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Disaster from the Sky

A calamity falls from the sky.

–Ruaaarrr!—

Dozens of demon beasts, with various colors intertwined, plummet from the heavens to the ground below.

Martial artists gaze in shock at the sight.

At that moment.

“Cough! Spit!”

Tang Soyeol, having coughed and rolled on the ground, rises to his feet.

He quickly shifts his gaze around, as if searching for someone.

Where could they have gone? Patting his belly in search of his opponent, he realizes—

They’re long gone. There’s no one left at the spot.

The pressure that had weighed down the surroundings also vanished.

Tang Soyeol frowns at the realization.

Did I lose track of them? No.

‘The sensation.’

The feeling he had when he was struck was oddly off.

He tries to concentrate on that unease for a moment—

–Grrr! Ruaaarrr!!!

There’s no time to focus on the falling creatures.

Tang Soyeol barely steadies himself and shouts.

“All personnel, at the ready!”

With his small but powerful voice, the martial artists ready themselves.

Ruaaarrr!—

From a distance, a crying sound resonates. Hearing that, it lands deep in the forest.

As his feet touch the ground, he falls to his knees.

[Gak….]

Clutching his heart, he slumps down.

Thud! The mask he had been wearing falls off.

Smack–!!

As if waiting for this moment, bones snap into place, and his body shrinks.

“Hah…huh….”

Cold sweat trickles down his face.

Had he endured just a bit longer, it would have been dangerous.

“Madness….”

If he stayed any longer, his Body Transformation Technique would have unraveled.

He was barely managing the bet, but it almost snapped in an instant.

How’s my energy?

‘Energy has dropped significantly.’

The energy that had felt quite abundant was nearly all spent.

To be shaken up like this after using a single power, the consumption was far more than expected.

Yet.

‘…Given this situation, it makes sense.’

Looking at the circumstances that had unfolded, it’s not entirely unreasonable to think so.

He could tell just by looking.

Crraaaaaar!!!

Thud! Thud!

The vibrations felt in his body made it evident as well.

Countless demonic gates spread across the night sky. The vibrant display of blue and red demon beasts falling from that portal.

He couldn’t help but smirk at the beings created by his own power.

‘…This, indeed, works.’

The power derived from slaying the net is wind.

The ability to create the spectacle he wants to see in reality.

The limits are clear. Not everything can be achieved, and the more delicate and intricate the form, the shorter the duration.

But.

‘This one seems rather fine.’

The power he had taken from the white grade demon beast in Hanam.

That was indeed the power to open demonic gates.

‘It feels a bit different from Cheol Jiseon’s, though.’

Cheol Jiseon, who could open the demonic gate with his hands. His strength was considerably different.

The ones bursting forth from inside aren’t real demon beasts.

While the white grade demon beast summons genuine demon beasts, what he conjures is somewhat akin to the wind from the net.

‘I give birth to demon beasts using my own demon energy.’

It only appears as if they’re leaping out from the demonic gates. They aren’t actual living beings.

As proof.

‘The colors are different.’

Though they certainly retained the essence of demon beasts, their colors were disturbingly dark.

They could almost be described as black.

Barely distinguishable.

Moreover.

Ruaaarrr!!!

Thud! Bam!!

With each beast that falls, sensations reach his body.

Since those were creatures birthed from his energy, he could immediately tell.

He closes his eyes to focus his mind.

As such, his vision shifts.

Ruaaarrr!!!

Something rushes towards him with ferocity. In front of him stands a young man, unmoving.

Seongyul.

‘…’

The murky golden eyes of the young man glance in his direction. In that instant—

Swish.

His vision splits in half as his consciousness returns.

Seongyul had taken the strike.

‘Hmm.’

Despite the distance, it’s possible. He nods in acknowledgement.

He had already tried this a few times.

He could seize the vision of the demon beasts he created.

This varies depending on the size and actions of the generated demon beasts, affecting the duration of control.

