Chapter 47 – Chain of Outrages (10)

Woodmen who couldn’t handle their power and transformed into monsters are called Ents, whereas humans who stole the Woodmen’s power are known as the Corrupted.

The standards of this world are dictated by the will of the World Tree, so it was only natural for the terminology to change depending on how well the World Tree’s power is utilized.

So, what should one call a World Tree that has become a monster?

At first glance, some may argue that the corruption of the World Tree, positioned in absolute goodness, is impossible. Like many believers in other worlds, the religious order in this world also denied the corruption of their deity.

However, by tracing the hidden path of history, it could be confirmed that an impure World Tree existed merely a decade ago.

Though this shocking truth incited turmoil,
many tried to avert their eyes from the unsettling reality, but the truth remained unaltered.

Some scholars have ascertained its existence in this manner, evading society’s scrutiny.

If the World Tree is referred to as a divine tree—
They argue it is appropriate to call them wood spirits.

And such wood spirits are believed to slumber in the depths of this world, in the heavens, and within the earth.
The scholars whispered among themselves, not divulging their findings to the world at large.

– Krrrrr.

Thus, the wood spirit came into being,
Assuming the form of a corrupted World Tree, neither a fiend nor an Ent.

At first glance, one might mistake it for a colossal demonic beast. However, the energy emanating from within was unmistakably that of the World Tree. It was sensed not only by me, but by everyone present at the scene.

The flawed descent of a malevolent deity.

To adopt such an appearance, how many wood beings and Ents had it consumed?
In its current state, it couldn’t maintain the fight.

In a time when only death seemed to be awaiting us,

“You were alive.”

Cheondo’s soft voice warmly encircled the nape of his neck.

“S, Master!”
“Captain, why the fuck did you arrive so late?”

Rossi and P displayed varied reactions, both visibly relaxing. I, too, released the tension in my shoulders and let my throbbing eyelids drop.

“Ugh. It’s not like you have to die.”
“Have you given up on your life? It seems too early for that.”
“Don’t spout crazy nonsense.”

A colossal stalk aimed for Cheondo’s back.

– Swish.

The severed stalk fell powerlessly to the ground. Perhaps due to her supportive magic running out of time, my eyes couldn’t catch her movements as she gripped the sword.

“Still, it’s amazing you survived that explosion.”
“Heh. I really thought I was going to die.”

Cheondo’s eyes sparkled with mirth, her eyelashes fluttering in the wind.

“Did you discover anything?”
“Not really. I only have fragmented memories.”
“As expected, you resemble White Peach.”

“I don’t want to hear that.”

Cheondo, with a sword at her waist, let out a wry laugh. Today, more than usual, she seemed amused.

“Well, this too is training and a lesson. Keep an eye on it. It will all become bones and flesh.”

Her hair turned a dazzling white.
Soon after, Baekdo opened her eyes, grasped her shoulders, and shook her head before turning around to check on me.

“Third disciple, I don’t like hearing that you resemble me either.”

With a brief remark, Baekdo gathered magical power throughout her body.

“From now on, the words I speak are those of Heaven.”

A massive beast, its throat heaving and its bloated body writhing, began to approach Baekdo.

-Krehehehe!

A deafening roar filled the abandoned factory. Trembling under the force of the sound waves, stone dust fell from the ceiling.

“Siheon, watch and learn.”

Baekdo’s earnest voice bore a striking resemblance to Cheondo’s, making it feel as if she were speaking directly to her.

“It’s not an easy task. But I believe you can learn it well enough.”

The air currents vibrated.
Baekdo, floating high above the sky, scattered an azure glow from her eyes as she clenched her fists.

“Let’s begin.”

She stepped back and assumed her stance.

With her own eyes, she took in the enigmatic technique.

“One (一). White flowers blossoming are the White Peach.”

Carefully pointing out each component of her posture and its corresponding name, she methodically began to destroy the encroaching trees that lunged at her.

“Two (二), the white blossoms unfolding in countless layers are called Mancheop Baekdo (萬疊白桃).”

The two roots, swirling back around from both directions, were reduced to dust.

“Three, that which blooms red is called Mancheophongdo (萬疊紅桃).”

White and red flowers scatter with her movements.
This time, two falling flowers converge at a single point.

“Four. That which possesses both energies simultaneously is referred to as Baraeboksa.”

The massive fists aimed at her, coming from the giant wooden creature, are pierced and shattered at one point.

– Aaaaaa!

Behind the screaming creature, Cheondo whispers to me.

“Five. The flat ones are called Gamboksa.”

