Chapter 450

〈 Chapter 450, Part 1, Episode 19-6 〉

“Congratulations!”

After holding my breath for what felt like an eternity, I finally managed to speak. Baek Hee-a, who had just reached SS Rank in Dark Attribute, and Angu, the one responsible for her promotion, turned their heads towards me while gently holding hands.

“Are we having a good conversation?”

“…Yeah.”

“It’s such a beneficial conversation. Through deep consciousness communication, I can feel the sincerity that words alone cannot convey.”

Though it seemed like a short moment from the outside, Angu had connected with Baek Hee-a’s subconscious mind and exchanged thoughts. While accessing another’s spirit is a specialty of the Hwanryong, even without such abilities, reading someone’s true intentions through magic power is practically a passive skill exclusive to S Ranks or spirits.

Since verbal communication was difficult, let’s talk via magic power!

It was the ultimate method of dialogue for them—a direct transmission of consciousness and sincerity.

Of course, since they were communicating directly in dark attributes, there was no way I could understand a single word. Angu and Hee-a were tightly holding hands, sometimes looking sad, other times giggling happily as if best friends.

“Still, Miss Baek…”

No matter how ancient Angu might be, she possessed the maternal nature to nurture others. Perhaps because she debuted on the main stage earlier than expected due to me, she seemed a bit rough around the edges, but her fundamental disposition hadn’t changed.

“…”

Their conversation continued. I spread my wings briefly before returning after patrolling the island once, trying to avoid losing too much magic power. Despite my absence, they remained in the same position, still deeply engaged in their private chat.

“Hey! Can I join the conversation now?”

“…Oh.”

“Hmmph.”

Reluctantly letting go of each other’s hands, they gave me a look that clearly said, “We weren’t done yet.” What exactly did they talk about to become this close so quickly? I decided to ask Angu later and moved on to the main topic.

“Can we sync?”

“I’m not sure about the specifics, but it seems possible. However, don’t you think we should consult with Nuri first?”

“That won’t be necessary. I can summon Nuri separately.”

“…Phoenix. I’ve made my decision.”

Angu revealed her firm determination. She had chosen between Yeohwang and Cheonghwadaebi, and I instantly knew who it was.

“Executioner?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

While I wondered if I really needed to pry, I had to understand why Angu chose Baek Hee-a over Kim Nuri. If anything went wrong in their relationship, I would need to mediate and bridge any gaps to maintain harmony within our group.

“…I’m not human.”

“Uh-huh.”

Angu began speaking with difficulty. I listened intently, nodding as our eyes met. For once, instead of using magic or symbols, Angu wanted to express her sincerity directly through words.

“I don’t know much about humans. But at least, I know that children shouldn’t fight on the battlefield risking their lives. Kim Nuri… she becomes an adult in 2025.”

“That’s right.”

Currently, Nuri only participates in battles under the protection of designated guardians from the Blue Wind Sect. In Mexico, Hwakwon protected her, and Seok Harang, both mentor and water spirit, kept watch over her 24/7.

“But syncing means going into real-life life-or-death combat. Even if she claims to be ready, I can’t allow it.”

“Surprisingly human sentiments.”

“Now that I’m a spirit… And…”

Angu gripped Baek Hee-a’s hand tightly and swallowed hard.

“Hee-a is prepared to risk her life for me and you. Surviving would obviously be ideal. As you said, Hee-a may not contribute much directly in battle since she’s not a frontline fighter, but she’ll help us in various ways.”

“Why are you so eloquent now when you acted so differently earlier?”

“T-that… stop teasing me! You’re making me self-conscious…”

Embarrassed, Angu stammered. Baek Hee-a took her hand and spoke up.

“I don’t like being on the front lines either, but I’m certainly not cold-blooded enough to use Nuri as cannon fodder. So, let me do it. Let’s sync.”

Her resolve was unshakable. Even if I tried to object for some reason, they’d likely force the sync anyway, and there was no valid reason to stop them.

“Alright then, you two have two more important steps left.”

“What is it?”

“The title according to myth. Don’t you need something besides ‘Ma’? Originally—”

“Devil God.”

Angu answered firmly. For a second, I thought I misheard.

“What?”

“Devil God. In Chinese characters…魔神.”

“Whoa, holy crap from another dimension!”

A completely unexpected title popped out. This wasn’t part of the original script! I couldn’t recover from the shock; my limbs felt like they were melting.

“Well, reaching myth level through dark attribute makes sense…”

“Originally, the title was supposed to be Maamryong. Calling her ‘Dark Goddess’ sounded weird, so Devil God seems simpler and better.”

“Ah…”

Two Chinese characters. Suddenly, I hated whoever came up with that name.

“Alright, whatever the title is, I don’t care. So, Devil Gods, listen up. Do you truly consider each other friends?”

“…”

Angu hesitated to answer. Instead, Baek Hee-a grabbed her hand and responded.

“It’s a bit early to call each other friends. We barely know each other and haven’t known each other for more than a day. But… we can get to know each other from here, right? Isn’t that what matters?”

“…Yeah.”

“…Hmm… Barely safe, maybe?”

Their eyes were dyed the same shade of black. If Hydra, Ji Ryun, and Yuna could sync upon meeting, how much more these two?

“Alright. Let me teach you how to sync. Face each other.”

They looked at each other with resolute gazes. I pointed at their hands and explained the process.

“Do the ‘Sese’ chant while forming a crescent moon.”

“Wait… I’ve never done that before…”

“What… is this?”

“Oh no.”

