Ch.162162. Conviction

[Skills]

Camouflage: Hide your body using light.

[In transformation mode, you can focus the generated energy into the blade.]

There was only one thing I could do. Kill them, whether in the forest or anywhere else.

And now, I’ve caught the culprit.

[Gained 4 Monster Points!]

-Total Monster Points: 16

I don’t know its name, but it was the one protected by the ancient species. It must be an ancient species, as Junhu said.

“Didn’t I tell you? A surprise attack can deal a significant blow to your opponent.”

As long as there’s a hostage, fighting would put Junhu in danger from the aftermath.

Among the cards I have, I need to achieve a swift victory with the entity possessing the strongest penetration and cutting power. That’s exactly what I need to do.

It worked just now. Amid the delayed reactions of other monsters around, I released the transformation mode.

All that’s left is to take Junhu with me. That’s all I need.

As I rush toward Junhu in one breath, one monster seems to have the same idea as me.

But it can’t beat me in speed.

[Sub Card]

-High-Speed Propulsion

With the propulsion boost, I barely reached Junhu’s side.

However, the impact is causing Junhu’s body to roll toward the enemy.

The monster is suddenly in front of me as I turn my body.

My priority is protection.

I offer my arm to the enemy as I move into a defensive position.

I hear a clang as we collide, and I feel damage to my arm.

Wouldn’t it have been better to protect myself with the solid card itself since I’m defending anyway?

Just thinking about it. Making multiple considerations with a single judgment.

I immediately sliced the monster with my two blades.

No matter how good a monster’s specs are, fighting while thinking reduces losses.

I picked up Junhu and took flight.

To a place where they aren’t. As I ascended as slowly as possible, my vision caught something approaching at high speed.

I already know who it is, but too fast? It’s that man. Dokgo Jun appeared in my sight, bringing wind with him.

Yes, I had already told Seol Yuhwa to ask the White Dragon Guild for help.

[The voice told me. Tell the White Dragon Guild.]

Once they knew the location, I thought the White Dragon Guild would send help.

“Dokgo Jun himself is coming?”

A high-ranking person has appeared. I thought they’d send someone of lower rank.

No, is it because they’re targeting me?

Dokgo Jun’s movement paused momentarily, and a backdraft swept through. His gaze turned skyward and met mine.

He jumps.

He’s coming.

With that man’s jumping power, he can reach me. No, it would be strange if he couldn’t. This predator soars right below me.

He’s within attack range, but Dokgo Jun doesn’t swing. In that interval, I was able to safely move out of range.

He’s looking at Junhu, not me.

I silently dropped Junhu to him. Dokgo Jun is more trustworthy than anyone.

“This bastard! Dumping his work on me?”

Leaving Dokgo Jun falling behind, I fled.

The next day, I skipped class amid the physical pain that returned.

*

Dokgo Jun made contact with Seol Yuhwa.

“He’s here.”

“Junhu…!”

Yuhwa embraced her brother tightly, tears streaming down her face.

Beside them, Si Woojin was puzzled.

“But how did you know where they were hiding? When I went there, they were really there. It’s strange, isn’t it?”

As Seol Yuhwa hesitated at Woojin’s questioning, Lee Chaerin stepped in.

“If it’s something you can’t tell anyone, I’ll listen. Mr. Woojin? Could you step out for a moment?”

“Aren’t we both White Dragon Guild members?”

“Sometimes you need someone to open up to. Guild Master, you should leave too.”

“Ha, men are useless. Woojin, let’s go get some coffee.”

“How could I refuse?”

After the two left, Seol Yuhwa finally spoke about her brother’s ability.

“He says he hears voices occasionally.”

“Voices? A summoning spirit?”

“I thought so too, but it doesn’t show up in tests. Anyway, the voice seems to warn him about dangers in advance.”

Chaerin looked slightly surprised.

“Like a precognitive ability?”

“Based on speculation, yes. But it doesn’t show up in tests and doesn’t directly help. It’s just Junhu telling me what he hears.”

“So it told you about his kidnapping this time?”

Seol Yuhwa hesitated at this point. The truth was that Do Jonghyun had told her.

But Seol Yuhwa nodded in response to Chaerin’s question and was surprised at herself.

‘Why am I trying to hide this?’

It’s nothing special. Because he’s a close friend? Because she was panicking?

Because she couldn’t give her family confidence?

Various emotions swirled within her.

But more than anything, she didn’t want to tell others that Do Jonghyun had told her.

‘Why specifically Jonghyun?’

As complex emotions showed on her face, Chaerin stroked her forehead.

“That’s enough. In a way, the kidnapping might have been targeting that ability.”

“Yes… I think similarly.”

Chaerin called the two men back.

“I’ll only tell Woojin and myself about the voice. It’s something that needs protection.”

“Yes. Yes…”

When Chaerin mentioned the voice, Dokgo Jun and Si Woojin’s eyes widened.

Dokgo Jun pointed at Yuhwa.

“That’s an interesting power. It explains why they kidnapped him. Our White Dragon Guild will protect the child… No. Yuhwa, bring your entire family. If they’ve become targets, even family isn’t safe.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Chaerin, send some people to help with the move. We’ll relocate them to White Dragon Road.”

“Ah!”

Seol Yuhwa flinched momentarily, remembering the flaws she didn’t want to show.

But at that moment, Chaerin whispered.

“Don’t worry. Only the scout and I know. I’ll make sure it stays hidden.”

“Thank you.”

Si Woojin’s expression soured at their whispering.

“What are you two plotting in front of the Guild Master? Don’t want to join us?”

