Absolute Regression

Chapter 555: Care to Get Some Air with Me?

Han Seol’s astonishment had yet to subside.

The bloody battle that had erupted the moment she arrived, and the need to release her energy—she could accept all that as just bad timing.

Fine, even if the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace mentioned her ideal type in front of the successors of Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions, that could still be brushed off.

But now, she was witnessing the Demon-Slaying Brigade and the Thirteen Wolves—symbols of the orthodox and unorthodox factions and their finest elites—clinking glasses in a toast together. And that too under the protection of the Evil Smiling Demon and the Faceless Swordsmen. Martial Alliance warriors, Unorthodox martial artists and Demons coexisting in harmony ? It was beyond surprising.

This time, it was Han Seol who first sent a voice transmission to the Cold Ice Twin Swords.

―Is the Central Plains always like this? It’s so different from the one I studied about.

Of course, even knowing she meant it as a joke, the Cold Ice Twin Swords still conveyed their own surprise. In truth, it was they who were more shocked.

―As far as I know, in the history of the martial world, Orthodox, Unorthodox, and Demonic factions have never mingled this freely.

―That’s why we must be all the more cautious.

They stopped themselves from adding, “This might be their scheme.” Calling it a scheme felt far too excessive in scale. It wasn’t as though all of them had been mobilized just to lure Han Seol into a trap.

Besides, they were being far too sincere right now.

The Thirteen Wolves and the Demon-Slaying Brigade raised their cups and emptied them together. They even exchanged names with those in front of them.

“It’s Il-rang.”

“I’m Gwanghyo.”

If the first cup had been poured by Geom Mugeuk, this time it was Bih Sa-in and Jin Hagun who stepped forward.

Bih Sa-in poured for the Demon-Slaying Brigade, and Jin Hagun poured for the Thirteen Wolves.

Both the ones pouring and the subordinates receiving the drinks were experiencing something new.

Had it been any other Martial Alliance or Unorthodox Alliance group, such an atmosphere would have been unthinkable. Even if they drank together, there would’ve been a clash of wills, a readiness to strike at any moment, and tension thick in the air.

But the Demon-Slaying Brigade and the Thirteen Wolves had overcome a brush with death together with their commanders, thanks to the help of Geom Mugeuk. They were also the warriors who best understood the authenticity of this friendship.

Next, they reverted to the usual order. Bih Sa-in poured for the Thirteen Wolves, and Jin Hagun for the Demon-Slaying Brigade. In their eyes directed toward their commanders, there was deep loyalty and trust.

It felt as if this recent battle had sealed a solid bolt onto the emotions they had long built up.

In human relationships, if one fails to experience the moment that bolt is fastened, even the longest and strongest of ties can crumble in an instant.

All because of one careless word, or rather, because it was a word so insignificant that it felt all the more hollow.

Was that why? Bih Sa-in shared something with everyone.

“This year marks thirty years since Il-rang here joined the Thirteen Wolves.”

Suddenly being talked about made Il-rang flustered.

However, Bih Sa-in had something he truly wanted to say in front of everyone watching.

“Setting aside affiliation and rank, I sincerely respect you as a fellow warrior.”

As Bih Sa-in raised his cup, everyone else followed suit.

The Thirteen Wolves shouted out loud in celebration, while the Demon-Slaying Brigade offered their congratulations by raising their cups respectfully and drinking.

Jin Hagun spoke to Il-rang on behalf of them all.

“I believe staying in one place for thirty years is a great achievement. You’re truly admirable.”

Because the Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader’s respect was clearly felt, Il-rang, the person being honored, as well as the Thirteen Wolves, were all pleased.

“Thank you, Leader.”

Il-rang expressed his gratitude formally, and finally turned to look at Bih Sa-in. Had he said those words in private, it would’ve still been meaningful—but saying them properly before everyone made it all the more touching. This was a manner and attitude Bih Sa-in had learned from Geom Mugeuk.

“When I was just learning to walk, you were already walking the path of the unorthodox.”

At Bih Sa-in’s words, Il-rang laughed, and the Thirteen Wolves all raised their glasses in unison.

“Thirteen Wolves, live together, die together!”

They shouted boldly and emptied their cups together.

Watching that, Jin Hagun felt it in his heart.

‘You’re looking your subordinates in the eyes, too.’

Just as he had looked back at his own subordinates of the Demon-Slaying Brigade when he killed Heavenly Abomination inside the formation. If he hadn’t looked back then, he might never have had such honest conversations with them afterward.

As Jin Hagun raised his cup high, the warriors of the Demon-Slaying Brigade lifted theirs as well. This was Il-rang’s moment, so they did not shout to raise their presence, but simply exchanged glances and drank.

Such thoughtfulness would have been unimaginable in the past. Back then, they would’ve shouted Demon-Slaying Brigade louder than anyone.

