246 - 253

Chapter 246 – The Rightful Heir (2)

"A-te-ru…? What a weird technique name."

Lee Joonyoung was bewildered by the word, but he quickly corrected his posture and calmed his expression. He had a hunch that his enemy's capabilities were better than his.

The Hand Counterattack Technique was a technique which threw back the power of the incoming attack using the palm of the hand. This was something he had learned from childhood as a direct descendant of the Fairy Dance Lee family. It wasn't something which could be used casually with just one or two days of training. Rather, it was a technique that someone had to dedicate a few years at minimum to learn.

Yet this Westerner was able to use it. Clearly, Theodore wasn't a shallow opponent. Rather than approaching hastily, Lee Joonyoung put strength into his legs.

The original Fairy Dance basically manipulated the flow, and the users of Fairy Dance were like the tip of a spin top. The stronger the load, the stronger the rotational power would become. It was like Lee Joonyoung turned into an arrow.

'It is worth challenging now.'

Despite Lee Joonyoung becoming stronger, Theodore took a step toward him without hesitation. Theodore's purpose was to complete the Fairy Dance. His purpose was to steal the experience of the Fairy Dance from the man called Lee Joonyoung, before sorting out the family that was ruined by discord.

Theodore approached unceasingly and put out both his hands, performing:

Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission;

Double Palm Hit;

And Sun and Fertile Earth.

The two palms referred to the sun and the moon, and the palms of the sun and the moon moved in both directions. Theodore's two palms, which could crush a rock, hit Lee Joonyoung's belly with ether surrounding his hands. A person hit by this attack would have their bones and intestines crushed.

Unsurprisingly, Lee Joonyoung also stretched out both of his hands, performing:

Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission;

Hand Counterattack Technique;

Two-handed Wind and Moon.

Wind seemed to blow nonstop from both of Lee Joonyoung's hands. They looked like a moon as they received Theodore's attack.

His hands didn't receive the attack from the front. Instead, they flowed gently and pushed the orbit of the attack away. The strength which could crush a rock would be meaningless if it hit empty air.

Paaang!

When Theodore's palms struck the air, Lee Joonyoung moved like he had been waiting for it.

The Fairy Dance had two types of counterattacks.

One was the type which threw the strength back to the opponent, just like the 'Left Palm Lone Peak' that Theodore had used at the beginning. However, Lee Joonyoung's Wind and Moon was, unfortunately, the second type.

He attacked when his opponent's power flowed in the opposite direction! Theodore's arms were hit by the counter and pushed until a large gap was exposed. It was truly a skill that was the representative of the Fairy Dance in this age.

Theodore admired it while hurriedly yanking back both his arms. If he delayed even a little bit, he would receive a deadly blow. He managed to block the palm, which was aiming for his side, just in time.

Shortly afterward, Theodore's and Lee Joonyoung's gazes met.

'From here on…'

'…Victory!'

A blast of wind blew in the center of the duel arena.

* * *

The fight between the two was like a dance. They moved together and split apart at intervals. Their martial arts repeatedly tangled together and fell apart. The footprints of the two men were like brush strokes on the ground.

They would come and then withdraw. These were truly the movements of the Fairy Dance, which didn't distinguish between attack and defense, advance and retreat.

"Hup!"

"Suuuuoh…"

However, the flows of the two people weren't the same. Lee Joonyoung, who didn't hesitate to attack every time there was a gap, was like a storm, while Theodore was a cloud or fog. Sometimes there was the sound of thunder, but Theodore's defense blocked the offensive like an iron wall.

A fist met a palm, palms met palms, and so on. Theodore's defensive posture constantly changed like a cloud, suiting him perfectly.

The battlefield gradually leaned toward Theodore's favor. It might seem like Lee Joonyoung was overwhelming Theodore, but in actuality, Lee Joonyoung was worried as he felt an increasing pressure come from Theodore.

First and foremost, the biggest problem was that Theodore was becoming stronger with every exchange.

'Okay, I've grasped it now. Practice truly is necessary to release the power.'

Lee Yoonsung had taught him directly, but it was just a formal framework. If Theodore didn't increase his proficiency, it would remain as purely knowledge. Then the best training opponent, Lee Joonyoung, had appeared.

Theodore had been training in the Fairy Dance for more than a year, and it was still incomplete. However, he was getting better. Unnecessary actions disappeared with every exchange in the battle.

Theodore applied things that couldn't be learned by practice alone. He was absorbing decades of experience. This was the moment when his innate genius learning ability was displayed. At first, it had been hard, but Theodore's movements were maturing at a fast pace.

In contrast, Lee Joonyoung couldn't do that. He had taken a long time to apply a perfect form to his body. Moreover, he didn't have a foul means like Gluttony, so he couldn't steal Theodore's techniques while fighting.

"Cough, t-this is unbelievable…!"

One step, two steps… Soon afterward, Lee Joonyoung started to get pushed out of the battlefield, and he let out a small moan. He didn't want to admit it, but there was a feeling of defeat. If this continued, he would be defeated. While he was feeling desperate, a chill ran down his spine.

Then at that moment…

"Yes." Theodore, who was dominating, stopped his hand.

Meanwhile, Lee Joonyoung didn't miss this chance to quickly jump back. He didn't know why his opponent had stopped, but this was a chance for him to recover. Lee Joonyoung looked at his opponent in a questioning manner while restoring his breathing.

Theodore had an unconcerned expression on his face. "This is enough, Senior."

Lee Joonyoung couldn't understand the meaning of those words. It wasn't in Chinese but the official language of the West Continent. Then Theodore finished speaking and stepped forward nonchalantly.

Lee Yoonsung was present behind Theodore's eyes. "It is finally my turn."

At that moment, the atmosphere changed.

"Uh?" Lee Joonyoung couldn't help shaking and unknowingly stepped back. To think that his opponent who had always been on the defensive was finally attacking…?

However, Lee Joonyoung didn't give up resisting.

Lee Yoonsung in Theodore's body gave a nod of acknowledgement upon seeing Lee Joonyoung's attitude and then opened his mouth, "It is good that you don't give up despite understanding my superiority."

However, Lee Yoonsung just raised both his hands. "Realize the futility of your will that can't be expressed with force."

Lee Yoonsung had spoken with a tone which looked down on him, yet Lee Joonyoung couldn't say anything. However, it wasn't just due to the pressure pushing down on his body. Lee Joonyoung determined Lee Yoonsung's intentions. "Don't tell me… Moon Breaking through the Clouds…?!"

"That's right." Lee Yoonsung lifted the index finger of his left hand. "Be prepared. If you try to oppose this hidden technique, you might die."

"Ridiculous!" Lee Joonyoung yelled and took a fighting posture. What idiot would give in just because of his opponent's words during a battle? Even if it was a hidden technique, the Fairy Dance wasn't strong in offense. This meant that it was highly unlikely that he would die.

"Fool." Lee Yoonsung laughed and ruthlessly extended his arm, performing:

Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission;

Four Major Hidden Techniques;

And Moon Breaking through the Clouds.

Lee Yoonsung's two hands blurred and created a cloud. It was possible to perfectly recreate this hidden technique using exquisite magic power manipulation. For Lee Yoonsung, it was no different from breathing.

He might have no aura talent, but he was full of magic talent. As such, he had managed to reproduce all the techniques of the Fairy Dance with magic. Lee Yoonsung had been a person who couldn't use elemental magic even after crossing the wall of the 7th Circle.

Then the first hitting technique, Moon Breaking through the Clouds, was unfolded.

Wuooooong! The wind made a strange sound. The space around him distorted like a haze, and it was impossible to see how his arms moved. It was like dense clouds shrouding moonlight. Lee Yoonsung took two steps toward Lee Joonyoung without hesitation.

Syuoook!

Lee Joonyoung had good reflexes and tried to intercept it with an intimidating attack. A sharp blue aura aimed for Lee Yoonsung's neck. It was sharp enough to penetrate through a person.

Chaaeng!

Then as soon as Lee Joonyoung came into contact with the haze-like space…

"What?" Lee Joonyoung's eyes widened in astonishment. However, Lee Yoonsung just looked at him coldly. This was the first hidden technique, Moon Breaking through the Clouds. It created a layer of aura in the form of a net to confuse the opponent's sense of distance, as well as build a barrier. A descendant of the Fairy Dance Lee family should know that much.

Moon Breaking through the Clouds was a hidden technique which combined both types of counterattacks. It produced a counterattack that pierced through the gaps which were revealed by deflecting the enemy's attacks.

Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission,

Freehand Counterattack Technique,

And Right Wrist Three Attacks…

Theodore's right hand moved three times through the exposed gap. It struck the middle of Lee Joonyoung's body. As soon as the three strikes finished, Lee Joonyoung flew away while coughing up blood. It was a blow which didn't even allow him to scream.

'This is the finishing blow… Take a look.'

As he was sharing his body with Lee Yoonsung, Theodore could tell that Lee Yoonsung hadn't used all his strength in the last blow. Otherwise, he would have completely destroyed Lee Joonyoung. He didn't know why, but Lee Yoonsung didn't intend to end it there.

"Get up. If you don't rise by the time I count to five, I will kill you. One."

"Kuuack…" Lee Joonyoung heard the words and barely managed to get up. Even if the recovery power of aura was great, this wasn't damage which could be healed in a few seconds.

Lee Yoonsung gave a warning.

"This will come twice," he warned with a frosty expression. Then he performed:

Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission;

Four Major Hidden Techniques;

And Moon Breaking through the Clouds.

Lee Yoonsung proved his will through action, not words. The space around him distorted again. If the Lee Family had been declining for centuries, then Lee Yoonsung wouldn't linger on it anymore. The man who brought down the family he had been born in took another step.

Chapter 247 – The Rightful Heir (3)

In the end, Lee Joonyoung's fighting spirit rose as he was driven to the edge. "Okay. That arrogance, I will make you regret it…!"

Wind had pushed clouds since the ancient times. Likewise, Lee Joonyoung started swinging his arms around Theodore. The wind howled whenever Lee Joonyoung palms stretched out. Lee Yoonsung looked at it with interest.

