Chapter 375 – The Conquest of Cornus (3)

It’s war.

When the crimson calamity falls from the heavens and meets the earth, the entire vicinity is left in disarray.

It undergoes a transformation into particles without leaving a single bone. Scorched by radiant heat, poisoned by chemicals, and condemned to endure pain for the rest of their lives.

-Quaaaaaang!

Where tents once stood at the encampment, only a colossal crater remains. Since the discovery and advancement of magical power, the potential of tactical weaponry has risen exponentially. A tactical nuclear anomaly. The land and environment, distorted by radiation, pose no issue at all. The principles of this world have already reached unfathomable distances.

And so, the weapon that unites magic and science, assuming an even more exceptional form—

-Fzzzt!

-Soon, they crafted a biological weapon that relied upon the hunters’ extraordinary strength. The domain of a one-person army. The armor protecting the parts of the body that withstood the massive bombardment gradually melts away.

To capture just one person, the shape of the cannon is altered. To withstand the bombardment, air defense facilities are miniaturized, transforming it into a walking fortress.

Tactics and strategies have evolved innumerable times, taking on different forms with each passing era, much like a virus. In a world where individual power varies so widely, the morale of soldiers, supplies, and other factors are anything but consistent. Due to the confluence of unknown factors, variables, and uncertainties in battle, it is challenging to calculate profit and loss.

Up until now, the World Tree has never had its power usurped.

There has never been a moment when prodigious tacticians, who could fully comprehend all factors at play and lead wars to victory, have emerged.

Even King Mokryeong could not achieve such a feat.

Hence, war in this world is an absolute calamity that must not transpire. To demolish the interior of a single bunker, unimaginable events unfold.

– Kwagagaga!

In the midst of the fray, an indescribable cacophony of gunfire and screams rang out, as if a mud-covered gun had shattered.

Their opponent belonged to a single clan. The hunters present, their minds awash with endorphins, recalled a crucial fact.

Unable to instantly demolish even a small bunker. If they were to wage war with Flower… what calamity might unfold?

Ah, the world itself could be doomed.

The continent was far too confined to accommodate their bodies, which had grown stronger over the years.

*Thud!*

With the sound, cascading crimson spheres descended. As they attempted to construct the strongest barrier using magic and artifacts, an elderly man stepped forward and unsheathed his sword effortlessly.

A ripple in space occurred without a sound. The bombardment ceased, as though it had the power to melt the very bedrock of the earth.

“It’s impossible…”

Awe-struck terror erupted throughout the area.

It was as if time had come to a standstill. The celestial barrage, like stars in the heavens, halted in place, severed by a solid white line.

To an immeasurable distance. Even the clouds are sliced away, etching a horizon upon the world.

Mugung traversed the battlefield.

“I can’t even loosen up.”

A mere three in the world.
Two of the three giants who wrought miracles by their own hands. They strode across that battlefield without shedding a single drop of sweat.

* * * * * * *

When a battle situation arises.
How long will it take for the frontlines to be established and to function properly?

A scant 40 seconds from when the preemptive strike occurs.

No matter how short the distance was. Even though Seong Ji-ho informed them about the location where the frontlines were deployed late, it remained precarious.

Moreover, the state where it’s impossible to discern friend from foe.

Since they must conserve at least some power, Tae-yang and I didn’t even attempt to grasp the common space.

All we do is conceal our presence as much as possible.

– Thud, thud! Thud!

Aori’s footsteps indented the soil, causing dust to scatter.

“…”

I follow her closely. A guide who traverses the grassland barefoot, employing magic to identify nearby enemies and establish a route.

In a way, she is responsible for laying the groundwork and is crucial to our success. Due to the shortage of manpower, it is a perilous task for anyone to undertake.

“Your Majesty, I’ll climb the ridge on the right. There are quite a few people up ahead.”

As Aori leans her body, everyone follows her like a flock of migratory birds. I, too, survey the surroundings and hoist two spirits onto my back.

[…Master?]
[It seems we’ve started.]

At the perceptive words of Lucy, Eleanor tenses up. It’s uncertain whether it’s appropriate to say this, but they are the only two beings here who can afford to die.

However, these two spirits were by no means weak.

The standards we need now are just too high.

Eleonor and Lucy concealed themselves and thoroughly surveyed the surroundings.

-Tattak!

The pace quickened. The booming of artillery fire grew increasingly louder. Aori hid her presence, lowered her head, and sprinted with all her might towards the rapidly forming frontline.