Jin Hagun looked at the one who had created this moment.

Geom Mugeuk was in his original spot, conversing with Han Seol. He had judged it better to stay out of the way in this atmosphere of unity.

Han Seol put down her cup with Geom Mugeuk. She had only taken a small sip and set it down, fearing she would get too drunk. But Geom Mugeuk had drained his cup again. He didn’t force her to drink, nor did he stop her from doing so.

“You hold your liquor well. It doesn’t seem like you’re using internal energy to dispel the drunkenness, either.”

Indeed, Geom Mugeuk had been drinking with all sorts of people from every corner, yet didn’t look the slightest bit intoxicated.

“Why would I use inner energy to dispel such pleasant intoxication?”

“Your tolerance is remarkable.”

“You know, don’t you? My older brother is the Drunken Demon Supreme.”

Since they had once come to the Northern Sea together, she already knew about the relationship between the two.

Pouring a drink for Geom Mugeuk, Han Seol asked,

“How is my sister doing?”

She had thought that if she came here, she might get to meet Lee Ahn.

Then Geom Mugeuk gave an unexpected answer.

“I don’t really know either.”

“Pardon?”

Geom Mugeuk’s gaze drifted far beyond, toward the outside.

“Lee Ahn is out in the world on her own.”

Knowing that he considered Lee Ahn to be the very heart of his being, Han Seol was surprised he had let her go alone.

“Aren’t you worried?”

“How could I not be worried? She appears in my dreams every night like a ghost.”

“Then why did you let her go alone?”

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk replied.

“She needs to know how to walk alone.”

It was a simple statement, but those words of Geom Mugeuk held within them the entirety of his life before his regression.

The rougher the path, the stronger one became upon returning—he had lived that truth himself.

The moment she heard it, Han Seol’s heart pounded. She felt a sudden desire to walk the world alone herself.

“That’s a pity. I thought I’d get to see her this time.”

Then Geom Mugeuk said something unexpected.

“Go and see her.”

“Excuse me?”

“It’s time to return to the main cult. She may already be back. Come with me to the main cult. I am extending to you an official invitation.”

Before she could respond, a voice transmission from the Cold Ice Twin Swords reached her.

―You must not go to the cult!

―The Main Palace has never set foot in the cult before!

Ironically, those warnings gave her the resolve she needed.

―Then let my journey to the Central Plains begin with that.

Han Seol wanted to visit the main division of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Since they had come to the Northern Sea Ice Palace, it was only right that she visit in return.

And more than anything, she wanted to see Lee Ahn. She wanted to ask her what she had seen while out in the world alone.

“I once asked my mother what the Central Plains was like. She said it’s a place that makes you want to return when you leave, and once you return, it makes you want to go back again. I’m curious what kind of place the Central Plains will be for me.”

Since it was an official invitation, she offered a respectful martial greeting with her fists.

“I accept your invitation. Thank you for inviting me.”

Geom Mugeuk also responded with a respectful martial greeting.

“I hope our cult will become a fond memory in your Central Plains journey.”

And so, Han Seol’s visit to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult was decided.

Night deepened, and so did the drinking.

Everyone was drunk.

Of course, that didn’t mean there were any missteps between the Thirteen Wolves and the Demon-Slaying Brigade. As elite warriors who served their successors, they were cautious and meticulous even while drinking.

Geom Mugeuk drank with Jin Hagun and Bih Sa-in, while Jin Haryeong and Han Seol drank with the Sky Flower Pavilion Mistress. Whatever conversation they were having, it seemed incredibly fun—those two young women were surely hearing words that would greatly benefit their lives today.

Geom Mugeuk shouted up at the musicians performing on the second-floor balcony.

“Play something more exciting!”

The soft, mellow music quickened, lifting the mood into a natural excitement.

As Geom Mugeuk began to sway his body gently, Bih Sa-in was the first to shout out.

“Don’t even think about it!”

But Geom Mugeuk’s movements started growing bigger, as though he were warming up for something serious.

When Geom Mugeuk glanced toward Han Seol, Bih Sa-in quickly cut in again.

“If dancing gets brought up, that’s the moment the Unorthodox-Demonic Great War breaks out!”

Geom Mugeuk sighed in disappointment.

“If the young lady were to see your dancing skills, she’d surely fall for you even harder.”

He only sounded regretful, but his body looked ready to spring up and start dancing at any moment. Would Geom Mugeuk dance alone? If the real dancer was over there, he would no doubt be dragged into it.

Cornered, Bih Sa-in looked to Jin Hagun. His eyes begged for intervention—if he didn’t stop this, it would escalate not into a Unorthodox-Demonic Great War but a Personal Affairs Great War. But Jin Hagun, with a drunken flush on his face, said something no one expected.

“If you two dance, I’ll perform a sword dance.”

