684

[Chapter 176]

[Baek Myeonsang (2)]

Players were isolated in Uijeongbu.

And of all people, it was two Twelve Seats and Noh Eunha, who had made the greatest contribution in this recent calamity, along with his clan member Han Changjin.

Hearing the news, Lim Gaeul couldn't help but frown.

It was good that they brought back the cocoon, but for those people to be isolated...

What should I do about this?

Tap tap tap.

Lim Gaeul regularly tapped the desk while lost in thought.

Fortunately, the cocoon recovered from Uijeongbu was in good enough condition to be activated immediately.

Thanks to that, they could activate the cocoon right away tomorrow and appease the public sentiment of Gangbuk residents.

However, she had to convey the news that the Twelve Seats and Noh Eunha, who was beginning to be revered as a national hero, were isolated in the process of bringing the cocoon from Uijeongbu.

Plus minus zero.

No, it was clearly a minus since the people isolated in Uijeongbu were such prestigious players.

"Sigh..."

After much deliberation.

Lim Gaeul reached for the phone.

She couldn't just ignore the national heroes isolated in Uijeongbu like this.

Soon the call connected.

"It's me."

[─Yes, Fairy Lady.]

A refreshing voice.

It was Twelve Seats Lee Dojin.

He was the Twelve Seats she decided to move after much consideration.

"You must have heard the news that Hyeonchul's party is isolated in Uijeongbu."

[Yes... I just heard about it. But it's Hyeonchul, so he should be fine.]

"He should be fine, but when the cocoon is activated, people will look for those who retrieved the cocoon... We can't say they're in a situation isolated in Uijeongbu. We need to take some measures."

[That's true. Then the reason you called me is...]

"Yes, that's right, what Player Lee Dojin is thinking."

Lee Dojin understood the situation.

Then there was no need to explain in detail.

Lim Gaeul got to the point.

"─Player Lee Dojin, please lead a few of Shilla Clan's Six Stars and clan members to cross over to Uijeongbu. But absolutely quietly without being exposed to the media."

[Yes, I'll do that.]

Lee Dojin didn't express any objections.

Diligent, not easily excited, and with the composure to look around, he was the right person for the situation.

After finishing the call, she could finally drop her shoulders.

And she muttered.

"I wish the Twelve Seats to replace Grandfather Moon Jun could be someone as reliable as Dojin..."

Moon Jun had died.

His death was currently plunging all citizens into grief.

Processions mourning Moon Jun's death were arising everywhere.

There were even people coming up from the provinces.

That's how deeply ingrained Moon Jun's legend was - raising the destroyed world and uniting the lords to join the nation.

She was the same.

"This grandfather... He told me to be the Fairy saying he was there... In the end, he goes before me like this."

Petty grandfather.

Lim Gaeul murmured softly.

She was about to fall into old memories, recalling Moon Jun.

It was then.

Knock knock

Someone knocked on the door.

Lim Gaeul straightened her posture.

Time had passed before she knew it.

Checking the interview time, she calmly spoke towards the door.

"Come in."

As soon as her words ended, the door opened.

Lim Gaeul smiled slightly facing the person who entered the door.

"─Hello, Fairy Lady."

"Sub-lord Jeong Hayang. What's the matter?"

"..."

Pandora Clan's sub-lord Jeong Hayang.

Currently called by Mana Management Organization staff, she had a stern face.

Lim Gaeul had inwardly guessed what she would say from the moment Jeong Hayang requested an interview.

Sure enough─.

"─I was hoping you would allow the Pandora Clan to cross over to Uijeongbu."

"I'll allow it. Player Lee Dojin is planning to form a party, so join that side."

☆

Time kept flowing.

It was when Eunha had been staying in the village for three days now.

In fact, being underground so much, the sense of time was becoming ambiguous.

It felt like even perceiving time with the biological clock was getting slightly off.

At this rate, I might completely forget my sense of time.

I might go crazy.

"Arghh! Three days have already passed! Three days without fighting!"

"If you have nothing to do, just sleep."

There was already one crazy person.

Fortunately, Kang Hyeonchul knew how to restrain himself, so no problems had occurred yet.

However, as food was running out, limitations were gradually being revealed.

Changjin hyung says the number of monsters is decreasing little by little...

We'll need to stay 2-3 more days.

Han Changjin was skilled at concealing his presence.

So while staying in the village, Eunha occasionally asked Han Changjin to scout the situation above ground.

According to Han Changjin, it seemed the number of monsters gathered nearby was decreasing little by little.

5 days maximum.

We can't hold out longer than that.

Then we'll have no choice but to make a desperate run for Gangbuk.

So Eunha waited for the right time.

He felt impatient at times, but whenever that happened, he maintained his composure through meditation.

He practiced magic in his spare time, and crossed swords a few times with Kang Hyeonchul to manage his stress.

And in between─.

"─Hyung! Did you know that monsters don't gather well in the hole at Uijeongbu Station?"

"Really? That deeply sunken area?"

