DEB 69

“Yasha.”

When a group makes a decision, they often look to the highest authority within that group. 

Huiyun, feeling the weight of everyone’s gaze, squeezed his eyes shut.

Just go ahead and advertise that I’m Yasha, why don’t you?

The demon realm was already looking for traces of Yasha, or more precisely, for those with powers similar to Yasha’s. 

The high-ranking demon in front of them, who seemed knowledgeable, was no exception. 

If anything, he probably knew more about individuals with such powers.

Huiyun sighed, realizing the demon likely already knew they were related to Yasha. 

He hesitated, then stepped out from behind Juan to face Cherban. 

As their eyes met, the demon’s crescent-moon-shaped eyes twinkled in a smile.

“…”

A shiver ran down Huiyun’s spine as if a bug with hundreds of legs was crawling up his back. 

That smile definitely didn’t carry friendly intentions.

Trusting his instincts, Huiyun took a deep breath.

“…What will you do if we refuse the deal?” 

His slow question made Cherban’s eyes widen exaggeratedly.

“Oh, I wouldn’t recommend such a choice.”

“Answer the question first.”

“Hmm. If you refuse the non-aggression pact, I won’t have any reason to show you courtesy. Continued invasions by outsiders increase the anxiety of the residents here… As a nobility, it’s my duty to protect them, so I would do my utmost to eliminate you.”

With a smile devoid of malice, Cherban gestured toward Zenith. 

In an instant, Zenith’s body was pulled toward Cherban, and her white neck was caught in his black-gloved hand.

“Gah!”

Zenith grimaced, her feet kicking as she tried to struggle. 

Clenching his teeth, Cherban tightened his grip on her neck, showcasing his strength with a sneer.

“If that happens, I’ll start by destroying this person you seem to care about, then forcibly open a passage to your world and massacre the resident there to reduce the threat. It would be regrettable if you made such a choice, as it would mean unnecessary effort for me.”

Despite the sinister threat, the demon’s face remained hidden behind a gentle smile, masterfully concealing his true feelings.

Though Huiyun couldn’t read Cherban’s thoughts, it was clear that refusing the deal would be dangerous. 

He focused on Zenith, who continued to choke and struggle in Cherban’s grasp.

“Damn it, Zenith!”

“Vita. Stay calm.”

Nameless held Vita back as he cursed and tried to rush forward.

“Let go! That bastard… Hey, what are you? How can you be a baron with that power? You’re more like a resurrected lo-”

Vita, who had been raging, was silenced by Nameless’s skeletal hand. 

Despite the commotion, the demon’s gaze remained fixed solely on Huiyun. 

The lack of reaction to the mention of “lord” provided little information.

Huiyun sighed, frustrated by the unyielding demon’s inscrutable expression, and put his hand on his forehead.

“Argh…!”

“…First, let Zenith go.”

“Oh, her name is Zenith, I see. I was merely providing an example, but if this deal has a chance of succeeding, I’ll treat her with more respect.”

Cherban immediately released Zenith. 

During all this, his expression didn’t change, still smiling serenely.

Huiyun looked at his tense companions and sighed again.

The demon in front of them was strong. 

Whether he was lying about his title or the demons had grown stronger since the Great Heavenly Demon War, Cherban had far more power than the barons Huiyun remembered from that time.

Even standing in front of him, Huiyun could feel Cherban’s overwhelming presence. 

Zenith, who was a former disciple of Yasha, was easily overpowered, confirming the demon’s considerable strength.

The problem was not knowing the full extent of Cherban’s power. 

He seemed light-hearted but exuded a sinister energy. 

If he was as powerful as a duke, a single clash could cause significant damage.

Unfortunately, Huiyun couldn’t fully harness Yasha’s power yet, and his disciples weren’t as strong as they had been. 

Fighting an unknown enemy posed too great a risk.

There was no choice but to accept this suspicious and uneasy deal.

