Two days had passed. An ordinary day.
The same weather as always. It was that time when autumn was gradually deepening, preparing for winter within it.
In the midst of it all, I walked with somewhat subdued steps.
For reference, I hadn’t spoken with Moyong Hui-a since the incident.
I had tried to visit her, but Moyong Hui-a refused, and since she seemed to be avoiding me quite thoroughly, I sought out her aunt, Baekryeongeom, to ask her to intervene, but—
[“Hmm… Even I can’t do anything about this?”]
Even Baekryeongeom, who was far less mature than her age, had thrown her hands up in the air.
At this point, it was something that bothered me considerably.
‘I think I’ve really screwed up this time.’
It didn’t seem like something that would end with her simply being sulky.
What should I do? How could I resolve the current situation?
Those who knew the circumstances were not a single one on my side, so it was clear I was in the wrong.
‘Tch.’
Damn it. The situation I faced wasn’t limited to just that one problem.
That was the biggest issue.
It was also the reason I had to maintain my composure even amid deep worries.
I walked quietly along the road.
The streets of the county where construction was in full swing.
Just as before, refugees and merchants had stepped forward to repair the county themselves. The pace was quite fast.
It couldn’t be helped.
Not only had two great merchant groups joined in, but martial artists had also stepped forward to help with the work—so how could it be slow?
From the day construction began until yesterday, they had been rebuilding the county nearly every single day.
Because of that, the noise had been considerable.
But today was somehow different.
‘…’
I turned my gaze to look around.
There were still many eyes on me.
It had been this way ever since my title changed, but the reaction was quite different from yesterday’s.
It was far too quiet.
The gazes directed at me, even the atmosphere wafting through the air.
Feeling this, my steps didn’t stop, and I turned my head back to look ahead.
Every time I passed by, there were those who showed me courtesy or quietly bowed their heads.
It was questionable—where were those who would rush forth to praise me, and why were they acting like this?
Because I knew the reason better than anyone, I couldn’t say a word.
Today was that kind of day.
Damn it.
—The processing is complete.
While walking, I heard Nahi’s telepathic message.
Hearing this, I paused briefly.
—As you instructed, I have divided a portion of the Master’s assets through Daemeokri. We will begin delivery within four days while maintaining anonymity.
‘Good.’
I nodded slightly.
In the past days, I had used more than half of the assets I had scraped together by extorting Yakgeumju and Mannyeonhancheol.
It wasn’t a planned expenditure, but from my position, it was necessary.
‘Don’t follow me any further. Wait from a distance.’
—As you command.
Having sent Nahi away, someone approached me as if they had been waiting.
“I greet the Star King.”
The person was a member of the Alliance.
Which meant I had come to the Murim Alliance.
I hadn’t come to see Mukyeon like last time. This time, it wasn’t for personal reasons either.
Ah, or should I say it was personal?
“I shall guide you.”
The conversation wasn’t long.
The martial artist turned and moved, and I simply followed.
Just like the county, the Alliance possessed a quiet atmosphere.
Not only the expression of the martial artist guiding me, but black could be spied on the Alliance martial artists—a rare sight.
They wore the official Alliance outer robes, yet black martial attire could be seen underneath.
It was an unprecedented situation, but no one pointed it out.
Moreover, most of the martial artists were dressed like that.
After walking briefly without conversation, the martial artist who had brought me to a location turned back as if his guidance was complete, and upon arrival, someone spoke to me.
“You’ve come.”
A martial artist who had ascended to the King rank, like me. It was Tiger King Hwangbo Yeol-wi.
He had arrived with bandages wrapped around his body, and seeing him, I asked.
“…Is your body alright?”
“I can move well enough.”
To my question, Tiger King frowned slightly as he answered.
Within that brief reaction was a hint of enduring pain, and discomfort at a young martial artist worrying unnecessarily.
‘Amazing.’
He could make me feel such things with that small expression?
Moreover, he didn’t actually hurt that much, yet he looked terribly in pain.
I could feel the wall.
The talent for acting that I didn’t possess—Tiger King definitely had it.
…Anyway.
As I finished my brief conversation with Tiger King, I could feel others approaching me.
“Star King.”
I turned my gaze toward the voice calling me.
I saw a face that was unfamiliar yet familiar. Looking at such a face, I recalled the name not long after.
‘Myeonggung.’
He was precisely the Commander of the Red Dragon Legion and a master of archery said to be among the few remaining in the Central Plains. Myeonggung Song Yu.
