episode_0098

*****

While wandering around and getting lost, I met two people I knew in the magic barrier I got caught up in. I was stunned for a moment by this unexpected situation, but now is the time to understand the situation.

Is there a possibility that the two people in front of me are illusions of barrier magic? I thought about it for a while and the answer was no. If you were to fool me, you would have chosen a more natural combination like Hwain and Raon.

After quickly checking various other possibilities, I relaxed my fighting stance. When I relaxed my stance first, So Baek-hyang was also wary but sheathed her sword. Fine person? They didn’t even suspect me in the first place.

“As expected, ARMY, I’m here to save you!”

“No, I’m trapped too. … What kind of joke are you making?”

“?”

“Anyway, did you come to save me? Were you attacked by someone?”

If you look closely, the clothes of the two people, especially So Baek-hyang, are quite tattered. Looking at the state of the sword that was swung at me, I was probably injured.

In the original work, the heroines with individual routes are strong enough to keep up with the power inflation in the latter half of the story. Unless something serious happened, I wouldn’t have been injured to that extent.

“Yes. I just managed to shake it off, but I’m guessing he’s being chased. If possible──”

Hwa-in’s words were cut off by So Baek-hyang’s arm stretched out in front of him. There was strong hostility and wariness in So Baek-hyang’s eyes as she looked at me.

“No, Fine. The successor has a deep relationship with the association. It might be an enemy trap.”

“Does that mean ARMY is deceiving us?”

“Not necessarily. Still, there is a possibility that that child is being used.”

So Baek-hyang’s words were correct. I don’t know the current situation, but from So Baek-hyang’s perspective, I am the enemy now. Normally, it would be difficult to ask someone to suddenly trust such an enemy.

But Hwain’s stubbornness did not break. The two people who had different opinions bickered a bit, and Hwa-in ended up saying this.

“Anyway, I trust ARMY. I can’t help it if you don’t believe me, but then I won’t help you either.”

Huh, Hwain? I’m glad you trust me, but isn’t that a bit too strong?

It seemed like the two of us were getting through the difficult times just a little while ago, but the atmosphere suddenly became strange. At least So Baek-hyang nodded, even though she was slightly out of breath.

“… Fine, if you say that, I will believe it too.”

Although he says it while glaring at me.

Yes, this can’t be helped. Even though he’s the main character of a harem drama, he doesn’t really know how women feel, Hwa-in.

“Let’s talk about it in detail later. You said there was a force chasing you, right?”

“Yes. China’s awakened people.”

This was another unexpected answer. Honestly, I thought our country would have moved to exclude So Baek-hyang. Because So Baek-hyang was just wary of me.

” Each person is not that strong, but there are a lot of people. If we run away, the people we suppressed may recover and reappear.”

“What about movement? Do you know which exit is?”

“First of all, it’s coming as you can see. Although I can’t see it as clearly as I did then.”

A slight hint of magic flashed in Hwain’s eyes. Unlike the last time he was forced to see it by a priest, he seems to be gradually adapting of his own will.

“Then it would be roughly correct. We can get out together.”

“I was originally going to do that. If you think it’s an exit and get closer, the flow disappears.”

“Now?”

“… It’s disconnected.”

indeed. I checked just in case, but the flow of magic power within the barrier was already heading somewhere else.

Maybe it wasn’t a coincidence that I and Hwain ran into each other. I came in through the entrance and Hwa-in was running towards that place.

good. I have roughly figured out the situation.

“Did I see the flow wrong?”

“It’s okay. The fact that a successor emerged from the place we were going means that the route itself was correct. If you go quickly before the other side changes the entrance, you can get out of this gimun disguise.”

indeed. It feels like escaping a maze before the path changes.

Certainly, it is difficult to create a completely closed subspace. During the time of Doctor Strange, it was only an exception as the opponent was an opponent. Now that I have joined, I think we will be able to break through.

However, I am quite concerned about the attention that I feel as potential right now. The rooftop of the building that appears to be the tallest in this barrier. Someone is watching us all the time there.

Considering the distance from that building to here, it probably won’t be visible to the naked eye… For now, let’s be careful.

“Once it’s decided, let’s move. I will take the lead.”

“Wait a minute. Not Hwain? Is it really possible for you to see the structure of the diaphragm?”

“Well, roughly.”

At least for now, I can use my mind’s eye better than Hwain. I don’t know what will happen after a little while.

Looking at the flow of magical power, it seemed like the exit had moved quite far away from where we were. Running right there would be an option, but let’s try moving to the blind spot of that building first.

“… Those people, I can’t see them this time.”

“I don’t think I’m just wandering around the alley. Is there some way?”

And the prediction seemed to have been correct, as no trace of the group of pursuers was seen even while moving a considerable distance. As expected, the person on top of that building was acting as a GPS.

Hwain asked as if he was curious, but he could only give a vague answer. Because I’m hiding my true potential. Fortunately, So Baek-hyang didn’t delve into that part, perhaps because she said she would believe it.

Of course, there was a limit to continuing to hide. Not long after we had no choice but to show up to go to the exit, we were once again surrounded.

