Chapter 404 – Mukjaeupsa (墨子泣絲)

His disciple had grown significantly in less than a year.

*Swish.*

She adjusted her black bra, which she always wore, to fit her breasts snugly, put on her tight-fitting underwear, and pulled up her full-body stockings, adorned with peach tree petals, all the way to her neck.

*Whoosh!*

The wind that entered through the open window caused the black dragon cloth draped over her shoulder to flutter dramatically, as if a dragon were rising from the floor.

Cheondo let the cigarette fall slowly from her mouth.

“Sigh…”

A sense of foreboding lurked beneath her long eyelashes. She wanted to rush to her disciple right now, but she questioned whether she was even worthy of meeting him, having done nothing to help him.

A building was ablaze before Cheondo’s eyes. Her homeland, Do-won. With a single blink, the illusion vanished in an instant. Her siblings and father, and a cluster of stars suspended in the sky.

The more she pondered, the hazier her vision became, mirroring the same desperate crisis as before, and yet her own strength was the only difference this time.

‘…Never again. I thought I wouldn’t succumb to emotions.’

Upon reflection, the answer emerged in a short time.

‘…I am faltering.’

The wind caused the calendar beside the bed to flip to the following year. Turning her head to reset it, she found herself in October, the heart of autumn.

Autumn, the season of falling leaves.

All the flowers and fruits one bears inevitably fall to the ground.

The role of trees during autumn is either to die for the next generation or to preserve their bodies for the coming year.

– Hoo-wook.

A thick cloud of cigarette smoke lingered on the room’s ceiling. Making a single resolution consumed a considerable amount of time.

Could it be that Ari’s aching chest was merely a passing feeling? It must only be a matter of perception. Heaven’s eyes settled with serenity.

[…]
[…]

At that moment, none of the sisters interjected a single word. They had much to say, but they were waiting for the judgment of Heaven, the owner of this body.

“I’m sorry.”

A soft apology.

[It’s okay.]

As Zodiac, who had remained silent, spoke, Heaven closed her eyes.

[Are you feeling better now?]

A gentle voice from White Peach, devoid of malice.

‘I am-‘

That was when it happened.

-Beep beep!!!!

The phone’s emergency alert reverberated throughout the room. The TV, which had been tuned to a random channel, suddenly switched to a news screen and became fixed on it. Soon, the broadcast content emerged.

– Breaking news. In the Gangdong area of Seoul, the disaster level has been raised to stage 5… Additionally, Lee Si-heon, an individual heretic, is now classified as a Class A disaster following the current situation.

The atmosphere changed in an instant. Unable to ignore the news of the nationwide commotion, Heaven listened attentively.

[…A statue?]

Astonished Hwangdo and speechless Baekdo. What could have driven them to commit such an act? Even Cheondo, who had faced numerous challenges before, couldn’t find the words to respond.

They were not the only ones surprised.

– Correction: Revising the disaster rating of the individual heretic, Lee Si-heon, to Grade S. Citizens within the disaster area are advised to evacuate to a safe location or refrain from going outside at all costs.

Numerous students at the academy, and Azalea.

“Beep? Mom? Why are you covering Shiba’s eyes?”
“…It’s nothing. Shiba, what would you like to eat today?”

All sorts of criticisms circulated in the student community. Azalea held back her tears as she gently touched the bandage on her finger, which had yet to heal.

-The 5th stage disaster zone is Seoul Metropolitan City. Additionally, Chungcheongbuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do are classified as 3rd stage disaster risk zones…

Vice President. Byul stared at the TV with blank eyes.

“…Why?”

She mumbled silently, but within a few seconds, she was forced to recruit personnel to kill her loved one – this after having sent her best friend to prison just days ago. Byul’s spirit gradually fell into a dead end, and the same was true for Lee Se-Young. Fortunately, Se-Young had not heard the news.

-In light of the current situation…
-Mugung, the president of the Korean Hunter Association…

Even if an individual’s power reaches just below that level, it can cause a significant disturbance. And a man named Lee Si-Heon can mobilize an impressive number of forces.

It was happening everywhere, now.