He showed respectful courtesy and spoke to me.
“Thank you for taking the time to visit the Alliance during this busy period.”
“…Not at all. It was something I had to do.”
I let an awkward smile cross my face at Song Yu’s words.
Yes, it was something I had to do. Others might not know, but I had to come.
“Ah, and Commander of the Red Dragon Legion.”
“Yes.”
“I forgot to mention it. I was grateful then.”
“…!”
When I offered thanks so abruptly, Myeonggung’s eyes widened.
He seemed to know what I was recalling.
“…So you had noticed.”
“How could I not know? In Hanam, you are likely the only one capable of firing such a bow.”
“…Haha….”
The reason I was thanking Myeonggung was none other than this.
A few days ago, during the battle with the white demonic beast. There had been an arrow that flew in at the moment of crisis.
The arrow imbued with qi was fired swiftly and struck the beast directly.
That created the moment that allowed escape from the crisis.
“I was grateful.”
Naturally, as far as I knew, there was only one person in Hanam capable of firing such an arrow.
The Commander of the Red Dragon Legion must be that master.
“It is nothing….”
When I conveyed my gratitude, Myeonggung, who received it, looked visibly uncomfortable.
Why such a face?
He didn’t seem very pleased.
Was he in a bad mood today?
Thinking roughly so, I turned my head.
Besides him, several others particularly caught my eye.
Other Commanders including Song Yu, of course. I could also see figures from renowned families and sects.
Roughly on par with the numbers at the Martial Arts Tournament.
Though that many people were gathered, the atmosphere was quite different from then.
Should I say it was quiet?
Well.
It would have been stranger if it were noisy.
On a day like today, this atmosphere was fitting.
Inside, an unusually silent stillness flowed, just like the streets of the county.
Seeing that, I too regulated my breath, as if I were no different.
The reason so many people were gathered was none other than this.
Today was the day the memorial service for the casualties from the recent raid was held by the Alliance.
********************
Memorial service.
It sounded like a fancy word, but in reality, it wasn’t anything grand.
It simply ended with gathering a great number of people to share in the sorrow and express condolences.
If there was anything different, it was that because it was held by the Murim Alliance, many were effectively forced to attend.
It couldn’t be helped.
The Alliance was the Alliance, but the current times being what they were.
Everyone’s state of mind was a mess due to the incident; if one didn’t attend the memorial service at such a time, they would receive incredibly harsh gazes.
Perhaps thanks to that, I spotted some people at the memorial service whom I hadn’t seen at the Martial Arts Tournament.
Commanders whom I hadn’t seen during the raid, as well as people of considerable standing, were plentiful.
The Patriarch of the Namgung family, the current Sword King.
Including figures from renowned families of the rank right below him, and the sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects and One Great School.
‘Cheonan.’
Cheonan, the Abbot of Shaolin.
I caught a glimpse of him as well.
‘Didn’t even show his face during the raid.’
I had heard that Shaolin martial artists had participated.
It was only natural.
Hanam was the headquarters of the Murim Alliance, but it was also strictly speaking Shaolin’s land.
Yet the number of martial artists who appeared from Shaolin in such a situation wasn’t very large.
I didn’t know how the Alliance had assessed it.
‘As far as I could tell, not even thirty.’
Thirty at most.
Compared to other places it might be considerable, but considering the number of affiliated clerics and Shaolin’s size, it was an utterly insufficient number.
For a sect whose headquarters was in Hanam to send only thirty people.
‘Had they sent only elites, that would be one thing. But that wasn’t the case either.’
Questions lingered.
What on earth was Shaolin thinking?
They had participated, so they received less criticism, but public sentiment wasn’t very favorable.
Could Shaolin be unaware of this?
‘Absolutely not.’
Even if it were full of ignorant fools, they couldn’t not know this.
It was natural to assume that the Heavenly Demon’s side had made moves in Shaolin as well, but even so, their response had been inadequate.
Which meant.
‘There was some other reason.’
It meant there was a reason Shaolin had to act that way.
‘What was it?’
I hadn’t yet figured out what that reason was.
Should I have Nahi attempt infiltration?
‘No. That’s a waste.’
There were too many things to do right now.
Especially in Nahi’s case, there was much to do, so assigning her to such a task was ambiguous.
It might be better to shave Cheoljiseon’s head and throw him in instead….
‘Not a bad idea…?’
The thought suddenly brushed past my mind that it might work.
I even considered actually doing it, but.