At her gesture, the creature’s neck is severed.
Yet, the wooden creature continues to regenerate its body. She still speaks to me with eyes full of affection.

“Six. The one with a pointed end and a round shape is called Yonganboksa.”

The names of each fruit.
Each form contained a single truth within.

Each of those postures imbued with an enigmatic force held its own unique power,
and the subsequent movements soon united to form a coherent whole.

“Seven.”

I observed the final move intently.

“Shedding the coarse fur. Heavenly Peach. Or, it is called Monk Peach.”

The once massive wooden neck and tree seemed to have vanished, now dispersed as particles drifting through the air.
White Peach, who had summoned the purest and most genuine magical power, gazed down at me with an expressionless face.

“This encompasses all aspects of the peach tree, passed down from ancient times. Fist, sword, and inner power merged as one. Do you grasp the intricacies?”

Witnessing this, I simply nodded in response, beholding the vibrant array of flowers that blossomed before me.
Following Heaven’s words, White Peach smiled wryly and spoke to me.

“Indeed, you are a genius.”

With a gentle pat, she placed her hand on my head.

My time, briefly halted, began to move once more.
The goosebumps on my skin showed no signs of subsiding.

The inspiration they bestowed upon me clung relentlessly, refusing to let go.
Today, I finally acknowledged the women who willingly offered the immense power they had accumulated over countless years.

For the first time, we trusted each other as mentor and disciple.

It was the moment I became a true disciple.

* * * * *

An unnamed pharmaceutical company.

In a place thick with the stench of decaying corpses, several men arrived with mop handles in hand.

“Is it here today?”
“Yeah. I think we just need to finish up over there.”

What on earth had transpired?
The men couldn’t help but frown at the sight of the mutilated bodies.

“Did they say White Peach? She really did a number on them. Can one person really possess such power?”

“Well, even if you consider that, what can a C-class hunter expect?”

We just need to continue cleaning up bodies like this and doing our usual work.

The man who snickered received agreement from another man who shook his head. This was because, in their opinion, the power of an S-class hunter had reached an otherworldly level.

They wiped the blood away with a large mop and disposed of the body. There were times when they retched several times along the way, but considering the reward they would receive, the revulsion was bearable.

“I heard that academy students also participated this time.”

“Yeah, with Miss Sansuyu… Who was it? Lee Si-heon? They even presented a plaque of appreciation yesterday.”

“Lucky them. They even got to work with White Peach, and thanks to that, they received an award. Heh heh.”

The serial wooden puppet rampage incident and its resolution by Do-won.

Not too long ago, there had been a disturbance because of it.

News stories about Baekdo and her team members covered the front pages of newspapers, as well as portal sites, real-time searches, and news outlets, leaving no stone unturned in discussing the incident.

Drug distribution and the subsequent rampage of the enchanted puppet.

As this was a crucial issue directly impacting public safety, the citizens did not hesitate to criticize the incompetence of the current government.

“Come to think of it, wasn’t Lee Si-heon said to be a human?”
“Really?”

Gradually, the name Lee Si-heon began to surface.

The resolution of the previous fraudulent scheme, combined with his involvement in solving the enchanted puppet crisis, significantly elevated the worth of the novice Lee Si-heon.

Rumors about him being scouted by numerous guilds circulated.
It was a known fact that various families were keeping a close eye on him, even without any formal articles being published.

“Isn’t it impressive? I’ve never seen a human novice gain such fame.”
“It sure is.”

At one man’s envious remark, another man scoffed and retorted.

“I mean, they’re just trying to create a star. A human who’s a Hunter. A human who’s an academy cadet. Isn’t that perfect for crafting a star?”
“Well… yes, but what about Jung Si-woo?”
“Oh, that kid is a candidate for the World Leader’s spouse.”

Indeed, Jung Si-woo was practically a saint who one mustn’t speak ill of.

“But seriously, who is Lee Si-heon?”

Even if the Hunter Association was intent on making a star,
there had to be some merit for numerous articles to be published.

With that thought in mind, the man envisioned Lee Si-heon’s appearance and reached out to remove a severed hand resting on his desk. As he held something dear in his hand, a letter burst forth.

“…What is this?”

A handwritten note.
Instinctively, the man sensed that it was something out of the ordinary.

The man tore open the letter and began to read its contents.

A favorable response regarding drug distribution, and a chilling promise of assistance.
At the end of the letter, the family name was tersely inscribed.

The House of Cornus.

The man murmured softly, dabbing away his perspiration.

“This… It seems…”

Another upheaval appeared to be imminent.