Just as a single flap of a butterfly’s wings can alter the world’s landscape.

The summoning of hunters from all over Korea occurred in an instant.
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And then, Cornus.

*Thud!*

The woman who entered through the roughly opened door looked down at Cornus, who sat there dazed.

“Hey.”

The oak tree.
She had adjusted her schedule to avoid fulfilling her hunter duties under the pretext of the injury sustained by Lee Si-heon, leaning against the entranceway as she asked Cornus.

*Drag, drag.*

A long, drawn-out dragging sound. There were no words.

“Cornus, can’t you hear? Lee Si-heon called for me, so I came.”

Countless articles visible on the laptop screen beyond Cornus.
In the video’s displayed screen, many people were discussing the events that transpired today.

“Hey! Hey!”

Though she had approached with curiosity, there was no response.

Sansuyu needed to find shelter immediately. Thwack! Champi grabbed Sansuyu’s shoulder.

As Champi spoke, Sansuyu’s head slowly turned.

“……”

Lips trembling from anxiety, a pale face.
Even Champi couldn’t help but feel flustered.

“Cham…pi, Master.”
“……”

Why would I be your master? In truth, I didn’t teach you anything.

‘You’re finally calling my name correctly.’

Strength flowed into Champi’s hand. Sansuyu’s gaze grew faint, and her mouth opened once more.

“Siheon… please save me. I… can’t live without Siheon.”

Despair and obsession. The attachment that had grown uncontrollably in Sansuyu’s heart during these past few days with Lee Si-heon had shattered her spirit. Severe lovesickness could be a disability too.

Seeing Sansuyu’s hands trembling, as if on the verge of fainting, Champi recalled what Lee Si-heon had said to him not long ago.

– I can’t be with Sansuyu anymore.

I’m protecting you, so why?

I could see why he said that. If Lee Si-heon had shared even a little more affection with Sansuyu, her attachment would have grown more than it was now.

How on earth did he notice that? It’s not an external factor, but the ability to understand a person’s psychology.

‘What a brilliant individual.’

Champi couldn’t help but sincerely admire Lee Si-heon’s capabilities.

Seeing Sansuyu kneeling with tears streaming down her face, Champi couldn’t hide her disconcerted feelings. But she couldn’t go to Sansuyu’s rescue.

“No,”

Champi said, as tears continued to flow from Sansuyu’s eyes.

The reason Lee Si-heon entrusted Sansuyu to her was not only because of her closeness to Sansuyu. It was also in case Sansuyu lost control. He needed someone with the power and responsibility to stop her.

Above all, the fact that she herself carried a considerable emotional burden towards Sansuyu was a significant reason as well.

Blood vessels burst in Sansuyu’s eyes, causing the whites to become stained with red.

“…No.”

This time, it was Sansuyu who spoke.

“No… No, it can’t. It can’t…”
“Hey, calm down. Sansuyu. Hey!”

At that one word, the pent-up resentment seemed to tremble on the verge of erupting.

Lee Si-heon’s damaged status window.
Despite the broken, barely legible text, one person’s affection was still discernible.

—
【 Affection Menu 】
-Sansuyu: ♥□♥♥♥♥□♥□ (2□□/100)
—

Her eyes trembled violently.

* * * * * * * * *

There were many things to apologize for.

To the people I knew. To those with whom I had built a rapport, in my own way.
Perhaps, Jung Si-woo and the others were truly disappointed.

There are quite a few who endeavor to trust me as much as possible. Yet, I am still treated as a traitor in this world.

A struggle that will not cease unless I perish.

I have endured the world’s relentless pressures to the point of exhaustion.

“…What?”

“It’s fine if you don’t know.”

Meddling from the past, led to the present. I was bestowed an undeserved fate.

Now, I can run wild without restraint.

If I were to hesitate any longer, I would be more likely to reach out to those around me.

If only I were to die before that… The people surrounding me would be free from the world trees’ influence.

It is a slightly different case for my Master.

As for those people… They’ll manage well on their own.

There wasn’t much reason for me to enter this fray.

Death may come, or a miracle may occur.

My mind is prepared for whatever may come.

