Chapter 775: Star Dragon Team (Star Dragon Team).

Two days later, like any other day.

The weather was the same as always. It was the time when autumn was gradually deepening, preparing for winter.

Amidst that, I was walking with a somewhat calmer pace.

For reference, I hadn’t spoken to Moyong Hi-ah since the incident.

I tried to visit her, but Moyong Hi-ah refused. Since she seemed to be avoiding me quite persistently, I sought out her aunt, the White Lotus Sword, to ask for her help.

[Hmm… This… even I can’t do anything about it?]

Even the White Lotus Sword, who was far less mature than her age suggested, had thrown in the towel.

At this point, it was becoming quite a concern for me too.

‘It seems I’m really screwed.’

It didn’t seem like it would stop at just being sulky.

What should I do? How can I overcome the current situation?

Since everyone aware of the situation was, without exception, not on my side, it was certain that I had done wrong.

‘Tsk.’

Damn it, the situation I was facing wasn’t just that one problem to solve.

That was the biggest issue.

This was also the reason why I had to maintain composure amidst deep worry.

I walked quietly along the road.

The street of the county, where construction was in full swing.

Just like last time, refugees and members of merchant guilds were personally undertaking the repair of the county, and the speed was quite fast.

It couldn’t be helped.

Not only were two of the major merchant guilds involved, but even martial artists were lending a hand, so how could it be slow?

From the day construction began until yesterday, they were rebuilding the county almost daily.

Because of that, the noise was also quite considerable.

Today was somehow different.

‘…’

I turned my gaze and looked around.

There were still many eyes watching me.

This had been the case since the moment my epithet changed, but the reaction today was significantly different from yesterday.

It was too quiet.

Both the gazes directed at me and the surrounding atmosphere carried a sense of stillness.

Sensing this, my steps didn’t falter, and I turned my head forward again.

As I passed, there were people who bowed respectfully or quietly lowered their heads towards me.

It might seem questionable why they acted like this now, when they used to rush forward and praise me.

Because I knew the reason better than anyone, I couldn’t say anything.

Today was one of those days.

Damn it.

-The processing is complete.

As I was walking, I heard Na Hee’s telepathic message.

Hearing this, I paused for a moment.

-As you instructed, a portion of the Master’s assets has been divided through Dae Mok Ri. Anonymity will be maintained, and delivery will commence within four days.

‘Alright.’

I nodded slightly.

In the past few days, I had used more than half of the assets I’d gathered by collecting Ya Geum Ju and Man Nyeon Han Cheol.

Although it wasn’t an expenditure I had planned, it was necessary from my perspective.

‘Don’t follow any further. Wait at a distance.’

-Understood.

After sending Na Hee far away, someone approached me as if they had been waiting.

“Greetings, Saint King.”

The person was a member of the Alliance.

That meant I had come to the Martial Alliance.

I wasn’t here to see Muk Yeon like last time. This time, it wasn’t for personal reasons either.

Ah, perhaps I should call it personal?

“I shall follow.”

The conversation was brief.

The martial artist turned and moved, and I simply followed.

Just like the county, the Alliance also exuded a quiet atmosphere.

Not only the expression of the martial artist guiding me, but also, unusually, a hint of black was visible on the Alliance members.

They wore the official robes of the Martial Alliance on the outside, but I could see black martial attire underneath.

It was an unusual situation, yet no one pointed it out.

Moreover, most of the martial artists were dressed similarly.

After walking for a while without much conversation, the martial artist who brought me to a location turned back the way they came, indicating the guidance was complete. As I arrived, someone spoke to me.

“You’ve arrived.”

A martial artist who had reached the King rank alongside me. It was the Tiger King, Hwang Bo Yeol Wi.

He had arrived with bandages wrapped around his body, and seeing him, I asked.

“…Are you alright?”

“I can manage to move.”

In response to my question, the Tiger King replied with a slight frown.

Within that brief reaction lay an indication of enduring pain and the discomfort of a young martial artist worrying unnecessarily.

‘Impressive?’

He could convey all that with such a subtle expression?

Furthermore, to someone who wasn’t actually in much pain, he looked incredibly hurt.

I feel a wall.

The talent for acting that I lacked. The Tiger King clearly possessed it.

…Anyway.

As I finished a brief conversation with the Tiger King, I sensed others approaching me.

“Saint King.”

I shifted my gaze at the call.

A face that looked unfamiliar yet familiar appeared. Looking at that face, I soon recalled the name.

‘Myung Gung.’

