제 692 화

E177. Yonah, Yonah, Yonah…….(1)

1803, May 6th, an anonymous message claiming to have discovered traces

of Yonah have arrived.

Fortunately, Yonah had not strayed beyond the borders of Akihn and was
still some distance away from villages or cities.

Upon receiving the message, Jin immediately boarded the Red Owl,
accompanied by Hedo, Bale, and Bianka Kaligo (who questioned why Bale
wasn't brought back sooner).

"Jin... Runkandel... Why are we..."

Bianka's slow voice revealed her surprise. Ranke, though not shouting due
to fear of Jin, had a thoroughly disgruntled expression.

"Unfortunately, your Duke has made a deal with me. In exchange for
allowing Orgal to meet Bale, she promised absolute protection for Sandra
and Sir Hedo."

"Protection. But... You didn't say it would be absolute..."

"If you're unwilling, you can turn back now. However, our deal will be
nullified."
"Ah... Ugh."

Frustrated, Bianka clutched her head, and eventually, Ranke stood up

abruptly, glaring at Jin.

"Really! Hedo, you've gone too far. Are we your slaves? If you want
protection, at least behave properly, or take responsibility for unnecessary
risks!"

"Ranke Halloviche (란케 할로비체), you seem less beaten up than last time. It's
courageous of you to speak up like this."

"Profit! Even though I lost to you once, I am the first of the great Four
Dukes of the Demon Realm. I am the ruler of the northern territories and
their inhabitants, the master of Mount Trina and Mount Carión! I won't
abandon my pride even in the face of overwhelming power!"

"Is that so?"

"Ra.., Ranke."

"This is clearly an excessive and unreasonable demand. Bianka Kaligo,

don't stutter like an idiot. This is a matter of honor for our Four Dukes!"

"Honor..."
"Fine, honor it is. Well said. If helping me according to our deal is so
distasteful, how about this? Ranke, if it weren't for me in the Caldran
Snowfield, you would have met your end. Who rescued you when you were
lying there, exhausted?"

"It was you!"

"If you know, then cooperate quietly. It's an honorable thing, helping a
benefactor."

"The benefactor can freeze to death, for all I care. The reason we went to
the Caldran Snowfield was because of you!"

"That was a necessary action for the great cause of the final battle with
Rosa. It wasn't just my personal affair; it was right for all the temporary
allies to step in. It's the same now. Yonah-nunim is revered as a deity
among the assassins. Wouldn't she be of great help in the decisive battle
against Rosa?"

"Don't nod as if you're convinced, Bianka. Fine, Jin Runkandel. If this is the
work of a temporary alliance, why isn't Zipple here? Did you leave out that
muscle-bound brute because he's too much of a burden to call? Even for a
cause?"
"Zipple is providing the location. If you dislike it so much, you can leave.
Go back and explain the situation to your leader; they'll probably praise you
for it. And in my opinion, you keep complaining not only because you
dislike the work but also because you're afraid of Yonah-nunim."

"What did you say?"

"If you're afraid of someone who could kill you before you even realize it,
well, that's understandable."

"Ha, fine. I must seem like a joke to you since you defeated me, but I'll
prove it today. I, Ranke, am strong and useful. But know this, after today, I
have no intention of being played by your tricks."

"Good, good, very good."

Ranke didn't back down due to his pride, and Bianka seemed to understand
the reason she was brought along.

'They are indeed easy to handle.'

It seemed that all demons were this foolish, and Hedo shared a similar
sentiment.
However, the reason individuals like Bianka and Ranke were revered in the
demon world despite such lamentable intelligence was undoubtedly
because they were overwhelmingly powerful, surpassing that shortcoming.

In any case, having brought along even the strongest of the demon kind, Jin
felt considerably lighter in spirit.

Jin, Hedo, Bale, Bianka, Ranke, along with Owul and the top assassins of
the Nameless.

In truth, with a party like this, there were hardly any beings in the world
they couldn't handle. Aside from Chiron and the demonized Rosa, there
was no one who could stand against them all alone.