This was the 3rd hidden technique, Fierce Wind and Rain. It was a hidden technique filled with destructive power, and it was impossible to get rid of all the force which was comparable to a storm.

"You managed to use that hidden technique alone. It is wonderful that you have reached that level without the 'cloud' or 'rain.'"

This was a hidden technique which was completed only after forming a cloud with the first technique and rain with the second technique. As such, Lee Yoonsung's evaluation of Lee Joonyoung went up two notches. The completion and power of Fierce Wind and Rain weren't enough, but this accomplishment was worthy of praise.

However, Lee Joonyoung cried out angrily at the praise, "Don't look down on me!"

Lee Joonyoung didn't know about the existence of Lee Yoonsung inside Theodore, so Theodore was just a young Westerner to him.

Yet, such a person was praising and looking down on him? A scorching heat rose inside Lee Joonyoung, and his aura flickered, as if in response to those emotions. The turbulent wind had long dispersed the clouds.

Lee Yoonsung naturally moved back two steps and changed his posture. It wasn't the posture for Moon Breaking through the Clouds. Moon Breaking through the Clouds was effective for one-shot attacks, but it wasn't suitable for going against Fierce Wind and Rain.

Fierce Wind and Rain wasn't just a single gust of wind.

Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission,

Four Major Hidden Techniques,

And Rain like an Axle…

Clouds couldn't resist the wind, but what about rain?

"What? The axle?" Lee Joonyoung cried out with shock as Lee Yoonsung clenched his fists and moved.

It wasn't an overflowing river. These were raindrops piercing the rocks. Based on the enlightenment of 'penetrating through stone,' Lee Joonyoung's storm was penetrated.

Pang! Papang! Pang! Papapapang! Paang!

In a breath, dozens, possibly hundreds, of raindrops entered the storm. Fingertips struck the fist which was heading toward them.

The 2nd and 3rd hidden techniques collided.

If the two people were on par with each other, then Fierce Wind and Rain would've won. However, Lee Joonyoung was going against a great man who had once devastated the Fairy Dance Lee family.

At that moment, the momentum of the storm weakened.

Kwa kwa kwa kwa kwak!

Lee Yoonsung's fingers didn't miss this gap and struck Lee Joonyoung's upper body. There were specific weights of gravity and high frequency lightning bolts everywhere. When Lee Joonyoung's bones broke, there was a terrible sound. He barely managed to calm himself down as blood emerged from his lips.

"Haaaap!"

Nevertheless, he didn't stop. Rather, he took one step forward and punched Theodore's face.

Peok!

It was pointless since it was blocked by ether. Theodore's skin was a little bruised, but that couldn't even be called damage. However, it was the first time that Lee Joonyoung had managed to hit Lee Yoonsung's body.

"…Good." Lee Yoonsung laughed. He acknowledged Lee Joonyoung's pride in maintaining the strength of Fierce Wind and Rain despite being in this state. Lee Joonyoung could be reassured that he had managed to hit his opponent.

"Rest assured. I won't allow it twice."

"Kuack, w-what does that mean…?"

"You don't need to know. But I won't take your life."

Finally, Lee Yoonsung took a posture which Theodore had never seen before. Simultaneously, the officials of the Fairy Dance family sprang up from their seats. They were aware of this posture.

"S-Surely, that isn't?"

"This is a hidden technique from the distant past…!"

"I heard it was lost a hundred years ago!"

Among them, there were some who had memorized this posture since childhood—Boundary of Heaven and Earth.

The first three hidden techniques were the foundation of their training before acquiring the final hidden technique, and only those who could use 'Boundary of Heaven and Earth' were recognized as a true successor.

Lee Joonyoung recognized it as well and was upset. If this wasn't the middle of a duel, he would be asking many questions.

–Junior, Lee Yoonsung ignored the astonishment and spoke to the master of the body he borrowed, –Don't miss it. I will only show this hidden technique once.

'Huh? What does that…?'

–There is no time to explain. There isn't much time left, Lee Yoonsung spoke in a voice that was different from usual. Lee Yoonsung had borrowed Theodore's body without using Overwrite, so he was reaching his limit. His soul was screaming, and his consciousness was starting to fade.

The use of this hidden technique would hasten his collapse. However, he didn't show it. Lee Yoonsung had an obligation to pass this onto his descendants and disciple.

–Go.

One step… The moment that Lee Yoonsung took a step in the posture of Boundary of Heaven and Earth, Lee Joonyoung's heart stopped for a moment. A heavy pressure seemed to be falling down from the sky.

It felt like the earth was falling down. The two opposing pressures clashed, bearing down on all of Lee Joonyoung's five senses. It was the feeling of death. Lee Joonyoung's five senses screamed, causing him to pour everything he had into Fierce Wind and Rain.

Kuooooh…!

It was literally a dragon of wind. The wind dragon roared while pushing at the surrounding air. Lee Joonyoung's Fierce Wind and Rain formed a wind dragon around his hands and rushed toward Theodore with enough force to tear steel.

However, this wasn't wind pressure. It was a storm made with aura which had the power to cut flesh down to the bone.

"Wonderful," Lee Yoonsung praised and moved. The Fairy Dance technique that was passed down through the heads of the family.

Four Major Hidden Techniques…

Boundary of Heavy and Earth…

―The world divided into two.

* * *

It happened in an instant.

"…Eh?"

Theodore couldn't help questioning it.

'What happened?'

He remembered Lee Joonyoung's Fierce Wind and Rain which had taken om the appearance of a storm dragon, but he couldn't recall what had happened after. However, the movements of his hands were engraved on his retinas.

It was the Boundary of Heaven and Earth. Lee Yoonsung had moved his arms, and the whole world was overturned. No, it just felt like that.

As Theodore remembered the feeling in both hands, Shim Samho raised her voice from outside the stage.

She was performing her role as a notary.

"Victory!" She declared while pointing at Theodore with her fan, "Since Lee Joonyoung is out of the arena and unable to fight, the winner of this duel trial is Theodore Miller! From now on, the authority of the Fairy Dance family will belong to the mountain's keeper. Please note that this trial is notarized by His Majesty the Emperor. If you disagree with this result, you are guilty of treason!"

The silent audience started to become noisy.

Somebody shouted angrily while others cheered Lee Seol's name, and another anticipated Lee Inyoung's fall. The duel trial had an unexpected result, and there would be great confusion before the Fairy Dance Lee family became one.

The reversal of a situation always made people excited. The downfall of Lee Inyoung, who had tried to take control of the Fairy Dance Lee family through coercive means and make the Baekun Mountains his property, had to be talked about in many ways.

In the midst of all this, Theodore wasn't listening to anyone's voice.

'…I see. Have you been consuming your soul since you started teaching me the Fairy Dance?'

-Well, this is what happened. Lee Yoonsung's voice sounded no different from usual despite the fact that his soul was dying. The only difference was that his voice was a little cloudy.

Theodore's eyes blurred as he talked to Lee Yoonsung. If Theodore had known this, he wouldn't have allowed it. He knew that separation always came when it was unexpected, but this wasn't what he had wanted.

'Why do you have to leave this way?'

There was still a pile of regrets. Theodore knew this because they were sharing his body. Lee Yoonsung felt responsible for the family that had fallen due to his own selfishness. It was why he had tested Lee Joonyoung's spirit.

Lee Yoonsung didn't hesitate as he responded, –No, this is enough.

'Senior!'

–I met my favorite descendant. I was able to know the status of my family that I was curious about, and I even found a disciple to pass on my martial art. For a ghost like me, this is enough.

The dead had their own paths to take, so Lee Yoonsung spoke to comfort Theodore. It was as if their positions were reversed. This was a skit where a dead man who would soon disappear was comforting the living, but Theodore couldn't laugh.

Before Theodore asked any more questions, Lee Yoonsung spoke quietly, –Thank you.

They were short words. Theodore was filled with a deep sadness which blocked his throat. This was the weight of a sincere goodbye.

Lee Yoonsung stopped talking for a moment, before continuing in a dimmer voice, –I told you not to miss it. Did you see the technique?

'…Yes.'

-Don't be discouraged if you can't use it right away. It is an area visible only to those who have reached the highest level. You can only use it perfectly when you go beyond that. It is literally the boundary between heaven and earth.

Theodore had yet to master the highest degree of the Fairy Dance, even though Lee Yoonsung had shown it to him. However, it was a success as long as the sensation remained.

The Boundary of Heaven and Earth seemed to be in the same area as the great magics, Abraxas and Supercell. Theodore's understanding of the Fairy Dance was still far below Lee Yoonsung's. It was an area Theodore wouldn't be able to reach unless he devoted himself to it.

–Well, this is the last one.

Theodore realized that ego of Lee Yoonsung was diminishing inside him. It felt like solid ice melting into water and then scattering like mist. In the end, Lee Yoonsung said farewell.

-Be well.

A good man lost his life, and his end was dull compared to Satomer's. However, the empty space which formed in Theodore's chest was big and empty.

[The disappearance of the object fragment 'Lee Yoonsung' has been confirmed.]

[The completion of the quest has been confirmed. I will begin the transmission of object name 'Lee Yoonsung' in 30 seconds.]

Lee Yoonsung's memories and experience flowed in. As the records of Lee Yoonsung's existence filled up Theodore's mind, he looked up at the sky and engraved these pieces of Lee Yoonsung, which he couldn't forget, into his mind.

The cloudless sky felt young.

'This is good for you… Damn it.'

Despite winning the battle, Theodore clenched his fists sharply and stared at the sky.

If the virtue of a good man was to accept life and death, then Theodore was probably a good man. There was a bitter taste in his mouth every time a person, who wasn't actually still alive, left.

A person who hadn't been acknowledged in life but returned to his home after his death…

This was the end of Lee Yoonsung.

Chapter 248 – Ominous Identity (1)

The emperor's authority was absolute in the Empire, the middle kingdom of the East Continent. As the duel trial was conducted in the presence of a notary who had been appointed as his agent, the result was absolute and impossible to overturn or distort.

For this reason, Lee Inyoung's power decreased and the dispute of the Lee Family, which had lasted for over 100 years, came to a close. Even so, the integration process was never going to be smooth.

It was true that the faction war was over, but the majority of the Fairy Dance Lee forces didn't think much of the 16-year-old Lee Seol.

