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Chapter 310

As I started to follow Moon Gi, the scenery began to change rapidly. One moment it was spring, the next it was snowing, and then there was thunder.

Even if I could find my way on my own, having a guide definitely made things easier.

At one moment, Moon Gi stopped and turned around. His blue cloak fluttered in the wind. As the scenery shifted, a number of quaint houses appeared behind him.

“Welcome to Geumomun, dear guest.”

“That doesn’t suit you, dude.”

As I evaluated Moon Gi’s stylish greeting, he chuckled. What a good-natured fellow. Just then, Nea and the children, who had been looking around, exclaimed in awe.

“It’s an amazing village!”

“Yeah! I want to live in a place like this someday!”

“Ha ha, thank you for the high praise.”

“Hm, so Nea likes places like this… noted.”

The heart of Geumomun, surrounded by numerous barriers, was, to put it simply, a pastoral village.

It was so peaceful and beautiful that you wouldn’t think it was situated in the middle of a jungle.

It was more like a rural scene painted in a medieval landscape. Maybe Nea likes this kind of place because she’s getting older.

“…I take it you’re not thinking of developing this village further, right?”

“Ha ha ha.”

At Nea’s question, Yeon-woo, who was fondling his chin, let out a dry laugh. Though it was not a clear answer, Nea shook her head. Tch, caught!

“First, let’s meet the lord. He’s been really looking forward to it!”

“Huh? Meeting me?”

“Exactly! The Lord loves people who are destined for great things.”

“Destined for greatness… what does that even mean?”

Though I spoke like that, I roughly understood what he meant. He must be talking about a hero.

Anyway, I was puzzled about how Moon Gi and the Golden Moon Lord knew that I was a hero. Sure, we had been in contact, but we hadn’t met directly until after I awakened my heroic destiny.

Well, I figured they probably had their own ways of knowing. People who walk the path of seers, especially those of a lordly caliber, might be able to read the fates of others without much effort.

With that thought, our group followed Moon Gi as he began to walk through the middle of the village.

“Hey, is that you, Moon Gi? Is that a guest next to you?”

“Hello, sir! Yes, it’s my grandfather’s guest.”

“Oh, I see. Take care now!”

“Thank you!”

“Thanks!!”

“Haha, what a cute bunch of kids! Alright, have fun while you’re at it!”

A passing ox-man cheerfully greeted Yeon-woo and the group. The outgoing interaction continued as Shar and Tae-oh greeted him in return, making the ox-man chuckle heartily.

“I heard the Inu tribe is quite suspicious, but you all don’t seem that way at all.”

“Sure, we can be suspicious. But honestly, it’s not like outsiders come this far, and Yeon-woo and his friends are a bit different, right?”

Thinking back, it made sense that the Inu tribe would be wary of humans, not dragons or spirits. Given that Yeon-woo is practically a half-dragon, he isn’t much of a target for suspicion.

“That’s true.”

“In fact, even if it is a human, if it’s someone I or the Lord invited, then the villagers don’t really say much. It’s case by case.”

“Not to mention, it feels awkward that you’re using English of all things.”

“The Inu tribe needs to study to keep up with this international society.”

Is that so…? Well, it makes sense. Even before my regression, the Inu tribe had begun to take steps toward becoming more proactive, so it seems this current lord faction is quite progressive.

While we exchanged such dialogue, a scruffy raccoon walked out of a shabby cabin.

Hmm, it seems we’re heading that way… Although it looked like a place where the lord wouldn’t live, Moon Gi, with a bright smile, waved his hand.

“Ah, Grandpa! I brought them!”

“That person…?”

“He’s the Lord and my adoptive grandfather. Everyone, introduce yourselves.”

“Greetings, Lord. I’m Choi Yeon-woo. I heard you wanted to see me.”

“Oh ho, so you’re Choi Yeon-woo. Just as I heard, outstanding presence! I am Ma Ye-hae, the Golden Moon Lord. Nice to meet you, child of the stars.”

The old raccoon, Ma Ye-hae, hobbled over and greeted us. ‘Child of the stars,’ it felt like he was treating me as if I were some representative of Earth, making me blush awkwardly.

The cabin we entered, following the Golden Moon Lord, was surprisingly clean despite its shabby exterior. It smelled like a place where people lived.

“Come in and take a seat.”

The raccoon waddled over and plopped down at the head of the table. I thought Ma Ye-hae might take offense, but I found the raccoon quite adorable.

“So, you wanted to see the dimensional marks left by the Sword Saint, right?”

“Not just to see, but I want to examine them. It might help in some way.”

“Hmm….”

At my words, Ma Ye-hae slowly scrutinized me with his round black eyes. That gaze felt like it could tear a person apart.

