying beside me.

It was the book about the sorcery that the Gungju had given me.

Ah, to be precise, it wasn’t the initial book on the cultivation method but rather a follow-up volume.

Originally, she had adamantly refused to give it to me, but after I demonstrated that I had filled a ring, it had been presented to me as a gift.

‘What did she say when she gave it?’

I think she mentioned it was an investment for a brilliant talent.

What a cringeworthy statement.

‘What brilliant talent, though?’

It made me chuckle in disbelief.

‘What good is talent if this is it?’

Based on the Gungju’s reaction, it seemed I indeed had some talent in sorcery, but even if that was true, it seemed like a talent utterly useless. I was too busy mastering martial arts to waste time on sorcery right now.

‘I just thought it might be somewhat useful, that’s all.’

I hadn’t even considered how I would use it afterward.

Deepening my understanding didn’t seem to be of any help in enhancing my realm, which felt like a bothersome aspect.

‘It doesn’t seem too difficult, so I’ll probably try to learn it.’

But I didn’t expect to focus on it much.

There wasn’t enough time or leisure for that.

‘Who would I even learn it from, anyway?’

With martial arts, I was being trained by the Pejon and occasionally received lessons from my father, so that was all right.

But the sorcery was ambiguous at best.

If I had stayed longer in the Ice Palace, perhaps it would have been a different story, but now it was time to return to the Central Plains.

‘So, should I ask Shin Yi?’

If I really wanted to, that was probably my only option.

Among the people I knew, he was the only one who had mentioned sorcery.

With that thought, I got to my feet.

‘Then first…’

I should head back.

With that in mind, I walked out the door.

After walking slowly, I arrived at an open area behind the palace.

Huuuuu—

The wind brushed past, causing my hair to flutter.

The outside air was still cold, but in between, there was a faint scent lingering.

The Gungju referred to this as hope, which I had mentally scoffed at.

It sounded quite sentimental, but as always, it felt entirely wrong for me.

The only thing I could glean from that statement was.

‘The chill is gradually diminishing.’

Being accustomed to warmth, this change was distinctly tangible.

The cold wave from the North Sea was gradually subsiding.

Given the region’s characteristics, it was inevitable to be cold, but now that the curse-induced chill had vanished, perhaps soon we would see the seasons here as well.

Looking at the trees that had died from the cold, a thought suddenly crossed my mind.

‘Will the leaves change colors too?’

Strangely, whenever I thought of the seasons, such ideas would come to my mind.

Did I like autumn?

I didn’t think so.

Yet, I found myself thinking of autumn quite often lately.

“Gu Gongja—!”

As I walked, a familiar voice reached my ears.

In the distance, Tang Soyeol was energetically waving her hands.

Seeing that made me unconsciously quicken my pace.

By the time I arrived, most of the people were already gathered.

“Surprisingly, you’re not late today.”

As soon as he saw me, the Pejon criticized me.

Hearing that, I chuckled awkwardly and replied.

“If someone were to hear it, they might think I’m always late.”

I wasn’t habitually late, just a bit impatient, that’s all.

Or was I?

“Hmm.”

After I gave a vague answer, the Pejon scrutinized me.

Then, nodding, he remarked.

“Something seems to have changed again.”

“…”

“I think you’ve outgrown the age for change, yet you keep transforming.”

His sensitivity was absolutely infuriating.

‘Does he notice that I’ve filled a ring?’

The Pejon, having spoken, seemed unconcerned and shifted his gaze away.

Three days after battling the White Grade Demon Beast, I had confessed something to him.

It was about the Demonic Absorption Technique.

I withheld any mention of my regression or the Heavenly Demon, merely stating that I could absorb energy from things like Demon Stones, gaining rapid changes.

I thought sharing this would slightly quell his curiosity.

Fortunately, it actually worked.

Upon hearing this, the Pejon didn’t question where I had obtained it from.

Do you know what his first response was?

“At least you won’t be languishing because of a lack of energy.”

And then he asked.

“So, what principle do you use to harness it?”

‘This crazy guy….’

He could’ve asked at least once where I got it from, yet he started with the principle instead; it was utterly absurd.

Although it was a bit unsettling, it seemed that he had seemingly understood my sudden change based on that question.

“Gu Gongja, what about lunch?”

Tang Soyeol, having approached me, asked eagerly.

“Every time you see me, it’s always about food?”

“That’s because you don’t take care of yourself enough. Have you eaten?”

“…”

I hadn’t eaten.

