Chapter 56. Skill Acquisition (3)
"Why are the other Constellations so quiet?"
"Right? I came because an emergency video popped up on Constellation Tube."
"How many Constellations are watching right now?"
"It's not an Event or Quest, so there isn't even a notification showing who's observing."
"Still, there have to be a lot."
"Yeah. They're probably just watching carefully for now."
"The battle hasn't even started yet."
In one corner of the Spirit Realm stood the throne belonging to the pair of B-rank Constellations known as the "Golden and Silver Children."
Its owners, the brothers Geumgak and Eungak, were using the chat function of their Galactica S observation device to talk with other Constellations.
"So what's actually happening right now?"
"According to the video uploaded earlier, while Jegal Geum was missing, a coup happened inside the Hwaseong Sect."
"Han Sewon, who was second-in-command, has taken control."
"Meanwhile, Jegal Geum was injured and then rescued by Kang Yujin's group."
"In the end, they came to an understanding and decided to act together."
"And now the execution squad Han Sewon sent to eliminate Jegal Geum is approaching."
"At the same time, a Contractor named Lee Sion, who left the Hwaseong Sect, is also approaching to join Jegal Geum."
"Then basically Kang Yujin's group is going to cooperate with Jegal Geum and Lee Sion..."
"And fight Han Sewon, who's taken over the Hwaseong Sect?"
"That's about right."
After Kang Yujin's group escaped the train with Jegal Geum, the local observation signal suddenly became blocked.
Even after the signal returned, nobody knew where Kang Yujin's group had gone.
It was only several hours later that they were finally discovered hiding in a densely forested mountain.
And once an emergency teaser video was uploaded to Constellation Tube...
The Constellations finally understood the situation.
"Hyung."
Eungak sounded excited.
"What happens if things continue like this?"
"What do you mean, what happens?"
Geumgak answered immediately.
"Imagine Kang Yujin helps Jegal Geum suppress Han Sewon's rebellion."
"Then what?"
"Kang Yujin becomes Jegal Geum's benefactor."
Geumgak grinned.
"And if that happens, how do you think Jegal Geum will treat Kang Yujin afterward?"
Jegal Geum was one of the Eight Guardians who ruled the Capital Region.
If someone like that began backing Kang Yujin...
"Kang Yujin could become a new rising star officially recognized by one of the Eight Guardians!"
Shi Jin watched the situation on Earth while biting his lip.
Normally, Shi Jin had little interest in Constellation Tube.
But another Constellation had informed him of the current public reaction.
Apparently...
The Constellations watching the scene were hoping Kang Yujin's group and Jegal Geum would defeat Han Sewon together.
If that happened...
Shi Jin's entire plan would collapse.
Did I act too hastily?
Regret briefly surfaced.
He immediately crushed it.
Then I'll just crush Kang Yujin's group here.
If Kang Yujin's group had drawn that much expectation from other Constellations...
Then defeating them would greatly increase the Hwaseong Sect's reputation.
Han Sewon would also want to purge Jegal Geum completely.
All Shi Jin had to do was thoroughly crush the opposing side.
And...
For some reason, Jegal Geum and Kang Yujin are wasting time in the rear.
Kang Yujin's companions had already begun moving to stop the execution squad.
But Kang Yujin and Jegal Geum were still lingering near the place where they had first hidden.
Perhaps they were still suffering from aftereffects of their injuries.
They should be concentrating all their forces and breaking through in one point...
Shi Jin manipulated the observation screen.
He changed the viewpoint until the entire forest came into view.
Then he located the execution squad.
The execution squad is led by An Cheollyang, one of the best fighters in the Hwaseong Sect.
An Cheollyang ranked third in the organization.
He was also one of Shi Jin's Contractors.
Shi Jin watched closely, expecting him to perform well.
"You bastard!"
Lee Jukheon swung his sword.
His opponent blocked the strike with a guard strapped to his forearm.
Lee Jukheon hadn't expected the attack to be stopped so perfectly.
Cold sweat ran down his back.
These guys...
They're better trained than the White Banner Order.
So this is the strength of the Hwaseong Sect that dominates the Capital Region?
The execution squad was far stronger than expected.
Perhaps they had only sent elite members.
Even so...
Their average level was clearly high.
But...!
Lee Jukheon gritted his teeth and stepped forward.
He barely avoided his opponent's counterattack and swung his sword again.
Blood burst from the enemy's shoulder.
Lee Jukheon shouted as he followed through.
I'm much stronger than I used to be too!
After bringing down his opponent with a bold attack...
Lee Jukheon searched for his next target.
A short distance away...
Seok Taejun fought from atop the Chimera with his spear.
Joo Minha supported him from behind with magic.
At this rate, maybe we can defeat them with just the three of us.
They would use a lot of stamina.
But that would also let Kang Yujin preserve his own strength.
Kang Yujin had to break through Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and defeat Han Sewon.
It might be better if he didn't waste energy here.
And...
Another heavy boom echoed from the distance.
According to Jegal Geum...
A Hwaseong Sect Contractor who opposed Han Sewon was approaching.
Once that Contractor joined them...
They should be able to break through this place.
"Not bad, swordsman."
"...?!"
Lee Jukheon spun around.
He had sensed absolutely nothing.
A muscular man was standing directly behind him.
"Urgh!"
A heavy fist slammed into Lee Jukheon's chest.
His body flew backward.
Blood sprayed from his mouth.
What the hell is this guy?!
He hadn't noticed the man's approach.
He hadn't noticed the attack either.
The Contractor wasn't only fast.
He was also extremely skilled at hiding his presence.
"Damn it..."
Lee Jukheon wiped the blood from his lips and forced himself upright.
The man smiled.
"I'm An Cheollyang."
"Third-ranked member of the Hwaseong Sect."
"I'm commanding this execution squad."
He looked down at Lee Jukheon.
"We're searching for Jegal Geum, who betrayed our organization."
"Hand him over quietly and I'll spare your life."
"Go screw yourself..."
Lee Jukheon frowned.
"Jegal Geum betrayed your organization?"
"Shouldn't you at least ask the man himself before deciding he's a traitor?"
"The Hwaseong Sect already conducted sufficient internal review."
"The conclusion has been reached."
"Give me a break."
Lee Jukheon spat.
"You people just want to throw the old man out and seize power yourselves."
"Disloyal bastards."
"That's not entirely wrong."
An Cheollyang calmly nodded.
"..."
"The Hwaseong Sect has been suffering for years because of Jegal Geum's outdated management style."
"Outdated management?"
"Yes."
