Chapter 237: Battlefront. (7)

After informing the campsite beforehand.

I entered the depths of the forest, which was full of monsters.

Just counting the number of monsters I’ve killed over the past year would be enough to fill this forest completely, but…

Today, hunting wasn’t the objective.

“…Found it.”

I walked for a long time, killing monsters I encountered along the way.

Finally, I discovered what I was looking for.

A small, rift-like tear spread open in the air.

‘That makes six.’

If anyone saw it, it had the exact same shape as what they’d call a ‘Demonic Mirror Gate’, but…

The color was different.

A very deep, murky, dark black.

It was a completely different color from the Demonic Mirror Gates I had seen so far, and the aura it exuded was far more sinister.

Furthermore, this rift doesn’t spew out monsters.

It just floats there in the air.

Staring at such a rift, I slowly reached out my hand.

My fingertips, approaching calmly, penetrated the rift far too easily.

Seeing the rift accept my hand as if it had been waiting, I recalled…

The first time I saw this rift.

When I first discovered this rift, it was right after I had arrived at the Frontline, and…

Gu Huibi brought me here, saying she had something to show me.

It didn’t emit monsters.

It didn’t expand or grow larger.

It was just a rift floating in the air, but…

I could tell.

That this wasn’t a rift, but a fragment.

[Kkeureureung…!]

As I put my hand into the rift, it reacted as if it had been waiting.

Though I couldn’t see it, it felt like it was wagging its tail in excitement.

‘Calm down, I’ll feed you even if you don’t act like this.’

No sooner had I finished speaking.

Kkeudeudeudeuk-!

The rift began to distort.

It looked like it was drawing circuits and being sucked into my hand.

I could feel it.

The energy surging up my arm being drawn into my dantian, even deeper than that.

Ajjak ajjak.

I could feel the entity chewing and swallowing the energy that came in.

‘You sure stuff your face, don’t you? After eating so much yesterday.’

As the entity swallowed the energy.

I felt another fragment being filled in a part of my middle dantian.

“…Hoo.”

At best, it’s a very small fragment.

I can’t even use this as energy.

I’ve tried various things, but the result was always the same.

Still, the reason I’m rummaging through the Frontline, searching for rifts and dealing with them like this is…

‘Because the entity inside wants it.’

The entity within my body constantly informs me of the locations of these rifts, and…

It wants me to find them and devour them like this.

‘Though I don’t know what this is for.’

Why these rifts are occurring on the Frontline.

I can’t know in detail what these rifts signify.

Did something like this exist in my past life?

I rack my brain, but nothing comes to mind.

I’d never even heard of black rifts.

I suspected it might be something that appeared due to my regression.

I also felt like I wanted to avoid it if possible, thinking it might be a dangerous situation, but…

I couldn’t help it.

[Con…tract….]

‘I know.’

Because that was the promise I made with the entity.

“I know, that’s why I’m feeding you so diligently. Don’t rush me.”

[Kkeureung…. ]

“And hurry up and release Noyah. Time’s almost up anyway.”

[Kkeureung…? ]

“You damn beast. Pretending to be stupid only when it suits you.”

I wanted to say more, but perhaps knowing it would just lead to nagging, the entity pretended not to hear and hid.

It was obvious it wouldn’t show up again for a while like this.

“…Sigh.”

I skipped my own meal to feed this guy.

The way I was treated was dog-like.

“Just you wait until you show up later.”

Knowing I wouldn’t get a reply, I spoke anyway.

And started walking towards the barracks.

When I returned, I had to meet Moyong Hi-ah,

and go find Gu Huibi with Namgung Bi-ah.

It was almost our turn for duty, meaning Namgung Bi-ah and I had to go into the central area together.

Just as I was about to leap towards the barracks.

-Kkeueuak… Ahak!

“Hmm?”

A scream echoed from somewhere.

---

Ppaak!

At the edge where the flatland transitioned into the forest.

Someone was lying down, being beaten.

“How dare you scream?”

Judging by the dark yellow martial arts uniform they were wearing and their large builds…

These were martial artists from the Hwangbo family.

“Kkeureureuk… Keuk.”

Moreover, the one lying on the ground receiving a thorough beating also seemed to be a Hwangbo family martial artist, but…

Unlike those surrounding him, his movements were small and his frame looked thin.

