Thrush Episode 291 > They won't be able to chase after me. (5)
"Missed him."
Amidst the countless crowd.
The man quietly muttered.
Not a particularly outstanding or unique face.
The man with a rather ordinary face.
He had an impression that wouldn't leave a memory even if brushed past.
'Did he catch on?'
That can't be.
Our presence is something even martial artists who have reached the Hwagyeong cannot detect.
No matter how outstanding that bastard named Jinryong is. It's impossible.
'On the contrary, I missed him.'
It was strange.
I had buried my presence on Jinryong ever since he arrived in Hanam.
But at some point, it had been erased.
'How on earth?'
It's not something that can be erased simply by trying to erase it, much like Cheonrihyang.
The man had to struggle to hide the cold sweat running down his face, contrary to his calm expression.
Something was chilling.
'I need to report this to the main unit.'
The mission itself was strange to begin with.
If it were just surveillance, it wouldn't have been a problem.
But this.
Was something the Gaebang or Haomun would do.
It was incomprehensible why the main unit ordered such a thing.
Moreover,
'They say if you're ordered to strip, you must strip, but...'
Since the Heukyagung personnel merged towards Taeju.
Something felt different.
Especially, it felt like they were gradually getting entangled with external forces.
They claim to always work for the liberation of their kin.
But the man couldn't shake off his uneasiness.
Since losing several of their kin a few years ago.
Their activities were virtually suspended.
'First, I return.'
Wanting to return immediately, the man wrapped the cloth laid out in front of him.
Cheap ornaments were scattered in front.
It was what the man had prepared to disguise himself as a street vendor.
As he was haphazardly packing his things.
"Is business all done for the day?"
At the voice, the man feigned a fawning voice. Of all times, a customer now.
"Oh my, I'm sorry... An emergency came up at home..." The man, raising his head and spitting out the words, freezes stiff.
The person speaking to him from the front was none other than
"Good timing. Since business is over, want to have a chat with me?"
Gu Yang-cheon.
Just as the man tried to recall a way to respond.
Snatch-!
"Keuk!"
The man's face was grabbed by Gu Yang-cheon's hand, and he was dragged straight into the shaded alley behind.
Strength entered the hand gripping his neck.
"Keuheok... heok!"
He looked at the bastard continuously spewing out screams mixed with coughs.
Judging by his age, he would be a man who had reached middle age.
But his age was impossible to gauge.
'I thought they stopped moving. Have they started again?'
It must be the same as the bastard I faced before.
That's why the ring on my finger is reacting right now.
After the destruction of the Heukyagung.
There were no signs of movement or hints, so I thought they had gone into hiding.
'I thought it was a different group from the Heukyagung.'
As is typical for bastards who operate in the dark.
They might have some connection.
But I thought they didn't belong to the Heukyagung.
If there was a reason to hide themselves.
It's because a massive faction had collapsed.
I figured they were laying low for a while.
But they crawled out like this again.
Of all things, related to me.
"It's you, bastard."
"Keureuk..."
"The bastard who was running his mouth on the street last time."
The guy who suddenly screamed, 'That man is Jinryong!'
And.
"The one who needlessly buried something on me."
The bastard who planted a scent on me without me knowing when.
It was so damn annoying because it wouldn't wash off.
'It's a good thing the guy in my stomach ate it since it was energy.'
Originally, in the case of Cheonrihyang used for tracking.
It would have been impossible since it's not energy.
But that didn't seem to be the case.
I remembered those who approached me.
And this bastard wasn't among them.
'Then does that mean it can be used from afar?'
I couldn't know that for sure, but.
The important thing is.
That this bastard was the cause of me feeling creeped out lately.
"Why the bullshit again? I thought you stopped being annoying after constantly pestering me."
"Ha-eup... Why... are... you doing this...! Daehyeop... Please spare my life!"
"These bastards all have a habit of feigning ignorance."
Well, looking at it like this, you can't tell, so I suppose so.
After applying a bit more strength to the hand holding him.
I brought out Madoheupcheongong.
Then.
"Keu-eup...!"