‘…’
I immediately erased the thought.
Not because it was a strange plan.
Because now was not the time to be thinking such things.
“……These have been difficult days. But we have overcome.”
The people gathered before me, and beyond them, the countless throngs visible.
To the point where I couldn’t even count how many had gathered.
Since the raid had occurred so recently, they had prevented too many people from coming, but even so, it was a considerable number.
Yet.
‘Even with so many gathered.’
The only sound was the voice of Geomseon on the platform.
No other noise could be heard at all.
They bowed their heads or clasped their hands together in prayer.
It was an atmosphere befitting the name of the memorial service.
“…We will never forget the memory of that day. No, we must remember it.”
Not a single reaction could be felt to Geomseon’s words.
If anything, what could be felt was shallow resentment and distrust.
Sorrow containing grief.
Traces where emotions were embedded rather than sounds.
Amid the silent roar filled with dissatisfaction toward the Murim Alliance, I was focusing on Geomseon’s words.
Remember.
Remember the sacrifices from the past raid.
Those words kept echoing in my head.
Beyond the spreading condolences and Geomseon’s nonsense, my eyes looked ahead.
Those who had lost family or acquaintances after the raid.
The shallow yet clear emotions contained in their expressions.
I took them in one by one.
Words I had spoken to Sinui came to mind.
‘I said I would make sure nothing happened.’
I had resolved it desperately, but in the end, I couldn’t accomplish everything.
Had I not known it would turn out like this? No, I knew.
From the moment I triggered the raid. From the very instant I attempted that absurd play.
I had clearly known this would happen.
So keep your eyes wide open and look.
I stood here today in order to see that.
Those expressions were faces that no one other than me had made.
‘Don’t you dare make the excuse that it was something necessary.’
I repeated to myself.
I had to strive to never forget until the moment of death.
I couldn’t apologize. I couldn’t explain the reasons.
That was all I could do.
I sent support under the guise of aid to the victims, and spent money to restore the lost land.
I had scraped together money I had never seen in my previous life since the regression, yet half that fortune vanished in an instant.
I didn’t regret it.
It wasn’t my money to begin with, and money could always be earned again.
Doing just that didn’t change anything, nor could it lessen my guilt.
Their expressions would never ease, and the emptiness of loss could not be filled.
It was simply something to keep in mind.
‘This is the path I intend to walk.’
I would harm the innocent, step over them again and again, and swallow my rotting insides as I walked the path created thus.
A path for the world?
That too was an excuse.
‘I never cared about the world to begin with.’
Since when was that the goal?
It was merely something that came along with it.
“Suu.”
I exhaled without it being noticeable.
To soothe my rough insides.
Do you know what I was grateful for, at least?
‘That having become a dragon makes it somewhat bearable.’
Perhaps because I wasn’t human, it was much better than the sensations I had felt before.
On the contrary, I had even looked upon the deaths of such insignificant creatures mockingly, as if they were no big deal.
‘That’s a bit much though.’
I couldn’t go that far.
It helped me keep my center without collapsing, but going completely over was problematic.
I closed my eyes.
I regulated my breath mindlessly within the blackened world.
This was neither silent prayer nor mourning. If pressed, it was more like pretentious nonsense.
‘So the pretentiousness ends here.’
I wouldn’t forget what I had done. That was all I could do.
When I opened my eyes again thinking thus.
“…This time, the Murim Alliance expresses condolences while also wishing to bring about great change due to this raid.”
By coincidence or not, Geomseon’s speech was also nearing its end.
‘How far had he gone?’
I had been listening half-heartedly, so I didn’t know what he had been saying.
It didn’t matter.
It would have been a pointless talk anyway.
As if to prove this, something quite substantial flowed from Geomseon’s mouth.
“From this incident onward, we designate the group of unknown origins, the Demon Cult, as part of the demonic faction, and wish to completely exterminate the demonic faction from the lands of the Central Plains.”
A murmuring sound mixed with the proclamation.
The complete annihilation of the demonic faction.
This statement carried considerable meaning.
The orthodox and demonic factions had never been on good terms. They were powers that had waged wars several times over.
For now, they were in an unofficial ceasefire for some reason, but the current words of Geomseon, the Alliance Leader….
‘A declaration of war.’
It meant they would restart the full-scale fight against the demonic faction that had paused briefly for peace and rebuilding.
“This Murim Alliance will never retreat from the fight against the demonic faction. As long as they threaten peace, we will fight and overcome. There will be no defeat.”
