Chapter 416. Large and Small Legends (2)
The coming dawn lit up the sky. Chi-Hyun’s face was haggard as he looked up at the slowly rising sun. It had been over a month since he trespassed into Sernitas territory and got trapped. During this time, he hadn’t been able to eat or drink, and he barely slept. Of course, Chi-Hyun was a hero who had transcended the limits of a human body. Unlike ordinary humans, he didn’t need to eat, drink, or sleep.
Nevertheless, there was one reason he looked so down; he was worried about his brother. There have been many times when he wanted to immediately rush out and go to Chi-Woo’s side. Each time, Chi-Hyun suppressed the urge with superhuman patience. Since he was the one who designed this stage, he couldn’t hastily leave his position. Moreover, he wasn’t in the position to move freely.
Countless gazes bored into him from all sides at all times; monitoring his every move, the numerous eyes seemed to be saying, ‘We’ll go along with your plan for now, so stay quiet. If you act recklessly, we’ll overturn the stage first.’ Thus, Chi-Hyun had no choice but to wait and hope that those in Shalyh was doing well, and that things were going according to his design. However, since he couldn’t wait forever, he gave himself a deadline. Past that, it would be safe to say that Shalyh had fallen at their enemy’s hands. If that happened, he was going to scratch the whole plan and move out in earnest. And that deadline was today.
When Chi-Hyun looked up at the sun and made a firm decision, the long-awaited change finally came. The countless eyes that have been monitoring him without a break began to move in another direction. Then in another. He didn’t know exactly what they were looking at, but it was at least not humanity’s refuge, Shalyh. Just in case, Chi-Hyun took a few steps as a test. Before, he would have felt enormous pressure before he could take a single step, but this wasn’t the case anymore. Only a small fraction of the eyes were keeping watch on him. The rest were only looking at one place as if their interest had shifted. Only then did Chi-Hyun understand the Sernitas’ message.
‘Did the Abyss eventually choose to retreat quietly?’ It seemed as if things went even better than he had expected. If not, the Sernitas wouldn’t have let him go so easily. If the Abyss had resisted till the very end, things would have gotten complicated. Humanity, Cassiubia League, Demon Empire, and the Abyss would have come to mutual destruction, and then Chi-Hyun could guarantee a 100 percent that the Sernitas would have attacked him right now. Even if they would suffer a severe blow by fighting him, the rest of the factions would have suffered even more damage.
However, as long as humanity and the League were well and alive, and the Abyss had withdrawn relatively intact, the Sernitas would not attack recklessly. In the first place, the Sernitas were averse to tactics with high risks and high return. Rather than taking unnecessary risks, they moved in a way that would ensure benefits as safely as possible.
Of course, he would only know for sure after going back to Shalyh. Chi-Hyun rose into the air. He flew like an arrow toward the path the Sernitas had left open, where their gazes were gone.
* * *
When Chi-Woo opened his eyes, he saw a familiar looking ceiling. He blinked three or four times and soon let out a hollow laugh. It was obvious what had happened. He must have fainted again after the battle was over. He was used to it now. Still, judging by how was lying on his bed, in his room, it seemed that everything had worked out well afterward. Chi-Woo checked his body first. Except for his lack of strength, there didn’t seem to be anything off. He didn’t know why, but he felt like he had slightly changed from before; he needed to take time to slowly find out what it was. As he twisted his body while lying down, Crackkkk!, his spine let out a good crack.
“Ughhh-!”
–Oh.
When he raised his upper body with a groan, a spirit popped out in front of him—it was Philip.
–Our little legend has finally woken up?
Philip talked to him with a laugh.
Chi-Woo stretched his neck from side to side and said, “Yes…how many days has it been this time?”
–Well…about five years. By the way, Liber got destroyed.
“Stop with the bullshit.”
–Tsk. It hasn’t been that long. About 7 days?
“If it’s seven days…it really hasn’t been that long.” Although it could be considered long, he considered it rather short given how fierce the battle had been. His injury must have been very serious.
–Well, it really was no joke. You could have died if you pushed yourself a little further.
However, Philip wasn’t very worried because he believed that the unknown power would not let Chi-Woo die. Moreover, when all the priests, including Onarbles Evelyn, stabilized him, the power of his divine blood began to activate. Thanks to Chi-Woo increasing its rank after returning from the past, his condition noticeably improved day by day. It was a healing ability that would make anyone’s mouth drop if they didn’t know his circumstances.
–So, how does it feel to defeat Bael, the great demon who was once the archenemy of humankind?
When Philip asked playfully, Chi-Woo tilted his head. His thoughts, his thoughts… Actually, he wasn’t thinking or feeling much. After getting beaten up like crazy, he didn’t remember well what happened because he had fought almost in a trance. It still didn’t feel real to him.
–Come on, tell me? Little legend who has just taken his first step~
Chi-Woo stared coldly at Philip’s wide smile.
–What, why are you staring at me like that?
“No…why do you keep saying that?”
