DEB 78

[The disciples registered in the ‘Disciple Education Book for Reincarnator’ gain a 10% increase in respect and affection.]

After the ninth prostration ended, a blue system window briefly summarized the disciples’ mental changes. 

Huiyun informed the disciples who had finished bowing and stood up about a few facts.

“First, I want you to know that I wasn’t reincarnated with all my memories. The past life I fully remember is up until the time I took Vita and Zenith as disciples, and my memories after that are still hazy. It will take some more time to regain all my memories.”

“Well, that’s no big deal. As long as Yasha remembers Zenith and me, that’s enough for me.”

“I don’t really want to agree with Vita, but I feel the same. Yasha remembers me, right?”

Ash added with a bright smile as he put his arm around Huiyun’s shoulder and clung to him. 

When he rubbed his head against Huiyun’s shoulder like a dog, making his neck ticklish, Huiyun slightly shrugged his shoulder, causing Ash to laugh. 

Ash’s bright skin looked oddly flushed, and it seemed like the ‘holding back from jumping for joy’ message might appear in the Disciple Book.

Only his body grew it seemed.

As Huiyun habitually tried to ruffle his hair, Jiwook quickly grabbed Ash by the nape and pulled him back.

“Stop clinging, will you?”

“Why? Are you jealous because you can’t do it? This is something you should yield to your senior. You know how much I carried you… Ah! Yasha! Yasha!”

The man, who had been teasing Jiwook with a displeased look on his face, screamed. 

Huiyun looked at Ash, who got bitten, with a sense of pity. 

It was reminiscent of the old days when Ash used to tease Vina and Moot and got bitten.

He couldn’t help but think Ash looked a bit foolish for still doing that even after all these years. 

Not only Ash but also Vina, who still couldn’t control his temper despite his age.

“Oh, they’re fighting again. Yasha, can’t we just take Zenith and me as disciples and get rid of the rest?”

“Tch! You must follow the order. If we go by that, the first to be removed would be Zenith and you.”

A new round of tension began between Vita and Nameless. 

Huiyun felt dazed by the chaotic situation that erupted after a moment of inattention. 

His gaze fell on the relatively calm Zenith. 

Zenith smiled gently at Huiyun.

“Yasha, it’s time for some tea.”

Her serene voice seemed completely detached from the chaotic surroundings. 

Huiyun let out a low chuckle in response.

It seemed like nothing had changed even after ten thousand years.

Though their bodies had changed, their behavior was still the same, which made Huiyun laugh. 

The disciples, reacting to his laughter, turned their heads, their eyes slightly narrowing.

Seeing their faces without the shadows that had been clouding them felt nice.

Especially Ash.

Huiyun glanced at Juan, who was now fighting with Jiwook again. 

His face looked brighter and clearer, like someone who had shaken off a long trial.

After all, he was the one who directly confronted Huiyun about Yasha and sorted out their relationship. 

The conversation had relieved his anxiety, so it wasn’t surprising that his face lit up.

Seeing this, I might look like an easy person.

Though they had once resolved to part ways, they now tried to reconnect after he regained some memories.

It made him feel somewhat fickle and easy. 

Although it was a bit embarrassing, Huiyun endured the awkwardness, thinking it was a better choice than ignoring and covering everything up.

From here, the important part begins.

“And until I make up my mind, don’t call me by my old name.”

“…Again?”

“Do we still have to do this?” 

“Didn’t we agree on this?”

“Then what do we call you if not Yasha?”

He had anticipated it, but the reaction was more intense than expected. 

Only Zenith, with a slightly subdued expression, was deep in thought.

Come to think of it.

Huiyun suddenly remembered her description in the Disciple Book.

Pained by understanding the master’s story.

That was the phrase that appeared next to Zenith. 

What was the story she guessed?

Ten thousand years is a long time.

Even comparable to the time Yasha, the primordial being, had lived. 

Given that much time had passed, it wouldn’t be strange if some disciples had figured out the reason for his death.

But they wouldn’t know the specifics.

That’s why they would look so curious.

That story is for later. Let’s talk about it later.