Geomseon’s voice, wearing a resolute expression, rang out in all directions.
The speech was good, but it was still poor for rallying public sentiment.
Declaring war before people exhausted from the raid—how helpful.
Geomseon surely knew this too, yet the reason he uttered such words was none other than this.
“We know well that this is a difficult and arduous task. Therefore, this Alliance has welcomed a noble guest.”
With Geomseon’s words, a figure who had been in the back came forward.
“It has been a while. I am Mukyeon.”
It was Mukyeon, who had been the strategist of the Murim Alliance in the past.
When he greeted me and those around confirmed it, the murmuring grew louder.
Mukyeon, who had spent the heyday of the Murim Alliance together with them. Some even evaluated that the Murim Alliance had risen to the heavens because of him.
One of the Alliance’s heroes had appeared in a moment of crisis.
That alone changed the surrounding air.
‘Truly an effective method.’
This was the easiest way for any organization to break through when a crisis came.
Bringing in one of the symbols who had been active during the heyday.
Mukyeon was exactly such a figure.
Rumors were already spreading in Hanam that Mukyeon had returned. His appearance at the memorial service was practically an acknowledgment of those rumors.
—Really… really the Strategist?
—To think I would see him again before I die….
The effect was immediate.
—If it’s him….
Distrust and doubt wavered.
Perhaps, if it was Mukyeon who had led the Murim Alliance with the Sword Lord in the past, things might be different.
His mere appearance was creating such hope.
‘Hmm.’
I had expected this to some degree, but it seemed far more effective than I had anticipated.
‘Had I underestimated Mukyeon?’
To think it was to this extent.
I needed to reconsider the value Mukyeon possessed.
I hadn’t known that his mere existence could bring about such change.
Moreover.
“Furthermore, we have lost the pillars of the Murim Alliance.”
Geomseon had more prepared cards at this memorial service besides Mukyeon.
“Having lost three heroes who would have shone brilliantly, my heart is devastated… but thinking of the demonic faction sharpening their fangs, we cannot grieve forever. The Alliance wished to honor those lost and departed, and fill the places they left behind.”
Spouting off this speech, Geomseon stepped back slightly.
For what?
“The star among stars who distinguished himself greatly in this raid. Star King has decided to walk together with the Murim Alliance as a new Commander.”
Precisely to introduce me.
‘…Damn it.’
My expression soured immediately upon hearing Geomseon’s words.
‘Star among stars, what the hell is this, crazy?’
How could the introducing words be like that?
It gave me chills and I wanted to grit my teeth right away, but I somehow maintained a blank expression.
—…Star King as a Commander of the Murim Alliance?
—Why on earth…?
Those who hadn’t heard the rumors showed surprise on their faces.
Those who knew were busy widening their eyes, realizing the rumors were true.
‘Damn.’
The gazes felt from all around.
As always, having eyes fixed on me was still burdensome.
What should I do? Should I wave my hand?
But doing that at a memorial service would be a bit much, no?
While I was hesitating, unsure how to react.
“The unit Star King will command is named the Star Dragon Legion, and it will become an important sword legion bearing a major role in the upcoming fight against the demonic faction.”
I learned the name and reason for existence of the unit I would command, which I hadn’t even heard before.
‘They mean to use me in the fight against the demonic faction…’
Could it be, the role of a hunting dog?
From the explanation alone, it was no different.
‘No way.’
Would they entrust such a role to me of all people?
My gaze moved. The destination was Mukyeon.
‘There’s no way that old man didn’t have a hand in this.’
I was certain that as long as Mukyeon was there, they wouldn’t assign me such a task.
The reason was none other than this.
‘Because he suspects me.’
That I might be related to the Heavenly Demon.
Mukyeon was definitely looking at me with such suspicion.
Could he really have assigned me a demonic-faction-exclusive unit?
‘If he really did assign it, what’s the intention?’
Why would he give me such a role while suspecting me?
The moment my head was beginning to spin at the incomprehensible situation.
“Furthermore.”
Geomseon continued speaking as if he wasn’t finished yet.
“Together with the founding of the Star Dragon Legion, we wish to re-establish a briefly brilliant symbol in the long history of the Alliance.”
My expression furrowed upon hearing the words.
‘A symbol?’
They wanted to re-establish the symbol of the Alliance.
There was only one symbol of the Murim Alliance he could be speaking of.
Then Geomseon pulled out the words as if confirming my expectation.
