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Petals in the Wind

Petals flutter softly.

As the petals drift gently in the air, their fragrance bursts into my nose like a wave of plum blossom perfume.

It’s sweet and tranquil.

I wonder if the description of serenity fits the scent, but at least that’s how I feel.

Under the moonlight, the vivid petals gradually increase in number.

The petals moving majestically in the wind are undoubtedly beautiful, but…

‘…The wind isn’t blowing.’

Surprisingly, there’s no breeze at all.

I fix my gaze. I was staring at the owner of these plum blossoms with wide eyes.

‘How?’

How is this possible?

Why, oh why?

‘…That old man?’

Could that old fellow really be here?

Well, he definitely is, but the more important question is.

‘Why…can’t I see him?’

Why can’t I see him? That thought left me dumbfounded.

A presence is visible. Something that shouldn’t be visible is right before me.

I’m left staring at the old man’s face, my expression frozen in disbelief.

“Tut, tut.”

The old man clicks his tongue as he looks at me.

“You foolish lad. Even after all this time, you’re still so ugly.”

“…”

I scowl at his familiar insults.

I gazed at the white martial robe he’s wearing, adorned with plum blossom embroidery on his chest.

“Shin Noya.”

No hints of how sharp and fierce his features once were are left now; the old man sports a mane of white hair and beard that flutter around him.

Shin Noya.

The hero of the Central Plains, Hwasan Sword God Shin Cheol.

He is right in front of me.

The old man, draped in his martial robe, descends slowly from the air.

I wondered how he was even floating, but then I saw the plum blossom leaves beneath his feet.

He seemed to be stepping on those tiny leaves.

Shin Noya lands steadily on the ground.

In that moment, from his feet, the petals burst forth.

Hwaaaa—!!!

The breeze created by the energy around him sent my hair flying, an unmistakable force of pressure manifesting.

In terms of strength, it felt like a gentle breeze.

Such a gentle wind made the leaves dance even more vibrantly.

For a moment, my attention was captivated by the petals.

They were beautiful enough to momentarily lose focus.

But. Just managing to regain my gaze, I asked Noya.

“Noya… how?”

[Stranger.]

Just as I was about to ask, a little creature who introduced himself as a Duryeong cut me off.

[How dare you disturb a holy act?]

At the Duryeong’s words, Noya shifts his gaze.

“Seriously, who was making noise and keeping the old man awake like this?”

[It is the command of my master.]

“Of course. But you know, you wouldn’t have come out tonight if your lazy butt didn’t want to. Oh, or maybe you did because you’re scared?”

[…]

Phwahahaha.

The little creature seems disturbed by Noya’s words, letting out fierce flames from his nostrils.

[Stranger. You must have made a pact with my master, haven’t you?]

Boom!!

He slams his axe down to the ground. Instantly, a cloud of dust erupts.

[You made a pact to not interfere in his affairs.]

Despite the rough reaction, Noya doesn’t blink an eye.

“Right. That did happen.”

He simply loosens his arms that were casually crossed behind his back.

“But didn’t I add a little note at the end?”

[Note?]

“Yeah, a note.”

Hwaaaaah…

The dust that enveloped the surroundings stirred the floating plum leaves into a flurry.

“I’m also not going to interfere. So don’t needlessly poke at me. I distinctly said that, didn’t I?”

[…I cannot understand.]

The Duryeong’s little eyes narrow suspiciously.

[Stranger. We did not lay a finger on you.]

“No, you definitely poked me. Look.”

Srrruuuk-!

“…!”

Suddenly, I felt a tug on my arm.

The Gui Jeong bound to my left arm was released and flew toward Noya.

As it flew, the blue hue of Gui Jeong gradually transformed into a scarlet shade.

The very color it originally had.

When it reached Noya’s hand, it condensed and morphed into the shape of a sword.

As soon as Noya held the Gui Jeong, he pointed the sword tip at the Duryeong.

“Is it okay to point a sword at you like this?”

[…]

“Do you think this counts as breaking the pact?”

The Duryeong stared intently at the tip of the Gui Jeong, and his nostrils flared with mounting frustration.

[…I do not comprehend.]

Thud.

The axe he had stabbed into the ground was pulled out.

Simultaneously, the muscles of the Duryeong, which had been swelling, quivered violently once more.

[But I understand now. Stranger.]

“Go ahead.”

[You are currently obstructing the will of my master. Therefore, I must eliminate you.]

“Hmm.”

At those words.

“Merely.”

Noya chuckled.

