Chapter 279

Chapter 279 “Hmm...” Meirin’s eyes were sparkling almost unnaturally as she gazed at the flames flickering on her five fingers, making Se-Hoon grimace slightly. She had become like that after puffing five cigarettes at once. She’s still fine after all that... Even a single one would heighten the typical A-rank hero’s attention for six hours, yet she had inhaled five at once, making it a given that she was experiencing side effects. Well, she was like this before, so she shouldn’t die. For others, inhaling that many sticks at once would cause serious damage to their heart and mana circuits. However, with Meirin’s mastery of Soul Honing, there were no risks for her in that regard. Deciding to just ignore the entranced Meirin, Se-Hoon turned his attention to the blood-red crystal he had received. [Demonic Blood Crystal] [Tier: Hero] [Quality: Perfect] [A crystal made from special blood. It possesses a resilient nature, always trying to maintain its original form by purifying and absorbing any impurities. *Consumes durability to purify impurities of contacted substances *Absorbs purified energy to restore durability] At first glance, the crystal didn’t seem too special, looking just like a tool for purification. But when he examined it more closely, his eyes narrowed, having discovered something. This is pretty nasty material. Just by looking at the crystal’s effects alone, it appeared to specialize solely in purification, but there was a hidden catch. There was no clear definition of the “impurities” that the crystal could purify. If it’s as intended... it should consider everything except Master as an impurity. Put differently, if he didn’t take precautions, the crystal could engulf his entire body. If that is actually the case, the information message really does lack details occasionally. It always gave only the most basic information, never the full picture of a piece of equipment or material. Keeping it in mind, Se-Hoon packed away the crystal and looked around the venue. They’re taking their sweet time... It had already been around ten minutes since they had left, but only a few Watchers had returned. Though, when considering that they had to discuss the resurrection of a Perfect One, it was no surprise they were taking a while. I guess it all depends on Left Arm. If Left Arm revealed that the identity of their new member was Lee Se-Hoon himself, everyone would definitely rush in to capture him alive. The resurrection of the Seeker was one thing, but Se-Hoon's potential alone made him an immediate target worth seizing. Though Left Arm should be aware that, if he does do that, he might lose me—the one who best fits as the Seeker's vessel. What Dawn wanted was to secure him safely so they could use him to revive the Seeker, the one they worshiped. To achieve that, they would never hand him over to any Watcher or member of the Demon Force, which also made it unlikely that Left Arm would reveal his identity. I guess I’ll just have to read the room carefully for now. Planning the next steps, Se-Hoon fell deep into thought. Moments later, the door to the meeting hall creaked open, and those who had left all slowly returned. “...” Se-Hoon braced himself, waiting to see whether things would move forward or end completely. Then finally, when Glen returned, the answer came. “It’s fine,” began Glen calmly, a neutral expression on his face. “We accept it.” At those words, Se-Hoon discreetly scanned the returning Watchers. They were all sending glances his way, but instead of hostility, what he sensed was curiosity and anticipation. Se-Hoon smirked. Looks like I've passed the second hurdle. Now, the only thing left was how much he could gain from the conference. Whoosh! Once again, black light engulfed the meeting hall, bringing with it a chilling silence. Apostate had cast Confession Veil once again. So, this is Apostate’s Divine Magic... Se-Hoon instinctively looked around as the eerie quiet settled in. Apostate’s Divine Magic was based on false idols and demonic aura, with the core structure being identical to the Divine Magic taught in the Pilgrimage Church. However, because of heresy, the Pilgrimage Church labeled Apostate's Divine Magic as unorthodox magic or Petrine Magic. Hmm... Se-Hoon studied the surrounding energy with a curious expression on his face. To him, it was just another form of magic, one that he had only heard about before. Initially, he thought it was using a type of mana completely different from divine mana, but now, the more he looked, the more similarities he found. I wonder if I can absorb this too. He contemplated the idea but quickly dismissed it entirely. Se-Hoon assumed that because Apostate’s Divine Magic was based on demonic aura, it would be harmful to his body. More importantly, however, was that catching Apostate’s attention would bring no benefit. I know how persistent that guy is. Reaffirming his resolve to not give even an accidental opening to Apostate, Se-Hoon’s eyes casually drifted to Meirin next, who was still toying with her flames. “Hm... maybe like this... yeah, not bad.” Seeing how she was now deeply focused on mixing the flames and creating something new, Se-Hoon clicked his tongue internally. Guess I won’t be able to use that to bargain with her again. Considering that she had already grasped the basic technique, she’d probably be able to make any kind of flame the next time they met. As he pondered what else he could trade Meirin in the future, Glen spoke up again, scanning the room. “Now, let’s revise our plans. Share your thoughts on the research schedule and the newly secured materials at any time.” Exuviation’s representative spoke first. “We’re trying to collect