DB Vol 7 Part 6

There weren’t many teleportation portals that could move this many people at once, and this was the device connecting the Yang and Hong families. It also meant that the monster farm serving as the coordinate point was large. However, after the Hong family head died in Yang family territory, all teleportation portals had been closed.

“Someone needs to open the western teleportation portal, but the Yang family isn’t stupid. They must have deployed a lot of personnel around the teleportation portals. There might be North Center Espers who have infiltrated Yang family territory, but ordinary personnel wouldn’t stand a chance.”

Hong Seung-wook agreed with Yoo Geon-young’s speculation, but he still couldn’t shake his doubts.

“A skilled person could be helping the North.”

“Gye Yoon? Ah, come to think of it… We haven’t seen Gye Yoon.”

Yoo Geon-young belatedly remembered the most important person in this fight. Could it be that this was all planned? Pretending to help the Hong family, then seizing control at a critical moment and immediately striking the Yang family? So Gye Yoon had infiltrated Yang family territory from the beginning? However, Hong Seung-wook shook his head as if he had a different opinion.

“It could be Gye Yoon, but…”

At that moment, the massive vibration sound of the teleportation portal activating began to ring out. Yoo Geon-young and Hong Seung-wook turned to each other in surprise. This meant that someone had taken control of the Yang family side teleportation portal.

“We’ll soon know who that skilled person is.”

Hong Seung-wook spoke quickly and moved, and Yoo Geon-young followed him. Soon, along with the vibrations shaking the ground, a mist-like light began to spread around people. The light mist instantly blocked the view, turning everything white so that one couldn’t see even an inch ahead, but it disappeared after just a few breaths. A moment later, a completely unfamiliar place unfolded before everyone’s eyes.

However, no one could step out of the teleportation portal first. The first thing people’s eyes saw was a vivid red color. A red liquid soaking the floor generously. Its identity as blood was immediately apparent upon seeing the corpses rolling on top of it. This sea of blood was clearly the scene of a cruel massacre.

“They’re West Center Espers.”

As someone recognized the dead and reported it, Gye Min was the first to step forward.

Splash.

Her shoes trampled the blood as she strode forward without hesitation. North Center Espers followed behind her in droves, and Yoo Geon-young and Hong Seung-wook also hurried to move, unable to hide their shock.

Corpses scattered throughout the corridor leading outside indicated that someone had moved along this path. The traces of massacre continued outside the building, where the remaining slaughter was still taking place.

Under the sun that had risen to the highest point in the sky, someone was grabbing the head of a person who had all but collapsed and was just about to slit their throat with a knife. It was like an execution. The person whose neck was being cut was kneeling, then fell lifelessly to the side. But as if to prove they were still alive, blood spurted like a fountain from where the knife had passed.

The killer didn’t even try to avoid the spurting blood, getting completely drenched. Confirming whether the target was dead seemed more important than getting soaked in blood. Only after confirming that the fallen person had breathed their last did he slowly turn his head towards the sound of numerous footsteps. At first, Gye Min and the others couldn’t immediately recognize who he was.

It was because not only his clothes, but also his black mask and bangs were soaked, dripping blood. It was clear that it was someone else’s blood. And the fact that this appearance was chillingly eerie. He habitually swung the knife to shake off the blood, then slowly removed his mask.

The blood dripping from his bangs flowed down his cheeks. Yet without even thinking of wiping it off, he scanned the newcomers with his eyes. His gaze briefly touched on Hong Seung-wook and Yoo Geon-young, but passed over them indifferently as if looking at objects. His gaze finally stopped on Gye Min. And Won-woo opened his mouth.

“A few escaped. Two in the 3 o’clock direction. Three in the 9 o’clock direction.”

After informing her one-sidedly, Won-woo turned as if he had work left to do. His targets were the West Center Espers who had fallen to the ground but were still breathing. He continued the cleanup, grabbing their hair.

Again, the blade slit the throats of the helpless Espers. Even Gye Min had to watch this scene, unable to move. Won-woo’s massacre was enough to terrify even his allies.

‘Chase them.’

At the Gye family head’s brief order, North Center Espers scattered in the directions Won-woo had mentioned. After sending the pursuit team, Gye Min said a quick “Good job” to Won-woo before hurriedly heading towards the Yang family main house, leaving only a few people behind. Only after Won-woo had finished off all the enemies with his own hands did she turn to look at those remaining.

Gye Min’s order to those left behind was “Protect Ji Won-woo,” but they considered it the most useless order. Did someone who had just slaughtered Espers like that and was covered in blood really need protection?

Especially Yoo Geon-young and Hong Seung-wook, frozen in shock, couldn’t move as if under a spell. Unlike those who were stunned by Won-woo’s unexpected prowess, Seona approached him as soon as he finished his work, as if she had been waiting.

“Are you alright?”

The onlookers thought this was quite a useless question too, and were dumbfounded. But Seona’s eyes were full of concern. She examined Won-woo’s face closely, worried he might vomit again, but he was more concerned about her.

“I’m more worried about you, Seona-ssi. Give me your hand.”

Won-woo held out his hand, but Seona hesitated awkwardly. Won-woo’s breathing had quickened too, perhaps from using so much power.

“I can wait a bit longer.”

“That’s not possible.”

Won-woo glanced at Seona’s dangerously glowing inhibitor piercing, then took her hand and raised it. And he began guiding while standing. As soon as her hand was taken, Seona inhaled sharply, then lowered her head with her eyes tightly closed. To the onlookers, this scene was truly peculiar.

