Absolute Regression

Chapter 558: We’ll give you a full thirty percent off!

“So this is Maga Village?”

At the scene unfolding before her, Han Seol opened her eyes wide.

It wasn’t what she had expected.

Clean streets lined both sides with rows of shops, and countless pedestrians were coming and going.

There were no individuals with sinister eyes looking for easy prey, nor any drunkards staggering through the streets. In alleys where one would expect schemers to gather and whisper conspiracies, children were running and playing.

Geom Mugeuk didn’t need to answer her question about whether this really was Maga Village.

“Young Cult Leader!”

An herb vendor at the entrance ran out and greeted Geom Mugeuk warmly.

“How’s business?”

“Thanks to you, it’s going well.”

Han Seol was honestly surprised. A mere street vendor was speaking so casually to the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult?

Of course, she didn’t know. In Maga Village, Geom Mugeuk’s popularity surpassed even that of the Heavenly Demon. The reason this place had become such a livable village was entirely due to Geom Mugeuk’s efforts.

Sobing, one of the Cold Ice Twin Swords, quickly sent Han Seol a sound transmission.

―Step back! Those might be poisonous herbs.

―Surely they wouldn’t be selling poisonous herbs like regular medicine?

―That’s why it’s the Demonic Cult.

Their guard had relaxed somewhat during the gourmet journey with Geom Mugeuk, but upon arriving in Maga Village, they immediately tensed up again.

They focused all their attention, wary that someone might be targeting Han Seol, no matter how slim the chance.

“Young Cult Leader, it’s been a while!”

A vendor across the street selling farming tools also came out and greeted Geom Mugeuk.

―Be careful. Some of those tools might be disguised hidden weapons.

They were now ready to suspect even the pebbles on the street.

At that moment, Sahan, the husband among the Cold Ice Twin Swords, sent a sound transmission to Han Seol.

―This street was staged for the arrival of the Young Palace Master. They probably sent a message in advance to prepare everything.

Han Seol, examining the expressions of the vendors, replied via sound transmission.

―Even so, these vendors seem genuinely happy to see the Young Cult Leader.

―They’re acting.

The Cold Ice Twin Swords trusted Geom Mugeuk but not the demonic cultists.

They acknowledged that Geom Mugeuk had greatly helped the Northern Sea Ice Palace and that he possessed a character unbefitting a member of the demonic path.

But they also knew the Demonic Cult. A force so ferocious and ruthless that even the Unorthodox Alliance would lower its head before them.

A single person is not easily changed—how could such a massive organization change so readily?

Thus, Sahan speculated:

―This must be the first gateway protecting the Demonic Cult’s main division.

―A gateway?

―Surely there are demonic cultists hidden throughout. If anything suspicious appears, they’ll contact the main division immediately.

Han Seol looked at Geom Mugeuk. From her experience, he wasn’t the kind of person to pretend friendliness with vendors just to deceive her. If this were such a place, he would have simply passed through without getting out of the carriage.

Even so, she understood the Cold Ice Twin Swords' suspicion. After all, even she was quite surprised by this unexpected atmosphere.

‘Not even the area in front of the Martial Alliance could feel this bright. Could this really be a staged street? Are they going so far as to mobilize all these people just to deceive us?’

As she walked along with Geom Mugeuk, they passed a shop selling dumplings. The steaming dumplings reminded her of the rumors about Maga Village.

‘Could there really be human flesh inside those dumplings?’

But the middle-aged shop owner had such a kind-looking face, and the dumpling shop was bustling with customers.

When she stared at the dumplings, Geom Mugeuk offered one to her.

“These are good. Would you like to try one?”

“I’m fine.”

Han Seol quickened her pace, worried that he might insist she try one.

Even the people browsing clothes at the fabric shop, and the owners and clerks of the fruit and rice shops, all recognized Geom Mugeuk and greeted him politely.

“May your sales prosper!”

Each time, Geom Mugeuk received their greetings personally.

That scene felt new to Han Seol.