various biological samples for our research. Are there any areas that are off-limits?” Hearing his question, Succession’s representative immediately said, “Try not to touch the Flame Sect. I have some work I need to do there.” “Ah, that’s disappointing...” “Instead, I’ll offer a few locations that are under Mercator’s influence. I’ve been looking for ways to reduce the current chairman’s influence, anyway.” “Hmm... okay, that’ll work.” With the two coming to a compromise, Transcendence’s representative chimed in next. “There’s been renewed interest in research about the soul lately. Do any of you know the reason behind it?” “It’s probably because of Amir Singh.” It was the man from Succession, who had been silent until now, that responded in place of the woman. “He used to work as the Dream Demon’s personal secretary. But after the recent incident, he now works under the Eternal Nocturne. That’s probably what sparked the research.” “I see.” Like that, the Watchers continued to share intel and discuss their plans, all while Se-Hoon simply observed. He had no concrete plans of how to maximize his gain from this conference. However, because he had noticed several glances aimed in his direction in between conversations, he thought he should act soon. Hmm. Well, since waiting around is getting quite boring, let’s just cut to the chase. Se-Hoon spoke up in a calm voice. “Is anyone thinking of taking down the Emperor of Ascension?” The room fell silent at the mention of Ludwig. Exchanging glances with one another, not a single Watcher spoke until Caden opened his mouth. “You bring up a good point. We should make a decision on this matter promptly, as it is one of the major factors in our decision to host the conference today.” With everyone giving their silent agreement, Doppelganger, who had been quiet throughout the entire meeting so far, finally spoke. “If you plan to eliminate the Perfect Ones, I will offer unlimited opportunities and materials to research the Harbinger Shards. Now, tell us who each of you is planning to target.” “The Trailblazer. He might be an annoying one to deal with, but I think it’s definitely doable.” Once again, Exuviation’s representative spoke up first. And the next to declare their target was Transcendence’s representative. “We’ll take the Visionary. I’ll feed you guys with the details once we finalize the plan.” “Then we’ll go with the Eternal Nocturne. We’ve been planning to take him on anyway,” Succession’s representative said right after, going third. Lastly was Caden, the representative of Offering. “I’ll take the Sacred Craftsman. He’s been my target for a while now.” In quick succession, four Perfect Ones were discussed and claimed like items at an auction. It sounded like pure bravado, but Se-Hoon knew it wasn’t. Those four did die by their hands. Recalling the previous fates of the Perfect Ones, he glanced at the other Watchers, who were all now waiting for his answer. Yet another crossroad. For a moment, he pondered whether he should go with the Emperor of Ascension or the Pilgrim. Then, making his decision, he answered, “I’ll take the Emperor of Ascension.” “Hmm. A tough choice—” “And the Pilgrim.” “...?” “As well as every Perfect One mentioned.” Letting his words sink in, Se-Hoon met the gaze of everyone in the room one by one before calmly continuing on to say, “I can help you take on any of them. So if you need a hand, just come to me.” It was a bold declaration that caught the attention of Meirin, who had been absorbed in her flames, and left her wide-eyed. “Whoa, aren’t you going a bit too far?” Even the Seeker, who had been observing quietly within him, couldn’t help but chime in as well. Yet Se-Hoon remained unflinching, despite knowing that making such a bold move risked losing the trust he had painstakingly built. “If you don’t believe that I can do it, then just don’t. You’ll know that I was right once He returns.” He was so nonchalant that everyone was dumbfounded. Some thought he sounded like a delusional zealot, while others thought he exuded the confidence of a prophet who had glimpsed the future. With various thoughts running through their minds, the members in the room had to sort out their emotions. Then, as usual, it was Exuviation’s representative who spoke first. “You’re out of your mind. Even the Seeker wasn’t this insane.” “Don’t you dare speak of Him lightly.” “Okay, okay. So, does anyone else have anything to say? No? Alright then.” Not hearing any objections from the silent room, Exuviation’s representative turned to Doppelganger. “Looks like we all presented our case. We’ll contact you separately for the details; will that be okay?” “Do as you please.” “Great. Let’s wrap this up then. Dawn, do you guys have anything in mind beside taking on the Perfect Ones?” Just as Se-Hoon was about to say no, something popped into his mind. Oh, I guess there’s still one thing that’s left. There was still one last thing he had to confirm. “I need materials to create a vessel capable of holding His power. I’m willing to accept any help related to that.” “By materials, do you mean...” “I need Lee Se-Hoon.” The room froze the moment his own name left his lips, and then the previously calm atmosphere shifted dramatically. “That’s going to be problematic.” “Don’t you think you’re being too greedy here?” “Does he not know his place?” “He’s our top recruitment subject. We absolutely cannot let you guys have him.” Exuviation, Transcendence, Succession, and Offering representatives—basically every Watcher at the meeting voiced their opposition to Se-Hoon’s proposal as if they’d rehearsed it. And in return, Se-Hoon looked at them with an incredulous expression. “I knew it. You’ve all been