Absolute Regression

Chapter 584: I Won’t Work Unless You Give Me Meat

The full-scale dismantling of the mechanism began in the afternoon.

Officials gathered in front of the iron wall. The operations here were well-divided, and those who had gathered were mainly tasked with scouting the mechanisms.

This operation was under the command of Hong In.

“The mechanisms here are expected to be even more sensitive than before. From this point on, unless it's an emergency, internal energy is strictly forbidden. As you all know, one wrong move and we're all dead!”

Hong In tried his best to keep the officials tense. A mistake meant death.

“Begin the operation!”

The officials, on edge, began their work. Starting from the ground in front of the iron wall, they used thin, long iron-rod-like tools to probe the ground. Their hands moved with extreme caution.

Geom Mugeuk stood a little distance away, quietly observing the operation. Hong In had given no instructions to Geom Mugeuk. He knew the Sword King treated him with special regard.

Even if that weren't the case, they couldn’t entrust such a critical task to someone participating in the operation for the first time.

How much time had passed like that? One of the officials discovered something.

“It seems to be here.”

The others carefully brought chisels and hammers and began digging at that spot. Since more than half of the ground was made of stone and they couldn't use internal energy, the work progressed slowly.

Geom Mugeuk silently watched the operation. At this rate, they wouldn’t be able to remove even the entrance door in ten days.

Geom Mugeuk glanced at the Sword King. As if telling him to handle it as he pleased, the Sword King said nothing.

“I’ll help as well.”

When Geom Mugeuk stepped forward, Hong In looked to the Sword King. The Sword King gave a slight nod—permission to let him work.

Hong In didn’t like the situation. How could they let Geom Mugeuk, who had just arrived, take on such a dangerous task? Even if he was a master, what was needed for this kind of work was experience.

Not trusting him, Hong In repeatedly emphasized the need to be extremely careful.

“Don’t worry!”

Since it seemed like Geom Mugeuk might start swinging the hammer recklessly at any moment, Hong In silently prayed, Please! Just don’t cause an accident!

Kang! Kang! Kang! Kang!

Geom Mugeuk’s hands moved fast and skillfully.

At that sight, not only Hong In but the other officials as well were utterly astonished.

“Stop!”

“It’s fine!”

Geom Mugeuk’s hands moved even faster.

Hong In looked urgently to the Sword King, silently pleading for help.

But the Sword King merely watched in silence.

Once Geom Mugeuk stepped in, the work speed increased beyond comparison. At a glance, it looked like he was digging carelessly, but was that really the case for Geom Mugeuk’s hands?

Geom Mugeuk was digging while emitting energy through the chisel to detect what lay beneath the ground. Using energy to sense something underground was several times more difficult than emitting it into open air. And yet, he was doing such a thing with ease and skill.

How deep had he dug?

At last, a part of the mechanism was revealed from beneath the ground.

Hong In called over another official who had been waiting in the rear.

“The mechanism has been uncovered.”

One of the officials approached.

Geom Mugeuk could sense it immediately.

‘This one is not an official of the Golden Dragon Martial Hall.’

He was concealing a unique form of qi, distinct from that of ordinary officials. While others may have been fooled, Geom Mugeuk’s eyes could not be deceived.

Yes, regardless of the other work, to dismantle a mechanism, they would need a proper mechanism specialist. With so many people passing through the Golden Dragon Martial Hall, the average officials likely didn’t even know this man was a direct subordinate of the Sword King.

After examining the exposed mechanism, the man gave his report to the Sword King.

“It’s a mechanism meant to prevent forcefully breaking through the wall or digging underground to enter.”

Then, he spoke to Hong In.

“Expose as much of it as you can. Our team will handle the rest.”

“Understood.”

Hong In, without realizing it, glanced toward Geom Mugeuk. As if he had been waiting, Geom Mugeuk walked over to the official who had been working across from him.

“I’ll take over this side. Please finish up mine.”

After switching places, he began digging again, swiftly.

The looks of worry on the officials' faces soon changed. The amount of work Geom Mugeuk had already done was equal to several days’ worth.

Another part of the mechanism emerged on the opposite side. It wasn't just rough digging. This mechanism was installed at a different depth from the previous section, but he had excavated it precisely without leaving so much as a scratch.

Hong In couldn’t hide his surprise.

“Not bad.”

He had intended to say, That’s impressive, but somehow, praising this newcomer felt dangerous. It seemed like the moment he got excited, he might swing that hammer with too much force.

“My hands are naturally sensitive. I’ll handle that side as well.”

Moving around the exposed mechanism, Geom Mugeuk began striking expertly with his hammer.

Geom Mugeuk focused entirely on the work. He didn’t think about what might lie beyond the wall, what the officials would do next, or what the Sword King might be feeling. He was utterly immersed in the act of hammering, as though in a state of no-self.

The Sword King silently observed Geom Mugeuk, who displayed a terrifying degree of concentration.

