Chapter 177: Career Path (2)

This entire performance had been planned and orchestrated by her.

The reason the instructors at the Hall of the Demonic Way and even Hall Master Yeom Ga-hwi had readily accepted the plan was pretty straightforward.

"Hyah!"

It served as proof that the disciples had overcome the trauma of that day.

Living up to the expectations of the instructors and Hall Master Yeom Ga-hwi, the disciples faced those memories with unwavering eyes, even when the fanatics chanted the name of their god as they charged.

Clang!

"Hyah!"

They displayed martial arts far more advanced than before, decisively cutting down the fanatics.

Dokgo Pae, whom Il-mok had once criticized as an idiot, had spent the past few months obsessing over his training. Now he was at the forefront, bravely defeating the cultists with his Dokgo Nine Swords that was several levels more refined than before.

"Hahaha! I am Dokgo Pae, eldest grandson of the Dokgo Family!"

Every time he swung his massive sword with tremendous force, those playing the cultist roles had to frantically dodge or roll around on the ground.

It was only natural.

'Damn it. I thought this was supposed to be acting.'

'Why aren't you following the choreography, Senior Dokgo?!'

Dokgo Pae was getting so worked up that he started swinging his sword like it was a real fight.

But it wasn't just Dokgo Pae who stood out. The whole battle was playing out very differently from that day.

The disciple who'd been injured in the thigh and rescued by Xiao Hong was now fighting valiantly. Same with the disciple who'd barely survived thanks to a Black Tiger Corps member's protection.

Instead of succumbing to Qi Deviation, Jeong Hyeon had been supporting allies with arrows using her Ghostly Spirit Divine Bow from the start of the battle.

And Gwak Sul was calmly giving out orders.

Ju Seo-yeon, who'd been badly injured protecting Il-mok that day, was now bravely fighting off cultists instead of playing bodyguard.

It was completely different from what actually happened, but nobody cared about that.

This play was meant to celebrate everyone breaking free from the nightmare. To commemorate their true victory in that war.

"Hahaha! How pathetic! You heathen leader!"

The one spouting the most unrealistic dialogue was, obviously, Bang Mi-hwa, playing the role of Il-mok.

For her, none of the higher-ups' interpretations mattered.

Sure, the higher-ups may have understood this as some kind of religious or progressive event, but...

'As the second President of the Theater Club, I have zero intention of following the legacy left by the first!’

The truth was, she'd organized this performance for purely personal reasons.

Last year's play had been Baek Cheon's creation, so repeating that would've made him the star instead of her.

Following the choreographed sequence, she clashed weapons with Chu Il-hwan, who played the enemy’s leader.

Like a proper protagonist, her sword sliced across Chu Il-hwan's throat.

"Urgh..."

The moment the leader groaned and collapsed, she boldly declared.

"Hahaha! How dare these heathens covet the Divine Cult's territory! I, Il-mok, the Eighth Disciple of the Supreme One, will exterminate all of you!!"

That must've been the final line since the fanatics suddenly were sprawled on the ground,

The only ones left standing were Il-mok's classmates.

Unlike when they'd barely survived that actual battle, they all wore confident expressions.

All except one person.

Il-mok himself—the real protagonist who'd been relegated to audience member—was blushing furiously.

'Please, just dig a grave for me.'

The Qi Deviation he'd barely escaped felt like it was creeping back.

***

After the flashy graduation ceremony ended, Il-mok left the Hall of the Demonic Way with his classmates and headed for the main headquarters.

"Where are you planning to go?"

"Wouldn't the combat unit be the best choice?”

"Hmm. I'm thinking the same thing. How about we try to get into the same unit?"

Having graduated from the Hall of the Demonic Way, they could now proudly call themselves the rising generation of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. They chatted about their future paths as they walked.

Ju Seo-yeon, who'd lived solely with the dream of joining the Hidden Guard Pavilion to become Il-mok's personal attendant, was excited about finally becoming someone's junior.

Jeong Hyeon, who'd also resolved to become Il-mok's personal guard like Ju Seo-yeon followed behind him with a somewhat flushed expression. Others couldn’t see it as she had her head lowered in shyness.

Though Il-mok wasn't joining the group conversation, he seemed to be in a pretty good mood.

'Finally. Finally, I'm free!'

He hadn't been this happy even when he'd passed the civil service exam and ended his test-prep life.

The day of his life in this mental asylum for prospective mental patients had finally over. He could honestly say it had been tougher than studying for government exams.

Of course, his classmates who'd successfully graduated from the mental asylum were no longer prospective mental patients. They'd magnificently become full-blown mental patients, but that didn't matter to Il-mok.

'No more getting tangled up with them!'

Neither with these peers, nor with the lunatics swarming the main headquarters. He would never have to see them again as long as things went according to his plan.

That's when Dokgo Pae stepped boldly in front of Il-mok.

"Young Master Il-mok. I'm planning to seek out the Black Tiger Corps today. Since two Black Tiger Corps seniors died protecting us six months ago, I'll fill their positions, build my strength, and someday become the head of my Dokgo Family."

Il-mok was puzzled.

He couldn't figure out why the guy was telling him what sounded like a personal resolution.

But today was a good day, so Il-mok was happy to humor the nonsense.

“I wish you the best of luck.”

He tried to leave after offering encouragement, but as expected of Dokgo Pae, he blocked his path again.

"And someday I'll compete with you for the position of Cult Leader! So, as a worthy rival and competitor, can you tell me? Young Master Il-mok, what do you plan to do for our Divine Cult from now on?"

So he'd blocked the way because he was curious about Il-mok's career path.