So, I had nothing to say.

“See?”

“…I was going to eat later.”

“You’re just dodging again. That’s a lie, isn’t it?”

“…”

Gah.

This nagging was tougher than expected.

I needed to escape. I redirected my gaze to Nangong Bi-ah, who was standing in a daze nearby.

She seemed to have had a poor night’s rest, as she let out a big yawn.

A familiar sight.

Yawning, she made eye contact with me and waved her hand.

It was an all too familiar scene, but just seeing it gave me a sense of relief.

Hiding a sigh, I scanned the surroundings.

It seemed like everyone had gathered, but there were still a few who were yet to arrive.

At that moment.

‘They’re here.’

Before I finished that thought, I sensed several presences coming from behind.

Turning my head, I saw a group approaching from the entrance.

It included Gungju and others.

And…

I noticed a figure being dragged in by warriors, looking like a criminal.

“Look at that mess.”

No matter how many times I saw it, it was displeasing.

“Somehow, the spots where I hit have completely healed.”

I had put in some effort, yet his face and body were entirely fine.

That was the most infuriating part.

He should have at least limped a little to ease my annoyance.

Tsk.

I clicked my tongue and adjusted my stance.

After all, I had to maintain a semblance of grace.

“Greetings, Gungju.”

As the Gungju approached, I slightly bowed my head.

Unlike the clear expression I saw at night, she didn’t look very bright today.

“Well, I hope you had a peaceful long night.”

“Isn’t it odd to ask that after spending the night together?”

“…Do you not think the answer you just gave is even more peculiar?”

Is that so? Upon reconsideration, it did seem odd.

There wouldn’t be anyone to misunderstand at any rate, so what did it matter?

“…About the night?”

“Night…?”

I hurriedly waved my hands in response to the whispers behind me from the two women.

“Haha, I was speaking of the training you assisted me with.”

Having said that, the Gungju subtly glanced behind me.

“Surprisingly, you’re a bit perceptive, aren’t you?”

“What do you mean by perceptive? When did I ever notice such things?”

“Hmm. I see.”

The Gungju nodded at my response.

Despite her expression, it was evident she hadn’t understood at all.

-That aside.

A telepathic message came through. It was from the Gungju.

-The book I lent you. It would be best to wait until the number of rings reaches two or more before looking.

I widened my eyes at her continuing explanation.

Seeing my expression, the Gungju nodded as if in understanding and added.

-That’s surprising. The increase in the number of rings was something unexpected. If you keep practicing, one day, the number of rings will increase from one to two. Given your talent, I would estimate that it won’t take more than six months…

-I just happened to create two before coming here, so does that mean it’s fine to look now?

-Dammit.

-Excuse me?

Huh?

-Gungju…? What did you just—

-Nothing. I just yawned out loud.

That wasn’t a yawn at all! It sounded suspiciously like a curse…?

‘…Did I mishear?’

Could it be that the Gungju swore?

Yeah, I must have misheard.

That’s definitely the case.

‘Maybe the difference in the ring was what made reading challenging.’

I wondered why such a condition was necessary just to read, but for now, it was best to trust the Gungju’s words.

-Thank you for the guidance. I’ll make good use of it.

-…I sincerely hope so.

The more we conversed, the more it seemed like the Gungju’s expression soured, but I ignored it.

She might just be tired from being out during the day.

The Gungju gestured backward with a stiff expression.

With that cue, the warriors moved and dragged the captured Woo Hyeok closer.

Our gazes met.

“…”

“…”

We didn’t exchange any words. The moment we were both brought in was a bit awkward.

I diverted my gaze and looked at the handcuffs.

It was clear that they were merely for show.

They probably hadn’t even been tightened properly, as Woo Hyeok could easily break out of them if he exerted a little strength.

In fact, it seemed like they’d left him free to escape. They were just letting him be.

I shot a glance at the Gungju.

‘Did she want him to run away?’

I wondered if that could be the case.

The Gungju might indeed have wanted Woo Hyeok to run away.

It might give her more justification to kill him.

‘If it were me, that’s what I would have done.’

If there’s someone you want to kill, you’d create a reason if you didn’t have one before.

I could easily believe I would have used such a method.

Especially considering the cold gaze the Gungju had toward Woo Hyeok, it was certainly a possibility.

“…Gu Gongja has accepted my offer, so I shall hand the criminal over as per our contract.”

Hearing this from the Gungju, the warriors began to unshackle Woo Hyeok.