He who had turned this place into hell still looked cruel, covered in blood, but the sight of him quietly guiding while holding Seona’s hand looked as noble as a religious figure bestowing a blessing. If not for the scent of blood entering their nostrils on the wind, it might have evoked a sense of reverence. The two of them, bathed in the sparkling morning sunlight, looked like a painting.

So no one could interrupt them while Won-woo was guiding. Or rather, they were waiting for the result. Could a D-rank guide really guide a B-rank Esper?

But the result was revealed ridiculously easily. It took only 1 or 2 minutes. Everyone saw Seona’s face relax. Even without that, Seona’s piercing had returned to a stable color.

“The follow-up team will continue to arrive soon. Will you move right away without waiting?”

Seona asked Won-woo politely, as if addressing the Gye family head. As Won-woo was about to nod, a stiff voice interrupted.

“Why are you alone?”

Hong Seung-wook stepped forward and added, clenching his jaw as if to suppress his trembling voice,

“Why are you alone without Gye Yoon?”

At first glance, it sounded like he was reproaching Gye Yoon for dangerously leaving Won-woo alone, but Won-woo realized the true meaning. His shaking eyes from shock said this: Is the reason Gye Yoon left you alone because you’re that strong?

Even though Hong Seung-wook had seen Won-woo deal with Espers right before his eyes, he was still in a state where it was difficult to accept reality. But instinctively, there was an incident from that day that came to mind. Looking at Won-woo who was staring silently, he asked again.

“It was you back then, right?”

Hong Seung-wook took a step forward and mentioned a place with a stronger voice.

“It was you who eliminated all the monsters at the entrance of that village. Right? You’re the person I encountered!”

“That’s right.”

Won-woo replied and slowly approached Hong Seung-wook. Hong Seung-wook, instead, stopped and hesitated. Won-woo’s indifferent mumble was heard.

“Come to think of it, I owed you a debt.”

As soon as his words ended, Hong Seung-wook clutched his chest and collapsed.

“Kuheuk!”

“Hong Seung-wook!”

Yoo Geon-young shouted from behind and tried to run over, but as soon as his eyes met Won-woo’s, he flinched and froze. Won-woo had merely glanced at him, but Yoo Geon-young was momentarily terrified as if he had seen Medusa’s eyes.

He couldn’t help but feel chilled when that blood-covered face turned towards him. So even when his friend collapsed to the ground, clutching his chest, he couldn’t reach out. But when Won-woo’s hand grabbed his friend’s neck, his mouth opened involuntarily.

“Let go!”

Won-woo raised his eyes again. He was still gripping Hong Seung-wook’s windpipe. Hong Seung-wook’s face turned red instantly as his throat was constricted along with the pain. Choking gasps escaped his mouth. Yoo Geon-young knew he should pull Won-woo away, but not a word came out of his mouth. He was just afraid. Won-woo’s presence was so terrifying at this moment that it chilled him to the bone.

“You’re speaking informally again.”

Flinch. Yoo Geon-young closed his open mouth. He barely resisted the urge to step back, but he no longer had the courage to interfere. Won-woo looked down at Hong Seung-wook again and tightened his grip on his neck. Hong Seung-wook looked up at Won-woo with eyes that seemed about to pop out, as red as his face.

There were all sorts of emotions in his eyes, but the biggest one was shame. It was a familiar look to Won-woo. Espers always felt ashamed like this when overpowered by Guides. Later, they would come to their senses a bit when they realized that they too could become the weak ones.

“Mr. Hong Seung-wook.”

Won-woo called out to Hong Seung-wook, who had started twisting his body, then calmly informed him.

“The reason I’m not killing you isn’t because of who you are now. It’s just to clear a debt for help I received from another you.”

This would be puzzling to everyone, but Won-woo recalled the Hong Seung-wook he had encountered in his original world. The information Hong Seung-wook had brought then greatly contributed to Won-woo’s government forces in bringing down the Hong family. But in the original world, they had dismissed his help as insignificant. After all, Won-woo himself continued to do the same job of killing enemies over and over.

However, coming here and seeing these similar but slightly different people and their choices, he realized. In the end, it was because he had survived in the original world that he could enjoy the fortune of coming here.

It wasn’t just because of his own abilities. There were sacrifices of colleagues who had died, and help from unknown people was also significant. It seemed that he had survived as a result of the choices made by all these people.

Life here was so precious, and he thoroughly eliminated enemies to protect it. He was that grateful for life. So now, the thought suddenly struck him that he should clear that debt.

Won-woo released his grip, pushing away Hong Seung-wook’s body that seemed about to pass out. Hearing Yoo Geon-young’s voice as he belatedly rushed to Hong Seung-wook, Won-woo moved in one direction. Seona and other North Espers also started walking, following him.

“Where are you going?”

“To where Gye Yoon is.”

“Don’t tell me the Vice Head is alone right now…”

When Seona asked seriously, Won-woo nodded.

“Yes. He’s alone.”

Just as Gye Yoon could leave Won-woo alone here, Won-woo could send him alone. That was the courtesy towards a capable colleague. Won-woo quickened his pace as if increasing speed towards the location of the Yang family main house.

