The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 59
A garden where a lake flows.
Birds chirp, and a fountain sprays water over a statue resembling an infant.
A warm breeze, the refreshing sound of the ocean.
This garden, under the radiant sunlight, shines brilliantly like a painting.
However, there was one thing in this place that did not fit into the serene landscape.
At the top of the fountain, at the highest point of the garden, stood a black cross.
An inverted cross, with its top and bottom swapped, ominously glowing. It was the symbol of the ‘Celutis Order,’ one of the three major villainous organizations.
“Hmm, High Priest Lim, do you mean to say that the foolish heretics have completely withdrawn from Korea?”
“It’s not a matter of ‘meaning,’ High Priest Edward. It is undoubtedly ‘correct.'”
Among the three people drinking tea, the only woman, High Priest Lim, smiled kindly and placed her teacup down.
“Our sect’s influence has always extended to the Eastern region. It’s somewhere those poor heretics, who believe in evolution, should never dare to tread.”
“High Priest Lim, your words are somewhat misleading. It is an undeniable fact that they established a branch in Korea.”
“Isn’t that also part of God’s arrangement?”
“……”
“Simply, though it bothers me that this happened in my jurisdiction, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
What an utterly strange response. At the very least, it should be understandable, shouldn’t it? Surely, she wasn’t being dismissive because the speaker was a junior high priest.
Gato High Priest’s face tightened at the vague answer.
At that moment, a man with sharp features, who had been silent until now, intervened at the perfect timing.
“High Priest Edward, High Priest Lim speaks loosely, but without malicious intent. Please don’t worry too much about it.”
“High Priest Gato…”
“In addition, the establishment of the Evolutionary Group’s Korea branch was according to the Pope’s guidance.”
“The Pope, you say?!’
“Yes, we ourselves were not informed of the full details. All we know is that it was related to ‘Revelations.'”
“Revelation!”
?!
Edward, startled beyond measure, clapped his hand over his mouth.
He then made the Sign of the Cross, an act which emphasized how serious the word ‘Revelation’ was within the church’s hierarchy.
The two senior high priests looked approvingly at the junior high priest’s reaction before they, too, made the sign.
“By the way, High Priest Lim, speaking of which…”
“Speak, High Priest Gato.”
“I heard the heretics’ research involved ‘Bloodline Inheritance.'”
“That’s correct. They attempted to forcibly transplant a bloodline not to direct descendants but to a complete stranger. It was quite an intriguing study, even though it was conducted by heretics.”
“Did they achieve results?”
“Did you not see? To the best of my memory, all the data on that has already been submitted to the church.”
“Is that really the case?”
Suddenly, High Priest Gato’s eyes glimmered sharply.
He was questioning whether the submitted data was truthful.
To the Japanese, bloodlines symbolize power and legitimacy. If this study had been successful, it could have brought Gato a step closer to the ‘revolution’ he desired.
Unaware of Gato’s pressing thoughts—or perhaps knowingly ignoring them—High Priest Lim merely smiled kindly.
“It’s true. They did achieve results, but only 30% of the bloodline’s power was successfully transferred. After considering the various side effects, it was practically unusable.”
“30%—indeed, it’s not a particularly meaningful achievement.”
Edward agreed with her assessment.
But Gato was relentless.
“Nevertheless, it’s still about creating something from nothing. If they managed 30%, then there’s definitely potential for improvement, isn’t there? Who was the researcher? If you could transfer it our way, we can—”
“Unfortunately, High Priest Gato. The researcher is dead.”
“……!!”
“……!!”
“See? The recent kidnapping incident? Apparently, it was the researcher acting independently, disobeying orders from higher-ups.”
“They’re as chaotic as ever, aren’t they? High Priest Lim clicked her tongue while continuing her story.
“In any case, towards the end, they tried to bargain with us, but alas, Optimum beat us to it before we could reach them.”
“…….”
“I’m personally disappointed too. I had thought of selling that high information to you, High Priest Gato, for a good price. Still, as you say, creating something from nothing is better than nothing. If you want to pursue it personally, I can offer some assistance.”
“So disappointing. Truly, it’s such a pity.”
Gato muttered, truly seeming regretful. Behind him, a silent energy stirred.
It was malice—malice filled with bitterness and hatred.
High Priest Edward tensed. High Priest Lim, on the other hand, kept her usual kind smile.
Edward eventually composed himself and spoke.
“Ahem. Sh, shall we now proceed to the main topic?”
“I apologize for changing the mood. Moving forward, let’s talk about the ‘Recreation’ phenomenon. Currently, the recreation phenomenon is happening globally. The ignorant who do not worship Him refer to it as ‘Ecosystem Collapse,’ or simply ‘Collapse.’ How is the situation in Korea, High Priest Lim?”
“Indeed, as His Word states.”
