Fsssh….
The demonic beast's flesh scattered into the wind and vanished. I stared at the white demon stone left on the ground.
A demon stone standing upright, as if someone had placed it there.
At a glance it looked transparent, yet the white was vivid, and I could feel the aura brimming from within.
An aura with values far exceeding even the Dokcheondan, said to be of the highest spirit pill grade.
I knew obtaining it would be a great help, but.
"…"
I couldn't rashly touch the demon stone.
Partly because I couldn't use the Heaven-Devouring Demonic Art due to the eyes I felt on me from behind, but also because recalling the situation just moments before made my body tense up.
'What is this?'
What is this unpleasant feeling?
What did I just hear?
[Th-thank… thank… you….]
"…"
Before the demonic beast disappeared. It had thanked me.
Its speech was awkward, but there was no problem understanding it.
Could I have misheard? Was it an auditory hallucination?
I knew better than anyone that it wasn't.
'What the hell.'
A demonic beast speaking human words wasn't that surprising.
From the start, treating beings called dragons as mere demonic beasts seemed problematic.
And I had held a proper conversation with that guy named Mang in the North Sea, so this wasn't particularly surprising either, but….
"Why…."
Why had that thing, which hadn't said a word until now, spoken to me at the very end?
And not just anything, but words of thanks.
Precisely because those were the words I heard, a sense of unpleasantness welled up in my chest after it vanished.
What could it mean?
I could have simply ignored it, but once a doubt formed, it lodged itself in my chest.
'Ah, how annoying.'
I finally furrowed my brow.
It should've just died like a monster; why did it have to make me feel so unnerved before going?
'Nothing in my life ever resolves cleanly.'
My life has always been like that.
Fuck.
Ignoring the complicated feelings in my chest, I slumped to the ground.
"Huu…."
I let out the breath I had been holding.
Then.
"I-is it over?"
"The demonic beast…?"
"It is not in sight…. It seems… it seems it is truly over."
The others assessed the situation with voices full of tension.
The demonic beast that had vanished earlier and the traces of red demonic beasts burning all around.
Silently.
Or in the atmosphere quietly settling, someone shouted with a heated voice.
"I-it seems Soyeomra finished off that monster."
Huh?
I turned my head immediately at that bullshit.
What were they saying now?
"I thought it strange…! I wondered why he approached so closely in that state, but was it to finish it off?"
"With that body, practically dying…? Don't tell me…. He wanted to save us from danger…?"
"Soyeomra… you."
The old men's eyes reddened en masse.
At the rather creepy sight, I yelled in disgust.
"Did you all collectively get drunk? Did you not see the lightning strike from the sky a moment ago?"
There was no end to such nonsense. Anyone would think I caught it alone.
Cheonjon did all the hunting, yet I'm the one receiving applause.
How could anyone reach such a ridiculous conclusion in this situation?
"I just came to check on something. It was already dead, so don't misunderstand."
"To think you even possess humility…."
"I am a cowardly and wretched man for misunderstanding you based solely on your appearance…. Soyeomra is a completely different person from the rumors."
"They said you had skill but a foul temper, a terrifying face, and were too busy lusting after women…. To think you were a young man so full of self-sacrifice."
"This is why rumors cannot be trusted…."
"…I think I really need to tear out their tongues."
I tried to get up, enraged after holding it in.
Stagger—!
"Ugh!"
My body swayed and I slumped back down.
"Hurk… hah."
I almost collapsed.
Had I reached my physical limit, I nearly lost consciousness.
'No.'
Absolutely not.
I couldn't faint yet. Though the urgent matter was over since the demonic beast was dealt with.
'…There's still work left.'
It was the moment when the most important task remained.
Recalling that, I barely composed my mind.
"Huu…."
As I steadied my breathing like that, Dang Soyeol rushed over and supported me.
"Are you alright…?"
"…Of course, I'm fine."
"What do you mean fine…."
"My arms and legs are all intact. Then I'm fine."
At least nothing was torn off.
That was enough.
Pretending not to notice the blood rushing backward, I gulped it down and examined my body.
The dragon's body had already begun regenerating.
I didn't use aura.
Only an infinitesimal amount remained, but since I had to accumulate even a little, I couldn't use it for regeneration.
I looked at the empty sky.
'…That was fast.'
As if announcing the demonic beast's death, the sky was gradually clearing.
Just as relief began to pass over the expressions of the others who saw that.
"Now is not the time for this."
I spoke to them in a low voice.
"I seem to have dealt with that whatever-it-was, but…. the raid isn't over yet."
"…"
Having awakened their sense of crisis, their expressions immediately hardened.
The great fire had been suppressed, but other things were still burning.
That was the intention of my words.
The raid was not yet over.
I had barely managed to let people escape from the center.
I hadn't subdued all the freaks, so battles were likely still breaking out everywhere.
And if possible….
'I wish we could drag things out a bit longer.'
But that would probably be impossible for long.
They too must be looking at the sky by now.
Realizing that something had gone wrong with their plan.
'Though it's too late to even recall that.'
