157th Chapter: Preceding Contestants
When I returned with the Grenade after the Haaa-an ceremony, people responded in three major ways.
First of all, Adrang and Knightrea were surprised.
“I’m astonished. Jung Yong actually knows the Dragon Empire’s envoy.”
“Adrang, the state banquet would’ve suited this talented young man more than your mere debating.”
“…I’ve no words.”
Secondly, naturally Seseona was incredibly pleased to see me.
“Ooh! Mr. Dragon-head! We meet again! It’s so nice to see you!”
“Kekehl. You’re still using that odd nickname, aren’t you? Electronic Miss.”
“Ahaha, Mr. Dragon-head called me that, so I’m just returning the favor.”
They both gleefully bantered using unusual nicknames for each other.
Damn, I’m jealous. I wish Seseona would call me something special too.
Anyway, lastly, the third reaction.
Carhalas and Ruci, who were seeing Grenade for the first time, were predictably stunned by his majestic presence.
“Huge!”
“Massive!”
I walked up to the small group. We needed to get everyone up to speed immediately.
As expected, Member1 – Ruci – was particularly noisy. By the way, Member1 is Ruci.
“Hero. Where on earth did you manage to find that monstrous turtle guy? I’m dying of curiosity… But of course, you’d just stay silent again, huh? Yeah, I understand your pattern by now.”
She ranted wildly and then pouted.
Though Members 2 and 3, Seseona and Carhalas, didn’t say much, it was clear that they were curious about the complete story as well. I briefly summarized everything that had happened so far.
Carhalas nodded after hearing my explanation.
“Amazing, Jung Yong. But how did you identify the traitors?”
“That’s a trade secret.”
“Ah… okay? It’s somewhat disappointing.”
Carhalas surprisingly accepted it without much insistence, seemingly dismissing it with a shrug.
He must have thought, ‘He’s an eccentric guy, but I’ll let it slide.’
‘Still pretty because of that?’
Pushing someone into a dangerous situation and still being shameless about it. Do they even know all I’ve endured because of that?
I glared at Carhalas, ready to vent, but then, my lips remained closed.
Being pretty must cover all sins after all. I solemnly nodded.
‘But, objectively, he made the right call.’
Recognize what needs recognition.
Thanks to Carhalas pushing me into the trial of faith, it became easier to identify Cassas’ apostles—since the spectator stands were out of range of The Eye of Mimir. His foresight deserves some credit.
It’s not as if he’s getting special treatment due to his looks, is it?
…Upon reflection, that might be true. He’s an audacious but cunningly handsome guy.
Correction: Carhalas is a cunningly handsome rogue.
“Ah, Jung Yong.”
Suddenly, Seseona, who had been listening with a smile, spoke.
I turned my head toward her. She gazed at a distant spot, seemingly absent-minded.
Seseona suddenly pointed upward.
“Is the current situation… part of your grand plan, Jung Yong?”
At the same time, the surroundings were enveloped in deep darkness.
“Huh? Wh-what is that?!”
Ruci, startled, clung to me in panic, seeking explanations with confused eyes.
But no, I have no idea. Confused, I followed Seseona’s finger and looked up.
And my eyes widened.
“Silent magic?”
The same black-as-night barrier that Elfride used earlier was now spread all over the Divine Shrine.
I looked at Elfride quickly, but she was still unconscious.
‘Then it must be…’
Other than Elfride, only another skilled black magic caster could cover the entire Divine Shrine with such a spell.
Is it black magic? It couldn’t be…
“Our hero always surprises us, but who would’ve thought we’d be the ones ambushed. Mr. Park Jeong-yong.”
A voice echoed somewhere.
My heart stopped for a moment.
‘Threatened voice distortion.’
Swisht.
At the same time, something swiftly approached over the residence walls. Several mysterious figures wearing black face masks and hoods revealed themselves.
My heart resumed its frenzied pounding.
“But now, it’s time to end everything. The Guiding Raven and Witch’s Knights, you are elements that disrupt balance, so let me deal with you all at once.”
One of the gathered strangers stepped forward and raised a staff, its black gem gleaming, pointing it at us.
An unforgettable, creepy voice echoed from within his mask.
“I swear by Hector Cassas. The balance of the world will be preserved.”
There was no time to think if that was Hector Cassas in person or not.
I quickly activated The Eye of Mimir.
[Name: Hector Cassas]
[Aliases: The Second Hero, Freed Mash, &^$%, and a member of &%^%]
[Level: ^%$#]
Apart from his name and a few aliases, most information remained blurred with ‘data missing’ static. Nevertheless, the name “Hector Cassas” was clearly marked.
It’s definitely Hector Cassas. I clenched my teeth and locked my gaze on him.
‘But wait… on second thought?’
In the previous life, it was hard to get a proper look because of blood rushing to my head, but now, I stared at his first alias and slightly widened my eyes.
I refocused my vision onto my sword Vestark.
“Boss! Now that I think about it, didn’t you say you were the first hero?”