‘Smaller ones last longer, while larger ones have shorter durations.’

Moreover.

‘Even the powerful demon beasts. Their duration is consequently shorter.’

As the distance increases, their strength also wanes, or the duration diminishes.

It’s a power with plenty of issues, yet he felt it was manageable.

‘One thing troubles me….’

The demon beasts I can create are limited to those I have hunted so far.

Or to be precise.

‘Only those I’ve consumed.’

It seemed that only those who had ingested the demon stone could be birthed.

Ruaaarrr!!!

Hearing the cry, he lightly waves his hand.

He was giving commands.

It was also possible to share vision with the created beings or issue commands to them.

However, the efficiency drops when the distance is too great.

‘Moderately.’

He injects commands into the demon beasts. Based on his experimentation, this distance is the limit.

The command is to sustain combat but refrain from kills.

Given their remarkably low intelligence, it may not be taken as intended.

‘This should be enough.’

It’s only needed to buy a little time.

They’re not the types to die from those weaker demon beasts.

This was merely a show of force and a means to delay.

“…I wanted to use this properly, anyway.”

He had wished to see how far he could go by investing most of his energy, and the result exceeded expectations.

‘…Is this the power suited for me?’

Regeneration and wind were inefficient for him, but perhaps this life force fits him well.

As he ponders this, someone approaches from the forest and speaks to him.

“Are you okay?”

It was Cheol Jiseon.

“Yangcheon.”

“…Hah. I’m fine.”

“…You….”

Cheol Jiseon, who had been about to ask something, suddenly turns his head.

Ruaaarrr!!!!

“…What’s that?”

The sound of demon beasts startled him.

Considering it’s not surprising if they aren’t.

“…Don’t worry about it.”

“But….”

“There’s nothing to worry about. So focus on the task.”

“…”

He wipes the cold sweat running down his brow. Cheol Jiseon’s expression tightens as he examines his sweaty palms.

Ignoring him, he inquires.

“How did the task I assigned go?”

“…Most of it is resolved.”

“Good. It’s not late.”

He had instructed to finish it by tomorrow, so if he matched this timing, it meant he gave it his all.

“I even hinted to the Beggar Clan and informed the Upper House….”

Cheol Jiseon looks toward the branch with an anxious expression.

“…I can’t believe this.”

Thud! Thud!!

The vibrating branch is still embroiled in combat.

The roars of demon beasts and martial artists’ counterattacks intertwine, creating chaos.

“…Demon beasts…. Demonic gates….”

As Cheol Jiseon releases his words, he gazes at Tang Soyeol. Understanding the meaning behind his gaze, Tang Soyeol instantly replies.

“It’s different from what you can handle. The trajectory is not the same.”

“…”

“I’ll explain what happened once this is over. So don’t look at me like that.”

There’s no time to explain everything. It was getting serious.

Just as he was adjusting the fatigue in his body.

-I’ve handled it.

A call came from the King of Demons.

The heat in his voice is unusually passionate for the King of Demons.

‘…Looks like he’s really angry.’

He’s probably not mad at me. It’s most likely his fury regarding the Gyecheon Sect and Ilcheongyo.

And.

‘That’s something I’m concerned about as well.’

I needed to finish this and head there swiftly. There’s so much to see.

Ruaaarrr!!!!

“Don’t lose your reason! We’re almost done!”

“Don’t waste your energy!”

Slash-!

The head of a demon beast is severed, causing it to collapse.

As its body touches the ground, it disintegrates without a trace.

“…Damn it.”

A martial artist grits his teeth upon witnessing this.

The situation feels strange.

“Where on earth are these demon beasts coming from?”

“Could it be that the Heavenly Demon summoned them?”

“How could a human… summon demon beasts?”

“Focus!”

“…!!”

While they chitchat during combat, someone yells at them.

Tang Soyeol glares at them, his face twisted in anger.

“What are you doing? Are you talking during battle? Do you want to die?”

