Chapter 992: The Divine Tree and the Master.

If the Master truly noticed the strangeness, when did they notice it?

No, because it was strange in the first place that I even saw them there, there were far too many situations where they could have noticed.

The point I need to address here isn’t the fact that they noticed.

‘Why did they deliberately use this method?’

Even if it wasn’t strange because there were so many situations where they could have noticed.

In that situation, it was a mystery why the Master acted this way towards me.

‘When the next full moon rises, come up onto the hill.’

“…….”

Recalling the words, I furrowed my brow.

If they knew I was an uninvited guest who came here, they could have done something right then and there.

The Master seemed to have enough power to do so. What could it be?

‘Is there perhaps a reason why they couldn’t?’

I don’t know if there’s a reason why they couldn’t execute me right then and there.

‘Noya said that they didn’t come in their true form.’

Something made by separating power, like a stray thought or a clone.

Problems could arise if they descended directly. Furthermore, because descending directly was too much.

They said that they appeared equipped with an unknown mysterious artifact on something made so small and weak.

As they were in a drastically weakened state, I wondered if it was because they couldn’t face me, but…

‘No. That’s not it.’

I had to deny it immediately.

‘Separate from being weakened. Something is strange.’

If this was the option they chose, then that was the strangest thing of all.

A full moon and a hill?

Why tell me this, instead of telling Heuksaek?

Furthermore.

‘Is it correct that they told me?’

Even if it wasn’t told to Heuksaek, is it correct that it was told to me? Even if Heuksaek couldn’t understand, it might not have been told to me, but…

‘…….’

I had to deny even this.

Should I call it instinct, or intuition? Or should I say both?

Because all the reactions were saying that she had conveyed it to me.

This wasn’t done based on common sense or calculation.

‘……Purely a hunch.’

Even though it was truly just a feeling, I was somehow certain.

As I was thinking this, my complicated mind churning.

“Kkuh…….”

A groaning sound was heard from in front.

Hearing that, I quickly relaxed the tension in my chest.

“Hah…… Hah…….”

As I released the oppressive pressure caused by Myung, Heuksaek exhaled ragged breaths.

‘Has the power to use this also grown stronger?’

Before, it would require some concentration, or its power would be weak. Conversely, compared to how strong the power I had to endure was.

Now, even when using Myung, there wasn’t much backlash, nor was it difficult to control.

“What the…….”

Was it because I suddenly tried to suppress him with power? Confusion flickered in Heuksaek’s eyes.

Seeing that, I spoke to the guy.

“Heuksaek.”

“…….”

“Answer me.”

“……Why are you doing this?”

Heuksaek says, showing a look of discomfort. Seeing that, I let out a smirk.

It wasn’t really a situation to laugh, and it was closer to forcing a smile because I needed to appear nonchalant.

“You don’t seem to grasp your situation. Will you come to your senses if I properly imprint it onto you?”

I said, stepping closer.

Heuksaek’s face contorted at this.

“……What on earth do you want from me.”

“What I want? I told you last time, didn’t I?”

I gave a non-explanation. It was unknown how he received it, but it didn’t matter how he received it.

Because Heuksaek’s reaction wasn’t the important thing.

Kkeugeuk-

“Kkuh!”

As I moved my Magi, Heuksaek clutched his chest and let out a groan as if in pain.

The reaction was somewhat different compared to when I exerted pressure with Myung earlier.

The Magi were properly infused. Although there was no personality change that made him unconditionally obey me.

Even without that, controlling him with sheer energy was enough.

“Heuksaek.”

“Kkeueuuk…….”

“Heuksaek. Answer me.”

“Kkeuk……. Yes…….”

Even though Heuksaek answered, I didn’t release the pressure. I moved closer and faced him.

“Do you know how I came to find you?”

“Kkuh…….”

He probably doesn’t know. He definitely wouldn’t know. How could he know, since I didn’t say anything?

“I will create a paradise. And for that, I must exploit you.”

Paradise.

A paradise for what? I recall that I called it a paradise for those whose myriad worlds had disappeared.

Furthermore, this paradise I’m speaking of to Heuksaek now…

‘Is what the Blood Demon said.’

It was an application of the Blood Demon’s words, who said he dreamed of paradise himself.

“Paradise… What…”

Heuksaek also showed a reaction as if he didn’t understand when I mentioned paradise.

It was natural. Because not understanding was the same for me too.

However.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand.”

It was okay even if you couldn’t understand.

“Even if you don’t know my will. That’s fine too.”

However you understand it. Or even if you never understand it.

It means nothing.

What’s important is.

“If you follow me, you will obtain what you dreamed of.”