The bastard's eyes snapped wide open.
Something is strange.
The bastard I faced the first time didn't even feel pain.
And when injured, he did something similar to regeneration.
I thought it was an immortal body, or close to a demonic creature.
But a few bastards I met after that.
Felt pain.
And their bodies didn't actively regenerate.
"Unlike that bastard, can you feel pain?"
Crack.
"Keureureuk!"
I broke one of his arms as a test.
His screaming could be an act.
But seeing the difference in muscle movement and breathing, it didn't seem like it.
"This... What is..."
Perhaps because he felt the energy in his body moving.
The bastard's reaction became drastically different.
Amidst that, it wasn't the only thing he reacted to.
"You feel pain... differently...?"
"The other guy didn't particularly hurt, and healed quickly. Can't you do that?"
"...Such, don't tell me you finished off Samho...?"
Samho?
Was that bastard's name Samho?
What a weird name.
With the body and face of a young monk from Sorim.
The bastard who was causing trouble.
It seems that guy's name was Samho.
Or maybe not.
"H-How... Samho shouldn't die."
"What do you mean how, I just did this."
Crush.
As I pulled the energy little by little.
The bastard's eyes gradually grew wider.
"Sto... Stop!"
"I'll ask slowly for now."
I said with a smile, looking at the bastard's reaction.
There was no need to torture him with blood splattering.
And he couldn't even scream loudly.
Dealing with him was convenient in many ways.
It was annoying that he went around swapping his face and body.
But for some reason, if he was wearing the Alliance's artifact, I could discover that too, so it was fine.
'It would have been easier if I caught him then.'
The vibration of the ring was so low.
And because there was no sensation for a while.
I momentarily hesitated whether it was right or not.
But I could know for sure by wandering the streets.
"What's the purpose?"
I could feel his muscles and blood vessels tensing up.
Is it the effect of the restriction?
Or is this also an act?
"You don't want to answer, so next question."
I didn't drag out one word.
Because I knew well it was an inefficient action.
"Where are you affiliated? Are you Heukyagung bastards?"
"...Ha-eu... Haa..."
This is the same.
Just like the bastard named Samho, he must have sealed his mouth regarding this part.
Just as I was thinking of applying a bit more force.
"Heuk...yagung... no, it's not."
The bastard spoke to me.
"Oh..."
I didn't expect him to tell me this.
It was an expression.
Saying no was telling me that it was possible.
'Then is this a lie? Or the truth?'
I can just filter that out and listen.
"Alright. You say you're not Heukyagung. Then is there no connection?"
Keu,
There is no answer.
It's definitely a different quality from Cheonma's restriction.
That didn't even allow denial like this.
A thought suddenly occurred to me.
If I made that bastard Namgung Cheon-jun into a demonic human.
And made him obey orders.
I felt like I could even place a more solid restriction on him like this.
Of course, I don't have any intention of trying it yet.
"Ah, I'll ask this last."
It's already the last question.
There were many things I wanted to ask.
But the one thing I really wanted to confirm was just one.
"Is Nakgeom's son related to this?"
"...!"
"Good reaction. That's enough."
It wasn't even a denial of that degree, but.
I smiled brightly at his reaction.
Even if this was taking an act.
It was my own confirmation.
It was a story I had suspected.
It seems to be correct after all.
As I held back a smile.
The bastard whose neck was held hastily spoke.
"S-Save me. I only followed orders. I didn't particularly intend to harm your body... keu-eup...!"
"Whose orders."
"It's fine. I knew you wouldn't be able to say anyway. Besides."
He is begging for his life.
But the Madoheupcheongong that had been raised once showed no signs of shrinking.
As the bastard said.
He was just monitoring me, spreading work, or scheming.
It seemed it had nothing to do with my life.
"If you wanted to live, you wouldn't have said useless things."
"That's nonsense...! I even gave you informa... kkoaaah!"
"You didn't give it. Because I don't know if it's true or not."
He screams in the gap of absorbing his energy, but.
I had deployed a qi barrier.
And I had taken measures so others couldn't approach.
I had also finished checking in advance in case there were his colleagues around.
