He had wanted to make her human.
What could those words Wi Seol-a uttered to me mean?
The reason the Sword Venerable had taken Shin-ui and Wi Seol-a to the Jang Clan.
The words that it was in order to make Wi Seol-a human.
*Does that mean Wi Seol-a was never human to begin with?*
It was a questionable story.
No matter where I looked.
Wi Seol-a had indeed been human.
Wi Seol-a had said that it was to seal the immense vessel and power she possessed.
Hearing that, I more or less understood what she meant.
*Presence.*
The presence I had not felt from Wi Seol-a.
By now, it was distinctly palpable.
..
....
...
....
This was likely the difference.
The Wi Seol-a I had encountered after the regression.
Had been in a state completely devoid of presence or trace.
Until I saw her directly before my eyes.
Or until I heard her voice.
To the point where I wondered if she was even by my side.
*Does that connect to the story from just now as well?*
There were often humans born with an inherently faint presence from the very beginning.
Since this too was regarded as a talent.
Most assassins, called dark guests, possessed such a talent.
Among them, the Dark King was even said to have been born with a murderous nature.
A figure whose talent as an assassin had reached the extreme.
And even Namgung Bia had such a quality.
But because her appearance drew concentrated gazes, it was no different from having none at all.
In that sense, Wi Seol-a was...
*Excessive.*
Not merely of faint presence.
I recalled that it had reached the point of nonexistence.
Moreover.
Her monstrous strength, which seemed to belong to the body of an ordinary person devoid of inner qi.
There had been several circumstances in which she could not be seen as an ordinary person.
But from my perspective.
I had brushed it off with a thought like, *She is the future Divine Sword, so isn't that possible?*
*If Wi Seol-a was never human to begin with...*
No...
If not human, then what exactly?
If Wi Seol-a was not human, what was I to see her as?
I did not know.
Furthermore.
Even if I were to set that story aside for a moment.
That could not be the reason the Sword Venerable went to the Jang Clan.
Closing the vessel that any living being possessed.
Leaving aside how that was even possible.
Even if Wi Seol-a was not human.
That closing it would make her human.
If Shin-ui had truly accomplished that, just as Wi Seol-a said.
*Why did they have to go to the Jang Clan?*
It was not reason enough to go to the Jang Clan while leaving the Gu Clan behind.
Shin-ui had been at the Gu Clan.
There was no reason he should have gone so far to the Jang Clan.
In both the past life and the present.
I had been unable to understand this, but.
After hearing what Wi Seol-a said next, I could understand why the Sword Venerable had to go to the Jang Clan.
"...Inside the room, there was a massive rock emitting blue light."
A massive rock glowing with blue light.
It was not much of an explanation.
But hearing Wi Seol-a's words, something came to mind.
*The Demon-Sealing Stone...?*
It was an item I had known well in my past life.
A treasure used by Jegal Hyeok, the grandson of Shin-ui and the one called the brain of the Demonic Cult.
Its effect was similar to formations or barriers.
A peculiar treasure that sealed inner qi and demonic energy within a certain area.
As far as I had seen, the only one who could exert power there was the Heavenly Demon.
I had heard it was installed to protect Jegal Hyeok, whose physical body itself was that of an ordinary person.
*So it was originally an item possessed by the Jang Clan.*
Moreover, I had thought its effect was merely making one unable to use energy within the area.
I had not known it was possible to seal one's energy itself.
If Shin-ui had accomplished it. *Was that also part of his medical arts?*
I did not know.
If the Sword Venerable truly knew that the Jang Clan possessed the Demon-Sealing Stone.
And had gone there for that reason.
The reason he took Shin-ui as well.
Was that he needed to use the Demon-Sealing Stone and employ Shin-ui's power separately.
Consequently.
He had narrowed Wi Seol-a's vessel and restored her presence and trace.
*What is the connection between this and becoming human?*
There are several cases where one cannot perceive another's existence.
One is, as I described.
When their talent leans in that direction.
Or, as I feel when I look at the Sword Venerable.
When the gap in realm is so extreme that the difference cannot be sensed.
However, this is merely faint.
It is not a complete absence of presence.
As an example that matched this perfectly—
*The Heavenly Demon was like that.*
The number one of the Demonic Cult.
The being who had unleashed the Bloody Calamity and dragged the Central Plains toward death.
Whenever the Heavenly Demon took a step, his surroundings were crushed into silence, but.
That was when the Heavenly Demon deliberately burst forth his presence.
The Heavenly Demon of normal times was different from that.
If so.
The words that the Sword Venerable wanted to make Wi Seol-a human meant.
That Wi Seol-a was not a person.
It meant.
*She might not be blood-related to the Sword Venerable.*
Furthermore.
Regarding the relationship between the Heavenly Demon and Wi Seol-a.
Which I had always harbored in my heart with doubt.
There could be another reason.