They were afraid of the eyes of the imperial family and pretended to be quiet, but there was nothing strange about indirect insults. Since Lee Seol had no support base, Theodore's share of authority shot into the sky. Therefore, Theodore didn't intend to hesitate if he needed to use force.

Yes, he stopped at this thought.

Theodore sat on the unfamiliar cushion and said to the man sitting in front of him, "…I am grateful for your help."

However, Theodore couldn't figure out why the person was helping him. There were no favors which were done without compensation. Despite this, in the wide world, there were adults who didn't follow this principle. However, there was something fishy about the person before him.

"I never thought I would come forward to help."

"Speak more informally."

Lee Joonyoung, the man in front of Theodore, corrected his manner of speaking with a polite and formal attitude. He was a mess due to the injuries of the duel trial, but he was strong because he was close to being a master. The bandages wrapped around his body couldn't hide his peculiar ambition.

"If you have difficulty calling me by name, just called me 'Outsider.'"

"I will do so. Outsider, can I answer your first question?"

"Yes."

Lee Joonyoung spoke his reply to the question, "This is the right thing to do as a member of the Fairy Dance Lee family. Your position has been established with the duel trial, so we can incur the anger of the emperor if there is dissonance."

"That is a superficial reason. I hope that you will tell me your true feelings."

"What I said earlier… those are my true feelings. I knew that my father pursued his own desires, but I thought it was a necessary evil to end the hundred years of confusion. However, more paths have emerged, so I am just following them."

In reality, Lee Inyoung was the person who was supposed to be head of the family. However, his faction had been defeated in the duel trial and his position was reversed. During the duel trial, the family's missing hidden techniques had been shown by the foreigner, Theodore Miller.

Due to this, Lee Seol had been accepted as the next head of the family by the emperor's notary. It was a chance to restore two lost hidden techniques, so he needed to latch onto it. For Lee Joonyoung, who was born and raised in the Murim world, switching positions was a natural choice. (TL: Murim = easy way of explaining is the martial arts world)

Of course, Theodore hadn't been born in Murim and couldn't agree.

'He is serious.'

His super sensitivity, which had evolved to be close to a psychic ability, recognized that Lee Joonyoung's words were true. Lee Joonyoung was a young hot-blooded person, so he disregarded his father's fall.

He was a person Theodore couldn't easily let down his guard around.

However, without Lee Joonyoung's assistance, the integration of the Fairy Dance Lee family would've taken months, maybe years, instead of weeks. It was hard for Theodore to understand the reasons, but he finally acknowledged Lee Joonyoung and let it be. It didn't matter as long as Lee Joonyoung didn't betray Lee Seol.

"…Okay, I believe that," Theodore acknowledged. Then he asked Lee Joonyoung. "Can you explain why you requested a meeting with me?"

"Yes, of course," Lee Joonyoung answered, pausing as he chose his words. Then he looked at Lee Seol sitting next to Theodore and said, "I think the mountain's keeper already knows."

"Yes."

Theodore's eyebrows twitched for a moment at the title. There had yet to be a proper inauguration for Lee Seol yet. So, calling her 'keeper' was like showing her what her position actually was.

However, Theodore denied that idea. Lee Joonyoung wasn't stupid enough to reveal it on the surface, even if he might feel that way. Then he must have a good reason for it.

Unsurprisingly, Lee Joonyoung responded to Theodore's speculation, "In the duel trial, Lee Seol's inauguration was decided. But there is still room to act."

"For example?"

"There are three qualifications needed in order to become the Fairy Dance Lee family's head. Firstly, it doesn't matter anymore but the knowledge of at least one hidden technique that has been passed down for generations. Secondly, the agreement of the majority. This isn't difficult either. The problem is the third requirement."

"What is the third qualification?" Theodore couldn't hide his doubts as he asked.

However, it was Lee Seol who responded before Lee Joonyoung. "Age."

"Age?"

"Yes. The law states that the minimum age to become the head of the family is 17. And there is still a year left until my ceremony of adulthood."

"Even so, it was a duel trial conducted by the emperor. Isn't that enough to disregard a small law?"

Lee Joonyoung nodded like Theodore was right, but he then smiled wryly and explained, "Yes, it is normally not a problem. However, similar provisions exist in the law of the empire. The decision of the duel trial can't be reversed, but it is enough reason to buy time.

"…The grace period can be extended?"

"That's right."

Theodore understood what Lee Joonyoung was trying to say and stroked his chin. They couldn't oppose Lee Seol becoming the head of the family, but they could use this law as a pretext for a grace period.

Anybody would be able to notice their intentions.

'They intend to treat her as a figurehead. Even if she isn't naive, it will be troublesome in many ways. I thought they gave up because they couldn't win from the front.'

One year wasn't a long time, but it wasn't short either. The internal assets of the Fairy Dance Lee family hadn't been grasped yet, so it was more than enough time to hide them.

After a year passed, they would act like they were giving the leadership of the family back to Lee Seol, but they actually wielded the real power. After all, there were some who might find fault with Lee Seol's leadership.

However, it was difficult to overthrow them all with force. Above all, it was doubtful if Theodore would remain on this continent. Despite this, instead of panicking, Theodore asked Lee Joonyoung, "So, the solution is?"

"There are two effective measures."

Indeed, Theodore nodded. Perhaps Lee Joonyoung had thought of a solution before coming here. He was an outstanding martial artist and also quite smart.

Lee Joonyoung was a master of the pen and sword. If Theodore hadn't come at this time, the Fairy Dance Lee family would've fallen into his hands. Then why was Lee Joonyoung smiling? No tigers had been born since a long time ago. However, in this case, a dog had given birth to a tiger.

Lee Inyoung was probably just the face of the faction, while Lee Joonyoung was definitely the head. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been possible for him to integrate the factions together so quickly.

Theodore listened curiously without forgetting his vigilance.

"I will take full responsibility and launch a preemptive strike with Sir Theodore's forces. In the end, the other side will choose if they should fight or not. If they fight, we can win."

"Dismissed," Theodore refused Lee Joonyoung's suggestion with a single word. "Is it right to shed blood for wrongs that haven't been committed yet?"

"It is called cutting the grass and pulling out the roots as well."

To cut the grass and dig out any roots…

That was the act of eliminating the root of the problem in advance. From a short-term point of view, this method was really efficient. However,

Theodore just sneered cynically. "Right now you aren't a farmer but a weed who has abandoned the other weeds. Do you think it makes sense to execute the members based on your words?"

"Then I will tell you the best solution." Lee Joonyoung had thought this would be the case from the beginning, and gave his opinion without worrying about Theodore's contemptuous words. "If Sir Theodore becomes the temporary head, then everything will be solved."

"What?"

"Kuk, I'm not telling you to take Lee Seol's position."

Lee Joonyoung took a step back from the momentary explosion of pressure coming from Theodore while simultaneously inwardly admiring it. He thought he had understood Theodore's strength in the duel trial, but the scale of the power Theodore just revealed by was well beyond that.

Quickly bowing, Lee Joonyoung gave his solution to this problem."In the case of the Fairy Dance Lee clan head, it is possible for the guardian of the next head to temporarily take the spot if they aren't qualified yet. This is based on family law, so the other side won't be able to do anything."

"But…"

Certainly, it was a solution. Behind his protesting attitude, Theodore understood that this was the most efficient way. Theodore met the first qualification. No one would raise any objections because Lee Inyoung, the chief of the largest faction, was under his authority. The biggest problem was that Theodore had no intention of staying in this place for a long time.

"Sir Theo…" Lee Seol, who was beside him, looked at Theodore with an uneasy expression as it seemed like Theodore would disappear soon.

Lee Seol had acted as the mountain's keeper for more than 10 years and maintained her pride as a member of the Fairy Dance Lee family. For Lee Seol, Theodore was the first protector she had ever met. It was thanks to him that she had managed to acquire the Fairy Dance Lee family.

"I am asking this of you." Lee Seol stepped back and bowed flawlessly.

After seeing that, Theodore smiled bitterly, knowing that he couldn't refuse the request.

'Sigh, it can't be helped. I was going to stay for a month anyway… and I have to pass on both of the lost hidden techniques.'

It would take some time, and it was necessary to examine the 'Boundary of Heaven and Earth' that Lee Yoonsung left behind. Was there a saying about how he shouldn't be too hasty?

It would take several months to return to the West Cntinent, and it was natural that he take responsibility for what he had done. Theodore rationalized his decision for a number of reasons and shrugged.

Then he patted Lee Seol's head lightly. "If you don't mind me for a few months, I will be your guardian."

"…Sir Theo!"

"I might be a foreigner, but I will temporarily lend you my name. I will act as the head of your family for you. Understood?"

Lee Joonyoung politely replied, "As you command, Temporary Head."

Temporary Head… This wasn't a title Theodore was used to. Realizing he would have to get used to it, he sighed.

This was still the prelude of his journey in the East Continent. Thus, Theodore Miller embarked on acting as the head of the family.

* * *

Then it was three months later.

"Okay, the tenth book has been completed." Theodore wrote the last sentence and put down the quill in his hand. The text was a different color from that of the West Continent, and all the letters written on yellow paper were Chinese characters. The lines were a little crooked because he wasn't accustomed to it, but anyone who read the contents wouldn't be able to discount the book.

This was the Fairy Dance Skills Series.

Lee Yoonsung's memories were written down perfectly. Originally, there had been no plans to put so much content, but there were many parts of the Fairy Dance which were lost. Therefore, it was difficult to fill the gaps without writing everything down.

Theodore had quickly decided that and spent at least eight hours a day writing.

'Well, I haven't just been sitting down writing a book.'

To know with the mind was different from knowing with the body. Theodore was well aware of this fact and devoted himself to training. Unlike magic, of which had already reached the top, he felt like he was developing day by day for this.

In the end, he couldn't catch a clue to the final hidden technique, but he trained the remaining three to a level which he could somehow use. Would he now be able to last 5 minutes against the 2nd Sword?

His circles were now able to rotate more strongly and smoothly than before. His body had also become robust by acquiring the hidden techniques, so he couldn't really be called a magician anymore.

