Chapter 322 – The Collapse of the Cradle (7)

No matter how much she downplays her role, she is the woman responsible for overseeing the existence of King Mokryeong.

She thought it would be difficult to kill her instantly.
It would be enough if only her intentions were conveyed.

“Brother.”
“Yes.”

Taeyang, holding a large A4 paper, raised his glasses and frowned.

“She’s not ready yet. They say she hasn’t passed the third trial.”

The meeting request thrown at Prajna naturally came to nothing.
He would have twisted her neck if it were possible, but he knew it wouldn’t work.

He just needed to convey the message that he regarded her as a person of interest.

‘At the point of targeting Guseul, the Flowers must already be on high alert.’

The Forest Keeper Selection.
On a stage where not even a single mistake should be made, he had tried to kill Guseul without hesitation.

Yet, judging by the results, she did not die.

I never know when another traitor might catch my eye.

If there’s a Flower seeking to approach me, considerable deliberation is needed.

“Not bad.”
“What?”
“It’s surprising that things are unfolding as you said. The king isn’t a king for nothing, I suppose?”

Tae-yang chuckled and sat down on the sofa beside me, placing a hand on my shoulder. I responded by slapping the back of his hand.

“You’ve made good use of my position.”
“Oh, humility?”
“If I couldn’t manage this, I’d have died long ago—before White Peach even met that gentleman.”

After the third ordeal, it became certain that a sage was operating behind the scenes. Her intelligence clearly surpasses that of Flower.

In a situation where I should be on guard, I have no choice but to protect myself when taking extreme measures.

“Luck permitting, it could even impact Flower’s invasion preparations.”
“That would be difficult, though.”

When Tae-yang expressed doubt, I silently nodded in agreement.

“They’re not just filled with fools either.”

Nevertheless, there are advantages. It’s different from the past.

In those days, I had no reputation to speak of. My opponent, not knowing me, was careless. It was only natural, as no matter how much they searched, the only information they could find was my entrance record.

The benefits of anonymity were numerous, and I made use of them. In contrast, my name is now somewhat known.

‘Being a descendant of King Mokryeong, a disciple of White Peach, and supported by a sage will surely bring rewards.’

Now it’s time to capitalize on my elevated reputation.

Others may not know, but Flower does. The honor that Heaven tirelessly spoke of has become attached to me.

‘But not yet.’

I still rely on the honor of others to a certain degree.

“Tae-yang.”
“Yes?”
“Let’s head to the training room. I want to see your skills.”

As time went by, I realized the truth. Power, honor, and wealth – I lack so much, and it cuts me to the bone.

Simultaneously, glimpses of the flowers and remnants of the World Tree, crossing the boundary ever so slightly, come into view.

“Haah.”

Her heart turned cold.

* * * * * * * * * *

The alabaster nakedness is wrapped in a pristine white towel.

Dark eyes set upon flowing black hair. The usual radiant smile is nowhere to be seen.

“Phew.”

The sensation of awakening within a surrogate body is quite monotonous.

Wouldn’t this feeling be akin to a person dying and being reborn in heaven? Her consciousness sinks and resurfaces, evoking such a metaphor.

“I’ve made up my mind.”

Prajna, who had been gazing at Gu-seul, furrows her brow ever so slightly. Creating a surrogate body is an arduous task, and containing a monstrous entity like Gu-seul is overwhelming.

In particular, the act of transferring souls has long surpassed the limitations of shamans.

“Don’t die recklessly.”
“I didn’t want to die either.”

King Mokryeong initiated total hostility.
It was impossible for Gu-seul, who had long been using a surrogate body, to escape.

The more it was used, the more its performance deteriorated, and above all, the performance of the surrogate body itself was merely that of a B-class hunter.
It was only because Gu-seul’s skills reached the top tier that she managed to overcome the first trial.

“I don’t know if it’s to win the World Tree’s favor, but it certainly won’t be like that. There’s no way those rotten roots would leave King Mokryeong alone.”

Mahogany, a dark-skinned woman, scoffed.
The national tree of the Dominican Republic.

Not only that, but the entire Caribbean region was succumbing to the influence of the Flower.
It was natural since the World Tree’s reach did not extend there at all.

The same held true for South America.
The Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the so-called powder keg of the Balkans were also included.

“How long do you plan to use the surrogate body?”

At Mahogany’s words, Gu-seul silently got dressed.

At that moment, Banya, with inscriptions etched across her entire body, glared at Mahogany.

“I can’t use my true form to approach Lee Si-heon.”
“Why?”
“Because I can’t conceal my magical power.”