“…From today onward, the Divine Dragon Legion shall be resurrected and protect the Central Plains once more.”
The moment Geomseon’s words came out, the surrounding sounds grew deeper.
More than the retired strategist returning, or me becoming the Star Dragon Commander.
The news that the Divine Dragon Legion would be resurrected brought the greatest impact.
I had to narrow my eyes at the unusually large reaction.
‘Is it to that degree?’
I had expected the impact wouldn’t be small, but I hadn’t anticipated that level of reaction.
I knew the Divine Dragon Legion had been a symbol of the Alliance, but….
‘They must have been truly extraordinary.’
The reaction was unusual just from mentioning it during the memorial service.
I didn’t know well the period when the Divine Dragon Legion had been active, and in my previous life, I had never encountered them.
This was the first time in this life that the Divine Dragon Legion’s resurrection had been mentioned.
That was why I only now realized.
‘So the Divine Dragon Legion was such a tremendous existence to them.’
Just as Mukyeon’s value was higher to the people than I had anticipated.
So too did the Divine Dragon Legion possess tremendous value.
‘I wondered why they were spouting such nonsense at the memorial service.’
I had questioned why they would make such announcements at a memorial service meant to share grief and comfort.
Seeing the reaction, I understood.
A strange ember smoldered within eyes that had been weeping sorrowfully.
Relief.
Emotions that had been withering were beginning to gather again.
They had only announced the resurrection without proper activity yet.
Could the mere mention of the name Divine Dragon Legion bring about such change?
‘Should I call it amazing? I don’t even know what to say.’
It was enough to leave even me speechless.
Just as a hollow laugh was about to burst out at the unbelievably astonishing sight.
“Therefore, though I know the situation is ill-suited, I wish to offer you some comfort by introducing at this occasion.”
Geomseon continued speaking.
“The figure who will protect the Central Plains and become the new sword of the orthodox faction.”
At the same time.
“I will introduce the Divine Dragon Commander to you all.”
Words I hadn’t expected to hear.
‘What?’
Divine Dragon Commander?
I had to open my eyes wide at Geomseon’s words.
‘What is he saying?’
This was something I hadn’t heard.
I had heard that the memorial service would end with introductions of Mukyeon and me, along with the proclamation of the Divine Dragon Legion’s resurrection, but I hadn’t heard about the Divine Dragon Commander.
Because of that, I had assumed they hadn’t chosen one yet, or that the person wouldn’t appear today.
Introducing a new Divine Dragon Commander?
The moment I was holding surprise at the abrupt words.
Swish.
A presence brushed past from the side.
I turned my head. As my gaze shifted, I saw someone brush past my side and walk forward.
‘What…?’
I swallowed my surprise seeing their back.
Clearly, until moments ago, there had been no one beside me.
Even just moments ago it had been so—where had they appeared from?
Moreover.
‘I didn’t notice until they appeared?’
Even if I was wounded, failing to notice someone passing right beside me.
It was too strange even for a strange occurrence.
I looked at the figure who had passed me with a glare.
First, he wore white martial robes indicating a Commander.
Height a little over seven cheok, with a rather slender build.
A man with black hair tied up tightly.
Seeing the sword at his left hip, he appeared to be left-handed, and his gait was steady and neat.
Who on earth?
I scrutinized his face to confirm but couldn’t identify him.
Because he was wearing a mask.
A yellow mask covering his face.
Hadn’t it been said that the Divine Dragon Commanders traditionally wore masks and hid their identities until they stepped down from their position?
As if to prove this, he too wore a mask.
A man who walked calmly and stood beside the Alliance Leader.
Looking at him, Geomseon spoke with a gentle smile.
“This is the Commander of the Divine Dragon Legion that shall be newly resurrected.”
At the introducing words, the man briefly bowed his head.
No voice was heard.
He merely showed minute courtesy.
Even with just that, all surrounding gazes were directed at him.
The new Divine Dragon Commander.
Because of the presence contained in that name.
I too was staring holes into his back.
A figure whose identity was unknown.
A powerhouse who had lightly penetrated my senses.
That alone was sufficient reason to keep an eye on him, but.
‘Ha.’
The reason wasn’t merely that.
The bastard who appeared claiming to be the Divine Dragon Commander.
Looking at his back, I slowly narrowed my eyes.
I couldn’t help it.
‘Yes.’
From him.
‘I had wondered why it hadn’t moved until now.’
It was none other than.
I felt the traces of the Blood Demon.