NOVEL NEXT chapter 47
47 – Lee Seo-yeon (2)
“A deal… it’s been a long time since I heard that word,” said Baek Yu-hwa, closing her eyes.
Seeing the faint smile on her lips, it seemed like she was reminiscing.
“There was a writer called Murim Maengju who suggested making a deal with himself.”
…Murim Maengju?
Was there a martial arts world in this universe?
Suddenly, the martial arts term ‘Murim Maengju’ that came from Baek Yu-hwa’s mouth reminded me of the world of ‘Arena Academy’.
But there was no mention of the martial arts in the content, only names like Gumsung or Ssanggeomryong, and Musin.
That means it’s someone’s nickname.
‘I don’t know, but Baek Yu-hwa knows about that person…’
Was it when the continent of Death was called ancient China?
Then I couldn’t help but not know.
Because there isn’t much information about the past in the world of ‘Arena Academy’.
While I was thinking that way, Baek Yu-hwa opened her eyes and spoke.
“So, Ah Hae, what do you think I would have done?”
It was a sudden question, but I didn’t panic and thought carefully.
Considering the faint smile just now, she would have accepted the deal.
But considering Baek Yu-hwa’s current appearance…
“…I don’t think you would have accepted.”
“Why do you think that?”
“The CEO is a martial deity.”
“You think I wouldn’t have accepted it because I’m a martial deity? But at that time, my alias wasn’t that of a martial deity, was it?”
“Still, I think you would have felt that way.”
“Is that so?”
Baek Yuhwa moved her hand resting on her thigh like playing the piano and looked at me intently.
Then, she chuckled softly.
“Lee Yujin, you’re an interesting child.”
Saying this, Baek Yuhwa released her chin from her hand.
“Right, indeed. Just as you thought, I am not the Lord of Martial Arts, and I did not engage in any dealings with that person.”
She stood up from her chair.
Instantly, space around her seemed to ripple.
As if something massive were moving.
“Why do you think I would have felt that way?”
“…Because it doesn’t align with the beliefs you hold, CEO.”
“You have quite the insightful mind, child.”
Baek Yuhwa nodded approvingly, as if satisfied with the response.
“Yes, just as you said, the Lord of Martial Arts—the deal proposed to me by that person went against my beliefs.”
She began to take steps.
“The deal from that person was this: offer me half of the martial world to rule alongside him.”
Crackle─, Snap!
Crackle─, Snap!
With each step she took, the surrounding space seemed to shatter like glass, tearing apart.
And within those ruptures, a black expanse akin to the universe revealed itself.
Watching this spectacle, I broke into a cold sweat.
Even though I’ve been referred to as an absolute being in games, how powerful must a person be to tear space apart just by moving?
At that level, wouldn’t it be fitting to call them not just a transcendent being but perhaps a demigod?
“So, what do you think I would have done?”
A person conflicting with their beliefs.
A martial deity who despises evil.
There’s only one answer.
“He must have been killed.”
Baek Yoo-hwa, upon hearing my response, smiled satisfactorily and nodded.
“Yeah, that’s right. I, in that place, beheaded the martial arts master, the creator himself. And I wiped out the group he belonged to, the Murim Alliance.”
Baek Yoo-hwa stopped walking.
Standing still about three paces away, she looked into my eyes and spoke.
“Why do you think I did that?”
“….”
I couldn’t answer her question.
No, more precisely, I couldn’t open my mouth.
And rightfully so.
Kugugugugugu…
Because a tremendous force was hovering right above my head.
The moment I made even a slight mistake in my words, I felt like that force would crush me, and I couldn’t speak.
So, I kept my mouth shut, only letting cold sweat drip down.
The martial artist placed a hand on my shoulder and said,
“The duty of the leader of a group is not to dominate the ordinary, but to govern with compassion.”
The martial artist took a step forward.
“That is the duty of the one above, it is the way.”
The martial artist took another step forward.
“Therefore, I personally subdued the evil.”
The martial artist brought their face closer to mine.
“So, I ask you, one who harbors evil.”
The martial artist’s black pupils gradually turned red.
And not long after, the martial artist’s pupils completely turned red.
