Chapter 336 – Hongyeon (1)

【’Arbor Encyclopedia’ manifests, absorbing some of the abilities of the ‘World Tree of Patience’.】
【Mental strength surges.】
【’Arbor Encyclopedia’ manifests, absorbing some of the abilities of the ‘World Tree of Firmness’, drastically increasing durability. You gain access to the power ‘Firmness’ from the World Tree of Firmness.】
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【 Name 】
Lee Si-heon (Candidate for World Tree’s Husband)

【 Age/Height/Weight 】
20 years old / 187cm / 84.18kg

【 Abilities 】
– Strength 13.1
– Durability 14.9
– Agility 13.6
– Stamina 12.1
– Magic Power 15

– Charm 9
– Intelligence 7
– Potential 14
– Luck 10

□ Unique Characteristics (2)
[Arbor Encyclopedia (S⟶SS)][Combat-Type Body (SS⟶EX)]
□ Owned Skills (4)
[Black Sword(-)][Heavenly Demon Technique(EX)][Color Technique(B)][Walking Pheromones(E⟶C)]
□ Disposition (7)

[King Mokryeong(-)][Swordsman Quality(A)][Magic Quality(S⟶SS)][Depraved Devil(B)][Spirit Master Quality(B)] … … .

■ Abilities (3)
[Healing(-)][Remnants of Time(-)][Sturdiness(S)]
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【With countless changes in inner strength, some skills and traits have transformed.】
【The king’s energy has grown stronger. Some alterations have been made to the status window.】
【Potential has decreased due to the progression of growth.】
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The status window I gazed upon after a long time had blurrier text than before. I can still read it, but I need to examine it more closely.

‘Is it that the status window can’t contain any more of these abilities?’

Since the status window itself relies on the power of the World Tree, it might be on the verge of reaching its limits.

– Hwoong!

Standing on the skeletal metal frame of the hotel rooftop, where only the bare bones remained, I looked into the distance.

I had taken measures in the basement where the trees were growing.

No ordinary Flower could ever breach the confines of the basement. As I grew, I developed a certain pride in my magical prowess.

“Still insufficient, though.”

I glance at the status window once more, smirking. The attributes I’ve gained through my rapport with the trees are quite impressive.

As the attribute values increase, their relative significance becomes apparent. Even though they don’t consistently rise by 0.2 as before, I can undeniably feel the accumulation.

– Paang!

With all my strength, I strike the empty air, producing a resounding gong-like sound.

Surprisingly, it seems my clash with Plum right before using the black sword was highly effective. My senses, now even sharper, easily pierce through the objects around me without conscious effort.

Now, I possess other powers as well. Though I have yet to discover their applications.

【Sturdy】

A potent, red energy envelops my skin.

But the World Tree does not always grant such powers. In reality, the harvest amounts to just a single tree.

Although I can maintain it for a short time, it’s not very efficient. It seems that I can only do my part if I use it steadily and increase my strength, like healing.

“…”

I relaxed my shoulders and looked down intently.

“But it’s still not enough.”

I’ve heard claims that I’m close to the pinnacle since the days of the Lesser Heavenly Demon, but now they only elicit a hollow laugh.

How can those who have never reached such heights presume to know who will attain them? Although it may not be empty words, I’ve come to understand this as my level has increased.

To compare it with common ranks, the gap between S and the pinnacle is much larger than the gap between F and S. Conversely, one could say that there is a vast disparity in skill even among the S-rank hunters whom others admire.

In short, even I am still far behind my master.

‘If only I had more time. I wouldn’t have to resort to this.’

Even if I ponder this, I’ve already crossed the line.

I rose from my seat and gazed at the distant Foundation. As I stepped outside the steel frame, my body tilted. Falling from the rooftop of a hotel more than fifteen stories high.

– Whoosh!

A cutting wind grazed my face as my field of vision expanded, and my body gradually approached the ground.

– Thud!

Upon touching down, the sand and dust that had risen mixed with the air, veiling the view ahead in a hazy fog.