It was Myung Gung Song Yu, the leader of the Red Dragon Unit and a master of the Bow Arts, one of the few remaining in the Central Plains.

He approached me, offering a respectful bow, and spoke.

“Thank you for visiting the Alliance during your busy schedule.”

“…Not at all. It was simply something I had to come for.”

At Song Yu’s words, I gave an awkward smile.

Yes, it was something I had to come for. If others didn’t need to be here, I certainly did.

“Ah, and regarding the leader of the Red Dragon Unit.”

“Yes.”

“I forgot to mention it. Thank you for what you did back then.”

“…You noticed.”

“How could I not? In Ha Nam, only you, the leader, could shoot an arrow like that.”

“…Haha…”

The reason I was thanking Myung Gung was simple.

A few days ago, during the battle against the white monster. An arrow flew in at a critical moment.

The arrow, imbued with Ki energy, was shot rapidly and struck the monster directly. That moment allowed me to escape the crisis.

“Thank you.”

Naturally, as far as I knew, only one person in Ha Nam could shoot such an arrow. The leader of the Red Dragon Unit must be its owner.

“Not at all…”

Yet, when I offered my thanks, Myung Gung, who received the greeting, looked visibly uncomfortable.

Why does he look like that?

He didn’t seem particularly happy.

Is he perhaps in a bad mood today?

Thinking roughly that, I turned my head.

Besides him, a few others caught my eye.

Including Song Yu and other unit leaders, as well as figures from the Ming family and various sects, were visible.

If anything, it was comparable to the level of attendance during the Martial Arts Tournament.

Despite such a number of people gathered, the atmosphere was quite different from back then.

Quiet, perhaps.

Then again.

It would be stranger if it were noisy.

On a day like today, this kind of atmosphere would be more fitting.

Inside, a particularly serene silence flowed, much like the streets of the county.

Seeing that, I also took a breath as if to say I was no different.

The reason so many people were gathered here was simple.

Today.

It was the day the Alliance was holding a memorial service for the casualties resulting from the recent attack.

---

Memorial Service (哀悼式).

It sounds like a fancy word, but in reality, it’s not that grand of an event.

It simply involved gathering a large number of people to express condolences under the guise of sharing sorrow.

The difference is that since it’s being held at the Martial Alliance itself, attendance is mandatory for many.

It couldn’t be helped.

Not only because it’s the Alliance, but also due to the current situation.

Everyone must be distraught due to the incident, so not attending the memorial service at such a time would earn quite chilling glares.

Perhaps thanks to that, several individuals who weren’t even present at the Martial Arts Tournament were noticeable at the memorial service.

Not only unit leaders I hadn’t seen during the attack, but also people of considerable standing were present.

The current Sword King, the Family Head of the Namgung clan.

Figures from the Ming family, ranked just below him, and the sect leaders of the Nine Great Sects, among others.

‘Cheon An.’

Cheon An, the Abbot of Shaolin.

His presence was also noticeable.

‘He didn’t show his face at all during the attack.’

I had heard news that Shaolin martial artists had participated.

That was only natural.

Ha Nam was not only the headquarters of the Martial Alliance but also undeniably Shaolin’s territory.

In such a situation, the number of martial artists who appeared from Shaolin was not that large.

I don’t know how the Alliance figured it out, but…

‘From what I gathered, it wasn’t more than thirty.’

At most, thirty. While that was a considerable number compared to others, it was drastically insufficient considering the number of disciples and the size of Shaolin.

Moreover, for a sect based in Ha Nam to send only thirty people?

‘Perhaps if they sent only elites, but that wasn’t the case either.’

Doubt arises.

What on earth was Shaolin thinking?

Still, since they participated, they weren’t receiving as much criticism, but public sentiment wasn’t exactly favorable.

Couldn’t Shaolin have been aware of this?

‘Absolutely not.’

Even if they were filled with ignorance, they couldn’t possibly not know this.

Naturally, it’s said that the main faction had made arrangements with Shaolin too, but even so, it was still a weak response.

This implies.

‘There must have been some other reason.’

It means Shaolin had a reason to act that way.

‘What is it?’

I haven’t figured out what that reason was yet.

Should I try having Na Hee infiltrate?

‘No. It’s too much of a waste.’

I have more than enough things to deal with right now.

Especially Na Hee, who has a lot on her plate, so it felt awkward to involve her in something like this.

It would be better to just shave Cheol Ji Seon’s head and throw it at them…

‘That’s not bad…?’

Suddenly, the thought occurred to me that it might work.

So I considered actually trying it, but…

‘…’

I immediately dismissed the thought.