A chill ran down my spine. While not as intimidating as the Demon King, he was certainly no slouch in skill.

I wonder if there are this level of masters among the beastkin? It seems the world is vast, and many hidden experts abound.

“I see, it’s a time when greed might awaken.”

“Ha ha ha….”

Under the knowing gaze of Ma Ye-hae, I forced a vague smile. It seemed it was difficult to hide information from someone more skilled than me.

Even though my mana isn’t visible, could he decipher my level purely from my presence like that? Would I know such things once I reach his realm?

“Alright, stay for a while and learn some techniques. I’ll teach you enough to comprehend the essence contained in those sword markings. Will that be satisfactory?”

“Of course, it’s not like I can ask for more being an outsider. Thank you for your generosity.”

“Well, since it’s not me who’ll actually teach you, you should thank Kido.”

“…Me? Why all of a sudden?”

“Why, you should be the one to teach! If you don’t, who will teach this old man who’s not in good shape!?”

“What do you mean, Grandpa’s in bad shape!? You punched him just the other day!”

“What did you say, you brat!? Are you defying me!?”

As the battle between grandfather and grandson suddenly erupted, I quietly closed the door and stepped outside. Getting caught up in someone else’s family quarrels is already too much; this is getting tiresome.

*

Moon Gi stepped out about thirty minutes later, sighing and, yet with a grin as if he had scored a hit, he looked at Yeon-woo and his family playing outside.

“Um… should I guide you to where you’ll stay first?”

“Yeah, I’d appreciate that. We couldn’t even eat because of all the monsters around. The kids are hungry.”

“Oh, I see. Got it. Then after you have your meal, we can start learning the basics of the techniques. This way, please.”

“Guess I lost, huh…?”

“How could I win against the Lord….”

With a heartfelt tone, Moon Gi took the lead. I’m not sure about this village’s rules regarding Moon Gi, but it seems challenging a lord might invite some grave consequences.

Even with the UN backing, the Earth’s child rights conventions don’t apply to martial arts, so it’s only natural.

Stealing a glance at Yeon-woo’s serious face, Moon Gi shook his head.

“No, we did indeed have a proper spar.”

“Is that so….?”

Geumomun might be more advanced than I thought. It’s not every day you see an old man and a child fighting earnestly to knock each other out, even in modern Earth.

With such pointless thoughts passing through my mind, I found myself staring at a large mansion with a spacious backyard.

Considering most of the village homes have an Asian design, this Western-style house looked quite out of place.

“…Could that be?”

“Indeed. It was built to accommodate guests. Most guests seem to be more accustomed to Western styles. How about it? Should I prepare Eastern dishes instead?”

“No, that’s not necessary…. It feels odd that our guests will be staying in a house fancier than the Lord’s.”

“Ah, that explains why every guest I guide wears such grim expressions.”

“Knowing that others felt the same eases my mind.”

Was he unaware of this? Well, even if he is a guide, Moon Gi is not exactly close to the guests, so it’s understandable he wouldn’t mention such things. Since we were close, I could speak freely.

While Nea and the kids went inside to explore the house, Yeon-woo and Moon Gi stopped beneath a large tree. My stomach rumbled. At the sound, Moon Gi asked.

“How would you like your meal? Would you like me to bring some local specialties?”

“Really!?”

Shar, who had been exploring inside, dashed out at the mention of specialties.

When it comes to food, she gets excited! Watching the kids eat well makes me feel good too, so I had no intention of stopping her.

“Since Shar is looking forward to it, I can’t say no. I’ll leave it to you.”

“Understood! I’ll be back shortly.”

Moon Gi grinned and vanished in an instant. What incredible speed.

Even so, not a single leaf rustled above my head.

“Is that Earth Traversing Technique…?”

Well, Yeon-woo could run that fast if he put his mind to it. It’s not that difficult. However, maintaining such a speed without stirring a single breeze is something impossible.

It could be through magic, but magic techniques like Blink or Teleportation consume a massive amount of mana and are unstable by nature. Even at its best, it’s not something you could use as casually as that.

“…Hmm, I wonder if it really is that useful? Hard to tell.”

What I can say for sure is that learning it will be devilishly difficult. It’s a technique so different from using magic or aura, making me pinch my cheeks.

‘Well, that doesn’t mean I won’t give it a try.’

With a smirk, I headed toward the mansion where Nea and the kids were waiting. I wonder if the kids will play while waiting for Moon Gi to return.

“Shar, Tae-oh, let’s play with Dad~”

“Um, Shar and Tae-oh are already playing with Mom?”

“Then Nea can join in and play too~”

That was even better! Playing with Nea? I’d love that.

(To be continued in the next chapter)

 

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