The officials, who had watched with concern, now looked on with admiration. At that moment, Geom Mugeuk appeared less like a worker and more like an artist sculpting a masterpiece.

As the surrounding earth was shaved away, revealing more of the hidden mechanism embedded in the ground—

“That’s it for today. It’s mealtime.”

At Hong In’s voice from behind, Geom Mugeuk set down his hammer.

“Already this late, huh.”

The officials gathered around Geom Mugeuk.

In a job where their lives were constantly on the line, the person they liked most wasn’t someone with a good personality, nor someone who treated them well.

The person they liked most was someone who worked well. A single mistake from one person could get several people killed. And if the work went smoothly, they could leave this hellish place even a day sooner.

In that sense, no one could say just how much Geom Mugeuk had shortened today’s work time. And on top of that, he had a good personality.

“I’m starving to death! Give me meat, meat! If I don’t get meat, I’m not working tomorrow!”

Geom Mugeuk sat with the officials and ate. Meat really was served.

A few came over and introduced themselves. Being martial officials, they weren’t fundamentally bad people.

The first question was always the same.

“What brought you in here?”

He looked strong, had skilled hands—no matter how you looked at it, he didn’t seem like someone who would end up in a place like this.

In response to someone’s question, Geom Mugeuk glanced over at the Sword King, who was sitting across from him eating.

“I came because I was told I could become stronger here.”

The officials nodded. No one denied his words. A considerable number of those who had survived thus far had become masters capable of emitting sword qi.

“Weren’t you the one they call ‘One Against a Hundred’?”

“Does human desire have an end? I want to be ‘One Against a Thousand,’ even ‘One Against Ten Thousand.’ What about you, senior? What brought you down here?”

Blending in naturally with them, Geom Mugeuk’s first day in the underground came to a close.

That night, something unexpected happened.

The Sword King brought over several large bundles and distributed them among the officials.

“Everyone, take one.”

When the tight compression sealed with internal energy was released, the bundles puffed up like blooming flowers—surprisingly, they were cotton quilts.

Even if they had been tightly pressed, he must have made several trips up and down to carry all of these.

Overjoyed, Geom Mugeuk shouted with delight.

“New blankets!”

He immediately grabbed one, spread it out on his bedding, and threw himself on top of it.

“Waaah! So soft!”

The officials stared at him in surprise at the Sword King’s unexpected behavior.

“With difficult work ahead, I prepared these so you can sleep well. Take them.”

Only then did the officials relax and each take a blanket. Who would refuse a new blanket? Everyone was happy.

Of course, the loudest voice belonged to the newcomer.

“This new blanket smell is amazing!”

*         *         *

In the dead of night, while everyone was asleep, Geom Mugeuk met the Sword King at the worksite from earlier in the day.

The Sword King sat fearlessly on top of the exposed mechanism, blankly staring at the wall. He didn’t need to look to know that Geom Mugeuk had arrived.

“You’re not going to sleep anyway, so what was all that fuss about blankets? It wasn’t for you, was it?”

“Well, the work is exhausting. We should at least sleep properly.”

Without turning his head, the Sword King asked,

“Tell me the real reason.”

He was certain Geom Mugeuk had another reason. Part of why he had brought the blankets was to hear it.

“It might offend you if I say it.”

“It’s fine. I’ve lived hearing plenty of insults.”

“You, Instructor? Who would dare curse at you?”

“Isn’t even you ready to start doing just that? So go ahead, speak freely.”

Geom Mugeuk revealed his reason.

“They all just looked so tired.”

The Sword King finally turned his head to look at Geom Mugeuk. His expression seemed to ask—Is that really something offensive? Geom Mugeuk spoke calmly.

“If I were the parent of any of those people, I would have cursed you out completely.”

Even at those words, the Sword King remained unmoved.

But then came a sentence as sharp as an awl.

“But only officials without families were chosen to come here, weren’t they?”

“...!”

Like chipping away at stone with a chisel, Geom Mugeuk’s hammering had begun.

“I hear you’re called ‘Great Brother’ here?”

The Sword King, turning his eyes back to the wall, had a slightly stiffened expression.

Indeed, the title ‘Great Brother’ didn’t just carry the meaning of someone in a higher position—it also evoked the closeness of family. That was why it must have sounded to him like this:

You are being called ‘big brother’ by people who have no family—doesn’t that mean you’re doing something their parents would curse one for?

“I told you you might be offended.”

“I’m not offended. Everyone made their own choice. It’s a job that pays well.”

“That’s probably why it hurt more. Because it was money, not anything else, that lured their children here.”

The Sword King suddenly snapped his head around and glared at Geom Mugeuk.

“Of course, the one who planned and carried out all this was the Golden Dragon Hall Master.”

Geom Mugeuk pretended to offer a carrot—then lashed out with a whip.

“But you knew, didn’t you? The kind of officials he gathered.”

He was the one who told Yeon Baekin that villains should be cursed as they go—but now, he didn’t show that shamelessness.

