---

Chapter 112

“Phew, that’s five down.”

Yeon-woo pulled her sword out from the core of the fallen golem and shook her sore wrist.

Though they were creatures she didn’t want to struggle against, resistance was futile. The grotesque appearance was one thing she was starting to get used to, but what really bothered her was that even when she shattered the core, the information seemed to get shared among them.

From the third golem onward, they began to lift their legs to trip her, and by the fourth one, they were coming at her two at a time.

It was nearing the tenth time she had to repel the wave of golems, so who wouldn’t feel exasperated?

Fortunately, the corridor wasn’t too wide, so no more than two could come at her at once, allowing her and Shar to engage in a 2:2 setup, which was a small comfort.

“At this rate, we’ll have to escape soon, let alone reach the third floor.”

“Right. These golems seem more like sacrificial pawns for scouting rather than main troops.”

“Yep. A stone golem can be taken down without much issue using just brute strength to break the core, but dealing with something like a steel golem requires a bit more finesse. It might be better to report back and assemble a strike team.”

“With the way things are going, us few won’t even be able to take a proper break.”

Our daughter is quite the brainiac, isn’t she?

Yeon-woo laughed as she ruffled Shar’s hair.

“True. Given this situation, it’s probably better to make a run for it now. I’ve picked up a few things that seem worthwhile.”

After creating a barricade from the bodies of the golems whose cores had been smashed, Yeon-woo and Shar decided to take a little break, giving them a chance to check over some details.

“Let’s summarize what we’ve learned about those fleshy things. That will make it easier for the report.”

“Yes!”

“First, they’re connected to the golem’s core, so when you break the core, the flesh also crumbles away. After checking the storage, it seems the flesh of the golem—especially the severed arms—remains intact. If you don’t destroy the vital spot in one go, it looks like they can regrow like planaria.”

“That definitely seems to be the case. I had a similar experience when I destroyed only the core with a mid-level method.”

“Great! With two cases, it boosts credibility. Now, for the second point.”

Yeon-woo paused for a moment to catch her breath.

The second point… honestly, there was something unexpected for her as well.

“Second, these fleshy things are not enhancement parts to boost the golem’s performance. That’s kind of shocking, but the circumstances indicate it, right?”

“Right. In the case of the golem that swallowed its left half, it even moved the left and right halves independently.”

“Yeah, the one covered in flesh attempted to flee.”

Inorganic beings without emotions, mere chunks of logical circuitry designed by alchemists—golems don’t flee.

After all, what would it mean for a guardian of ruins to run away? Let alone for a homunculus with emotions to consider escape.

Thinking about it, while they didn’t know the exact nature of those fleshy things, they could take an educated guess.

“If we were to compare it to a living organism, they would be parasites… wouldn’t they?”

Shar said with a repulsed expression.

“Like a lancet liver fluke?”

“Exactly, that type.”

A parasite that controls the behavior of its host. Though there were questions about the fact that they protruded from the body and appeared to occupy the core, they didn’t fully dominate the host, but the association would handle that part.

“This is all I’ve discovered. Shar and Tae-oh, have you figured anything out?”

“Umm, what I found overlaps with what you said. It’s disappointing.”

[Tae-oh… umm….]

“Hmm? Did you discover something? Speak up.”

“Come on, Tae-oh!”

Shar and Yeon-woo gently urged the hesitating Tae-oh to share.

Finally, after some hesitation, Tae-oh carefully spoke up.

[Father… it feels similar to the previous Doppelganger version of you.]

“…Huh?”

[Tae-oh feels this too, but it feels like something from another world. Different from where this ruin is located.]

“That’s…”

Suddenly, a legion of bizarre creatures flashed through her mind, ones she had seen before.

Contracts can be made with various entities: gods, dragons, spirits, and even demon kings. If one possesses intellect and power to contract, they can even make deals with monsters.

While it was an incredibly rare kind, there were gods that offered ‘strange things’ to contractors. The omniscient Grimnir, if we’re being technical, falls into that category, but information usually aligns with more moderate priorities, so it isn’t relevant here.

“There are beings like that.”

Referred to collectively as alien gods. Yeon-woo was puzzled as to why she had ever forgotten such entities, as they should have immediately come to mind upon seeing them.

Rulers of a world filled with the bizarre and the horrific. If anyone would use something like these flesh-puppet golems, it would be them.

If Tae-oh’s deduction was right, could the demon king Moryo also belong to that category…?

As she pondered while resting her chin on her hand, Yeon-woo suddenly stood up straight. In this closed-off area with a rather low ceiling, the children enjoying their dried meat jumped in surprise.

“Have you made a decision?”