Shaking my head, I spoke to the others.
"Now is the time to do what must be done, rather than feel relieved."
"…You're right."
"We still have work to do."
Everyone nodded.
Sorting out the embers and protecting civilians.
People who would draw their swords for stability.
Though I put on a disgusting pretense, I committed each of their faces to memory.
As I quickly scanned the faces of dozens and passed them by, clenching my teeth, I realized one thing.
'…Most of them are faces I don't know.'
The majority were humans I didn't know.
In my past life, they were probably ones who died early in the war.
"…"
I chewed over and memorized the faces of such people one by one.
In my past life, neither I nor anyone else would have done so.
I knew I had no right to do so, but.
This time, I wanted to remember them.
******************
The place I immediately headed to was where the civilians had gathered to take refuge.
It wasn't far from the Alliance headquarters. A location where one could see it as much as they wanted.
One might wonder why they made it so close to the headquarters where the raid was taking place.
There was a reason for this.
'How else would they be able to see?'
The gathered people had to be able to see the Martial Alliance.
So that.
'Distrust would deepen further.'
Those who had developed distrust for the Alliance side during their escape.
Or those whose faith in the Alliance had waned given the current situation.
This was a means to make the rift in their emotions deeper.
This method was more effective than I thought.
"Please be careful—!"
"Take care while moving!"
In a place crowded with swarms of people.
Among them, those wearing yellow martial uniforms were serving as both escorts and guides.
They were from the Hwangbo family.
"Those with any physical anomalies, come here immediately!!"
They had even deployed physicians and distributed water around.
Martial artists were on high alert, watching their surroundings in preparation for any possible raid.
"…To think they even provided their physicians…."
"How can they…."
Many expressed admiration upon seeing that.
In the current Central Plains, physicians were precious individuals, and the physicians belonging to the great families were ones even blood relatives couldn't easily touch.
Yet they deployed such physicians to the shelter to have them care for others.
"…The Hwangbo family truly is a great family among great families…."
"They moved faster than others even during the raid, or so I heard."
"They are truly remarkable people."
"How can I repay this kindness…."
Their expressions were full of gratitude.
Most of those here were people who had received help from the Hwangbo family, so it was even more so.
"Compared to them, those from the Martial Alliance…!"
At those words, the surroundings fell silent for a moment.
The man who had spoken seemed unable to suppress his emotions despite sensing the atmosphere.
"Be careful…. No matter what, speaking ill of the Martial Alliance is…."
"What do you mean calm down? What have they done while the situation reached this point!"
It was a dangerous thing to curse the Alliance in the heart of Hannam. Even so, the man couldn't hold back, and the others too were hesitant yet showing expressions of sympathy.
"They strutted around with their heads held high claiming to protect the Central Plains, but where in the world were they and what were they doing…!"
"R-right. They were busy escorting sect leaders and guest lords with strong backing. They didn't care about us."
"I saw it too…!"
As people chimed in one by one, the voices gained momentum and grew louder.
"What justice is this…. They say the Alliance Lord is trapped over there and cannot even move right now. Just what has been protecting us…."
The heated anger eventually ended in lament.
The emptiness of what exactly it was they had believed in.
As I watched those with bitter expressions, I quietly moved.
No, to be precise, it was Cheonjon who moved.
What this meant was that I was currently on Cheonjon's back.
'…Hm.'
To think I'd end up on Cheonjon's back in my lifetime.
It was an incredibly uncomfortable situation.
But it couldn't be helped.
I had to recover my strength in a short time, so I needed to rest.
And since I had to move separately, I needed someone's help, but….
'…Why are they fighting over it.'
Three women had suddenly started fighting over who would carry me.
Had it been a mistake to ask someone to carry me to my destination?
The moment I said it, flames suddenly lit in the women's eyes.
It started with Dang Soyeol.
Dang Soyeol nonchalantly stepped forward to carry me on her back, but Wi Seola and Namgung Bia blocked her simultaneously.
The reason was why it had to be Dang Soyeol.
To this, Dang Soyeol presented the logic that she had always supported me, so she would carry me this time too.
It was a somewhat logical justification, but the two did not accept it.
Namgung Bia said that she hadn't been here, so Dang Soyeol had done it, and now she would.
Wi Seola went so far as to say that she had originally been my attendant, so she would carry out her duty.
Hearing that was incredibly bewildering.
When had she quit being an attendant, and Wi Seola was the one lying in a sickbed with bandages wrapped around her chest right now.
It was absurd who was trying to carry whom.
At first, it seemed to proceed with words containing logic, but… before long, I realized.
The truth was there was no logic at all, just a desire filled with the wish to do it themselves somehow.
In the meantime, Bongsuni boldly tried to carry me in secret but got caught, and the situation flowed into an even greater mess.
In the end, the atmosphere grew increasingly bloody, and as I was watching this shitty situation wondering what to do.
-This old man shall carry him.
Cheonjon, who had been watching, stepped in and settled the situation.
They had been on the verge of fighting, but at Cheonjon's words, everyone shut their mouths at once.
'What the hell is all this….'
