Chapter 248 – The Plum Blossom Tree (1)

Hunter Association, President’s Office.

An atmosphere resembling the biting cold of winter filled the room.

Heavenly Demon and Sword Master stood facing each other. Born with a tangled web of complex emotions and relationships, they were destined to be adversaries. Their deep-seated enmity could not be understated. However, in this time of peace, they had no choice but to conceal their personal feelings.

Sword Master’s serpentine eyes swept over Heaven’s attire. The garment was significantly larger than her body, so voluminous that it seemed as though it might drag on the ground.

“Hehehe.”

His mouth stretched into a grin, and a sinister laugh emerged.

“The more I look, the more they resemble each other – him and her. The eyes, the aura, even their power.”

His face soon turned ashen, as though he were on the verge of death.

Hundreds of scars marred her face. Burn marks. A nose that couldn’t smell. Instead of evoking admiration, her appearance elicited disgust and aversion. Just by looking at her face, one could surmise the pain she had endured.

Indeed, she bore the visage of a titan. In contrast, Cheondo had a youthful face that seemed to have barely met the minimum requirements.

“How that young girl managed to get here, I have no idea. Don’t you think?” Mugung remarked sardonically.

“I assumed the most she could become was a wildcat embraced by a dragon. Laughable. That human was a prime example of foolishness. Even in death, he believed he had won,” he continued, his voice laced with unmistakable derision.

His words struck a chord with Cheondo. The father who had been by her side her entire life, and herself. His tone was mocking, as if slowly chipping away at her from the tips of her toes.

“In that sense, my vision is still inferior to that of the Heavenly Demon,” Mugung admitted, his eyes turning toward Cheondo.

“Who could have imagined that the wildcat would become a dragon?”

Until his speech came to an end, Heaven did not so much as twitch her eyebrows.

It seemed as though she was rather enjoying this moment. With a leisurely smile gracing her lips, she listened to Mugung’s words.

“And now I’ve become the Association’s dog. Is that what you want to say?”

Heaven’s next words sprang from her lips, arms crossed.

A Heavenly Demon superior to myself. And I, who killed that Heavenly Demon. A sense of superiority, having made even the Heavenly Demon’s daughter the Association’s dog. Intoxication.

Of course, it was uncertain whether that was truly Mugung’s thought. It was difficult to believe that an old man not long for this world would feel a sense of superiority in such a place.

Mugung was a person who hid a cunning and meticulous strategist behind his repulsive and self-centered exterior. He was never bound by petty emotions.

If necessary, he would even use the enemy’s daughter, as he did with Heaven.

Heaven too was a case of exploiting her own enemy.

However, regardless of his true feelings, he had already heard this conversation countless times. And every time, it had been a source of frustration.

These words had also served as the driving force for Heaven when she was still young. Mugung feigned surprise before speaking to Heaven.

“You’ve grown.”

Not long ago, she had been a girl consumed by the flames of vengeance.

“You’ve changed beyond recognition.”

Had her heart changed after taking in a disciple? The current Heaven was more peaceful than anyone else. It was astonishing.

The girl who once resembled a volcano, filled to the brim with malice and anger, ready to erupt at any moment, now had the capacity to embrace someone else. Despite her young age, she had adopted the same countenance as the leader of her former sect.

A rich serenity, akin to the painting of a famous artist who always draws their brush along the straight path. An indescribable dignity was now evident in Heaven’s being.

“My disciple has triumphed.”

Of course, they were in the midst of being utterly enraptured by sheer bliss.

“Lee Si-heon. The national tree.”

Indeed, she was the disciple of this very woman!

A teacher who can only boast about her disciples.
A disciple fool.
Perhaps next time, she should teach something even better. A smile was on the verge of blossoming at the corners of Cheondo’s mouth.

“Finish your report.”

With the smile wiped from her face by Mugung’s words, Cheondo slowly began to unravel what she had discovered.

The movements of the Flowers that Do-won had investigated throughout all of Korea.
The newly emerged dungeon and strategies against it.

As always, her report was thorough, more so than anyone else’s.

“That will do.”

Mugung interrupted Cheondo’s words and glanced at her computer screen for a moment.

-Plum 25↑

Real-time search trends related to the progress of the Forest Keeper selection trials.
This time, that fellow from China was making waves.

Well, it didn’t matter.

Mugung shifted her gaze from the screen and spoke to Cheondo.

His interests were solely focused on his homeland. He was also aware that the Heavenly Demon would someday bring about a great turmoil.

“I trust you won’t engage in any foolish acts.”

Words of vigilance from Mugung.

“If I say I understand, will you believe me?”
“….”

In response to Cheondo’s counterargument, the two exchanged knowing smiles tinged with a hint of murderous intent.

One day, one of them was fated to die.

It was nothing more than a brief collaboration.

For they had a common enemy in the Flower.

* * * * * * *

What could be happening outside right now?

What might have befallen the people I know?

As the dungeon was a space isolated from society, it was difficult to access information about reputations or rumors as before.

“Master advised me to elevate my standing here.”

I had proven myself against the national tree. At this point, there was little difference between my skills and those of others. I would no longer be treated as if I were the bottom of the barrel, as I had been before. This reality had become apparent from the moment I first faced Marronnier.

“Truthfully, I need not concern myself with reputation any longer.”

Even if I were to enhance my reputation here, the benefits to be gained would be minimal.

The reason Cheondo encouraged me to compete in the forest keeper selection was to encounter talented individuals from various backgrounds, and to grow both in experience and power. It wasn’t just about strength, but also about forging connections. I could even establish my authority over those who might later obstruct my path.

In essence, I must lay the groundwork so I can gradually step into the wider world. It was the optimal choice for me at a time when I was adapting to this world without any status or identity.

