DEB 96

The disciples who had gone to meet with the director of the Hunter Bureau came back with an unexpected proposal.

“Dimensional Threat Countermeasures Committee?”

“Yes. It seems they think that’s the most appropriate explanation for why S-rank hunters from other countries have suddenly gathered in Korea. After all, we did recently travel to the demon realm.”

“It’s probably convenient for them. It’s a tricky situation already, and now they can make use of foreign S-rank hunters staying in Korea to create a legitimate excuse and pass off this difficult issue. Quite convenient, isn’t it?”

Vita dropped into his seat with a sigh, swinging his legs as he spoke with a tone dripping with sarcasm.

“If we form a committee, we’ll be able to stay in Korea legally and for an extended period. However, we’ll have to follow orders from the International Hunter Association or the Hunter Bureau, at least superficially.”

“At the same time, we’ll gain power and status, which means we’ll be able to quickly receive and respond to any news related to the demon realm. What do you think, Yasha?”

Zenith handed the final decision over to Huiyun. 

Huiyun, while a bit hesitant, realized that rejecting the offer wasn’t really an option.

After all, he wanted a legitimate way to meet with his disciples.

He hadn’t done anything wrong, but it felt unjust to have to sneak around, hiding from the Bureau and reporters just to see his students.

“If we form the committee, will we be the only members?”

“Well, actually, if the committee is formed, you’ll be excluded, Yasha.”

“Because of the difference in ranks?”

“That’s part of it. But also, you’re an unregistered hunter right now, aren’t you? And you don’t plan to register anytime soon.”

“That’s true.”

“If you, an unregistered hunter, join a committee composed solely of S-ranks, don’t you think people will start to question you?”

“That makes sense.”

He was convinced, but one thing still bothered him.  

“If I’m not on the committee, won’t it be difficult for me to meet with you all?”

“Yes, that’s the problem.”

Vita frowned, clearly troubled. 

As Verita and Zenith’s expressions darkened as well, Ash casually stretched his arms behind his head and shrugged.

“Technically, there’s no problem for me, Vina, or Moot. The issue is with you guys. No matter how well the Bureau hides it or how much we evade them, you’re the ones who’ll have reporters from overseas sniffing around.”

“As if we came here because we wanted that attention.”

Vita scowled and moved to smack Ash, but Zenith intervened to stop him. Huiyun clicked his tongue in frustration.

“This is turning into more trouble than it’s worth.”

The situation was becoming increasingly complicated. 

Giving up on the committee felt like a waste, but while he was pondering, an idea suddenly struck him.

This idea could lower the attention on him and give him a legitimate reason to meet with his disciples, but the cost made him hesitate.

“I don’t want to involve my brother, but…”

“Yasha?”

Zenith reacted to his muttering. 

Huiyun shook his head, signaling it was nothing.

“We should go ahead and form the committee.”

“But if we do, meeting with you might cause you trouble.”

“We’ll have to figure out a solution for that.”

“Is there one?”

“There is.”

“Hm?”

What’s he talking about?

Huiyun’s gaze turned toward Moot, who had responded casually. 

Seated with his chin resting on his hand, Moot’s eyes narrowed.

“There’s no need to overthink it. The solution is simple—Yasha just needs to awaken.”

“Moot.”

“Are you out of your mind?”

“Get him out of here!”

The others, realizing the recklessness of Moot’s suggestion, grabbed his arms, trying to drag him out of the room. 

Moot’s skeletal minions appeared to pull them off as he walked up to Huiyun.

“Don’t misunderstand me, Yasha. I’m not saying this because I want you to suffer or anything. It’s just a simple observation. There’s no longer any reason for you to hide your power.”

“In what way?”

“The demons already have a rough idea that you’ve been reincarnated. Under these circumstances, continuing to endure all this discomfort and hiding your power… it’s unnecessary.”

Moot was cut off mid-sentence as someone clamped their hand over his mouth, silencing him.

“Yasha, are you alright?”

Ash, struggling to hold Moot back, looked at Huiyun with concern. 

But this wasn’t something that could be resolved by silencing one person.

“Moot has a point. I understand you want to keep a low profile, but couldn’t you awaken discreetly? If we only informed the higher-ups at the Bureau and the Association, they’d likely keep it quiet. The balance of power… well, the demons are already fully reviving.”

“Oh, Vina…”

Ash sighed heavily as Vina’s words turned everything upside down again. 