–What do you mean?
“You’ve been saying that since I woke up. Calling me little legend.”
–Ah…what’s the problem with calling the little legend little legend?
Philip also added that he wasn’t the one who gave him that nickname.
–Everyone who came to visit called you little legend.
“Yeah, so what’s up with that? It’s not legend, but little legend? What the heck is that?”
–As you know, the title of the legend is already taken. But that’s how great your performance this time was~ To the point that you’re comparable to your brother!
Philip chuckled, saying wasn’t it right in the end since Chi-Hyun was his older brother. The brothers would be the big legend and the little legend respectively. Chi-Woo found it so ridiculous that he simply snorted. Then the door suddenly burst open, and a woman with a blond ponytail rushed in—it was Ru Hiana.
“Oh, Ms. Ru Hiana.” Chi-Woo raised his hand and greeted her like usual, but Ru Hiana failed to do the same.
Half-expectantly, she had come in after hearing a voice. “Senior…” Ru Hiana’s eyes instantly reddened, and her voice broke. She sounded like she was holding back tears when she asked, “You’re awake?”
“Yes, just now. Please don’t cry.”
“Yes, yes. I won’t. I’m just so happy.” Ru Hiana wiped her eyes and took a quick step toward the bed. She asked about his physical condition and answered Chi-Woo’s question about what had happened that day. “I was honestly very surprised. When I came back to Shalyh, the city was in ruins and you were…”
“What happened to the enemy?”
“You’re curious, aren’t you? About what has happened since you left for Shalyh.”
When Chi-Woo nodded, Ru Hiana gave him a small smile. “I have a lot to tell you…but I need to say this first. Senior, do you know what the League and humanity call you these days?”
“Little legend.”
“Haha, don’t be surprised to hear this. It’s—uh?” Ru Hiana was about to speak proudly, but got so taken aback that she stopped. She blinked quickly. “Uh, how did you know? Didn’t you wake up just now?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Then…?”
Chi-Woo fell into a predicament because it felt kind of strange to say that a perverted ghost had told him and was now going, ‘It’s me! Me!’
When Chi-Woo just kept staring at him, Ru Hiana opened her mouth blankly, “Perhaps…have you been listening this whole time?”
“?”
“Is that it? Really? You were in a coma, but was your mind awake and you could hear…oh my gosh.” It seemed as if Ru Hiana was starting to form misunderstandings by herself again. While Chi-Woo wondered what he should say, Ru Hiana was at a loss of what to do. He tilted his head. Ru Hiana’s earlobes were gradually turning red like ripe apples. What had she said that she was acting like this? Did she curse him out for breaking the whole city and then sleeping his ass off?
“No, it’s, I was just…” Ru Hiana wriggled her ten fingers for a while and suddenly turned around. “I’m sorry!” Before Chi-Woo could even say anything, she ran away after saying she would call the others in. Chi-Woo stared blankly at her fading figure and looked up.
—Ha…
Philip had a playful smile on his lips like a dog with a bone.
“Do you know?”
—What?
“What had Ms. Ru Hiana said while I was asleep that she’s acting like that?”
—Are you curious?
“Yes.”
—You want to know?
“Yes.”
—Me too.
“Sigh.” Chi-Woo shook his head while Philip laughed.
* * *
After waking up, Chi-Woo tried to go outside because he wanted to see what had happened to Shalyh with his own eyes. However, he wasn’t able to do this because as soon as he left his room, his device rang like crazy. In fact, it wasn’t long before several people rushed in and forced him to sit back down on the bed. After Evelyn, Aida, and Noel Freya confirmed that he was fine one after another, Chi-Woo could finally hear the story he wanted to hear. After the sanctuary was revived, the Abyss King hid himself, and the Abyss quickly retreated in all directions. On the other hand, the Demon Empire wasn’t able to last much longer.
Humanity and the League chased after the scattering enemies with resolution made firm by their past sorrows, and this went on for three or four days. They tenaciously chased after their fleeing enemies and killed them one after another, and the Demon Empire sustained enough damage for them to be considered almost extinct. It was to the extent that Ru Amuh confidently said that 8 or 9 out of 10 would not have survived.
Although it was a pity that they couldn’t completely annihilate all of them, it couldn’t be helped, since their enemies had run away with all the strength they could muster, and humanity and the League had to consider the possibility of them getting attacked once they left the sanctuary. After spending some time listening to the stories, Chi-Woo’s stomach rumbled. He had been lying down all week. His stomach was empty, and his throat was dry.
A small banquet was held at the Seven Stars home base when the sun began to slowly set. Frankly, it was more like a gathering where they dined together than a banquet. While they resumed their previous conversation, Chi-Woo filled his stomach. Everyone laughed and chatted as they had all survived a crisis together. However, though this was the moment they had been dreaming of while their bodies and minds were exhausted by war, they didn’t feel fully happy once their dreams became reality.
