Chapter 179

〈Chapter 179〉Part 1 Chapter 9 Section 13

I was carrying Xiao Lin around with me while asking her one favor. Since even if she ran as fast as she could, she wouldn’t be able to keep up with me flying through the skies, I requested that she provide me with information instead of riding on my back.

“The Chinese Central Party and the Association have announced the retrieval of the Earth Dragon’s corpse. They plan to first retrieve it before discussing shares.”

[The recovery costs… meaningless.]

The Illusory Flames are diligently moving the Earth Dragon’s body right now. While they search the vast lake bottom, the Earth Dragon will burrow underground and hide secretly. All they’ll find is a fragment of scales fallen from the Earth Dragon.

[Next.]

“The Water Monkey is currently in a standoff with the Black Flame Dragon. Fortunately, there are no nearby civilian homes, so there’s no risk of casualties. The Association is currently controlling the battlefield.”

[When monsters battle each other, it’s quite a spectacle.]

Personally, I’d also like to watch the grand sight of the monkey-like Water Monkey battling the dragon-like Black Flame Dragon. I confirmed with my own eyes that the Water Monkey doesn’t have a Cube, so there’s no need for them to waste time grappling and trying to extract its Core.

[It’d be better to focus on capturing the Black Scorpions under the Heuk Jeon-jal.]

“Hmm… Brother, what exactly are you planning? With those full powers, conquering seems impossible.”

[He must have something hidden up his sleeve. Someone who was once the admiral of the Academy wouldn’t fail to judge that.]

“…There’s still no response regarding the Black Scorpion. Everyone’s attention is focused on the Black Flame Dragon.”

[That’s fortunate.]

If the Black Scorpion were to appear, all eyes would be drawn to its terrifying form. I recalled the image of the Black Scorpion stored in my memory.

[By the way, Xiao Lin.]

“Yes?”

[On top of the scorpion’s body trunk lies the upper body of a human woman with a snake head. She’s completely naked.]

“……Impressive.”

Xiao Lin genuinely expressed admiration. Though Xiao Lin subtly covered important areas, she didn’t outright expose everything. …Not SR-6974, but some specific photos only seen in the Xiao Lin route exist. There are pictures of a woman taking semi-nude selfies while hiding her identity.

[Xiao Lin.]

“Yes.”

[Once you reach SS Rank and gain public attention, don’t do any more cam shows.]

“……Do you dislike seeing my exposed body?”

[No. It’s just that the whole world will soon be photographing you. Don’t push yourself unnecessarily.]

“I have one request then.”

Xiao Lin pointed down at herself.

“From now on, can you weave all my clothes using magic power?”

[If I dissolve them with magic, you’ll immediately become naked. You should know that much, right?]

“I’m well aware…”

Xiao Lin blushed and licked her lips.

“…And that makes it all the more exciting! Knowing that you can send me plummeting into ruin with just a glance, wherever we are!”

[Hmph. Is that so?]

Without slowing my speed, I pulled Xiao Lin towards me so our gazes met.

[Should I make you walk around unable to show your face ever again?]

“……Heheh.”

[…No, I’m joking. Keep your distance. Your chest is touching me.]

“Hehehe.”

[…Do whatever you want.]

I left Xiao Lin alone. Perhaps because I had entrusted the Cube to Gaeul, Blazing Phoenix didn’t burst forth and turn my insides upside down. Or maybe it’s because, as he said, this monstrous body renders such situations irrelevant.

…Now that I think about it, I did say if she wanted, she could go ahead and use the monster form. Should I ask her about that this time?

[We’ve gained another reason to capture the Black Scorpion.]

“Ah… Are you going to capture it yourself?”

[Why? Do you want to?]

“Yes. Both the Earth Dragon and the Water Monkey have been taken away, so we should at least capture the Black Scorpion to feel satisfied.”

Xiao Lin was quite disappointed at not being able to take action herself. I wanted to stage a scene where Xiao Lin proudly takes the heads of three S-Rank monsters, but due to Bonghyo’s betrayal, Xiao Lin’s chances to shine have drastically decreased.

[Don’t worry. I’ve saved the juiciest part for you.]

“…?”

[Callipera. It’s an enemy perfectly suited for your spectral form.]

“In that case, I look forward to it. But I’d still like to capture the Black Scorpion…”

[Then let’s get both—]

A sharp sensation carried by the wind sent shivers down my spine. Even more vengeful than the Illusory Flames or their original form, the Banshee, the ghostly presence involuntarily shook my magical power.

“……This aura.”

[Below.]

Both Xiao Lin and I looked down simultaneously.

“……Hmph.”

At the center of the missile crater, a woman stood maintaining the stance of Ba-duo in the morning dew. Ah, she isn’t a woman. Her jet-black hair glistened with dewdrops, making me realize she wasn’t “him” but truly “her.” Her beauty surpasses Xiao Lin and dares to rival even spirits.