“It needs delicate handling, Mr. Woojin.”

Chaerin clicked her tongue as she spoke.

While feeling grateful, Seol Yuhwa carefully looked at Dokgo Jun.

“Guild Master. I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“You really hate monsters, don’t you?”

“Is there anyone who likes them? Don’t tell me you believe that nonsense about them helping people? A White Dragon Guild member shouldn’t have such a weak heart. They always strike at such psychological vulnerabilities.”

As Dokgo Jun approached menacingly, Chaerin intervened.

“That’s enough, stop. Yes, Yuhwa. You have more to say, right?”

“Yes. I understand your feelings about monsters, but was there a specific trigger? You have quite a hardline image.”

“…”

Dokgo Jun’s expression changed at the mention of a trigger.

“I don’t understand the intent of your question. Everyone has their reasons. Stop with the useless talk and prepare for the move.”

“Kyahaha. Hey, rookie, you know our Guild Master’s personality, so why ask? He’d split your head with his greatsword just for mentioning monsters. Just accept it as it is.”

Si Woojin patted her back and left. Seol Yuhwa knew well.

There was no point in asking, and hatred toward monsters was common.

Public opinion had shifted slightly recently due to monsters helping humans.

But generally, it’s natural to dislike them.

‘Why am I asking such questions?’

Though she pretended not to know, the name Do Jonghyun was already in her mind.

The reason she hadn’t told the White Dragon Guild was because with Dokgo Jun’s personality, it could become “dangerous evidence.”

‘An insect monster appeared and saved him?’

Only Do Jonghyun, herself, and the White Dragon Guild knew that location. So where did it come from?

‘No. It can’t be a monster. It just can’t be.’

Though doubts arose, she denied them. Her affiliated group couldn’t tolerate monsters. The lifeline she had just grasped could break.

The goal that Do Jonghyun had identified as her desire could crumble.

‘It can’t be.’

Seol Yuhwa could only cover her doubts with firm belief.

“Sis…”

“Yes?”

At that moment, Junhu stirred and regained consciousness. His dazed face revealed he wasn’t in a normal state.

‘Right. We need to go to the hospital…’

As Seol Yuhwa hurriedly tried to carry Junhu on her back:

“I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you… He said it was the fastest… way.”

“Junhu. It’s okay. No, it’s fine. You’re safe now, that’s what matters. You’ve been rescued.”

Tears were flowing from Seol Yuhwa’s eyes. Junhu painfully touched his sister’s hand.

“I’m glad… you’re safe…”

“Sis… always worries too much about us… The voice… is worried about that too…”

“Really? Tell him thank you.”

The two smiled at each other in relief.

*

Returning to school after two days, I sat weakly at my desk.

Transforming into an evolved form requires at least two days of rest. Even with various medicines and absorption, just attending class was a struggle.

“Ugh, my body aches all over.”

Though I managed to sit down, I anticipated a difficult day due to physical fatigue.

Even Ariel was concerned about me.

“Do Jonghyun. You look really sick. What have you been doing?”

“Just caught a cold maybe…”

“Then skip class. You’re not helping anyway.”

“Thanks for your concern.”

I must have looked really unwell, as she didn’t even attack me as usual.

At that moment, Seol Yuhwa’s voice rang out.

“Instructor. I think Jonghyun is sick.”

“Huh? Why are you saying that?”

As Ariel’s question went to the seat next to mine, a mocking voice was heard.

“I might be the cause. Making him work too hard.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I don’t have any obligation to tell you that, Ariel.”

“Huh?”

As Ariel’s eyes widened to twice their size, Eun Serin approached.

“Jonghyun?”

Eun Serin’s gaze met mine.

“Your face looks as weak as an old man’s. Well, it’s better to skip class when you’re sick. What hurts?”

“Huh? Just my body…”

Wait, Eun Serin is getting closer. Soon she’s close enough to kiss.

While I’m dazed, our foreheads touch.

“You don’t seem to have a fever.”

“…”

In my stunned state, Eun Serin straightens up.

Simultaneously, surprised voices speak up.

“Instructor. Isn’t that too close? What are you doing?”

“That’s right. Suddenly… it could cause misunderstandings.”

Though Ariel and Seol Yuhwa each spoke in surprise, Eun Serin didn’t budge.

“I was checking if he had a fever. Without a thermometer, the forehead is perfect. Do Jonghyun. Go to the infirmary.”

I don’t remember what happened after that. I was lying in the infirmary because I wasn’t feeling well.

Yes, days like this are necessary too. I rescued Junhu and learned new information.

The voice attached to Junhu is adult Junhu. It’s the post-regression Junhu who followed me.

He seems to be in a soul state after death, but now that we know each other, he can help if needed.

He said being separated for long periods is difficult, but even for a moment…

[Hyung, check the news channel right now.]

“Sure, Jun… Huh?”

I reflexively sat up. Check the news? Surely nothing could happen just because we caught some monster cult members?

I took out my phone and checked the news.

And before my eyes, entities resembling my various transformation forms were appearing.

They look similar to me but they’re not me. Is this their scheme?

Suddenly, a monster with my appearance was holding a person and glaring at them.

[Uh… T-these individuals are demanding that all monster heroes except themselves and White Dragon Guild Master Dokgo Jun come to NTS Broadcasting Station. W-within two hours. They say they’ll kill all the hostages if their demands aren’t met…]

NTS Broadcasting Station is our country’s national broadcaster.

As I searched for other articles, monsters were visible at the NTS Broadcasting Station in real-time.

[NTS Broadcasting Station Occupied! Emergency Situation!]

I was thrown into confusion about what was happening.