[Growl...]
As the beast that finished its meal inside my body exhaled through its nose as if satisfied.
The one held in my hand had disappeared without a trace, leaving only clothes.
Did he melt away?
Or was his flesh made of energy?
Every time I face these bastards, it's this feeling.
I'm curious how they are made.
But confirming the base or identity of these bastards.
I had no intention of seeking out the 'Underground'.
Going to the Underground was even more unpleasant.
As for the base... well.
If the story got this twisted, I'd have to find it even if I didn't want to.
Flick flick.
Like that.
After finishing the job, I dusted off my hands and looked to the side.
Keu,
Wi Seol-ah, who I had been holding hands and dragging along earlier, was looking at me with somewhat surprised eyes.
Her expression seemed to wonder what on earth was going on.
"Just in case, I'm asking."
I asked, looking at that.
"Did your affection fade?"
"Yes...?"
It was a strange thing to ask in this situation.
But I asked without realizing it.
"I thought that might be the case."
Unlike having achieved Muryeom.
Showing her this side was a first.
So I wanted to leave her behind if possible.
But she grabbed a sword.
And if stepping onto this path was inevitable.
It wasn't something that could be hidden.
Because this was also a part of me.
Wi Seol-ah, who hesitated with her lips at my question.
"...It didn't fade."
She answered, showing a peculiar reaction.
That's unexpected.
Originally.
She would have said something like hurting people makes you a bad person.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Wi Seol-ah still looked flustered.
But she smiled slightly and whispered the rest.
"My feelings wouldn't fade over something like this."
"Just, huh? Your guts have gotten a lot bigger?"
Though your courage originally seemed big.
Also, Wi Seol-ah didn't show much reaction compared to expectations.
A person melted away right in front of her eyes.
She seemed to care about something else instead.
"Earlier... those words. Are they true?"
"About what?"
"That Jang Gongja is, to you..."
"I don't know, but I'm thinking it probably isn't a lie."
If it's that bastard, he could do that.
The problem is how the connection was made.
'Being entangled with that side from the beginning.'
That could be it, but.
I wasn't sure about this part.
At the very least, even if Jang Seon-yeon is rotten.
I was hoping Nakgeom wasn't a rotten person.
They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but.
If you compare me and my father, that might not be the case either.
"Gongja-nim..."
"Ugh..."
I'm still not used to that title.
"Wouldn't it be better to keep your distance from Jang Gongja?"
"I've kept my distance for a while, we weren't close to begin with."
I didn't have even a speck of desire to get close.
The fortunate thing is.
'Wi Seol-ah doesn't seem to like that Jang bastard much.'
Recalling that they were even engaged in my past life.
I was feeling a bit uneasy about it.
In this life, Wi Seol-ah seemed to dislike Jang Seon-yeon.
"Jang Gongja is... a dangerous person..."
"I know. He looks dangerous at a glance."
There are no normal people among those who are always smiling.
Just look at Paeng U-jin.
Just seeing that he's always smiling shows he's not in his right mind.
Of course, that bastard is a madman.
The difference is that Jang Seon-yeon is a bad bastard.
"It seems like he's determined to chase after you, no matter what it takes."
Wi Seol-ah spat out the words in a significantly lowered tone.
Recalling Jamryong and Jang Seon-yeon in my past life, Wi Seol-ah's words were not wrong.
Along with the memory of Jang Seon-yeon burning with obsession chasing Jamryong.
If he couldn't catch up.
He would tear off the wings that flew up.
The ugly sight of him trying to get ahead also came to mind.
He was that kind of bastard.
Wi Seol-ah in my past life.
Did she really not know that Jang Seon-yeon was that kind of bastard?
As such a thought crossed my mind, I asked the current Wi Seol-ah.
"Knowing he's that kind of bastard, why are you by his side?" Keu,
At my question, Wi Seol-ah averted her gaze.
Not liking that, I grabbed Wi Seol-ah's chin and restored it to its original position.
"Don't avoid my eyes."
"Uht..."
She was staring burdensomely just a moment ago.
Did she hit puberty just because she grew a bit taller?