“Fine, you go forward. Don’t stop and keep running!”

“Okay.”

“Now, wait a minute. Is it okay to leave it behind?”

So Baek-hyang was taken aback, but Hwa-in did not slow down and passed through the two people blocking her path. Of course, other personnel immediately followed, but I was in front of them.

There are about a dozen people chasing after me. Although there are differences, it is roughly considered to be C grade. Socially, he may be a great professional hero, but unfortunately, there is quite a gap with me now.

And against such opponents, this technique is most effective.

[Stop—!!]

Who would stop just because someone told them to stop? What if it was a cry filled with dragon fear?

The pursuers, who were running hard and using light attacks, stopped abruptly. You can feel panic, confusion, and fear in their eyes.

They probably don’t understand why they stopped. Of course, the body refuses to move, faithfully following the instinct of fear. You can even see people rolling over while trying to ignore it.

… Actually, I used it to slow down the speed, but the effect is much better than I expected. Was this a technique that was this strong against humans?

Anyway, the results are best. In terms of time, it was easy to catch up with Hwain since he only shouted once.

“… Did you use some hex?”

So Baek-hyang looked back slightly and said these words in half-shock. When the Moorim kids see magic, they always say that. In a way, it may not be wrong to say that it is the power of a monster.

I know this because I’ve experienced it myself, but Dragon Fear causes damage to the mind and soul rather than the body. As if there was no one among the pursuers who could heal such damage, the number of pursuers decreased noticeably as time went by.

For a moment, the priestess’s warning came to mind, but unlike concept manipulation, Bloom didn’t have that strangely dull feeling. If you only use it a few times, it’ll be fine.

“Almost there!”

As Hwain said, the shaking of space began to be noticeable not with the mind’s eye but with the naked eye. The enemies seemed to be trying hard to change their deployment, but it seemed like it was not enough because they broke through so quickly.

The fact that they created a sub-space like this to attack meant that the enemy needed to proceed in secret. If we go out, there probably won’t be any more attacks.

In other words, a safe place is right around the corner. And people tend to lose focus when their purpose is clear.

If it were me, I would never miss that moment.

I guess that goes for you too, right?

“Sorry!”

“Aaaah!”

So Baek-hyang was violently pushed away using a long-acting technique. I tried to do it as gently as possible, but because of the speed, So Baek-hyang flew for a while and barely stopped.

From So Baek-hyang’s perspective, it must have seemed like I had made a surprise attack. So Baek-hyang straightened her posture and raised her head, hostility burning brightly in her eyes.

“What are you doing!? As expected──”

Kwasik. The resounding sound of shredding cut off So Baek-hyang’s words. It was the sound of something flying from far away breaking the asphalt and hitting the ground.

Wow, it went through cleanly. It was so deeply embedded that I don’t even know what flew out. At first glance, it looked like an arrow.

“Of course what?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. … Thank you.”

Considering her attitude so far, I thought she would be stubborn and say she could have prevented it, but surprisingly, So Baek-hyang obediently expressed her gratitude.

Well, since she’s a heroine, she’s actually a good girl. The problem is that they blatantly show hostility towards me.

The reason I pushed So Baek-hyang as if attacking him was because I thought a follow-up blow would come if I broke my stance. I pushed So Baek-hyang to the corner of the building and watched his reaction, but no additional attacks came.

Was it a waste to just send it away? He’s a bland guy.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Ah, yes. It’s nothing.”

I said I pushed So Baek-hyang, but Hwa-in was standing awkwardly with one hand outstretched. Oh, maybe he sensed the arrow with his mind’s eye and was trying to save So Baek-hyang like me?

… what? So is this the part where Hwa-in originally tried to save So Baek-hyang? And in the meantime, they were going to fall together and a romantic comedy-like incident was going to happen?

I intervened and ruined it.

“Wait a minute. Let’s do it again. retry. Baekhyang? Would you please come over here for a moment and stand again?”

“Trying to kill me!?”

When I called So Baek-hyang to the place where the arrow had just passed by, he got extremely angry. I just wanted to make peace between the two of you…

When I thought about it, the problem was more than just the arrow. Isn’t the fact that only two people are trapped in a barrier and escaping from it already an extremely heroine-like event?

A supporting character suddenly intervenes in such an important event and solves the problem. If it had been a paid novel, it wouldn’t have been surprising if it had been withdrawn.

Aside from being devastated by the mistake we made ourselves, we escaped the barrier. There’s no sign of it yet, but since it’s from subspace, it won’t be able to do anything noticeable on the other side.

“Okay, if you made it this far, you’re safe now. Thank you all for your hard work. Well then, that’s it!”

“Oh, wait a moment. I have a favor to ask.”

A hasty escape attempt was futilely blocked by Hwain. Please just let me go! I don’t want to ruin the event with the heroine anymore!

“What do you mean, please?”

“Could it be possible to let Hyangi sleep at home today, or if possible, for a while?”

Look! It’s an accommodation event! If I wasn’t there, you’d be sleeping at Hwain’s house!

“Well, well~. It seems a bit difficult?”