Huiyun decided to share it after finding Verita. 

He relaxed his expression and faced the disciples.

“What’s there to ponder about what to call me? I have the name Huiyun.”

“I can’t get attached to that name.” 

“Yasha is more comfortable to call.”

“Why do you insist on that name?”

“It’s not about insistence; it’s the name I was born with in this life. And I have to change the way I speak too. If I keep using the old way, someone will find it odd.”

Huiyun reluctantly let go of the old way of speaking, which he had unconsciously adopted since acknowledging himself as Yasha, their master.

He was currently Mok Huiyun, an unawakened. 

If he kept speaking casually to S-class hunters, he would inevitably draw suspicious looks. 

Being in the public eye meant exposure to risks, so until the right time, he had to properly hide and strengthen his power, starting with changing his speech habits.

“So, you shouldn’t call me master unless we’re alone. …No, don’t call me that at all.”

However, since he had lived more as Yasha than as Huiyun, the old way of speaking slipped out from time to time. 

It would take a long time to fix it. 

Maybe he wouldn’t be able to fix it at all, so he couldn’t help but give a bitter smile.

It was then.

“Is hiding Yasha’s name related to Yasha’s death?”

A sudden, piercing question came from Zenith, who had been quiet.

The disciples, who had been grumbling about why they couldn’t call him master despite their oaths of loyalty, fell silent immediately.

“…Zenith.”

Vita squinted as if questioning Zenith’s intent. 

Zenith stared at Huiyun with an unwavering gaze, refusing to say anything further until she got an answer. 

Seeing her firm stance, Huiyun decided to give a light affirmation.

It was something he would have to talk about eventually, so giving a hint now wasn’t a big issue.

“Yes. It’s troublesome if my name is known right now. That’s why I tried to ignore and forget all of you.”

“Yasha.”

“Until we have enough power. Until the situation is stable, I want you to keep everything a secret. We’ll talk about the details after finding Verita. And Moot.”

Changing the topic immediately after his statement was a clear indication that he wouldn’t accept any more questions on the matter. 

The disciples, who had been with him for a long time, understood this instantly, pouting their lips but reluctantly giving up. 

As they exchanged glances, Nameless, who had been tapping his elbow, stepped forward.

“Speak, Yasha.”

“Do we still have no contact with Verita… no, can’t we contact Verita?”

“Ah. Right, Verita.”

Moot, as if recalling something he had forgotten, pulled out a doll to try contacting Verita again.

“… There’s still no signal.”

Upon receiving the result shortly, Huiyun nodded and looked at Zenith.

“Then, Zenith.”

“Yes, Yasha.”

“Can you tell me what happened in the demon realm?”

It was something he should have asked immediately, but it got delayed due to Jiwook’s interference. 

Feeling a bit apologetic, Huiyun gave Zenith a look, who shook her head, indicating it was okay.

“Now that I think of it, I forgot to tell you. I’ll explain after treating Vita.”

The treatment of Vita, which had also been delayed, proceeded without further delay. 

Light blossomed, healing Vita’s chest and disappearing. 

As the wound vanished without a trace, Vita inspected his body and sighed in relief.

“This is way better than that quack. Doesn’t even hurt.”

“Vita. If you ever need a hemostatic, just let me know. I’ll make some for you.”

“No need, you creep.”

Vita barked in disgust. Huiyun’s lips curled slightly.

Just as Ash often fought with Vina, Moot frequently clashed with Vita. 

Considering that Ash and Vita had similar personalities and that Vina and Moot often hung out together, it was a sight that made one think of birds of a feather flocking together.

“Vita, Moot.”

However, hearing Zenith’s story took precedence over watching their fight. 

Huiyun called their names with a smile, and the habitually exerted dominance power tightly bound them. 

Although he hasn’t awakened, he could still mediate between the S-classes. 

As soon as they clicked their tongues and quieted down, Zenith began to speak.

“…I’ve found out quite a bit, but let me start with the important part. Yasha, the Lord of Pride has awakened.”

Immediately, a chilling aura filled the underground training room.