As I grabbed her chin and matched her gaze.
Wi Seol-ah's cheeks slowly turned red.
"...If left like this, I don't know what he'll do..."
"I know.
"So rather, I..."
As if trying to show her resolve.
I flicked Wi Seol-ah's forehead as she avoided her gaze but put strength in her eyes.
Smack-!
"Ah...!?"
Wi Seol-ah covered her suddenly struck forehead, looking at me with eyes that were already large.
It was an unfair expression I hadn't seen in a long time.
"I appreciate the concern. But don't do anything useless. I'll handle it myself."
"...Gongja-nim. That's not it..."
"I don't know what intentions you hold in doing this. If I am the reason, then go that far."
There must be another reason why she's staying with the Jang family.
Just as Geomjon did in my past life.
I could ask about the reason now.
But there was something I had to do before that.
"If that bastard tries to chase me, just leave him be."
"Yes...?"
"He won't be able to catch up anyway."
"What do you mean..."
Recalling my past life.
Before Jang Seon-yeon, who felt such an inferiority complex towards Jamryong.
I had to think about Jamryong.
He was a truly kind-hearted bastard.
Apart from seeming like a snake in the grass and lazy.
His nature was that of a pushover bastard.
So not only did he take care of a bastard like me who always glared and growled at him.
But he saved people at the sacrifice of his own body.
He must have lost his life getting his foot caught in a snare.
The true orthodox martial artists I've seen.
Mostly have short lifespans.
More than their own lives.
Because they are humans who value righteousness and chivalry.
How could they live long?
The saying that heroes die young wasn't there for nothing.
Additionally, there are many people who want to exploit heroes.
As much as humans with righteousness and chivalry.
There is nothing easier to wield.
That's why the ones occupying a seat in the Central Plains right now.
I don't trust most of the orthodox martial artists.
I actually saw the mess they made as soon as the Hyeolgeop erupted.
I couldn't trust them more.
But unfortunately.
I am a human who discarded righteousness and chivalry long ago.
I was a human whose own rice bowl was more important.
And I was a human who was confident I wouldn't even care about others' lives to survive.
If he tries to chase me.
I will break his legs first before getting caught.
If he talks nonsense with his snout, I will pull out all his teeth.
'If I pull out his tongue, he might die.'
He can't die.
Dying easily has no meaning.
Therefore.
"Leave him be."
I was actually hoping Jang Seon-yeon would commit something against me.
He's been starting to scheme from now, but.
This much isn't enough.
If as expected.
Jang Seon-yeon will commit it inside the Sinryonggwan.
The moment he commits the deed was important to me.
Because I'm aiming for that.
I still had to wait for that time.
"So don't worry about that. I already know."
"...Still... I..."
"Enough. I'd like you to answer what I asked earlier."
I cut off Wi Seol-ah's words.
I don't know what worries Wi Seol-ah has as she looks at me.
But I don't want her to live in such worries.
I wish she could spend her usual days comfortably without any thoughts.
If that's not possible.
At least I hoped we could get along with a smile.
Not looking deflated like now, but a different appearance.
"I'll ask you once more."
"..."
"The reason your grandfather took you to the Jang family. Can you tell me?"
Hearing my words, Wi Seol-ah's eyes trembled.
Wi Seol-ah, looking at me with unknowable eyes, hesitated for a moment.
Eventually, she slowly raised her hand and took off the Pipung-ui she was wearing over her head.
Rustle.
The covering flowed down.
Wi Seol-ah's hair came into sight.
I saw it last time too, but.
Her hair, which was dark brown.
Had changed to a somewhat lighter hue.
I could tell it was turning blonde in places.
Gradually.
It felt like it was becoming similar to her appearance in my past life.
'Why the hair suddenly?'
I wondered what the reason was for showing me that.
Seeing as she kept wearing it.
I thought she didn't want to show me that hair.
Wi Seol-ah, who revealed her hair in front of me.
Hesitated for a long time, just like before.
"Grandfather..."
She opened her mumbling lips and spoke to me.
"It seems he wanted to make me human."