“Was she standing there all this time? She seemed to be waiting until you returned.”

[…Even a rough calculation shows it’s been over 18 hours.]

Her determination is impressive. Could she have anticipated that I would use the Solar Fist and ambush her? If so, she must indeed be a battle-crazed maniac and a murderous demon, just like in the original story.

[Xiao Lin. One more favor.]

“If you’ll weave my clothes.”

Xiao Lin beat me to it. Placing my hand on her back, I released magical energy and restructured her clothing.

[Then I leave it to you.]

“Yes. I’ll knock her out quickly.”

I dropped Xiao Lin. Smiling, she nodded to me before beginning her descent toward the ground.

“Yaaaaaah! Where are you going, yaaaah!”

Himeji Hayate’s scream echoed from the ground. Ignoring it, I continued flying toward my destination. Though Gale Guest attempted to chase after me, raising magical power, they wouldn’t be able to catch up.

[The Strongest Appearance Contest among the Round Table members is intriguing…]

Ah.

Since Seok Harang has joined, that might not be possible?

* * *

“I never imagined the Round Table members would fight against each other.”

Gale Guest chuckled nervously upon recognizing the true identity of the monster attacking her mid-airfall. The blue bodysuit covering the entire body resembled latex, concealing the figure of the monster.

However, due to the tight-fitting material, the monster’s physique was revealed without reservation: a slender waistline, slightly protruding abs, and though not large, a clearly defined chest.

“Come on, yesterday too, isn’t this outfit a bit too bold? What happened to Yun Yuhwa’s usual charisma?”

“……Do you still not understand?”

Monster Xiao Lin raised her arm. Taking a stance resembling holding a staff, Gale Guest appeared visibly flustered.

“No no no no no, there’s no way. Right? You’ve changed your fighting style? That kind of thing?”

“Didn’t you already sense it when we met in Seoul? Or are you denying reality? Is it really that hard for you to accept?”

Monster Xiao Lin provoked Gale Guest.

“That I reached SS Rank first.”

“Hmph. Who’s spouting nonsense like that?”

With a lewd remark on her pretty face, Gale Guest mocked Xiao Lin.

“Are you jealous of me? Reaching SS Rank first? Hah, don’t say absurd things. How would being jealous of you benefit me? Stop talking nonsense and move aside. I need to go capture that Phoenix immediately.”

“Let’s fight then?”

“……Kick.”

Gale Guest drew her sword.

“Alright, alright. If you’re so eager to die, I’ll gladly kill you. Don’t blame me later!”

“I won’t blame you. Losing to a stronger opponent isn’t disgraceful, right?”

Xiao Lin rested her hand on her chin and twisted her lips.

“Though my martial arts skills may be superior, even I can’t compete with your beauty. Thus, you are strong—”

Kaaang!

Without uttering a word, Gale Guest swung her sword.

“I’m a guy!”

“A guy prettier than any girl!”

“I’ll kill you!”

“If you can!”

Despite their childish banter, the clash between the two Round Table members was ferociously intense.

An unremarkable crater near Xian City, where no one paid attention.

The blades of the two warriors clashed.

* * *

[Xiao Lin will win easily.]

From the battle between the two warriors, I predicted Xiao Lin’s victory. Although Gale Guest is undoubtedly a formidable warrior, the gap between SS Rank and S Rank is undeniable.

[Yun Yuhwa must have arrived by now.]

It wouldn’t be him personally. Given the negotiations happening between the head of state and the de facto leader of a country, he wouldn’t attend personally. Likely, one of the men from the Yun family was sent, or perhaps the infamous promoter of Yu-Sung products.

[Anyway, they’ve arrived.]

Leaving the grasslands and mountains behind, I reached the edge of the desert. The trail of magical energy left by the monsters was heavily marked, and I followed it to track their movement direction.

[So the target is indeed the Black Scorpion.]

The Illusory Dragon Group was heading straight for the Black Scorpion. Swinging Deokbae around, I loosened up my body.

[Looks like the eggs need to explode a few more times for them to come to their senses.]

Someone in the original game community forum made such a comment: Can’t monsters be considered allies? So I left a reply myself.

[The only good monsters are the ones who’ve turned into cores. What do you think?]

“That statement essentially means Phoenix Sir admits to not being good, does it not?”

Bonghyo appeared. He was alone at the entrance of the desert, waiting for me. To facilitate smooth conversation, I folded my wings, transforming into human form and aiming Deokbae at him.

“Choose. Shall we start with the left or the right?”

“I have no intention of letting either side explode. For that matter.”

Snap. Extending both arms wide, Bonghyo shouted.