The Red Owl, as always, swiftly transported them to the forests of Akihn.

"Have you arrived, Twelfth Flagbearer? Quite a... unique and robust
combination indeed."

Owul was unaware of Bale's identity and the reason for Kinzello's presence.
Once Jin explained, Owul nodded in apparent satisfaction.

"Even if Yonah has become stronger due to her chaos energy (honki 混氣), it
should be fine."
If the goal had been to kill Yonah, Jin alone would have sufficed, but to
subdue her, more than double the strength was necessary. After all, she was
not only strong but also possessed special abilities.

Even so, the party led by Jin was in no way lacking.

"However, if the situation drags on, Zipple will surely come. Then, Sir
Hedo's betrayal might become an issue, and Zipple could interfere... Well,
that doesn't matter either. It's not feasible to wage war with those present
here in anticipation of the final battle with Rosa. Especially since Kelliac is
not in good condition."

"That's right, Owul-nim. I've already sent a letter to Zipple about this
situation. It should have arrived by now. For them, it would be better to
cooperate in capturing Yonah-nunim before the damage to their territory
becomes too great. It's frustrating and humiliating, but that's how it is."

Such words could not be spoken by someone without a sufficiently thick

skin.

Moreover, only someone with enough power to handle such forcefulness

could make such a statement.

Owul once again realized that Jin, standing before him, had become a
figure who was not lacking compared to the world's apexes. In just a few
years, Jin had truly become a big shot.
'Furthermore, he has ascended one more level since I saw him at the
second fortress of Hairan....'

Owul glanced at Bale.

"Is breaking another barrier because of Bale?"

"Bale is one reason, but it's also because of Rosa. Her progress toward
completion is faster than my own growth."

During the fight with Bale, Rosa had merely glanced down at Jin through
the eyes of a Paddler, yet even that brief moment allowed Jin to keenly
sense her power. She was undoubtedly surpassing Orgal's predictions.

"....A dreadful situation indeed. Even though the ancient enemies are
joining forces."

Owul pointed toward the forest stretching out in the distance.

"Yonah is currently somewhere within that forest. We've had several

skirmishes, but we haven't broken through the encirclement. Or... it feels
like she's waiting for the best moment to kill us all. Instead of getting tired
after each battle, our senses are becoming sharper."
In their last encounter, both Owul and Vizen had faced Yonah
simultaneously, and a single blow nearly killed Vizen.

"In that case, let's burn down the entire forest to find her."

Bale suggested.

"Bale, doing that would inevitably lead to civilian casualties. Have you
forgotten Miss Sandra's orders?"

Hedo responded, and Bale narrowed his eyes as if annoyed. He wanted to

tell Hedo to mind his own business, but Sandra's orders also included
following Hedo.

"Search should be conducted by me, Sir Hedo, and Owul-nim. The rest of
the team should wait at key points along the encirclement. When the signal
flares, immediately enter the designated locations. If Yonah shows signs of
fleeing upon realizing our intrusion, Bale can pursue her."

As Bale released his power, rings formed above his head, wings sprouted
from his back, and a golden aura overflowed. He could fly faster than even a
hawk.

"I agree. Either way, there are signal flares among the assassins within the
encirclement. Joining them from any direction should be convenient. And
Bale... it would be helpful if you also acted as a communication hub. Your
mobility is overwhelming."

"Ha, ordering me around?"

"Bale, just follow quietly. Must I repeat myself every time?"

"Cheh!"

And so, the party dispersed, and Jin, Hedo, and Owul entered the forest.

Unlike the others, as soon as Jin entered the forest, he felt the faint traces
of Yona's chaos energy that remained here and there.

"The remaining chaos energy is too weak and disordered, but if read
correctly, it seems we can find Yonah-nunim."

"Are you saying you can feel that?"

"Yes, ever since a certain point, my sense of chaos has heightened to a

strange degree, making it possible, Owul-nim. I will infer the general route,
so please advise me whenever my judgment becomes difficult, Sir."