She had always known Geom Mugeuk to be someone who involved himself in many matters, but she had thought it only applied when he was dealing with her mother, the Ice Palace Master, or with herself, or when facing the successors of the Martial Alliance or the Unorthodox Alliance. She had believed his kindness was a kind of strategy in such cases. Naturally, such kindness must carry a hidden intent—it was the sort of thing most people understood but still found hard to do, which made it impressive.

But Geom Mugeuk was treating the merchants no differently.

‘How is this even possible?’

How could his demeanor toward the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace and other heirs be the same as toward a mere shop owner? In fact, he even seemed gentler with the merchants.

‘Could this really be a disguised street, just like the elders said?’

Would she even be having such thoughts otherwise?

At that moment, a street vendor selling wooden dolls caught her eye.

‘So it really exists! A person selling Demon Supreme dolls!’

They had set up a stand and were openly selling Demon Supreme dolls. When she had first heard the rumor, she assumed “Demon Supreme doll” simply referred to a scary-looking figurine.

But the doll was an exact replica of the Demon Supreme’s appearance. Since she had met the Drunken Demon in person, she could tell it looked just like him.

‘They even have a Heavenly Demon doll!’

She thought it was absurd. Selling a doll of the Martial Alliance Leader in front of the Martial Alliance would surely get one arrested.

The goat-bearded vendor tried to lure her in.

“Only available here in the Central Plains! If you buy all the Demon Supreme dolls, I’ll give you a full thirty percent off!”

Just then, the vendor noticed Geom Mugeuk behind her.

“Oh, Young Cult Leader!”

“Have you been well?”

Han Seol saw the merchant’s face brighten up instantly.

‘Is that expression really just an act?’

Then all the best actors in the Central Plains must be gathered here.

Han Seol asked Geom Mugeuk,

“Did the Cult Leader really give permission to sell these?”

Geom Mugeuk nodded.

“You can tell how broad-minded my father is just by this one matter.”

Sahan’s sound transmission came flying in again.

―That can’t be true. Just like the rumors say, those dolls might be cursed. In an emergency, they might even move on their own and attack the enemy.

Han Seol replied via sound transmission.

―For dolls supposedly cursed, they’re way too cool and cute.

She actually thought they’d look nice displayed on a shelf.

The goat-bearded vendor shared some cheerful news with Geom Mugeuk.

“So I finally get to meet you, Young Cult Leader. I’ve been meaning to speak with you.”

“What about?”

“We’ll soon be releasing your doll too.”

“Oh! My doll is finally coming out!”

Now that he was officially the successor, they were planning to release a Geom Mugeuk doll as well.

“Is there a particular pose you’d like? We made the others based on our own ideas, but I wanted to ask you directly.”

Han Seol could feel it—just the fact that they asked such a question showed how much the merchants here trusted Geom Mugeuk. Who would dare to ask something like that otherwise?

“Just make it as you like. As long as it looks cool. Something that draws the eye immediately when it’s on display. You get what I mean?”

Geom Mugeuk lowered his voice in a whisper.

“Even cooler than my father.”

The goat-bearded vendor nodded with a chuckle.

“Even if it’s the least well-made, the Young Cult Leader’s doll will sell the most.”

Geom Mugeuk turned to Han Seol and said,

“Would you like to buy a doll? See anything you like?”

And then, to his surprise, Han Seol said something shocking.

“I’ll take them all.”

At the same time, the Cold Ice Twin Swords simultaneously sent her sound transmissions.

―No, you mustn’t!

―It’s dangerous!

Of course, if she were the kind of person who always listened to them, she wouldn’t have come this far in the first place.

“You said you’d give thirty percent off if I bought them all, right?”

The goat-bearded vendor began packing them as he replied,

“Excellent choice! Once you display them, your home will shine brightly. Everyone will ask you where you bought them.”

Watching the Cold Ice Twin Swords still shaking their heads, Han Seol smiled and said,

“I came all the way to the Divine Cult; I should at least take home a souvenir, right?”