He meant that even if he couldn’t dance, he could at least manage a sword dance.

Bih Sa-in stared at Jin Hagun in shock. Geom Mugeuk pulling such antics was expected—but Jin Hagun, claiming he’d dance?

“You’ve all gone mad! Drunk out of your minds!”

Now that Jin Hagun had joined in, Geom Mugeuk’s swaying gained wings. He would surely steer things toward dancing no matter what.

Bih Sa-in sprang to his feet.

Startled, Geom Mugeuk looked at him and asked,

“Going to dance?”

Of course not.

Bih Sa-in strode over to Han Seol and said,

“Care to get some air with me?”

Running away wouldn’t solve anything—he had chosen a head-on breakthrough.

At those words, Han Seol was caught off guard, and Jin Haryeong was even more shocked.

The Young Leader, inviting a lady for a walk?

Jin Haryeong sent a voice transmission to Geom Mugeuk, glaring at him.

―What the hell did you do?

―I’m innocent! I didn’t say a word!

―Because of you, the Young Leader’s acting strange!

She should’ve heard her brother say he’d dance a sword dance.

Was he being considerate of the eyes watching them? Or did he truly feel like going for a walk?

Han Seol, quietly watching Bih Sa-in, answered calmly.

“I was just starting to feel stuffy from the drink. Perfect timing.”

Han Seol rose from her seat and left the building with Bih Sa-in.

Naturally, Bih Sa-in received a voice transmission from Geom Mugeuk.

―That’s a man! A real man!

―And whose fault is this, huh!

As his sigh carried through, Geom Mugeuk’s tone, devoid of mischief now, came with sincerity.

―Even after many years pass, the fluttering feeling of saying ‘care to go for a walk’ will never fade.

Bih Sa-in understood. He knew it was all genuine support from someone who truly cared about him.

―If war breaks out, I’m attacking the cult first! Forget the Northern Sea!

And so, the two of them stepped outside.

Watching them go, Geom Mugeuk raised his cup high.

“Come now, let’s toast to victory!”

Was it truly a toast to victory? Jin Hagun looked at Bih Sa-in with concern. They were a perfect match in attire alone—he wondered if Bih Sa-in would even manage to say anything coherent.

After the two shared a few drinks, Jin Hagun finally voiced the thought he had been carrying in his heart.

“When I return, I plan to speak with my grandfather. I’m going to ask him to name me as successor.”

Geom Mugeuk silently refilled Jin Hagun’s cup. With that, his heart flowed out more freely.

“I’ve lived too long hiding my desire. I believed that was righteousness, that it was the proper path. I thought if I just lived this way, everything would fall into place naturally. But… now I think that might’ve been a form of escapism too. I’ve delayed and delayed telling my grandfather that I want to be the next Alliance Leader, just so he wouldn’t see my ambition. Compared to saying that, becoming the Demon-Slaying Brigade Leader and fighting—it was easier.”

Geom Mugeuk listened quietly while sipping his drink.

Perhaps the Martial Alliance Leader felt the same way.

The burden of choosing one’s grandson as successor. A man who had pursued only honor his entire life, carrying that kind of weight. Maybe even he was escaping reality.

Maybe he believed that if his grandson continued leading the Demon-Slaying Brigade long enough, the day would come when everyone accepted it naturally. Just vaguely hoping.

Geom Mugeuk thought Jin Hagun’s decision was a good one.

The most dangerous kind of relationship is one where neither party is honest about their desires. When such a relationship goes awry, it can spiral out of control.

“I think it’s time for your lava to erupt as well.”

Encouraged by Geom Mugeuk’s support, Jin Hagun nodded with renewed strength.

“I’ll stake my life on it.”

“What? You mean you haven’t already? Even the local ruffians risk their lives to become gang bosses! You’re talking about becoming the Martial Alliance Leader! You should’ve staked it ages ago! Go shout at the Leader! ‘Give me the successor’s seat now!’ And if you get scolded, go back the next day and flatter him! Just show him your whole damned heart!”

Jin Hagun laughed. Yes, talking with Geom Mugeuk always gave him this kind of energy.

Then they both saw, in the distance, Bih Sa-in and Han Seol walking together.

“What do you think they’re talking about?”

“A secret alliance between the Unorthodox Alliance and the Northern Sea Ice Palace to bring down the Martial Alliance?”

“Didn’t you hear earlier? If they attack anyone, it’d be you.”

“Nonsense. I’m the one who tied the red string between them.”

Jin Hagun turned to Geom Mugeuk and said with a worried tone,

“What if that guy ends up getting his heart broken?”

“Then he gets his heart broken.”

Geom Mugeuk looked at Jin Hagun and spoke calmly.

“When we look back on our lives someday, if all we remember is fighting enemies, wouldn’t that be such a sorry thing to say about our lives?”