<The Demon Lord of the Swordsmanship Family, Chapter 93>
Squelch, squelch.
Chopped ingredients were poured into a large rubber basin.
“Hey, Sister Hyesook. Are you done with the seasoning? Can you give it to me?”
“Yes, Sister Miryung.”
Lim Miryung tasted the seasoning a woman handed her, and the woman watched Lim Miryung anxiously.
” Hmm, this won’t do…”
“What’s wrong? Is it strange? Does it taste bad?”
“Yes, it’s serious.”
Lim Miryung said with a serious expression.
“Seriously delicious. Soon, Sister Hyesook, you’ll be giving up your voluntary work and opening a kimchi business instead.”
“Dear, Sister Miryung…”
“Indeed, Hyesook has great hands.”
“She might become the president of a kimchi company.”
“Why are you all teasing me!?”
Kak kak kak, laughter burst out.
If there wasn’t a bit of fun amidst the arduous volunteer work, how could anyone enjoy it? Everyone turned into chatterboxes, laughing and joking, brightening up the atmosphere quickly.
Just as everyone was bursting with laughter, a man appeared in the distance carrying a large rubber basin.
“Goodness? Isn’t that Sister Miryung’s nephew?”
“What a fine man. So handsome.”
“Just handsome? He’s kind, intelligent, and respects his aunt. Where can you find such people these days? If only I had a daughter, I’d arrange a marriage proposal.”
Lim Miryung approached the man while humbly brushing off the compliments.
“What brings you here?”
“I missed Aunt.”
“Could you have called first? Have you eaten?”
Goodness, goodness! Look at how he takes care of his aunt – so admirable, Sister Miryung.
While enduring the semi-teasing from people around, Lim Miryung and her nephew settled down in a corner.
At that moment, a magical barrier enveloped the two of them.
Instantly revealed magic.
Beyond simply blocking sound, it was an illusionary magic of disturbance that presented a set scene and script.
“I greet the High Priest.”
Indeed, the nephew’s true identity was Seo Chang-hyun.
In Celutis, he was known by the name ‘Emil,’ Lim Miryung’s hidden sword.
“I apologize. Though I intended not to approach during ‘The Time of Conversion,’ the situation is urgent.”
“What are you saying, brother. How could converting those ignorant beasts ever be more important than you? Do not ever think that way.”
“Thank you, High Priest.”
“So, what’s the urgent matter?”
“Bad news has come. The ‘army’ appears to be moving soon.”
“…”
The current strength of Celutis is concentrated in the north, in the gate-dense area.
They were hiding and developing their abilities under the shadow of these concentrated gates, while the Investigation Team used the gates to disperse their forces, wary of incurring excessive damage.
This strange structure had caused the current front lines to solidify, which was exactly what Celutis, who needed time, had desired.
But now the army is coming?
The army guarding the border that stretches from the Yalu River to the Tumen River.
It wasn’t that they lacked strength to move—it was simply because guarding the border was deemed more important, and thus they acted as if overlooking the situation.
The moment the army descends, this unstable equilibrium will be shattered, without a doubt.
Yet, Lim Miryung’s face showed an almost excessive calmness as she responded, as if she had expected this.
“It might happen. We’ve been making little to no trouble after all. Isn’t it natural for the foolish heretics to come after us with fire in their eyes? They must see us as delectable prey, like chicken or instant noodles. Do instant noodles seem somewhat vulgar? Hmm…”
“…”
“Truthfully, though I was surprised by their faster-than-expected response, our anticipated outcome seems to have materialized. Isn’t that right?”
“Yes.”
“Then it’s settled. The end. This story isn’t important, so let’s close the book on it. Rather, tell me about that other thing we discussed before.”
“To what are you referring…?”
“Turning the bloodline into food.”
“Ah, it’s proceeding smoothly.”
“The bloodline is copied to serve as food for ‘Salvation.’ What a marvelously brilliant idea that was, brother.”
“You flatter too generously.”
“How could anyone have foreseen that the research of those inferior heretics who believed in the theory of evolution would prove so useful? In moments like this, it feels like Our Lord is watching over us at all times and places.”
