<Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family Chapter 85>
At the crack of dawn, where the darkness still lingers.
Kim Ha-ni came to the Academy to attend the morning class.
The class was ‘Essential Healing First Aid.’
It was a general subject designed to teach first aid measures such as splints and stitching wounds to enhance the effectiveness of existing healing magic.
The name ‘healing’ upfront made it so only healers of the likes of priests or white mages ever attended the lecture.
Naturally, the number of attendees was limited. After all, healers were that rare.
What’s more, the lectures took place solely in the mornings, usually during the first period, so only a tiny minority of the already few healing students were present.
This was a lecture for those often referred to as “vanilla students.”
Kim Ha-ni was among the top ranks of these vanilla students.
Upon entering the lecture hall, she made her way to her usual seat.
‘There it is!’
Seat C-3.
The spot with the clearest view of the professor.
Thankfully, it was free, and she quickly moved to sit down.
“Hello!”
Snap!!
“Ouch!”
It felt as if her back was being torn apart!
Startled, she turned around to find the culprit – Majuri, her closest friend among her peers.
“You got a scare.”
“Did I ~.”
“I’ll scare you.”
“Then I’ll scare ya ~.”
“You!”
“Nyaaaha!”
Majuri was not only Kim Ha-ni’s best friend but also a steadfast companion as the vice-president of the fan club, ‘The Little Giant,’ dedicated to Park Ki-hyuk.
“Give me the picture of Ki-hyuk! Hand it over, or I can’t guarantee the hostage’s safety.”
“Wait a second! Hey! Stop that! That laptop was a gift from Senior Merhem!!”
“Hoo hoo! It’s precious. Now the hostage has even more value. Mwahahaha.”
“Don’t you dare lick it!”
“Return the hostage safely, and we’ll settle with three pictures! Choo~ Choo~!”
“…Ah, you’re such a weirdo…”
They had become close friends since the first day of school and had grown even closer due to their peculiar interest in Park Ki-hyuk (though neither would admit it).
“But why is it so noisy? What’s going on?”
“There’s something all right. A big something.”
Majuri’s eyes darted mischievously and she pointed at a certain spot.
“That one over there is taking a leave of absence.”
There stood a familiar man among a cluster of children surrounding him.
“Are you really planning to take a leave of absence?”
“Whatever for? Think it over. It’s better to graduate sooner, as you have good grades.”
“Don’t. Hey, Chang-hyun, let’s graduate together.”
The man’s name was Seo Chang-hyun.
With his handsome looks, excellent character, and consistently high marks, he had monopolized the love and attention of countless agents since his enrollment due to his remarkable healing abilities.
“Thank you for your concern. I’ve always wanted to go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and this might be the only chance I’ll ever get.”
The children nodded in agreement upon hearing Seo Chang-hyun’s statement about the pilgrimage.
If anyone else had said they were going on a pilgrimage, people would probably respond with “Are you drunk?” and demand a breathalyzer test. However, Seo Chang-hyun, famous for his devoutness, was an exception.
After all, Seo Chang-hyun was well-known for not compromising on matters related to the deity.
Still, for all the love Seo Chang-hyun received from everyone, Majuri surprisingly disliked him for some reason.
“Well, this is the best news I’ve heard lately.”
“Being a paladin, you strangely dislike Chang-hyun too. Don’t people with the faith usually get along well?”
“It’s true, but… ah, never mind. There’s just something unsettling about him. I don’t like it.”
Since her best friend felt this way, Kim Ha-ni had little interaction with Seo Chang-hyun. Even when their paths crossed during a kingmaker operation where they began to exchange greetings, that was pretty much the extent of it.
After that, despite Chang-hyun’s repeated invitations to share meals, they ended up being cut off by Majuri, and the matter was left unresolved.
“Hey, he’s greeting you.”
From a distance, Chang-hyun waves. Kim Ha-ni awkwardly waves back and forces a small smile.
After a moment, Seo Chang-hyun leaves the room, closing the door behind him.
The cross earring on his shoe heel catches Kim Ha-ni’s eye.
A few days later.
Seo Chang-hyun, who announced he would go on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, was seen instead in the lobby of a hotel in central Seoul.
He appeared dressed as a hotel cleaning staff and had just exited the elevator.
The moment he stepped out, he activated the artifact embedded in the heel of his shoes.
Anti Field (Anit Field)
Now, all detection devices, including CCTV, had been neutralized.
It was easy. Too easy. So easy that it almost brought yawns.
But it was work for Him.
There could be no room for carelessness.
With a serious expression, Seo Chang-hyun pushed the cart forward.
Sleek sleigh movement. Step by step, he recalled the responsibility that had been entrusted to him.
“Name: Chandler Murray, age 21, the fourth son of the Chandler family. There are rumors of him being a b*stard.”
