Chapter 211
Justitia was a floating city above a pink cloud, shrouded in purple fog, a kind of place one would only see in fairy tales. It was the legislative city of the Sēmen, located on the western edge of the fifth zone, and one of the few places in the Mirror World deemed a first-class safe zone.
Attacking Justitia meant attacking the justice that the Sēmen stood for, and no one dared to wage war against the Sēmen. Hence, various races who desired peace coexisted in this city, and many people dreamed of residing here.
Three men stood on a platform made of white marble in Justitia’s grand plaza. Tens of thousands of individuals surrounded the platform, making it look like a small island in a sea of people.
“Is that the Tortoise Emperor?”
“I think so. The dwarf with the grey beard beside him must be the Steel King.”
“Then who’s that on the other side?”
“The elf with golden hair and eyes? Oh, it must be him, the former Hod of Sefirot. He’s now the head of the independent Viridis. He’s a high elf.”
“He falls behind the Tortoise Emperor and the Steel King in terms of reputation.”
“What do you expect? It’s a newly formed force.”
Mumbles filled the entire grand plaza.
Just then, a voice echoed from above, “Silence.”
The people looked up and saw a sword floating in midair. It exuded a blue aura that sent shivers down the backs of those who looked upon it. It was shaped like an executioner’s sword with a wide blade and a rounded end, and a decapitation scene was etched in gold on the blade.
“Whoa! Isn’t that Judge Dejicio?”
“Why would someone like them come here?”
“I guess the host has to be in a league of their own, considering two World Rankers are involved!”
Dejicio was one of the only three judges in the Sēmen. They were of the animatum race, born when a soul was imbued into an inanimate object. They were categorized into natural animata and artificial animata, and Dejicio was an artificial animatum—to be more exact, they were the soul imbued into the executioner’s sword, Dejicio.
“I announce the start of the public statement of defense regarding Underground. The defendants are the human Lee Kang-San, the dwarf Bafor, and the elf Irura,” Dejicio said.
Kang-San, Bafor, and Irura each took one step forward.
Dejicio continued, “Now, make your case for Underground’s legitimacy.”
Kang-San immediately said, “Allow me to begin.”
His expression was filled with confidence. The Sēmen rarely meddled in matters regarding clan formations and gathering of forces. They responded sensitively to newly developing powers under specific exceptions, which Underground fell into. The establishment of Underground would not stop simply at its formation; it was a serious matter that could change the ecosystem of the outer zones.
But the fact that they allowed us to have a public statement of defense instead of a private one is the Sēmen’s silent acknowledgement of Underground! Kang-San thought.
A private statement of defense attended by a select few was nothing more than a festival for the elite. On the other hand, a public statement of defense allowed the defendants to make their case to all the residents of the Mirror World. The latter naturally worked better in their favor.
Meaning, the power game among the Ten Lords and Fiends is already over.
Based just on rumors, three powers—Sefirot, Necrophilia, and Redeo—voted for Underground’s establishment, while two—Echion and Orbis—voted against it.
Keter himself promised that Sefirot would support Underground, and Gula pulled some strings for Necrophilia’s vote. As for Redeo, they always oppose Echion.
As for those against Underground, Kang-San had gotten on the God of Heaven’s bad side after his clash against the birdfolk World Ranker, Remus, and the incident in Ferrum. As for Echion, Biphatogenes likely found it distasteful that Kang-San had chosen Cadaver over Nivalis.
Well, in any case, what’s left now is time.
“My comrades of the Mirror World. Underground is an association created for cooperation, coexistence, and peace. We believe we have shown our true intentions through the Forestis incident. Not only did the spirit Elementum, a member of Underground, take charge of stopping Insectum, but we played a crucial part in stopping the World Tree’s rampage. Furthermore, we...”
Kang-San continued to recite a speech he had prepared in advance. It was a rather plain speech, and the conclusion was already decided. His recital was merely a form of showmanship—a courtesy for being placed on a stage.
***
“Rin!” Shin Jun shouted as he swung open the door of the grand conference hall.
He had rushed back to the city when he heard news of Ha Rin’s return while he had been commanding their forces on the scene.
She’s back already? There’s no way!
Jun knew how the Union handled things very well, so he had expected it to take much longer for them to realize the truth of the situation and send support. It was also why he had brought New Age and Dongming into the matter to buy as much time as possible, so he couldn’t believe Rin had already returned to Garapan.
“Jun oppa!” Rin shouted, expressing relief after seeing Jun, and hugged him.
“What happened, Rin? Did you manage to receive support?”
“Yup! I mean, yes. It’s those two people over there,” Rin said, fixing her speech and separating from Jun once she realized they were in a formal setting.
