<The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 120>
I decided to dig deeper.
An Alpha Gear that has a self but no soul, and an artificial spirit that has a form but no physical body.
Alpha Gear and Artificial Spirit. These two symbols representing the American superhuman industry were more than enough to pique my curiosity.
Moreover, where am I right now?
In America, a foreign land far away from home. No friends, no family. And since I’m inside the Gate, I can’t even contact Spring at the moment.
In order to pass the time here, I should at least have something to tinker with, right?
Accidentally, I’ve found myself in an environment conducive to concentration, and I genuinely began studying the Alpha Gear and Artificial Spirit.
Then I came up with an interesting inference.
“Hmm… these two seem to be unaware of each other’s existence?”
At first, I thought they were created to converge and reach Homunculus.
But the more I observed these two, the more they seemed divergent. How should I put it… although they seem to aim for something similar, their essence is completely different.
For instance, it’s like this.
Both aim to reach the summit of the mountain, but their directions of ascent are completely opposite, located at polar extremes.
Therefore, they can’t see each other, nor even realize each other’s existence. If these two were to meet, it would only be at the summit.
Artificial Spirits and Alpha Gears are exactly like that.
“If my hypothesis is correct, the spirit ‘Red Dragon’ who created the Artificial Spirit is shockingly ignorant of ‘Magic Engineering,’ while the spirit ‘Gigant’ who developed the Alpha Gear doesn’t understand magic at all.”
There’s no way they wouldn’t know.
Take a look at me now, for example. It was tough, but I managed to obtain and study the Alpha Gear, didn’t I?
In other words, there’s no reason they wouldn’t know. Hence, if my hypothesis is to make sense,
“……It wasn’t ‘permitted’.”
If they were ‘made’ incapable of infringing on each other’s territory, this kind of outcome is entirely possible.
“The gods were probably messing around.”
It’s a totally plausible story. After all, gods are naturally wicked and capricious.
On the other hand, while I was messing around with the Alpha Gear and Artificial Spirit, I didn’t forget to teach William in between.
“Huh, huh! Why not let me fly! Huh, huh!!”
“Healthy body, healthy mind. Your rotten mental state is because of that decrepit body. Keep running.”
“AAAAHHH-!!”
This kid, speaking purely of talent, is quite exceptional. Especially in the area of spirits, he is incredibly gifted, someone who can achieve great things. If elves were to see him, they’d probably be driven mad.
Why do I say such things? Because this Christopher’s bloodline is ‘affinity.’ Simply put, his very bloodline manifests this affinity.
I was surprised by this. This is basically an elf, right?
At the same time, a question arose.
But why did I know so little about the ‘Christopher’ clan, which possesses such cheat-like abilities?
So, the easiest way to clear up this doubt is to ask the person directly.
“Hey, if your ‘affinity’ is a bloodline, then your entire family must be spirit masters, right?”
“…No. The Christopher family isn’t like you sword masters with a complete bloodline; we’re only half-bloodlines.”
Originally, the Christopher family only had the ability to read souls. That too was imperfect, effectively rendering it useless. Thus, they had no choice but to become merchants.
William is a mutant born into the Christopher family. His ability to read souls is so extraordinary that it has given rise to his spirit affinity.
“As I thought, the reason I envy bloodlines like yours might be because of this… Ahhh!”
“What the heck. You’re such a dumb kid. Don’t blame others.”
“If you were in my place… Ahhh!!”
“Don’t make excuses. To be honest, there are plenty of kids with worse conditions than yours. Are they all like you? You just have rotten character. There’s no choice. You need to be beaten more.”
“Ahh! Ahh-! Hands off my head!”
“Stop being dramatic and come on. I’ll properly remodel your spirit.”
Anyway, since I have to study this kid’s cristal for the Artificial Spirit, while studying, I also gradually fixed his deteriorated mental state.
As I was finding a way to enjoy myself here in this dreadful place, I began to notice something strange from a certain point on.
It seemed like the eyes of people watching me had changed somehow.
“Are you leaving again?”
“Park always works tirelessly.”
“Huh, I heard East Asians are diligent, and it seems it’s true.”
Why suddenly this?
Even the supervisor.
“Friend, aren’t you pushing it? Take a break. Maintaining good condition is the mark of a pro.”
“Hooh… Going again? Don’t try to bear too much alone.”
Eh…? What is this?
His tone, filled with inexplicable kindness, feels incredibly awkward.
So, I secretly overheard a conversation and found out.
“A survival rate of 100 percent… really, you’re too enthusiastic.”
“Although we could take a break due to the heat, his character is already set.”
“Such a pity~ If only this admirable young man belonged to our team, we would have spoiled him like crazy.”
“After Park arrived in Middle City, the number of injured has significantly decreased.”
“He handles the population management perfectly. It seems he hunts about two hundred every day.”
“Listen, Team Leader. Previously, rescuers operated in teams, but Park? He handles everything alone. This is extraordinary!”
“Frankly, I don’t know. Is it really right to assign such talented individuals here?”
“That’s true. For the sake of Agent Park or himself, it might be better to send him to a higher Gate.”