It’s enough to give Heuksaek sufficient benefits. Let alone mere benefits.

“Don’t you want to become a General?”

“……!”

Since I know Heuksaek’s desires and ambitions, if I just touch upon them to stimulate him. Using him wouldn’t be that difficult.

“I’ll let you ascend to that position.”

“…….”

Even while feeling pain from the Magi, Heuksaek raised his head to look at me. What lingered in his pupils was hesitation. To waver like that even while feeling pain. He seemed like quite an easy being, surprisingly.

Also.

“Didn’t you already know this?”

I thought he was implicitly aware of this situation. The reason for that is.

“Since you knew, you probably didn’t move unnecessarily.”

Remaining still even as this situation unfolded. That is clear evidence.

“That…”

Heuksaek tried to say something, but I spoke faster.

“Are you planning to excuse it as an action caused by my energy? Nonsense.”

I released the energy as I spat out the words. Freedom returned to his body.

“You could have moved freely. If you wanted to, you could have found Yusa. I didn’t mention the Master, as I didn’t know if this guy knew about them. You might have even faced that insignificant General.”

I deliberately called him insignificant while mentioning Yusa.

“But you didn’t. Why was that?”

“…….”

Heuksaek didn’t answer. It didn’t matter if he didn’t.

“As I said earlier, you know. That your hope is me.”

“…….”

“That I am the one who will fulfill your desires and raise you to the place you wish for. You know it. Right?”

I got right up close and met his eyes. His pupils were black, like Go stones. He possessed an ominous aura, but I wasn’t afraid of that.

Because I became stronger with Wolya? No.

‘If you’re talking about ominousness, this side is no joke either.’

To call him ominous to that extent. It was utterly laughable compared to me.

Seueueueu–

I emitted energy, flowing over my shoulders. Pure Magi, not Naegi. It was clean because nothing else was mixed in. And because it was so clean, the ominousness was amplified.

Even.

‘What the…? Was it originally like this?’

Perhaps it was the problem of becoming Wolya as night fell, but a much more profound energy than I expected surged forth. It was surprising even to me.

But I shouldn’t be surprised now, so I tried hard to suppress it and calmly watched him. I could see him tremble greatly, startled by my energy.

“What the…”

Did he get terrified by the energy? Well, indeed. Even I was surprised, so how must he feel?

“What… What am I supposed to do…”

“Obey me. If you swear loyalty to me, I will grant you what you desire.”

“…….”

“Kneel. And I will give you the world.”

The more I spoke, the more contemplation built up in Heuksaek’s eyes. I waited until his contemplation ended.

After a short while passed.

Heuksaek slowly rose. He got off the chair he was sitting on and moved towards me.

Seueuk-

He knelt on one knee before me. I sneered at his action.

“How amusing. Is kneeling only halfway a challenge towards me?”

I told him to kneel completely, yet he only kneeled halfway at best. Wondering what he was doing, I said to him:

“……Truly, if you will grant what I desire, I can swear loyalty to you anytime, but… I wish you would show a little more certainty. This is meant for that purpose.”

“Confirmation? Hmph.”

Kkeugeuk–

I drew up more energy, as if finding it laughable. Wow. It can be released to this extent. The more I do it, the more surprising it is.

‘I should check just how much stronger I’ve become.’

I had to move quickly, so I couldn’t even check properly. Still, I need to see how much has changed to use it safely, so I felt I needed to grab someone and figure it out.

“Alright, what more should I show you? Though it’s detestable, I shall bestow my generosity. What do you want?”

I’ll hear you out.

As I said that with that intention, Heuksaek clenched his trembling hands, hid them, and said to me.

“If you truly have the power to grant it. I wish you would show me that it’s possible.”

“For example, how?”

“……Do you know that the General is currently in Ya-wol?”

Keuk-keuk.

Hearing that, I chuckled unconsciously. I felt like I knew what the guy was going to say.

“I know.”

Yusa is in Ya-wol. It’s a fact I already knew.

“That person… No, him…”

Heuksaek uttered, then stopped. Is he hesitating, unable to continue? It seemed so, so I said instead.

“Shall I kill him?”

“……!”

At my words, Heuksaek’s eyes widened. Seeing that reaction, I nodded.

“It’s a simple matter. Good.”

I nodded, slowly raising the energy within my body. Since it’s something I have to do anyway, it’s killing two birds with one stone.

Of course.

‘Not Yusa.’

This guy in front of me is the same. Moreover, if you were to nitpick.

‘This guy seems like he’ll be dealt with before Yusa?’

Heuksaek was indeed scheduled to die before Yusa. The difference is… Heuksaek will die, not by me. He was scheduled to die by someone else’s hand.