NOVEL WEB Chapter 139
“So, chaos hits again as we return to the real world.”
Even in the dawn underground, moving horns that are over ten meters long is no small feat. It’s so tricky that they had to call in Kang Tae-ho.
“What in the world is this…”
His words contradicted his big goofy grin. Is it a hunter’s instinct? He seemed to instantly recognize the unusual nature of the ceratops’s horn. Thinking back, it’s only natural since the Pattegeon broke in Neverland.
Wondering if it even had any cutting power when shaped, but honestly, that brute strength looks more suited for clubbing than cutting.
“Wake up! That’s mine!”
The girl in charge growled, claiming her share, and scaring others off from it. I doubted she would even have use for the horn unless it was for Dragon Blood purposes, but whatever, she’ll handle it her way. I nodded at Kang Tae-ho’s incredulous look, and he seemed lost in thought.
‘Did I do something wrong?’
Since it’s technically a clan member’s property, couldn’t we just exchange something? He seemed already resigned… was there something wrong?
“Sigh. But why are you back so soon?”
It had only been about ten days, but apparently, Kang Tae-ho thought that was just too short.
“Because I wrapped things up.”
“Hmm…”
Kang Tae-ho scratched his jaw. The horn earlier was something he had never seen before—it was gigantic. Just how big was that beast? Was it the transformed Baphomet? Or Snowell? No, it could be even bigger. Yet, he caught that beast and still…
“…Looks like you hit the jackpot?”
“I can’t reveal my true self here.”
“No, that’s not what I mean…”
As he scrutinized the girl hugging the wolf, he mumbled quietly.
“Shouldn’t you have at least prepared a leash or something?”
***
“Kyu-woo!”
Baek So-yul, still hung up on things, finally released her embrace when Fairy made a noise that threatened her. The wolf stretched its stiff body after being set down.
“You’re not leaving right away, are you?”
“Yeah.”
“I’ll wait, absolutely.”
Of course, preparations needed to be made before heading to the Square, so we’d be hanging around for at least a day or two—mainly since Hong Yu-ri would take her time getting ready. As we started moving away, I heard Hong Yu-ri let out a short sigh.
“This isn’t some melodrama.”
“Kyu~!”
Even Fairy seemed to agree, nodding along. It’s hard to argue when someone says that, but…
“Can we just go up already?”
Hong Yu-ri frowned, gesturing up the stairs.
“You’re back.”
“Yeah.”
I casually acknowledged Ha Yeon’s greeting as she straightened her clothes by the door. Though she said that, all she did was brush off some fur stuck to her outfit.
“Come in.”
With Ha Yeon’s notification, Kang Tae-jun gave his permission. As I stepped in, I noticed he’d gotten new glasses, which he removed upon seeing me.
‘They’re probably from the Square…’
Just like in Neverland, he probably cares about those glasses getting broken. No regular feelings would be enough to pierce through the burden I carry.
“Did you finish the task?”
I nodded. Kang Tae-jun subtly smiled while checking Hong Yu-ri’s expression. After all, he was the one who brought her along. I guess he was pleased that she had nearly overcome her phobia.
While I was thinking, Hong Yu-ri began reporting the situation to Kang Tae-jun about everything she knew concerning the fantasy world. She didn’t seem down or anything. Fighting the Volcano Ceratops had changed her mindset. After all, he wouldn’t blabber unnecessarily, so it seemed better to communicate clearly and ask for help rather than create unnecessary secrets that breed suspicion. That thought was further solidified in battle against the Volcano Ceratops.
“…I see.”
After the report, Kang Tae-jun nodded. The existence of beasts living in another world… and there was even the Volcano Ceratops that had withstood powerful magic three times. It’s hard to believe, but it’s not like I’d lie about it.
“Good work. We’ll check out the ceratops’s horn later. Do you need to rest?”
“I’m fine.”
“Alright. Have you heard anything from Team 3’s leader?”
“…”
“I see, still nothing, huh? Fortunately, I’ve heard they’re on the mend. Visiting should be possible soon. …You should head back now.”
Upon those words, Hong Yu-ri bowed her head and stepped outside. Then came a rustling sound, followed by a question.
“…So, Alpha, do you have something to say?”
“I’d like to borrow Hong Yu-ri.”
“Hong Yu-ri?”
With a look of confusion, I nodded.
“We’re heading to the Square.”
“…Square?”
Kang Tae-jun’s face scrunched up a bit.
“You do know that’s a whole different ballgame than just joining a clan, right?”
“I know.”
It’s not like I didn’t know. If the Seven Heroes are humanity’s spiritual pillar, it’s the Square that really keeps things stable. They’re the ones sealing off the Plague and Disease right now.
These are beings even harder to approach than hunters.
