Absolute Regression

Chapter 436: Even When Wounded, the Eight Shall Share

Within the mask, the eyes of the Evil Smiling Demon held sincerity.

Saying he would follow me no matter what order was given meant he would support me even if it meant defying the command of the Heavenly Demon.

Just uttering such words could cost one’s life. Defying the Heavenly Demon’s orders meant death, regardless of status or rank.

Just now, the Evil Smiling Demon had risked his life for me.

That was why my gaze and voice trembled as I looked at him.

“It must be because of this. Why Father met you first among all the Demon Supremes.”

The Evil Smiling Demon stared at me in silence, then spoke something unexpected.

“I hope this matter won’t be turned into something between father and son.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, don’t let this cause distance between the two of you. Instead, treat it as a matter between the Cult Leader and the Demon Supremes.”

The Evil Smiling Demon was concerned about the relationship between me and my father.

“You must make full use of the Demon Supremes, Young Cult Leader. If it were another matter, perhaps not, but if it’s war, then the will of the Demon Supremes becomes absolutely crucial.”

Even as the Heavenly Demon, he couldn’t make independent decisions in a war where everyone’s lives were on the line.

“If more than half of the Demon Supremes oppose, even the Cult Leader will be forced to withdraw his will.”

But would the other Demon Supremes willingly side with me as the Evil Smiling Demon had? Most likely not. Even the Blood Heaven Blade Demon hesitated and couldn’t decide.

“Though I’ve grown closer with the Demon Supremes, it would be hard to turn them against Father’s will.”

“Of course it will be hard. But if you are to achieve your path of the demonic, you must do it.”

I nodded silently and spoke honestly.

“It feels harder now because we’ve grown closer. Back then, I used to deploy flattery and all sorts of words to sway them, didn’t I? Now, that feels more difficult. Is it finally time to return to the beginner’s heart of flattery?”

Even at my joke, the eyes behind the mask remained serious.

“Do you think the Demon Supremes fell for that flattery technique?”

“Didn’t they?”

The Evil Smiling Demon answered firmly.

“They were moved by your sincerity, Young Cult Leader. The sincerity that always existed within your so-called flattery and flashy words. The demonic path of yours that seeks to protect even a mere tavern owner. I believe that’s what won them over.” ɌἁＮȎʙЁs

The reason he spoke more than usual was probably because he genuinely cared for me.

“So don’t hesitate. Whether it’s flattery or coercion, shout that this is your demonic path and tell them to follow. Don’t worry about the Demon Supremes. Don’t even worry about whether it burdens them. If they made a decision, they chose it because it was worth choosing, and because they could bear the consequences.”

After a brief pause, the Evil Smiling Demon added.

“We are eight. Even when wounded, the eight of us share it equally. So don’t hesitate—draw your sword.”

The Evil Smiling Demon before the regression had never been like this. And now, I could see that such fire existed deep within his heart.

That desire—to become my friend until the very end, even in the moment of his death—must have come from this very warmth.

‘Soma, in this life, let’s go to the end together. Let’s see this through as friends.’

This was my answer to Soma’s fire.

I brought my fists together respectfully and expressed my gratitude.

“Yes, I’ll bear it in mind. Thank you for your advice.”

The Evil Smiling Demon returned the gesture with equal respect.

“I should be the one thanking you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Thanks to the Millennium Snow Ginseng you gave me before, my martial arts rose by a level.”

“Ah, congratulations!”

I rejoiced as if it were my own success—no, I was happier than if it had been my own breakthrough.

And I couldn’t possibly accept gratitude for that.

“That accomplishment likely wasn’t because of the Millennium Snow Ginseng alone.”

A rise in internal energy didn’t automatically mean advancing to the next stage of martial arts.

There must have been many contributing factors. The Millennium Snow Ginseng surely played a part, but also the life-risking battles he had fought, the change of heart that made him bring a bedding into his room and start studying ledgers—those, too, had influence.

“My martial arts had been stagnant for quite some time. It was terribly frustrating, but I finally broke through this time. Thanks to that, I’ve seen great change in my skills.”

He was truly delighted. Breaking through at the Demon Supreme level was an incredibly difficult feat.

And perhaps, right now, what he wanted most to hear from me was—

“I look forward to our next fight.”

The Evil Smiling Demon’s eyes lit up with a bright smile.

“Then I shall take my leave.”

Just before I departed, he emphasized one last thing.

“To stop the war, you must bring one of the Eight Demon Supremes to your side.”

“Who is that?”

The one the Evil Smiling Demon had in mind was—

“The Poison King.”

Truthfully, I had thought the same.

In the matter of war, the person who would instill the greatest fear in the enemy was undoubtedly the Poison King.

The moment war broke out, he would be the primary assassination target of the Martial Alliance and the Unorthodox Alliance. Countless assassins and kill squads would be mobilized to eliminate him.

He might even be designated as a priority target above either my father or me. That’s how fearsome the Poison King was—because of his potential for mass slaughter.