A man who was tormenting the young man spoke with a smirk.

“You’re screaming without the master’s permission. Do you think anyone will help you just because you do?”

“I… I was wrong….”

“No, it’s not your fault. It’s my fault for not educating you properly.”

Pahk!

“Kkeuak!”

Hit in the stomach by the man’s kick, the young man couldn’t hold back another scream.

“Didn’t I, Hwangbo-ga, tell you one more time not to scream? Yet you still scream.”

“…Heugeuk….”

“Or perhaps, you think we’re equals just because we share the Hwangbo surname?”

“N-no…. How could I possibly think that….”

“If not, then why don’t you listen….”

Kkilkkil!

As the man spoke, full of mockery.

Another young man watching from behind had a displeased expression.

‘…I should stop him.’

The young man passively watching the man’s violence…

Was none other than Hwangbo Cheol-wi.

And the one committing the violence was Hwangbo Cheol-wi’s older brother, Hwangbo Cheok.

Unlike Hwangbo Cheol-wi, who had only just begun to be recognized as a late-stage cultivator,

Hwangbo Cheok was a recognized martial artist in the Central Plains.

Hwangbo Cheok, who had been nudging the fallen person with his foot, turned his head towards Hwangbo Cheol-wi, who was watching.

“Younger brother.”

“…Yes, Brother-nim.”

“I’ve had enough for now, but do you want to have a go too?”

At Hwangbo Cheok’s words, Hwangbo Cheol-wi examined the fallen person.

The groaning young man was from a collateral branch of the Hwangbo family,

and among them, he was the weakest, having inherited the least amount of blood.

Hwangbo Seon.

The young man’s name was Hwangbo Seon.

“…I’m fine.”

“Hm?”

“It would be troublesome if others noticed, so I’ll take care of that collateral brat myself….”

“Younger brother.”

Hwangbo Cheok’s thick hand grasped Hwangbo Cheol-wi’s shoulder.

“Brother-nim…?”

Meeting Hwangbo Cheok’s gaze, Hwangbo Cheol-wi felt his shoulder tense slightly.

“You’ve been acting strange lately. It’s like you care about that collateral brat.”

“What are you talking about? Why would I care about a nobody like him?”

“That’s what I’m asking. Why?”

It was probably around two years ago.

Since Hwangbo Cheol-wi returned to his family estate after finishing the Dragon-Phoenix Gathering.

For some reason, Hwangbo Cheol-wi stopped looking down on and tormenting the collateral members,

and stopped boasting proudly about his own family estate.

Unbeknownst to him, Hwangbo Cheok didn’t like that.

Even though he was born with the glorious blood of the main family.

His younger brother had become so weak.

“Younger brother.”

“Yes, Brother-nim….”

“We need to settle this properly this time.”

“Huh?”

“Your attitude doesn’t quite fit our Hwangbo family, and I really don’t like it.”

“What are you talking….”

“Crush this guy’s legs.”

“…!”

Hwangbo Cheol-wi’s eyes widened at Hwangbo Cheok’s words.

He hadn’t expected Hwangbo Cheok to say something like that.

“Brother-nim…. This is the territory of the Alliance.”

“I know. Do you think I don’t know that?”

“But why….”

“Hah.”

Hwangbo Cheok let out a hollow laugh at Hwangbo Cheol-wi’s words.

His younger brother’s worries seemed trivial and pointless.

“Do you really think the Alliance would care if we just broke the legs of some collateral brat?”

“But…!”

“The reason we haven’t touched him until now was because the Family Head was watching. But that doesn’t matter anymore, does it?”

“Brother-nim…. Are you saying….”

The Hwangbo family head’s prime had passed,

and Hwangbo Cheok might soon become the Young Family Head, meaning he wouldn’t have to watch his back for things like this anymore.

“He’s useless anyway. Since it’s come to this, it’d be perfect to use him for your mental health, younger brother.”

“…”

At Hwangbo Cheok’s words, Hwangbo Cheol-wi had to swallow nervously.

The madness glinting in his brother’s eyes was undeniably intense.

‘…How did it come to this.’

As he thought this, Hwangbo Cheol-wi bit his lip.

It probably wasn’t a sudden feeling.

He just hadn’t realized it, though he knew.

