Chapter 164 – Chapter 41. Overwhelming Power.
Jihyeok woke up early in the morning. Then, very carefully, she kissed the forehead of her lovely son, who was sleeping soundly, so as not to wake him. The sweet smell of breast milk reached his nostrils.
The hero sneaked out of the room. A fairy stood in front of the dining table in the living room and looked at the student. He smiled broadly and took his master into his arms.
“Go with caution, honey.”
“You are doing well too.”
The two shared a sweet kiss. As if not wanting to let go, the fairy put her arms around Jihyeok’s neck and hugged him tightly. … But he was the one to leave. The continent needed him.
After the kiss, the master readily let go of the student. She smiled and caressed his face.
“I’ll go.”
“Huh.”
The two of them walked side by side, leaving the cabin and walking along the trail together for a long time. The cold dawn air cooled their bodies and lungs. However, the hot love flowing between the two did not cool down and was still boiling.
“Just go in. I’m going to wake up … Originally, children know very well that there is no mother.”
“Okay. … As others say, take care of yourself.”
“Do not worry. You know me well.”
The disciple bowed deeply to the master. Then he stood up again and said.
“I might not be able to come for quite a while. About two years at the longest…”
“Are you okay. Don’t worry about it. Siwoo will also be raised well. … When you come back, it will be very big then, right?”
“… Yes. Sorry. Because you’re a bad dad.”
“What is a bad father–! I’ll tell you what a great dad Siwoo has. … So, just come safely. Understand?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Yes, go ahead. I will miss the carriage.”
Eisel, a fairy, waved her hand to tell her to go quickly. Jihyeok bowed his head once more to say goodbye and left. She watched him until he was out of sight forever, then turned around with a long sigh.
Sad feelings surged in my heart.
But she didn’t cry this time. She couldn’t cry Now that she has a son, Siu.
Her mother ran as fast as she could to the cabin where her young son was alone.
Ugh-.
Siwoo was crying. Aizel hurriedly entered her bedroom and took her crying son in her arms, struggling on her limbs in her cradle.
“Mom is here, Siwoo. Mom is here. Yeah, where did you go Mom will always be by Siwoo’s side. Mom, where are you going? Siwoo. My baby…”
Caught in her mother’s arms, Siu quickly stopped crying. She gave her son a side kiss on the forehead and rubbed his cheek.
“Mom isn’t going anywhere. You will definitely be by our side. Will be there till the end … I will always be by your side.”
· · ·
After Jihyeok left Crescent Moon Lake, the time of a month and a half passed like flowing water again.
All the way to the capital, the hero drew Easel and his son Siu in his heart. Apart from being happy and happy, in fact he was very disturbed.
Over the course of several episodes, he painfully suffered how sad and difficult it is to give someone too much emotion. If, by any chance, the plan fails and he dies, everything will be completely silent. … Will he be able to withstand the sense of collapse and loss that comes from it?
As soon as Jihyeok arrived in the capital, he pushed that question to the back of his heart. There were a lot of problems that were soon to come before him, but he had no time to worry about something that hadn’t happened yet. Now, for the next two years, I will be really busy.
During those two years, there were two problems to be solved.
One is to stabilize the capital, and the other is to defeat the demon lord.
Both were not easy. But it had to be done. He knew that it was for the sake of the entire continent.
Arriving in the capital, Jihyeok went straight to the castle. He then entered the Hall of Fame and was confirmed in the mission archive that his mission had been completed.
The accumulated contribution is 60 points. Now Jihyeok has 140 points in A class. For reference, the previous contribution to the hero’s disappearance was 70 points.
Now, if he scored just 60 more points, he was eligible to take the exam for promotion to S-class. … Of course, that will happen after the demon lord is subdued again.
Returning to the mansion in the early evening when the sun was setting, Ji-hyeok was warmly welcomed by his colleagues. There was also a Mafushu team in the mansion. It had been about two months since he had returned, and the mansion was very crowded.
After having a hearty dinner with them, Ji-hyeok called Kayak, Glendal, and Mahushu to the office separately.
“Mafushu, I am very happy that the team has returned safely. … You look quite like a hero now, don’t you?”
Ma Hushu, a mixed-race beast, responded loudly, sticking out his big chest.
“Because I have the body to become a warrior! Now this is enough!”
Now, Mahushu felt that Chojjati was somewhat naked. If he looked like a foolish private when he first became a parent, now he feels like a private who has a little understanding of the situation. Of course, he still has a long way to go.
Anyway, Jihyeok looked at the kayak with a satisfied smile. The Lizardman bowed politely.
“What happened while you were away?”
“There is nothing important enough to report, but there is one thing I want to tell you.”
“Is it okay to talk here?”
“Yes, it doesn’t matter.”
“Then tell me.”
Jihyeok put his chin on his desk with both hands together. And soon Kayak opened his mouth.
“The Balkan Duke has entered the capital. I heard it was about two months.”
“Two months?”
Then, it must mean that Ji-hyeok’s team had already entered the capital before returning.
In fact, it was very natural for nobles to enter the capital. How many aristocrats have already entrusted the management of their estates to their agents and enjoyed the splendid and luxurious life in the capital?
However, it was definitely worth noting that the duke, who had been crouching in the territory until now, suddenly entered the capital at this time. … At first glance, it must be an intention to earn a place in the succession to the throne in earnest.