“Who do you think you are?”

[Kuheuheugh!]

The Duryeong charged forward.

Bang-! Kwaaaang-!!

I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the unfolding battle.

The axe and sword clashed, sending embers flying.

The friction from their collision created waves of pressure that erupted continuously.

The axe once again sliced through the sky.

Kuuuuuuung—!!! As it struck the ground, the earth cracked and shattered in all directions.

The sheer destructive force was enough to make flesh tremble just by witnessing it.

And this wasn’t even his full strength; the Duryeong began to swing his axe in rapid succession.

‘That guy is completely insane.’

The force was no joke.

Each strike was perilous.

If he poured on the energy, I might withstand it somehow, but exactly after three hits, the force would be unbearable.

That’s just how overwhelmingly brute and powerful he struck…

“Hmm.”

Yet, shockingly, there was no hint of struggle on Noya’s face as he faced that axe.

Kak-! Kakak-!!

He parries the relentless axe with the Gui Jeong.

The wind pressure explodes as the axe is sent skyward.

I widened my eyes at the sight.

To redirect such force upward? That’s some impossible grip strength.

[Kuhng!]

The Duryeong tried to swing down again with renewed effort, but—

Slaaaaash—!!

[Kururrrk!!]

Shin Noya sliced through the Duryeong’s chest with his sword.

Blood splattered and showered the sky.

It wasn’t just a cut; he cleaved deeply as the Duryeong’s body began to split in two.

Zzzrrr…

“Hah.”

The body that was about to divide merely rejoined itself.

At that grotesque sight, I couldn’t help but gasp.

[Khuhuh…!! You insolent fool!!]

The Duryeong seemed angrier as he intensified the power in his axe.

Hwaaa—!

Flames engulfed the axe.

A fierce firepower. I immediately sensed the intensity of the flames churning inside.

Whooooosh—!!

The air around the axe slowly began to draw in.

[All is according to my master’s will.]

Kyaaaaa—!!!

At the words of the Duryeong, other beasts in the vicinity bared their fangs.

Are they trying to charge at Noya? They had been so docile just a moment ago.

I twisted my face in determination, gathering my own strength.

I couldn’t just stand idly by.

At that moment.

“Don’t interfere.”

Noya spoke to me with a tone of mild amusement.

“I just want to have some fun for the first time in a long while. Honestly.”

“…Huh?”

“Kiddo. Let the old man enjoy his moment without interruption. What are you, blind? Tsk, tsk.”

“…”

What kind of nonsense is he saying?

In the midst of this chaos, what kind of ridiculousness is this? I stared at Noya’s back in disbelief.

“Full Bloom.”

The aged Noya whispered in a soft voice.

Saaaa…

The plum leaves that had floated earlier began to stir.

And then it happened.

In a moment filled with beauty, the petals revealed a hellscape.

Shiiiaaa—!!!

The petals that filled the sky spiraled out like a storm.

The problem was.

[Kyaaaaaa!!]

[Grrrroooowl–!!]

Shiiiiaaa—!!

Those countless leaves descended upon the demon beasts, executing them mercilessly.

Unlike with the Flame Jade, where they disappeared without a trace, these petals were different.

Each and every leaf became a blade, slashing the demon beasts.

Blood splattered, and fragments of bones and flesh began to cover the ground.

It took mere seconds for the howling demon beasts, who burned with hostility, to fade away.

The once pristine field turned into a crimson sea.

The only remaining clean spots were where Noya and the Duryeong stood.

And where I and the Heavenly Demon stood.

Everywhere else was drenched in the blood of the beasts, and I swallowed dryly at the sight.

With all that blood around, the fact that some spots remained clean implied that the chaos was being controlled, even amidst the slaughter.

Even managing that vast amount while doing so? I knew I couldn’t manage it.

‘Even if controlling the Flame Jade is difficult….’

The process of compressing and rotating while increasing the number.

Even I knew it would be no easy feat to commit mass slaughter with the Flame Jade.

‘To manipulate that tiny bit of energy is insane.’

The plum leaves formed from energy.

For him to manipulate such minute energies in this way was clearly on another level.

That was a form of dance, sculpted through and through.

“Finally, it’s a bit quiet now.”

Noya nodded in satisfaction amidst the calm he created.

[Kuheuheugh—!!! Hah!!]

The Duryeong, having lost his minions, was furious.

His muscles clenched tight, veins bulging, he lunged at Noya once more with the fiery axe.

“Will you be alright? The night will soon end.”