Because he himself was likely no different from his brother.

“…Brother-nim, even so, this is….”

“What the? Why is this guy here?”

Hwangbo Cheol-wi, who was trying to speak, flinched in surprise and stepped back.

Because an unfamiliar voice had interjected.

Not just Hwangbo Cheol-wi.

But also the Hwangbo family martial artists surrounding them.

Because none of them had sensed anyone approaching until the voice cut in.

Caught off guard by the sudden situation, Hwangbo Cheok raised his fighting spirit and asked:

“Who the hell are you….”

Hwangbo Cheok asked, flustered.

The intervening young man, paying them no mind, approached Hwangbo Seon, who was lying on the ground, and checked his body.

His attitude showed he wasn’t paying the surrounding martial artists any attention at all.

“You beat him up pretty bad. And stupidly, too. This will be obvious and impossible to clean up… Seriously.”

“You bastard…! I asked who you are!”

Hwangbo Cheok reached out and grabbed the young man’s shoulder.

He seemed to be trying to lift the young man.

“…!”

Surprisingly, he couldn’t lift him.

The young man’s body seemed glued to the ground, refusing to budge.

‘…This guy…?’

This was the strength of a member of the Hwangbo family, known for their martial prowess and imposing physique.

To not move even an inch despite exerting so much force…

Just as Hwangbo Cheok, hiding his panic, was about to channel more internal energy…

The young man’s head turned towards Hwangbo Cheok.

“Hey.”

“…Wha!”

As the young man turned his head.

Hwangbo Cheol-wi, who saw his face at the same time, inwardly gasped.

It was a face he knew well.

There couldn’t possibly be two such fierce-looking faces in the world.

However, Hwangbo Cheok, seemingly unaware, scowled fiercely.

“Hah, you crazy bastard. Looks like you don’t know who I am.”

Perhaps thinking him an insignificant nobody who didn’t know his place.

Hwangbo Cheok pondered what to do with this guy, but…

Before that, the young man spoke to Hwangbo Cheok.

“Five.”

“What?”

“You’d better let go within five seconds. I’m not in a good mood right now, so I can’t afford to be nice.”

Hwangbo Cheok’s lips curled up at the young man’s words.

Because they were laughable.

“What do you plan to do if I don’t let go?”

“One.”

“Are you thinking of doing something to me, Hwangbo Cheok of the Hwangbo family?”

“Two.”

“I don’t know what trickery you’ve used, but do you really think a nobody like you could even brush the collar of Hwangbo Cheok? Pathetic… Unfortunately for you, you’re going to die here today….”

“Three.”

Udeudeuk!

“Kkeuk…!?”

Along with the sound of something breaking.

Hwangbo Cheok’s arm, which had been gripping the young man’s shoulder, twisted unnaturally.

Even though he had channeled internal energy into his body.

The young man had twisted it effortlessly, as if handling clay.

“Y-you…!”

Seeing his twisted arm, Hwangbo Cheok immediately growled, but…

Kwa-deuk-!

Kung!

In an instant, his knees buckled, and Hwangbo Cheok’s massive body collapsed, changing his position to looking up at the young man.

…What just happened?

Hwangbo Cheok had no idea what had happened to him.

It happened in just a flash.

By the time Hwangbo Cheok realized it, his knees were already on the ground.

Facing Hwangbo Cheok, whose pupils were wildly dilated, the young man spoke curtly.

“This is why you shouldn’t talk to beasts like them. There’s a good method called conversation, but they resort to force first. Fucking annoying.”

His voice, seemingly nonchalant yet thick with killing intent, exuded an overwhelming presence.

Meanwhile, Hwangbo Cheol-wi, watching from behind, was trying to calm his trembling heart.

‘The, the True Dragon.’

Recalling the young man’s identity.

The True Dragon.

One of the Six Dragons and Three Peaks,

and rumored to be a disciple of the Hegemon King.

Furthermore, the monster who had defeated him in a single blow and won the martial arts tournament stood right there.

Why on earth was he here?

But there was one question that bothered him even more.

‘B-but why…?’

More than his own brother kneeling on both knees.

More than the True Dragon of the Gu family being here.

‘…He said five, but only counted to three?’

Hwangbo Cheol-wi was most curious about that part.