Chapter 596: Zhuge.

I entered the room with Shinui.

As soon as we stepped inside, Shinui frowned, looking around the room.

“The state of this room is a mess….”

Hearing that, I chuckled sheepishly.

Because, as Shinui said, the room was a total disaster.

The single lamp was somehow broken.

The table, the only piece of furniture, was split in half.

Last night.

It was because I couldn’t control my anger and broke various things.

I could have called a servant to clean it up when I left, but…

I didn’t bother.

It felt a bit awkward asking them to clean up something like this.

I reached out my hand.

Woong-! Energy surged from my fingertips, lifting the scattered debris one by one into the air.

I immediately recalled what Moyong Hi-ah had said yesterday.

‘Why are you using levitation in a place like this?’ she had said.

It might seem absurd to others, but…

Actually doing it, there was nothing more convenient.

Although it eats up my mana ridiculously, making the efficiency a bit lower.

After roughly cleaning the room, Shinui plopped down in an empty spot and said.

“I don’t need tea.”

“Well, I don’t have any tea to serve or a table to put it on.”

“…”

Of course, there wouldn’t be any tea in my room.

I receive many gifts from various places, but I don’t particularly carry such things around.

Not only do I not enjoy them, but it’s also a hassle.

“I have water. Shall I get you that?”

“…Sure.”

“Ah, I apologize. Come to think of it, I don’t have water either.”

“…”

I replied sheepishly.

I hadn’t even brought any drinking water into the room.

“Never mind… I didn’t come here for a drink anyway.”

“Yes.”

I considered looking for something, but Shinui’s words made me just sit down casually on the floor too.

Since there was nothing else to do, I got straight to the point.

“So, what were you saying earlier?”

“…”

When I asked, Shinui’s expression turned serious.

Seeing that, I thought.

‘He said something big would happen in Hanam soon.’

These were words I couldn’t just ignore.

“You said something would happen in Hanam?”

“Yes… I don’t know when, but probably not too far in the future….”

Shinui paused briefly before continuing to speak to me.

“Certain individuals will cause a major incident in Hanam.”

‘Certain individuals.’

“How do you know that?”

“They told me directly.”

They told Shinui directly?

Hearing that, I fell into thought for a moment.

‘He said he was going out briefly yesterday.’

Shinui’s outing yesterday.

And also.

‘He mentioned having someone to meet in Hanam.’

Was that related to this?

Someone Shinui, whom even the Alliance Leader couldn’t easily summon, would personally come to Hanam to meet.

Such a being…

“Why would they seek you out, an elder, to tell you such things?”

As I asked with confusion, Shinui’s eyes turned cold.

Shinui is a physician.

Why would they call out Shinui, a physician, to talk about an attack?

Just who are they, and what purpose do they have?

Such questions wouldn’t stop.

As I asked with a strange expression, Shinui answered me.

“It’s likely because I share the same bloodline as them.”

“…”

Hearing the answer, my eyes widened.

The same bloodline?

Does that mean…

‘Are they descendants of the Zhuge Clan?’

I thought it in my head without saying it aloud.

Shinui probably didn’t know that I knew about his surname yet.

‘Descendants of the Zhuge Clan are preparing to cause trouble in Hanam?’

Hearing this made my head ache.

‘This didn’t happen in my past life either.’

In my past life, there was no sudden appearance of the Zhuge Clan announcing they would do something.

Even when the genius named Zhuge Hyuk took the position of strategist for the Demonic Cult and began sweeping through the Central Plains.

Or when another person with the Zhuge surname stood against Zhuge Hyuk to clear their clan’s name.

There was absolutely no information about any other descendants of the Zhuge family appearing, excluding them.

Since I had experienced a past life, I knew that Shinui, Zhuge Hyuk, and even that bastard Ji-seon were of the Zhuge bloodline, but…

They were people who lived hiding their lineage and concealing their surname.

At this point, even the memory of whether such a surname existed had become hazy.

Yet, despite such circumstances…

‘…Forgotten specters have drawn their swords, seeking to reclaim their rightful place.’

How could such a thing happen?

Carefully controlling my expression, I asked Shinui.

“Just… what is the true identity of the bloodline you mentioned, elder?”

Hiding the fact that I already knew.

It was a question laced with doubt as to whether he would actually reveal the answer.

Then.

“A place that once used the surname Zhuge.”

“…!”

“I am a descendant of that place.”

Surprisingly, Shinui answered about his surname nonchalantly.

I thought he would at least try to hide it a little, but he just blurted it out so easily.

“Zhuge… if it’s Zhuge, could it be…”

I was surprised in a different sense, but thanks to that, it wasn’t hard to pretend to be surprised.

“Yes. The place you know.”

“…”

The Zhuge Clan.

A clan that, when called one of the Five Great Clans in the past, held an absolute position regarding formations and mechanisms.