I shifted my feet and slowly walked forward. As my vision cleared, I slipped through the gaps in the wires I had identified earlier.

‘The space within the Foundation is top-secret.’

The internal structure is unknown. Due to the inability to leave behind even a schematic map, only the overseers can know the rough layout.

However, there is one piece of information accessible even to civilians.

The Queen of the Cradle. The World Tree, governing the concept of ‘growth,’ is said to reside deep within the Foundation.

The exalted mother of all flora nurtured in the cradle.

This tale hails from the remote and distant moon, a place invisible to the naked eye unless in the present moment, and inaccessible even to the most humble of humans.

In short, I had to target the mother. The previous challenges were merely training.

* * * * * * * *

Mother of the plants.

Queen. The World Tree of Growth.
Both the movements to pursue her and those to protect her accelerated progressively.

Hours had passed since the initial surprise attack. The entrenched battlelines brought fatigue to both Flower and the congregation. Caught up in the increasingly complex combat, they ultimately focused solely on reinforcing their positions.

– Kwaang!

All the vital organs were reduced to dust in the bombardment.

Despite magic being blocked in every corner, where on earth could such an explosion possibly occur?

“Damn these Flowers.”

The Knight Commander, Xeon, widened his bloodshot eyes.

‘Cistus. If only it hadn’t been for that woman.’

It’s widely rumored that she can consume an entire nation single-handedly.
She merely released a few duplicates, and yet the cradle is already in a state of panic.

Nevertheless, the front line was maintained due to the sect’s attachment to the World Tree within.

“We must never surrender this place!!!”

Pushing themselves to the absolute limit, they opposed Flower.
The movements of the priests, who were unafraid of death, were no different from those of fanatics.

Knights filled every space. An army numbering over a thousand surged out of the cradle.
A legion of soldiers, incomparable to the occasional skirmishes between guilds, awaited Flower at the heart of the cradle.

Of course, such a force existed within the Flower.

– Thump, thump. Thump, thump.

The rough sound of footsteps echoed through the cradle. A group led by an executive and a deputy infiltrated the area.

A mastermind who toppled the cradle by employing intelligent and tenacious methods, befitting a terrorist.

Hong Yeon, with her lifeless eyes, stared at the Knight Commander from the center of the army.

“One.”

A genius of intrigue. The leader who once ruled a single Do-won saw their skills reach completion upon joining the Flower.

As a strategist, they were unparalleled in their time. They never suffered defeat in any battle.

Already, within the Hunter Association, Hong Yeon’s existence transcended being a mere target and had become an object of fear. Of course, her name remained unknown. Since joining the Flower, Hong Yeon had been hesitant to refer to herself by name.

No.

It wasn’t that she hesitated. It was simply that she didn’t need a name.

Having lost her reason to live, she found a reason to die.

What use is there in having a name etched upon this place?
Names are created to denote those who have lived, not for oneself.

“Sigh…”

Bitterly exhaling, Hong-Yeon’s lips quivered. Her pupils, which had been fixed on the ground, gradually ascended.

Hundreds of elite soldiers stood at attention, awaiting her command, their ears tuned to her voice alone.

*Swish.*

Her hand pointed forward.
Her finger aimed at the cradle’s center.

“Go and die.”

An even drier voice than her parched throat escaped her lips.

“Yes!!!”

A horde of fanatics gathered and charged.

A massive wave of people surged forth, raising dust from the ground and splattering blood in their wake.
Hong-Yeon observed the battlefield from a bit farther back, altering the course of the battle little by little.

In the wars of the superhuman, conventional tactics from recorded history hold no sway.

The disparity between each skill is strikingly distinct. With the introduction of a variable called magic, tactics must be continuously adapted to accommodate it. Throughout history, there have been few strategists truly deserving of leading an army.

In this era, at least, only a girl shattered by misunderstandings, fate, and every possible harm this world could inflict could ascend to such a position.

The sole commander born of unyielding determination and malice.

Leader of the Demonic Cult. However, she now stands shoulder to shoulder with the executives of Flower.

