Chapter 863

EP.863 [Light Novel Side Story] Death Dinast of the Eternal Sky Volume 1 Chapter 010

<Unsah> Park Ra-on.

Date of Birth: March 22, 1998 (28 years old)

Dongducheon, Guro District, Seoul Special City

Nationality: Republic of Korea

Affiliation: Celestial Army (~2021) -> Independent

Physical Stats: 171cm, 59kg, Blood Type B

Position: Melee Dealer

Magic Power Pattern: Fire 11 Water 72 Wind 76 Earth 34

Light 33 Dark 07 Illusion 56.

Overall Power Level: A -> D- (As of 2024)

A once promising first-tier talent whose core was destroyed in an ambush during battle with a villain – Hero Wiki Summary.

————————-

“So this is what they mean by ‘washed up.'”

Xian read through Ra-on’s profile on the Hero Wiki screen.

Once a bright young star with a promising future, Ra-on became a tragic figure after her “core,” the source of a superhuman’s power, was shattered during an ambush in combat.

For a year, she tried everything to restore her core but rehabilitation proved fruitless. Eventually, Ra-on left the guild on her own accord.

“Can’t say it’s surprising, given it was her core that got broken.”

The core serves as the vessel for magic power, akin to the heart for superhumans. Just as blood pumped from the heart flows through vessels to energize the entire body, superhumans channel their special abilities using the magic power stored in their cores.

Even if the container remains large, a broken one will always bear its scars.

That Ra-on could still achieve D- level power was thanks to years of relentless effort; otherwise, she would’ve reverted to a powerless life.

“Not bad at all.”

Xian reviewed Ra-on’s past exploits. On multiple screens, videos from 5-6 years ago showcased Ra-on skillfully wielding a spear longer than her tall frame, mowing down monsters like a typhoon.

‘Form is temporary but class is forever,’ Xian thought, pausing the footage and falling into contemplation. ‘But this form is on the verge of being phased out.’

No matter how generously assessed, D- meant little difference from E rank. As the two reserve guild members bathed, Xian continued reviewing Ra-on’s performances.

“What if there’s another way besides the core…?”

Xian muttered to herself.

* * *

“Do I not meet your standards, sis?”

“…How could that be? You joined the guild before me, senior.”

“If you keep insisting I can speak casually, why do you remain so formal?”

“I find it comfortable this way.”

No, it’s uncomfortable for me. Yuna murmured underwater, blowing bubbles. The curly droplets rose to the surface and burst as Yuna observed Ra-on across from her.

“You look completely different when you’re clean.”

“That’s because I wore a mask then and used disguise techniques earlier.”

Ra-on brushed back her falling side hair. Thanks to her former A-rank status, her cleaned appearance revealed the beauty hidden beneath the hood and dust.

Even those who initially frowned when she entered the bathhouse now sneakily glanced at her.

“Sis, your body is amazing.”

“…The higher your magic power ranking, the more your physique gets enhanced. But I’m more amazed by you, senior.”

“Please drop the ‘senior’ part. You only joined the guild a few days before me. Can’t we be more casual?”

Ra-on firmly shook her head.

“The clearer the hierarchy in a new guild, the better. Most failed guilds start with camaraderie but end up having accidents because of it. Especially among the ‘original five’ members.”

“Once you become team leader, you can form your own team separately, right?”

Ra-on nodded. Her towel slipped forward, and her tied-up hair fell into the water. Yuna approached and helped her fix it.

“…Thank you. Since I’m an academy student, the maximum dungeon entry number is five.”

“And most mid-level guild officers are usually from the initial members. Once the quota exceeds, veterans reorganize new teams which then form newer ones below them.”

“That’s why these roles are crucial. Even if teams split later, we should perform tasks without being swayed by emotions.”

“No.”

Yuna disagreed while tying the towel around Ra-on’s head.

“That’s why there’s no need to be so rigid. The guild master wants a ‘family-like’ guild.”

“…Isn’t that a cliché phrase?”

“You’ll understand after spending two days beside him.”

Yuna smiled wryly as she sat back in the water.

“Our guild master doesn’t care about formalities at all.”

“…If that’s the operating principle, I’ll follow it, though personally I find it hard to agree. Let’s continue our previous conversation. Is it true that if one more person doesn’t join by the 27th, you’ll face expulsion, Senior Yuna?”