While S-rank Espers were undoubtedly proven to be the strongest Espers, most people found it difficult to even face one in their lifetime. Because they were so few in number, people blindly revered them, but also tended to underestimate their power as it was something they had never experienced. A-rank Espers were especially guilty of this, thinking there was only one rank difference between them.

The fact that the Yang family head had not shown himself for a long time also contributed to the unfamiliarity with S-rank Espers. No, even if the Yang family head had been present, the current situation would have been shocking to everyone. This was incomparable to the Yang family head. The person who suddenly appeared in the middle of the Yang family’s main house. As if he had just come out for a stroll, he walked inside and uttered just one sentence.

“Where’s Yang Cheon-hyo?”

But that low voice, though not loud, clearly pierced the ears of everyone present. A moment later, everyone collapsed to the ground, screaming. It was the moment when an unimaginable, tremendous force struck the Yang family.

Their heads felt like they were about to split. The sound that reached the Yang family members seemed to dig into various parts of their brains, piercing sharply like needles. Most ordinary people fainted immediately, unable to withstand the pain, and even Espers with good physical strength, if they were of lower rank, writhed in agony while sitting on the ground.

Only B-rank and above Espers could run outside, pulling their hair in pain. The pain was as brief as the short sound, but the impact was so great that even after the pain subsided, it was difficult to walk properly.

But those who could move instinctively headed towards the direction of the sound. Perhaps due to the lingering pain in their heads, it felt like that voice kept ringing in their ears. An anxiety as persistent as the voice hung like a curtain.

Someone had attacked the Yang family’s main house. With an instinctive vigilance towards the enemy, they forcibly suppressed the terrible pain that had just been splitting their heads. Most high-ranking Espers had gathered at the main house to discuss last night’s surprise attack.

Therefore, seeing their comrades gradually gathering in one place, they found confidence. At the same time, anger welled up. Who on earth? There was someone they suspected, but they couldn’t believe he had suddenly appeared here when he was supposed to be in the east. They needed to confirm with their own eyes.

And soon, they found someone moving slowly inside the main house. Dozens of Espers had already gathered around him, surrounding him widely and moving together while on guard. It was a ridiculous sight as they couldn’t dare to approach closely, but the high-ranking Espers who arrived at the scene fully understood the situation.

“Gye Yoon!”

The name that everyone had only been suspecting burst out from him. Only then did Gye Yoon stop in his place and slowly survey the crowd surrounding him. Nearly a hundred Espers were encircling him, but Gye Yoon’s dry gaze held a hint of annoyance. As if wondering why only this many were able to move.

“How pathetically weak.”

Strangely, Gye Yoon’s mumble was clearly heard by everyone’s ears.

“Gye Yoon, how dare you… do you know where this is…”

“It’s not like I’m not allowed to come here.”

Gye Yoon replied nonchalantly, turning his gaze back to the various people. Someone was about to step forward, but Gye Yoon’s indifferent mumble was heard again. Oddly, his voice was heard clearly as if everyone had earphones in, making it difficult to speak up easily. When he opened his mouth, all other sounds were blocked out and only his voice was heard.

“Where’s Yang Cheon-hyo?”

At the question that had first driven them into agony, several people flinched, frightened in advance.

“The Vice Head is not someone you can meet so casually!”

The man in his 20s who shouted and stepped forward was Yang Soo-gwan. He was a collateral member of the Yang family with the surname Yang, and although he was a lower A-rank, he was considered one of the top ten in terms of ability within the Yang family due to his special power.

As he was the most prominent among the young talents of the Yang family, everyone watched with expectant eyes as he stepped forward. After all, he had a record of bringing down those of higher rank than himself with his special ability.

“Has he hidden like a rat again?”

As Gye Yoon muttered, looking around, Yang Soo-gwan quickly fixed his gaze on Gye Yoon’s heart area. Among Espers, there were very rare individuals who possessed abilities that were a mix of two types. These were called composite ability users, and Yang Soo-gwan was one of them.

He could instantly move any object he wanted to any point he desired. It was as if telekinesis and teleportation were combined. The reason this ability shone most in battle was because it could be applied to unseen interiors as well. It wouldn’t work on places with solid interiors, but it would on softer places. For example, inside a person’s body.

The human interior, hidden behind bones and muscles, was infinitely vulnerable. Thus, Yang Soo-gwan could teleport a sharp blade and lodge it in an enemy’s heart.

Thanks to this lethal ability, he had never felt fear towards anyone, no matter how high their rank. He believed he could end anyone’s life in an instant. Now, the S-rank in front of him was no exception.

Just one look from him would be enough. The moment Yang Soo-gwan looked at Gye Yoon’s chest where his heart would be, his ability activated. He moved a small, sharp blade, like a nail, that he had hidden in his pocket.

It happened in the blink of an eye, so no one could notice. Of course, even Gye Yoon would only realize the blade lodged in his heart after feeling the pain. So now he would be talking, oblivious to what had happened.

“What fools. I deliberately shook your heads, yet you still can’t come to your senses.”

Gye Yoon let out a monotone voice as he looked around at those who didn’t answer. Yang Soo-gwan stepped forward, mocking his opponent.

“The one who can’t come to his senses is you, Gye Yoon. How stupid must you be to think of coming to the Yang family alone? Ah, right. You must have relied on that one thing, being S-rank.”

As he spoke, he glanced at Gye Yoon’s heart area again with his eyes. Seeing that he hadn’t collapsed, he must be incredibly insensitive. Yang Soo-gwan moved two more blades into Gye Yoon’s heart.