*...If they are related, does that mean the Heavenly Demon is also not human?*
Though his power was one that did not seem human.
I had never truly thought he was not human.
*Then what is it.*
What is Wi Seol-a.
What is the Heavenly Demon.
If not human.
Like other races, are they not also different from those called outsiders?
*This is insane.*
I do not believe this world has only humans.
In the Demonic Realm Gate, monsters pour out.
And I know it is not only *monsters* that come out of it, either.
Moreover, even *I* myself.
Had been ambiguous to call human.
*Then the Sword Venerable's reason for going to the Jang Clan was ultimately because of the Demon-Sealing Stone.*
The treasure I had thought the Heavenly Demon discovered and handed over to Jegal Hyeok.
Had it actually been brought from the Jang Clan?
Or, had there been another Demon-Sealing Stone?
*The biggest question is something else.*
The biggest question here.
If Wi Seol-a's life was no different in the past life and the present.
It means that in the past life, too, the Divine Sword.
Was in a state where her energy and vessel were sealed.
Though it might not be so.
The reason I thought this was none other than.
*Because now is closer to the past life.*
Because the trace and presence of Wi Seol-a I felt right now.
Resembled the sensation I had felt when I saw Wi Seol-a in the past life more closely.
Having reduced and reduced the energy she originally possessed.
A state made to recover her presence.
Then Wi Seol-a.
Did it mean she faced the Heavenly Demon in a sealed state?
Even in such a state, she had taken up the sword and reached the pinnacle in just a few years.
*Then if she had not been sealed...*
If she had taken up the sword without sealing her vessel.
What would have happened?
If there was a way to undo the seal placed on Wi Seol-a.
If that happened, could the Bloody Calamity the Heavenly Demon would bring about not be stopped more easily?
Such a thought brushed through my mind, but.
Slap.
I erased it by striking my own cheek as if to deliver a shock.
I knew full well that the efficient method was to have Wi Seol-a wield a sword from the start and simply make her stronger than in the past life.
I had to realize that I had deliberately not done so.
Just because there was a slightly more certain method available now.
It was no time to extinguish my resolve.
Biting my tongue and dying—that was not what I had intended.
Wi Seol-a had to live Wi Seol-a's life.
Not a life as a hero or the Divine Sword.
*What had the Sword Venerable been thinking, blocking her so brazenly in the midst of it all?*
It would not be solely because his granddaughter's potential and talent were so outstanding.
That the attention of many would be drawn to her.
There must be another reason.
Normally.
I would have been curious but would not have investigated because it seemed dangerous.
*...Should I meet the Sword Venerable?*
If it was related to Wi Seol-a.
I had to find out something, at least. Honestly, I did not want to meet him because I was scared.
But it was not the time to fear such things.
Perhaps.
Because it could also be related to the Heavenly Demon.
While I was standing blankly, organizing my thoughts.
"...What are you doing?"
Someone approached and spoke to me.
"...Just thinking a bit."
"You're bleeding." "Huh?"
Hearing that, I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand.
A bit of blood was smeared on it.
Seemed I had struck my cheek too hard.
And the one who pointed this out was none other than Paeng Ahi.
"What, did you get into a fight?"
"...I just tripped and fell."
"That's the excuse of someone who lost a fight. Who did you lose to?"
"Why are you picking a fight the moment you see me?"
"I'm not picking a fight, just joking? Because your expression is rotten."
Paeng Ahi spoke and giggled.
It was a face I hadn't seen in roughly a year.
"Are you here for this too?"
At my question, Paeng Ahi shrugged her shoulders and spoke.
"As you can see. If I don't, there'll be hell to pay at home."
Well.
The Four Great Clans were particularly sensitive about the Divine Dragon Hall.
Thinking that the previous Divine Dragon was Paeng Ujin, Paeng Ahi could not have been left out.
"It's not like I can do anything even if I go."
Among the bloodline of the Four Great Clans.
She was the only one who had failed to enter the Six Dragons Three Peaks and still did not have a proper epithet.
Though she spoke nonchalantly because of that.
I knew the epithet she would acquire by the time the Bloody Calamity arrived.
Even if it was not on the level of her older brother, the Blade Emperor.
"Work hard. You'll do well."
At my offhand remark, Paeng Ahi made a subtle expression for a moment.
What was that? That expression was kind of annoying.
"What... why are you looking at me like that?"
"Your words are a bit creepy. Are you hitting on me right now?"
"I almost cursed you out to your face just now. Watch your mouth."
"Sorry, but I don't really like guys who have a lot of women around them. Besides, we're already over."
"...I wasn't hitting on you, you crazy woman."
My head was already complicated, and now she was making it throb.
"We're just right as friends. I'll just take the sentiment."
"I'm wondering if I should end our friendship right now too, is that okay?"
At my words, Paeng Ahi eventually burst out laughing.
I had known she was joking from the start.
But why was she acting like this, seriously.
