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Chapter 123: The Kingdom of Arbelloa

Arbelloa Kingdom is a small nation located in the southern part of the continent. It’s somewhat hot, decent for farming, and is characterized by its numerous famous tourist spots—plain but charming.

However, whenever the alliance of humanity against the Demon King is mentioned, Arbelloa’s name is invariably brought up.

It’s not that the knights are exceptionally strong or that their weapon-making techniques are special.

The reason is straightforward. Since the kingdom was under the protection of the Lionel Count family, who claimed to be the vassals of the kingdom from its inception, Arbelloa has maintained its status.

Is it really just the count’s family that elevated the nation’s honor so much? This can be discerned from how others refer to them.

“They’re called the Sword Family.”

“The Sword Family…”

If there are martial arts sects in the Murim led by the Cheonggak, then there’s also the Sword Family in Alkeion. Families that could stand toe-to-toe with nations using just their strength, or are already recognized as one.

“Arrogant, but they can be considered the main force of Alkeion.”

“Why would a successor of such a family come to the Academy?”

“Until now, building connections on the continent was sufficient, but that’s no longer the case.”

With the connection to Earth and the Murim linking with Earth, the world has truly expanded in three dimensions.

In a world where everyone faces different threats, humans have been able to unite through their shared existence. As a result, the realm of martial arts has broadened.

“The idea is that to raise their martial prowess and repel the Demon King, they need methods from another dimension.”

“That makes sense.”

“Exactly. Especially since they’re blocked by formidable foes.”

Earth is threatened by seven Demon Kings from other dimensions.

In Alkeion, a Demon King that has absorbed the continent’s malice has confined himself in his territory, creating monsters that threaten humanity.

The Murim has already been destroyed by a monster called the Heavenly Demon and had to escape to another dimension.

As long as they exist, perfect peace for humanity is impossible. Knowing that unreasonable death will one day strike, they have chosen to set aside their pride and broaden their interactions.

Since their own methods were ineffective, they resort to borrowing those from other worlds.

“They’re pure, in a good way; in a bad way, they’re half-crazy.”

“…I can understand.”

At Tae-oh’s words, filled with mixed emotions, Yeon-woo gently ruffled his hair.

The three boarded a Monster Train ahead of the weekend. They were there to fulfill the promise made before summer vacation to visit the Lionel Count family.

Fortunately, there were still quite a few decent cities left in Gyeonggi-do, and among the cities accessible via the Monster Train, there was a gate leading to Alkeion.

Looking at the colorful scenery flowing outside the window, Yeon-woo rested his chin on his hand. After passing through a tunnel, the vast plains were revealed.

In the distance, a small, grim-looking city enclosed by dark fortress walls came into view.

From the giant chimneys protruding from the wall, thick black smoke continuously billowed. People referred to the city, reminiscent of industrial revolutionary London, by that name.

“The City of Grey Smoke. Hwaeyun City.”

No one could have imagined that this would be the city’s official name.

*

“Oh, this is cumbersome.”

Namgung Seong, wrapped in an extravagant sky-blue robe that must have cost a fortune, squirmed as if he were itchy.

The sky-blue robe and his massive wings looked so mismatched that as he wriggled around almost like he was desperate, Je Gal Seong-ryong thought it was quite an odd sight.

“I know it’s uncomfortable, but try to hold on. This is an important occasion.”

“As if I have a choice. Just finish it quickly, I’m holding up just fine.”

They were in an inn located in Hubuk, where the Je Gal family resided. The land that the Chinese government virtually had to abandon was reformed into an inhabitable environment by the Je Gal family and the Murim sect, allowing people to live.

Thanks to this, the remnants of the Earth’s Murim sect, which had somewhat survived hidden away in Wudang Mountain, were able to continue their lineage, resulting in the merger of Murim sects from both dimensions, allowing them to thrive even now.

Seong-ryong observed the city from the third floor of the rented inn. The unique blend of modern Chinese and Murim aesthetics gave the city a distinct flavor, and Seong-ryong quite liked this city of Xingzhou.

The stunning landscape of Dongjeong Lake and the beautiful Wudang Mountain, the Yangtze River flowing fiercely, and the people living leisurely alongside the Wudang masters and Je Gal’s dragons—it was picturesque.

‘If only no problems arise…’

The reason Seong-ryong and Namgung Seong had rented an inn while waiting for a guest was due to a discussion with Samiryun-ju, who had visited the Academy previously.

“Black Swordsmen, huh.”

Though it came rather suddenly, it was not unusual for Samiryun-ju to appear. Given that they were seriously considering a sisterly relationship with the Yongbong Society, it was easy to understand that the Black Swordsmen could be seen as outstanding individuals, capable of mingling with the righteous sects in their own way.

However, unlike the three families that previously represented the unscrupulous sects, they knew little about the newly ascended center of the wicked path, the Evil Way Five Gates.