Of course, this movement was also instantaneous, unnoticeable to anyone. No one could survive with three blades lodged in their heart. Yang Soo-gwan’s eyes, which had moved up to Gye Yoon’s face, flashed with confidence.

“I hate guys like you the most, who are arrogant and rely solely on their rank. What wins in a fight isn’t rank, but the type of ability. Depending on what kind of ability you have…”

Yang Soo-gwan’s excited chatter suddenly stopped. Instead, bewilderment began to spread in his eyes. Gye Yoon, whom he had expected to collapse, was still staring at him with dry, emotionless eyes. Despite receiving a lethal attack, nothing about him had changed.

An ominous chill spread in his chest. He should be feeling pain by now, right? Why? Yang Soo-gwan’s questions couldn’t fully form.

“Is the Yang family full of idiots?”

At Gye Yoon’s mumble, Yang Soo-gwan’s eyes widened to the point of tearing. Those who had been watching, hoping Yang Soo-gwan would make a move, were puzzled, unable to understand what he had seen to be so surprised.

But Yang Soo-gwan’s eyes, filled with shock, weren’t because he had witnessed something strange. He suddenly staggered and took a step back. The only one who knew why he was acting like this was Gye Yoon, but he didn’t seem inclined to kindly explain.

“The brainwashing Yang Cheon-hyo placed on the Gye family broke easily when I shook their heads a bit. How many blockheads are gathered here that you still protect Yang Cheon-hyo? He’s the bastard who drove your proudly regarded Vice Head to his death.”

At the word ‘Vice Head’, several people flinched. Most had only thought about waging war with the Hong family and had completely forgotten about the previous Vice Head’s death. Why? As if he had never existed. A chill ran down their spines along with the question.

And belatedly, another word Gye Yoon had said came to mind. Brainwashing. Previously, they would have scoffed and dismissed it, but now, when connected to Yang Cheon-hyo’s name, an unpleasant suspicion arose.

Their heads ordered them to ignore the word ‘brainwashing’, but their hearts beat unpleasantly fast. However, the doubt couldn’t continue further. An unexpected movement captured everyone’s attention.

“Urgh!”

Yang Soo-gwan suddenly clutched his chest and collapsed to the ground. He literally rolled on the floor, seemingly struggling to support his body with his arms and legs. His face turned pale white, his mouth distorted in pain.

Everyone could see that something had happened to him. And there was only one person who could have done this to him.

Sure enough, Gye Yoon slowly raised his hand towards Yang Soo-gwan lying on the floor. In his hand was a small blade. It was the blade that Yang Soo-gwan had teleported.

Even in his pain, Yang Soo-gwan’s eyes trembled with shock when he confirmed this. How? Instead of words, Gye Yoon showed through action in response to the questioning gaze. The blade in his hand disappeared instantly. And Yang Soo-gwan’s body twisted as if in a seizure.

“Huk!”

“Did you really arrogantly think you could surpass ranks with such a trivial ability?”

The onlookers finally realized that Yang Soo-gwan had already made his move. After all, the blade that disappeared from Gye Yoon’s hand was the weapon Yang Soo-gwan usually used. But the question was, how did Gye Yoon return it in exactly the same way? How on earth did he block the teleportation?!

“Could he possibly stop time…”

Someone whispered one hypothesis. Of course, it was nonsense. Everyone knew that Gye Yoon’s ability was related to sound. This notion seemed truly ridiculous to Gye Yoon himself. Turning his gaze away from the convulsing Yang Soo-gwan, Gye Yoon looked around at everyone.

“What fool in this world would fall victim to someone noisily clanking blades?”

No one had heard the sound Yang Soo-gwan supposedly made, but giving Gye Yoon the benefit of the doubt, one could say he heard it with his remarkable hearing. But how did he move the blade that was under the opponent’s control? It didn’t make sense. However, no one here had the leisure to find out the truth. Yang Soo-gwan’s movements stopped.

Judging by the slight twitching of his fingertips, he was still breathing. However, his face and eyes, filled with pain, indicated that he was suffering to the point where death might be preferable. His open mouth couldn’t even emit a groan, only drooling profusely.

With an ability that could neutralize an A-rank Esper’s attack and even counterattack, Gye Yoon could have killed him instantly. This meant Gye Yoon had deliberately kept Yang Soo-gwan alive. Solely to inflict pain. The moment they realized this, as if on cue, Espers from all directions leaped towards Gye Yoon.

A massive concrete block that instantly covered him from above as if to flatten Gye Yoon, flames rising high as if to engulf him, air condensing like a whirlwind in front of Gye Yoon’s heart, someone suddenly appearing behind Gye Yoon and thrusting a sword. Attacks poured in in the blink of an eye.

Although not pre-coordinated, their joint attack seemed perfect, and there appeared to be no gap for Gye Yoon to escape. But the decisive first strike disappeared as quickly as a momentary illusion. The concrete block that was falling straight down, casting a shadow, and the flames that had risen high like a wall, all vanished. The swirling air calmed as if nothing had happened.

If it weren’t for the teleporter who had tried to attack Gye Yoon from behind, one might think everyone had experienced the same hallucination. The one who had tried to stab Gye Yoon with a sword was frozen like a statue. And then slowly collapsed. Only then did people’s eyes see something else.