“Are you evil?”
To that question, my mouth began to open involuntarily.
And I spoke without my will.
“…No.”
I denied being evil.
“….”
The shaman stared at me intently for a moment without saying a word.
And before long,
“I see.”
He wiped away the face that had reluctantly accepted my words.
Simultaneously, the force that had been waiting to fall upon my head vanished in an instant.
Instinctively, I realized that I had been living.
“You harbor evil, yet you are not evil…”
The crimson eyes of the shaman, speaking those words, turned once again to an obsidian black.
“You are a curious child.”
Baek Yuhwa chuckled, patting my shoulder.
Then, she walked back towards the colossal chair.
Quivering…
As if time were unraveling, the torn space began to revert to its original state.
And this phenomenon came to an end only after Baek Yuhwa had settled into the chair.
The space had all been sealed.
“Alright, let’s make a deal as the child wishes. What do you desire?”
Baek Yuhwa, returning to the enigmatic demeanor I first saw upon entering here, brought up the subject of the deal.
It was only after it was determined that I wasn’t inherently evil, unlike the martial lord of the Murim, that she accepted the deal.
I wiped my sweat-drenched face with a handkerchief and then voiced the name of the elixir I sought.
“I seek the Spirit Potency Pill.”
“Spirit Potency Pill?”
Baek Yuhwa scanned me with a puzzled look.
“Child, do you know what the Spirit Potency Pill is?”
“Yes, I do.”
The Spirit Potency Pill.
An elixir that expands the vessel of the soul.
But besides that, it’s also consumed when one cannot manage their talents, like Yi Seoyeon and Aska, when their vessels are damaged.
Of course, due to inherent issues, even if Aska takes the pill, complete control over her talent isn’t achievable. However, it would still aid in control.
On the other hand, for Yi Seoyeon, just one Spirit Potency Pill resolves everything.
By gaining complete control over her talent, the path of being consumed by it and becoming a corrupt individual disappears.
“Is there no problem with the spiritual power of the child to request the Youngneungdan?”
Baek Yu-hwa looked at me with eyes that didn’t understand.
“This is not for me to take.”
“…It’s not for the child to take? Then is it for someone else?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Hmm….”
Whether it was the answer that perfectly matched Baek Yu-hwa’s beliefs or not, she sighed in admiration.
Then, she put her hands inside her coat with a satisfied look.
“Here, take this.”
She quickly threw two small boxes towards me.
Surprised, I looked at her with a puzzled expression and asked,
“Madam, what about the deal…?”
“A deal? Is there really a need for that?”
“…Yes?”
“Are you lacking insight in times like this?”
Baek Yu-hwa laughed as if she found it amusing and said,
“It’s a gift that I like. So just take it.”
“….”
Wow, I never thought of this.
In the game, I could only obtain items through deals, which are quests.
But now, I just received items as a gift for speaking well?
“Why, don’t you like gifts? Then, we can trade as the child desires….”
“Ah, no! I really love gifts!”
“Really? Well, that’s a relief.”
Baek Yu-hwa chuckled and nodded her head.
I bowed to her and expressed my gratitude.
“Thank you very much, Madam!”
“hahahaha, alright, alright.”
Baek Yu-hwa looked at me with eyes as if she was looking at her mischievous grandson.
Certainly, it would be a fitting statement considering her age.
“It’s understandable. After all, she’s a first-generation transcendent being, easily over 200 years old by now.
“Child, your training is complete. Now, go to the child in need of the elixir.”
“…But, Director, what about this other one?”
I tried to use the system’s emotions to check the item, but strangely, there was no emotional response.
Is it because I haven’t opened the box?
“The other one is a gift for you, my commendable one.”
They’re taking care of not just the Yeongnengdan but also my belongings?
“I’m truly grateful…”
“You received thanks just a moment ago; that’s enough.”
“But still…”
“Enough, I said.”
With those words, Baek Yuhwa waved her hand towards me.
As if someone were pushing me from behind, my body swiftly moved backward.
Ding.
Right on time, I found myself inside the opening elevator.
With a slight smile, Baek Yuhwa spoke to me.
