Chapter 369 – The Wounded Monster (8)

“Regardless, I believe we must advance our timetable.”

Underneath the green and dark brown cross, a saint seated at the center of the round table spoke.

“Artifacts and war supplies from all over the world are amassing under the Cornus family. There’s no benefit in prolonging this further.”

For those on the side of the World Tree, heresy judgment is a double-edged sword. Turning against the Cornus family, the highest among the aristocracy, incites anxiety in other noble factions regardless of how legitimate the cause may be.

Accelerating the collapse of the current regime. This subjugation comes with such risk, so it is imperative to complete it as soon as the judgment is issued.

“Until now, we must have tacitly accepted the nobles associated with the Flower.”

All fell silent at the words of Angelica, a woman with striking golden eyes and long hair.

Those seated at the round table participated in the meeting, each maintaining their respective posture.

Representatives of the World Trees, symbolizing each concept:

[Justice], [Diligence], [Strength], [Sacrifice], [Prosperity]

If there are executives within the Flower, these individuals exist within the church. At the behest of Pope Bed II, they each expressed their opinions.

“An Archbishop, of whom only three are born in a generation, has died due to the terror of this cradle. Seeing the trash flying and crawling about, why not take action?”

Angelica, the representative of the World Tree of Justice and the principal of El Academy, posed the question. A woman answered her.

“This is a matter that requires careful consideration, Sir Angelica. If we cause any more civilian casualties…”

“Being even more cautious than this, what benefits do you expect to gain?”

The woman held her breath at Angelica’s growling words. Azellin, the representative of the World Tree of Prosperity, the owner of Goto, and a young girl with chestnut hair, trembled in fear at her presence.

“Consider carefully why the situation has deteriorated like this… Ah, Sir Angelica.”

“It is due to the Flower. Corrupt nobles like the Cornus family have played their part too. And the ignorant masses swayed by the Flower’s beguiling words-“

“I don’t think they are at fault. There’s no need to condemn innocent people as well…”

“Azeline. Is it appropriate for a representative of the World Tree to adopt such an attitude?”

“Yes.”

Azeline’s words were compassionate and sympathetic to humans, which was fitting, but at this point, her words held no value. A woman spoke up in place of the disheartened Azeline.

“Regardless, the issue now is not rectifying past mistakes, but how to subdue the Cornus family.”

Upon hearing Perpatua’s words— the representative of Sacrifice— Edward, the representative of Strength, posed a question.

“Perpatua, do you believe the Cornus family possesses that much power?”

There is an abundance of resources that the Church of the World Tree and the Hunter Association can offer.

Guilds and knights. Numerous prodigies who have achieved remarkable feats reaching the S rank.

“At that level, the Cornus family might be able to put up a fierce fight. However.”

There exist beings that can wield power comparable to an army solely through their individual might.

The apex.
Beings that transcend the limitations of life, defying standard categorization.

Those on the brink of achieving such a state are frequently mentioned, yet none in the present generation have managed to surpass it.

Only three in the world.
Unyielding giants alone occupied those positions.

【The Undefeated Triad of Peach Trees. Heavenly Demon.】
【The Actual Power of the Association. The Boundless Swordsman, Mugung.】
【And Flower’s Supreme Commander. Taragon.】

Two of the entities hailed as the strongest in this world stood as allies.
Their power represented truly asymmetric force.
Should even one of them turn their back, a war rivaling the era of King Mokryeong would erupt.
No matter how influential the political or financial figure, materializing an entity capable of confronting them would be no easy task.

If the experiment proves successful, the situation will undoubtedly change.

“Isn’t that assumption based on the two of them siding with the Order?”

Having listened intently to Edward’s words, Perpatua once again opened her mouth to counter his argument. Possessing such power implies an inability to control it. Holding their leashes is simply impossible. They cooperate with the World Tree for their own individual reasons.

“Under the current circumstances, even the Heavenly Demon might turn his back on us.”
“What about the curse’s effects? The Heavenly Demon must bear a brand.”
“What use is such a leash to those who have transcended their limits? They can break free if they so desire. The person in question is merely submitting for the time being to reclaim the sisters’ bodies.”

Perpatua and Edward’s dispute continues back and forth. The other representatives listen to their conversation and organize their thoughts.

“Doesn’t that ultimately mean that the Heavenly Demon cannot resist the Order’s will?”
“I’ve heard that he has taken on a disciple.”

Perhaps it was a bond more profound than blood, a connection between master and disciple. It might be that only the World Tree could restore the sister’s body. A woman of conflicting ideals, she would willingly sacrifice her life for her disciple.

Edward fell silent at Perpatua’s words.

“…Why do you think that?”

“According to the Sword Master, the Heavenly Demon has weakened.”

“What?”

The term ‘Heavenly Demon’ had lost much of its former grandeur, but its danger could not be dismissed. Had the woman who once seemed capable of shattering the sky weakened?

“I don’t know the reason. However, the timing coincides with when the dungeon called Purgatory ceases to function.”

“Purgatory…”

“If the main body’s power has diminished, it might have recognized its end. With a weakened body, breaking the World Tree’s curse and recovering her body would become impossible.”

The three women would die. It was beyond imagination.

“Will a man named Heavenly Demon struggle as he faces his end, or will he pass everything to his successor and fade away?”
“…And who is this successor?”

Perpatua spoke softly.
Angelica’s eyes widened.

“It’s Lee Si-heon from Korea.”

A man bound by an oracle.