The blackened floor indicating there had been flames, stone dust raining down on their bodies like rain. And belatedly, people’s ears heard the sound of bodies falling, thuds. They were the Espers who had thrown flames, condensed air power, and controlled the concrete block.

They all gasped, spitting blood from their mouths as if they had internal injuries. The onlookers doubted their eyes. How could the Yang family Espers’ surprise attack fail so quickly? They collapsed pathetically, to the point of absurdity. Soon, they realized something strange.

The sound of bodies falling was loud enough for everyone to turn and look, but the gasping breaths of the two people couldn’t be heard at all. Everyone realized that Gye Yoon had blocked the sound, but there was still no fear. It’s just sound. How could not hearing sound be an attack? Soon, other Espers were about to pour their power towards Gye Yoon.

But no one could unleash attacks as quickly as before. Now all sounds had disappeared. Even the sound of one’s own breathing was gone, to the point where they had to visually confirm whether they were moving or not. Someone deliberately opened their mouth and strained their throat to check for sound.

At that moment, a terrible pain came with the feeling of something exploding in their neck. The person who had opened their mouth grabbed their torn neck and sat down. Their knees hit the floor with a thud, but even that sound was not heard.

Instead, the feeling of something exploding again came with the same feeling in the place where that sound should have been, and their knees exploded. Only then did the person who had fallen realize that explosions were occurring in all places where sound was made.

As if the sound that disappeared from the ears had been replaced by another force and turned into explosions. This wasn’t noticed by just one person. All the Espers surrounding Gye Yoon realized it.

Someone’s raised hand exploded, someone’s moving leg, and someone else’s mouth that was about to shout at Gye Yoon burst as if torn apart. But the explosive force most felt first arose in their chests.

A small explosion in the lungs. It was due to the sound of air inhaled and exhaled while breathing. That minute internal sound that no one could feel became the source of the explosion.

In a moment of fear, some stopped breathing. But soon they realized. What about the heart? The sound of heartbeats? As the question arose, everyone clutched their chests and collapsed to the floor. What terrified them more was that even though a hundred Espers were writhing in pain, still no sound could be heard.

It seemed as if all the disappeared sounds would explode their bodies like explosives. Trivial wind sounds, movement noises, even the sound of clothes rustling, all now became terrible weapons. Not only that. Even the heartbeat that kept them alive became an internal explosive. The silence covered everyone with chilling terror.

Although nearly a hundred Espers rolled on the floor in unison from pain, in this world without sound, it was more peaceful than anywhere else if they closed their eyes. But they realized that even the moment of closing and opening eyes made a small sound.

People soon began to bleed from their eyes, as if moving to the next stage. Eyelids tore like rags, and some had their eyeballs burst. In this pain, there was no difference between C-rank and A-rank. Regardless of rank, no one could escape the attack of sound.

Even with a sound mind, it was an incredible power that was hard to believe. The terrifying fear they had never experienced before, along with the pain, plunged them into the abyss. They couldn’t stop trembling at the superiority of the S-rank, which they had thought was just one alphabet difference.

No matter how capable an Esper was, they instantly lost their will to fight in the face of such overwhelming power. Even with the terrible pain of their internal organs tearing, they couldn’t gasp. The world without sound was like a night without sight. So they trembled and were dominated by the only sound they could hear. The master of fear muttered in a low, indifferent tone.

“Only the first among you to tell me where Yang Cheon-hyo is can die peacefully.”

A moment later, several people opened their mouths. One of them soon had their head explode, dying instantly.

Click, click, click.

Yang Cheon-hyo, carried on the back of a teleportation Esper, habitually clicked his nails together, but in his fear, he didn’t even realize what he was doing. It had started with news he heard on the way to the Yang family’s main house. He had raged and thrown a fit upon hearing the report that Ji Geun-oh had disappeared from there.

No matter how exhausted he was from using too much power, he had to find Ji Geun-oh. According to the report, Yoon-im had said Ji Geun-oh had disappeared of his own accord. Based on that report, he had planned to visit places Ji Geun-oh might go. The problem was that Yoon-im had also disappeared. Something felt off. So he had turned back with the main house in sight. This decision became an incredible move that allowed him to escape danger at just the right moment.

‘Where’s Yang Cheon-hyo?’

The moment the low voice dug into his ears, his head felt like it was about to split. Even the Esper carrying Yang Cheon-hyo was hit hard enough to momentarily collapse. Although it was an unfamiliar voice, Yang Cheon-hyo immediately recognized who this chilling voice belonged to. And clinging to the back of the collapsed Esper, he shouted.

‘Get up, you son of a bitch!! Run away right now!!’

The teleportation Esper strained with all his might, and that’s how Yang Cheon-hyo was able to escape from there. Being a bit away from the main house, Gye Yoon’s ability didn’t reach them much, so the impact wasn’t severe, making it possible. It was a stroke of luck that could only be believed as God’s favor.

However, he couldn’t simply rejoice at having escaped from Gye Yoon’s grasp. It meant that Gye Yoon had taken control of the Yang family’s main house. If no one else, Yang Cheon-hyo knew better than anyone the power of an S-rank. The scariest thing about them was that they could elevate their incredible abilities to an even greater and stronger level beyond imagination.

As if there were no limits for them, they could transcend the human realm and open doors to other dimensions. This was something only natural-born S-ranks could do. Of course, idiots like the Hong family head, who didn’t even try to develop further due to arrogance, probably had no potential to unfold, but Gye Yoon was different. Gye Yoon was someone who had nurtured a thirst for power through years of hardship.