Other items sold in the shops could be found anywhere. But these dolls were said to be available only in Maga Village. And above all, she genuinely wanted to buy them.

At that moment, Sahan stepped forward.

“Before that, let us inspect them first.”

Sahan closely examined the dolls that had been packed. No matter how much he looked, they were just ordinary dolls.

“They’re fine.”

The goat-bearded vendor resumed packing, and Geom Mugeuk turned to her and asked,

“Which one do you like the most? Didn’t you already meet the Drunken Demon once? Wouldn’t that make you feel the closest to him?”

But to his surprise, Han Seol chose the doll of the Fist Demon King. The largest and most intimidating of them all.

Geom Mugeuk smiled at her taste.

“So our young lady likes scary faces, I see. Ah, so it’s true that you prefer quiet men too.”

Among the Eight Demon Supremes, the Fist Demon King was second to none when it came to silence.

Meanwhile, the goat-bearded vendor carefully finished wrapping the dolls and handed them to her. Though Geom Mugeuk had offered to buy them as a gift, she paid for them herself.

“Please use our shop again when the Young Cult Leader’s doll comes out!”

“Not sure if I’ll ever have a reason to come back.”

To that, Geom Mugeuk quickly replied,

“What reason could be stronger than this?”

“You’re saying I should come all the way here just to buy a doll?”

“Who says I’ll be the only one with a doll? You might get your own, and even the Underworld Pavilion Leader might get one too.”

Yes, this was exactly the kind of person who would suggest making a doll of this goat-bearded vendor too.

Wouldn’t it hurt one's pride to be sold alongside such dolls? Wouldn’t it tarnish one’s honor?

But Geom Mugeuk wasn’t someone who thought like that. Probably not the Heavenly Demon or the Demon Supreme either. That’s likely why their dolls continued to sell so well.

She realized it was her own thinking. She would have disliked being sold alongside dolls that weren’t up to her “level.”

Through these dolls, she had come to reflect on herself—on the arrogance and needless pride she held, even though those far stronger than her didn’t possess such vanity.

‘Maybe they really are cursed dolls. Seeing how they pierce straight into the heart like this.’

She had lived without much regard for others. But being with this man kept dragging her out of her isolated world.

At that moment, someone came running out from a tavern across the street, shouting,

“Young Cult Leader!”

Of all the vendors she had seen so far, none had greeted Geom Mugeuk with more joy.

It was none other than Jo Chunbae, the owner of the Flowing Wind Tavern. Upon hearing from a guest that the Young Cult Leader was walking through Maga Village, he had rushed out to meet him.

“You’ll trip, slow down!”

“Young Cult Leader! You’ve come?”

Jo Chunbae really was overjoyed.

Han Seol glanced at the Cold Ice Twin Swords. This time, they didn’t send any sound transmissions claiming it was all an act.

“Have you been well, Tavern Owner?”

“Of course, of course. I’ve been doing well. You haven’t been hurt anywhere, have you?”

“I’m fine.”

“That’s a relief, a real relief.”

This time, the Young Cult Leader’s outing had been a long one, and Jo Chunbae had genuinely been worried for him.

“You look like you’ve gotten thinner, Tavern Owner.”

Geom Mugeuk took his hand. Jo Chunbae flustered, saying, “Oh no, please don’t,” unsure of what to do.

Geom Mugeuk introduced Jo Chunbae to Han Seol.

“This is the Tavern Owner of my usual spot.”

In her life as the successor of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, she had never once been introduced to a tavern owner, and likely never would be again.

“This is the Young Palace Master of the Northern Sea Ice Palace.”

At the mention of the Northern Sea Ice Palace, Jo Chunbae flinched in surprise. The Northern Sea Ice Palace held a different kind of significance compared to the Martial Alliance or the Unorthodox Alliance. To drinkers, it was the most mysterious of sects.

“Oh my, what an honor to meet such a distinguished guest.”

Jo Chunbae bowed deeply and respectfully.