“Don’t slam that spot in anger. It’ll trigger the mechanism.”

As he sat quietly, the Sword King suddenly took off the shoes at his waist and threw them at Geom Mugeuk.

“What would a greenhorn like you know about being a parent!”

Geom Mugeuk caught the flying shoes in one smooth motion.

“Well, I’ve got a rather unusual relationship with my parents. I know a thing or two about how they feel.”

Geom Mugeuk could tell. The Sword King hadn’t said the words I’m sorry, but by breaking his composure and throwing a shoe, he had expressed his apology.

Geom Mugeuk took the shoes and set them down beside the exposed mechanism where the Sword King had been sitting.

“Still, thank you for the blanket.”

The Sword King looked down at the pair of shoes laid neatly side by side and replied,

“It wasn’t because of you. You said you heard a voice from beyond the wall, didn’t you? It was asking for a blanket.”

At his joke, Geom Mugeuk laughed and walked over to the wall, pressing his ear against it again.

“I hear something again.”

“What is it this time?”

Geom Mugeuk closed his eyes gently.

After a brief moment, words more unexpected than any floated from his lips.

“They say they want to see the stars.”

In that instant, the smile vanished from the Sword King’s face.

“Ridiculous!”

“Why is it ridiculous?”

Removing his ear from the wall, Geom Mugeuk turned to the Sword King.

“Are you afraid they’ll try to escape if they go outside? Or are you afraid your own heart might waver?”

After a brief pause, Geom Mugeuk continued.

“What’s wrong with that? Wasn’t it you, Instructor, who once said it yourself? When I asked if you weren’t afraid the officials might spread rumors about this place, you said, ‘So what?’”

The Sword King remained silent.

“So what if some run away? What’s the problem? You’re going to let them go after they finish inside anyway. Don’t tell me… you don’t actually intend to release them?”

“Why go this far to show them kindness? It’s not something they asked for, and they won’t recognize it anyway.”

The Sword King picked up the shoe beside him again. It was a silent threat—if he didn’t like the answer, he would throw it. But this time, it wouldn’t be an apology. It would be anger.

Geom Mugeuk replied calmly.

“For some of them, this might be the last sky they ever see alive.”

The shoe didn’t fly from the Sword King’s hand. But neither did he put it down.

“And this isn’t an act of kindness for them. It’s for you, Instructor.”

The Sword King gave a look that asked What do you mean? Geom Mugeuk explained.

“I’m giving you a chance. To do what you should, even now.”

A shoe flew toward Geom Mugeuk once more.

“You really are too sentimental, you know that?”

Lifting the remaining shoe, the Sword King asked,

“So? If I become a better person, what do you get out of it?”

Geom Mugeuk smiled as he answered.

“You once told me that it’s more honorable to beat someone of Eight Star Greatness than Seven, and less shameful to lose to someone of Eight Star than Seven. I feel the same way. I want to fight someone just a little better.”

In the end, the Sword King couldn’t bring himself to throw the last shoe.

It had only been a day since Geom Mugeuk arrived, and yet here he was, already making jokes like this.

"Hey! Can’t you stop going up ahead already?"

*         *         *

The Fist Demon King asked with wide eyes.

"You’re telling me he bought what and took it down there?"

The one who answered his question was Lee Ahn.

"Blankets."

One-Slash Sword Supreme, who was listening to the report with them, asked again to confirm.

"Blankets? You mean the kind we’re thinking of?"

"Yes, the kind you cover yourself with."

A high-level master, one even said to have made Geom Mugeuk tense, bought blankets?

Right now, the best martial artists from the Heavenly Communication Pavilion and Hidden Moon were intensely monitoring the Golden Dragon Martial Hall.

They were especially focused on the underground martial arena entrance, and it was there that the Sword King had been spotted emerging and purchasing a large quantity of blankets from the marketplace. Reportedly, he hadn’t even tried to conceal his movements.

And that wasn’t the only strange part of the report.

"Also, they say dozens of people came out from there last night."

"Dozens? And then what?"

Did they move somewhere? Were they sent on a mission? Or perhaps—

But the answer from Lee Ahn was something no one could make sense of.

"They gathered at the martial arena… and then went back down."

In truth, even Lee Ahn, who was delivering the report, couldn’t understand it. So she asked the martial artist from the Heavenly Communication Pavilion several times. Are you absolutely sure that’s what happened?

"They just went back down?"

"Yes. They stood there looking up at the night sky, and then returned underground."

The Fist Demon King looked toward One-Slash Sword Supreme, but she was just as baffled. This was a report as bizarre as the one about buying blankets.

"The Young Cult Leader was among them?"

"Yes. The Young Cult Leader and that instructor were both there."

At the mention that Geom Mugeuk had been with them, One-Slash Sword Supreme smiled and spoke.

She couldn’t imagine what exactly was going on, but one thing was certain.

"Didn’t I say from the start? Whoever the enemy may be, spending even ten days with the Young Cult Leader wouldn’t be easy."