A group of perhaps eight mercenaries.

We slowed down a bit. Aori took the lead and charged.

“…Hold on. Who’s approaching?”
“Hey, up ahead!”

By the time they detected her presence, Aori had already closed in on them. She tackled the ankle of the mercenary at the center, causing the man to fall backward. Aori spun around on the ground and struck the man’s head with her heel.

-Duduk!

The head caved in where her heel made contact, and the spine was ripped out. In the blink of an eye, Lucy drew her sword and hurled a bright yellow blade at a mercenary who opened his mouth to sound the alarm.

With a sword embedded in her forehead, Aori, who had systematically dealt with the remaining mercenaries, gestured towards me as she wiped the blood from her thighs to her shins.

“I’ve taken care of the situation.”

Agile and swift. We had matched our skills to some extent before, and even then, I had thought that these two were suspiciously powerful. They had accepted and wielded the king’s power long before I had, so perhaps it was only natural.

We approached a location that appeared to be a mansion but also had an underground bunker. There was no time to hide the bodies.

Now was our only chance, before all the artifacts in the mansion were activated. Adhering to the wall as one, we followed Seong Ji-ho’s intel, examining the mansion’s walls, seeking a relatively weak point.

“Somewhere around this part.”
“Seems right.”

Although the entire mansion was an artifact, upon close inspection, one or two spots had been tampered with, making them easier to break as the enchantments were twisted. This was similar to how Champi had previously manipulated things to meet Sansuyu.

However, entry and exit were more effortless than before, likely because it was left somewhat loose from the inside.

Just before breaking the wall, Tae-yang spoke.

“From here on, there will be frequent skirmishes. We just need to follow the prearranged plan.”

Acquiring the Cornus was a race against time. If there was even the slightest delay, someone must be utilized to buy time. Several white termite warriors who had followed us nodded in agreement.

“…the innermost chamber. Our primary role is to get you there.”
“Right.”
“From that point on, you’ll have to find a way. That moment could be the midpoint or the end.”

Tae-yang, who reminded us of the reality, immediately exerted force against the wall. A small surge of magical power erupted, causing the wall to dissolve into fragments.

Waiting for us inside the wall was a group of guild hunters, numbering between ten and fifteen.

Had Seong Ji-ho’s prearranged scheme failed? On the floor, already dead mercenaries lay with their eyes turned inside out, faces contorted in pain.

– Flinch.

For a brief moment, Tae-yang and I exchanged glances. Both sides moved simultaneously, extending our arms. Awakened magic and spells, as well as martial arts and sword strikes, swept through the corridor within the walls.

– Crash!

The mansion’s interior was splattered with chunks of flesh and blood.

* * * * * * * *

Is there any greater blessing than meeting someone so precious that you would lay down your life for them?

Seong Ji-ho clasped his hands together as he gazed at the tube through which the transparent potion flowed. We didn’t know when or where the twisting magical power emanating from outside could kill us. At this moment, we couldn’t even trust the individual approaching the room.

– Clatter!

Despite our initial attack and preparation, the interior of the mansion was in utter disarray. It was either due to the formidable opponents, or some internal issue had arisen.

‘Does it even matter now?’

Seong Ji-ho no longer agonized over the situation. Hoping that his decision was the right one, he placed a cigarette between his lips and slowly inhaled the smoke.

For a brief moment, pleasure mingled with the hues of despair. Shaking off his lingering emotions, he turned his head toward the door from which he heard footsteps approaching.

*Bang!*

Two or three researchers burst into the room.

“Where is the young lady?”

In the closed room, they forcefully opened the door and questioned Seong Ji-ho. He gestured toward the girl lying right next to him.

“The lord has ordered us to bring the young lady to him.”
“But she’s still undergoing treatment.”
“Shut up and get out of the way.”
“What, are you planning to extract her heart this time? She’s practically as good as dead already.”

Sansuyu’s body was utterly ravaged, yet the essence of the prior experiment remained unchanged. She had thought it was all over when she was abandoned in this sanctuary, but perhaps a sudden need had arisen.

Seong Ji-ho exhaled a puff of smoke from his cigarette. As he stomped on the discarded butt, smoke billowed from beneath his boot.

“Move aside.”

A researcher approached nervously, deliberately bumped his shoulder, and seized Sansuyu’s bed. Seong Ji-ho, forced out of the way, gazed blankly at Sansuyu as she was dragged off by the researcher.