The time he devoted to martial arts had resulted in his overall development. The feeling of being blocked by the 8th Circle subsided, and he could now place his full concentration on the Fairy Dance.

"…Is it time to go soon?" Theodore asked himself in a quiet voice.

It was sooner than planned, but it wasn't a bad thing. This just meant that the jobs he had to do had been quickly reduced. The dissonance in the Fairy Dance Lee family had almost stopped as Lee Joonyoung assisted Lee Seol.

Once he finished the last book of the Fairy Dance Skills Series, it would be time for him to say goodbye.

'I need to talk about it when Lee Seol comes back.'

There was a meeting in the nearby estate. The two people had been on the road since early morning, and there was still a long way to go. It was a long time to sit and wait. Then at the moment when Theodore was about to get up…

"Temporary Head!"

Thumping sounds rang out from the hallway, and an attendant rushed to the door with an urgent expression.

"Being so noisy indoors. What is going on?"

"I'm sorry! A guest suddenly arrived and said they wanted to see you…"

"What?" Theodore's expression drew a blank. It wasn't comparable to its prime, but this was still the Fairy Dance Lee family. Yet there was a person who dared cross the threshold to confront the head without a prior appointment? Who would do such a rude thing?

However, Theodore's questions were soon resolved as the person entered.

Dururuk!

'She' opened the door without hesitation and smiled as she found Theodore. No, it just felt like she smiled. The cotton cloth from last time was still covering her face.

"It has been a long time, Lord Theodore." The voice which seemed to melt the eardrums of whoever heard it was also still the same. The voice and ominous presence caused Theodore's body to immediately prepare for battle. She was a person who made his neck go cold.

Theodore was convinced that nobody could stop her if she came as a guest.

"…It has been a while, Shim Samho."

She was a delegate of the emperor and the notary of the duel trial. The woman who introduced herself as Shim Samho stood before Theodore.

Chapter 249 – Ominous Identity (2)

"What have you come to me for?" Theodore's tone was naturally wary as the dark presence around the mysterious Shim Samho touched on his nerves.

He didn't think she could win a fight against him. However, she had something which wasn't combat power. As long as he didn't know her identity, he couldn't be confident that he was superior in force.

Despite Theodore's calm attitude, Shim Samho's coy tone didn't change, "Huhu, you are still the same. Didn't we promise to meet again?"

"I don't remember us being that close."

"It is a relationship that is meant to be more intimate," Shim Samho said as she stepped over the threshold. The action was so natural that even the nervous attendant at the back couldn't stop her.

"Excuse me. Can I get a cup of tea?"

"Sure." It couldn't be helped, so Theodore sighed reluctantly. He couldn't go against that pushy attitude. Moreover, she was a notary of the emperor. Theodore beckoned to the attendant and instructed him to keep people away from this area. It would be safer if there was a battle.

Shortly afterward, a tea set was placed between Theodore and Shim Samho. Jade colored tea was poured into the cups, and a refreshing smell rose.

It was a tea which even a rich person had to wait three years to obtain.

There were several tins of the finest tea leaves stocked in the Lee family's warehouse, proof of their glory days. The tea was mainly enjoyed by the head of the family, but Theodore had little interest in tea. Therefore, he usually only brought it out when serving guests like this.

"Oh, my. This is great Longjing tea," Shim Samho said admiringly as soon as she took a sip of the tea.

Tea leaves were graded depending on when they were harvested. Those which were plucked just before they were ready for harvest were treated as the finest quality since there was a low production rate and they had the finest taste. These tea leaves weren't available for anyone without a thick wallet.

Theodore looked at Shim Samho and spoke without drinking the tea, "Stop talking about meaningless things. If you want good tea, I'll give you a few bags. So, tell me why you came here to visit."

"There is no need to be in a rush." Shim Samho laughed as she put down her teacup. "Just like a draft is necessary for a story, this conversation needs context. My lips are closed at this moment when I'm drinking tea."

"…How verbose."

There was nothing else to say. Theodore fell silent as he waited for Shim Samho to finish her tea and talk. After around two cups worth of time (30 minutes)…

"I was very surprised to hear that Theodore became the temporary head. Unifying the Fairy Dance Lee family in just three months… it isn't something that could be done with mere force."

"I have competent subordinates."

"There is no need to be so humble. Moreover, it is amazing that you can learn martial arts with the body of a magician."

"Um," Theodore answered in a short manner before glaring at the woman sitting opposite him. "Magic… You know it well."

There was something Theodore had realized after spending a few months here. Unlike in the West Continent where magic penetrated deeply into real life, it was difficult to find shamanism in the East Continent.

It could be due to the prejudice against it. Shamans were extremely reluctant to reveal their identities, so they hid from the public eye. Therefore, the Eastern people often didn't know the distinction between magic and shamanism.

So, what about the person called 'Shim Samho'? Her knowledge of magic was far beyond that of the Eastern people. Rather, it was equivalent to the knowledge stored in the magic towers. How had she studied the magic of another continent when she was a high-ranking notary of the emperor? The more Theodore talked to her, the more her identity fell into a bog.

He didn't know if she was strong or weak, and her presence was also a factor which made her identity questionable.

"Are you curious to see my face?" Shim Samho seemed to interpret Theodore's gaze in a strange manner as she playfully touched the edge of her cotton cloth. He hesitated before nodding. In some ways, it was a chance to figure out her identity. At the very least, he could get a clue. Shim Samho lifted her cotton cloth, and Theodore immediately realized it…

This decision was a mistake.

* * *

"――――Ah." It was disorienting. His reason broke down, and blood boiled up in his body like a furnace. His thoughts stopped the moment he saw Shim Samho's face.

Her beauty, which was too fatal to be praised as beautiful, pierced into Theodore's eyes. He couldn't explain the features he was looking at. The sight of this beauty which was outside the human domain of cognition was almost like a mental attack.

No, it could only be expressed as a mental attack.

'D-Damn, what is with this face…?' His eyes felt like they were melting away as he looked at Shim Samho's face.

Then Shim Samho's body odor neared him.

His five senses were running wild with desire her, urging him to let go of his strings of reason. If even the mind of the highly disciplined Theodore couldn't withstand this, then other masters wouldn't be able to endure for a very long time.

Theodore could still hold on. It would be the end if he let go. As he thought this, Shim Samho moved.

"Hah… If you look at me with those type of eyes, will the heat go away?"

The corners of her mouth raised slightly raised, and lightning flashed through her mouth. As Theodore shook, her fingers held the strings of her loose clothing. Then she pulled without hesitation.

Sururuk.

Theodore stopped breathing. She wasn't wearing anything underneath, so her intent was obvious. Otherwise, her clothing wouldn't have been removed so easily.

This was a sin.

Theodore's reason completely melted away when he saw Shim Samho's naked skin. Before he knew it, his upper body leaned forward. Her white skin which was as smooth as porcelain and her beautifully curved body that fit the golden ratio… It was impossible for any male creature to resist her. Theodore's instincts stopped responding as soon as he realized this fact.

If he persevered more than this, his brains would boil up and he would die.

"Urgh."

The moment that Theodore's left hand touched that gentle skin…

[The mental interference of a myth-grade existence is detected on your body.]

[Gluttony resists the dreadful curse.]

[You have succeeded in resisting the 'Burning Carnal Desire.']

Shortly after that, Theodore's head became as cold as ice. It was a curse which dominated even a master's mind and couldn't be stopped even with preliminary preparation. Theodore looked at the situation calmly and did what he thought was best.

His seven circles rotated vigorously, and magic power emerged from his left hand, which was still in contact with the skin.

Peeeong!

The shockwave hit Shim Samho's chest from a close range and caused her to be thrown back. Blood soared up toward the ceiling, and the flesh around the explosion was a mess. It was a fatal wound.

'…Did I do it?'

-Dead.

However, that didn't mean anything.

'What?'

At that moment, Shim Samho's body, which had been turned into rags, stood up.

"What?" In shock, Theodore immediately retreated three steps. This wasn't a creature which could be called human and yet could still move even when it was fatally damaged. No, it was a monster.

This was the life-sustaining power worthy of being called 'immortal', which had been shown by Pride in the past. Theodore panicked as he realized where his thoughts were headed.

'No, it isn't playing around. What is this?'

Shim Samho's body was crushed. There was a big hole in her upper body, and blood was pouring out. From the first time they met, Theodore had felt like his combat ability would be no use. Now, her appearance was more like an undead than a human being. This made Shim Samho bite her lips like she was embarrassed.

–What? How did a mortal escape my mind control? Shim Samho's alluring voice rang out in a low-frequency range which couldn't be heard by human ears. She was an existence at a higher level than that of a human.

If it hadn't been for Gluttony's strength, Theodore's reason would've been taken away by her. This was despite the fact that he was a 7th Circle magician who possessed a divinity. It wouldn't be difficult for Theodore to resist if an 8th Circle warlock tried to control him, yet Shim Samho had easily overturned his reason.

Was she a senior demon? Or perhaps a grimoire? Theodore tried to find the answer to his questions.

However, the answer came from Gluttony. –I thought I heard a familiar mental thought. So, it was you. I didn't think you would cross over to the East Continent.

-…Eh? It was you, Gluttony. Shim Samho's expression changed after she heard Gluttony's voice.

Shim Samho was an existence that transcended beyond humanity, so the speed of her thinking circuits was different from humans.

Simultaneously, Theodore guessed her identity. 'Gluttony is a grimoire that eats grimoires, so other grimoires are just food to Gluttony. A regular grimoire would just be eaten if Gluttony encountered it. Then that means this person…'

–It is as you guessed, Gluttony read Theodore's mind and confirmed his speculation.

A grimoire that Gluttony knew…

A power that could suppress the mind and stimulate human sexuality…

Having discovered some common points, Theodore concluded that this must be one of the Seven Sins grimoires.

-She is one of the Seven Sins, Lust of the carnal desires. A grimoire who exerts its power through sexual stimulation, an existence that no man can deny… Maybe this empire has fallen into her hands.

Chapter 250 – Ominous Identity (3)

Theodore didn't think that Gluttony was exaggerating when it talked about the East Continent's empire. Masters like Theodore couldn't stand that temptation for a minute, so ordinary humans would fall with just one gesture.

