Chapter 636: White (White)

화륵-!

Wrapped in flames, I floated up into the air.

The cold air brushed against my cheeks as I scanned the sky, which was gradually darkening.

‘The snow has stopped.’

Although it had changed from snow to rain.

At any rate, whatever had been falling from the sky was no longer falling.

‘Thanks to that, my vision has cleared up.’

The view, obscured by the blizzard, cleared up, and I felt like I could breathe a little easier.

It’s just that.

‘The cold has intensified.’

It felt like the cold wind blowing across the Northern Sea had gained strength.

The reason is probably…

Glanc-.

I lowered my gaze and examined the place I had sprung up from.

‘The destruction of the Ice Crystals…’

The Ice Crystals, which had been blocking the extreme cold, were shattered.

That’s probably the cause.

‘Frankly, the reason they were doing that was utterly despicable.’

To provide a justification for forcibly using the life force of the blood relatives.

For the purpose of sucking their life force. Since that was the reason the Ice Crystals existed…

I kind of think it would have been better if they just broke.

‘To think the effects would hit so quickly after they broke.’

The disappearance of the Northern Sea’s Ice Crystals was already affecting the Northern Sea.

As if acknowledging the role they truly played, the coldness in the Northern Sea gradually rose.

Moreover, the speed at which it’s happening is quite fast.

‘If I can feel it this much already…’

It wouldn’t be surprising if the entire Northern Sea froze solid after just a little more time.

‘Tsk.’

Damn it.

Nothing seems to be going right.

Then again.

“My life is just like that.”

Though now it’s not my life, but my dragon life, you know.

Kkuh-kuh.

I tried to distract myself with pointless thoughts, hoping to force out a laugh in this frustrating situation, but…

‘This isn’t the time to be thinking about things like this.’

I know this is just escapism.

“What is going on-!”

“It’s an enemy attack!”

“Report this to the Great General immediately–!”

Because I’d wrecked things up so badly, it seemed the forces within the palace had finally grasped the situation.

Noisy sounds were coming from below.

‘No, they’re only just noticing now.’

It was a realization that was incredibly, incredibly late.

No reinforcements came while the palace was being smashed to bits, and the fact they’re noticing now is ultimately because…

‘It must be due to the powers transferring over here.’

It’s likely a problem caused by the disappearance of his powers that had spread around the palace.

‘…Hmm.’

I frowned as I felt the new mark imprinted on my soul.

The powers that flowed from Mang were two in total.

I currently possessed only one.

It was because I had passed on the regeneration aspect to Woohyeok.

‘…’

Recalling this, I frowned.

Because it was a waste? Of course, that’s part of it. How could it not be a waste?

It wasn’t just anything, it was regenerative power.

It’s the power to recover perfectly even after taking some hits and stabs in a fight, so naturally, it felt like a waste.

That wasn’t the only reason, though.

The things I found out in the process were the problem.

The fact that I could transfer powers to him.

That’s the biggest issue. It’s not just anything…

‘…It’s what the Heavenly Demon used to do.’

In the past, it resembled what the Heavenly Demon did to the fiends.

The baptism bestowed upon several fiends under the name of ‘ability’.

For example, my Demonic Arts Absorption technique was like that, and so were the abilities of the early fiends.

‘Thinking about it now, it’s strange.’

Not only did they cause fiendification, but they also bestowed unknown powers under the guise of baptism.

Until now, I just brushed it off, thinking it was because the Heavenly Demon was such a bizarre existence.

But it truly was an inexplicable matter.

What exactly was the Heavenly Demon, and how was such a thing possible?

Could the things the Heavenly Demon did, calling them baptisms, perhaps…

‘Have felt like transferring powers, just like I did?’

If that were the case, the Heavenly Demon should have possessed numerous powers.

Setting that aside, the biggest question is…

‘…How did they transfer them?’

If it was power, how exactly did they transfer it?

Powers are something one can obtain only upon becoming a half-dragon or a dragon.

However, abilities were something the Heavenly Demon transferred to fiends as baptism…

‘Can we consider powers and abilities to be different things?’

They just share similar feelings.

I wonder if we can dismiss them as entirely different things, but…

‘Then, the reason I could transfer powers?’

I encounter another problem.

When I transferred powers to save Woohyeok, I was able to learn a few facts.

First.

‘Using demonic energy is necessary when transferring powers.’