From now on, a skilled hunter and a hero who saved the national tree.

In the future, the leader of the white termites and the successor to King Mokryeong. A candidate to be the husband of the World Tree, and the Heavenly Demon of Do-won.

In the past, when I was deep in my investigation, Mugung was now drawing his sword towards me. His reaction to my words was only natural. After all, he didn’t see me.

“Sigh…”

A single sigh escaped my lips. Accept fate, they say, but it’s easier said than done.

Killing people weighs heavily on me… I don’t want to keep having nightmares. The occasional hallucinations are tiresome too. Stripping away all the burdens, I’ve reached a point where I feel oddly relieved.

Mugung must know.

“Why does everyone hate me so much?”

I’ve been ignored and then praised.

“I’ve become a villain on the internet. What did I do so wrong?”
“…”

Mugung stared at me. With his hand resting on the hilt of his sword, he simply gazed into my eyes without uttering a word. His upright posture is certainly admirable. I found myself face-to-face with a legend of this world.

“…I bear no personal grudge against you. Remember that.”

I suppose that’s the case.

If it serves the interests of the nation, even a revered saint who inspires many would be struck down by a nobleman.

*Whoosh!*

Right next to the earlobe, the sound of space being severed resounds. My throat falls away, accompanied by a distant voice.

*Thump*, hair buries itself in the floor. Blood-stained eyes, a life fading away without resistance, and a kaleidoscope of events.

…I was under such an illusion.

*Crash!*

Reflexively, my outstretched hand blocks the sword strike. Twisting my hand to the side to deflect the blow, the building on the right vanishes in an instant. It’s as if I’ve drawn a solid line across the skyscraper myself.

“You are the one who must die.”

*Flare!*

Regardless of character or any such matters. The movements of Mugung, now right before me, are beyond my ability to comprehend.

Approaching by folding space, a sword technique that slices through dimensions. Truly graceful.

*Swish.*

Due to the sword’s penetration, half of the neck is carved away like a slab of meat from a butcher’s shop.

I mutter in vain.

“…I finally understand the old man’s perspective.”
“What?”

Heavenly Demon, who was subdued while attempting to return to his hometown and live out the rest of his days.
What about the master who became a slave of the World Tree, even though he had done nothing wrong?

“Ah…”

I feel relieved.
No matter what I do, I cannot be virtuous.
I was born into a life that cannot be acknowledged by the world.

I saved many and killed many as well.
At the very least, I upheld my principles and never took life for granted while traversing various paths.

The surroundings turned a hazy white. As before, my hand responded.
My wrists slowly rose.

One palm.

The black demonic energy flowing from the glove spread out in a circle.

-Boom!!!!

There was an explosion.
The void’s air was sucked out in an instant, creating the illusion that space itself had been torn away.

Amidst the reverberations, a basket of blooming petals emerged.

In the blink of an eye, Mugung’s body vanished, flung far into the distance.

“…”

A half-startled expression. He must know that the weapon I wield now was forged with the power of a master who surpassed all realms.

Winter Blue. The blue mistletoe in winter, Mistiltein.

– Tremble.

The chilling touch of death grazed my nape as it passed by. In every split-second gap, I felt the danger of my neck being severed. To engage in combat with one who has reached such heights, there could be no room for respite.

Yet, my spirit remained cold.

The Hunter Association, which miraculously had no fatalities despite the immense calamity.

– Pop!

A hunter’s head burst open. The smile that always graced his face during the electrifying thrill of battle was now absent.

A one-sided slaughter, unrelated to good or evil. The fact that he had laid down such a colossal burden caused the eyes, shadowed by his brow, to moisten with emotion.

It felt as if something massive had been severed from one side of the chest.

– Thump, thump, thump.

A heart pounding as if it would burst. The sensation from my first murder returned, and my hand, wrapped around the mistletoe, trembled violently.

‘I just… no….’

I wiped away the weak thoughts in my head. This, too, would be nothing more than an excuse. In the end, I was my father’s son.

【 Black Spade · Revised 】

A calamity that betrayed humanity.

As the skin split over the dried tracks of tears, blood seeped out.