Hong-Yeon’s magical power blankets the frontlines. She calmly surveys every movement and employs the alter ego of Sistus when the timing is right.

– Quaang!

The sound of explosions raining down on the battlefield.

As an attacking force, Flower couldn’t bring many troops. From the outset, there was a significant difference in scale.

Nine times the number of soldiers. As an inadequate warrior, this young commander achieved feats close to victory in sieges and urban conflicts.

It was a surprise attack, and they had managed to push this far due to thorough preparation.

“Excellent.”

The sixth officer. Pianhua’s voice, filled with admiration, resounded.

“The original objective was merely to shatter a portion of the cradle. Yet now, on the brink of its collapse, I don’t even need to step forward.”

Having acted as a spy within the cradle, the very man who had killed the Grand Priest now laughed incredulously. They were aware of his talent for warfare, but they hadn’t expected it to be this remarkable.

Hong-Yeon didn’t even glance at Pianhua’s face, concentrating solely on the battlefield situation.

‘She’s a dangerous woman.’

Her talent was extraordinary. Although her individual combat abilities were unremarkable, her skill in amassing power and managing finances was exceptional. Even in war, she was resourceful.

Within the ranks of Flower, Hong-Yeon’s existence was already bordering on an object of faith.

‘She could become a major problem.’

Having reached a decision, Pianhua slowly retreated.

To report on her actions and to restrain her influence.

– Thud, thud, thud.

Pianhua turns her back and vanishes.
Hong Yeon, even as she witnessed this, did not react.
Her objective had always been consistent. What does it matter if some higher-ups see her as a thorn in their side?

Her life is destined to end, anyway.

– Bang!

The ever-tightening noose of the foundation.
It is nearly certain that the entire cradle will fall into Flower’s clutches.

Hong Yeon opened her mouth to send a message, using the last remaining avatar of Sistus.

– Thump.

That was the moment.

Something black, flying with an unusual force, began to sweep the surroundings.

“What is that…?”

– Screech!?

Hong Yeon’s comprehension lagged behind the sudden speed of the mysterious entity. The necks of the unresponsive soldiers fell in an instant.

Like undulating waves, the black apparition traces a curve.

The taut cables collapse without even a brief, resounding cry. Among those with supernatural abilities, some possess exceptional skills.

A strategy to confront them had been devised by the earlier power wielders, but—

-Crack!

If the response is delayed, there is no recourse.

‘Where on earth did they come from?’

For the first time, a distortion appears on Hong-Yeon’s face. It has been a while since all those with outstanding abilities around the Foundation were cornered and dealt with.

Powerful beings who could pose a threat as close aides to the World Tree in the future. At least in the cradle, she believed she had completely eradicated all of them. Was there one remaining?

It isn’t entirely impossible.

A hotel far from the Foundation. Countless national trees that breathe around the hotel, the stage for the selection of forest keepers. If they were to exert their full power, displaying such movements wouldn’t be beyond the realm of possibility.

However, it was only a few hours ago that all the national forces were reported to have become incapacitated in battle.

There’s no way such a being could appear.

– Flash!

Bang!

The sudden strike pierces through the followers surrounding Hong-Yeon. Despite not having a sword, the attacker releases a powerful blow that shatters hearts.

A strangely familiar movement.

However, the figure with unfathomable speed seems to blend into the shadows, moving farther away. Yet, they continue to sweep through the battlefield.

The collapsing plan. As the front lines disintegrate, the tide of battle shifts dramatically against Flower’s forces.

Regaining her senses, Hong-Yeon urgently spreads the word and begins issuing orders to those around her. If they can reorganize the front lines with a focus on subduing the mysterious attacker, there’s nothing they can’t overcome.

That was her thought, but…

– Suddenly.

The halted shadow turns its head toward Hong-Yeon. A face soaked in blood, red armbands wrapped around both arms, emanating dark power.

The man furrowed his brow and gazed at the spot where Hong-Yeon had been sitting.

“Why are you there?”

For a moment, his lips parted, and it appeared as though he murmured something under his breath.