Yuna immediately became gloomy.

“It’s like this…”

Xian dumped all explanations about the guild’s current situation onto Yuna under the guise of fostering camaraderie. Yuna recounted everything she knew about the guild’s current predicament.

“It’s quite a dilemma.”

Ra-on straightened her posture in the warm water.

“In every sense, we’re short by one person. While a team of two—me and Senior Yuna—is possible, we need another D-rank or higher superhuman to register the guild. Plus…”

“A three-person party must clear a D-rank dungeon. That’s the condition for association-approved guilds.”

Ra-on confirmed with determined eyes.

“The latter I can manage somehow. Me, Senior Yuna, and Guild Master forming a trio to clear a D-rank dungeon. With proper ‘equipment,’ I believe I can clear it alone if necessary.”

“Ahaha, hahaha.”

Yuna thought inwardly. Was she being underestimated? Or was she and Xian completely excluded from consideration? She felt upset that even Xian was dismissed as non-contributory.

‘You don’t know anything.’

Still, Yuna suppressed her rising anger in the lukewarm water, steadying her mind.

‘It’s a secret he told me to keep.’

Only Xian and Yuna knew the secret about Xian’s weapon. Whether it was Yuna’s misconception or something she excitedly shared prematurely with future team members remained uncertain.

But for now, Yuna wanted to keep it a secret between just her and Xian, unknown to any other guild member.

“Then what about the other member? We need three people at D-rank or higher.”

“…Forgive my boldness, but aren’t you E-rank, Senior Yuna?”

At Ra-on’s pointed comment, Yuna puffed her cheeks.

“…Yeah, I’m sorry I’m still E-rank.”

After the new assessment arrived and she was re-evaluated, Yuna’s growth limit remained at 10, overall E-rank.

* * *

After finishing the bath, Yuna took Ra-on straight home.

Moved by Ra-on’s transformation, the bathhouse owner reluctantly lent her a sauna outfit instead of a rough cloth.

When Yuna called an autonomous taxi, it arrived in front of the bathhouse, and the two headed to Yuna’s house. Although awkward, Yuna’s parents welcomed Ra-on after deciding to wait until February following the Lunar New Year incident.

Borrowing Yuna’s slightly ill-fitting clothes, Ra-on returned to the office as lunchtime approached. Xian was momentarily out.

“Where did he go without a word…?”

“…I don’t know.”

Ra-on’s curt attitude made Yuna reflect on any mistakes she might have made.

But no matter how much she reflected, she hadn’t done anything particularly wrong. Twiddling her fingers, Yuna cautiously asked,

“Did I do something wrong…?”

“No. There’s nothing wrong with you, Senior Yuna. I’m just concerned that the guild master left the office so unprotected.”

Ra-on checked various places in the office for security measures.

“Leaving the keys with Senior Yuna and vacating the office like this… What if a thief comes? Or what if a villain who can pass through walls enters? That would be disastrous.”

Thoroughly inspecting every corner of the desk and even under the fridge, Ra-on moved energetically while Yuna remained seated on the sofa.

“Are the CCTV cameras functioning properly? Is the security company contract valid? Though I may have ill feelings, Yuseong is indeed a reliable company. For an office like this-”

“Sis, this is New Seoul.”

At Yuna’s words, Ra-on sheepishly stood up and sat opposite her on the sofa. Bowing her head, Ra-on apologized.

“Sorry. I overstepped my bounds. There’s no way crime happens where Light Blade is present.”

“…Now you’re making me feel awkward.”

“Apologies for making you feel uncomfortable. That wasn’t my intention.”

‘Is he praising or criticizing me?’ Yuna had no idea how to handle this unpredictable superhuman.

Familiar with others’ malice, Yuna instinctively sensed Ra-on’s consistency and secretly hoped her instincts were wrong.

‘Guild master, I can’t handle this alone anymore.’

Desperately wishing Xian would return soon, Yuna’s magical gear phone rang—it was Xian.

“Guild master! Ra-on sis and I are at the office.”

[Got it? What should we eat for lunch?]

“Hmm…”

Yuna subtly glanced at Ra-on. With a kind smile, Ra-on nodded.