I couldn't understand why they were fighting so hard over someone getting on their back.
Anyway.
After briefly watching the refugees' reactions.
With Cheonjon's help, I headed toward the pavilion.
'I can see it.'
A pavilion erected at the location inside the Martial Alliance headquarters where the martial arts tournament had been taking place.
Upon arriving there again, I saw several people gathered.
The moment they spotted us, they immediately drew their swords.
Srring—!!
"…Reveal yourselves."
I observed them while keeping my distance.
'Ha.'
A hollow laugh escaped me the moment I saw their faces.
'Three Commander-level fighters?'
The gathered martial artists numbered roughly over forty, and among them I could see three Commander-level individuals.
Especially the man who drew his sword the moment he saw me was someone I knew as well.
"Ilcheongeom."
Ilcheongeom Jang Seongmyeong.
The current Commander of the Azure Dragon Division, a master who had risen to the ranks of the Hundred Great Masters.
'That bastard Jang's right-hand man.'
He was the man called the right hand of the Yuseongeom in my past life.
Then.
"…S-Soyeomra…?"
The person beside him recognized me and widened his eyes.
"Oh."
It was a familiar face.
"It's been a while, Flying Dragon Commander."
When I spoke with a smile, he flinched and trembled.
The man's identity was none other than Flying Dragon Commander Beomdong.
"Y-you, how are you…."
As Beomdong spoke in confusion, Ilcheongeom beside him made a strange expression.
"I thought the face looked familiar. So the young hero was Soyeomra himself."
Though he now knew my identity, he still did not sheath his sword.
"I know your identity. However, I wish to ask how you came to be here."
I felt wariness.
Feeling the sharp energy, I still stepped forward.
"I heard the Alliance Lord is currently trapped here, so I came to offer my assistance."
"…You say?"
His wariness only heightened upon hearing the answer.
Well, I'd find it strange too if I were him.
"Yes."
"I appreciate the sentiment, but there is no need."
"Why is that?"
"Given the situation, it is a time when outsiders must be forbidden entry. If you wish to help, it would be better to exert your strength elsewhere."
"…Given the situation."
I pondered repeatedly upon hearing those words.
It was not an entirely absurd statement, so I had to seriously consider how to react.
"Indeed…. The situation is a mess right now."
"Thank you for understanding…."
"But in such a situation, what are you all doing here?"
"…What?"
I had habitually started to loosen my neck but stopped. It seemed like it would hurt like hell if I did so now.
"The streets are in ruins from the freaks' raid. The citizens are screaming and wailing in chaos…. What are you doing here?"
Though the raid had broken out and the demonic beast had run amok, what had the Martial Alliance been doing in the meantime? I had known the correct answer to this for a long time.
"Busy looking after guest lords and sect leaders. Sponsors first… And three so-called Commanders are here fucking around, which is why the situation has become such a mess."
As I continued speaking, Ilcheongeom's expression became heavily distorted.
"How dare you… What did you just say."
"You don't seem to be of an age to be hard of hearing, but if you wish, I shall repeat myself. Though I expect it will be a bit harsher than what I just said. Is that alright?"
"Y-you…!"
As if enraged, Ilcheongeom immediately released his fighting spirit.
"Did you just insult not only this Commander, but the entire Alliance?"
"Then does this look like praise to you now? If you heard it that way, you must be ill, so I suggest you go see a physician quickly."
"This bastard truly—!"
Ilcheongeom approached as if to cut me down at any moment.
Watching him, I recalled.
Honestly, I didn't care whether he got angry or not.
I had even hoped he would act this way.
Because it would make my task easier.
That was definitely how it was supposed to be, but.
'This is such bullshit.'
I couldn't stand it no matter what.
The humans who had rushed in to catch the demonic beast came to mind.
The lists I had memorized thinking I'd remember them flashed through my head.
It was a mistake. I shouldn't have memorized them.
If I hadn't, I wouldn't have been this pissed.
'But what can I do.'
Since I had already memorized them, I had to take responsibility.
As Ilcheongeom approached with rage, I too tried to put strength into my heart, but.
"Please calm yourself."
Cheonjon's hand wrapped around my shoulder.
Feeling his touch, my body involuntarily felt like it stopped.
"I apologize. This old man shall apologize on his behalf."
"Words insulting the Alliance are not something for anyone to interfere with…."
Ilcheongeom raised his voice at Cheonjon but froze. He seemed to have realized who his opponent was.
He was none other than a Commander of the Alliance. There was no way he wouldn't know Cheonjon's face.
"…E-Elder…?"
Ilcheongeom's face turned pale the moment he confirmed Cheonjon.
"E-Elder, how are you here…."
To the surprised Ilcheongeom, Cheonjon said:
"Our young master said he had business here, so we came for a brief visit."
"Young master… you say."
Ilcheongeom's gaze turned toward me.
Normally I would have denied it or explained, but this time I didn't bother.
"What are you looking at?"
"…"
It was a challenge: go ahead and do something about it.
As if the meaning got across, Ilcheongeom's face was truly a sight to behold.