“Yujin, let’s meet again next time.”
As she finished speaking, the elevator doors closed.
[Descending.]
With Baek Yuhwa’s disappearance, Alhyun safely concluded.
&
&
&
The elevator with Yujin descended.
“…”
Simultaneously, the smile on Baek Yuhwa’s lips disappeared.
Baek Yuhwa, with an expressionless face, looked at the spot where Yujin had been and spoke.
“This time, is it that child?”
…
“How long do you plan to repeat this karma?”
……
“…I have no intention of revealing my appearance now, is this it?”
Ha.
Baek Yuhwa laughed mockingly and rose from the chair.
At the same time.
Sssssss…!!
The space tore apart again, and a vast, cosmic black void began to appear.
“If that’s the case, then let me reveal my appearance myself.”
Baek Yuhwa’s pupils turned red.
And as she clenched her hand towards the empty space.
A black sword, unseen until now, was gripped.
Wooong!
The black sword resonated.
Crash───!!
Now, the space not only tore apart but shattered like glass.
All around was covered in pitch darkness.
In that darkness, Baek Yuhwa exuded an immense aura, raising the sword.
Then.
Ding.
[Cease this.]
A message window appeared in front of Baek Yuhwa, similar to Yi Yujin’s system.
Lowering the sword she had raised, Baek Yuhwa spoke.
“Now you reveal yourself. A slave to causality.”
[…Isn’t that the same for you now?]
“I may be bound only halfway, but aren’t you entirely bound? So, being a slave suits you.”
[……]
“Why? Uncomfortable? Then, instead of this message, reveal yourself directly. I’ll personally split you in half.”
[…Your temperament is as filthy as ever, Celestial Demon Baek Yuhwa.]
“…Don’t call me that. I left that alias there.”
[…Are you still holding onto it? That incident?]
“How could I ever forget that day?”
Baek Yuhwa stared at the message window with hollow eyes.
“The day I lost everything.”
[That incident didn’t happen because of you. What happened was…]
“Yes, it was because of those foreign reporters. But isn’t it true that I was swayed by their whispers and succumbed to the temptation?”
[But that’s…]
“Let’s end this discussion now.”
Baek Yuhwa said, releasing the sword clenched in her hand.
Then, the darkness seeped in, enveloping the black silhouette.
Gazing at the sight, Baek Yuhwa spoke.
“Slave to causality.”
[…Yes.]
“You disappeared from my sight for a while, leaving your appearance concealed.”
[…]
“For so long, by not revealing yourself, I thought you had accepted and given up on causality.”
[…]
“But it seems that’s not the case.”
Baek Yuhwa looked at the message window.
“Lee Yujin, within the child’s body, not only is your origin embedded but also the influence of those foreign forces. What on earth have you been up to?”
In response to her question, the message window replied.
“I cannot reveal everything right now.”
“…Is it a constraint?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Then, can you tell me this?”
“What is it?”
“Is this the last time for causality?”
[…]
The message window fell silent.
But only for a moment.
“I cannot reveal my appearance for the time being, but I will speak for your sake.”
[Yes, that’s right.]
[This is the last time……]
Clink!
The message window shattered.
The restrictions of causality had been lifted.
At that sight, Baek Yoo-hwa trembled and collapsed.
Squeeeak….
As Baek Yoo-hwa sat in the chair, everything returned to normal.
“Ah…, it’s the last time, huh?”
Baek Yoo-hwa muttered with a trembling voice.
However, that voice undoubtedly contained delight.
“…Lee Yoo-jin, I’ll have to give that child more gifts later.”
Thanks to that child, he found out what he’d been waiting for so long.
He would grant whatever that child wanted.
Thinking of Lee Yoo-jin who was very happy to receive a gift, Baek Yoo-hwa smiled.
*
Meanwhile, Lee Yoo-jin.
Ring.
“…Huh?”
[System Check Notice]
[There will be about 12 hours of system inspection due to a problem in the system.]
[Basic systems are available, but item appraisal and status screen, skill checks are not possible.]
[We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience in using the system. (_ _)]
“What is this?!”
An unexpected system inspection had begun.