It wasn’t because it was a strange plan.

It was because now was not the time to be thinking about such things.

“……These have been difficult days. However, we have overcome.”

The people gathered before me. And the countless crowd visible beyond them.

The number of people gathered was uncountable.

Although measures were taken to prevent too many people from attending due to the recent attack, it was still a significant number.

However.

‘Even with so many people gathered.’

The only sound was the voice of the Sword Master standing on the platform.

No other noise could be heard at all.

They were either bowing their heads or clasping their hands in silent prayer.

It was an atmosphere befitting the name of a memorial service.

“…We shall not forget the memories of that day. No, we must remember.”

There was no reaction felt towards the Sword Master’s words.

What little could be felt was faint resentment and distrust.

Sadness tinged with mourning.

They were traces of emotion rather than sound.

Amidst the silent (無號) discontent towards the Martial Alliance, I focused on the words the Sword Master uttered.

Remember.

Remember the sacrifices made during the last attack.

Those words kept echoing in my mind.

Beyond the spreading condolences and the Sword Master’s bullshit, my eyes stared straight ahead.

They were those who had lost family or acquaintances after the attack.

The faint yet distinct emotions reflected in their expressions.

I took them all in, one by one.

The words I spoke to Shin Ui came to mind.

‘I said I’d make sure nothing happened.’

I desperately tried to resolve it, but ultimately, I couldn’t achieve everything.

If so, did I not know it would turn out like this? No, I knew.

From the moment the attack was launched. From that instant when they tried to put on a ridiculous play.

I knew full well that something like this would happen.

So, watch closely with your own eyes.

Because I stood here today to see that.

Their expressions are faces I created, not anyone else.

‘Don’t try to excuse it as something necessary.’

I remind myself.

I had to strive not to forget, even until the moment of death.

I couldn’t apologize. I couldn’t explain the reasons.

All I could do was that much.

I sent support funds to the victims under the guise of aid. I spent money to restore their lost homes.

Since my regression, I’d amassed wealth I’d never seen in my past life, yet half of it vanished in an instant.

It wasn’t a waste.

It wasn’t my money anyway, and I could just earn more.

Just doing that wouldn’t change anything, nor would it alleviate my guilt.

Their expressions wouldn’t ease, and the emptiness of their loss couldn’t be filled.

It merely serves as a reminder.

‘This is the path I intend to take.’

I will walk a path forged by harming the innocent, climbing over them, and swallowing the decay within.

Is it a path for the world?

That too is an excuse.

‘I don’t care about the world in the first place.’

Since when was that my goal?

It’s just a side effect.

“Sss.”

I exhaled subtly.

It was to soothe my agitated insides.

Do you know what’s fortunate?

‘It’s somewhat bearable because I’ve become a dragon.’

Perhaps because I’m no longer human, it feels much better than the sensations I used to have.

In fact, I even found myself looking down on the deaths of these insignificant fools, thinking, ‘What’s so great about their deaths?’

‘This is a bit much.’

I can’t go that far.

It helps me maintain my center without collapsing, but completely losing myself is problematic.

I close my eyes.

In the blackened world, I calmly took my breaths.

This is neither silent prayer nor mourning. If anything, it’s closer to mumbling nonsense.

‘So, enough with the nonsense.’

I don’t forget what I’ve done. This was all I could do.

Thinking thus, when I opened my eyes again…

“…This time, the Martial Alliance intends to express condolences while also implementing significant changes due to the recent attack.”

Whether by chance or not, the Sword Master’s speech was nearing its end.

‘How far did he get?’

I hadn’t been paying much attention, so I didn’t know what he was talking about.

It doesn’t matter.

It probably wouldn’t have been informative even if I had listened.

As if to prove it, quite a weighty statement came from the Sword Master’s mouth.

“Starting from this incident, we will designate the unidentified organization, the Demonic Cult (魔敎), as an evil sect and simultaneously aim to completely eradicate all evil sects from the Central Plains.”

As the statement was made, murmurs mixed in.

The complete eradication (滅) of evil sects.

This statement carried significant meaning.

Orthodox sects and evil sects had never gotten along, and they had even fought wars several times.

Although they were in a state of unofficial truce for some reason now, the current statement by the Alliance Leader, the Sword Master…

‘A declaration of war.’

It meant resuming the full-scale battle against the evil sects, which had been paused for a time for peace and establishment.

“This Martial Alliance will never back down from the fight against the evil sects. As long as they threaten peace, we will fight and overcome. There is no defeat.”

The Sword Master’s voice, with a determined expression, echoed all around.