"Yes! There!"

He built rapport with Yoo Inhoo.

It wasn't Eunha who took the initiative, but Yoo Inhoo who approached first.

It didn't matter either way.

Eunha conversed with Yoo Inhoo who often came to play where he was.

"The village chief said that a few years ago, someone exerted a terrifying power and drove away the monsters. It seems since then, monsters are afraid of the area where that person exerted power, so they don't go there well."

Yoo Inhoo's stories were quite informative.

Eunha was able to grasp the situation in Uijeongbu based on the information he conveyed.

Unlike his previous life, there was no good child consciousness in the Uijeongbu village, and he could even tell that the villagers didn't know they were being dominated by monsters.

Did what Seoyoung noona did in Uijeongbu become a trauma for the monsters here?

I got good information today too.

There aren't many monsters at Uijeongbu Station.

Eunha recalled Shin Seoyoung, who was the cause of that, and gave a bitter smile.

Maybe monsters don't approach because there's nothing to use as cover around.

They might get caught by other monsters if they go there for no reason.

It's probably not just because of Shin Seoyoung.

It must be related to monster habits.

Anyway, Eunha gave a chocolate to Yoo Inhoo who came to find him and was chattering away.

"Here, eat this. You actually came because you wanted to eat this, right?"

"Nah, that's not it. I came to play with you hyungs and noonas! But I'll gratefully accept the chocolate."

Yoo Inhoo readily accepted the chocolate.

He smiled broadly while putting the chocolate in his mouth.

Then he opened his mouth.

"Ah, hyungs and noonas. If you're feeling stuffy staying here, do you want to go to Uijeongbu Station with me tomorrow?"

"To Uijeongbu Station?"

"Yes! It's a place where monsters don't come, so it's convenient to get some fresh air. So I sometimes sneak out to get some air too."

As if without any ulterior motives.

Yoo Inhoo suggested to Eunha.

Eunha, who had only blinked at first, also smiled affectionately.

"Really? I was just wanting to get some fresh air, so that's perfect. Since it's a place monsters don't come, we can rest with peace of mind."

"Yes! You probably won't regret it!"

"Yeah, I don't think I'll regret it either."

Grinning and beaming.

The two looked at each other smiling.

Soon Yoo Inhoo, having finished his business, got up.

"Then I'll go work now! I'll come pick you up tomorrow, so make sure to wait here! At this time!"

"Okay, got it. Work hard."

Eunha sent Yoo Inhoo off.

Only when his back was no longer visible did he drop his smile.

At that moment─.

"─You seem to like children a lot."

"Who does?"

"The Pandora Clan Lord."

"Me?"

"Yes."

Priscis Memory, who had been reading a book, spoke to Eunha.

She smiled gently and.

Eunha tilted his head.

Then she tilted her head too.

"Seeing how you take care of that child, it looked like you liked children, but is that not the case?"

Priscis Memory's question.

Soon she, not wearing her pointed hat, closed the book she had been reading.

She expressed doubt.

Eunha shrugged.

"I don't like children. If asked whether I like or dislike them, if I had to say, I dislike them."

"Why is that?"

Eunha said firmly.

Priscis Memory asked.

This time too, Eunha's answer was definite.

He opened his mouth.

"You can't tell what kids are thinking, and they're just protected by their parents. And they just cry when things are unfavorable."

"..."

"So I just can't like children who have no relation to me. They're really annoying."

It must be because of being trapped for three days.

And also, he recalled what happened in his previous life when he somehow protected Gangbuk and received people's welcome.

At that time, although he had worked to death, children were protected in their parents' arms.

Somehow that made him envious, resentful, and annoyed.

So Eunha disliked children.

Because they had what he couldn't have.

Eunha spoke bluntly.

Eunae is my sister so she's an exception.

Avenir was less so because she's Julieta noona and Bruno ahjussi's child.

Garam is also Hayang's sister.

Now his emotions have lessened a lot.

Nevertheless, he still couldn't like children.

That was Eunha's heart.

At that time, Priscis Memory, who had been keeping her mouth shut silently, answered.

"─Yes, that's right. I actually dislike children too."

"..."

"Because they believe everything is forgiven and resolved when they cry."

"..."

"Above all, children are selfish. They only think about themselves. They think they're the center of the world."

Priscis Memory smiled brightly.

Eunha blankly opened his mouth listening to what she said.

Priscis Memory was a person who always treated people with a smile.

But he didn't know such a person would express her opinion so firmly.

Regardless, she asked without minding.

"But then why does the Pandora Clan Lord treat that child so well?"

Hearing her question.

Eunha came to his senses.

He opened his mouth.

It was by no means an answer to her question.

It was an answer with a completely different context.

"─Can you use something like a barrier that separates world lines so monsters can't escape at all? A barrier different from ordinary barriers?"

"Yes...? That's my specialty."

☆

Time passed, and the next day.

Yoo Inhoo went to meet Noh Eunha.

"Hyung! I'm here! Let's go quickly! Hurry!"