[…!]

At Noya’s words, the Duryeong stiffened for a moment.

‘Night?’

With that, I raised my head to look at the sky.

It was indeed noticeably brighter than earlier.

“When the sun rises, you’ll no longer be able to cavort before me. So, will you still proceed?”

[Grroowl…grroooowl….]

Something felt off; I sensed hesitation seeping into the Duryeong at Noya’s words.

‘Is there something wrong about daylight?’

It seemed like daylight was an impending issue.

“Beast of the full moon. While I have great respect for your master, I think it’s essential to know your place… what do you think?”

[…]

Although it sounded like Noya would let him pass if he chose,

[The one unaware of their place is you, Stranger.]

The Duryeong shattered his hesitation and gripped the axe once more.

[My master commanded me to slay the vile dragon. I shall only follow this command. Night and day hold no weight there.]

“Hmm.”

[First, you die!]

He swung the axe.

Flames erupted as the weapon charged toward Noya.

But…

‘Why…’

Why is that old man standing still?

If this keeps up, Noya might get hit. Just as that thought crossed my mind.

[…Hah!]

Clang-!

The axe suddenly stopped just before Shin Noya.

With the sudden halt, the energy and flames from the axe erupted outward.

Kyaaaaaa—!!!

The overwhelming heat contorted my face in discomfort.

Had it swept through just a bit more, Noya’s skull would’ve been crushed.

Why did the attack just stop? As I pondered, I noticed…

[…Kuheuh…!!]

The Duryeong stepped back, withdrawing his axe.

Seeing this, Noya pouted.

“Looks like you’ve got some urgent summons to return home.”

[…]

The Duryeong didn’t answer. But judging by his silence, Noya’s words seemed to hit home.

“Don’t worry; I won’t hold you back. You may leave in peace.”

[Grroowl….]

He let out a low growl but that was the end of it.

As the Duryeong turned, he called out to Noya.

[Stranger. You’ve been fortunate. Be thankful for my master’s mercy.]

“Well then, be sure to thank him for me.”

[…Grroowl.]

The Duryeong nonchalantly swung his axe, tearing through the air.

Shiiiii—!!!

A Demonic Gate opened exactly where he struck.

The Duryeong stepped into the gate.

As it began to close slowly, just before it shut fully, he turned back to eye me.

[Dragon, I will kill you next time.]

He looked me dead in the eye when he said that, a scowl scrunching my face.

“What the hell are you saying? I’ll roast you alive, beast.”

[…]

The Duryeong opened his mouth as if to respond, but the gate had closed, vanishing like smoke.

In the newly calmed situation, it was Noya who reacted first.

“Haha. You’re still blabbering like a fool.”

Noya chuckled, casting a glance my way.

Then, he casually released the Gui Jeong into a spiral and threw it at me.

Thud-! Unintentionally, I caught the Gui Jeong with my hand.

The sword like a returning knife coiled around my hand again.

At that moment, its color had reverted to blue.

“It’s quite nice when you use it after a long time. It feels pleasantly nostalgic.”

Noya spoke with a hint of wistfulness.

I bit my lip, glancing at him.

What should I even ask first? Should I inquire why he’s here? Or ask where this place is?

Should I question how he’s managing to stand before me like this?

Or would I ask what on earth is going on?

All sorts of questions flooded my mind, yet the first words that slipped from my mouth were…

“Why did you just stand there?”

I was referring to the previous battle.

“Hmm?”

Noya looked at me, puzzled.

“I’m talking about earlier. Why did you just stand there? It clearly looked dangerous.”

“Just stood? Who, me?”

“Yes? Well, the old man…”

“Oh, tsk tsk.”

He sharply clicked his tongue at my words.

A clear expression of disappointment filled his face.

“Kiddo. How can you still be so blind after all this time?”

As he spoke, Noya pointed to the sky.

I instinctively raised my gaze.

“What, huh…!”

I frozen, gazing at the sky.

Only now did I see it.

Three enormous swords had pierced through the clouds and stars.

All of them radiated an aura so intense they screamed power. They were all Heart Swords composed of the Heart’s Realm.

It was overwhelming.

Just looking at them sent my heart into a frenzy.

The Heart Authority I projected or the Heart Swords wielded by children couldn’t even compare.

A superior, exalted presence washed over me.

“Dangerous, you say?”

I turned my gaze back at Noya at his question.

The old man was still smiling.

That grin was reminiscent of…

“Who, me?”

The gentle smile of an elder observing a young one’s antics.

 

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