The statement was good, but it was still ineffective in rallying public sentiment.

Declaring war in front of people exhausted from the attack? That would be quite helpful.

The Sword Master must have known that well, yet the reason he insisted on saying this was simple.

“I am well aware that this is a difficult and arduous task. Therefore, this Alliance has invited a distinguished guest.”

Following the Sword Master’s statement, a figure from behind stepped forward.

“It’s been a long time. I am Muk Yeon.”

It was Muk Yeon, who had served as the strategist for the Martial Alliance in the past.

As he stepped forward and greeted everyone, the surrounding murmurs grew louder upon recognizing him.

Muk Yeon, who had experienced the golden age of the Martial Alliance together. Some even evaluated that the Alliance reached its zenith thanks to him.

One of the Alliance’s heroes appeared at a moment of crisis.

Just that alone changed the atmosphere around.

‘It’s quite an effective method.’

When any organization faces a crisis, this is the easiest way to overcome it.

Bringing forth one of the symbols active during their prime.

Muk Yeon was exactly that kind of figure.

Rumors were already spreading in Ha Nam about Muk Yeon’s return. Muk Yeon’s direct appearance at the memorial service was tantamount to confirming those rumors.

-Is it really… really the Strategist?

-To think I’d see him again before I die…

The effect was immediate.

-If it’s him…

Distrust and doubt began to waver.

Perhaps, wouldn’t Muk Yeon, who led the Martial Alliance alongside the Sword Master of old, be different?

His mere appearance was creating such hope.

‘Hmm.’

I had somewhat anticipated this, but the effect seemed much better than I expected.

‘Did I underestimate Muk Yeon’s significance?’

I didn’t expect this much impact.

I had to reconsider the value Muk Yeon held.

I never imagined his mere existence could bring about such a change.

Moreover.

“Furthermore, we have lost pillars of the Martial Alliance.”

The Sword Master had another card prepared for this memorial service, besides Muk Yeon.

“Although we are devastated to have lost three heroes who would have shone brilliantly… recalling the evil sects sharpening their fangs, we cannot remain in sorrow forever. The Alliance intends to honor those who have departed and fill the void they left behind.”

As he spoke these words, the Sword Master took a slight step back.

For what purpose?

“Our shining star among stars, who rendered great service during this attack, the Saint King (星王), has decided to walk alongside the Martial Alliance as a new unit leader.”

‘…Shit.’

Hearing the Sword Master’s words, my expression soured instantly.

‘What the hell is ‘star among stars’?’

It sent chills down my spine, making me want to grind my teeth, but I somehow maintained a neutral expression.

-..The Saint King as a leader of the Martial Alliance?

-Why on earth…?

Those who hadn’t heard the rumors yet showed surprise on their faces. Those who had heard were busy widening their eyes, knowing the rumors were true.

‘Oh dear.’

The gazes felt from all directions.

As always, being the focus of attention was still burdensome.

What should I do? Should I wave my hand?

Even so, doing that at a memorial service would be a bit much, right?

As I hesitated, unsure of how to react…

“The unit the Saint King will lead shall be named the Star Dragon Unit (星龍隊), and it will become a crucial sword unit playing a major role in the upcoming battle against the evil sects.”

I learned the name of the unit I would lead and its purpose, something I hadn’t heard before.

‘Using me in the fight against the evil sects…’

Perhaps, a role like a hunting dog?

Based on the description alone, it seemed no different.

‘Nah, surely not.’

I doubted they would assign such a role to me, of all people.

My gaze shifted. My target was Muk Yeon.

‘There’s no way that old man didn’t have a hand in this.’

As long as Muk Yeon was involved, I was convinced they wouldn’t assign me such a task.

The reason was simple.

‘He suspects me.’

Perhaps I’m connected to the Heavenly Demon.

Muk Yeon was clearly harboring such suspicions while looking at me.

Could they really have assigned me a unit dedicated to the evil sects?

‘If that’s truly the case, what’s the intention?’

Why give me this role while harboring suspicions?

Just as my mind began racing in confusion…

“Furthermore.”

The Sword Master continued speaking, as if his speech wasn’t over yet.

“We have lost pillars of the Martial Alliance.”

Hearing this, my brow furrowed.

‘A symbol?’

He intends to re-establish a symbol of the Alliance.

There is only one symbol of the Martial Alliance he could be referring to here.

At that moment, the Sword Master uttered words that confirmed my guess.

“…Effective today, the Divine Dragon Unit (神龍隊) will be revived once more to protect the Central Plains.”