eyeing him this whole time.” “Isn’t that obvious? You know what, now that it’s been brought up, we should settle this.” “How about whoever secures him first wins?” “Do you think such a person will ever appear again? Resorting to a first come, first served basis is ridiculous.” As if they had been waiting, the Watchers immediately began arguing over who had priority over the ownership of Se-Hoon. It was a sight that made the Seeker, who had been watching the scene from within the person in question, chuckle. “Wow, you're quite a popular one, alright,” she whispered into his ear. “...So it seems.” Although Se-Hoon had expected that they’d all be after him, he hadn’t expected that they would compete this fiercely. Not seeing an end to their arguing, with none of them willing to back down, Se-Hoon sighed. “Let’s first share how we’re going to use him. I only need him as a vessel until His revival is complete. After that, I don’t care what happens to him.” Se-Hoon had made-up the explanation on the spot, but it seemed to be believable enough that nobody questioned it. Instead, they followed suit and started stating their own plans. “We just need to borrow him once. I think he could help us persuade a troublesome figure.” “I want to study the powers of the Perfect Ones that he acquired somehow. The rest doesn’t matter.” “Fine. I’ll give up on recruiting him, but I want his soul.” “Then I’ll take his remaining corpse. Wow, I think we can somehow make this work!” Unlike their bickering moments ago, the representatives were now conversing amicably as if nothing had happened. And upon seeing that sight, Se-Hoon realized he was facilitating an auction that was selling his very own body, soul, and everything else. “Yeah. This really is going to work.” Smirking, he vowed to crush all of the arrogant bastards before him. *** Once the conference concluded, the Antiquarian Technology Advancement Committee—a front for the real meeting—also wrapped up, and the representatives started leaving. Se-Hoon, however, stayed and was watching their leaving backs for a while when someone approached him. “Hey.” Meirin handed him a small crimson crystal. “...What’s this?” “It’s a device that has instructions on how you can contact me. Use it if you need to meet me next time.” Taking the crystal, Se-Hoon examined it with a curious expression. “You’re not planning to stay long, are you?” “This place doesn’t really suit me. I’m just planning to work as much as I owe and then leave.” Hearing her indifference, Se-Hoon considered something for a moment and decided to say what was on his mind. “If you plan to pull out, try to do it quickly.” “Hm? Why’s that?” Meeting her gaze, Se-Hoon calmly answered, “Because I’ll hire you afterward.” “...” Staring at him silently, Meirin let out a small laugh a moment later. “That wouldn’t be so bad. I’ll keep it in mind.” With that, she lit a new cigarette and left, leaving Se-Hoon with a small sense of relief. So she wasn’t planning to stay long in Offering after all. For her own reasons or not, working closely with Offering, who used living humans as materials, would’ve made things complicated in the future. For his master’s sake, it was better to get her out of that faction as soon as possible. I doubt she doesn’t find their methods unsettling, but... you never know. He had thought he understood his master fairly well, but now, he wasn’t so sure. Despite all of their conversations and exchanges at the conference, they still hadn’t formed a bond. Or maybe she’s exactly the same as before. Remembering that cold look that his master used to give him—like he was a stranger—Se-Hoon shook his head. I’ll just think about this later. For now, he had other tasks to complete. Settling his thoughts, he headed back into the meeting hall, which was now empty except for Glen. “Where are the Ten Evils?” Se-Hoon asked, looking around the room. “They left.” “Really? That’s surprising.” Glen glanced at Se-Hoon. “You knew, didn’t you?” He belatedly realized that Se-Hoon had known from the beginning that they were planning to abduct him. And midway through the conference, Glen had become certain. But hearing it basically confirmed still left him feeling astonished. So he knew all along, yet still participated in the conference and left such an impression. When Se-Hoon had laid out how they were going to deal with his own body at the end of the meeting, Glen realized then that it was Se-Hoon’s resolve. Se-Hoon was trying to say that he was offering his body and soul to contribute to the Seeker’s revival. And yet we foolishly tried to restrain him... how utterly ignorant we really are. Glen bowed his head to Se-Hoon in apology. “It seems we were foolish and ignorant. Please, forgive us.” “Well, it happens. I get that you could be tense during critical moments. You just have to make sure you don’t choose the wrong path.” “Thank you for your understanding...?” Tap. As Glen was thanking Se-Hoon for accepting his apology, he suddenly felt a hand gently rest on his shoulder. And upon seeing that it was Se-Hoon’s hand, Glen looked up in confusion. “Unfortunately, you already chose the wrong path.” At those words, the Hero’s Ring on Se-Hoon’s hand glowed, and the scenery around them instantly shifted. “?!” Finding himself now in a faraway forest, Glen instinctively tried to cast a spell, but that was when he heard a voice. “Set-” Dozens of crimson magic arrays clamped down on him like shackles, their overwhelming force crushing Glen’s entire body. Suddenly bound, Glen quickly searched for the perpetrator in shock. “I’m glad you’re here, you bastard.” The perpetrator—Luize with her blue eyes blazing with anger—cast another incantation. “Explosion.” BOOM!