The old order shall collapse, plunging the world into chaos…
This was the first half of the ‘Revelation’ that had been issued by the Papal Office, and the current state of the world corresponded with it: the ecosystems within the Gates were collapsing, plunging the world into panic.
“If we follow His Word, then we must…”
“Prepare for what comes ‘after.'”
…Do not weep, my children. As shoots emerge from the foul-smelling compost, salvation shall arise from the ruins of the old order.
“Everyone knows, our goal is to secure ‘salvation’ before anyone else. Let us never forget this.”
“Let it be according to His will.”
“Let it be according to His will.”
The three made the Sign of the Cross. The sunlight filtering through the upside-down cross stained glass illuminated the trio like shadows.
After finishing the Sandworm hunt, as I was returning, I frowned at the bright sunlight.
“It’s so hot. Didn’t they say it’s supposed to be cool here? This is full-blown summer weather.”
“I know, right? I thought the Forest Field meant wearing long sleeves, but wow…”
“Technically, it’s supposed to be cool.”
Our complaints were answered by a voice. It was Kim Ha-ni, a junior who had been following us around like a shadow for the past few days.
“Level 7 Gate, ‘Queen Mantis’ Palace.’ The field season is early spring. The average daily temperature is between 7-12°C, with the lowest at -1°C. That’s according to the records, so according to what Park Ki-hyuk said, it should indeed be a cool temperature.”
She’s been attached to us, assisting with our busy battles. Judging by her effectiveness, she’s pretty competent.
“Though it hasn’t been fully verified yet, it’s speculated that all these changes are due to the ecosystem collapse, not just in the composition of monsters but also in weather and natural environments.”
“Could the geography change too?”
“It’s possible. Though more research is needed.”
“What do you think?”
After pondering with her chin in her hand, prompted by Jin Yu-ri’s question, Kim Ha-ni responded:
“If you’re asking for my opinion, then: yes, it’s very plausible. When we’re talking about both monsters and climate changes, why shouldn’t geography undergo changes too?”
“That’s sharp. You’re cute like that, you know?”
“Don’t stick to me; it’s too hot.”
“Pfft. She’s blushing,” Jin Yu-ri teased as she subtly linked her arm with Kim Ha-ni.
I disengaged them and glanced at Kim Ha-ni.
“Is that all you’ve got?”
“…?”
“You did some of your own investigation, didn’t you? You took a lot of photos.”
“Well, um, it was just… a personal fantasy…”
“Just tell me anything that comes to mind.”
“Shall we start with the monsters, then?”
“Whatever you prefer.”
I can tell Kim Ha-ni’s ability to gather information is quite advanced just from the way she’s been tagging along with her large camera and a high-tech drone, ready to cover us.
Sheesh, it felt like I was a celebrity for a moment with how thorough she was being with just measuring combat power.
Nevertheless, what stood out to me was her thorough preparation. There are plenty of smart people, but those who are meticulous are rare.
“Right now, aside from the main monster the Mantis, we also have the ‘Killer Bee,’ which uses venom; the ‘Giant Ant,’ which is another insect colony monster; and lastly, the ‘Sandworms’ that we hunted. Currently, these four types of monsters are entangled in a chaotic mix here…”
“Fortunately, ‘Queen Mantis’ Palace, as a Level 7 Gate, is quite large, comparable to a city in size. Therefore, each monster group seems to have secured their own territories, and large-scale conflicts have not yet occurred…”
“Still, what concerns me is that unusual phenomena have been observed in other Gates. Existing monsters have been cooperating with newly appearing ones. This information came before we entered this Gate. So now, it’s difficult to call this collapse merely a territorial conflict. If the balance here is broken, it’s very likely that two or more groups might cooperate…”
Just like a jukebox, her information flowed out effortlessly.
We needed someone like this.
From Level 7 Gates onward, it was difficult for me alone to gather information and devise strategies. While I might have been able to handle it if I really pushed, it was honestly extremely inefficient.
I’m the combat personnel—I perform best at the forefront. That’s always been my role.
However, from Level 7 onward, maintaining the traditional few-elite style where I strategize, command, and decide everything was unsustainable.
Level 7 Gates, as Kim Ha-ni said, weren’t just about the difficulty of the monsters—they were also massive, comparable to a metropolitan city. Level 8 Gates were almost the size of an island. It was even speculated that the yet-unrevealed Level 9 Gates would be comparable to entire countries.
As the difficulty of the battlefield continues to increase, if I had to manage everything on my own—information, strategy, command, and combat—it wouldn’t work.
After all, it wasn’t a normal party to begin with.
And so, I was looking for the right people…
And here came a suitable person voluntarily. How could I not be delighted?
Of course, verification is necessary.
“We have plenty of time for that.”
Gradual verification through this investigation would suffice. Meanwhile I was crossing the forest lightly while taking Kim Ha-ni’s briefing as ambient music.
A little later, almost at our destination.
In the distance, the command tent came into view. Once we cross this hill, we’d see people.
