Absolute Regression

Chapter 445: It’s All Because Father’s So Particular

When Father said he felt reassured because of me, I briefly recalled the sight of myself standing on the battlefield.

The countless fights before the regression and the battles after I returned—when all of them are combined, they may be fights, but they are not war.

Once war begins, battles that turn a person’s life into hell break out across the Central Plains every day.

The justification that had once been red and thick like that initial blood gradually fades, and in the end, people die without even knowing why they’re fighting.

What’s even more horrifying is that it doesn’t end easily. It might last for months, years, or even decades. War is easy to start but difficult to end.

Is what we gain through such immense sacrifice truly peace? Or is it greater conflict, deeper wounds, and a thirst for revenge?

And what if I faithfully carry out the role of the vanguard in that war?

The Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader, Jin Hagun, would be killed by my sword.

I could already picture Jin Haryeong screaming in front of his corpse. She would hurl curses steeped in hatred, launching herself at me with her sword to kill me. But in the end, she too would die by my hand.

Bih Sa-in would be no different. As I looked down at his dying form, what words could I possibly say? Where should I discard everything I had once said to him?

Just imagining this suffocates me—it is the war for the unification of the martial world. Even from these mere thoughts, I already know how I will have to live for the next five years.

‘Father, the war will not happen. That’s why I’m so curious—what new dream do you have now?’

I almost responded that honestly, but in the end, I acted as I usually would.

Feigning distress, I put on an exaggeratedly pained expression.

“You’re being too much! You schemed this with the Demon Supremes to trap me from the start, didn’t you? Elder Blood Heaven Blade Demon laid the bait, Master and Demonic Buddha lured me in gently, and today you reeled me in completely. Isn’t that right? This was all a strategy devised by the Heavenly Communication Pavilion, wasn’t it?”

At my joke, Father glanced toward the entrance of the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

“Ask the Chief Strategist directly.”

Just then, Chief Strategist Sima Myung was entering the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

With his appearance, I realized something. There was another reason Father had summoned all the Demon Supremes today.

Right. Father isn’t the type to gather all the Demon Supremes simply because he misses them.

After showing respect to Father, Sima Myung politely greeted the Demon Supremes, and they returned his greeting with cupped fists. Finally, Sima Myung turned to me.

“Young Cult Leader, I’m relieved that you returned safely from the Northern Sea.”

"My apologies for the late greeting. I was a bit busy, having fallen into a trap prepared by our Chief Strategist."

Despite the sudden and out-of-place remark, Sima Myung smiled instead. He already had a good idea of what I meant.

"The name of the trap I fell into is the unification war of the martial world. Without even realizing it was a trap, I declared with my own mouth that I would become the vanguard." Ȑ₳𐌽о𐌱Ёṡ

He was well aware of how I had been meeting with the Demon Supremes, so he immediately understood what kind of promise I had made.

Sima Myung quickly identified the core of the situation.

"Of course, you must have set a time limit on becoming the vanguard, right? How long did you set it for?"

"I set it for five years."

"Could it be that the name of this trap is ’five years’? From where I’m standing, it seems like that’s the trap you fell into, Cult Leader."

He saw right through me—that I had bought myself five years. Just as Father had knowingly accepted the deal, Sima Myung had already figured out my intentions.

Sure enough, the moment his words ended, I saw a faint smile form on Father’s lips. He was pleased that Sima Myung had accurately assessed the situation.

Sima Myung had also noticed the cleverness hidden within the five-year period.

"If it had been seven or ten years, I don’t think you’d have fallen into the trap. But five years... it’s a perfectly irresistible span."

The Demon Supremes must have also understood exactly what Sima Myung was saying.

Right then, a sound transmission from Drunken Demon flew in.

—So this was your plan all along. I was worried, thinking I’d made a reckless promise.

—It was a reckless promise. I’ll need to give it my all for the next five years. You have to help me too, Brother.

—Please don’t drag me into the Cult Leader’s affairs!

In the meantime, Sima Myung revealed the true reason for his presence today.

"The reason I wished to meet all the Demon Supremes today was to report directly on the findings from the Heavenly Communication Pavilion. After learning of the forces operating from the shadows, we launched our own investigation. We focused particularly on their sources of funding. After all, to mobilize martial artists and an organization of this scale, vast resources would be required. Through discreet investigation, we discovered a clue that allowed us to track the forces behind them."

He had come here to deliver this information and request the aid of the Demon Supremes.

"Considering the strength these forces have shown so far, I believe the Demon Supremes themselves will need to take direct action."

Sima Myung had likely already decided in his heart who should handle this matter.

Before he could point to a Demon Supreme and make the request, I stepped forward first.

"Before that, may I say something first?"

"Go ahead."

Sima Myung waited for a reply, but the person I wanted to speak to was my father.

"I have a request to make of you, Father."

"What is it?"

"Let you and I handle this matter ourselves."