"You're in Team 1, right?"
"That's right, I'm in Team 1."
"Then can you get lost back to your team?"
Had she forgotten why we were divided into teams?
Why was she coming all the way here to provoke me?
"It hasn't started yet, so it's fine."
"Instructor! There's a crazy person here...!"
"Ah! I'm going, I'm going right now!"
When I tried to call the instructor without hesitation.
Paeng Ahi urgently blocked me.
See, that's what happens when you act cocky.
"No... it's nothing, just something bothering me. I was going to tell you."
"What is it..."
"...Don't think too strangely of it, it's just a hunch."
Paeng Ahi approached me with a somewhat lowered expression.
Just when I was about to push her away, thinking she was too close.
"That person called Sin Seong. I think something is off about him."
At Paeng Ahi's words, I had to stop my hand.
"...He does have quite the reputation for being a good person. But something feels off. The way he looked at you was a bit strange."
"..."
How unexpected.
I had not known Paeng Ahi had good instincts.
Let alone that she would come tell me this.
Even as she said that, Paeng Ahi hurriedly added:
"Just let it go, it's only my hunch."
Since it was Jang Seon-yeon, who maintained his outward appearance so well to the world.
Even saying this itself could make her seem strange.
Yet Paeng Ahi had come to tell me anyway, for my sake.
She and I.
Seemed to have ended things well, considering we had started as bitter enemies.
"...I'll keep it in mind. Thanks."
As I said that, I habitually reached out my hand.
Intending to ruffle her hair, as I would with Wi Seol-a or Dang So-yeol.
It was something I had done unconsciously because her build was similar.
But Paeng Ahi lightly caught that hand.
"Hey now. You shouldn't do this kind of thing to a girl you don't even like."
"...Ah, sorry. It was a habit."
"If it's that kind of habit, fix it. If another girl falls for you because of that, the pretty ladies around you will draw their blades, you know?"
"No matter how I look at it, you don't seem like the face that would attract girls, but this is the problem with you."
"I'll be careful."
At my words, Paeng Ahi let go of my hand and smirked.
I did need to be careful, as Paeng Ahi said.
The problem was that I had grown too accustomed.
"Ah, right. And."
"Hm?"
"Did something happen between you and Brother Hyeok?"
"...Who's that?"
"The Sleeping Dragon."
"Hm?"
A name that did not quite suit Paeng Ahi popped out.
Why did his name come up here?
"You... lately... no, are you close to the Sleeping Dragon?"
"We're not that close, but Brother Hyeok and my brother have met before."
So the Sleeping Dragon and Paeng Ujin knew each other?
This was a story I did not know either.
*I've never heard that guy mention Paeng Ujin.*
He might not have told me.
Were they acquainted?
"So?"
"No, he asked about you."
"About me? The Sleeping Dragon?"
"Yeah. So I wondered if something had happened."
The Sleeping Dragon went out of his way to ask Paeng Ahi?
It was suspicious, but...
Ah, there was a reason that came to mind.
"Something did happen."
"What happened?"
"It's nothing much."
I recalled when we arrived in Hanam.
"He was brawling on the street last time, so I got annoyed and beat him up."
"...That's so not a big deal."
At my nonchalant words, Paeng Ahi made a disgusted face.
No... the crazy guys fighting in the street were the problem.
Was I the problem? This was absurd.
"So is that why?"
"No, I don't think that's the reason, but... Anyway, ask him next time you meet."
"You're leaving?"
As if she had finished what she had to say, Paeng Ahi moved away without lingering.
She really seemed to have only come to relay that information.
"Of course I have to go. If people find out I stayed here alone with you for long, my life will be in a bit of danger."
"What are you talking about."
"Just because. You idiot."
Paeng Ahi stuck her tongue out at me teasingly.
Then she took light steps and walked toward where Team 1's members were gathered.
Watching that retreating figure, I let out a sigh.
*Thanks to her, the stuffiness seems to have lessened a bit.*
My complicated thoughts seemed to have unwound slightly.
Though Paeng Ahi had likely not approached me intending to do that.
I was grateful.
I shook my head vigorously to cast the thoughts aside.
*Let's focus on the matter at hand.*
On top of that, because I had forcefully unleashed a secret technique the day before yesterday.
My use of inner qi was not flowing smoothly.
*My dantian still aches.*
Even though I had rested and consistently circulated my mind technique.
I had yet to recover properly.
Ah, though even so.
*As if there would be a need to use power in a place where brats play.*
Honestly, I had thought I could just get by moderately.
But there was one fact I had overlooked.
Among this crowd of brats.
There was one real monster hidden besides me.
Not long after the final test of Team 1 began.
"Kuk..."
"I have something to ask."
I was met with dark pupils devoid of any trace of grim light.
The hand gripping my throat was so heavy it could not be easily shaken off.
"You."
A cold voice reached my ears.
"What is your true identity?"
It was the Overlord.