Realizing I had no one to teach them properly, I panicked and called someone else.

“Mr. Ha Sun-tae, do you know the ‘Sese’ chant? Crescent moon style.”

“Sure, I know it, but…”

“Alright. Watch carefully and follow along. We need a perfect 22-second cut for your synchronization to succeed.”

Facing Ha Sun-tae, I started the chant.

“Blue sky, Milky Way, white boat…”

Ultimately, it took an hour for the Devil God to descend upon Earth.

—

November 10th.

Before attending a meeting, I visited Kim Nuri’s house again. Since she didn’t appreciate me talking in front of her family, we drove around while chatting.

“The sync partner will be Executioner.”

“Yes. That’s how it turned out. It’s not because I look down on you due to your age, but given the high-stakes battlefield, it’s impossible not to worry. Please understand.”

“…”

For the first time in a long while, I faced a sulky Kim Nuri.

“Is it because your friendship got exposed?”

“That was just a joke.”

“Sufficient grounds for misunderstanding, though.”

After discussing with Angu, Nuri must have been excited about the possibility of syncing, only to be disappointed. Angu chose Baek Hee-a, leaving Nuri as backup, to step in if anything happened to Hee-a.

“This feels kind of gross, like I shouldn’t feel this way, but…”

“You’re right. It’s understandable to feel upset. Sorry—it feels like taking something away after giving it.”

From Nuri’s perspective, it was natural to feel angry. She had learned about syncing already, but ultimately lost out due to age.

“No, Director. That’s not it.”

Nuri waved her hands frantically.

“It’s not about feeling upset that I was replaced. Thinking about it, I realized Angu might’ve felt hurt. I talked nonstop for three hours, didn’t I? Angu probably had things she wanted to say, but I monopolized the conversation.”

“…”

What exactly is she blaming herself for?

“Because of that, Angu might’ve felt burdened, thinking, ‘Kim Nuri talks endlessly without listening to me, but Executioner listens well.’ I’d choose Executioner too.”

“Hmm… Maybe.”

Angu likely believed that simply listening was enough for meaningful communication. Both Kim Nuri and Baek Hee-a had probably bonded equally in her eyes. After all, Angu forms friendships easily, regardless of how much they verbally expressed it.

‘These two think so differently.’

“Angu probably believes that was sufficient communication?”

“Then why isn’t it me who gets to sync with her?”

“Because you’re younger.”

Even so, the reason Angu chose Hee-a over Nuri boiled down to her reluctance to send a minor into life-and-death combat. Facing off against Seongju and the interdimensional deity required ascending to the moon itself, and Angu understood the gravity of adulthood fully.

‘Still, it seems Angu feels more comfortable with Hee-a than Nuri, regardless of age.’

Where did things go wrong? The starting point where the originally unbeatable duo of Nuri and Angu began to crack—was it merely a five-year age gap?

“Ah.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Just thinking about how tough your school years will be. To genuinely sync with Angu, you’ll have to endure a lot during your studies.”

The reason Kim Nuri developed a similar disposition to Angu stemmed from becoming unintentionally isolated during middle school. Compared to everyone else, by the time she hit S Rank in special abilities, she might’ve taken the path of a high school delinquent. Instead, she weathered a tumultuous period.

“What? Director, was I totally lame back then?”

“While you possess A Rank elemental abilities, you struggled academically, ranking 9th out of 9, unable to attend university. Your parents wouldn’t pay for retaking a year and pushed you toward factory jobs through subcontracting.”

“Ah, spoilers ahead.”

Contrastingly, Kim Nuri’s current future is bright. All thanks to me.

“Since that future has been erased, it doesn’t matter. Now, you only have smooth sailing ahead. The sole S Rank dark attribute special ability user in South Korea. Plus, a secondary water attribute also at S Rank. Hardly anyone grows this fast.”

“There’s Teacher Seok.”

“Teacher Seok is half-human, half-spirit. Special birth circumstances. Her father possessed SS Rank potential, and her mother is a spirit.”

Born by the Han River, Seok Harang lacked anyone to nurture her, whereas Kim Nuri, despite humble beginnings, had the support of family. Though their connection was accidental, they complemented each other surprisingly well. Kim Nuri’s illusions shattered due to Seok Harang’s survival skills, but they grew close enough to mimic each other’s speech patterns.

“You have such a remarkable mentor. Do you realize how extraordinary your position is? Seok Harang’s disciple, high-ranking hunter of the Blue Wind Sect, dual-element S Rank. With these credentials, you’re likely among the top 30 globally.”

“Top 30? That’s it?”

“Out of six billion people, rank 30.”

“So what?”

Kim Nuri giggled smugly, reveling in the praise. Always craving compliments and vulnerable to them, this trait remained unchanged, albeit less pronounced in the 20-year-old version of her.

‘The story twisted, but this is better.’

Rather than pushing her to throw her body into despair during her school years, it’s preferable to give her slightly unusual experiences that are far more positive.

“Congratulations. You’re walking the path of popularity instead of loneliness.”

“Thanks to Director Phoenix. I’m always grateful. Loyalty to the Phoenix! This is sincere. May you live forever and continue helping me make money. When I earn a fortune, I’ll buy you something you want. Haha!”

“…That’s very kind of you.”

Eventually, we re-entered New Seoul. Just before getting out of the car, Nuri looked straight at me.

“Director, please talk to Angu for me. …Let’s meet in person next time. It’s not because I’m mad about the sync thing, so no need to worry.”

Kim Nuri waved goodbye like sending a video message.

“We’re friends, right?”