“How could it not work? ARMY, it’s a favor I can do because it’s you.”

“Because it’s me… ?”

… No, no, what am I trying to do again? Since she’s a painter, she’s probably not just saying it but is sincere, but even if that’s the case, making So Baek-hyang a heroine is the priority right now.

“Shouldn’t we also contact China first?”

“That will be fine. Please listen to Hyangi for details.”

“But you and Baekhyang are childhood friends. Isn’t it better to stay at a childhood friend’s house than at a stranger’s house?”

“Amiya.”

Tuk. Hwain, who was holding my shoulder, looked down at me with an extremely serious face and declared.

“Common sense tells us that it is dangerous for a man and a woman to live together like that.”

That’s true though! This is absolutely true! As the protagonist of a love comedy, you shouldn’t say that!

If that were the only reason, I would have pushed ahead. When your life is at stake, what does the luck of a man or woman have to do with it?

I endured so much shame that I even hugged him naked!

But unfortunately, Hwain had another valid reason.

“Because there might be a secondary attack or something like that. In that respect, I thought it would be okay for you, ARMY, who lives with Teacher Sia.”

aha. So it was a favor that only I could do.

Certainly, for practical reasons, there was no shelter like our home. After all, isn’t it the home of an S-class hero?

At this point, I felt like I was being insincere in thinking about things like heroines and events. Hwa-in is just doing her best to protect So Baek-hyang.

… Still, it would be a shame to miss this opportunity.

I glanced at So Baek-hyang, who had been standing silently for a while. So Baek-hyang would also like to spend time with Hwa-in rather than with me.

So Baek-hyang recognized my gesture and opened her eyes slightly. Go, heroine! Don’t miss the chance!

“I will also ask you a favor from me. Heir, please allow me to stay in your house.”

That’s not it!!!

You hated me so much just a moment ago! Why are you lowering your head! If you have to choose between staying at a hot guy’s house or at your enemy’s house, don’t you usually choose the former!?

If there was no reason to refuse just a moment ago, now the escape route is completely blocked. All I could do was nod.

“… huh. okay. Let’s do that.”

“Thank goodness. Really, really thank you.”

“It’s okay to organize this. You’re friends. haha… .”

The best event of lodging and living together is blown away like this.

Next to Hwa-in, who was so happy, I smiled heartily and felt a sense of dejection for a moment.

***

“I missed it.”

The man muttered as he looked at the swaying space. The target and his companions were no longer left there.

“Hey, hey! What are you doing!”

“What are you doing?”

“Why did you just let them go? You could have put more pressure on me!”

A person wearing a martial arts uniform next to the man protested violently, but the man only shrugged his shoulders. For him, it was already over.

“That probably didn’t work out, sir. Have you seen the smallest kid? That kid’s skills are no joke.”

The man was also quite surprised by that. When the arrow was released, the girl was already aware of both the arrow and its destination.

Not only the girl, but also the boy next to her seemed to notice, although it was a little late. At this point, I was on the verge of laughing beyond admiration.

His pride was hurt, but his customer never knew how to stop protesting. I tried to hand it over to a reasonable degree, but when the responsibility for missing the goal came to a head, even as a man, I couldn’t just sit still.

“Hey, customer. Do you remember what my job was originally?”

When the man showed off his momentum, the other person quickly started shaking his legs and became discouraged. If you’re going to do this, why don’t you at least clean your mouth. The man wanted to click his tongue, but as a hired mercenary, he had to avoid provoking more than necessary.

“Surveillance here… .”

“I told you exactly where those kids were. Okay then, what more do you want?”

“Didn’t you lose track of the kids in the middle?”

“That’s because everyone caught me watching it here. Next time, you shouldn’t be spying on people in obvious places like this, customer.”

“Well, you are still that ‘descendant’… .”

Even when his title was mentioned, the man──descendant did not flinch. In the first place, the amount paid by the other person was ridiculously insufficient to move the man.

‘Well, thanks to you, I did see something interesting. It’s not for nothing that the Sword Demon came empty-handed.’

Since Huye came for surveillance purposes, he did not bring proper equipment. The reason he fired one arrow was simply because he wanted to see if the girl had really noticed him.

The results were better than expected, though.

‘I want to try more.’

Unfortunately, before he was a battle fanatic, he was a mercenary. His credo was to never do anything that wouldn’t make money.

But isn’t there a great water supplier nearby?

“Hey, uncle.”

“Mister… .”

“If the contract just ended, you’re a guy, right? Rather, you’re not going to end with what we just said, are you?”

“Of course! Because now is the perfect time.”

“Then, do you have any intention of extending the contract? I’ll do it for you cheaply.”

The battle enthusiast’s laughter immediately changed into that of a friendly merchant. If there was no opportunity to fight for money, creating that opportunity was also a quality of a good mercenary.

It was already clear that it would be impossible to achieve the goal with just their power alone. Meanwhile, the arrow he showed me just now must have made a deep enough impression.

All that remains is to bake and boil it. Thinking like that, Hoo-ye gradually led the man in uniform, who was beginning to sweat profusely, to use clever language.

*****