It was safe to say that most formations and mechanisms in the Central Plains of that era were handled by the Zhuge Clan.

Their position was so solid and unique that people in the Central Plains believed the Zhuge Clan would endure even if other powers collapsed.

Ironically, the Zhuge Clan became the first to fall.

The reason for that is also well-known.

‘They worshipped the Blood Demon.’

The Blood Demon who caused a bloodbath and brought forth a storm of blood.

The Zhuge Clan secretly worshipped the Blood Demon, bypassing the Martial Alliance.

The Martial Alliance exposed their attempt to covet his power, leading to their swift downfall.

Not only was the clan devastated…

…but a kill order was issued against those bearing the Zhuge surname.

All direct descendants were killed, leaving no survivors.

It is said that the collateral relatives who managed to survive often lived in hiding, concealing their surname.

That is the Zhuge Clan of today.

No, it’s difficult to even call it a clan now.

Since they were all dismantled and disappeared, how can it be called a clan?

Recalling these facts, I looked at Shinui and asked.

“…Is it alright for you to tell me such things?”

“Why, do you intend to report it to the Alliance?”

“No, it’s not like I necessarily would. But maybe if I get desperate for money later, I might, right?”

“Hoho. What a reason, just like you.”

Shinui said that, laughing.

It felt quite like an insult.

“Never mind. If you can profit by selling this old man, then do so.”

“…I didn’t say I would definitely do it.”

“However, if you do, I hope you’ll at least look after Hyuk.”

“…”

He’s asking for the hardest thing. What a bother.

It would have been easier if he had threatened me not to say anything.

Holding back a sigh, I said to Shinui.

“So… the descendants of the Zhuge Clan are planning something, and you came here to ask me to join them. Is that roughly the intention?”

“That’s likely it.”

“How did you reply, elder?”

“What do you think I did?”

This old man. He keeps answering questions with questions.

“You must have refused, right?”

Still, he answered.

“Why?”

“Given your temperament… no, your personality, I thought so.”

I almost said ‘temperament’ without thinking.

This old man is quite prickly.

After managing to correct myself to ‘personality’, Shinui chuckled slightly.

“Yes… that’s right. I refused. I definitely said I wouldn’t get involved.”

“Yes.”

“I won’t get involved.” I definitely said that and left.

As Shinui spoke, his eyes grew darker.

“But it wasn’t easy.”

“So, you’ve brought this up, is that it?”

“Correct.”

“In that case, I don’t quite understand why you came specifically to me.”

Shinui clearly said he had a request for me.

And this was the topic he brought up.

I couldn’t understand it.

‘He must have many people around him.’

Right now, there’s Iljangro, even if he’s not entirely trustworthy.

There’s also Paejon, who must be in the same residence.

Even if not them, there must be others willing to move for Shinui.

Why me, of all people?

That was my question.

Hearing my doubts, Shinui…

“I’m not sure myself.”

He gave an even stranger answer.

“…What?”

“Why I came to you specifically. I really don’t know.”

Shinui looked genuinely perplexed.

“For some reason, it felt like it had to be you.”

“Is that the entirety of the reason…?”

“Yes. If you dislike it, tell me. I have no intention of forcing you.”

“…”

The reason is truly absurd.

He just came because he felt he had to ask me?

Why would he bring up such a major issue for such a ridiculous reason?

I wondered if Shinui had lost his mind, but…

“No… yes.”

It didn’t matter anyway.

“…For now, I’ll hear you out.”

Because I had no intention of refusing anyway.

The Zhuge family is plotting something in Hanam.

How could I possibly overlook this?

I couldn’t.

Besides, it was none other than me who was planning to cause an incident in Hanam.

And in that situation, the Zhuge family appears, intending to stir things up?

‘Well, well.’

It couldn’t be a more perfect situation.

Shinui seemed to be asking me to stop them, but…

As I listened, I thought.

‘Why should I?’

Why would I stop this golden opportunity?

Not a chance.

This is a great opportunity.

Especially in the current situation.

Shinui slowly began to speak.

Listening to him, I thought in my head.

How can I use this situation more to my advantage?

What I need to think about right now is.

Only that.

---

As night gradually began to fall.

An area a little distance away from Hanam.

A space located much further down.

In a secret location unknown to anyone, an old man was drinking alone.

Ttoruruk.

The liquor was poured generously into the glass.

The old man gripped it and downed it in one gulp.

He showed no sign of etiquette whatsoever.

He might have observed it in the past, but there was no need now.

After all, there was no one watching.

One glass, then two, then three.

As he kept swallowing, the bottle gradually emptied.

As the old man reached to pour the fourth glass, he suddenly thought, holding the bottle.

‘How much is left?’

How much liquor was left in this bottle?

And also.

How much longer until I break free from these shackles?

“Probably about the same.”

Not much time left, just like the liquor in the bottle.

Even that…

Jjoreureuk-.