Clang—! Thud—!

They hadn’t bound him tightly, so it took only a few seconds to loosen the cuffs.

Watching this unfold, I focused on the Gungju’s words.

‘Contract.’

The Gungju had emphasized our earlier conversation as a contract, stating she would hand over Woo Hyeok, deeming him a criminal.

‘Justification based on necessity.’

Though Woo Hyeok was rooted in the North Sea, he had lived in the Central Plains for so long.

So, they intended to transfer him there and deal with the criminal.

Whether this was to explain things to the high-ranking warriors known as generals or to convince herself, I could only nod.

“Thank you very much.”

I had achieved my goal.

Not worrying about anything else felt much easier.

While the conversation continued, Woo Hyeok lowered his head and kept his gaze to the ground.

He looked absolutely pitiful, but this was something he had to bear.

“So, now I expect you to fulfill the conditions mentioned by this Gungju as well.”

Just as the Gungju spoke, someone stepped forward.

It was a woman with a rather displeased expression, similar to Woo Hyeok.

Yuuri, the princess who became the first princess of the Ice Palace after Yu Seon’s death.

Yuuri approached me slowly, showing the characteristic mannerism of respect.

“…I greet my benefactor.”

Upon speaking, her expression remained sour.

Officially, she was leaving for the Central Plains to study abroad, but both of us knew it was to evacuate the weak daughter from the war’s aftermath.

‘At least I can trust her bloodline.’

It might have been the Gungju’s choice to some extent, but I couldn’t help but wonder.

‘…But still.’

Amidst Yuuri’s somber expression, I noticed a strange aura.

Excitement? For some reason, such a sentiment seemed to linger in Yuuri’s face.

‘…What gives?’

Why did it seem like she was somewhat pleased?

As I searched for an answer, my gaze subconsciously drifted toward Woo Hyeok.

‘Could it be?’

Since she was going with that guy, perhaps she was happy about it?

That shouldn’t be the case.

If so, it would mean she was really messed up.

I thought she couldn’t possibly see someone who nearly destroyed her own family in a good light.

‘Isn’t that a bit too much?’

Although I was intrigued, I still thought.

‘Is it his face? Is it really his face that wins her over?’

As I looked at Woo Hyeok’s handsome face, a surge of irritation rose within me.

I had been unconsciously thinking that it made sense for her to feel that way.

Holding back a curse, I sighed.

‘Anyway… he seems to be behaving himself, so perhaps it’s working out well somehow.’

Even though he had claimed he wouldn’t go easily, it seemed that after I had threatened him using Yuuri, Woo Hyeok stood there silently.

With that, I had plenty to say, yet I chose to stay quiet.

‘Alright. Let’s focus on leaving for now.’

It seemed the others were finally arriving, so I figured it was time to prepare for departure.

“By the way, Gu Gongja.”

The Gungju called out to me.

“Hmm?”

“Is it okay to depart with those people?”

“What… ah.”

I wondered what she meant, but as I glanced back, I understood.

There were far too many injured.

Nangong Bi-ah hadn’t healed yet, and neither had Gwaeseon.

“If that’s what the Gu Gongja wants, it’s possible for them to stay longer for treatment.”

“That’s alright.”

I declined the Gungju’s consideration.

As she mentioned, I was worried about Nangong Bi-ah, but…

‘Finding Shin Yi in the Central Plains is more critical. Besides…’

I glanced at Woo Hyeok.

‘There are things I need to test too.’

It was just the right time to verify a few things, so this way was the best.

Seeing my answer, the Gungju nodded slowly.

“Very well…then, I will have the prepared horse carriage first…”

“That’s not necessary.”

A carriage? I was too frustrated to ride something so slow anymore.

I looked up at the sky.

“It’s time to come down.”

As I spoke, suddenly—

Whoosh—!!

From somewhere came a rumble, as the sky darkened instantly.

Something blotted out the sun, casting an expansive shadow on the ground.

I couldn’t help but grin in disbelief.

‘That brat is at it again.’

Watching the spectacle unfold was somewhat amusing.

One.

“What the…?”

“What’s going on—!”

For the others, this trick seemed to feel like a crisis, as the atmosphere swiftly became chaotic.

In that moment.

Huuuuuuuuuk—-!!!!

Boom—!!!!

A colossal body crashed to the ground.

The sheer wind pressure sent several people tumbling back.

Immediately, I had to release energy to clear the dust.

‘Damn it, I told you to just drop down softly!’