As they began their earnest search for Yonah they barely managed to
control their increasingly dizzy hearts.
If Yonah has already been placed in an irreversible situation, then even if
they subdued her and brought her back, there would be no other way.

"No, sister must be holding up well. The fact that she hasn't killed any
civilians so far is proof that sister is resisting. If we don't lose her here,
sister will surely be able to return..."

When the search had been going on for a couple of hours, Jin suddenly
stopped walking and looked around. A look of confusion was clearly
evident on his face.

"Twelfth Flagbearer, is something wrong?"

"...Owul-nim, the types of chaos energy have suddenly increased."

"What?"

"It means that in this forest, there isn't just one being using 'chaos
energy'—it's not only Yonah-nunim."

"That can't be. The encirclement has been maintained continuously since I
met you in Hairan's second fortress."

"Is there no possibility that someone broke through the encirclement and
entered the forest? Or that there was a user of chaos other than Yonah-
nunim from the beginning."
"The former is absolutely impossible. Since the encirclement includes me
and the top assassins, it's impossible to break through by force, let alone
infiltration. Unless there exists someone else with abilities on par with me
or Yonah. The latter is... wait, could it be?"

Suddenly, Owul's pupils dilated as he recalled something. Jin was thinking

the same thing.

"If it's a fake Yonah it's possible. Maybe the one we've been fighting all this
time could have been the fake Yonah."

"The 'chaos energy' I've newly discovered only has a very subtle difference
from what I've felt before. The fake I encountered in Hairan has infiltrated
the forest."

If so, it means the fake Yonah was in the forest before Nameless, or they
infiltrated through the encirclement using the original's abilities or the
prophet's den.

In other words, Yonah existing in the forest could include several, both real
and fake.

And the reason the fakes came to the forest couldn't be many.

"Jin, if that's true, wouldn't we need the contractor of truth?"

At Hedo's words, Jin shook his head.

"If there are multiple fake Yonas, it would be too difficult to protect Yuria.
Since there are two kinds of energy, we'll suppress everyone without
distinguishing between the real sister and the fakes, and then try to
differentiate them that way."
제 693 화

E177. Yonah, Yonah, Yonah…….(2)

The party continued to follow the traces of chaos energy.

"If it weren't for you... we would have been aimlessly trying to distinguish
between the real child and the fake. Huh, now I'm not even sure if Yonah
we first found in this forest was the real one."

Two types of chaos energy.

Jin couldn't be certain which one belonged to the real Yonah. For now, he
was confident he could subdue anyone he met, as long as it wasn't a
combined attack.

Even if it was a combined attack, it wouldn't be a problem once he could

perfectly distinguish between the real and the fake.

'If multiple fakes have entered the forest, then the reason is probably to
capture or... eliminate Yonah-nunim.'

In that case, Jin's task was not only to secure Yonah but also to protect her.

Owul was blaming himself for that very reason.

Nameless had carried out the operation without ever considering the
existence of a fake Yonah.

"It's naturally difficult to predict that a fake could be mixed in the forest.
The place where Yonah-nunim was found is unique to Akihn."

Jin saw through him and said,

"After meeting you at Hairan's second fortress, I made such a mistake even
though I clearly heard that the fake was created from the traces of chaos
left by Yonah. I have no face to see that child."

"Owul-nim, don't think too complicatedly. Anyway, there are two types of
chaos energy, and their owners have not yet left the forest. We can resolve
it from now on."

At least three, or more than five.

That was roughly the extent of Yona's traces of chaos that Nameless had
missed.

Jin assumed the worst-case scenario, thinking that there could be more
than ten fakes in the forest.

Even so, he felt that with their current power, they could resolve it.
"We need to speed up. I have an intuition that the fakes are targeting sister.
Hmm... let's start with a simple approach. You two should cover your ears."

Hup...!

Jin took a deep breath.

Yonah-nunim-!

As soon as Jin shouted with all his might, several trees in front of him
broke and were uprooted by the force of the wind.

It echoed through the forest as if an earthquake had occurred.