“Due to his eccentric attitude and unlikable appearance, he is disliked by all. From his past record, it’s understandable that he deserves condemnation.”
“No talent in physical, magical, or mental abilities—below the standard in everything. However, there’s just one thing: Chandler’s bloodline inheritance, ‘Ice Shift,’ which he employs with great skill. This is why the Chandler family hasn’t abandoned him.”
The overall evaluation:
“Recycling prohibited waste.”
Though Chang-hyun personally disliked the idea of offering this waste as a ‘sacrifice’ for redemption, yet who could defy His will?
In His infinite compassion, who embraces all, even such foul and useless waste, He still grants an opportunity to repent, allowing this waste to become an offering for redemption in the end.
Ah, so merciful.
Ah, so gracious.
Even Your humble servant bows in awe today.
Chang-hyun arrived at the door containing the target.
He knocked. A curse was heard in response—F-word, S-words, or words from across the sea filled the air.
A moment later, the door opened, and Murray appeared with a dizzying stench of alcohol.
“What is it?”
At that moment, a dazzling light enveloped the area.
Sacred Spell: Ecstasy
Bang!
Chandler Murray collapsed.
His alcohol-soaked brain was too overwhelmed by the mental magic, causing him to lose consciousness instantly.
Seo Chang-hyun looked at the heap on the floor.
It was grotesque. Truly fitting for garbage. Every aspect revealed how indolent a life he had led.
And yet, even to this waste, He offers mercy.
“May His mercy reach you.”
All is according to His will…
And thus, Chandler Murray disappeared without a trace.
Today was the appointed day to meet Yggdrasil.
I arrived early at ‘The Forest of Wisdom.’
“Welcome, Ki-hyuk. What kind of tea would you like?”
“Anything is fine.”
The purpose of today’s meeting was to address Yggdrasil’s request.
Manage the unexpected actions of the American exchange group.
Plainly put, it meant to clean up after the troublemakers, and I had come here to provide a brief update on the progress.
By the way, there were also some separate requests I intended to make.
“I was curious about how you managed the exchange group, but capturing William and Rosaria and adjusting variables was truly unexpected.”
“From my perspective, it’s perfectly normal.”
Even if Yggdrasil asked me to monitor kids day by day, I couldn’t do that, right? I have some dignity myself, so I couldn’t let it come to that.
“Anyway, I only do this because there are only two people, Noll, and others worth paying attention to.”
“Looking at it differently, those two are quite capable?”
“Yes, quite.”
“Hmm~ That’s a very high evaluation.”
Yggdrasil is one of the few beings who knows a little bit about my abilities.
She knows all too well how high my standards are.
Calling someone ‘capable’ is a very generous compliment for me.
“I admit I was surprised at first when the assault incident happened. I thought it would be a big deal, but you turned it into a situation where restraints were applied. Honestly, there’s no telling what you’re capable of.”
“To be clear, that was just good fortune.”
“Yes, I know. That happened while you were escorting Miss Yoo, right?”
“Escort? No, it was more like I was dragged along.”
“Hmm~. The two of you still get along well, don’t you? It’s such a relief. If I may express a personal wish, I really hope the two of you will marry someday. It’s been my dream to witness the fruits of Jin-ryong and the Sword Master’s union. Just imagining it is intoxicating.”
“Where’s this sudden acceleration coming from? Hey, snap out of it.”
In truth, what was supposed to be a report turned out to be a rather normal conversation.
We don’t have a formal superior and subordinate relationship, so this level of conversation is enough.
To be honest, Yggdrasil enjoys casual talks like this. She spends a lot of time alone, so I suppose she likes to talk beyond the ordinary.
“His methods were truly impressive, handling that young man, Christopher William.”
“Handling? Nothing fancy, just beat him up. Didn’t I mention earlier that I’m using the Academy Gate so you can watch?”
“Not at all. Every day, it’s a spectacle that leaves no room for screams. If I recall correctly, Koreans call it ‘a perfect beat.’ Quite an appropriate term.”
“Sure, but it’s tiresome. Fighting every day is no easy task.”
“But you seem to be enjoying it a bit too much for it to be just that.”
“Well, the sensation of hitting something is surprisingly satisfying.”
At that moment, Yggdrasil clapped her hands, suddenly remembering something.
“Ah! May I ask a question?”
“Sure, go ahead.”
“What about that black Skeleton? What exactly is it that has been advancing so rapidly?”
“Ah, it ‘awoke to love.'”
“Love?”
“Yes, love.”
Love. The thing I’m currently most curious about.
Affection, care, dialogue, and understanding.
I’ve been trying countless methods, none of which I’ve tried before, to give love to the Skeletons. And it’s unexpectedly interesting.
In return, the Skeletons seem to be growing lushly, like they’re answering my affection.
I wonder if it’s the power of love.