As soon as the Sword Master mentioned it, the surrounding noise intensified.

More so than the retired strategist returning and me becoming the leader of the Star Dragon Unit.

The announcement of the Divine Dragon Unit’s revival caused the greatest impact.

The unusually strong reaction forced me to narrow my eyes slightly.

‘Is it that significant?’

I had expected a considerable impact, but I hadn’t anticipated such a reaction.

I knew the Divine Dragon Unit was a symbol of the Alliance, but…

‘They must have been really impressive.’

Just bringing it up during the memorial service elicited an unusual reaction.

I wasn’t familiar with the period when the Divine Dragon Unit was active, and I hadn’t encountered them in my past life.

This means this is the first time in this life that the revival of the Divine Dragon Unit has been mentioned.

Therefore, I realized belatedly.

‘The Divine Dragon Unit was truly a significant entity to them.’

Just as Muk Yeon’s value was higher to people than I expected.

Similarly, the Divine Dragon Unit also held immense value.

‘I wondered why they were making such a fuss unnecessarily during the memorial service.’

It was questionable why they would make such an announcement during a memorial service meant for sharing sorrow and offering comfort.

Seeing the reaction, I understand now.

A faint spark of something seemed to seep into the tear-filled eyes.

Relief.

The fading emotions began to gather once more.

Even without having properly commenced activities, merely announcing their revival…

Was the mention of the Divine Dragon Unit’s name enough to cause such a change?

‘I don’t know whether to call it amazing or…’

It reached a point where even I was speechless.

Just as I was about to let out a hollow laugh at the astonishing sight…

“Therefore, although I know the timing is not ideal, I would like to introduce someone here to offer you at least a little comfort.”

The Sword Master continued speaking, as if his speech wasn’t over yet.

“An individual who will protect the Central Plains henceforth and become the new sword of the orthodox path.”

Simultaneously.

“I shall introduce the Divine Dragon Unit Leader to you all.”

Words I hadn’t expected were heard.

‘What?’

The Divine Dragon Unit Leader? At the Sword Master’s words, I had to widen my eyes.

‘What is he talking about?’

This was something I hadn’t heard before.

I had heard that after the memorial service, Muk Yeon and I would be introduced, and the revival of the Divine Dragon Unit would be announced, but nothing about the Divine Dragon Unit Leader.

Because of that, I thought perhaps they hadn’t chosen one yet, or wouldn’t reveal them today.

Introducing a new Divine Dragon Unit Leader?

Just as I was holding back my surprise at the sudden announcement…

Swish.

“…!”

A presence brushed past my side.

I turned my head. As my gaze shifted, I saw someone brushing past me and walking away.

‘What the…?’

I swallowed my surprise, looking at their back.

Clearly, there was no one beside me until just moments ago.

Even so, where did they appear from?

Moreover.

‘I didn’t notice them until they appeared?’

Even considering my injured state, how could I not notice someone passing right beside me?

It was too strange, incredibly strange.

I stared at the person who passed me by, as if glaring.

First, they were wearing white martial robes signifying a unit leader.

They were slightly over seven feet tall and somewhat thin.

Furthermore, a man with black hair tied back messily.

Seeing the sword at his left hip, he appeared to be left-handed, and his gait was steady and neat.

Who could it be?

I tried to examine his face to confirm, but I couldn’t make him out.

It was because he was wearing a mask.

A yellow mask covering his face.

Didn’t they say that Divine Dragon Unit Leaders traditionally wore masks and concealed their identities until they stepped down from their position?

As if to prove it, he too seemed to be wearing a mask.

The man walked calmly and stood beside the Alliance Leader.

Looking at him, the Sword Master smiled gently and spoke.

“He is the new leader of the revived Divine Dragon Unit.”

At the introduction, the man gave a short bow.

No voice was heard.

He merely offered a subtle gesture of respect.

Despite it being only that much, all eyes around were fixed on him.

The new Divine Dragon Unit Leader.

It was because of the presence conveyed by that title.

I too was staring intently at his back.

Someone whose identity I didn’t know well.

Moreover, a powerful individual who had easily pierced through my Ki sense.

That alone was enough reason to pay attention to him, but…

‘Ha.’

The reason wasn’t simply that.

The guy who appeared, claiming to be the Divine Dragon Unit Leader.

Looking at that guy’s back, I slowly narrowed my eyes.

I couldn’t help it.

‘Yes.’

From that guy.

‘I was wondering why he hadn’t moved until now.’

It wasn’t just anything.

I felt the trace of the Blood Demon (血魔).