Shim Samho must wear the cotton cloth to suppress that mind control. Or it might be a device to induce the opponent's carelessness, just like with Theodore. Either way, it was an insidious ability.

However, Theodore was more concerned with what Gluttony said.

'Shim Samho—no, Lust might've got her hands on this empire? Is she a grimoire that seeks power?'

–You are half right, half wrong. For Lust, power isn't a purpose but a means. She always takes control of the power base in order to carry out the purpose of her existence. I will describe it in detail later. Right now, I need to deal with her.

'…Okay, I'll leave it to you.'

A human couldn't intervene in the conversation between two of the Seven Sins. Just like how Pride had treated Theodore as a monkey in the past, there was no way that Lust wouldn't look down on humans.

Still, there was no need for Theodore to provoke her.

As such, Theodore remained silent, and Gluttony opened its mouth, –Your behavior doesn't seem to have changed from before. That female body is just a 'terminal?'

–Well, that's right. I can't use it anymore because of your host. Shim Samho—no, Lust giggled as she pointed to the hole in the middle of her upper body.

Her body had been damaged by the 7th Circle magic, Shock Bound. The shockwave which had struck from a short distance wasn't a power that could be sustained with human durability. A rock would've shattered, and a piece of iron would've been crushed. As such, the attack magic had certainly destroyed the woman's body.

Pride would've restored the injury in an instant, but Lust wasn't equipped with such ability.

However, Gluttony coldly shot down Lust's complaint, –Don't be condescending. It was a preemptive attack. Didn't you and I make a promise of non-aggression?

–Ah, that is true. I didn't think it was your host, so let's end it here. You know that I don't have any direct combat skills, right?

–Hmm. Gluttony fell silent for a moment at Lust's words. In any case, Lust's body wasn't here, and it was dangerous to be hostile to a person who had taken control of the middle kingdom.

Additionally, the Seven Sins had originally been designed not to be hostile to each other. Pride and Gluttony were inevitable because their natures were contradictory, but Lust usually maintained neutrality with all of the Seven Sins.

–This is the only time. Gluttony thought about the pros and cons and stepped back.

Lust received the answer, and her lips, which were as red as blood, twisted sexily. –Indeed, you understand quickly, Gluttony. But it is too bad. I thought I could finally get a decent seed after a long time.

"Uh!" Theodore felt a heat rising in him as Lust glanced at his lower body. To think that his body became filled with sexual desire with just a look…? The mental interference from a myth-grade existence was truly terrible. If someone other than Theodore had been tempted, they wouldn't have hesitated. Fortunately, it wasn't at the same level as before. However, the loss of his reason was a truly terrible feeling.

Lust asked Gluttony, –By the way, why have you come to the East Continent? Didn't you say that you gave up on shamanism?

–It was an accident.

–Accident? Lust asked with a bewildered expression.

Then Gluttony explained, –I was caught in a random space transition. I never imagined that I would be moved to the East Continent.

–Aha! I knew you wouldn't have come by yourself. Lust nodded a few times before looking down at her broken body.

It might've been controlled remotely, but Theodore's blow had stopped the body's life function and disconnected Lust from the body. The evidence of this was how the low-frequency voice was becoming increasingly weaker.

She shrugged and said to Gluttony, –I am reaching my limit. I'm sorry but please take care of this. I don't have any convenient features like destroying evidence.

–Are you going to come again?

–No, this person is your host, so I don't want to touch him. If you are thinking about coming to the capital, then I will meet you again, Gluttony. Human, if you change your mind, you can always contact me, Lust whispered coyly before Shim Samho's body collapsed like a broken puppet.

Once the connection with Lust's main body was cut off, it returned to being an ordinary body. Its life had been lost the moment Theodore's strike hit it. Due to the loss of connection with Lust, Shim Samho's dead body could no longer capture Theodore's eyes.

"Sigh…" He sighed as he looked around at the bloody room. "In the end, the cleaning up is left to me."

–I will start telling you the story as soon as you are done.

Why did Gluttony's words sound so spiteful…? There was the naked body of the woman on the floor, and blood covered the ceiling, making it look like a gruesome murder scene. It was impossible to call the servants to clean this up.

Theodore summoned flames on his palm with a weary face and got started.

* * *

After an hour, Theodore cleaned the room of all the bloodstains and stench, and sat down.

The cleaning didn't consume a great amount of magic power, but his fatigue was great due to his meeting with Lust. It was like when he used Umbra to the limit.

"Hah, I still can't stand against real monsters."

In the past, Pride had overwhelmed him with force, and now, Lust had just suppressed him mentally. The memory of his body trying to escape from Lust's control was terrible, and he didn't want to think about it again.

As if it knew Theodore's mind, Gluttony woke up as soon as the cleaning finished.

–User, are you ready to hear the story?

"…Start."

Theodore was tired but he had no intention of resting. At the very least, he wanted to know what power that Lust of the Seven Sins had.

As Theodore's blurred eyes became clear, Gluttony started to list Lust's information.

–The collection production type grimoire, Lust. You met her terminal so you know that she has no direct combat ability. She is a creature with a reproductive instinct that uses an irresistible mental dominance and places a subordinate instinct in her intercourse partner. She can be called a type of queen bee.

"She brainwashes them by having sex?"

–It is similar. The other person submits to Lust's command with their own will. He is loyal enough to devote his life, even if he knows he is being manipulated. Once applied, this brainwashing can't be released, so it is the highest level ability.

Theodore got goosebumps at these words. To think that even Gluttony, who had knowledge from the Age of Mythology, asserted that this brainwashing ability couldn't be lifted…

If Theodore hadn't been able to regain his sanity, he would've become Lust's slave. At this level, her lack of combat capability wasn't an obstacle at all. This was comparable to Pride's feeding evolution and Gluttony's predation.

Simultaneously, Theodore had a question. "Gluttony, I was wondering one thing."

–Um?

"What is Lust's purpose? What is it trying to accomplish with these two functions—sexual intercourse and brainwashing?"

Pride tried to regenerate into the ultimate creature by eating all creatures and absorbing their qualities. Meanwhile, Gluttony's purpose was to collect magic knowledge with its predation ability, so it saved rare artifacts in its body to achieve this purpose. As such, the powers of the Seven Sins was directly linked to their purposes of existence.

If so, what were Lust's powers for?

Perhaps Theodore's question was unexpected. Gluttony paused for a moment before speaking again.

–It is within the acceptable range. To be as clear as possible, Lust's existence is to become the ultimate womb.

"…The ultimate womb?"

-That's right.

'The ultimate womb…' Theodore looked down at his left palm.

The tongue protruded and moved slowly. –Lust's ability to seduce and brainwash others through sexual intercourse is a by-product of reaching the end. It is possible for Lust to collect genetic information from an organism she has sex with and to store this separately.

"So, it is the same ability as Superbia."

–No, it is similar but significantly different, Gluttony denied it decisively. If Pride took on the characteristics of the creatures it fed on, then Lust took advantage of it through reproductive behavior. However, there was a big difference between the two abilities.

–The ultimate creature… As you say, two of the Seven Sins have the same goal, but the method is different. If Superbia wants to reach it with its own body, then Lust's purpose is to 'give birth.'

"Give birth?"

–It is to give birth to a child that is superior to the parents. This is Lust's ability and the purpose of her existence. I don't know how many generations it will take, but if this process keeps repeating, she will reach the goal someday. Lust is the incubator.

Despite the words Theodore didn't know, his brilliance meant he immediately understood Gluttony's explanation.

In some ways, Lust's goal was to make the ultimate hybrid.

In a species, it was easy to observe the difference in the quality of each individual. Among the same type of humans, some of them were inferior. Some had superior athletic abilities, while others had superior learning abilities.

The power of Lust was to analyze the genetic information, extract it, and give birth to a more advanced fetus. In other words, it was an ability that could be the origin of a divine human being.

–Lust's fetus will continue to progress with each generation. Physical, mental, and even the purity of the soul will keep rising until the end. In fact, some of the top species that existed in the Age of Mythology were her descendants.

Theodore heard Lust's purpose and realized the depth of the danger. In the ancient myths, there was a story about a marriage which had been ruined because of the prophecy that a child superior to the father would be born.

The process of evolution didn't take place overnight. It couldn't happen overnight. No, it was a miraculous phenomenon that would take place over hundreds, thousands of years. Yet Lust could artificially reproduce such a miracle.

Gluttony connected this power to its application in reality before Theodore did and muttered with a heavy voice, –It is dangerous.

Theodore's head was still confused by the mental interference, but the gears of Gluttony's mind rotated at a different speed to those of humans.

–User, do you remember the words of Abe no Seimei?

"Seimei? Why are you suddenly mentioning the Onmyōji—ah!" Theodore's eyes darkened as he was reminded of the forgotten advice.

[If you go to the East Continent, never approach the capital in the center. If you have to go, only try it after you have reached full transcendence.] Seimei's warning about not going to the middle kingdom echoed in Theodore's mind.

What had Lust said as she left here? That they would meet again if Theodore went to the capital?

"Seimei's warning, was it about Lust?"

–The possibility is high, Gluttony's voice flowed from Theodore's left hand as it trampled on the rest of his hopes. –According to the records, it has been a long time since Lust vanished from the West Continent. If Lust disappeared 2,000 years ago and repeatedly gave birth over the past thousands of years… The potential of that 'child' would already surpass the top species.

"Perhaps…"

–It is as you think, User.

Both of them came to the same conclusion.

In contrast to the astonished Theodore, the grimoire Gluttony spoke its hypothesis in a somewhat interested voice, –The royal family of the Middle Kingdom, the family that has ruled over the East Continent for thousands of years… that is probably where the most likely candidate is.

Chapter 251 – Ominous Identity (4)

'The imperial family of the central empire!'

Theodore had been living in the East Continent for the past few months, so he was able to know the weight of these words. The empire had reigned supreme in the East Continent for more than a thousand years. Its reign was so great that the empire could be called the center and source of the Eastern world.

So, it was natural that the founder of this empire and his descendants would be closer to gods than to humans.