Though she belonged to an unnamed species, it was impossible for Gu-seul to completely hide her power and live an ordinary life. Whenever she needed to clandestinely approach Lee Si-heon, it was always necessary to use Banya’s surrogate body.

Banya had been part of Flower before any other national trees.

The national trees that had betrayed the world each had their own purpose.

In Plum’s case, it was to engage in more battles. For Mahogany, it was the resurgence of the desolate Caribbean islands. Banya, too, had her own intentions and reasons.

“Phew.”

Her entire body was drenched in sweat. Creating a surrogate body was a laborious task.

It took about a month to invest in a single surrogate. She had been repeating this process for four years.

Having covered the markings on her body with cloth, Banya retracted her magical power. The third eye on her forehead slowly closed.

‘It’s not the answer.’

《Prophecy》

The ability to foresee the future, quite literally.

This infallible power alleviated any hesitation in her actions. She became a national tree, joined the Flower, and provided immense strength there. That alone could support her dreams.

“So.”

As Gu-seul finished changing her clothes, the man who entered removed his hat.

“What’s the plan?”

The brown-haired man swept his narrow eyes around the room. There were many national trees, traitors, and a member of the Flower. All were the ones who would bring an end to the Forest Keeper trials.

The mere thought filled her with elation.

“A.B.”

Prajna narrowed her eyes.

He was the most enigmatic person in the room. Despite being on the Flower’s side, there were times when he would forget.

“One misstep and all our efforts could be in vain. I’m telling you, Prajna.”

The first step is crucial.

This Forest Keeper selection will ultimately lead to Flower’s declaration of war.

The objective is to perpetrate the worst act of terrorism in the preeminent gathering of talents who will lead the world in the future. This not only tarnishes Flower’s image but also exposes the incompetence of the World Tree.

“I know.”

Prajna sharply retorted at A.B.

They had been preparing for this day for years. It was impossible to completely breach the cradle’s system, established over decades. Yet, thanks to years of dedication, ingenuity, and the unpredictability of sorcery, they managed to find a way in through a small fissure.

“Preparation is more than enough.”
“But our opponent is King Mokryeong, right? He even has a sage backing him.”
“No matter how much we fly or crawl, there are things we can stop and things we cannot.”
“You seem overly confident.”
“Whose side are you on, anyway?”

The assembly of national trees, cadets, and Flower’s talents convened here.

In essence, they were the pillars of Flower, destined to lead the next generation. Conversely, their enemies were of the same caliber.

The tide of war shifts depending on who lives and who perishes here.

“Well? What will become of Lee Si-heon?”

A.B spoke to her, as if testing her reaction. The masked woman who had been quietly observing from behind them murmured softly in response.

“Shall I kill him?”
“…”

The woman, with her fluttering pink hair and mischievous smile, caused Gu-seul’s brow to furrow.

“Do not lay a finger on that man.”
“Why?”
“He is not someone you can underestimate. You mustn’t kill him, not even in death.”
“But I don’t want to~”

The woman wearing the shattered fox mask, revealing her mouth, lifted the corners of her lips. Her provocative lipstick was imbued with a floral scent.

“Wasn’t he an enemy of the Flower? Then he should be killed. Anyone here opposed to it?”

A.B and Prajna remained silent. Lee Si-heon’s presence was disconcerting, bound to become an obstacle in their path forward. Yet, he was not someone who could be easily killed.

I had witnessed a hint of his prowess during the first trial. Naturally, it couldn’t have been his full power, and even if they were to unleash their full strength, victory remained uncertain.

“Don’t waste your energy on trivial matters.”

A.B. intercepted the woman. She stuck out her tongue and slumped onto the floor, seemingly unamused.

“The preparations for King Mokryeong are more than adequate.”

All that was needed was to temporarily render him powerless.

Numerous methods were available.
A.B. was confident in his cunning, more so than anyone else.

His eyes glinted fiercely as he gently lifted his eyelids.

“Just the first move.”

All that was required was to skillfully sever the starting line, and everything would proceed according to plan.

A.B. had made contributions equal to Prajna’s.
Many people within the Flower spoke highly of him. Though occasionally, he was merely a clever trickster.
But, facing a young monster that had not yet fully matured was well within his capabilities.

In truth, A.B., who held sway over all of Eastern Europe, wielded greater authority in that position than anyone else.

“If it’s a monster, we have one of our own.”

Unrivaled talent and skill.
After the first trial, the entity that left countless corpses in its wake in a short time continues to mature.

– Swoosh.

A man who had just entered approached, narrowing his eyes.
With merely a step, the scent of blood permeates the room.