No one, not even Father, had expected me to say such a thing. Sima Myung and the Demon Supremes all wore startled expressions—as if they were questioning whether they heard correctly. In fact, Sima Myung looked like he was hoping he had misheard.

"Let’s head out together. Just the two of us—Father and me."

We had talked about going out into the Central Plains together many times, but we had never once acted on it. This time, with the opportunity at hand, I wanted to spend time with him.

"Five years go by in a flash, don’t they?"

That was something Father had said to me earlier. Given the nature of this promise—one meant to change his mind—being fair meant I had to be given a chance.

The Demon Supremes all turned their curious gazes to Father, eager to hear how he would respond.

"Let’s just go together and settle it quickly, shall we?"

Before Father could make a decision, Sima Myung stepped in.

"That won’t do."

He had never interrupted a conversation with Father like this before. That alone showed how firm his conviction was when he said it.

"Do you understand what it is you’re asking of the Cult Leader right now?"

Though his tone was gentle, his eyes were extremely serious.

"I do understand."

Sima Myung shook his head.

"No. I don’t think you do, Young Cult Leader. If you truly understood, you wouldn’t be able to make such a request."

"Why not?"

Tension filled the air. What had been a contest between Father and me now shifted into a contest between Sima Myung and me. The curtain on today’s stage had not yet fallen.

"According to cult protocol, the Cult Leader and Young Cult Leader do not move together except under special circumstances. Even your meals are to be served separately."

That rule existed to guard against ambushes and poisoning. If both died while together, the Cult Leader’s absence would throw everything into chaos.

"Don’t tell me you’re trying to stop us because you’re worried about Father’s safety? You’re directing your concern at the wrong person. It’s not Father you should be worried about—it’s the martial world."

Sima Myung responded, as if he’d been waiting for that.

"Correct. That’s exactly why I object. Because if the Cult Leader moves, the entire martial world is put at risk."

That was what Sima Myung feared most.

"If the Cult Leader makes a move, the martial world tenses up and stiffens. The sense of crisis skyrockets, and even the smallest incident can erupt into something catastrophic."

I responded in a calm tone, trying to persuade him.

"Then we can go in secret. Father can pretend to enter secluded cultivation."

"And if it’s discovered later, the martial world will be even more shaken."

The Heavenly Demon’s march into the martial world carried a weight that came with immense responsibility.

Sima Myung added chilling words.

"If things go even slightly wrong, the moment you must take the vanguard position might come not five years from now—but five days from now."

I understood exactly what he feared.

"Still, that doesn’t mean Father has to remain in the Heavenly Demon Pavilion for the rest of his life, does it?"

That one point, even Sima Myung couldn’t refute. He, more than anyone else in the cult, must have understood how suffocating it was for Father.

My gaze turned toward Father.

"Father, I respect the dream you are pursuing. But because it’s a dream meant for the world, I believe you must step into the world to pursue it."

Father looked at me silently.

With my eyes, I spoke to him.

Father, the time has come for you to go out there with me.

Father surely understood the heart behind my actions.

Because this was a conversation between Father and me, none of the Demon Supremes intervened—they only watched us quietly with various expressions in their eyes.

Sima Myung let out a light sigh and said,

"Seems I got the name of the trap wrong. It wasn’t five years—it was expulsion from the Cult."

A joke that he was the one who had fallen into the trap.

At last, Father stepped forward.

"This matter will be reconsidered after careful thought. Then let us adjourn today’s gathering here."

He had likely already made his decision. But by withholding it from being spoken here, he was preserving the dignity of those whose opinion he had not chosen.

Thus, the Demon Supremes and I politely bade farewell and exited the Heavenly Demon Pavilion.

At the entrance, Blood Heaven Blade Demon spoke to me.

"You really don’t get tired, do you?"

He was referring to how, after making the five-year promise with Father, I had now stirred things up again with the matter of going out into the world with the Heavenly Demon.

"Doesn’t five years pass quickly? I need to move diligently while I have the chance."

Then Drunken Demon spoke up with what he’d been holding back.

"No matter how I think about it, I just don’t see how you’ll manage to change the Cult Leader’s mind in five years."

It seemed Demonic Buddha shared the same opinion.

"Didn’t I say earlier that this whole gathering today was a stage the Cult Leader set?"

A radiant light began to glow from his body once more.

I looked at Fist Demon King. Though he said nothing, his gaze seemed to be telling me:

Didn’t I say the Cult Leader is in a war with his son?

To him, this war had now truly begun in earnest.

Behind Fist Demon King’s massive frame, I saw Poison King. If the Demon Supremes all head to war, he would be the one to guard the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Though Father disliked poison, he was the one he trusted most.

He was also the Demon Supreme who first understood my intentions. Back when I pretended to be the one who had fallen into the trap, he had sent a sound transmission saying it was actually Father who’d been caught.

"Make sure you bring it back this time. And don’t use the Cult Leader as an excuse."

He was already certain that I would be able to go out with Father.