“Those two?” Jun asked.
Just two people? Not a department nor a clan? he wondered as he stared at the two unidentified men in the grand conference hall.
One was an old man covered in age spots, sitting in a chair and pounding his knees. His kind blue eyes shone from behind his rimless glasses.
He said, “Oh, boy. My knees are killing me now that I’m old. Going through a warp gate is never a good experience.”
The other person was looking out the window, so Jun could only see his back, but he seemed familiar somehow. The man wore a baggy black hoodie, cargo pants, and black boots.
“You’ve developed quite rapidly. Your battle commands and ability to cultivate a city are exceptional. As I had thought, you have talent,” the man mumbled.
Jun’s eyes widened after hearing the man’s voice. “You’re... Could it be?!”
“It has been a while, Shin Jun,” Seong-Hwi said as he turned around.
His bloodshot eyes, the vessels resembling lightning bolts, were filled with even thicker madness, aspiration, and bloodlust polished by the blood of his kind, compared to what he had been like in the Dark Forest.
“Cheon Seong-Hwi!” Jun shouted.
“I have become a tiger who devours wolves, albeit still a cub.” Seong-Hwi tapped the window with his finger and said, “And it appears you’ve built a fence that protects the lambs from wolves, albeit still shabby.”
***
“So, the orcs have occupied the southern plains, and you guys have set up camp in the forest north of it and are waiting?” Seong-Hwi asked.
“Yes. They are cavalry; we have no chance against them in the plains. Besides, they are the ones in a rush. We hold the initiative to counterattack.”
“And you believe they aren’t advancing because they know that?”
“That’s right.”
Seong-Hwi nodded and replied, “Not good enough.”
“Pardon?” Jun asked.
He believed he had made the best commands that the situation would allow. He had used all their available assets and had even dragged New Age and Dongming into the situation, promising future profits. All that had remained was to hold out until Rin returned with support from the Union.
“Your decisions are logically correct, but there is one problem. You have no idea how valuable the bargaining chip you hold is,” Seong-Hwi criticized.
Jun remained silent.
Seong-Hwi added, “Can you fathom how valuable Bodonchar’s eldest son is?”
Jun continued to remain silent, furrowing his brow.
“I would imagine you thought that Bodonchar would reward you once he returns from Forestis if you protect that orc,” Seong-Hwi said.
“That’s... correct.”
Jun was not wrong. A single word from the World Ranker, Bodonchar, would be enough to mobilize the entire orc army. Their assistance would speed up Garapan’s development severalfold.
“Then you should have considered the opposite scenario. Think about how desperately the rebels want Bodonchar’s eldest son,” Seong-Hwi remarked.
“What do you mean?”
“The orcs occupying the southern plains are likely waiting for the arrival of someone powerful enough to wipe you all out.”
Jun’s eyes widened in shock, thinking about someone powerful enough to wipe out the allied forces of One Tree, New Age, and Dongming.
“Only... a High Ranker could...”
“That’s right. A High Ranker among the orc rebels is likely on their way here.”
“That’s absurd! That would mean they are willing to go on an all-out war against humanity!”
“You’re not understanding me. We are already in that all-out war.” Seong-Hwi’s black eyes sank deeply. “To the orcs, the eldest son doesn’t just represent a son. They are the vessels that will accept their ancestors’ heroic souls.”
Orcs possessed unique skills that allowed them to use the heroic souls of their ancestors, passed down between the generations of each tribe. It was proof that they had succeeded their tribe’s legacy and was a token of their status as a warrior. Hence, there were no words to describe the value of a son who would succeed the family’s heroic soul.
“The rebels will want to use this opportunity to destroy Bodonchar’s vessel, using any means necessary. After all, they will have no chance once Bodonchar returns from Forestis. They will likely destroy the vessel and hope for a better future.”
Jun could feel cold sweat running down his back. He was uneducated about the orcs’ tendencies, culture, lifestyle, and more.
I didn’t know the eldest son meant so much to the orcs, to the point that a High Ranker would get involved!
He had practically picked up a bomb thinking it was a treasure, buried it under his house, and lit a celebratory bonfire under it.
“Then, what should we...” Jun trailed off as he quickly organized his thoughts.
There were two options. First, to protect Bodonchar’s eldest son to the very end, and second, to hand the son over to the rebels. The first option would result in an orc High Ranker causing massive, possibly irreversible, destruction to Garapan. However, the second option was just as bad. After all, they would incur the wrath of Bodonchar, a World Ranker.
Jun bit his lip as he thought over and over again. He needed a perfect solution because his choice would greatly influence Garapan and One Tree. The burden of choice weighed down on his heart and scrambled his brain. He needed to think of a measure that would save as many people as possible.