I pictured him, alone in the forest. No matter what others around him said, lost in his own world, staring at poisonous herbs and venomous insects.

“He’s the hardest among the Demon Supremes to persuade.”

The Evil Smiling Demon spoke with a meaningful look in his eyes.

“That applies to the Cult Leader as well.”

After leaving the Evil Smiling Demon’s residence, I headed straight to the Tower of Drunken Dreams.

Meeting the other Demon Supremes was important, but more urgent was uncovering Father’s true intentions.

What exactly had he discussed with the Drunken Demon?

After a long time apart, Lyu Bin greeted me warmly and guided me toward the Tower of Drunken Dreams.

“I’m glad you’ve returned safely, Young Cult Leader.”

“It was all thanks to the Drunken Demon.”

“The Drunken Demon mentioned it himself. He said he gained much from this trip.”

“I only realized during this journey just how incredible a person the Drunken Demon really is.”

When I praised the Drunken Demon, Lyu Bin smiled faintly.

She ferried me across the lake toward the tower.

The Drunken Demon was sitting on the railing of the Tower of Drunken Dreams, gazing out at the lake. At moments like this, he reminded me of the Evil Smiling Demon, who used to stare blankly at a white wall alone.

Even from afar, it was clear he was drunk.

“He’s been drinking ever since he returned from meeting the Cult Leader.”

“Did he return in a bad mood?”

“No, he’s drinking because he’s in such a good mood.”

And just like that, the small boat reached the island.

Upon seeing me, the Drunken Demon waved and shouted.

“You’re here? Come on in! My little brother!”

He shouted cheerfully, slurring his words.

When I went up to the building, empty bottles were scattered all around. He was still drinking from the Ice Palace Chalice.

“What kind of binge is this? Didn’t you promise that when using that cup, you’d drink one cup instead of two?”

“Just this once, let it slide. It’s a special day. I’m too happy not to drink.”

Had there ever been a time when the Drunken Demon was this elated?

“Must’ve been a good drinking session with Father. Did you drink a lot?”

“Don’t even get me started. We emptied all the liquor in the Cult Leader’s Hall. I didn’t notice it while drinking, but once I stepped out of the Cult Leader’s Hall, the drunkenness hit me hard. While I was with the Cult Leader, I was so tense I didn’t even realize I was drunk.”

I didn’t need to see it to imagine just how nervous he must have been.

“It was your first time drinking alone with Father, wasn’t it?”

“We’ve had drinks before—like when I first became a Demon Supreme. But those were just a couple of light drinks. Or it was with other people around. This was the first time I really drank alone with the Cult Leader.”

“How was it?”

“It was great. Truly great.”

“What did you two talk about?”

“All sorts of things. The Cult Leader remembered everything from when I was younger.”

Just thinking about it again made the Drunken Demon drink happily.

“But the thing that made me happiest was this: the Cult Leader said he felt reassured sending you out with me. Ah, I never knew the Cult Leader trusted me this much.”

The Drunken Demon looked truly moved. Had Father really begun managing the Demon Supremes now? Or did he simply and sincerely want to spend time with the Drunken Demon?

“This is all thanks to you.”

“Why?”

“If you hadn’t accepted the Ice Palace Chalice, the Cult Leader probably wouldn’t have suggested drinking. And it’s only because the taste of that liquor was so good that he wanted to drink.”

“It might not have been because of the chalice.”

“You think not?”

“Maybe he’s planning to make you his right hand.”

At that, the Drunken Demon shook his head firmly.

“That’s not possible.”

“You never know.”

After a brief pause, the Drunken Demon spoke.

“I’m not the kind of person the Cult Leader likes. He prefers people like the Fist Demon King or the Blood Heaven Blade Demon.”

“Judging clearly like that—looks like you’re not even drunk.”

The Fist Demon King would follow any command from Father without a moment’s hesitation. That was the deep trust that defined him.

The Drunken Demon gazed out over the lake for a moment before abruptly asking,

“Why did you come here?”

He had figured out that, with so many Demon Supremes still to meet, there must be a reason I had come to the Tower of Drunken Dreams.

It was time to cast a stone into this calm lake.

If I spoke honestly about the reason I had come, I’d be spoiling the Drunken Demon’s good mood. And it wasn’t even something fully confirmed yet. Should I just let this pass pleasantly?

There are moments like this, when one uses “consideration” for others as an excuse to avoid uncomfortable or bothersome situations. This was exactly one of those moments. If I said nothing, we could laugh and move on. But if I brought it up, things would get serious, and he might even turn red in the face.

But it was exactly in moments like this that I needed to switch perspectives. What if someone else, thinking it was for my sake, didn’t speak honestly with me? How would that feel? Would that kind of consideration end up hurting more?

Thinking from the other side, I knew I would be upset.

Regardless of all else, the real reason for not telling him boiled down to not wanting to ruin his good mood. That wasn’t right.

And more than that—if it were a secret known only to me, maybe I could keep it. But this was something even the Blood Heaven Blade Demon and the Evil Smiling Demon knew.