No matter the reason, it’d be impossible for me—a monster—to convince them. No, not just difficult, it’s downright impossible.
‘Even if I ask Kang Tae-jun…’
The Butterfly of Covenant, the Square Master, could be a traitor. That idea just wouldn’t fly, especially since it came from a monster like me. Not to mention, where that information comes from matters even more.
“So I’m planning to sneak in.”
“…”
Now that I’ve acquired invisibility, it just might be possible. For example, if I hid in Hong Yu-ri’s shadow and used invisibility, then maybe.
“If you get caught, you’ll turn the whole Square against you. No way I can help with that…”
“Amelia Morest.”
“What?”
With a puzzled look at my statement, I quickly scrambled for an answer. I couldn’t just spill that in the original story—more accurately, in that parallel world, she had betrayed us. That’s just absurd.
“When we fought the Silent Mouth in Neverland, that was the name it mumbled all alone.”
“So, you suspect me?”
“No one knows how she—daughter of Agail Morest, the leader of the Shadow Zone—will react.”
There was a brief silence. But it’s not like I could prove the truth of my words. I was the only one who fought against the puppets of the Silent Mouth, and the only one who heard anything was Kim Joo-seop. Unfortunately, Kim Joo-seop also got killed by Kang Hoon.
“…Let’s say that’s true. So what are you thinking?”
“If I can get into the Square, finding Amelia Morest should be easy.”
I demonstrated the invisibility technique in front of Kang Tae-jun. He was silent, but underfoot, the carpet had already crumpled, so he could see my position.
“And I want to confirm whether she joined the Rascals or not. And if she did…”
The unyielding eyes of Marang shone ominously.
***
Kang Tae-jun agreed to my plan and said he would make preparations to go to the Square. It wasn’t so much that he fully trusted me but considered the possibility that the Butterfly of Covenant had indeed joined the Rascals.
This made everything a bit easier.
‘So then…’
The remaining question was whether I could defeat the Butterfly of Covenant.
And the answer, for now, was yes.
Amelia Morest.
Square’s Master, also known as the Butterfly of Covenant, a great mage; still, I was honestly confident in my victory.
‘…But the real concern is.’
What Kang Tae-jun said. There was the potential to turn the entire Square against me. Sure, I could win, but whether I could do it quietly was another question. No matter how much power I wield, taking on the Square Master against multiple foes wouldn’t favor me.
‘I need to find a way before that.’
But then again, that was just the worst-case scenario. There’s still a chance she hasn’t turned yet. The Wolf decided to patiently wait for that moment to come.
***
“You’re quick today.”
A clan member possessing healing skills wiped their forehead dripping with sweat.
“This should heal completely in no time.”
“How long will that take?”
“Three to five days? A week at most, I guess.”
“…Got it. Thanks for your effort.”
“Right~ I’ll head up now.”
Left alone, Hong Yu-ri moved her palm, now lacking fingers. It felt unnatural, yet it was still moving… instinctively recalling that moment made her shiver, but she shook her head. That wasn’t going to happen again.
…The experiences from the fantasy world have been quite helpful.
Thanks to that, the desires that were cooling off reignited. Remembering that day when I exited the Square, promising to show them what I was capable of.
The surge of magic power coursed through Hong Yu-ri’s eyes.
Even seeing the monsters that could withstand three great spells while sensing the wall they had yet to overcome just meant the road ahead was still long.
“Alright…”
During this time, the door suddenly swung open, and a dazed voice welcomed her.
“Huh? Vice Team Leader, you’re here?”
The dazed voice belonged to Euna. Without wasting a second, she rapidly approached, questioning whether she was injured, where she had been, and bombarding her with various inquiries. Hong Yu-ri, feeling somewhat annoyed, flicked Euna lightly on the forehead, causing a mild groan of discomfort. As she rolled her eyes looking for someone else, it was evidently Alpha.
“…Tsk.”
Seriously, whether it’s this girl or that, they’re both hopelessly infatuated with Alpha, ready to set up house with him. What’s so great about such a monster?
‘Those foolish girls.’
Their only benefit was a bit of warmth and coziness, but that was due to being a wolf, wasn’t it? Yet they seem to have both intelligence and depth of thought… and they’re also comforting in battle. Now that I think about it, they may even have a good temperament. Plus, even as a monster, they show consideration. Their actions are without flaws too…
“Vice Team Leader~?”
A voice pulled Hong Yu-ri out of her thoughts, narrowing her eyes suspiciously at the gaze directed at her.
“Has Alpha not come by?”
“Who knows? Go look for him.”
Responding curtly, Hong Yu-ri turned her back, and the moment the door closed, she exhaled a short breath. Somehow, she felt slightly out of breath.