Aware of this, I resolved to follow through.

No matter how stagnant my strength is at the moment, I cannot predict if it will surge once more from an unforeseen source. Just look at Tae-yang and Aori – they may not be the most reliable, but they’ve proven to be two enjoyable and loyal companions.

‘A dungeon created by King Mokryeong’s servants. I’ll need to make a brief visit there once the selection process is over.’

Before that, Cornus’s issue must be resolved, as well as my master’s.

There’s an abundance of unfinished tasks at hand. Though they may not be my own doing, it’s up to me to address them. If I can tackle each issue one by one, eventually I’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful life without engaging in such endeavors. That is my sole aspiration.

‘However…’

I gaze at the three women seated around the campfire.

Saku is toasting marshmallows from her food backpack while Cornus watches with interest. Kim Soo-yeon, the granddaughter of Geomseong, sits between the two, satisfying her hunger. Lastly, Prajna, the national tree of India, perches on a distant rock, slightly lifting her top to inspect her tattoo.

“I’m going to get some flak for this.”

A man surrounded by four women. The internet isn’t the issue, though. Se-Young and Byul… Especially from Azalea, who might end up scratching my back.

The vivid image of Azalea slapping her back in frustration, saying she couldn’t bear it, came to mind. Azalea already has a strong possessive streak… Shiba and I were at home, and yet I played with another woman, which could elicit a cold stare from her all night long. I might not even be allowed in bed.

And Lee Se-Young is quite obsessive too, with a tendency to cling like a puppy. If this incident were to be broadcast, she might pester me all day long.

There’s no need to mention Zodiac’s jealousy. Byul has a sly, fox-like aspect, secretly keeping in touch and taking care of her own interests.

“…”

I break into a cold sweat.

All three of them are national treasures, and their beauty only adds to the dilemma.

-Suddenly.

At that moment, Saku offered me a marshmallow.

“Si-heon, won’t you try it? The marshmallow is delicious.”

Saku, with her pink hair, broadly smiles as she speaks in a Japanese-style English accent. Her expression is hidden by the fox mask, but her voice is so cheerful that I can easily picture her smiling. I accept the treat with a timid grin.

Freshly roasted, the marshmallow bubbles enticingly. As I put it in my mouth, I can feel the rich sweetness stretching out.

“How is it? Tasty, right?”

Saku’s innocent voice makes me smile awkwardly.

“It’s delicious.”

I can’t quite match her exuberance.

Nevertheless, Cornus seems to be enjoying this lively atmosphere, as her expression has been twice as bright as usual. A subtle blush graces her typically stoic face. It’s a faint change that others might not notice, but it’s discernible if you look closely.

Suddenly, Cornus offers me a slightly charred marshmallow.

“Eat this?”

As I questioned, Sansuyu nodded her head slightly. Due to the presence of cameras, I reached out, grabbed the skewer, and placed the marshmallow in my mouth instead of moving my head.

I wonder if this will be broadcasted.

However, they are currently filming Prajna at a distance, so it shouldn’t leak.

“The first trial will be over soon.”

After hastily finishing the meal, Saku stretched both her arms and legs as if releasing the pent-up tension from the past week. The sky was gradually darkening. Perhaps there were about four hours left. A brief rest would see the end of the trial.

“Have Si-heon and Suyu been here the whole time?”

“No, we met on the third day. I’ve been here since the fourth day. Until then, I had only cleared dungeons.”

“That’s impressive! Amazing~!”

Smack smack. Saku clapped her hands, but her voice suddenly turned gloomy as she continued speaking.

“We kept, kept, we kept fighting. Prajna insisted that we must eliminate as many competitors as possible~”
“As much as possible? Really?”
“That’s right, even though I’m a perfectionist, it was so difficult. Isn’t that true, Soo-yeon?”

Soo-yeon, who was sitting next to Saku, giggled.

“Prajna is kind of like that.”

Eliminate competitors as much as possible.
Reduce the numbers? The hypothesis I had thought of before briefly resurfaced in my consciousness.

The far-fetched idea that there might be someone who approached the Flower among the national trees.
There are many flaws in this notion. The purpose of why they cause so many eliminations is unknown, and there’s no reason for the national trees to side with the Flower.

To grasp the finer details, it would be necessary to investigate over a long period of time.

‘…If only I had some useful powers. Didn’t Marronnier say they could read other people’s thoughts?’

With that ability, it would be much easier to find out who the Flower is.

Of course, the other party isn’t foolish either, so it’s improbable that they would entertain thoughts about the Flower in front of Marronnier, let alone anyone else.

‘It’s uncertain.’

For now, there’s no way to know.

Naturally, it has only been a week. So far, there has been next to no interaction. As the number of competitors dwindles, the sharing of camaraderie among other national trees or students increases.

“Then, I’ll go to sleep first.”

For now, I’ll think about it after passing the day.

Saku, who yawned, entered the sleeping bag first, and Sansuyu also headed toward the tent. Kim Soo-yeon and I remained seated beside the bonfire, which still burned.

“Are you not going to sleep?”

Soo-yeon’s words make me think that I should sleep soon. I may not feel sleepy, but I should force myself to rest.

Just as I was about to rise from my spot, suddenly, Prajna, who had been sitting on a rock gazing at the lakeshore, leaped to her feet.

“…Who’s coming?”

Eyes gleaming brighter than daylight. They are the eyes linked to the distant beast.

“Who? At this hour?”

It’s unbelievable that someone would intrude just as the first trial is about to end. At Soo-yeon’s incredulous words, Prajna briefly scanned the surroundings, then uttered the name of an individual.

“Plum.”

China’s national tree. Soo-yeon’s face instantly turned icy cold.