Chi-Woo had heard that Alice Ho Lactea had recovered and opened her eyes. Although this was a huge relief, there was still one person left. Chi-Woo felt like he would only be able to revel in the joy of winning the war once that person returned safely.
‘Rather than staying like this, I should at least send a rescue team…’ While Chi-Woo could barely focus on the food and deeply contemplated, he felt a gaze on him. He turned around to see a silver-haired girl staring intently at him.
When Chi-Woo mouthed ‘what?’, Hawa immediately answered, “A wish.”
“A wish, why so suddenly?”
“We decided to grant each other’s wishes. You promised then.”
‘Did I?’ Chi-Woo looked confused and then he suddenly recalled a memory.
[If we both survive this war…]
[Can you fulfill one request of mine?]
After confirming their survival and conversing, Hawa had suddenly asked him to fulfill a request out of the blue. At that time, he had replied like this.
[No.]
[I’m not saying I would never grant your request, but if I must, I want you to grant mine too. That’ll be only fair.]
[Then, why don’t I receive the payment in advance, and you grant my request first? Like right now?]
[Pray.]
And as he asked, Hawa prayed earnestly. He didn’t know if that prayer worked, but they did get the result they wanted. They were able to block the Sky Castle’s attack.
“Right?” When Hawa asked for confirmation, Chi-Woo felt a bit taken aback. She was right, but he didn’t expect her to remember that.
“Uh….um…What kind of request are you planning to make?” He felt anxious because he had made Hawa do all kinds of embarrassing things for losing a bet. What if she suddenly asked him to take off his underwear in front of everyone and scream? “Just to be clear, I can only fulfill requests within the scope of common sense,” Chi-Woo hurriedly laid a safety net just in case.
“Please speak informally to me.”
Chi-Woo looked at her questioningly. She wanted him to speak informally to her rather than the other way around? Hawa said, “It’s a request you can easily accept, right?”
“That’s…” That was true, but he couldn’t help but find it sudden. Thus, he decided to ask why. “Why do you want me to do that?”
“Just because.” Hawa shrugged. “If I have to give you a reason, it’s because I feel like you unconsciously refrain from doing so?”
Chi-Woo felt called out. How did she know? He thought about when it first started. He had gotten into an elevator, and a kid followed him in. At the time, he had asked, ‘What floor? I’ll press it for you.’
Then the little boy’s answer shocked him. Word for word, the boy had said, ‘Mister, it’s the seventh floor. But why are you speaking to me informally? It’s your first time seeing me.’
After the shock, Chi-Woo had never dropped his honorifics without permission regardless of who they were. Anyways, as expected of a guide, she really had sharp senses.
“Go ahead and say it. Come on.”
Feeling troubled, Chi-Woo stared at Hawa as she kept urging him. She seemed to have an intense fixation on getting him to speak informally. Then his eyes widened. Before he knew it, his surroundings had become quiet. Everyone had stopped eating and was staring at Chi-Woo and Hawa.
“Why don’t you just do it for her if she wants it so badly?” Byeok began moving her spoon again and continued, “Aren’t you the leader of this group? Moreover, your position has been even more solidified after this war.” Byeok added that there was no organization where the leader spoke in honorifics to their subordinates and told him he should have done this way earlier. Chi-Woo looked around, silently asking for help, but no one supported him. Instead, Eval Sevaru even nodded fervently in agreement with Byeok.
“Do it. Why are you making her wait? You call yourself a man, but can’t even keep your promise?” When Chi-Woo still seemed to hesitate, Byeok repeated herself firmly, “I told you to do it for her.”
In the end, Chi-Woo reluctantly conceded under his master’s stern order. “…Okay, Hawa. I’ll talk casually to you from now on.”
Finally hearing Chi-Woo speak informally to her, Hawa broke into a rare grin. She seemed quite satisfied with the way Chi-Woo looked away in embarrassment.
Byeok snorted. “Seriously, geez. What’s so hard about speaking informally.”
Chi-Woo replied, “I get it, so be quiet now, Byeok.”
Byeok was going to eat another spoonful when Chi-Woo’s informal speech made her stop. “What?” She was ready to look up and say something, but then everyone suddenly stood up and rushed toward Chi-Woo like a swarm of bees.
“Teacher, actually I’ve been wanting—”
“Senior! Me too! Me tooooo!”
Ru Amuh and Ru Hiana stood at the forefront and begged and urged Chi-Woo to speak informally to them as well.
“No, wait. What’s up with everyone?”
“Wait a minute. This isn’t right. Why is everyone trying to easily reap the rights I’ve earned for myself fair and square—”
While Chi-Woo asked in bewilderment, Hawa jumped from her seat and protested, but it was of no use.
The dining table became noisy as they all quarreled with each other. In the midst of the chaos, Byeok made a threat to Chi-Woo that no one could laugh at, ‘If you want to call your master Ran-Eum, then I’ll start calling you oppa in the future.’
In the end, it was concluded that as the leader of the Seven Stars, Chi-Woo would drop his honorifics and speak informally to everyone from now on.
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