"Okay. I'm coming, coming. Wait a bit."

What is the ultimate meal?

It is knowing how to starve oneself and be patient to eat the most delicious thing.

When he first saw them.

The one who felt intense excitement was restraining his appetite as much as possible.

The red-haired one would be chewy, and the blonde woman would have soft flesh.

The one with his mouth covered is quite thin, but that too would have its own taste.

Baek Myeonsang wearing the disguise of a child.

He inwardly mocked them.

They probably don't know.

That he had ordered monsters to prevent them from escaping Uijeongbu.

It was quite amusing that they were just waiting for the day to return, not knowing even that.

What kind of face will they show when they realize his identity and are eaten without being able to properly resist?

Especially─.

─This one is the most anticipated.

How much betrayal will he feel towards me?

How delicious will that be?

Heading towards Uijeongbu Station.

Yoo Inhoo glanced at Noh Eunha.

The man who occasionally shared chocolate with him saying he was reminded of his younger brother in Seoul.

Coincidentally, he said his younger brother was the same age as himself.

Perhaps because of that, the man consistently showed him goodwill.

But what reaction will he show when he realizes his identity?

Baek Myeonsang really looked forward to that moment.

Humans are all food.

It's not just about eating them.

If you want to eat humans deliciously, you should know how to enjoy their emotions too.

Low intelligence monsters don't know, but.

Baek Myeonsang, with high intelligence and power, knew how to enjoy fine dining.

The strong sense of betrayal and shock humans show when realizing his identity added quite a deep flavor.

Especially if they felt strong happiness before realizing his identity, the difference in the drop to despair afterwards was extremely intense.

It was the same principle as a bird flying high receiving a stronger impact than other birds when it falls.

The emotion tasted at that time was indescribable.

"We're here. This is it."

""""...."""

"Are there really no monsters?"

I really look forward to that moment.

Baek Myeonsang suppressed the urge to reveal himself right now.

And he led them to Uijeongbu Station, which had become a wide open field.

They seemed at a loss for words seeing the sight of Uijeongbu Station.

"Hyung, hyung! Come over here. This is the best spot!"

"Okay. Don't run too much. You'll get hurt like that."

A hole about 300m in diameter.

Baek Myeonsang jumped down into the hole filled with building debris.

There were no monsters around.

Of course.

This was his dining table.

Unless they wanted to be eaten, they didn't enter the hole.

"The sky looks so wide when you look up from here."

The others came down slowly.

Baek Myeonsang, who had come down to the center of the hole, explained to Noh Eunha who followed.

The sky was really beautiful.

Ah, what perfect weather for eating.

Enjoying the scenery while eating humans.

How delicious would that be?

Baek Myeonsang pursued fine dining.

But Gyesini and other commander-level monsters didn't understand his fine dining.

It didn't matter.

The moment he stood in this place.

Baek Myeonsang felt intense excitement.

Meanwhile, the others had also stepped in and were each appreciating the scenery.

They were quite far from Noh Eunha.

There were no signs of them coming down.

Tch, can't be helped.

I planned to eat this one last, but since the situation doesn't allow it, I'll have to eat him first.

Or I could break his legs so he can't escape, then eat the ones over there one by one.

That wouldn't be bad either.

How deep an emotion would the man feel, forced to watch his companions being eaten one by one before his eyes?

Baek Myeonsang grinned at the thought that had just occurred to him.

The opportunity was right now.

But at that moment─.

"─This is the last chocolate. You eat it."

"Ah, thank you, hyung."

"I secretly saved it for you, so eat it quickly without letting those people notice."

Suddenly.

Noh Eunha held out a chocolate.

Baek Myeonsang smiled kindly while inwardly laughing mockingly.

What a good human.

Giving me something like this without even knowing he'll be eaten...

Yes, you want me to cleanse my palate with this before I eat you.

How foolish.

Truly foolish humans.

Alright, I'll be moved by your foolishness and cleanse my palate with chocolate.

It will stimulate the flavor more when I taste it after whetting my appetite with an appetizer.

Baek Myeonsang unwrapped the chocolate.

He put the chocolate in his mouth.

"Wow, it's really delicious. So sweet."

"Right? Enjoy the aftertaste as you eat. It will be your last."

"Yes, I will, hyung!"

He melts the chocolate with saliva.

Enjoying the flavor of the chocolate.

Baek Myeonsang grinned broadly, trying to whet his appetite like that.

But─.

"─Kuhak...!!"

As the chocolate melted.

His tongue melted.

At first, he thought he was caught up in a fantasy due to his strong desire to eat them.

But his tongue really was melting.

Then Baek Myeonsang realized the sensation burning inside his body wasn't due to excitement.

"Kuhak...! W-what is this...!"

He coughed up blood.

Baek Myeonsang collapsed on the ground.

He couldn't understand what was happening.

Baek Myeonsang looked up at the man who had handed him the chocolate.

And then─.

─Violent Venom

A dark blade fell.