“Ho, a super rookie is born.”
That’s it.
My hunting Flames Entrants daily for the sake of research is perceived by them as passionately carrying out missions.
Anyway… good things beget good things…
Inadvertently becoming the passionate man, even though I’ve only been here in America for about two weeks, I’ve quickly become conspicuous, and with the supervisor’s recommendation letter, I’ve wonderfully completed my first schedule in America.
Ggotgarum Kindergarten.
“Hoohoo~ Lulululu.”
Park Bom was humming a little ditty today, clearly in a much better mood.
She was clearly different from her usual self.
In fact, Park Bom, who smiled like a sunny day in front of her family, was known at the kindergarten as a rather aloof “Ice Princess” with a cool charm.
But this Ice Princess was suddenly breaking into radiant smiles, leaving both the children and the teachers alike in a state of astonishment.
“Lu-lu~ Dad Tiger is awesome~ Sister Dragon is pretty~.”
“Teacher! Park Bom is weird. She keeps laughing.”
“Oh dear, Chanwoo, that’s not polite! It seems our Bom here is in a good mood, huh? Bom, today you seem especially happy.”
“Yes! I’m very happy! Extremely, extremely happy!”
That’s because!!
“Today, I’ll see Dad!”
What a day that has been awaited!
Oh Yeah, doomchit, doomchit.
For Bom, who longs for her dad, these past two weeks have truly been a painful time.
Even the tastiest food tasted bland. Watching even the most entertaining shows was dull. Even her beloved Captain Tiger and the Angel Dragon series she was into, none of it felt satisfying.
There were times when she almost cried.
Because she sorely missed her dad. She was worried if her dad wouldn’t come back, or if Bom were to leave him, what would happen?
Every time this thought crossed her mind, she would clutch Berry and think.
“Right. I’m a big sister. Sisters don’t cry.”
I must protect her.
As Strawberry Sister taught her, she had to tighten the muscles between her eyes and swallow her tears.
But, this painful time finally comes to an end today!
“From today, we can call!”
“Call? Isn’t that something we can always do?”
Next to her, Lim Hyun-ji asked curiously, and Park Bom shook her head side to side.
“No, ever since dad went to America, we can’t call him anytime.”
“Eh? Did Bom’s uncle go to America?”
“Yep.”
Park Bom taught a surprised Hyun-ji something even more surprising.
“It’s night in America right now!”
“Eh?! Whaaat?”
“Yep!”
“Why? It’s morning here! Look, there’s the sun!”
“That’s because the earth is round! Look.”
Bom spun the globe at one corner of the kindergarten and explained the concept of time difference. Hyun-ji was startled and gasped with disbelief, just like Park Bom was yesterday when Jin Yu-ri explained it to her. Watching this, Bom felt proud.
Today, I’m also smart!
Strawberry Sister, thank you! I’ve grown smarter because of you!
Thinking about it, I want to see both Strawberry Sister and Dad quickly.
As time passed, the kindergarten dismissal time arrived.
Today, Park Bom quickly gathered her bag and was the first to step out of the kindergarten gate.
“Big sister!!”
“Boo-maaa.”
Jin Yu-ri, who was chatting skillfully among the moms, startled and ran out upon hearing Bom’s voice.
Then, as always, embracing her, she spun three and a half times in the air.
“Oof, our little Bom.”
“AAAAHH!”
“Did you have a good time today? Were you happy?”
“Yes! Yes!”
“Sister, kiss!”
“Chuu!”
Excitedly jumping around, Park Bom and Jin Yu-ri smiled while they kissed each other.
Since Park Gi-hyuk went to America, Jin Yu-ri has always been responsible for picking up Park Bom.
It was not because someone asked her to do it. This was something Jin Yu-ri took on herself. She’d read in a book that a mother should give her growing child a sense of security, and from that moment on, Jin Yu-ri has been making every effort to pick up Bom.
Now, this familiar scene made even the other mothers watching from behind smile warmly.
“How delightful. Truly.”
“How could it be, Yu-ri seems unreasonably accommodating lately.”
“It must be due to the blessings of Gi-hyuk, to have such a kind girlfriend.”
Accommodating? Kind?
If Yoo Hae-ryun who is on Mount Jinryong heard this, she’d probably have a fit, “What? She’s what?”
After finishing a simple greeting, the two got into the car.
There was a child car seat installed in Jin Yu-ri’s car, an essential item for all parents. Bom got into the car seat naturally, and Jin Yu-ri naturally fastened her seatbelt too, finishing the preparations.
“Miss Park Bom, are you ready to become prettier?”
“Of course. Is Strawberry Sister ready?”
“Absolutely. Let’s go!”
“Letbaal!”
The car started running.
The destination was a famous shop in Cheongdam-dong, the place frequently visited by famous entertainers and celebrities, leading the fashion trends of Korea.
Squeak—
The door opened, and Park Bom and Jin Yu-ri entered side by side, holding hands, into the lobby where the luxurious interior stood out.
“Hurry…”
The employee at the counter hesitated for a moment.