'If the imperial family are the children of Lust―'

Then as Theodore recalled the founding myths of the center of the East Continent, he opened his mouth and said, "Gluttony, I have something I want to ask."

–What is it?

"Did you say that Lust's children are born with greater strength and aptitude than their parents? In order for this to be efficient, won't she need to commit incest?"

–Hoh, that is a decent point. Did you infer this from when Lust tried to seduce you?

"…Well, something like that." Theodore frowned when Gluttony once again reminded him of the incident. He had been drowned by Lust's sexuality. It was a shame that would be hard to face if anyone else had seen it.

However, Gluttony just wished to praise Theodore, so it waved its tongue in more active movements than usual. –User's statement isn't wrong. In fact, Lust has repeatedly committed incest over a hundred generations, creating monsters beyond the limits of that species.

"Monsters?"

–I talked about it once before. The peak of the Ulfheðnar and king of all beasts, Fenrir.

The words, 'beast king' and 'Fenrir'… These clues caused Theodore to remember something. He had heard about it in Elvenheim that Fenrir's death had caused the downfall of the Beast Clan.

Additionally, Pride had transformed into an Ulfheðnar when they fought at the Pirate Archipelago in the past. The durability and strength of the Ulfheðnar's body had allowed Pride to surpass the speed of a sword master's aura blade and avoid a falling lightning bolt.

It was a monster that gave Theodore the creeps when he thought about it a few times. As such, it wasn't an exaggeration to say that the head of the Ulfheðnar and the Beast King would be similar to a dragon.

Theodore thought this far and was amazed by Lust's power. Simultaneously, he came up with another question.

"Wait a minute. Didn't you say that the monster called 'Fenrir' was eventually killed?"

–That's right.

"But not all of the Beast Clan were wiped out. There were Ulfheðnar left, so couldn't Lust have given birth to a child that surpassed Fenrir? Why didn't Lust give birth to the next Fenrir?"

Theodore's point was extremely reasonable. Lust had created the species called Ulfheðnar for over a hundred generations, so it would be a terrible waste to let an entire species die with Fenrir. Even if a grimoire had no concept of time, this wasn't efficient.

Wouldn't the grimoire have prepared for the next generation and delighted in birthing a creature beyond Fenrir?

However, Gluttony laughed at him.

-Kuhuhuhu. User, it is the reverse order.

"What? The order is reversed?"

-That's right. Lust didn't give up on the species because Fenrir died. It is because Lust abandoned the Ulfheðnar that Fenrir died. While it isn't appropriate to give advice in this situation, the question that User just asked is the answer.

The question was the answer. The meaning was unknown, but Theodore felt like a lightning bolt had just struck him. It was the exact opposite of causation; the cause and result were reversed.

Fenrir's death wasn't the cause but the result. In that case, moving to what happened first…

Due to Fenrir, Lust had concluded that choosing the Ulfheðnar had been a failure.

"There was a problem with Fenrir?"

–Yes, Gluttony praised his user's brilliance and briefly explained, –Ancient civilizations that pass a certain level treat incest as taboo. Do you know why?

"I don't know the details. I just heard stories about babies coming out deformed."

–It is the same issue regarding eugenics. By limiting the gene's breadth, its disadvantages are maximized. Of course, Lust's performance isn't the problem. The problem was with her child, not her, Gluttony said and then summarized it briefly with a chuckle, –Fenrir had sexual dysfunction.

"Ah…!" Theodore exclaimed as he grasped an understanding of all the circumstances. Over the course of generations, the genes were improved and the incest continued. However, the Ulfheðnar pedigree had eventually reached its limit.

King Fenrir…

According to records, the Beast King had lost his ability to reproduce in exchange for his transcendent ability. No matter how good an incubator Lust was, it wouldn't be possible to extract the genetic elements from Fenrir if he hadn't been sexually active.

As such, she had been unable to reach the ultimate creature and failed. Therefore, Lust had left Fenrir and the Ulfheðnar in search of other possibilities.

The Ulfheðnar, who had been pureblood for generations, soon developed problems with Fenrir, and it didn't take long for the species to collapse. It was the death of a creature that could stand shoulder to shoulder with a dragon, as well as the decline of the Beast Clan.

"… Things are connected in the strangest places."

Theodore had unearthed another secret of the Age of Mythology, and he felt a strange sense of accomplishment. In this day and age, there were few ancient records remaining. Every time he dug up a hidden story, his magician's curiosity would soar.

So, he forgot about the main topic for a while.

'No, is this the time to be satisfied?'

Theodore should be paying attention to Lust in the present, not her tracks in the Age of Mythology. He hurriedly asked Gluttony his next question, "Unlike in the past, Lust is collecting genes from a large number of humans. So, is there no incest?"

–Perhaps. The system of the duel trial and her role of a notary is probably part of this. It is a fairly efficient way to collect the genes of the strong, as well as gain control of each force.

"If she has repeated this for a thousand years…" Theodore murmured with a horrified expression.

This meant Lust had been acting in secret for a long time. Otherwise, there would have been more rebellions or great power struggles in this vast land. It was clear that Lust had controlled those behind disputes and stopped unnecessary consumption.

This method of trial and error would've also made a mark in the Age of Mythology. Theodore couldn't imagine the result of Lust's experiment, which would've advanced one step further after the failure with Fenrir.

–Hrmm, I don't know about that. However, Gluttony's thoughts were a little different. –It is easy to be mistaken. But unless one is born with a great talent, they can't become transcendent. In Lust's case, a counterproductive effect is more likely to occur.

"Counterproductive? Fenrir is a horrific monster."

–Even Fenrir couldn't reach transcendence in the true sense. I think this is Lust's limit.

Despite being part of the Seven Sins, Gluttony's assessment was grim. In some ways, it might be natural. The Seven Sins pursued seven different paths to their destination. Affirming other methods was like denying their own.

–A transcendent is a perfect being who overcame their own destiny and transcended their natural limits. The more burdened someone is at birth, the harder it will be to go forward. Lust's method is nothing but setting a trap for herself.

"… Indeed, the more excellent the vessel, the greater the volume that needs to fill it. So, is Lust just repeating a meaningless act?"

–I believe so, but I don't know, Gluttony spoke in a tone like it wasn't expecting anything. –Someday, she may be able to give birth to a fetus with a transcendent value from birth. This is Lust's purpose.

"Indeed, well it doesn't mean anything to me. It sounds like she will either complete it or not."

Thousands of years had been wasted on one trail, but that was meaningless for a grimoire. Theodore was well aware of this, so he only sighed and didn't ask anymore. It didn't matter to him if Lust's experiment was successful or not. After all, it wasn't as though she was threatening the world directly like Pride. Therefore, it was best not to fight her if possible.

-That idea is right. She promised not to attack first, so there won't be an ambush. However, her children's genes have improved over the one thousand years, so they can still threaten User. You have completed your purpose, so you should return to the continent quickly.

"I was already planning on that. This is just one more reason to leave the Fairy Dance area," Theodore answered before looking around the room. After confirming that there weren't any drops of blood left behind from Lust, he moved. He was going to get some sleep before Lee Seol returned.

* * *

That evening, the two people who had gone to the outskirts of the Lee Fairy area returned after sunset.

After three months of effort, everything was almost organized. The talks themselves seemed to have ended successfully, and Lee Joonyoung's strength had advanced a step further with Theodore's teachings. He also had a unique position within the Fairy Dance Lee Family, so Lee Seol's position was quickly stabilized.

It was just a matter of being late. The integration of the Fairy Dance Lee family was a decision which had been made three months ago.

'It means the situation won't worsen if I leave.'

Theodore wasn't the type of person who would relax indefinitely. He was worried about what Meltor thought about his disappearance, and his body's condition had returned to normal. Then Theodore looked at Lee Seol sitting next to him. "So, the thing I have to say is…"

Lee Seol looked fairly bright, rather like a lark. She was also a determined child. Otherwise, could she have lived for more than 10 years in the remote mountains? Lee Seol might've learned the role of the mountain's keeper at a young age, but it was still hard for a 16-year-old girl.

Despite being burdened by the responsibilities of being the head of the family, the delighted expression she had made at being able to live in the village was still vivid in his mind.

"Seol."

"Yes?"

Theodore thought it would be okay to leave now. "It is time for us to part."

Two pair of eyes widened at Theodore's words. Even though they had known it, Lee Seol still found it painful to face.

She shook her head a little bit and spoke with a tremble in her voice, "H-Hasn't it only been three months? There are still five months left until my coming of age ceremony…! I also haven't learned…"

"It is sufficient for the other family members to teach you martial arts."

"But…!"

"Temporary Head." At that time, Lee Joonyoung opened his mouth with a gentle expression. "You have made up your mind."

"You understand?"

"You aren't the type of person who would joke about something like this. Do you mind staying for a few more days?"

"Yes… three days will be appropriate."

Once Theodore made up his mind, he needed to move before it was shaken. If he wasn't prepared to take this step, he wouldn't have said it out loud. Three days was the minimum period to complete all his preparations, as well as inform the whole family.

Then Theodore spoke to Lee Joonyoung, "I have finished writing the books I promised. There are 10 volumes of the Fairy Dance Skills Series. I have written starting from the basic training methods to the hidden techniques, so you should spread the books out rather than hiding them in a warehouse."

"Yes, I will follow your words."

"It is good that you are consistent. You will do very well in the future."

Theodore finished talking with Lee Joonyoung and looked back at Lee Seol. Her clear eyes were filled with tears, and she bit her lips when she met Theodore's gaze. It was a frank expression showing the emotions of a mountain girl.

Theodore smiled and patted her neat black hair. "I'm sorry."

"…I don't know. You are bad."

"Kukuk." Was she acting like a child on purpose, or was it her natural temperament? Theodore felt like she was his little sister as he kept patting her head. "The last three days will be all for you. Tell me if you want to do anything."

"…" Lee Seol lingered for some reason and then whispered in a voice that was difficult to hear, "Then I'll ask one thing of you."

It was a request she hoped Theodore would grant.

Chapter 252 – Baekun Mountains (1)

Morning appeared quickly on the spacious plains to the east, north, and west of the Baekun Mountains. Even though it was a mountain range, the cries of roosters during the early dawn didn't allow them to oversleep. In terms of time, an early morning person started the day at 5 or 6 a.m.