“Geumomun, Salmun, Hyeollumun, Godokmun, and Geumryongmun.”

Why do they come up with such menacing names for their sects? Considering that the current Samiryun-ju, led by the head of the wicked sect, prefers not to cross the line, the names sound like they might certainly cross it.

“And then Gongson-bin, he keeps sending messages asking why he can’t belong to both the Black Swordsmen and Yongbong Society…”

“What? Did he really say that? That’s hilarious.”

At Seong-ryong’s mutter, Namgung Seong burst into hearty laughter, forgetting even his discomfort. Funny, huh? Not for me! Seong-ryong shot him a cold glance while stroking his beard.

He understood it was a prestigious gathering, but at times like this, no matter what the illustrious Je Gal family was known for, there were moments when he wished he could just indulge himself.

Moreover, the members of the Black Swordsmen weren’t limited to only the Evil Way Five Gates. Since the Yongbong Society encompasses the factions of the righteous path, the Black Swordsmen also broadly covered the factions of the unscrupulous path.

Both sides were at an age full of youthful vigor. Should they meet face to face, the outcomes could be easily anticipated. Today’s meeting was a preparatory gathering among representatives to prevent any chaos.

“Sigh…”

Seong-ryong spread his hands over his face. As he processed tasks, his resentment towards Choi Yeon-woo, who had brought this matter to him, began to grow.

‘People’s hearts are indeed quite fickle…’

“Don’t worry too much, Seong-ryong. You can do it.”

Feeling Namgung Seong’s steady hand gripping his shoulder and see his earnest face bringing solace, Seong-ryong felt oddly complicated. The only one somewhat cooperating was Namgung Seong, but frankly, he wasn’t much help.

Seong-ryong gazed out at the distant Yangtze River.

‘Oh, the Yangtze River flows on endlessly…’

*

In the vast environment such as Huyang City, where there weren’t significant problems, and with proper management, threats from monsters were nearly non-existent. The opposite was true for Hwaeyun City standing right before them.

Huyang City doesn’t even have walls, with the Monster Train station sitting right in the town, whereas Hwaeyun City needed more than that.

The city faced monstrous waves regularly, making it a place where people remarked that an Academy should be established.

They built walls that rivaled the Academy itself around the city. With fortifications that allowed for the extermination of monsters without exposing themselves, despite the overwhelming energy efficiency of their magical engineering, they also adopted ancient technologies.

They burned coal and poured in oil. After efforts that made one wonder if relocating would be better, Hwaeyun City was born.

As a result, aside from the Monster Train station that didn’t care whether monsters came or not, all facilities dug deep into the city—so did the gate leading to Alkeion.

“…Hmmm.”

As Yeon-woo let out a contemplative sound, Shar, who was standing prettily with her right hand clenched, tugged at Yeon-woo’s arm.

“Are we not going in?”

“We have to go in… but…”

In response to Yeon-woo’s hesitation, Shar and Tae-oh tilted their heads simultaneously. How could she be so cute? The thought crossed their minds, but Yeon-woo’s feet refused to move.

The reason Yeon-woo hesitated to enter Hwaeyun City was simple.

People living in harsh environments often adapt by changing their personalities. Just as the people of the Ice Palace prefer to act rather than speak, so had the citizens of Hwaeyun city transformed.

A pressure weighed down on her heart. She needed to warn the two kids.

“Shar, Tae-oh. When you see things in Hwaeyun City, try not to think too deeply about them… actually, maybe just keep your eyes closed. Let’s go straight to the inspection point.”

“Eh…?”

“But I want to look around. Do we really have to do that?”

Gulp, a painful groan escaped Yeon-woo’s tightly sealed lips.

While she couldn’t categorically state that it had to be so, she felt that the sights and the behaviors of the people in Hwaeyun City would not positively influence the children’s upbringing and hence was hesitant.

With sounds reminiscent of an ancient steam locomotive chiming like a kettle boiling, rhythmic noises filled the streets.

Thick black smoke rose. White steam sought freedom, but clustered above like a solid mass, unable to escape like a prisoner.

As they set foot into the city, the first things they felt were the intense heat and the acrid scent.

On the main street, muscular, rough-looking men shouted signals while lifting metal scraps, and in the back alleys, fiery serpents flicked out their tongues as they filled the furnace with coal.

The scene felt as though the entirety of the old era had been transplanted. Eyes sparkled with fascination, oblivious to the fact that it was a testament to the struggle for survival.

Even knowing they had to use anything to stay alive, it was a truth that the heart couldn’t comprehend.

A city of steam, smoke, springs, and machines—Hwaeyun City.

That was the city Yeon-woo rushed into. She wanted to shield the children from what lay beneath the red lights visible deep in the alley.

(To be continued in the next episode)

 

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