It hadn’t been long since the oracle had descended, and he was a figure whose fate was momentarily postponed due to the greater danger posed by the entity called Flower. The suggestion that he could be King Mokryeong’s successor had been the catalyst, leading to discussions of whether he should be killed if not persuaded otherwise. However, that proposal had temporarily settled into a lull.

King Mokryeong’s succession had already been determined as a figure known as the “Tree King” under the official judgment of the church, and they were currently tracking him down.

The World Tree was a living entity as well. Even if it were accepted as a god, it couldn’t know and be prepared for everything. Above all, in the worst situation like the present, where even a moment’s negligence could lead to Flower seizing all power, vigilance was of utmost importance.

Under the guise of an illusion, the lurking monster was stretching.

* * * * * * *

“Brother. Ten minutes will do.”
“Hmm, is that so?”

When I turned my head, Marronnier was looking at me as if she were a statue. As our eyes met, she attempted to smile and waved her hands.

“It’s work, work. I can wait… Hehe.”

It’s the same for Marronnier – she doesn’t have much time to meet with me either.

“Right now?”
“Yes.”

Tae-yang’s expression is quite serious. Of course, I was in a position to follow Tae-yang, but I asked back about two or three times out of courtesy.

“Okay, I’ll be ready in a minute.”
“I’m sorry. You won’t have much time to spend with your lover.”

Marronnier doesn’t know what to do when Tae-yang bows. I pat the cat on the head and hug it once.

“Are you okay?”
“Mon Chéri…”

What’s the big deal with ten minutes?

One might say that, but it is also true that chances to meet are extremely rare given the existence of a title like ‘Gukmok.’ As Marronnier mentioned, there’s a possibility that we won’t see each other for another year or so.

Due to our circumstances, Marronnier cherishes every moment, even each second.

Marronnier, nestled in my arms, patted my cheek and urged me on. She was signaling for a quick kiss.

-Smack.

A tongue tasting of sweet cherry slipped between our lips. Her once inexperienced tongue now passionately and stickily entwined with mine.

Gently, I embraced Marronnier’s waist and softly twisted her sensitive nipples beneath her dress, just as I had done around lunchtime today. Marronnier’s body trembled intermittently.

“…Churp, churp… Puhah…”

Her legs shook uncontrollably. I caressed Blanche’s hair and whispered into her ear.

“Let’s warm up a bit.”

“Then take off your clothes.”

I removed my summer short-sleeve shirt and handed it to Marronnier, changed into new clothes, and left the hotel.

“Do I need to hurry?”

I looked up and asked in Korean. My voice only seemed to make me more impatient. I quickly left the room and asked Tae-yang.

– Thump!

As soon as I closed the door, Tae-yang followed me and memorized the coordinates. They were in a format I didn’t know. Although I could teleport if needed, the form of the coordinates was quite alien.

Taking into account the effect of an artifact that obscures mana… The security layers were significantly overlapped, causing the coordinates to become blurred.

“Please teleport us there.”

“What’s going on?”

“Didn’t I say I had something personal to do? Shouldn’t you gradually adapt to this work?”

I asked Tae-yang while invoking spatial magic.

“So, where are we going?”

Tae-yang didn’t say anything. He waited until I began casting the magic.

After the ensuing spatial magic, I found myself in an oppressive space, shrouded in inky darkness.

It was sweltering, people’s faces were obscured, and my senses were dulled by the magic layered hundreds of times over.

It’s gloomy. That was my immediate thought upon seeing this scene.

“To maintain your position, brother, you must sometimes resort to forceful and dark methods,” Tae-yang said.

He spread his hands, revealing this damp and unpleasant place to me.

“When that happens, I’ll help you.”
“Where is this?”
“Radicle.”

He recited the name confidently. Tae-yang explained as he walked.

The radicle is the lowest part of a tree. It’s an organic tissue hiding in the dark soil, absorbing nutrients faster than any other organ.

“Where do you go when you need information? What should I do when I hide my brother’s mistake?”

Tae-yang spoke calmly.

“Also, when you want to kill someone, what do you do? It doesn’t matter if it’s a Flower or a World Tree here. It is one of the dungeons that King Mokryeong created and thoroughly concealed, so the secrets within still cannot be uncovered.”
“Really?”
“Yes. That’s why you shouldn’t casually reveal your identity here. Though, I can.”

Why can you?

My question left my mouth before I could stop it. Suddenly, a little child came running and clung to Tae-yang.

“Water King!”

– Embrace.

Tae-yang, hugging the child who seemed to have a girl’s voice, affectionately tousled her hair. The faint sound of the girl laughing reached my ears. It was too dark in front of me and I couldn’t use magic, so I couldn’t see her exact shape well.

“Water King.”
“Did you bring him?”
“What’s going on this time?”

A man’s voice soon followed. Tae-yang responded.

“The reason I can reveal my identity is because I possess that much power.”

“King Mokryeong’s successor?”
“Ah, I hadn’t mentioned that. We shouldn’t let the attention of the two factions be too focused on you.”

Tae-yang whispered softly.

“The ‘White Termites’ at the roots. Externally, they are presumed to be a force led by the successor of King Mokryeong.”

Now I understood why he had been able to easily accomplish tasks that would have been impossible for most. It was something I couldn’t have known, having not lived in this world for long. Tae-yang had been preparing meticulously and patiently for over a decade, waiting for this very moment.

“Now it’s time for you to use us.”

Even without Tae-yang speaking, dozens of silhouettes approached me and knelt down.

“Don’t get your hopes up too much. At best, all we can do is gather information.”

That alone, however, was a truly pleasant surprise.