With the easygoing woman in a simple dress and the child in a sunflower yellow overalls, it was clear that they were here straight from picking up the child from kindergarten.
This image didn’t quite fit the atmosphere of this place.
Maybe they came by mistake? The employee, maintaining a polite smile, asked carefully.
“Uh, excuse me. Our shop operates on a reservation system…”
However, before the sentence was even finished, a bald man rushed in.
“Stop! Stooop!! Mi-Young Kim! Zip that mouth shut!”
It was Arnold Chan, the owner of the shop.
After receiving Yoo Hae-ryun’s personal call on his VVIP line, he had been waiting since the afternoon, and now the careless employee was about to make a huge mistake.
Arnold Chan gave the employee a meaningful glare for not recognizing the VVIP and then immediately turned to Jin Yu-ri and Park Bom with a warm smile.
“I’ve been waiting for you. I’m Arnold Chan. Chan not Chan. This way, huh.”
From hairstyle to makeup to styling—thereby, preparation was complete.
Now, it was time for the decisive moment.
With solemn expressions, the two sat in front of a PC.
And soon, a dear face appeared on the monitor.
– Hello?
“Dad!!”
“Ki-hyuk!!”
I’ve seen it on TV somewhere.
They say that when you talk with someone you love, two or three hours just fly by. At the time, I found those comments ridiculous and laughed it off, thinking, “Why not just meet in person?”
But now that I’m the one experiencing it…
Hmm… it’s actually true.
My little girl here is recounting every story from her kindergarten life over the last two weeks, and I can’t help but grin like there’s no tomorrow. Her narration is so entertaining.
Still, as a parent, I can’t let her go on without intervention.
As a dad, there are times when I need to set limits.
“Bom, isn’t it time for bed now? You look so sleepy.”
– No! I’m not tired!
Bom furrows her brow and declares, “I’m going to play more with dad!” The sight tugs at my heartstrings. What lengths this little one must go to, to play more with her dad.
Still, our little girl, Dad knows all about your bedtime.
“It’s time to sleep. Go to bed early, and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
– Really? We can talk again tomorrow?
“That’s right!”
As I said this, I gave a signal to Jin Yu-ri, who was holding Bom from behind. Hurry up and put the kid to bed, please. Luckily, Jin Yu-ri also got the hint, and she consoled Bom before leaving the room…
Hmm?
Looking at the screen, this doesn’t appear to be our house.
When I asked the soon returning Jin Yu-ri, she said no.
– Yes, it’s our house.
“Bom, why are you at your house?”
– Did I sleep here a few times? Don’t worry. I told the aunts. I even brought Berry.
“Hm… where is Bom now?”
– Lying down in my room with Berry and my mom.
“…Aunt Yoo Hae-ryun?”
– Yes.
“Wow…”
What on earth happened while I was gone?
What could have happened for Bom to be sleeping with Aunt Yoo Hae-ryun? I’m momentarily at a loss.
– …Nothing special. Hey! Hey!
“Huh?”
– What are you doing?
“Uh, I’m at a café. Check out what’s behind me?”
– Really? Can I be loud?
“Go ahead. It’s an open-air café. What are you up to? Was everything fine?”
– Quick to ask, aren’t you?
We continued our casual chat.
The only difference lies in vocabulary. The content of our conversation isn’t much different from Bom’s.
Talk of a new sushi place near the Academy or the ridiculous claim that Jun-woo and Merhem are avoiding her—these are all daily life occurrences.
– You must be busy. Should we wrap it up, then?
“……Is this the Jin Yu-ri I know?”
– Huh? Why, do I seem different?
“Huh…”
There’s a sense here… a grown-up feel? Jin Yu-ri and grown-up? Somehow, it fits now, and it’s true.
– Nothing else to say?
“Huh??”
– Are you saying nothing?
Still, it seems clear that she takes good care of Bom, so I earnestly express my gratitude.
“Thank you.”
– For everything? She’s Bom, after all.
Cool!
If it were before, she’d have proudly declared, “I’m this amazing. Without me, you’d be lost!”
What is this? Is it because I haven’t seen Jin Yu-ri in such a long time? Why does she seem different?
“Is there anything you want to say?”
– Hmm, I did have something I was curious about.
After pondering, Jin Yu-ri spoke up.
– Is this New York?
“Yep.”
– So, you’re in the East, right?
“That’s correct.”
– Then…
Suddenly, her gaze changes.
The careful look is gone, replaced by the same fiery spark I used to see in her eyes every day.
And then,
– Haven’t you been looking for her? That Rosaria, that thievery?
“Hmm, naturally…”
– Just to clarify: if you cheat, you’re dead. Got it?
“PhuHat!”
I burst out laughing.
– Remember this. If you cheat, you’re dead and so am I. Got it!?
Now, that’s more like Jin Yu-ri. Indeed, this spicy edge suits her.
The unease disappeared, and I feel refreshed.
*
After the video call ended, I closed my laptop and looked straight ahead.
“Hey, did you hear? It’s you d*e, and I d*e.”
“Impossible. I’m stronger, you know.”
The woman sitting across from me, sipping coffee.
Rosaria Villand Washington.
She found me.