“I’m fine with anything.”

“…”

[Haha, I see. …Hmm. What about yesterday’s stuff?]

[Ah! Rice cakes, fried chicken, and kimbap too!]

A familiar voice chimed in next to Xian’s magical gear. Yuna slightly furrowed her brows, questioning Xian.

“Where were you…?”

[Ahaha, sorry. It’s not like I went out to play.]

Xian pointed at Kim Nuri intruding on his screen.

[I’m registering this person as a superhuman on my way back.]

“……?”

* * *

<1 hour ago.>

‘This is taking forever.’

Xian grew restless wondering why the bath took so long.

He had already reviewed all Ra-on’s combat videos chronologically and just needed to confirm her current combat capabilities.

Thinking of testing her power with Yuna at the Chungnam Slime Dungeon soon, he decided to buy waterproof magical gear for her later and stood up.

“Then the remaining spot is…”

“AJUUUSSIIIII!”

The door burst open as Kim Nuri rushed in.

Nuri, wearing a red padded jacket, stretched her hands toward the ceiling heater to catch her breath before removing it. Xian greeted her with a wry smile at her school uniform.

“You’re an adult now? Still looks like elementary school lunch time to me.”

“I don’t eat school lunches anymore! Hahaha, AJUSSI, remember what you promised me?”

Nuri mimed drinking something with her hand. Xian couldn’t control his expression and scowled.

“If you keep acting like this, I’ll tell your mom.”

“…..No way, stop being so petty! My mood was already ruined today.”

“Why? Isn’t it a half-day today?”

Throwing herself onto the couch, Nuri bounced around. Xian poured orange juice from the fridge into a cup and handed it to her. Clutching her chest dramatically, Nuri expressed her frustration.

“Are you serious?! People can fail university entrance exams too! And you go on about how there’s no future, how I should look for cram schools, what part-time jobs I’ll do, whether I’ll attend a two-year college after graduation… Ugh, seriously!!”

“Nuri, please refrain from swearing.”

Though Xian calmly advised, once unleashed, Nuri’s rant was unstoppable like a runaway train.

“Not like I didn’t want to attend! Those so-called friends who got into great schools look down on me! One girl even boasted about entering the academy after awakening her superpower and pursuing the hero/villain path! Ugh! They’re ignoring me since graduation is near!”

“…….”

Scratching his cheek, Xian subtly backed away, unfortunately catching Nuri’s fiery gaze.

“Why? Do you pity me, AJUSSI? That’s why you’re hiring drunkards as office assistants?”

“Nuri, that’s going too far. Calm down. You lose control once you get angry.”

Calmly pacified by Xian, Nuri pulled her hair and buried her head in her knees.

“Who would willingly end up like this? It’s so unfair…”

“Want me to help? Then calm down. The boss downstairs is coming up.”

Pointing downstairs, Xian reminded her, and Nuri finally regained her composure, forgetting where she was in her rage.

Standing up from the couch, Nuri bowed slightly.

“…Sorry.”

“Later, apologize to the boss too. So, Nuri, you don’t have any plans after graduation?”

“…Guess so. What can I do? Ruined the national exam, missed all early admissions, can’t join hero or hunter paths without awakening a superpower.”

Nuri lay sideways on the couch, resting her face on the armrest with a vacant smile.

“This life is over. Have to retake and aim for a university in New Seoul. Like I have the money to study abroad. In that sense, AJUSSI, can I continue as an office assistant?”

With the vacation ending, Nuri’s part-time job naturally concluded. Xian pondered briefly before approaching Nuri and extending his left hand.

“Mind shaking hands?”

“Are you hitting on me, AJUSSI?”

“Let’s say yes, hurry up.”

Urging her, Xian waved his hand, prompting Nuri to laugh nervously while shaking hands.

“School lunch handshake feels good… Wait, what?”

Amidst her embarrassment, Nuri noticed Xian’s serious expression and held her breath. He simply held her hand without moving.

“…….”

Trying to say something, Nuri waited as Xian maintained his solemn demeanor. After about three minutes of silence, Xian opened his eyes, pulled Nuri up, and said,

“Let’s go.”

“Where?”

Xian pointed outside with a meaningful smile.

“I’ll cheer you up.”