Despite having warned it before, that big brat seemed increasingly misbehaved just because it had grown larger.

Immediately, I glared at the creature responsible for this embarrassing situation.

Grrrrr….

Dolly, who was now twice as big, let out a fierce growl.

“Yikes…!”

“Is that a Demon Beast—!?”

With a body much larger than the Red Demon Beast, the warriors frantically drew their weapons.

Seeing that, I swung my hand and struck the creature’s head.

Boom-!

Infused with energy, the hit was particularly loud.

Grrrrrr—!!!

Dolly’s massive head shook from the impact.

“Could you please stop appearing in such a noisy manner? Are you trying to embarrass me to death?”

Grrrrrr….

“Did you think it looked cool? Do you want to die for real?”

Who could it have gotten this nonsense from?

Something about that wasn’t cool at all.

Now, even as it got larger, it felt as if my energy was being drained more and more with every slight movement.

‘How unfair is this? Why do I have to lose energy just because this brat moves?’

It was such a waste, eating food while causing trouble and draining my energy.

‘Honestly, I might just abandon it.’

Grrr….

Growing increasingly frustrated, I grumbled, and surprisingly, Dolly lowered its head compliantly.

As annoying as it was, at least it was perceptive enough at times.

“Ha ha…”

As I stared at Dolly, the Gungju let out a loud laugh.

She seemed exceedingly flustered.

“…So, you’re raising a Demon Beast?”

That was the half-hearted response she managed to spit out.

“I’m not raising it. It’s just stuck to me.”

Grrrrr.

“Stay still. What are you puffing up for all of a sudden?”

Grrr….

Looking dejected, Dolly’s expression turned sulky.

Seeing this, Tang Soyeol reached out and gently patted Dolly. Gwaeseon observed with an intrigued gaze.

“There’s no need to rush off early. So, this is what you have.”

Yuuri, also taken aback by the situation, seemed shocked as she stared wide-eyed at Dolly.

“Is it just me, or did it grow larger than before?”

“It’s in a growth spurt.”

“Isn’t that a bit… too much?”

I was going to say it was too big, but Yuuri closed her mouth.

She must have realized it was pointless to ask.

It seemed like I would just get even more tired if I stayed longer.

With a travel-worn expression, I waved my hand.

“…Get on, folks. It’s time to head home now.”

At my words, Dolly bent its upper body down.

Everyone hesitated, yet they started climbing onto its back.

Although the number of people had increased, Dolly, now bigger and more energized, seemed able to carry more without any strain.

-Gu Gongja.

Just as I was about to climb aboard last, the Gungju stopped me. I halted and faced her.

Then she said,

-Thank you for saving the North Sea. I feel ashamed that I can do so little in return.

The Gungju spoke sincerely, as if she meant it.

I felt a bit awkward hearing that.

The very notion of ‘saving’ felt extremely uncomfortable.

‘I never aimed to save anyone.’

In the end, it didn’t seem like anything had been saved, and I felt like I had gained far more than I lost.

After tearing Woo Hyeok away through threats, the leftover feeling I had was more guilt than satisfaction.

She couldn’t have been unaware of this.

With a firm gaze, she continued speaking.

-I truly hope that your journey is safe.

-…Thank you.

-And please take good care of the First Princess.

That last statement seemed to be earnest and heartfelt.

-Yes. I will do my best.

It felt as if this could have been simply relayed through words, yet she insisted on using telepathy, which made me feel like the parents in traditional stories were unintelligible.

‘Can’t you just say it plainly?’

I felt like Yuuri wouldn’t mind if spoken to normally.

Yet as I thought about it, I knew I wasn’t much different.

Hiding my awkward feelings, I shifted my gaze forward and said.

“…Let’s leave now.”

Huuuuu.

With energy flowing from my heart, Dolly’s body gradually lifted off the ground.

Finally, we’re about to head back.

Having come this far, it was only now sinking in.

At that moment, Dolly asked me.

Grrrrr.

“How fast do you want to go?”

Grrr.

Look at this brat!

It had an air of confidence about it for some reason.

Perhaps its growth had given it some inflated ego.

Holding back a smile, I replied.

“Let’s go as fast as you can! I want to see how quick you really are…!”

Whoosh—!!!!

Before I could even finish my words, a gust of wind rushed by, drastically altering my view.

I had jokingly urged it to give it a try, but Dolly’s speed surpassed my expectations.

In just a few days, we would return to Hanam.

 

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