To save Woohyeok, I had to transfer the power of regeneration again.

Recalling that, I tried to inject it back somehow.

This part was based on the memory of the Heavenly Demon bestowing baptism.

Right after gaining the ability to turn others into fiends.

It’s something I’d always thought about in the back of my mind.

Could it be that I, too, was gradually becoming able to do what she could do?

If that were true, this wouldn’t be mere coincidence.

In fact, it was a truth I had known for a long time.

Because the current flow felt like I was being pushed to take the Heavenly Demon’s place.

‘…Putting aside the relationship between powers and abilities like this.’

The second piece of information I learned.

‘Dragons can also be corrupted into fiends.’

Perhaps because Mang consumed and infused energy into him, Woohyeok’s body had clearly become that of a dragon.

This seemed to remain even after Mang disappeared.

Woohyeok’s body like that, I…

‘Turned him into a fiend.’

I corrupted him by injecting demonic energy.

And then, I flowed powers into him.

Fortunately, it succeeded in the end, but a sense of unease remained.

The reason is…

‘The need to use demonic energy to transfer powers, and the inevitability of corruption in the process.’

And.

The reason I could transfer powers is precisely…

‘…The Demonic Arts Absorption technique.’

The demonic art contained within my body, and the Heavenly Demon’s ability.

Demonic Arts Absorption.

It was the reason I could corrupt others and transfer powers.

While stealing powers is the role of Greed,

The act of giving them to someone utilizes the power of Demonic Arts Absorption.

‘What the hell is this?’

Not just stopping at merely drawing energy from magic stones like in my past life.

Not only changing the opponent into a fiend, but also being the reason I can transfer powers.

‘…This is truly…’

Isn’t this the very power the Heavenly Demon displayed?

It was an incomprehensible situation.

If it had always been possible, fine, but these were things I couldn’t do in my past life.

So, I form a hypothesis.

‘Regardless of whether I use Demonic Arts Absorption to transfer powers or not,’

Was it because the opponent was a dragon that I could transfer powers?

Or was it because they became a fiend before becoming a dragon that I could transfer powers?

And.

‘…The relationship between Demonic Arts Absorption and my powers.’

Greed and Demonic Arts Absorption resemble each other somehow, and given that they are clearly linked…

‘Could this matter be related to the Heavenly Demon?’

Although I expressed it as a question.

It was actually a certainty.

How could it not be?

The Heavenly Demon brought about my regression, Demonic Arts Absorption came from the Heavenly Demon,

And since I could see she was involved in every series of events,

The things I am experiencing must inevitably be related to her.

Eudeuk-!

I ground my teeth.

‘…Even though I knew that clearly.’

I met the Heavenly Demon in a back alley in Hanam.

Thinking about that meeting makes my head throb.

‘Even knowing the Heavenly Demon was in Hanam, I came here.’

Why did I do that?

Now, it’s a question.

The being I resented so much.

After my regression, she was the one I was most wary of and wanted to fend off the most, after Jang Seon-yeon, yet…

Instead of focusing on the Heavenly Demon, I ended up coming to the Northern Sea.

What could be the reason?

Simply because something major happened to Namgung Bi-ah?

While this is a significant matter that I can’t deny,

If you ask whether I truly turned back for all these matters solely because of that,

‘That’s ambiguous.’

I knew the Heavenly Demon was there, and there were incidents in Hanam itself.

Recalling how I used Namgung Bi-ah’s situation as an excuse to come to the Northern Sea, there were many flimsy parts.

No matter how many excuses and justifications I layer on, the essence doesn’t change.

I simply…

‘Wanted to escape from the Heavenly Demon.’

Or perhaps…

‘…I shouldn’t meet the Heavenly Demon.’

I shouldn’t even think of her, shouldn’t try to meet her. It seems I had such an inexplicable feeling.

That’s probably why I came to the Northern Sea as if running away.

‘Why?’

I asked myself.

‘Why did I run away?’

I understand fear.

She is bound to be such a being.

However, running away is something I cannot comprehend.

It wasn’t even a strategic retreat.

It was merely hesitating and then running away.

That’s why I don’t understand.

Why I had to do that. And furthermore…

‘Why I’m only realizing the strangeness now.’

An inexplicable discomfort wells up.

To resolve this stuffiness, there’s only one way.

‘I have to meet her.’

Meet the Heavenly Demon.

That was the determined conclusion.