Lim Miryung sighed in admiration and made the Sign of the Cross, offering a short prayer.
“Because of this, I hear the construction of the ‘Temple’ is progressing well, so Brother, your contribution is immense. Speaking of which, how’s the ‘Temple’ coming along?”
“Do not worry. Everything is going according to His will.”
“According to His will… truly a wonderful saying, isn’t it? Please, Priest Emil, pay particular attention to it. There should be no mistakes, not even with a single brick.”
“Yes, I shall remember.”
The conversation was at an end.
Given what was revealed during the illusion spell, it was indeed a surprisingly simple dialogue.
Lim Miryung put her rubber gloves back on and reached into the kimchi making.
But for some reason, Seo Chang-hyun wouldn’t get up.
Lim Miryung looked at him with a questioning eye, as his lips seemed to be quivering as if he wanted to say something.
“Brother, do you have more to say?”
Speak freely, you’re given permission. With great difficulty, Seo Chang-hyun opened his lips.
“Th-the time is too short.”
“Huh? What are you saying?”
“The government’s intervention is much too fast.”
“Yes, ‘Gate Reboot’, was an unexpectedly aggressive response.”
“Yes, and communication with Harbin isn’t smooth either. Though uncertain, it seems there’s a force or organization secretly cutting off our arms and legs.”
“Hmm, we can’t have any interruptions in the magic gem supply.”
“Currently, we are maintaining the front line but… realistically, this is the best we can do. This way, there wouldn’t even be enough time to secure a retreat.”
“Huh? Retreat? Would that be a problem?”
“Uh?”
“If there’s no time, then let’s all go into Our Lord’s embrace together.”
“…!”
A statement said as though it was obvious, delivered casually.
Right now, Lim Miryung is prepared for martyrdom. The martyrdom of everyone in the Korean branch, including herself.
Lim Miryung smiled faintly as she looked toward Seo Chang-hyun.
“Surely, Brother isn’t afraid of d*ath, are you?”
“I’m not afraid.”
“I believe you. Because you’re Priest Emil, right? So, don’t bother securing a retreat and focus on the ‘Temple’. That is His will, isn’t it?”
Still, Miryung tilted her head and continued.
“By the way, am I mistaken? Didn’t I clearly say before that if there’s no time, we needn’t bother with securing a retreat?”
“Yes, you did.”
“If so, why was our Brother doing something unnecessary like that? Surely Priest Emil isn’t lacking faith, or maybe not? It’s a little curious.”
“That’s…”
It doesn’t matter for anyone else. Not Brother, Sister, or even Seo Chang-hyun himself. But Miryung, the High Priest, must be safe.
That’s why…
“Could it be because of me, Brother?”
“…”
“Hoooomph, Brother… no, Priest ‘Emil’.”
Lim Miryung is Seo Chang-hyun’s mentor after all.
Because she reached out towards him in the pitch-black hell, giving him a new life named ‘Emil.’
“Emil Priest.”
“Yes, High Priest.”
“We are… slaves who follow His will. A slave’s virtue is ‘obedience’. If He wishes for d*ath, we must humbly present our hearts out of joy.”
Whether it’s you, me, or all of us, we are His slaves.
Thus, as His slaves…
“Obey.”
Don’t think, don’t doubt.
Obey.
Even if the end of this path is destruction, obey Him with joy.
“As He wills.”
“As He wills.”
At this moment, false faith was rampaging.
A few days later.
Flower Garden Kindergarten.
Park Bom sat sadly.
“I miss Daddy…”
On holidays, her dad always came, but this time for the holiday, he didn’t.
They had agreed to play with dolls, made a promise on their pinky fingers, and even Captain Tiger was ready…
“Huh, huh…”
Uncle Tiger taught her “Sword Dance,” instead, but it wasn’t as fun as playing with Dad.
Uncle Tiger said that Dad went to catch bad people, but Bom dislikes bad people. When she grows up, she’ll scold them.
Thinking more about Dad made her miss him more.
Mong-mong, Park Bom’s eyes began to feel warm.