If ordinary warriors had been standing next to Hedo and Owul, their
eardrums would have burst, and they would have fainted.

"You have quite the voice. If your sister is in the forest, she surely must
have heard you."

"Thank you, Sir Hedo. Owul-nim, if you were somewhere in the forest
ahead right now and heard my voice, how would you come? If you had to
confirm my location, whether to attempt an assassination or to observe
movements."

Owul immediately understood what he meant.

"You want to see the [Yonas]' movement paths, follow me."

Instead of carefully and slowly following the chaos energy as before, the
party dashed at full speed following Owul.

Owul moved in a manner befitting the title of the Nameless King, his speed
weaving through the trees was comparable to Jin and Hedo running in a
straight line.

Above all, Owul made almost no sound as he moved. It was as if not a

person, but the wind was running.

"Truly the Nameless King. Is your sister, known as Salshin, even greater
than that?"

"Probably. I've heard that sister has surpassed Owul-nim in terms of

assassination a long time ago. I've never heard sister's footsteps."

While they were running, Owul suddenly came to a halt.

This time, he was the first to notice a certain energy that the others
couldn't read.

"It's murderous intent."

At his words, Jin and Hedo also faintly felt the murderous intent.

Whether real or fake, one side had clearly moved closer just now.

Jin read the remaining chaos energy nearby again.

"There's a much stronger chaos energy left than before. Since there are still
two types, it means that both the real sister and the fake responded to my
voice."

Boom!

As soon as he finished speaking, a red flare shot up from the other side of
the forest. Yonah had appeared on one side of the encirclement.

Jin also fired a flare. It was a yellow one, signaling special circumstances.

At the same time, a golden energy surged into the sky, which was Bale's
flight. He quickly headed towards the place where the red flare had burst,
and after a while, he flew back towards Jin, his face full of irritation.

"Bale, did you see Yonah-nunim where the red flare was shot just now?"

[I didn't see her. There was just one surprise attack and then she
disappeared. I tried to search the area, but why did you suddenly call me?]
"A surprise attack? How many were injured?"

[A guy named Kel was hurt, but it was just a slight cut.]

"That's fortunate. There are fake Yonas mixed in the forest."

[What? There's more than one?]

"Notify the rest of the personnel of this fact, and if you see either the real or
the fake, subdue them and bring them to me. Remember, you must not kill
or cripple them. Capture them in good condition. If you decide it's
impossible alone, fire a flare while tracking, and make sure the
encirclement personnel are unharmed."

[Then I'll start by chasing the one who attacked Kel... Ah, what's that now!]

Bang, bang bang!

Unfortunately, Bale didn't have time for that.

From that moment on, flares began to shoot up from all directions.

"Go check everything and report the situation to Jin, Bale."

[Uh... understood!]
Bale replied as he soared into the sky.

Using his transcendent flying ability, he efficiently maintained real-time

communication.

[Your sister was also found on the other side, Ranke chased her away.]

[Two people appeared there simultaneously, but Bianka engaged in combat,

so they fled immediately... ]

[I encountered one just now and injured them during the pursuit. Ah, it
wasn't a fatal wound! Just a slight cut on the arm, enough to distinguish
them from the other Yonas.]

In this way, Bale skillfully fulfilled his role as a real-time communicator.

Without him, the entire search team would have been in great confusion.

Ranke and Bianka were also playing the significant roles they had
anticipated. If Jin hadn't brought them all, there would likely have been
casualties by now.

Owul marked the positions of all the [Yonas] on the map each time Bale
reported, considering their expected movements. Jin, on the other hand,
remained focused on distinguishing the two types of chaos energy.
They could occasionally immerse themselves fully because Hedo was with
them.

Eventually, Owul narrowed down the most likely paths among the [Yonas]'
expected routes, and Jin perfectly differentiated the chaos energy.

"It's certain, Owul-nim. While the real sister has a unique energy, the fake
ones have identical overlapping energy. The overlapping energy belongs to
the fakes. There are a total of three overlapping fakes in this vicinity."

Jin's continued focus on distinguishing the chaos energy was the reason he
entered deeper into the forest.