Vita covered his face with his hands, while Zenith closed her eyes and sipped tea from who knows where. 

Verita, bewildered, glanced between Moot and Vina before kneeling in front of Huiyun.

Sitting neatly, he took Huiyun’s hand.  

“…Yasha, are you afraid?”

“Do I seem afraid?”

“Not particularly.”

“Then you’re right.”

Huiyun patted Verita’s head lightly and smiled. 

As Verita had said, there was no fear on Huiyun’s face.

What was there to fear?

He was simply waiting for the right time.

He didn’t blame Moot or Vina for questioning him. 

It was natural for them to wonder. 

After all, whether Huiyun concealed his power or not, the demons had already begun to return.

The world had a vague sense of Huiyun’s revival, and even the system had stopped urging him to awaken.

[The power of the honorable savior has manifested in you across the ages. Would you like to awaken?]

… Or not.

Huiyun glanced at the system notification that had appeared, somewhat annoyed by its persistence.

The path he needed to walk was already set, so the system’s constant prompts had lessened. 

Eventually, he would have to awaken. It wasn’t as if Moot’s reasoning was wrong.

However…

“You and I are different. If I awaken now, my full power from my prime will manifest. Do you think you can handle that?”

Huiyun remained firm in his decision, despite their concerns.

“When I awaken, all the demon lords will return at once. Not one by one, but all at the same time, and they’ll be stronger than ever.”

“…Stronger?”

“Yes. Now that humans are involved, the stage is set for a larger war than before. If I reveal my power, the forces of the demon realm will rise to the surface. While I might be able to hold them back, do you think humanity is ready for that? Are you prepared to handle it?”

There was no way to sugarcoat the truth, so Huiyun spoke plainly. His disciples looked frustrated but couldn’t argue.

“You’re right. It’s better if you don’t awaken… for now.”

“That’s what I’ve been saying. It’s not time yet. When the moment comes, I’ll use my power. So what’s the rush?”

“…Sorry.”

Moot fell silent, realizing the truth in Huiyun’s words. Eventually, he pushed Ash’s hand away and rested his chin in his palm.

“…If it sounded like I was rushing you, I apologize. But my madness can only be cured if you awaken, Yasha. I can’t keep leeching off of you like this. I can see how much it hurts you whenever I drink your blood. How much longer do we have to endure this?”

“Oh.”

It dawned on Huiyun that Moot’s madness was indeed reaching its peak. 

He had recently given him blood, but with all the power he had used to open the realm, he must have been nearing his limit. 

Just as Huiyun’s power left him coughing up blood, Moot’s madness worsened when he used his own abilities.

Huiyun sighed, realizing his oversight. 

Moot turned his head, avoiding his gaze, looking much like a sulking child.

A small smile crept onto Huiyun’s face, and he patted the space next to him on the bed.

“There’s no need to call yourself a leech, Moot. I’m more than happy to help you.”

“Then give me your blood with a happy face. Stop looking like you’re in agony.”

“…Alright.”

It would be difficult, but he could try. 

Nodding after a moment’s thought, Moot hesitated before walking over to Huiyun. 

When Huiyun extended his pale wrist, Moot gently grasped it and sank his fangs into the delicate skin.

“…”

Huiyun flinched, trying his best not to grimace. 

Moot noticed the movement and glanced up at him. 

Meeting Moot’s gaze through his long eyelashes, Huiyun forced a smile, and Moot’s expression softened as his eyes crinkled in response.

“Don’t drink too much, you bastard! Are you trying to turn Yasha into a mummy?”

As blood dripped onto the floor and Huiyun’s face grew paler, Ash snapped, grabbing Moot by the neck to pull him off. 

Zenith quickly healed Huiyun’s wound and spoke.

“But, Yasha, if you don’t awaken, how will we resolve the committee issue?”

“That’s-.”

“Huiyun?”

Perfect timing.

Just then, Huigang opened the door and stepped into the room. 

He had an uncanny knack for appearing at just the right moment. 

Huiyun let out a quiet sigh.

“Maybe we should ask him directly.”

Moot, wiping the blood from his mouth, tilted his head toward Huigang. 

Apparently, he had already thought of the same solution Huiyun had been mulling over.

Now Huiyun just had to figure out how to explain it.

“Hey, brother, how about making a contract with me and becoming an instant celebrity?”

…Yeah, maybe not quite like that.