Damn, damn the Gye family.

No matter how much he cursed the Gye family and Gye Yoon internally, he couldn’t think of a way to stop him right now. Yang Cheon-hyo had barely gained power equivalent to an S-rank through long efforts with Alpha seeds, but that was it. Even if he artificially became an S-rank, it didn’t create potential that wasn’t there. He couldn’t transcend limits like a natural-born S-rank.

Of course, even S-ranks needed help to transcend their limits. An enormous amount of Alpha seeds to amplify their energy, or a Guide to purify them perfectly. But even if the latter’s wavelength matched perfectly, it wouldn’t meet that standard of perfection.

Only a Purifier could match that perfection. And there were no Purifiers in this world. That was why Yang Cheon-hyo was wary of Gye Yoon but not afraid of him.

But as he fled from Gye Yoon who had suddenly appeared from the Gye family in the early morning, he realized. Gye Yoon must have received guiding from a Purifier. There was no other explanation for his teleportation ability or that tremendous power that could dominate such a vast area.

How on earth could a Purifier have appeared? The assumption that they came from another world like himself wasn’t convincing. That would require an S-rank Esper to open the door, and there weren’t any here. Then the only remaining possibility was that someone here had awakened as a Purifier…

Having tried for so long to create a Purifier with Ji Geun-oh and failed, he couldn’t easily accept this assumption either. How on earth could one become a Purifier? What conditions were necessary? With so many questions flooding his mind, Yang Cheon-hyo belatedly realized what state he was in.

“Vice Head. Ugh, where shall I take you?”

The Esper carrying him asked, still groaning as if in pain. Only then did Yang Cheon-hyo fall into despair. Where should he go? Normally, he would have gathered the Espers from the West Center and expressed his will to attack, saying they should eliminate Gye Yoon who would be in the Yang family’s main house, but now fear dominated him.

An S-rank who had met a Purifier. Yang Cheon-hyo recalled someone who had displayed godlike abilities after receiving guiding from a Purifier. The one who had shattered the Gye family with that power. It was the Yang family head from the original world, his father. But the Yang family head here… Yang Cheon-hyo bit his lip hard.

“One of the safe houses… no, no.”

Yang Cheon-hyo quickly shook his head. If Gye Yoon had gotten his hands on the Yang family, he would know about the safe houses. Then where was a place that no one knew about? Yang Cheon-hyo recalled the Yang family head again. Yes, that place. The place where the Yang family head, the only Esper who could face Gye Yoon, was hiding. He had to go there and get his hands on the Yang family head before anyone else. In the worst case, he needed at least the corpse of an S-rank.

The war between the Hong family and the Yang family was decided in less than a day. Ridiculously, both sides were utterly defeated. The winner was the Gye family from the North, who had suddenly intervened. Those who had endured hardships silently while suppressing their anger for a long time showed a fighting spirit and tenacity that overwhelmed the Hong and Yang families in battle.

From the beginning, this fight didn’t gain the sympathy of ordinary Espers, so those who encountered the Gye family’s intimidating killing intent had no choice but to surrender easily. The Hong family’s vice head who had fled fought desperately at his last known location, but none of the East Center Espers rushed to help him.

It was the same for the Yang family. Espers remained at the West Center, but seeing the Espers at the main house completely annihilated, they lost the will to fight. When testimonies emerged from the remaining ordinary people that Yang Cheon-hyo had been receiving fake loyalty through brainwashing, they instead expressed anger towards the Yang family. They said Yang Cheon-hyo had started a war just to protect one Guide, causing so many sacrifices.

But they had to swallow their anger, disappointment, and regret towards the family they had served until now. It was already overwhelming just to accept the immediate reality. The sudden change of the land’s owner overnight. The survivors instinctively realized that their lives now depended on the Gye family. The very Gye family they had so despised and mocked.

“We can’t find any trace of Yang Cheon-hyo.”

That was the first report Won-woo heard when he found Gye Min after she had called for him. She received the report with a cold face and glanced at Won-woo. Fatigue was visible on Won-woo’s face, but her mouth first asked about someone else.

“What about Yoon?”

“He’s asleep.”

Those who arrived late at the Yang family’s main house were faced with mountains of corpses and Gye Yoon, who looked like he might go rampage at any moment. Gye Min seemed to recall seeing him and quietly cursed.

“That stupid fool.”

She found her brother who couldn’t control his power pathetic, but she herself had also rushed to the brink of going rampage, so she had nothing more to say. At that moment, the person reporting spoke up, seemingly perplexed.

“It’s difficult to track Yang Cheon-hyo because all his close associates who might know where he’s hiding have died.”

“Not everyone died, though.”

In response to the questioning looks, Won-woo mentioned someone who wasn’t visible when he arrived here.

“Ji Yoon-im. Find her.”

“Do you have any idea where she might be?”

To Gye Min’s question, Won-woo shook his head, but his words were positive.

“I know how to lure her out.”

“What is it?”

Gye Min asked. If someone else had said it, it would have been untrustworthy, but coming from Ji Yoon-im’s brother, it was more credible than anyone else’s word. So it didn’t matter if Ji Won-woo made a strange request. However, Won-woo seemed to hesitate, as if the conditions for the request were difficult.

“Tell me. I’ll grant everything.”

At those words, Won-woo threw a momentarily puzzled look.

“What if I make a difficult request?”