If only she would open those eyes just one more time.

Could such a desire be too great?

“I think I left this behind.”
“What?”

Upon hearing Seong Ji-ho’s words, the researchers’ heads swiveled in unison. He briefly reached for his waist, and with a single motion, a wave emanated into the space.

– Swish!

The researchers’ heads slid smoothly to the floor.

Seong Ji-ho lit another cigarette from his pocket, then gripped the portable bed that slid on the pooling blood.

In the brief commotion, Sansuyu’s eyelids fluttered open.

“Uh…”

She, who was thought to have become a living shell, opened her eyes once more.

“…Miss?”

A flustered Seong Ji-ho spoke to her. Sansuyu scanned the surroundings with her still unseeing eyes, and soon locked gazes with Seong Ji-ho.

“Miho?”

Her name.
How long had it been since she last heard it?

Her voice held even more lingering sadness as Sansuyu had reached the brink of death in just a matter of weeks.

“…Is Miho crying?”
“Huh? No, no. Miss, are you feeling better?”
“Miho’s face… there’s blood.”

Blinking her round eyes, unable to comprehend the situation, Sansuyu was startled by the blood on Seong Ji-ho’s face.

Is there any way to justify this situation? After pondering for some time, Seong Ji-ho lightly bowed to Sansuyu as he wiped the blood from his face. A small syringe emerged from his grasp.

“Miss, are you able to move a little?”

It’s not a stimulant, but… it can make Sansuyu walk.

“Eh…?”

Sansuyu naturally extends her arm as if she has grown accustomed to receiving injections. Despite the emotional turmoil, Seong Ji-ho’s hand remained steady as he administered the drug into Sansuyu’s arm.

“There is much I have to tell you, Miss.”

“…What about the experiment?”

“It doesn’t matter.”

“Why?”

Unable to find the words to respond to Sansuyu’s rapid-fire questioning, reminiscent of a child’s curiosity, Seong Ji-ho closed his mouth. As a member of the Cornus family, Sansuyu understands her destiny to fulfill a long-held desire.

Something is ingrained deep within her psyche. How can he shatter it?

A duty she had internalized since birth.

Even if he helps Sansuyu like this now, if he doesn’t completely change the priorities in her head…

The conclusion remains the same.
She will try to return to Cornus’ embrace. If there’s no place for her to return to, she will attempt to fulfill her desire on her own.

“Miss… well, I just thought you might…”

As someone who doesn’t know the method, he simply speaks his mind.
Was Lee Si-heon feeling the same way?
He wonders if that man could change her.

He doesn’t know.

“Me…?”
“…It’s nothing. That was a presumptuous remark.”

He’s just doing everything he can.

“You need to go see your friend, Miss. A man named Lee Si-heon is on his way.”
“Si-heon… I told him not to come.”
“I intended to do that, but he’s incredibly stubborn. I don’t think I can handle him on my own.”

Seong Ji-ho senses something approaching.

But he did not attempt to move.

“So, meet the lady once. Have a conversation. Do as she wishes, as much as possible.”
“As she wishes?”

He had served her for nearly half his life.
From the lively days of childhood, after receiving her grace and serving her wholeheartedly.
He had witnessed her gradual loss of emotions.

Sung Ji-ho, with a slight nod, gently guided Sansuyu to the bed.

Ah.
There was one last thing he needed to say.

Sung Ji-ho covered Sansuyu’s eyes. He tried to utter something, but the words never escaped his lips.

“Creeb-“

The sound of blood boiling from within.
The lengthy blade penetrated the skin, wreaking havoc on the entrails.
A torrent of searing pain washed over him, and his breaths grew shaky.

“Sung Ji-ho.”
“……”
“You’ve prepared quite an interesting spectacle.”

The firm, reluctant voice of the black serpent.
Sung Ji-ho’s neck twisted under the swordplay of Sanhyeokwon.
His vision toppled. The ceiling tilted.

As Seong Ji-ho’s hand ceased to cover her eyes, the scene unfolded before Sansuyu’s gaze.

“……”

Had the drug taken effect? Life began to seep back into Sansuyu’s previously motionless body. As she slowly tilted her head, the light returned to her eyes.

“……Ji-ho?”

A corpse, its eyes rolled back to reveal the whites.

In Sansuyu’s eyes, where the light had returned, a blood vessel burst and blood seeped out – whether due to the drug or some other reason.