But before that…

“What will happen after the 30 days?”

Huiyun needed to understand what might happen when the truce ended. 

Cherban, still smiling, shrugged.

“Well, isn’t that a question for you? You’re the intruders in our world.”

“Should I take that as a refusal to answer?”

Huiyun responded to the question with another question. Cherban’s eyes curved in a smile, remaining silent.

At least one thing was clear.

Once the 30 days were over, the situation would not be favorable for the humans.

“Why specifically 30 days?”

“You’re being too obvious about trying to extract information. I just want an answer to my proposal.”

“……”

“I won’t answer any more questions. I’ve been quite accommodating so far. Now, it’s your turn to respond to my offer. Do you agree to a 30-day mutual non-aggression pact?”

Huiyun’s attempt to gather information was shut down. 

Relieved that the demon didn’t seem aggressive, Huiyun nudged Jiwook. 

If he answered here, it would confirm that he was the leader.

Jiwook, catching the signal, reluctantly addressed Cherban.

“…Let’s set a clear period. From today, until the sun rises and sets 30 times.”

“Sounds good. I’ll stick to that period.”

“Hand over Zenith now.”

“Oh, right, I should return her.”

With a snap of Cherban’s fingers, Zenith floated through the air into Jiwook’s arms. 

Vita pushed Jiwook aside to embrace his twin.

“Zenith! Are you okay? Did that bastard hurt you?”

“Besides detaining her, nothing else was done. Rest assured. Now, please leave. I won’t open a passage for you, so find your own way out.”

The courteous demon bowed as they left. 

Huiyun, not wanting to expose Siho’s portal-opening ability, gestured to return the way they came.

“…This feels awful.”

Jiwook grumbled about the forced pact.

“A verbal agreement is easily broken.”

Understanding Jiwook’s concern, Cherban waved dismissively.

“If you’re worried, I’ll promise on my name. Please take this pact seriously.”

Pledging on his name.

For beings of a certain stature, breaking an oath sworn on their name would mean losing all their honor. 

It was the best assurance they could get in this suspicious situation, so Jiwook clicked his tongue.

“…If you say so. As long as you’re not lying about your name.”

“Both my title and name are true, so don’t worry.”

“On what basis should we trust you?”

“That’s within the realm of trust. Let’s consider the fact that I’m letting you go peacefully as a sign of good faith.”

Cherban’s wink and confident words made him seem slippery and untrustworthy. 

Knowing it was pointless to argue, Huiyun pulled at the collars of Jiwook, Juan, and Nameless, urging them to leave.

Before completely turning away, Juan seemed to remember something and addressed Cherban.

“Just so you know, opening a passage and taking people is also a violation of the pact. We’ll come back for anyone who’s taken.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. If any unavoidable errors occur, I’ll ensure their safe return.”

Having secured the final assurance, Huiyun and his disciples exchanged glances before reluctantly stepping away.

At that moment, Huiyun felt a chilling killing intent from behind. 

Turning quickly, he saw Cherban, who had been smiling moments ago, now with a cold, emotionless face, charging at them.

A red aura emanated from his fingertips, targeting Huiyun’s neck.

Clang!

Before it could reach Huiyun, Jiwook and Juan blocked Cherban’s attack.

“How dare you…!”

Enraged by the sudden betrayal, Jiwook clenched his jaw and lunged forward. 

Huiyun, seeing Cherban’s smirk, urgently shouted.

“Kwon Jiwook, stop!”

Knowing that attacking would be a mistake, Huiyun called out, but the furious Jiwook didn’t seem to hear. 

Jiwook’s hand reached for Cherban’s neck in a split second. 

Realizing there was no other choice, Huiyun lowered his head and shouted.

“Vina, kneel!”

At his command, Jiwook, who had been charging, abruptly fell to his knees and bowed his head.

“…”

The cold silence that followed was Huiyun’s to endure.