“I’ll do it. It probably won’t harm the North anyway.”

At Gye Min’s words, Won-woo nodded, suppressing a smile that was about to form. And he made a truly strange request as bait to call Yoon-im.

“For the time being, I’d like to put forward a surviving member of the Yang family as the person to organize and take responsibility for the Yang family.”

*

Yoon-im was confident she could hide for months or even years. Although she had served Yang Cheon-hyo blindly, she knew more than anyone about his hidden assets because of it. He had hidden emergency funds in preparation for any contingency, and Yoon-im was the only one who knew of their existence. Money that had been laundered so many times it couldn’t be traced.

So for several days in hiding, Yoon-im focused only on news about the Yang family. The news that came was truly tragic, but for her, it was only satisfying. She didn’t know she would feel such elation at the downfall of the Yang family. Although she was living like a prisoner in her lodgings, afraid of being caught if she went out, just seeing the list of casualties on the news was an excellent entertainment.

That list included most of the Yang family’s direct line, including her husband. It was disappointing that Yang Cheon-hyo hadn’t been caught, but Yoon-im wasn’t discouraged. She hoped he would survive to the end, continue to trouble the North, and increase their losses. Although she might have been brainwashed for a long time, remnants of hatred towards the North still remained like dregs, so she disliked them becoming the rulers of the world.

That’s why Gye Yoon’s unexpected performance was irritating. If no one else, Yoon-im knew the North’s military strength better than anyone. Gye Yoon, in particular, was an S-rank that Yang Cheon-hyo had always been concerned about, so she had an idea of the extent of his abilities. But he had far exceeded expectations.

It gave her chills to know that he alone had annihilated the Yang family. The bigger problem was what came next. He didn’t go rampage even after that? Wasn’t he clearly engulfed in anger and used power beyond his maximum? Yoon-im checked the article several times, clearly dissatisfied. She even suspected that the North might be hiding the loss of their top Esper.

And on the third day, her leisurely enjoyment came to an end. It was because of one article. Yoon-im’s eyes widened in shock and filled with anger when she saw it.

“What is this…”

She checked the article several times with a trembling voice and then threw the laptop hard onto the floor.

Crash! Bang!

Not satisfied with that, she pushed away the table and chair, but unable to contain her anger, she held her forehead with her hand.

“Ha, shit.”

Yoon-im’s hand trembled as she uttered a curse she rarely used in her life. It was unbelievable. It was truly a situation where one couldn’t help but curse. The screen of the laptop rolling on the floor still displayed the article Yoon-im had been looking at.

‘A waste of effort? The Head of Cha Family, who was in charge of security, is appointed as the interim representative to take responsibility for the collapsed Yang Family.’

It was nothing short of a miracle that the Head of Cha Family had survived. He and the Espers of the Cha Family had been guarding the boundaries of the Yang Family’s huge mansion for a long time, so they were separated from the main residence, which allowed them to avoid fatal injuries from Gye Yoon’s attack.

The Cha family head’s stubbornness in not leaving his position that he had to guard no matter what also played a part. But just because he had luckily survived didn’t mean he was willing to be loyal to the Gye family. However, the brutal order given by the Gye family head was the problem.

‘Find and kill every single member of the Yang family’s direct line, without exception.’

The blood purge had begun again. For several days, the Cha family head agonized over whether to flee with his daughter and grandson. But while he hesitated, the Gye family head called him and entrusted him with the collapsed Yang family. The reason was that if someone familiar gave orders to the surviving West Center Espers, there would be less resistance.

This position also couldn’t be refused. Among the survivors, there were some who had noticed about his grandson. To silence them, power was the surest way. But this position was like walking on thin ice. His daughter cried and said they should run away, but the Cha family head couldn’t abandon his remaining family.

Moreover, although it had collapsed, he wanted to rebuild the Yang family with his own hands. How arrogant that was. Just a day after being appointed as interim representative, he was summoned by the Gye family head, and at her first words, he swallowed bitter regret. He should have listened to his daughter.

“Why is Yang Cheon-hyo’s bloodline still alive? And in your family, no less.”

*

When Yoon-im contacted him, Won-woo was watching over the sleeping Gye Yoon. Although the guiding had gone well, Gye Yoon had not woken up since the day he had annihilated the Yang family. Won-woo took his hand again.

Gye Min said it was just taking time to recover because her brother had used his power to the maximum, but Won-woo didn’t understand. The energy he felt through the hand he was holding now was more solid and stable than ever. So why wouldn’t he wake up? His motionless appearance reminded him of him in the old world, which amplified his anxiety.

And suddenly, a question arose. How did he end up so injured in the previous world? He couldn’t imagine a situation where an S-rank Esper would collapse to that extent. He really didn’t know anything about him. Although they had lived together for years, he mostly just lay or sat looking out the window with a blank stare, so to Won-woo, he felt like a doll with warmth flowing through it.

Even though Gye Yoon was just sleeping now, Won-woo was afraid he might become like his past self. Because he didn’t know why he had become like that. No, it’s different. This world’s Gye Yoon will wake up and can be happy. He would make sure of it. As Won-woo was making this promise to himself, he finally let go of his hand and got up at the sound of someone calling him. Then he went to the situation room and started the call he had been waiting for.

“Yes, Ms. Ji Yoon-im.”

Won-woo addressed his call partner formally, no longer needing to approach her with familiarity. Soon, a short, mocking laugh was heard from the other end.