In particular, the Duke of Balkan had a lot of influence as the maternal grandfather and guardian of the 10th and 8th princes. In addition, there was a story that there were well over five of the warriors captured by him. Of course, they were C-class and B-class warriors who were a little short of being truly talented, but they would be much better than not having them.
He’s here…
Lizardman Kayak’s story did not end with simply entering the capital.
“I also sent a message asking you to visit his mansion once.”
“… Okay?”
Of course, the hero did not have to meet the duke privately. It didn’t look too good to do that… If you’re in a hurry, the other person will come to you on their own.
What Jihyeok had to do from now on was to create a strong and solid union. So that other bastards, except for the crown prince, would not dare to cross the throne. It was a kind of declaration to prevent useless wars of attrition.
Jihyeok had no intention of engaging in complicated political battles. There was nothing he couldn’t do if he wanted to, but he wasn’t idle enough to engage in such trivial fights with no benefit whatsoever. He should think about raising more talented people to prepare for the battle against the demon king.
So the hero was just thinking of crushing the opponent with overwhelming force. He didn’t even dare to lift his head.
After hearing his report, Jihyeok sent the three of them back and went to his bedroom. It was a comfortable and familiar bed.
… However, it was a strangely sleepless night.
· · ·
The next day after returning.
Jihyeok headed to the Heavenly Horse Guild early in the morning. The capital city was becoming more and more hideous day by day, but the face of the Heavenly Demon was full of composure.
“Old man.”
“Welcome.”
The Heavenly Demon welcomed Jihyeok and led him to the parlor. The warrior shared his tea with him and first exchanged simple greetings.
“La Rocha went on an expedition for the Hero exam. That was a month ago, so he’ll probably be back in about two months.”
I heard that she passed her 1st test with a very good grade. Of course, Jihyeok had no doubt that she would do well in her second exam.
“How was your expedition?”
“It was a bit difficult, but it was worth it.”
“From what I’ve heard, I heard that the cursed tower was purified… ? Everyone is talking about doing a great job.”
“It is not such a big deal.”
The hero trembled a little in humility. Of course, he was sincere and she didn’t think so either.
The Heavenly Demon smiled happily, as if she liked her calm and humble attitude. Usually, if you have strong power, you will become a man of peace, but Ji-hyeok doesn’t have that at all, so how can he not be proud.
There was silence for a moment. Jihyeok took a sip of his tea and filled this silence a little.
“Sir, I have something to tell you.”
“I am listening.”
“Even the elders are well aware that the capital city is atrocious these days.”
The Heavenly Demon’s smile disappeared slightly. How much trouble is he also suffering from the constant visits of nobles these days? And anyone could tell that there was a member of the imperial family behind them.
“I can’t help but know.”
“To be honest, I hate it.”
The Heavenly Demon’s eyes became puzzled. It was the first time Jihyeok had expressed such strong negative emotions.
“The continent is already a place where all sorts of dangers are lurking. You don’t know when and where the devil or demon king will appear again. The continent is never at peace. No, rather, you always have to be nervous in a crisis. But is it really right to waste and sacrifice the strength of the powerful in the petty power struggle? I think absolutely not.”
Jihyeok’s words were too straightforward. Of course, the Heavenly Demon also fully understood Jihyeok’s feelings. Because he also agrees with the idea that politics and power struggles are meaningless. … However, he knew all too well that the history of life was not something that could be justified by arguments.
“It’s our heart, but where is that easy?”
“Of course I know. … However, we cannot just watch it like this.”
“… So, what do you want to say?”
The Heavenly Demon sensed something unusual from Jihyeok.
“I want the crown prince to safely inherit the throne.”
“Are you trying to cut the surrounding shoots?”
“I don’t want to go to such extreme measures. … I just want to crush it so that I don’t even think about lifting my head.”
The Heavenly Demon smiled crookedly. … Suddenly, I thought of the old days.
“With overwhelming power, you mean?”
“Yes. … It is the only way to preserve the continent’s power.”
“Is that possible?”
“I can’t even tell. … But in the end, if something happens that requires the use of force, I intend to completely uproot it.”
“Looks like you’ve been waiting for it all along.”
“Yes.”
HahaThe Heavenly Demon laughed heartily.
“Good. Whatever you do, I will be your strength. Even if I become the emperor.”
“I have no intention of doing that.”
“I know. It’s just something I’ve said.”
“The joke is very frightening.”
“I couldn’t have come this far without the courage to joke like that.”
The two looked at each other and laughed. Jihyeok also liked the thoughtfulness of the Heavenly Demon, as well as his grandiosity. … Absolutes who were once all in Murim were different, no matter how different they were.
“Well then, what can I do? Tell me anything.”
Jihyuk licked his lips with his tongue.
“Please accept cooperation from as many guilds as possible. A guild of 10 is better.”
“Okay. Then let’s gather guild representatives in the capital.”
“Thank you.”
Out of thousands of guilds, the Heavenly Horse Guild, which was one of the top 10 guilds, was by no means easy going. It was recognized as a force equivalent to the S-class warrior team. In addition, the Heavenly Horse Guild had a very good reputation, so I was sure that there would be as many people as ants flocking to it even if the name of the Heavenly Horse was taken.
Jihyeok also thought of gathering as many warriors as possible. Right now, there is the S-rank 3rd place Ganesha team, the Gunda team that was promoted to A-rank in the past, and the Elim team.
However, that alone felt a bit lackluster to call it overwhelming.
… Another month passed like that,
A presence has appeared that can break this precarious balance of power in one shot.