Of course, when Mother saw it, she sighed and said something like “Ki-hyuk, that’s not right.”
Regardless, the Skeletons continue to exceed my imagination every day.
They’ve gotten faster, stronger.
Anyone who doesn’t know might not even see them as Skeletons but as Skeleton Warriors or d*ath Knights – superior summoned creatures. That’s how I cautiously predict their growth.
“Finally, I see why the spirits were powerless and crumbled. This progress is amazing, Ki-hyuk.”
“It’s nothing much.”
“But still…”
Actually, there was no need to mention the William side. As I mentioned earlier, Yggdrasil could watch whenever she wanted.
Perhaps the true topic was this next part.
“How did you manage Rosaria? She seems to be chasing you around nonstop nowadays, doesn’t she?”
“Not managed. She was furious.”
Rosaria, who kept coming to me due to the artificial spirit stones.
She understood the magic known as Alpha Gear as her own exclusive magic and abruptly stopped visiting.
She had satisfied her curiosity.
But within three days, she was back chasing me again.
Because my body was producing “Alpha Gear.”
“…Alpha Gear? The Alpha Gear I know? What exactly happened? Could you explain more?”
“There’s a long story.”
“Quickly, please. I’m curious.”
“Alright, if you insist.”
Here’s the situation.
While teaching about innate magic, I accepted Victor’s blueprints and discovered it wasn’t the blank cheque I expected but a mere scrap of useless paper.
Realizing I had been duped, I shook with rage.
To think that brat could take advantage of this situation… that night I was too angry to sleep.
So I decided to get serious for a moment.
I genuinely sold the Victor blueprints.
She must have been absolutely certain that she’d gain nothing from those blueprints.
But who am I?
The Demon Lord.
Back in the imperial era, there was no magic I didn’t know and no magic I couldn’t manifest. I was the closest any mage ever came to the ultimate truth of all magic.
And that’s me you’re talking to.
And then what? Alpha Gear?
Pathetic.
Daring to bring that in front of me, huh?
I dismantled the entire blueprint, extracted only the core, and designed an overwhelmingly superior Alpha Gear beyond any comparison to Victor’s mere toy.
The design, perfected after three sleepless days and nights.
Not like a golem-like remote-control device, nor like a boarding machine like War Armor.
It was the world’s first concept of the new Alpha Gear.
In short, a ‘Physicalized Innate Magic.’
Frankly, I was a bit surprised.
It’s too great a product to have been born from mere rage about losing to a kid.
That’s why maybe my greed got the better of me.
While raising the specs, and raising them even more, I lost control – resulting in a machine with power enough to pierce the universe, but proportionately astronomical costs.
Throughout my life so far, I’ve never cared about research funds, but this number with endless zeros was absurdly bizarre even to me.
I had to admit, it was way over the top, even for me.
I should have acted more temperately in my anger and not gotten so worked up over a kid. I even felt a bit of self-loathing.
Even so, I tried downgrading the design and making it, as the finished product would have been too valuable to waste.
But then who shows up—Jin Yu-ri.
She studied the design thoroughly and then abruptly said,
“Let Ki-hyuk do whatever he wants.”
And went back to her home, the Jinlong Mountain.
Then, the next day I was summoned to Jinlong Mountain, specifically to Yoo Hae-ryun.
“Let our son do whatever he wants.”
Hearing those words sent shivers down my spine.
Geez, two Jin Yu-ris!
Not even Jin Do-ha, who should have stopped the madness, failed to intervene.
“Proceed with the project.”
Thus began the ‘Physicalized Innate Magic’ project.
Also known as the ‘Dragon Armor Project’.
*
Park Ki-hyuk left the Forest of Wisdom and headed toward the parking lot.
“I thought it would be hard, but it worked.”
“Hmm… incredible. Magnificent. The Dragon Armor, the advanced Alpha Gear… I’d really love to see it. Actually, if possible, I’d even like to participate. Truly, may I take part in it? It would be an honor!”
“Not so fast. Did you just ask for the roots? My roots? You’re talking about the roots of the World Tree? Are you asking for those? …Ki-hyuk, are you going crazy?”
“Gigant is drooling… Seriously, let’s discuss it.”
The roots of the World Tree.
A top-grade artifact material known for its exceptional mana conductivity beyond conventional rules.
The dream material of all magical engineers has come into Park Ki-hyuk’s hands.
“With this, we’ve passed the biggest hurdle.”
Of course, the road ahead is still long, but that’s part of the process. Isn’t every step rewarding? Park Ki-hyuk grinned and pressed the accelerator happily.
However, they say luck and misfortune always come hand in hand.
A phone call instantly erased Park Ki-hyuk’s smile.
“Ki-hyuk, it’s your older brother…”
The call dropped.
The car’s speed surged abruptly.
As if the brakes had failed…