However, it was precisely 4 in the morning. This was a time when even the people who woke up the earliest hadn't escaped from sleep yet. At this time, a small farewell ceremony was taking place near the main gate of the Fairy Dance Lee Family's home. However, those who sneered at the size of the ceremony would be shocked when they saw who was present.

These six people were the current powers of the Fairy Dance Lee Family.

Among them was the main leader, Lee Joonyoung.

"Really…" Theodore looked at them and laughed. "Why did you come out here? I thought the five of you didn't feel good toward me."

It was as he said. No matter how resourceful Lee Joonyoung was, it was impossible for there to be no friction during the integration of the family. Among them, the heads of the five factions had been uncooperative, so Theodore had stepped forward to take down their haughty pride.

The law of the jungle came into play. They hadn't been able to withstand Theodore's strength and suffered from shame, but they conceded to the result.

"I am really sorry about that, Temporary Head," one of the faction leaders said. "To be honest, we thought you wanted to devour this family through the young lady. Even if you studied the Fairy Dance, we thought that the lineage of a Westerner could never mix with us. We were really stupid."

"Hmm, such misunderstandings are expected. Why did you change your mind?"

"You have eyes like us."

Three months wasn't a long time. It was a quarter of the year, where one season had just passed. It was too short a period of time to see through the essence of a person. Only crude results could be seen during such a short period of time, especially under the gazes of five pairs of eyes which had been hardened by prejudice over several generations.

Nonetheless, three months had been plenty of time for Theodore. From early morning, he had sat on a desk and done the work of the family head. After finishing the work, he had practiced his martial arts. All those who had passed by and seen him were amazed. It was a fresh dance, a feast of movements which had been lost for several generations.

He had taught others without asking for anything in return, making the five faction leaders feel ashamed.

'Can we truly say that we are better than him?'

'As a martial artist and family man, we can't beat him.'

Theodore was faithful to his own desires, but he had still done exemplary work as the family head. As such, the five leaders truly admitted their defeat.

They abandoned their grudges and actively assisted in the unification of the family along with Lee Joonyoung, who acted as Theodore's agent. Now, the vassals of the Fairy Dance Lee Family were reliable.

"Please come back anytime, Temporary Head!"

"Next time, I wish to learn things from you!"

"Temporary Head, don't worry! We will do well."

Lee Joonyoung smiled at the five leaders. "Well, I guess it is like this. This is because of your virtue."

"…Hah, I didn't know this would happen."

"Here are the things I've prepared."

Theodore took the bundle from Lee Joonyoung and confirmed the contents. It was a badge to prove Theodore's identity, as well as gold that could be used anywhere in the East Continent. There was also a map which contained detailed directions.

It was a luxurious bundle of items.

"Thank you. Now, I can go back with ease."

It would take a considerable amount of time to exchange goods and money to that of the East Continent, so there would be unavoidable delays. Fortunately, Theodore was able to cut down on this thanks to Lee Joonyoung. From a hidden angle, Theodore put the bundle into his inventory and realized that someone wasn't present. "Seol?"

"She will come soon… Hah, speaking of which."

As Lee Joonyoung spoke, Lee Seol ran out the door in blue clothing. She proved that it wasn't just Lee Joonyoung who had made further progress in the past three months, as her movements had doubled compared to her previous self. aLee Seol arrived in front of Theodore and cried out, ���Theo! I'm sorry for the delay!"

"No, you aren't too late. Anyway, didn't you decide to fulfill your request today?"

"Yes!"

Lee Seol's request was that she wanted Theodore to go see the spirits of the Baekun Mountains with her. It was why she had prepared for this journey from early dawn. She couldn't leave her position for a few days, but it was possible to accompany him for a day or so as the mountain's keeper.

"So, then please take care of the Fairy Dance Lee Family."

Theodore stood next to the happily smiling Seol and spoke formally to the people who had come out to bid him goodbye. Theodore's request was for them to be the pillars of the Fairy Dance Lee Family as well as to respect Lee Seol. They understood the meaning of his words and nodded.

It was the moment when Theodore's short-lived life as the head of a family was over.

* * *

"Wah! It has been so long since I've come back!" Lee Soel laughed as she walked around a familiar cabin.

There were no big changes, but it felt a bit gloomy, probably because no one was going to return. Dandelions bloomed instead of pumpkin vines in the front yard, while mushrooms grew in the rafters.

'I have to say goodbye to this place now.'

Theodore was already used to Lee Yoonsung's empty space within him, but he still couldn't help feeling bitter. He looked around the cabin for a moment, before following Lee Seol outside. It was a place he hadn't seen when he stayed here a while ago.

"Ahem!" At that moment, Lee Seol suddenly looked back. "From here on, you can't go into this area without the permission of the mountain's keeper."

"Are the spirits living inside here?"

"Yes, but I haven't been here in a while, hehe."

Theodore admired the place and infused magic power into his eyes, temporarily increasing his vision to the equivalent of a hawk's. He could see rice seeds from 30 meters above the ground. Thanks to Hawkeye, Theodore had the ability to look at the peak. Beyond the hundreds of trees, there was a place where animals and plants couldn't be seen. Then without any warning, his vision magic was turned off.

'…Indeed, this isn't an ordinary place.'

There might be something intervening, or perhaps it was the place itself. Either way, his curiosity as a magician boiled up. Theodore suddenly called out, "Seol, stop."

"Huh? What is it?"

"Your pace is too slow. Get on."

Lee Seol, who was about to climb the mountain, made a bewildered face that soon turned red. It was because Theodore was offering her his back.

So far, Lee Seol hadn't encountered men outside her family. Thus, it was no wonder that her heart started pounding. She thought of Theodore as an adult male of the family, but his exotic appearance was rather appealing.

'I-If I tell him that I want to refuse because I'm embarrassed…' Lee Seol finished rationalizing her thoughts and slowly wrapped her arms around Theodore's neck.

She had the normal heart of a girl, so she was worried about being heavy.

"Hold on tightly. I will be moving fast."

"Huh?"

However, she only had a few moments to worry about her heaviness.

Huwoook!

As Theodore took one step forward, her hair rushed behind her and the wind blew past. Was it a sudden gust of wind? No, it wasn't that.

The wind was blowing due to Theodore's ridiculous acceleration. 15 meters for the first step, 24 meters for the next step… By the time he took 24 steps, Theodore's body had reached maximum speed and was like a fired arrow.

"Kyaaaak!" Lee Seol couldn't help screaming and grabbed onto Theodore's neck tightly.

Speed was often compared to the wind, but Theodore was currently faster than a gale. Those who weren't accustomed to such high-speed movement would undoubtedly be intimidated.

So, Lee Seol didn't realize that although she had forgotten her role as mountain's keeper, Theodore was moving up the mountain peak naturally. He moved with no hesitation because he was moving off someone else's memory.

It was the memory of the one who had been abandoned by his family, Lee Yoonsung.

Despite not being the mountain's keeper, Lee Yoonsung had been left here. The mountain was filled with beasts; it was where wild wolves and snakes roamed around. Maybe his family expected him to disappear here.

The word for 'forbidden zone' wasn't in Lee Yoonsung's memories. He had never been warned not to go there, but he had known he would die if he entered.

'But Senior survived.'

Perhaps it had been due to coincidence or good luck that Lee Yoonsung had managed to repeatedly hunt and gather in the forbidden zone several times.

His stomach had hurt after eating poison, and he had fallen from a cliff while running away from a wild horse. In the process, the geography had gotten so deeply imprinted in his body and mind that it applied even 100 years later.

Theodore quickly climbed the mountain and stopped after arriving at the peak.

"Oh…!" Theodore briefly admired the view.

He was thousands of meters above sea level, so the view was truly spectacular. Of course, it was simple compared to what he had seen from the world tree, but was there any place higher than that in this age? It was enough to admire the scenery shining under the sunlight.

"T-Theo."

"Yes?"

"This Baekun Mountains, two spirits rule over the forest."

"Elder spirits?"

"Yes." Lee Seol shortly regained her composure after being let down and pointed to the place beyond them. "There is the Tiger King in the canyon on the right and the White Bear in the forest on the left."

"Tiger King and White Bear?"

"Yes, I heard that they have lived for a few hundred years… They are the ones you should meet today."

It was interesting. Theodore nodded and alternated pointing between the two directions. "I see. So, who are we going to see first?"

"The Tiger King is the nearest."

"Okay, to the right then." Theodore set the path and stepped back.

The wind blew from below, causing the hairs of the two people to rise. However, this time Lee Seol didn't scream. The wind blew through the mountain peaks, and Seol clutched tightly onto the man she wouldn't be able to meet again for a long time in the future.

Chapter 253 – Baekun Mountains (2)

"The Tiger King is a tiger, just as the name implies."

Theodore's pace was fast, but it was challenging to climb the slope of the Baekun Mountains on the East Continent. Under the biting wind pressure that tore at their ears, Lee Seol started talking about the boss spirits—Tiger King and White Bear.

Regardless of whether they were spirits, tigers and bears were beasts that stood at the top of the ecosystem. They each had the ability to tear up a small troll. If they were the boss spirits, then they must have individual strength.

"A long time ago, tigers used to be a target for hunters because of their nice hide. But after the Tiger King appeared, no one tries to hunt tigers in this country anymore. This is why the markets are almost out of tiger leather."

"Come to think of it, I have never seen it before."

"Sometimes there are fools who attempt it without knowing anything. I don't know how many of times I've met one while living in the mountains," Lee Seol said with a sigh. "But I wasn't part of the Fairy Dance's main house, so I couldn't ask them to control the people in the Baekun Mountains."

"Seol," Theodore quietly listened to the complaints and then asked her a question, "But even if the Tiger King is so powerful, it can't always protect the tigers. Surely there are some poachers who act outside of its sight?"

"Yes. It is exactly as you said."

"Hrmm?" Theodore couldn't understand the meaning of the words.

Lee Seol understood the meaning behind his gaze, so she shrugged and explained, "It is a simple story. The tigers of the Baekun Mountains are too strong to hunt."

"What, the tigers?"

"Yes, the Baekun Mountains is the best spiritual land in the center of the continent."