—Huh? Yes, I am.
“This guy is the second hero, right? You’re his senior, right?! Do you know him? You must, right?!”
—…What ridiculous talk. If he’s my senior, he must’ve been from several hundred years ago. How could this guy…
Older Brother Sooho’s speech trailed off abruptly.
For some reason, the runes flowing through the blade momentarily shone with a bright light.
Damn, it’s really Hector Cassas. Why is that disgusting guy still alive?
The voice, filled with confusion, once again recognized him. As it happened in the previous life, they were acquainted.
I raised my voice amidst frustration and resentment.
“Isn’t that a bit too much, Boss?”
—Uh? What is?
“Because of you guys, how much did this junior suffer?! He’s a friend from before, so at least give a little bit of info about him!!”
—Uh, Jung Yong. The reason is….
“Cluck! Damn, it’s lonely and sad. I can’t handle this alternative world life! Whom to trust, whom to rely on! A lonely island―! The name Park Jeong-yong sucks―!”
I explosively vented my sorrow and anger, cornering Old Brother Sooho.
But even Boss was genuinely aggrieved and raised his voice sharply.
No! I naturally assumed the successor was directing things! How was I supposed to know that wretched old man would still be alive? I didn’t know either!
That settles it.
I stopped my rant and swallowed my saliva, about to ask Boss more about Hector, but then—
“…That voice within the sword. Is that the Witch Knight?”
Hector Cassas spoke first, his voice trembling in disbelief.
So, Boss’s voice is being recognized, just like it happened in the previous life.
Heeeeey! Long time no see, Hector? It’s been nearly 500 years, right? Time flies, don’t you think!
Older Brother Sooho nonchalantly greeted.
That’s exactly how it felt. A too-familiar greeting to someone you haven’t seen in a long time.
Though, in most cases, that sort of behavior is usually one-sided. Given Hector’s reactions from the previous life, it’s likely this wasn’t an exception.
“Hmm, hmm… hmmahaha. So, that’s how it went.”
Hector seemed to tense, his body shaking violently, trying to suppress laughter.
“That impudent tone. You must be the Witch Knight I know… no. It must be Hansooho.”
—And you too. Talking about the balance of the world and all that X-damn nonsense. That bullshit philosophy is so cringey.
Hector briefly paused.
After a moment, his voice became filled with fury.
“…You have no idea why we do this. You dare mock us with such nonsense?”
—Know what, dumbass? That embarrassing middle school secret brotherhood role-playing game is surprising enough when you’re still at it after several hundred years. Is that old man still alive?
In response, a powerful wave of dark energy erupted from Hector.
Brother Sooho, this isn’t like the previous life. You’re really pissing him off! This isn’t your fight but mine, so please stop the national provocation!
As expected, Hector’s rage escalated.
“If only you had stayed with our cause until the end. If only you hadn’t betrayed us! We wouldn’t have started all this!”
—Betrayal, my ass. If only the organization wasn’t called ‘Apostles of Cassas,’ I wouldn’t have quit. Dammit, that poser smell is overwhelming. Is this some kind of parody of Seotaiji and Boys? The organizational name reeks of overambition.
“…”
A series of inside jokes exploded, creating a comedic showdown understandable only to Korean listeners.
I couldn’t help but laugh. Hector’s gaze suddenly darted toward me.
I waved my hand to signal they should keep their conversation going and stood on standby.
“…Continuing this conversation would be meaningless.”
Surprisingly, Hector refused further dialogue, shaking his head and pointing his staff at my forehead.
“Self-proclaimed Knight of Diana, from the start you’ve never appealed to me. It was destiny for this to happen.”
I tightened my grip on the sword, sensing the ominous energy.
Hector raised his staff and uttered softly.
“Attack!”
BOOM! The other Cassas Apostles surrounding us charged all at once.
Adequately waiting in ambush, Adrang instantly rushed forward.
“Jung Yong! Please protect the non-combatants!”
“Right!”
I promptly answered and moved toward the side members.
The list of non-combatants included the KO’d Elfride, Carhalas, Knightrea, Ruci, and Seseona.
‘Wait a minute.’
Now that I think about it, Carhalas and Seseona do have enough self-defense skills. It’s not really fair to call them ‘side members.’
I turned to them and raised my voice.
“Carhalas! Seseona! Get ready for the fight! Protect Elfride and Knightrea, please!”
Both heard my shout and nodded uncertainly.
Seseona equipped her missile launcher and wrist-mounted chainsaw while Carhalas clenched his fists, taking a stance similar to Adrang.
“They’re coming!”
Many hooded figures surged toward us.
Adrang was handling many at once, but at least half approached us.
“Grenade! Count on you!”
“Sure. Can I kill these puny brats?”
Grenade confidently responded, exhaling forcefully. A fiery glow surrounded his snout.
Seeing the wave of black figures crossing the garden, I swallowed dryly and pushed off the ground.
The full-scale battle began.