“Hyying, Daddy…”
Though she knows it’s not good for a kind older sister to cry, she said to Berrie: “Sorry, Berrie, I guess I’m a bad sister. Sorry.”
Waal! The floodgates broke, and she started bawling.
“Huh-geuk! Daddy!”
She buried her face in her knees.
Huh-geuk, her sorrowful cries captured the attention of the children nearby, who gathered around her.
At that moment, from far away, someone rushed hoarsely.
“Get away!!”
The self-proclaimed best friend of Bom, Lim Hyun-ji arrived.
Hyun-ji slid in front of Bom, arms wide open as if protecting Bom from potential attackers.
“Who is it!? Who made our Bom cry? Is it you Min-gi? Or is it you Chang-hyun!?”
They’re a famous pair in the kindergarten.
They’ve eaten five servings of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) together, a true bond sealed with tteokbokki.
Whoever made our precious Bom cry would not be forgiven!
Hyun-ji glared fiercely, ready to pounce.
Fortunately, Bom calmed Hyun-ji’s excitement, and the little commotion was settled.
Time passed, kindergarten ended, and the person who came to pick up Bom that day was…
Gift Auntie, Merhem.
“Bom, did you have a good class?”
“Uh-huh…”
“Uh-huh? Why are you so hesitant? And why are you so down?”
At this moment, Hyun-ji chimed in.
“Sister, Bom cried!”
“Goodness? Bom cried? Why did you cry?”
As Merhem lifted Bom to ask, Bom silently buried her face in Merhem’s chest.
Seeing this, Merhem bitterly smiled and stroked Bom’s back.
‘You must be missing Ki-hyuk.’
Indeed, Bom, who until recently wasn’t apart from Park Ki-hyuk for even a moment, must be really missing her father, not having seen him for several weeks.
“Our grandfather, it doesn’t look good. We have to cheer up our Bom.”
“Ho ho ho. For relieving stress, there’s nothing better than shopping. I’ll prepare everything.”
“Will Hyun-ji also come with us?”
“Uh, I need to tell my mom.”
“Great-grandfather.”
“I will contact her.”
That day, a big spender arrived at the department store.
A big spender who bought everything he or she turned their eyes to.
Especially in the children’s section of the department store, every piece of clothing and every single toy was nearly wiped out.
There was one notable exception — the slightly faded “Captain Tiger” doll series was completely purchased.
That night, Bom’s wardrobe was filled with white princess dresses.
Next to it, various toy swords lined up neatly.
Among them, the most cherished one was a great sword resembling the ‘Demon’, gifted by her father.
A gift her father made from handle to the rest himself.
It’s also enchanted, so they say.
Bom placed the great sword by her pillow and lay down on her bed.
“Bericchi, come to your sister.”
“Meowww!”
Bom cradled Berrie in her arms, surrounded in the bed by mountains of Captain Tiger dolls.
Still.
“Hyying, Hyying.”
Bom was sad.
“Daddy, come quickly.”
Because to Bom, Daddy is the greatest.
Park Bom missed her father very much.
Shaking off the bl**d that clung to the demon, he tossed the corpse aside.
“d*mn bastards.”
He sits atop the pile of bodies, catching his breath. They’re annoying and keeping me from seeing Bom.
“d*mn, these bastards are a problem.”
Puhk!
He kicked the corpse that tripped him.
Sighing, he looked up at the night sky.
The crescent moon, shining brightly, filled his vision.
The more he stared, the more it reminded him of Bom’s smile.
Not to mention, the crescent moon isn’t the only thing. The half moon resembles Bom’s amazed mouth saying “Wow!” and the full moon mirrors Bom’s plump cheeks.
Summarizing all this, my mind is completely occupied by thoughts of my daughter right now.
“Ah, I miss Bom.”
Is Bom alright? Pleasant memories of times spent with Bom gently flow through his mind.
Just then, an unpleasant smell hit his nostrils.
Frowning, he swung his demon sword in a swift motion.
KWAAHNG!
Blocked sword energy.
The shadows revealed themselves as
Armed with shields of frost, Archangels emerged from the darkness.