“Did you enjoy it enough?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean, did you soak up enough of Father’s affection?”

The Drunken Demon’s expression hardened slightly. He had realized that what I was about to say had to do with his drinking session with Father.

“Sorry to ruin your good mood. But it’s something I have to tell you honestly.”

I told the Drunken Demon the core of what I’d discussed with the other two Demon Supremes.

“It’s not confirmed yet. I’m only guessing at Father’s true intentions.”

The Drunken Demon fell silent for a moment after hearing the whole story.

“I thought back carefully on yesterday’s drinking session, and... he didn’t mention a single thing related to what you’re worried about. Not even a hint of it.”

Then, all of a sudden, the Drunken Demon began drinking again in succession, as if something had stirred him. His expression clearly said: Right, like the Cult Leader would ever truly like someone like me!

“I don’t know the full story yet. Maybe he just wanted to mend things with you. Who really knows what’s on Father’s mind?”

Refilling his cup, the Drunken Demon pointed something out.

“But there is one thing that’s certain.”

“What is it?”

“He asked me to look after you. Just like he did with Soma.”

“He asked you too?”

The Drunken Demon nodded. Father had asked once again for someone to look after me?

“Does that mean he’s given up on winning over Soma and you—and has decided to accept you both as being on my side?”

The Drunken Demon protested, offended.

“Why would he give up on me?”

“What? Weren’t you already on my side, though?”

The Drunken Demon replied sternly.

“Young Cult Leader, you must learn to distinguish between public and private matters.”

Though half a joke, his words leaned more toward sincerity.

Yes—of course it wasn’t just the Drunken Demon. No matter how close they’d become with me, how could they simply defy the Cult Leader’s orders? There was no need to feel disappointed about that.

Still, I found myself wanting to know what the Drunken Demon really thought.

“What if that order was one to start a war?”

The Drunken Demon gave no reply. Was he someone who wished to charge through the fog of war—or someone who wanted to remain here, gazing at this beautiful lake, drinking his liquor?

He didn’t give a direct answer to my question.

“When I fought those bastards who used the Self-Destruction Art, this thought came to mind—‘These worthless trash think they can defy the Cult, not knowing how terrifying we are.’”

I could feel it—the Drunken Demon was speaking in veiled terms.

He wanted to sweep away everything that needed sweeping.

Of course, that didn’t mean he wanted war. But it also didn’t mean he wished to quietly stay here, sipping liquor by the lake.

“So in the end, you’re on Father’s side.”

“Is there really a ‘your side’ and ‘my side’?”

“This time... it seems like there’s no avoiding sides being taken.”

The Drunken Demon drank silently in response.

“I’ll be sure to tell Father when I see him—how loyal you are. That your loyalty to him outweighed even our bond as sworn brothers!”

Then the Drunken Demon spoke in a low, deflated voice.

“Would he even like that?”

“What do you mean?”

“I feel like... he might actually dislike hearing that.”

“Why would he dislike hearing that you’re following him?”

The Drunken Demon took another drink.

“The Cult Leader told me to look after you, remember? Somehow... it feels like he might be expecting me to take your side.”

The Drunken Demon looked at me and extended his cup. I drank the liquor he poured, then refilled it for him in return.

“If you understand so well… then why act like this?”

“Why else? Because I’m a drunkard.”

Though he’d said there was no such thing as sides, mine or Father’s, I could still feel it clearly. Deep down, the Drunken Demon wanted to be on Father’s side.

Somewhere in the depths of his heart, he held a desire to be in Father’s good graces.

To him, Father was the one person he wanted to impress more, the one person from whom he craved recognition.

Where that longing came from—I didn’t know. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding he’d carried for a long time, believing Father disliked him. Or maybe there was another reason altogether.

“Young Cult Leader.”

Since the mischief had left the Drunken Demon’s face, I responded with due formality.

“Yes, Drunken Demon.”

“Make sure you persuade the other Demon Supremes.”

“I will.”

After bowing respectfully, I added with a shout,

“Like that’s going to happen! Even you abandoned me—who else is going to take my side?”

“Sorry. I couldn’t help it. He remembered a version of me I barely even remember myself.”

“The next time I get expelled and come crawling back, I’m saving your house for last!”

Grumbling like that, I started to get up when the Drunken Demon said,

“Thanks for being honest.”

Looking him straight in the eyes, I replied calmly,

“Of course. You’re my brother.”

At my words, the Drunken Demon let out a deep sigh of relief and smiled.

Yes, this was the core of our relationship today. I had been honest with him. And he had done the same.

Honesty could be a double-edged sword that wounds both ways, but we were people who knew how to handle blades better than anyone.

And so, even if my brother sided with Father—we could still become closer.

“Who’s next?”

Someone who might—just might—know Father’s true intentions.

I slowly walked down the Tower of Drunken Dreams and clenched my fist.

“I’m going to clash with him head-on. I’m going for the biggest, hardest cliff.”