“You’ve arrived just in time. It seems you’ve already dealt with a few people.”
“…”

Plum, looking as if everything was bothersome, slumped in his seat with his palm resting at the back of his neck.
– Creak – the sound of bones echoed from his throat.

“Haa.”

Killing and hiding people, who haven’t even been accounted for in China’s national records and statistics, is a simple task.

The bloodstains on his pale skin gleam even brighter.

It’s been a long time since he discarded his humanity and everything else.
It’s accurate to say that he has succumbed to madness.

‘Can King Mokryeong, who is still indecisive, handle him?’

A.B gazed at Plum and pondered.

“Impossible.”

No matter how thoroughly the man had prepared,
most of the people here had readied themselves to handle everything.

‘One cannot triumph while maintaining order.’

Such is the nature of this world.
If you can’t handle it, then crumble.

Even if he were the man destined to become the foundation of the Flower, if he remains unbroken, he will only linger as an irritant in their eyes. The thoughts of everyone gathered here would not change.

‘……’

Only Gu-seul, who had seen the expression on the man’s face just before he nearly killed himself, harbored a different thought from the rest.

* * * * * * * * * *

Two days.

An unbearably long stretch of time, in its own way.
People were meticulously chosen to help, without a hint of complacency.

“Si-heon, this sofa is incredibly soft. Hurry up and sit down!”

The addition of Saku and Kim Soo-yeon.
Comparatively trustworthy and strong when measured against others in this realm.

Up until these two, I believed they would cooperate with us as long as there weren’t any significant variables.

“…I didn’t think you’d know that.”
“It’s all thanks to the wise man’s power.”
“Choosing to help rather than run away isn’t an easy decision.”

Respect and admiration.
He gazes at me with sincere eyes.

The previous wariness has greatly diminished.

‘He’s a nobleman with a rare, unwavering sense of justice in this day and age.’

In truth, there aren’t many virtuous people surrounding me.
All neutral. Considering that morality doesn’t play as significant a role as it did in the world I lived in, Kim Soo-yeon stands out as unique.

“There’s quite a gathering here.”
“I put in a lot of effort. Impressive, isn’t it?”
“Once again, I’m reaping the benefits of Suga’s good fortune.”

Maple places her hands on her hips and snorts.
There’s a large enough crowd present to make one think civilian control is more than sufficient.

My once sparse room is now packed with people sitting on sofas and chairs.
Occasionally, I even see people standing.

As a result, I couldn’t avoid some suspicious gazes.

“Is this the person the sage mentioned?”
“He doesn’t seem very trustworthy.”
“His face is hard to read… I don’t know.”

Even though I’ve been recognized nationally, I’m still just a humble cadet. Many people find it hard to believe, even if they’ve seen the video.

I notice a few individuals filled with arrogance due to the state’s praise. Of course, most of them appear almost convinced.

All influential people lend me their support.

The powerhouses of Asia: Korea and Japan.
The powerhouses of Europe: France and Italy.

The prominent figures from various states in the United States, including Canada in North America. Any doubts they had are dispelled.

“I didn’t expect everyone to gather like this. I’m grateful you’ve come just to hear me speak.”
“No, you’re doing an incredible job. Of course we should cooperate, especially if it’s the sage’s idea.”
“You’re amazing, Si-heon!”

When I bow my head and enter, the public sentiment quiets down. As Soo-yeon’s words of support are added, there is no room for any counterarguments.

The remaining task is to demonstrate our abilities and coherently present our thoughts.

“Seventeen individuals have gathered here, all of whom are esteemed Hunters that most wouldn’t even dare to exchange business cards with. In truth, it’s quite difficult to assemble a force of this caliber, even for tackling uncharted dungeons.”

Such is the breadth of talent here.
Though I feel some pressure in leading this group, I must remain confident.
If I falter here, I won’t be able to accomplish anything.

I glanced around, surveying the gathered participants.

The national tree of France, the Marronnier.
The national trees of Italy and Portugal, the Olive and the Cork.
Soo-yeon and Saku from Korea and Japan.
Baobab, representing the African continent, and the Sugar Maple of Canada.

In the United States, their numbers are impressive.

The Northeast and South, Midwest and West.
From New England to the minor islands encompassing the Pacific Rim, national trees from various states have emerged.

In South America, the Brazilian tree can be found.

Though some individuals may seem of lesser skill than expected, it is likely that my expectations are simply too high.

Even this much is quite gratifying.

I brought my hands together and grinned slyly.

“Now let’s give those treacherous bastards a taste of their own medicine.”