“Tavern Owner, I need to pay respects to my father. Let’s meet again later.”

“Come by anytime!”

As they turned to leave, Jo Chunbae called out to Geom Mugeuk.

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

Han Seol could feel it. He was genuinely happy—as if a son had come home.

Han Seol sent a sound transmission to the Cold Ice Twin Swords, declaring firmly,

―Still think it’s an act?

But the Cold Ice Twin Swords remained unconvinced to the end.

―They say the Three-Way Summit took place at a tavern in Maga Village. Would such an important event really be held in an ordinary tavern?

They were still certain that some unknown secret was hidden within Maga Village.

“Let’s come back here later and have a drink with some friends. There are people in the cult I’d like to introduce you to.”

For someone who had never had a single friend, they now seemed to be flooding in.

The four of them left Maga Village and began walking toward the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s main division.

“So? What did you think of Maga Village?”

At Geom Mugeuk’s question, Han Seol replied honestly with what she had felt.

“I liked it. It was much brighter and cleaner than I expected.”

Then Sahan interjected with a pointed remark.

“Almost like it was all fabricated.”

To which Geom Mugeuk responded with something unexpected.

“It was fabricated.”

The three others looked at him in surprise.

“It wasn’t like this in the beginning. It was rough enough to live up to the name Maga Village. Plenty of thugs caused trouble just because they were martial artists, and many who got drunk ended up creating incidents. When I became the Underworld Pavilion Lord, I locked them all up. People who drank and hit others, people who extorted or threatened, people who scammed and murdered—I beat them all down. If you caused trouble while drunk, the sentence was doubled. If a martial artist laid hands on an ordinary person, it was tripled. Truth is, I made this whole place.”

Han Seol stared at Geom Mugeuk in silence before calmly asking,

“Why go that far?”

After a pause, Geom Mugeuk replied,

“Because it’s something I can do. No, more precisely, something I can do easily.”

Han Seol could see it in Geom Mugeuk’s eyes—that he truly meant what he said.

“You and I can do things like this easily. We’re in positions free from various entanglements. As long as we have the will, we can make it happen.”

Han Seol remained silent for a moment. He was a successor, and so was she. But she had never once known what was happening in the villages near the Northern Sea Ice Palace. She had never cared. Perhaps the real cursed dolls were being sold in a place like that.

She had only walked through a marketplace, and yet her thoughts had become heavy.

In the meantime, they arrived at the main division of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

The fortress walls towered high as if to pierce the sky, and the massive iron gates were engraved with the visage of a fiendish ghost.

Han Seol grew tense. She had finally arrived at the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, a place she had only heard about since childhood. Even her mother, the Ice Palace Master, had never set foot here—yet she was the one to come first. The Cold Ice Twin Swords, too, had never been to the main division of the cult.

The elite demonic cultists guarding the main gate greeted Geom Mugeuk with utmost respect.

“We greet the Young Cult Leader!”

Their thunderous cry echoed in all directions. Their eyes were sharp, and discipline was thoroughly enforced. Seeing that, the Cold Ice Twin Swords exchanged a look, silently agreeing to be even more cautious.

Krrrrrrrrrnk.

Typically, demonic cultists entered and exited through a smaller gate beneath the massive iron doors, but now that the Young Cult Leader had returned from a long journey, the great gates themselves began to open.

The scene that emerged drew simultaneous gasps from Han Seol and the Cold Ice Twin Swords.

“Ah!”

The interior stretched so far it seemed endless, and the buildings scattered throughout were towering and magnificent. The Northern Sea Ice Palace was also large and grand, but it couldn’t compare to the scale of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

At the center stretched a wide, grand avenue. Along either side of the road stood enormous statues of evil spirits in a line.

They stood like gatekeepers, gazing down arrogantly as if to say that once you passed through here, there would be no turning back.

Overwhelmed by the grandeur of the main division, Han Seol felt intimidated, and she had never before seen statues of such scale.

Standing before them, Geom Mugeuk smiled and said,

“Welcome to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.”