That was the responsibility of a clan leader and one in charge of running a city. As much as he wanted to run off this instant and confirm whether Seong-Tae was dead or alive, his position prevented him from doing so.
Seong-Hwi smiled faintly as he stared at Jun and thought, Looks like he’s gotten a taste of despair.
Just then, Bill, the observer with a DSLR camera around his neck, barged into the grand conference hall. “Huff! Huff! Clan Leader! They’ve begun to move!”
“It appears the High Ranker has arrived,” Seong-Hwi said.
“Dammit!” Jun shouted, his face as white as a sheet. There was only one choice left now. He turned to Seong-Hwi and said, “Cheon Seong-Hwi! Please—”
Seong-Hwi raised his hand to cut off Jun and replied, “Don’t worry. I’m here to get involved. This matter is far beyond what you can handle.”
“You mean...”
“This is the only time I will present a third option. It’s my reward to you for picking up an unexpected treasure.”
Seong-Hwi thought, I can’t believe they came across Bodonchar’s eldest son. It’ll make things much easier. Besides, I want to test how much the gap between me and the frontrunners has shortened.
Completion meant nothing in the marathon he was participating in. Only victory mattered.
Seong-Hwi completed his calculations in his head and turned to the old man, who had been listening to their conversation in silence. He said to Jun, “Let me introduce you. This is Bartholomew Avison, the leader of Clan Trauma Centre.”
“Hm? You’re introducing me now after all that time?” The elderly Avison chuckled.
“I have heard much about you. You are unparalleled in the Capital in skin regeneration,” Jun said.
“Ahaha! It’s all overblown nonsense. I’m just a dermatology director. I should be the one honored to meet the leader of One Tree, the clan showing explosive growth as of late.”
“But why did you bring him?” Jun asked as he turned to Seong-Hwi.
Although Bartholomew Avison was not even in the semi ranking, everyone knew about him. His clan, Trauma Centre, consisted of support conjurers, especially healers. Seong-Hwi’s connection network was indeed impressive to be able to bring such an individual, but Jun couldn’t understand why.
Did he bring him to heal Bodonchar? Jun wondered.
Seong-Hwi simply shrugged as he stared at Jun, his expression filled with curiosity. “You’ll see. First, let’s meet the orc claiming to be Bodonchar’s eldest son.”
The third option was far more daring than the other two.
***
“Chwik! Out of my way!” shouted a grey orc with tusks reaching his cheeks, destroying the devices around him as he staggered.
He was in the intensive care unit located on the first floor of Garapan’s government building. Nathaniel, One Tree’s conjuration captain, stood in the orc’s way. The white man was covered in muscles and quite large for a human, but the orc was still about a head taller.
He shouted, “You mustn’t move! Your external wounds are closed, but your insides still need treatment!”
“Chwik! I don’t need treatment! I am Gurun, son of Bodonchar, with the title of Sahaliyan! I cannot afford to lie around like a loser! Chwik! I will execute those traitors!”
Gurun punched Nathaniel, who was blocking his way. Nathaniel fell to the ground and could feel that his nose was broken.
This fucking orc!
Rage welled up inside Nathaniel. Their clan’s dependable comrade, Na Seong-Tae, sacrificed himself to save this orc, but instead of being thankful, he was trying to return to the battlefield, making Seong-Tae’s sacrifice in vain.
Just then, a centaur with red-brown hair and eyes approached to stop Gurun.
“Stop it, Gurun! You need their help right now.”
“Chwik! Are you treating me like a loser, too, Ibiso?!”
“Of course not. A bunch of cowards ambushed you, that’s all. It is only natural that you punish those who do not know a warrior’s pride.”
“Then why do you get in my way?!”
“But what do you have right now? All you have is an injured body and your pride!” Ibiso grabbed Gurun’s shoulders and said firmly, “You must distinguish between obstinacy and courage. I know that you are a warrior with a blazing heart, and warriors must know when to endure unfairness and wait for a future opportunity. You should only be thinking about reuniting with your father and avenging your dead brothers and sisters!”
Gurun’s overflowing rage subsided once he noticed tears falling from Ibiso’s eyes.
Ibiso continued, “Who ran all the way here while carrying you on their back, against countless arrows and the storming rain? Me! Please receive treatment first, for my sake!”
Ibiso’s fiery speech moved Gurun. He nodded and replied, “Ibiso... Chwik. I did not know you cared so deeply for me... I understand. I will reunite with my father and avenge the fallen, no matter what!”