Perhaps, this is what should have happened from the beginning.

“Hoo.”

I let out a sigh.

White steam, mixed with my breath and the cold, became visible.

Once I made up my mind, I felt like my head had cleared up a bit.

Recalling it, I wrapped my body in energy.

Hwareureuk–!!

A ring of flames encircled my waist.

Taking the heat as my companion, I dashed forward.

Kwang-!

A great resonance burst in the air, and my body shot forward.

I increase my speed.

The higher it gets, the more I feel my chest tightening.

Feeling fatigue, I frown.

‘I don’t have much energy left.’

It’s because the fights were intense.

Moreover, I used the techniques I barely managed to succeed with consecutively, without control, so the energy in my vessel is steadily depleting.

Not to mention, my body is also injured.

‘If I had known it would be like this, I should have used some myself before giving it away.’

Before just handing over the powers to Woohyeok, I should have used some myself.

Only now, a belated regret grazed me.

‘Should I take it back?’

Since I somehow managed to heal him.

I wonder if I can take it back. Such thoughts arise, but…

I soon erase the thought.

After all, if I were to steal back the powers…

‘Woohyeok will die.’

A dragon stripped of its powers dies. Because that was one of the conditions and effects of Greed’s ability to steal.

Taking back what I gave Woohyeok was impossible.

‘Anyway, it’s a power that seems good yet is strange.’

It has an overwhelming effect when dealing with dragons.

Since it can block the unreasonable power called ‘authority’, one can fight solely with simple physical combat and martial arts.

However.

‘There’s nothing else besides that, is there?’

The problem with this power is that if I am weak, it ultimately means nothing.

I must win to steal.

I must win to kill.

Doesn’t it seem like a shiny but rotten apricot at first glance?

I get that feeling, but…

‘Still, it’s better than having nothing, so it’s fine.’

Ultimately, since I know the beings I must kill are dragons, Greed is nothing less than what I need the most.

Because of that, if it were up to me, I’d want to return to the Central Plains right away, but…

‘Tsk.’

The fact that I can’t is a frustrating situation.

‘…I’ve done everything I needed to do.’

I’ve already found Namgung Bi-ah.

And I’ve more or less finished with that Woohyeok fellow, so I should just go.

Since the Ice Palace Master refused treatment,

The justification for staying has disappeared, yet…

‘Anyway.’

I had to frown deeply at the energy I felt directly ahead.

Because right now, regardless of Greed, Demonic Arts Absorption, or the Heavenly Demon, the most urgent thing is that.

‘Nothing ever resolves easily.’

That’s what I thought as I sensed the energy.

When could it have been?

It was probably from the moment I had just transferred the powers to Woohyeok.

Seueueu-!

As I increased my speed, the cold wind brushed past.

Something was definitely permeating that wind.

Energy.

The energy felt from far away rode the wind and swept over me.

‘Crazy.’

I’m simply dumbfounded by the intensity I feel.

It’s much more intense than when I met Yuseon, or when I met Mang wearing Woohyeok’s guise.

What could this dreadful energy be?

And why I’m suddenly feeling this kind of energy.

The location where the energy was felt was also a problem.

Of all places.

‘It’s the hideout.’

Namgung Bi-ah and Tang Soyeol.

The energy was being felt from the hideout where, and others were staying.

‘Damn it.’

I can intuitively tell.

This is a problem caused by Mang reaching dissolution, and it’s clear that bastard did something.

‘What on earth did you do?’

Moving at top speed for several minutes, something gradually starts to be picked up by my senses.

‘This is?’

I thought as I sensed something I felt for the first time.

Could I be sensing it wrong? I find myself thinking that unconsciously, but…

No. I sensed it correctly.

It’s just that the presence is so immense, I wonder if it’s a mistake.

‘…Is this right?’

The scale I feel is simply different.

This isn’t about the amount of energy.

It literally means it’s big.

A vastness I’m feeling for the first time.

A sense of strangeness, making me wonder if this is truly the size of a body a living creature can possess.

Something that makes me think such thoughts is being picked up by my senses.

Hwaruk-!

Arriving as if flying, I looked down.

And then.

“Huh.”

My eyes widened involuntarily at the scene unfolding.

-Kuaaaaaaaah-!

-Retreat!

-Protect the Palace Master–!!

In the space where a cave should have been, a massive hole was pierced into the ground.

And above it.