"Hmm. If what you plan to do would truly benefit the Divine Cult, I'll join you instead of joining the Black Tiger Corps."

The moment his question ended, all the other disciples' gazes focused on Il-mok.

They couldn't help but be curious.

Il-mok had already told the Black Tiger Corps Leader and White Sparrow Corps Leader that after graduating from the Hall of the Demonic Way, he'd be carrying out a solemn mission from the Heavenly Demon.

For the young rising generation, it was a story that could not fail to stir their curiosity. They just hadn't dared ask directly.

And Il-mok, now the center of everyone's attention, answered, "I'll only know the specifics after discussing it with Master."

Even though no such mission from his Master existed, his expression was remarkably confident.

"Hmm. Then, after you have spoken with the Supreme One, please let me know discreetly. I'll wait a few days without joining the Black Tiger Corps until you call for me."

At Dokgo Pae's offer of kindness, Il-mok nodded.

"I'll do that."

Naturally, he had absolutely no intention of contacting him.

***

After passing through the forest path and reaching the main headquarters entrance, the rising generation who'd graduated from the Hall of the Demonic Way scattered in different directions.

"How far are you planning to follow me?"

At Il-mok's question, Ju Seo-yeon and Jeong Hyeon, who'd been happily following him, hesitated.

"Well, since I'm your attendant now, shouldn't I follow you?"

At Ju Seo-yeon's innocent answer, Il-mok let out a small sigh.

“Wouldn't the proper procedure be to first apply for admission to the Hidden Guard Pavilion, and then come find me after you passed their test?"

"Ah..."

"......"

Seeing the two women with foolish expressions on their faces, Il-mok let out another faint sigh.

'Did Jeong Hyeon get infected by that airhead too...?'

Her sudden oath to become his guard and various other things felt ominous.

He even wondered if she had been brainwashed by Ju Seo-yeon.

"Even if Master gives me a command, I'll stay at Windrock Palace for a while, so both of you should go to the Hidden Guard Pavilion first.”

"You absolutely cannot abandon me, Young Master!"

"I-I understand."

After bowing, they headed toward the Hidden Guard Pavilion.

After shaking off those two tails, Il-mok headed straight for the Heavenly Demon Palace.

At the end of the graduation ceremony, there had been a telepathic message that snapped Il-mok out of his near-Qi Deviation.

—Come find this old man first when you return to the headquarters.

It was a telepathic message from the Heavenly Demon.

His other self, which had been on the verge of throwing a tantrum, had retreated deep into his subconscious at that single transmission.

Upon reaching the Heavenly Demon Palace, Il-mok immediately prostrated himself before his master.

"I greet the Lord of Ten Thousand Demons!"

“Hahaha. Rise.”

In the eyes of the gently laughing Heavenly Demon, an unconcealed emotion was contained.

It was pride.

“Hahaha. I knew your talent was outstanding, but even this old man never predicted that you would start transcending Extremity so soon after completing your training at the Hall of the Demonic Way.”

It was unprecedented growth speed in the history of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Even compared to himself, the current Heavenly Demon.

At the Heavenly Demon's lavish praise, Il-mok bowed his head modestly.

"It's all thanks to your teachings, Master."

"Hahahaha. You are painting gold on this old man's face."

Seeing the Heavenly Demon so genuinely delighted, the Pavilion Master of the Hidden Guard Pavilion also felt a sense of novelty.

He had been at the Heavenly Demon’s side as the Pavilion Master for over ten years, yet this was the first time he had ever seen him look so delighted.

"I heard the story."

"...?"

As Il-mok made a bewildered face at the out-of-the-blue remark, the Heavenly Demon elaborated.

"You told the Black Tiger Corps Leader and the White Sparrow Corps Leader that this old man had given you separate instructions?"

Il-mok almost flinched involuntarily.

'Why are these guys so loose-lipped despite how they look?'

He never thought they'd go tattling to Master about that.

“I-I apologize, Master.”

He had dared to use the Heavenly Demon's name for his own ends; he had no idea what kind of horrific punishment might befall him.

Il-mok trembled with fear, but the Heavenly Demon still wore a pleased expression.

"Hehehe. Don't worry. This old man understands your intentions perfectly."

"???"

"Instead of joining the combat unit, you made that excuse because you have something you absolutely want to do, right?"

Apparently, the Heavenly Demon had some serious rose-colored glasses on.

“So now, speak. This old man is also quite curious. What task do you wish to do for the good of the Divine Cult, so much so that you would go as far as invoking this old man's name?”

"......"

Il-mok gulped nervously.

'This could be dangerous if I package it wrong.'

Il-mok's goal had always been the same.

Escape to the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult’s branch in the Central Plains.

As a regional branch, he'd be free from the Heavenly Demon and his senior brothers' interference, and there wouldn't be anyone with a higher rank than him.

If he could just get there, he could end this slave-like existence and enjoy freedom.

Of course, Il-mok was already in the process of transcending Extremity. There was no longer a reason to avoid training or turn away from enlightenment using his mental illness as an excuse.

From now on, the higher his realm, the more his mental condition would improve.

But even from that perspective, Il-mok concluded that a Central Plains branch would be better than headquarters.

'If I stay here, I might get summoned by Master or my senior brother every day to play as their Wikipedia.'

He planned to enjoy peaceful training and relaxation at some quiet Central Plains branch.

The problem was that if he honestly revealed his true intentions, who knew what terrible punishment he'd face for using the Heavenly Demon's name for personal reasons.

Realizing his life depended on his silver tongue, Il-mok's mind began spinning furiously.

Fortunately, he'd been thinking up justifications ever since deciding to go to the Central Plains.