It worked! Neigh! Ibiso mumbled inwardly, sighing in relief. He could see the rewards he would receive for carrying the half-dead Gurun to save his life. High-ranking items, a mountain of Coins, and even beautiful centaurides!
He had only rescued the ambushed Gurun because of the enormous rewards that would follow. He would never have risked his life for the likes of Gurun otherwise.
You must live so that I can partake in my sweet rewards!
Despite his thoughts, Ibiso faked tears as he said sincerely, “Thank you for considering my advice, my friend. You are the future of the Tusk tribe.”
“Chwik! Ibiso!”
As Gurun and Ibiso looked at each other affectionately, Nathaniel wiped blood off his nose and mumbled, “What a load of bull.”
He couldn’t stand the shonen-manga-like dialogue diarrhea between the orc and the horse. Just then, the intensive care unit door opened and three men entered.
“Clan Leader?” Nathaniel called.
“Please step outside, Nathaniel,” Jun said.
“But the treatment isn’t—”
“It’s okay. We’ve brought Sir Bartholomew Avison, the leader of Clan Trauma Centre.”
“Oh! Bartholomew Avison! The Miracle Doctor!”
“Ahaha! Miracles are outside my expertise. I’m just skilled in a few tricks,” Avison remarked.
Nathaniel nodded once he saw Avison, assured that a reputable healer like him would be more suited for treating the orc than he. Nathaniel left the intensive care unit feeling at ease, closing the door behind him.
Gurun watched them as he approached and stretched his hand toward Jun, requesting a handshake. “Chwik! Are you the chief of this tribe? Humans greet each other like this, do they not?”
“Yes. I am Shin Jun, the leader of Clan One Tree,” Jun replied as he grabbed Gurun’s hand.
Then, Gurun clenched his hand, and Jun winced from the pain in his right hand.
“Chwik! Hahahah! You’re weak. I was told humans don’t choose their chiefs based on power, and I see it was true.”
Gurun was being extremely disrespectful—not the kind of behavior one should show to the leader of the clan that had rescued him.
“Hahah, let go of his hand, Gurun. Humans are weak beings,” Ibiso said.
“Chwik! As you say, they sure are weak.” Gurun snorted as he let go of Jun’s hand, thinking he had shown who was in charge.
Jun opened and closed his right hand, staring at Seong-Hwi beside him as if asking what to do now.
Seong-Hwi smiled and thought, My calculations are complete. The self-righteous Bodonchar is like a fruit that looks ripe but is rotten to the core. On the other hand, he, whose value is yet to be realized, is the true ripe fruit that we can negotiate with.
Since he had come to a decision, all that remained was to act on it.
Seong-Hwi walked forward and said, “Allow me to introduce myself as well. I am the human, Cheon Seong-Hwi.”
He brought his left hand forward.
Gurun smirked as he looked at the hand and said, “Chwik? Are you the great warrior commander? I see you are left-handed. Ahaha!”
He gladly shook Seong-Hwi’s left hand with his left as well and clenched as before.
“Chwik?”
Gurun’s eyes widened. No matter how much strength he put into his grip, Seong-Hwi’s hand did not budge. It was as if he were clenching a hand made of steel.
Seong-Hwi smiled and said, “It was nice to meet you.”
[Activating Unique Skill: Symbol Embodiment.]
[Catastrophic Thunder, one of the symbols of No.16 The Tower]
A dark blue lightning mark appeared on his right temple, electrocuting Gurun as he squealed like a pig.
“CHWIIIIIK!”
Seong-Hwi pulled on Gurun’s arm, and he fell to the ground as he convulsed, his eyes darting around in fear.
[Activating Unique Skill: Symbol Embodiment.]
[Ace of Swords]
“I only brought my left hand forward because it’s easier to stab your heart with one thrust that way,” Seong-Hwi said as he thrust the Ace of Swords through Gurun’s left armpit without hesitation.
“Ch...wik!” Gurun exclaimed, his expression dyed in disbelief, and died.
It had only taken a few seconds after Seong-Hwi and Gurun shook hands.
“Wha—What have you done?!” Jun shouted in panic.
“I told you that I would present you with a third option,” Seong-Hwi answered nonchalantly as he turned to Ibiso and asked, “Who was the weak one again, horse?”
Ibiso, who had been blankly looking down at Gurun’s body, looked at the human whose eyes were filled with thick bloodlust, and instinctively shouted, “N-neigh! I am the weak one! Centaurs are the weakest beings!”
“Is that so? Then why are you looking down at me?”
Ibiso immediately crouched and looked up at Seong-Hwi. “Neigh! This position is the most comfortable for me! Would you like to get on my back? I, Ibiso the Tempest, will get you to anywhere you desire in a flash!”
Every race had survival instincts.