-Kyaaaaaaaah–!!!

A monster of immense size was violently destroying everything around it.

“…Crazy.”

It’s a monster.

However, it’s not an ordinary monster.

If a red monster had the size of a typical dwelling, this guy possessed a size several, or even tens of times larger.

I could see glossy scales covering its exterior.

The most crucial point here is.

“…White?”

The fact that the creature covered in scales was coated in white.

“No way.”

What that means is.

That thing is the leader of the monsters who vanished centuries ago, the ultimate monster originally named Dragon, and…

A disaster-level being whose appearance alone leaves enough impact to reshape the continent’s geography.

It meant a White Monster (白色魔物).

---

At that time, when Gu Yangcheon was encountering the monster.

“…Ugh.”

Woohyeok, left alone, was sitting up while clutching his throbbing head.

“…It’s quite a mess.”

Looking at the chaotic surroundings, Woohyeok chuckled lightly.

“What on earth happened?”

Wondering what could have happened to make part of the palace this messy,

Even as I pondered the question, I already knew the culprit.

Jigeuljigeul.

Between the shattered walls, there were traces of something melting,

And I knew a faint heat also permeated the air.

So, who could the culprit be?

It was obvious.

“…Hoho.”

It must be the work of my crazy friend.

Woohyeok was convinced of that.

The reason is probably…

‘Is it because of me?’

It must be because I disappeared as if dragged away.

Recalling that, Woohyeok had to wear a bitter expression.

‘I made him do something dangerous.’

Because of my own pathetic self, I made him do something unnecessary.

Such guilt arose within me.

What’s somewhat surprising here is.

‘Why did he go this far?’

The fact that I don’t understand why Gu Yangcheon would go this far for me.

It’s the same for me, but Gu Yangcheon would have even less reason to.

We weren’t close since we were very young.

We haven’t done anything significant enough to foster a friendship.

In reality, I was the one who unilaterally stuck to him, calling him a friend.

Gu Yangcheon seemed to have accepted it without any issue.

Despite such circumstances…

‘For what?’

For what reason did Gu Yangcheon step up like this?

It was a part Woohyeok could not understand at all.

Moreover.

[Come here on your own.]

As if he had urgent business, he just left me abruptly and disappeared on his own.

It seems like quite a situation has occurred, but I couldn’t know that either.

Looking around, I let out a deep sigh.

The ruined palace.

I hadn’t heard from Gu Yangcheon what happened inside.

Woohyeok sensed that his body had changed somehow.

His hair suddenly turning white, and the overflowing energy were proof of that.

How did it become like this?

As deep questions arose for a moment.

‘Whatever it is, I need to get moving first.’

Staying still here wouldn’t lead to any answers.

Woohyeok also needed to check on Yuseon’s condition.

As I tried to take a step to find that out.

From somewhere.

[The seal has been broken.]

Meomchit-!

A voice was heard.

Woohyeok turned his head at the unknown voice.

‘From where?’

Where on earth did that voice come from?

As I looked around warily.

[It’s strange. The time shouldn’t have come yet.]

Such unknown voices kept echoing in Woohyeok’s ears.

“…Who are you?”

As Woohyeok asked the question in a tense voice.

[Hmm?]

The other party finally reacted.

[Can you hear my voice?]

“…Yes.”

I could hear it very clearly.

[Really? That’s quite curious.]

A tone that seemed light yet was endlessly cold.

Just by talking, I felt a sense of dissonance, as if I could get cut.

[You’re not even a child of the main family. For a child of Mudang to hear my voice…]

Woohyeok’s eyes widened at the words.

I wondered how they knew I was someone from Mudang.

However.

[Never mind. It’s not the time to be discussing such things.]

As the other party spoke as if they didn’t care about such matters.

Seueu–!!

“…!”

Suddenly, cold energy began to gather before Woohyeok’s eyes.

Seeing that, Woohyeok hastily reached for his waist, but…

‘Damn.’

My sword wasn’t there, of all times.

Pajijijik-!

For some reason, brainwaves seeped into the gathering cold.

Gradually, the energy gathered like that, and at some point, it took shape.

“…Huh?”

Woohyeok, watching this warily, soon had to stiffen his expression.

He couldn’t help it.

The shape formed by the energy was a human body, and the face of that formed body…

“Master…?”

His own master.

It looked exactly like Namgung Hyung, the Mad Hermit of Mudang.