“All these actions ultimately aim beyond the benefit of the Illusory Dragon Group, but for the benefit of the Blue Wind Sect!!”

“……Alright. Let’s hear your eloquent excuses. Anyway, with the remaining forces of the Illusory Dragon Group, you couldn’t possibly penetrate the Black Scorpion’s skin.”

“Eloquent excuses? Nonsense. Just listen once and then judge.”

I placed Deokbae on my shoulder. Ready to crush both his sides vertically if he utters nonsense, I watched as Bonghyo smiled mischievously while covering his mouth.

“First, there’s the issue of the core. We solely defeated the Earth Dragon with the strength of the Illusory Dragon Group.”

“Shall we calculate the contribution rate? How much did the Emperor contribute to defeating the Earth Dragon?”

“While originally belonging to the Blue Wind Sect, aren’t they now registered under our Illusory Dragon Group?”

“Is it that you don’t realize that what belongs to the Illusory Dragon Group is ultimately mine? The Illusory Dragons have submitted to me. Therefore, what the Illusory Dragons acquire is ultimately mine.”

“Is Phoenix Sir the type of boss who steals subordinates’ achievements?”

“Who’s stealing achievements? I’m merely requesting a fair share.”

“What reward do we get for our efforts, then?”

“Hmm, my recognition of you? The genuine joy of labor? Puhahaha.”

I taunted Bonghyo. Since I couldn’t grasp what he was thinking, I needed to upset him to find a gap. My old-school remarks caused Bonghyo to frown slightly.

“…Though Phoenix Sir’s recognition is delightful, it’s far from enough to satisfy me with merely the joy of work.”

“Then what do you want? I’ve already lent you 500 Illusory Flames. What more do you demand to justify these useless acts?”

“We demand autonomy for the Illusory Dragon Group.”

Autonomy. I mulled over Bonghyo’s words and instantly grasped his entire plan.

“So, you’re suggesting that the Illusory Dragon Group shouldn’t be subordinate to the Blue Wind Sect but establish an equal horizontal relationship with it?”

“Yes.”

“Why should I agree to that?”

“For the growth of Phoenix Sir.”

“Yes.”

What nonsense is this? I judged that listening to his eloquent excuses was worthless and lifted Deokbae, which I had placed on my shoulder.

“So, the purpose of stealing the Earth Dragon’s core, attempting to snatch the Water Monkey and getting caught by me, and blocking the path to capture the Black Scorpion—is it for the growth of the Illusory Dragon?”

“Yes. More precisely, the growth of Phoenix Sir within ‘Mo Taegyeong.’ By reorganizing the old academy into the Illusory Dragon Group, removing the loneliness inside everyone, Phoenix Sir will become the second strongest person in this land. When the necessary moment arrives, Phoenix will discard Mo Taegyeong’s body and reveal their true form.”

“Will Mo Taegyeong’s body survive?”

“It will live. Yes, it will survive.”

Bonghyo grinned sinisterly. Only then did I fully comprehend Bonghyo’s inner thoughts.

“You talk about benefiting everyone, but ultimately, it benefits you the most. The Illusory Dragon Group, the academy, Xiao Lin, and the Illusory Dragon itself.”

“I don’t deny it.”

Just as I designed all plans with the Blazing Phoenix in mind and moved accordingly, Bonghyo also acted to maximize his own interests. I understood his feelings.

Still, it’s irritating.

“So why didn’t you tell me beforehand and pull off these stunts?”

“……Would you have listened if I told you?”

“I would have listened.”

At my words, Bonghyo’s eyebrows furrowed. Involuntarily, a sigh escaped me.

“Smart people always think according to their whims…thinking what they think is the absolute answer. Listen, Bonghyo.”

I tapped my wrist.

“I let you be because I wanted you to assist the Illusory Dragon properly, not to stab me in the back like this. So, I’ll crush both your testicles and the core together. Then, your end will come—”

“I heard you’re searching for SR-6974.”

My hand, poised to swing Deokbae, froze. Bonghyo smiled triumphantly at me.

“I’m curious, but it’s insufficient to negotiate with that. Dispose of it.”

“……”

Seeing nothing special in the Xiao Lin route, it barely excites me. An Easter egg like that can’t suppress my anger.

“Then let’s die once more, Bonghyo.”

I charged at Bonghyo, swinging Deokbae.

“How about the Cube?”

“Huh.”

Too late.

Puck!

“……”

Bonghyo died.

I prodded Bonghyo’s corpse, whose waist was split in half, with Deokbae, but Bonghyo stiffened with a shocked expression.

“……You should have negotiated with the Cube from the start.”

Why delay and cause such trouble? I extracted the core from Bonghyo. How he knew about the existence of the Cube—I’ll deal with that later—

KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!

“Ah. Perfect timing.”

A massive sand dune erupted above my head.