That means now’s our chance to talk!
Kim Ha-ni seemed to have made a solid resolution. Tightening her stomach,
“Excuse me, seniors.”
She stopped walking.
Naturally, Park Ki-hyuk and Jin Yu-ri stopped as well, responding silently with their expressions.
What’s wrong? What happened?
It was an immense honor to greet the esteemed Park Ki-hyuk at such close quarters, but now their non-verbal communication was reaching the point of telepathy. She could’ve wept from the joy of it all.
But now wasn’t the time—it was all about delivering solid and useful information for Ki-hyuk!
“Do you know anything about the internal affairs of the investigation team?”
“No, why?”
“Do we even need to know?”
Just as I suspected.
Ki-hyuk’s team was regarded as irregular at school due to its exceptional quality. Naturally, each member was a top-tier elite.
Would such individuals care about internal politics? Were they even versed in such matters?
No, with certainty, they wouldn’t bother.
Naturally—they were not walkers on the path forged by others but true trailblazers whose mere footsteps became paths.
But there’s one clear truth:
There are more regular people in the world than trailblazers.
And Kim Ha-ni was one of those regulars.
So, she would inform them. About the mud-slinging that was happening under the tent right now.
“The current situation inside the investigation team is quite chaotic.”
The backbone of the investigation team was made up of 4th year students.
For these students, who would soon leave the Academy to enter the field next year, the most important thing wasn’t grades but ‘accomplishments.’ This was the evidence that they were competitive and capable of delivering results in real-world situations.
The current 4th years were crazily fixated on achievements.
That’s why they were desperate to gain control of the command center—to earn as much credit as possible.
“Once you claim command, you can do quite a lot…”
“That’s right. But it doesn’t end there.”
Here’s where factions come into play.
As these 4th years would soon leave the Academy, they were naturally reaching out externally to various organizations to pave the way for their futures: the Association, the Hunter Alliance, the Management Bureau, Agents, etc.
This wasn’t a bad thing—why would anyone fault someone preparing for their future?
The problem arises when these efforts start influencing the Academy’s internal affairs.
“I’ve heard that the leader of Team 1 among this year’s 4th years has connections with the Hunter Alliance, whereas the leader of Team 3 is the daughter of a senior Association official. If you’re aware, the Hunter Alliance and the Association have had a long-standing feud.”
“How do you know that?”
“My mother used to be a journalist for an awakening bulletin. Now she and my father have set up an independent production company, but they occasionally help with B-team filming for entertainment or documentaries…”
“Wow… that’s quite the background.”
“Are you involved in drama production?”
“More in entertainment and documentaries, but sometimes we help out with B-team filming… Anyway, let’s focus on what’s important!”
Kim Ha-ni pointed her finger dramatically.
“We’re at a crossroads. We’ve been given the casting vote, and both sides are aiming for it. Naturally, they’ll pressure us. They’ll try to get us to side with them.”
“Which side do you think is better?”
“Answer directly, Ha-ni,” Park Ki-hyuk interrupted, watching her carefully.
“I don’t know.”
“Then what was all the build-up for earlier? Pretending to know something you don’t?”
“No. It’s just that…”
Ki-hyuk’s lips curled upwards listening to her response.
“I’m not the decision-maker, right?”
Not being the one making decisions, her personal opinions didn’t matter.
It was a sharp and insightful answer, and Park Ki-hyuk couldn’t contain his laughter.
“Hahahaha!”
What he had initially thought was a promising but still developing sprout turned out to be a shining gem already.
“You like her?”
“Uh, yeah, she’s pretty great.”
“Wow, really? She’s this direct!”
Jin Yu-ri grinned as she threw her arm around Kim Ha-ni’s shoulder. Startled by Ki-hyuk’s sudden laughter, Kim Ha-ni frantically glanced around, unsure of how to respond.
“Junior, he says he likes you.”
“Me?”
Ki-hyuk likes me?!
Her face reddened but only briefly.
“Regardless, you can’t lust after her; she’s mine already.”
“Don’t say absurd things, Jin Yu-ri.”
“I’m the main wife. The official one.”
“…Hey, Ha-ni, don’t listen to her. She’s lost her mind.”
“Absolutely not giving her up! Step over my dead body!”
“Sounds like you’re losing it, finally. Let’s fight.”
“Aaaaah!!”
The idol of all magicians in the Academy, Jin Yu-ri, was being stomped on by Ki-hyuk’s foot.
“Pfft.”
Kim Ha-ni couldn’t suppress her laughter. It was fun—just watching made her happy, and being with them seemed like it would be even better.
Perhaps at this moment, Kim Ha-ni vaguely foresaw that their bond might be more enduring than expected.
…
…
In the end, however, all her concerns turned out to be unfounded.
“You guys are absolutely ridiculous.”
There was never an option for compromise in Park Ki-hyuk’s mind from the start.