Only a moment remains until it’s all poured out like this.

After pouring out the very last drop, he felt the bottle was completely empty.

He didn’t need snacks.

If he chewed over the past years, that would be his snack.

Setting down the empty bottle, the old man slowly raised his glass.

The liquor filling the glass.

It was like time itself.

Perhaps, if he drank it all, the time he longed for would arrive?

A trivial thought. The old man chuckled.

Just as he was slowly bringing the full glass to his lips…

“…”

The old man had to stop his moving hand.

Life returned to his vacant eyes, and his gaze sharpened.

The old man glared at the glass.

The liquor in the glass was subtly sloshing.

The moment the old man noticed this…

“G-Great Leader!”

Someone burst in from outside.

“It’s an attack…! Someone has attacked this place…!!”

“…”

The old man, hearing the urgent voice, put down the glass he was holding.

It seems…

“We have a guest.”

Despite the urgent words, the old man’s eyes were calm.

“The formation surrounding the entrance has been deactivated…! The guards rushed out, but… the opponent’s strength…!”

“Do not act rashly.”

At the old man’s chilling words, the man’s mouth snapped shut.

“It would be unsightly for our guest.”

“Great Leader…?”

“Prepare more liquor.”

The man’s eyes trembled, perhaps unable to comprehend the order.

An attack has occurred, and suddenly he wants more liquor?

This is not the time for that.

Just as he was about to dare convey this to the Great Leader…

“It seems we have a distinguished guest.”

Ttubeok-.

“…!”

At the sound from behind, the man’s body stiffened.

Simultaneously.

Whoooooo-! A gentle breeze blew through the passage.

The problem was…

This place was completely enclosed on all sides.

Meaning, it was terrain where wind shouldn’t be blowing.

Then, what on earth was this wind?

Ttubeok.

The footsteps grew progressively closer.

Leisurely and calm steps.

Ttubeok.

They sounded unusually loud.

Whooo.

The wind brushed past the man’s shoulder.

Was it an illusion? The man somehow felt the wind was heavy.

Cold sweat gradually trickled down his stiff body.

Whoooook-! Ppi-k! The gust of wind blew out all the torches attached to the wall.

Sudden darkness descended.

However, the darkness didn’t last long.

Hwaak-! Flames reignited on the wall where the torches had been.

However, they were markedly different from the original flames.

They glowed purple.

For some reason, the flames were tinged with purple,

and moreover, despite the flames, the darkness somehow felt deeper.

Within it.

“Welcome.”

A voice echoed through the space.

Ttak-ttak-ttak-! The man’s lips trembled, his teeth chattering rapidly.

Hearing the voice, his body began to react uncontrollably.

It was a fundamental human instinct.

Fear.

That was clearly the emotion the man was feeling.

Leaving the stiff man behind.

The old man focused on the figure who had suddenly appeared.

He wore dark ink-colored martial attire and a strange white mask.

He walked calmly, hands clasped behind his back.

Seeing this, the old man asked.

“An uninvited guest. What brings you here?”

The other party did not answer the old man’s question.

They simply stared silently at the old man.

“You won’t answer…”

“Zhuge Family Head.”

“…!”

“Is it sufficient to call you that?”

At those words, the old man’s brow furrowed.

Not only had they stormed this place, but they also seemed to know his identity.

“…Who exactly are you?”

“Who I am is not particularly important. What’s important here is not that.”

Ttubeok.

He resumed his steps, slowly approaching the old man.

“G-Great Leader–!!”

Seeing this, the stiff man shouted and tried to rush forward.

The old man raised his hand to stop him.

“You seem to have a purpose.”

“Yes. A very important purpose.”

The approaching figure stopped in front of the old man.

The old man had to frown as he looked at him.

The eyes visible beyond the mask.

They were extremely bothersome.

“I came here personally, as I have words to share with you.”

“…”

The casual use of ‘you’ (hatae – condescending speech).

The old man found it grating, but thought it suited the opponent perfectly.

This was someone who had not only broken through the formation at the headquarters but had also come here alone.

He absolutely could not let his guard down.

Hiding his thoughts, the old man asked.

“Words to share… What might that be?”

“Before that. What should I call you now?”

“…”

The question of whether ‘Zhuge Family Head’ was the correct address.

The old man pondered for a moment, but didn’t take long to find an answer.

Considering they came all the way here and mentioned the Zhuge family.

They must be someone who knows to some extent.

It likely meant there was no need for a pointless probing.

“I am no longer called that.”

“Then?”

“Cheonra Heukmangdae.”

The old man said to the figure.

“That is the name of the unit I lead. So, Cheonra Great Leader, that is sufficient.”

After introducing himself like that.

The old man sensed something strange.

“Hmm.”

In the opponent’s voice upon hearing the name…

“Not bad.”

Strangely, a sense of enjoyment was imbued.