[Ji Won-woo. Haa, right. It must be you.]

When Won-woo remained silent, Yoon-im’s cold voice, tinged with anger, was heard.

[This is all your doing, isn’t it? You spouted advice to me. So you must have known about the Cha family head’s grandson too. And yet you put the Cha family head as interim representative? This is all, it’s all a ploy to lure me out, isn’t it?]

“That’s correct.”

Won-woo’s casual answer seemed to irritate her more, as Yoon-im fell silent. So Won-woo spoke first to save time.

“Tell me where the Yang family head is hiding. Otherwise, the Cha family head’s grandson, who was disguised as your child, will take over the Yang family.”

[Ha, Ji Won-woo. Do you think I’ll fall for such a trick?]

“Yes. You don’t want to hand it over to the one who hates the Yang family the most, do you?”

Again there was no response, but a faint, deep breath could be heard. Then a voice that sounded like it was gritting its teeth continued.

[I’ll reveal the identity of the Cha family head’s grandson first. Gye Min won’t leave them alone.]

“Go ahead and reveal it. She already knows.”

[Don’t bluff.]

“Why would I? According to you, it’s a useless strategy. And the identity of the Cha family head’s grandson isn’t a big secret. Ah, it was a big secret to you.”

Yoon-im’s lowered voice trembled slightly with anger.

[…So if I don’t give you information about the Yang family head, are you really saying you’ll spare the Cha family head’s grandson? A Yang bloodline?]

“The Gye family head thinks it wouldn’t be bad to keep one Yang bloodline alive to unite the remaining people.”

[Ha. Bullshit!]

When a curse came out of Yoon-im’s mouth, Won-woo knew he was almost there. So he could provoke Yoon-im with an even more leisurely voice.

“Why is considering practical benefits bullshit? You’ve lived until now without caring about others’ harm, seeking your own benefits.”

[Ji Won-woo, don’t think about advising me. How dare you.]

“If you don’t want to hear more of this advice, then tell me. Where is the Yang family head?”

At the firm voice, the other party asked back as if puzzled.

[Why are you looking for the Yang family head, not Yang Cheon-hyo? Ah, are you still afraid he might step up?]

There was mockery in her voice, but this time Won-woo tilted his head to the side as if puzzled. He had already been told about the short video that Gye Min had received. He had also heard Yang Cheon-hyo’s voice hidden under that video.

If it weren’t for the information that Alpha seeds could be obtained from the corpse of an S-rank Esper, they would have wasted time searching everywhere for Yang Cheon-hyo. But if Yang Cheon-hyo had one last move left, it would be those Alpha seeds. If only he had an S-rank corpse to use as fertilizer. So naturally, where he needed to go was to the Yang family head’s side.

“If he doesn’t step up even when all his bloodline is dying, the Yang family head’s condition is obvious. But that’s why the place Yang Cheon-hyo would be is even more likely to be beside the Yang family head. You’re the one who sent the video to the Gye family, right? So why don’t you know?”

While overthrowing the Yang family, they had ransacked Yoon-im’s office and found that video. Only then did everyone realize that Yoon-im had sent that video.

[What do you mean I don’t know?]

Unlike Yoon-im’s sharp voice, Won-woo’s voice became more relaxed.

“I’m disappointed. You don’t seem to know as much as you think.”

[What are you saying! Speak clearly!]

“If there’s nothing to negotiate, I’m hanging up.”

[Wait!]

Won-woo had no intention of hanging up originally, so he sat in his chair and calmly waited for the other party’s words. After a moment, Yoon-im mentioned a place.

[If you want a more precise address, first cut the throats of the entire Cha family…]

“The brown-roofed villa deep in the mountains at xx address. Is that what you’re talking about?”

[…]

“Speak properly. That place has already been revealed by Ji Geun-oh.”

A surprised breath was heard over the phone.

[…Father… has been caught by you? How?!]

“He came out on his own when we said we’d tell him what he wanted most.”

Just like you. Won-woo swallowed the last words. Surprised, Yoon-im sharply asked, unaware that she was falling for the bait just like her father.

[What was it that father wanted most? Did you tell him how to make Alpha seeds? Or… the method to become that Purifier?!]

“That’s right.”

[How do you know that?]

“Because I’m a Purifier.”

[Ha, where are you spouting nonsense…]

“Otherwise, how do you think Gye Yoon could use his power?”

This silence was long. Won-woo knew that Yoon-im was doubting him, but he also knew that she would ultimately follow her greed. Sure enough, Yoon-im presented a new condition.

[Tell me that method too. Then I’ll tell you where the Yang family head is.]

“Is it enough to just tell you the method? Let me be clear, I can’t make you a Purifier.”

[Don’t worry about that. I’ll figure it out myself. Do you think I can’t do what someone like you did?]

Won-woo lowered his gaze to the floor with an expressionless face. All Yoon-im wanted was the method. Won-woo had been able to become a Purifier because he had been on the brink of death from the Guide disease. But conditions were necessary. And Yoon-im didn’t ask for the conditions to become a Purifier. So even if he told her the method, she would only be wasting her efforts. Her future was visible to him, but Won-woo spoke indifferently.

“Alright. Let’s exchange information.”

A moment later, after obtaining the desired information and ending the call, his gaze was still directed at empty space. Then he slowly raised his head at the voice from behind.

“What are the conditions for becoming a Purifier?”