“I’m sorry…!”

“Get it together. If you don’t want to die here.”

Under his icy tone, the people hear him and tighten their expressions. As Tang Soyeol said, the battle isn’t over yet.

Fortunately.

‘There are no casualties.’

A few bear injuries, but none have lost their lives. Maybe their realms are strong enough? Even so,—

‘Something about the demon beasts….’

They feel less ferocious. Would it be right to say they are a bit weak? Given the power felt, something seems lacking.

Why is that? He questioned in confusion, but luckily, there were no casualties.

Thus, it’s a relief they weren’t lost.

“There are only a few left…! Stay focused!”

Grrr…!!!

Now, they’ve barely got ten left.

The branch has turned into chaos, but it seems they are nearly finished.

The martial artists, although exhausted, are holding up.

Just as everyone is gathering their strength to wrap it up,

Kwahhh—!!!

Light bursts forth from the void.

Ruaaarrr!!!! Kyahhh!!!!

Scorching heat sweeps across the ground. It’s a dazzling flame.

“This is…!”

“Great Lord!”

The martial artists gaze hopefully toward the explosion in the air.

They know the master of this blue flame—there is only one person they recognize.

“…Prince….”

Tang Soyeol whispers as he and the martial artists look up.

Beneath the rising moon, a young man stands.

It’s Gu Yangcheon, looking slightly exhausted.

He furrows his brow, and with a flick of his hand—

Flames swirl violently, engulfing all the demon beasts.

The scorching fire consumes all the demon beasts in an instant, and Gu Yangcheon lands on the now-empty ground.

“…Hah….”

“Great Lord…! Are you okay!?”

Despite the member’s concern, Gu Yangcheon does not respond.

He simply surveys the area, inspecting each individual.

“Are there any injured?”

“A few have minor wounds, but there are no casualties.”

“Is that so…? That’s a relief.”

He lets out a quiet sigh.

Tang Soyeol immediately approaches Gu Yangcheon.

As he steps forward, hesitation is evident in his demeanor.

It seems he still remembers the killing intent Gu Yangcheon had shown when looking at Il Cheonggeom earlier.

“Your… Great Lord.”

“Report the situation.”

“…”

At the firm command, Tang Soyeol hesitates, chewing his lip slightly.

“…While following orders to detain the criminal, the young lady captured Il Cheonggeom, and he confessed.”

“Is that right?”

His response is calm and dry, as if he expected as much.

“Feeling emotional, he attempted unexpected actions. Just as it seemed he was going to be dangerous, the Heavenly Demon intervened.”

“The Heavenly Demon?”

Gu Yangcheon furrows his brow in response.

“But he survived?”

His tone shifts subtly, becoming somewhat rigid, though he doesn’t quite register the heightened tension.

“Yes… He stated it was a gift for thwarting our plans.”

“…Hmm….”

He covers his mouth contemplatively with his hand.

Nobody notices that he’s doing so to hide his expression.

“…This has become problematic.”

“I can’t be certain he’s retreated. It seems we should remain wary. We have no idea what he wants.”

“…You’re right. That’s a valid point.”

Just as Gu Yangcheon was about to speak, Tang Soyeol quietly observes him.

“…What’s the matter?”

“Nothing. Great Lord, are you injured in your hand?”

“My hand? No. It’s fine….”

“Wait a moment.”

Before Gu Yangcheon finishes his sentence, Tang Soyeol grabs his hand to examine it.

“I told you, I’m really fine.”

“…”

He genuinely is fine. If he were injured, the regeneration would have already concluded.

Gu Yangcheon pulls his hand back, continuing.

“For now…. Let’s tidy up the surroundings. After that….”

-Prince.

A voice calls out. Gu Yangcheon glances at Tang Soyeol.

At that moment.

-Prince, are you the Heavenly Demon?

“…”

Gu Yangcheon freezes in place as he’s caught off guard.

 

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