“Yeah, we need to leave now. If alien gods are involved, it’d be too dangerous for us to proceed alone. I think it’s best to leave right after finishing our meal.”

“If that’s your decision, I agree.”

“Tae-oh agrees too! It’s best to assume there might be something at the demon king’s level, just to be safe.”

Perhaps because he understood more about demon kings than anyone else, Tae-oh, who had been adorably munching on jerky like a squirrel, spoke seriously.

Yeon-woo resonated with that sentiment. Indeed, it was hard to share the fear of alien gods or demon kings with Shar, making her appear slightly puzzled.

Some things just couldn’t be helped.

*

The desert night is cold. Given the poor visibility and chill, naturally, there aren’t many people wandering the desert at night.

But in this world, some individuals are free from such limitations.

These two groups fit that description. One side consisted of two men wearing robes with crescent moons embroidered on them.

And the other was an enigmatic woman clad in a thin nun’s habit.

Neither could be deemed appropriately dressed for the desert, but compared to the latter, the former looked rather normal in their bizarre garb.

“We’ve caught up, Crescent Moon Knights.”

“…This is something.”

A small-framed elf, Killian, scratched his cheek as he tried to step forward, but the giant beside him blocked his path. Killian shot an annoyed glance at the giant.

“What are you doing, Ludiger?”

“Why are you asking me when you called me? Did you think I wouldn’t notice?”

Grrrr, Ludiger emitted a low growl, causing Killian to scowl. It was true—he had secretly contacted Claire.

“I tried to act nonchalant, but…”

Killian stepped back awkwardly, and Ludiger confidently moved forward.

“Long time no see, Commander.”

“Yeah, it’s nice to see you again, Ludiger the Squire.”

“…I’m a full knight now, Commander.”

“Is that so? Has it really been so long? It feels like just yesterday that you were a young one trying to throw yourself into knighthood.”

“It’s been over 20 years since then, Commander. Time has certainly changed a lot.”

“Looks like it’s finally my turn to hear a sermon from you.”

Yeon-woo’s eyebrows shot up at Claire’s sharp gaze, causing Ludiger to flinch. The overwhelming aura made his primal instincts flare up. Seeing that, Claire raised an eyebrow.

“Are you showing your teeth? To me? Right now?”

With genuine displeasure in her voice, the atmosphere fell deathly silent, as if cold water had been thrown onto the two individuals standing before her. No, it wouldn’t be incorrect to say that her intimidating presence was like a splash of ice water.

“Ugh, can’t move…!!”

His instincts screamed at him, making every single particle of air against his skin radiate a sense of dread. His fur stood on end, and extreme tension induced muscle cramps all over.

Is this really how it felt? Even after decades, this kind of gap still existed between him and her? Just as he felt his energy waning, Killian, who had been quietly observing the situation, slapped Ludiger on the back. In an instant, Ludiger slumped down to the sandy ground.

“Enough of that, big sis.”

“What do you mean by enough? I told you to keep it under control, Killian.”

Claire’s glare was charged with a killing intent that felt like it would be best described as ‘demonic energy.’ This was not going to end well—Killian took a cautious step forward.

“I’ve tried my best, but what can I do? That kid did something to catch the god’s attention.”

“I told you not to touch my children, didn’t I?”

It was clear Claire was not in the mood to listen… as Killian broke out in a cold sweat. His eyes completely glazed over. This was… completely out of control.

“…Y-you’ll spare them, right?”

Claire offered no reply. She merely brushed her sleeve lightly. With the motion, golden mana scattered in the air like powdered gold, soon forming a shining sword.

‘That damn Ludiger!’

Killian gritted his teeth as he drew the spear he had been carrying on his back.

*

“Wow, the night came quickly.”

“Dinner time!”

“We just had a meal.”

“I’m still hungry!!”

[Tae-oh only wants a snack…? Just a little bit…?]

“What? Was the jerky too salty? It can’t be helped.”

“Why do you listen to Tae-oh but not me!?”

Just as Yeon-woo was about to remind Shar of her usual appetite, she hurriedly scooped her up. Startled, Shar’s eyes widened as the sand dunes trembled slightly, sending weak vibrations through the area.

“What’s going on now?”

If it had just been a tremor, she might have brushed it off as an earthquake. However, the faint scent of swords felt within the rumbling put Yeon-woo on high alert.

‘…No, this feels strangely familiar.’

“This… I think I’ve felt this before when Grandfather and the nun were fighting…”

“Ah.”

[Tae-oh is so lonely because you keep talking about things only you know….]

Consoling Tae-oh’s sulky voice, they rushed toward the direction from which the tremors were coming. More than worrying about Claire, it was more about the concern for the opponent Claire was facing.

(To be continued…)

 

---