Standing next to him, Soul Reaper Demon Supreme bowed her head to me politely. It was her way of expressing apology for changing her mind and choosing Father. I answered with a smile—saying, You are Father’s Demon Supreme and mine as well.

One-Slash Sword Supreme offered a word of encouragement.

"I believe that if it’s the Young Cult Leader, you’ll find a way."

Though she supported Father, I could tell her words were sincere.

Evil Smiling Demon silently looked up at the sky. What kind of dream was he having at this moment?

I let out a sigh and lamented.

"I’ve talked a lot and made some bold declarations today, but it was truly exhausting. As you all know, just who am I dealing with here? It’s Father. I have to change the long-cherished wish of the Heavenly Demon. Do you think striking the Heavenly Demon Sword with an iron hammer would leave a scratch? From now on, I’ll need your help. Where are the Demon Supremes who belong to Father and me? They’re our Demon Supremes. So, with that in mind—since it’s been a while since we all gathered, how about a drink together…? Huh? Where’s everyone going? Elder! Master! Brother!"

The Demon Supremes were already scattering in the eight directions toward their respective residences.

"Come on! I said I’m exhausted! At least comfort me a little, help me plan a strategy. This is really too much!"

No one even turned around.

Only Blood Heaven Blade Demon sent me a sound transmission from afar.

—Isn’t there someone else you should be drinking with right now?

"Young Cult Leader."

Sima Myung, who was working in his office, looked as though he had expected me to show up.

"Just about time for you to be hungry, right? And of course, you’re working late again."

I had brought food and liquor from Flowing Wind Tavern, timed to arrive at dinner. There was enough to share with his military subordinates.

"I still have work left, so I’ll decline the drink. But I’ll gladly share the food with my subordinates."

Looking at the piled-up paperwork reminded me of the work that used to stack up in Gowol’s room. Truly, a strategist’s life is a hard one.

"You already know why I’m here. So—what should I do?"

Sima Myung stayed silent for a moment.

I understood him. No—I appreciated him. Because he was protecting Father like this.

"If you’re really worried, I’ll take some Demon Supremes with us."

Then, with a faintly amused smile, Sima Myung asked,

"Which Demon Supremes?"

"First of all, they need to avoid drawing attention, and they have to make Father feel comfortable."

That alone ruled out Poison King and Soul Reaper Demon Supreme.

I’d love to take Evil Smiling Demon, but his white mask stood out too much. Same went for Demonic Buddha.

Drunken Demon had just returned from mission with me. Even if I didn’t say it, if I invited him to go with Father, he’d probably jump into the lake in front of Tower of Drunken Dreams.

In truth, the person Father would be most comfortable with was Fist Demon King. But with his massive build and intimidating presence, he would draw attention wherever he went. Even if his face were hidden, how could he possibly conceal those enormous fists?

Blood Heaven Blade Demon would be no different—just having that huge Heaven-Extinguishing Saber strapped to his waist would draw every eye around.

One-Slash Sword Supreme might have been a relatively suitable choice, but these days, she was pursuing the ultimate depth of swordsmanship. She wouldn’t welcome a mission.

"...There’s no one I can go with. Even though there are eight of them."

Sima Myung, seemingly aware of what I had been thinking, looked at me with a smile.

"This is all because my father is so particular. Truly, thank you for all your hard work in serving him."

"You don’t need to try so hard."

And then came a surprising truth from his lips.

"The Cult Leader has already made his decision—to go out with the Young Cult Leader."

"You mean he told you directly?"

"Not yet."

Even so, he spoke with such certainty. Likely because he had been with Father for so long.

"A message will likely arrive within a few days, so please take that as confirmation. In the meantime, rest well. You just returned from the Northern Sea and had to meet with all the Demon Supremes—you haven’t even had a chance to recover from the journey."

"Thank you, Chief Strategist."

When Father moves, everything would be handled in strict secrecy—both the departure and the return.

"Are you pleased that you’ll be going out with the Cult Leader?"

"My heart’s already pounding."

"I could have continued opposing it, but do you know what made me change my mind?"

"What was it?"

"It was that statement you made—that you wanted to show the Cult Leader a different landscape."

How could someone like him not feel sympathy for a man trapped by the name Heavenly Demon? That must have been what moved his heart.

"Go and enjoy that landscape well with the Cult Leader. I’ll take good care of the house while you’re away."

He showed not the slightest concern about the enemy forces we’d have to face. Then again, with Father going out personally, what enemies would be worth worrying about?

"Because you’re here, Chief Strategist, I was able to act recklessly and be childish. Thank you so much."

As I turned to leave, I suddenly asked him a question.

"Then what about your landscape, Chief Strategist?"

It was a random question, yet he immediately understood what I meant.

"I find the view from this desk to be beautiful enough. So, no need to worry about me."

Meeting his clear and deep gaze, I responded with silent appreciation for his devotion, then exited his office.

And I silently hoped that, when the time came for him to seek out his own landscape, it wouldn’t be too late.