Theodore's eyes filled with interest at the words. In magic, it was a place called a 'Power Spot,' where mana gathered abnormally.

The flora and fauna in that area exceeded the specification of the species. There were also cases where intellect beyond a human being was formed. It was hypothesized that the centaurs, that existed in the Age of Mythology, had developed due to this phenomenon.

Theodore thought this far and asked, "So, it wasn't just the Tiger King. The other tigers became spiritual as well?"

"Yes, although they aren't as strong as the Tiger King. But they can't be compared with ordinary beasts. They are too strong for first-class warriors to win against one on one."

"It is already a war, not a hunt. You should ask the imperial family to prohibit access."

First-class warriors were abundant on the East Continent. It was a term referring to those who had trained in martial arts for more than 10 years and played a full-fledged role on the battlefield. Even so, the first-class warriors couldn't win against the tigers?

In these mountains, beasts had the advantage over humans. Those who were unable to conceal themselves would become the prey of the tigers. So, it was dangerous, even if a master was mobilized.

'The mountain's keepers might not actually be protecting the spirits.'

It might be different for the Fairy Dance Lee Family in its prime, but if the declining family tried to forcefully take over the Baekun Mountain Ranges now… They might be wiped out by the boss spirits that led hundreds of spirits.

Theodore kept moving. By the time the story ended, the two of them were already at the foot of the Tiger King's mountain. Perhaps it was because he was listening to an interesting story, or maybe Theodore's speed as faster than he thought.

"….Indeed, this terrain is extraordinary."

It was a sheer slope with rock tips protruding everywhere, and there was a worn track like someone had been treading on it. There were marks on the walls which weren't made by a human, but rather, they were made by a beast. The marks were perfect territory markers.

Sometimes the wind blew coldly, and shadows wriggled in the valley.

Tiger King's Valley…

It was the residence of the Tiger King, one of the boss spirits that reigned in the Baekun Mountain Ranges. A weak person wouldn't dare step into this valley, while even the animals backed away.

However, Theodore's reaction wasn't either of these.

"Seol." After arriving at their destination, he set Lee Seol down again and talked to her. "Your request was to arbitrate between the two boss spirits. Will you tell me what the circumstances are?"

"Of course, Theo," Lee Seol said, looking at him with a somewhat regretful expression. Then she explained in a serious tone, "There is a dragon vein that circulates that energy of the Baekun Mountains. It begins in the heart of the mountain range and flows down several rivers to different areas. There are two trees that have received this energy and grown into sacred trees."

"Sacred trees?"

"Yes, spirits often live around these sacred trees. There is one tree in the Tiger King's Valley, and another tree is in the forest where the White Bear resides." Then a shadow crossed Lee Seol's face. "The sacred tree that the Tiger King was taking care of is dying. It will take at least 100 years for a new sacred tree to grow, so the Tiger King asked the White Bear to share the remaining sacred tree."

"Asked… This request, was it refused?"

"Yes."

Perhaps the feud had started with this refusal. Theodore thought inwardly with a bitter smile, 'Spirits don't seem very different from humans.'

If there was one thing another person needed, it wouldn't be given. In a sense, it might be an instinct born in both humans and beasts. This wasn't just a matter of the Tiger King and White Bear. No, this was a confrontation between the two groups they commanded. It seemed that this problem couldn't be solved easily, so Theodore breathed in deeply.

Chill. A sudden chill ran down his spine.

"-Retreat!"

"T-Theo?"

Theodore pushed Lee Seol behind without any hesitation and stepped forward. Theodore's senses warned him that if he didn't respond immediately, he would suffer fatal damage.

■■■■■■■―――!!

A roar shook the earth! The mountains trembled, birds flew into the sky, and elks that were grazing started to urinate. The instincts of wild animals were more developed than those of humans, so they were able to see it right away.

The owner of this roar was at the apex of the ecosystem. It was the roar of the king of beasts.

'It's coming!'

However, Theodore wasn't stunned stiff. Instead, he faced the monster that caused unbearable physiological interactions and bore down at him with a quick speed.

Pajijik!

Unlike the unstable lightning of the past, this time the blue light around Theodore's body flowed like water. The three months he'd spent at the Fairy Dance Lee Family's home hadn't been a waste.

Theodore was so sensitive that he didn't miss a drop of mana inside his blood vessels. He focused briefly, and exactly 0.12 seconds after that, Theodore looked ahead.

'…Much faster than expected. The speed is comparable to Randolph's.'

Four claws flew out before Theodore, aiming at his skull. It was a power that even a wall of mithril couldn't endure. Therefore, Theodore didn't confront the blow. Instead, he moved diagonally into the arms of the assailant.

Fairy Dance's Direct Transmission.

Hand Counterattack Technique.

Left Palm Lone Peak.

This blow wasn't sufficient. Theodore sensed this fact and rotated his seven circles after a long time. He used attack magic which could be produced at the maximum speed.

Sevenfold Thunderbolt.

Spell Fusion: Keraunos.

Lightning emerged from Theodore's palms.

Kwarururung!

The heavens seemed to be split in two. The animals on the ground fell down, while the birds flying in the sky crashed into the ground and turned into a mess. The roar of the Tiger King echoed several times, causing the rocks to shake. It could be called a perfect counter.

Theodore's skill at blending martial arts and magic at once was amazing. However, his expression was still dark. He had felt it through his hands that he had hit the opponent perfectly. Nevertheless, he wasn't convinced that the enemy was knocked down.

'Ridiculously hard.'

Theodore stared at the enemy, who had fallen further away, while raising his palms. This time, he could see the appearance of the opponent.

"Tiger person?" Theodore muttered it to himself.

However, he was sure that the other person's ears twitched at the sound.

"Huh? Where do you see a beast person when looking at this body? You're a little boy who has yet to grow a beard, yet you have such bad eyes?"

"Still…" Theodore didn't respond to the words, as he carefully looked his opponent up and down.

A pair of eyes looked out from amidst golden hair. A striped tail emerged from its buttocks and swung from side to side. The canines which emerged from a pair of lips revealed it was a carnivore.

With the exception of the tall body that was close to 190cm, the owner could be called a sensual beauty. The body was covered with several pieces of fur, and it was so voluptuous that it seemed like it would burst out at any moment. There were no signs that it had been hit by lightning, except for a few strands of curled hair.

At this time, Lee Seol stepped out from behind Theodore and cried out, "Tiger King! What are you doing all of a sudden?"

"Oh, our cutie is here! Are you worried because we haven't said hello for a few months?"

"Please don't change the subject! Why did you attack Theo?"

"No, that is…" The half human, half beast beauty scratched her head at Lee Seol's question. It seemed like she had acted without thinking. "That… you know? I am feeling a bit bad these days, so I can't push down my will to fight when I see a male. It is fight or mate, so I chose this method to solve it."

"M-Mate? Gross!"

"By the way, haven't you brought a fairly good male? I was worried about you, but it seems like there was no reason for it."

It seemed like the Tiger King liked making fun of Lee Seol. Theodore finally understood that a fight wasn't going to start and relaxed. He had thought the Tiger King would emerge, but he never thought she would be a beauty.

'No, it is unclear if she even is a human?'

Words couldn't help flowing out of Theodore's mouth, "I didn't think the Tiger King would be a woman."

"Well, I am a female according to the standards of your species. It doesn't matter from my viewpoint," the Tiger King answered smoothly and laughed, turning her back to Theodore while mocking him with her tail. "What? Is it important that I'm female? Since you are a male, do you want to try me one time?"

"Eh…"

"Kyahahaha! It is a joke, a joke. I honestly don't mind, but the little cutie won't come back forever."

"T-Tiger King!"

The tense air from the previous exchange loosened. Theodore let out a long sigh as he realized the Tiger King had a personality which was hard to deal with. She was a spirit, and she was wilder than humans. Although she had been drawn by instinct to launch a preemptive attack, she now seemed childlike.

Then at that moment…

"Don't be so shallow, Tiger King. Your dignity is crumbling," a heavy bass voice rang out over the heads of the three people.

Meanwhile, when the Tiger King realized who owned the voice, she grumbled, "Tch, this damn bear."

As she spoke, something gigantic jumped down to the ground.

Kuuong.

It was a considerably heavy weight, which caused a crater to form in the ground. If that fall had been meant as an attack, the target below would've been flattened like a pancake. There was a body within the small crater.

'…Big.'

He had white hair and white skin, and he was wearing white leather like the Tiger King. At least 2 meters and 30 centimeters tall, he was much taller than the previous Pan Hellions. The White Bear might have a human-like appearance, but his body was several times larger than an ordinary bear. Additionally, the presence he emitted was intense despite there being no hostility.

'I can win against one… but not two.' Theodore instinctively measured the power of both spirits and made a calm assessment.

They might have powers different to those of humans, but it wasn't difficult to compare strengths. The Tiger King and the White Bear were both intermediate level masters. Moreover, Theodore didn't know the inherent power of spirits, so they could have a few more hidden powers.

It was impossible to suppress them or to make both of them surrender.

'…Now, then how should I move?'

The two spirits gazed at each other, and the atmosphere became tenser. Theodore observed the situation calmly.

It was wiser to take a neutral position until he judged who was right and wrong. Magicians always assumed the worst in order to create the best premise. This code of conduct wouldn't change regardless of the circumstances.

However, an unexpected variable popped out before Theodore could pick an option.

[Hoing!] A little girl emerged unexpectedly from the ground of the valley. There was a swaying bud on her head, and her healthy skin had earth tones. She was Mitra, a fragment of Mother Earth and the ancient elemental of the earth.

Her sudden appearance made the two spirits focus on her.

The Tiger King made a surprised look and muttered as she looked at Mitra, "…M-Mountain deity?"

"Mountain deity?" Theodore asked about the words which were unfamiliar to him.

Meanwhile, the White Bear corrected the words with wide eyes, "No, the earth deity!"

"Earth deity?" Theodore didn't know what was going on, but he was stunned when the two spirits each grabbed one of Theodore's hands. The warmth of the beasts' fur was transmitted over to Theodore.

As Theodore tried to remove his hand with an absurd expression, they both cried out, "Please help us!"