He needed to determine which of the two energies was unique and use the
overlapping energy to infer the number of fakes.

"Furthermore, since sister's energy is becoming stronger, it's highly likely

that all the ones found by other encirclement teams are fakes."

In other words, the real Yonah was currently closest to the party, along
with three fake Yonas.

"Well, that narrows down the possible routes to one or two, Twelfth
Flagbearer."
Owul's speculated movement paths for the [Yonas] were none other than
that.

Whether the fakes were pushing to kill the real Yonah or vice versa, Owul
was now confident that they would encounter the [Yonas] soon.

The reason was that every time Bale reported, the [Yonas] on the
encirclement side were gradually moving deeper into the forest. It was as if
they were narrowing the net toward their prey.

"The fakes are probably causing disturbances because of us and then

converging toward the center of the forest. But there's something strange."

"What's unusual?"

"The real Yonah undoubtedly has superior abilities compared to the fakes.
She might have already taken down one or two alone, but there's no trace of
that."

"So you're saying sister is only fleeing."

"Either sister can't use her normal abilities, or there's another interfering
factor."

"First, let's head toward the center of the forest, Nameless King."
Until they reached the center of the forest, there were still no signs of
combat. Instead, the party began to be attacked.

Suddenly, the air behind them turned cold, and when they turned around, a
blade was flying toward them. Just as they tried to block it, Yonah
disappeared before their eyes.

First, second, and third attacks were all deflected.

Jin reached a conclusion.

"...The one attacking us right now is the real Yonah-nunim. Her energy
doesn't overlap with the other chaos energys."

Since they could only confirm the moment of evading the attacks, it took
three instances to reach this conclusion.

"Furthermore, the other fakes are also nearby. Their chaos energy keeps
intertwining as they move... It's one of the differences between the real
Yonah and the fakes."

"Nearby?"

"Yes, and the fact that we sensed murderous intent from them earlier also
indicates they are the fakes. Based on the attacks we've experienced, the
real Yonah-nunim... doesn't even leave such faint traces of life energy. Even
the remaining chaos energy, which is unavoidable, would be
indistinguishable to anyone but me."

Jin looked around with a perplexed expression.

In other words, Jin and Owul's assumptions had been incorrect.

The fakes weren't moving to eliminate Yona; the real Yonah wasn't fleeing
from them either.

The real and the fake Yonas had been targeting them from the beginning.
Moreover, they had been moving together since Nameless confirmed their
whereabouts in Akihn. The real and the fake Yonas had intentionally
alternated their movements to make Nameless perceive them as a single
entity, which was why Owul hadn't considered the fakes.

"If Yonah couldn't defeat the fakes, it means they were cooperating from
the start..."

As Owul said that, the forest landscape before the party warped at high
speed.

Yona's trap had been triggered.

Shimmering barriers shot up from all directions, and Jin immediately

recognized them as chaotic pocket dimensions.
The three drew their swords, standing back-to-back in the darkness.

Then, from within the darkness, an entirely unexpected voice flowed.

[Jin... Long time no see.]

Joshua Runcandel.

It was his voice.

제 694 화

E177. Yonah, Yonah, Yonah…….(3)

"Joshua? I didn't expect that blockhead to appear here."

Jin narrowed his eyes.

As the chaotic void unfolded and Joshua's voice rang out, Jin felt not so
much a sense of crisis but a surge of irritation.

It was like suddenly finding a cockroach underfoot—not threatening, but

so unpleasant it made one's skin crawl.

"It's been a while, though I can't say I'm pleased. Why are you here when
you should be in a dungeon?"

[You ask the obvious. Isn't it because I received mother's forgiveness? I

doubt you were unaware of my release.]

At that, Jin let out a sardonic laugh.

"Forgiveness... Rosa is not so generous. You still don't know her. From that
woman, it's not forgiveness one needs, but recognition. Tell me, Joshua.
How was prison life? If Rosa took you out, it must mean you've grown."
Shaaak!

A blade appeared and vanished, and Owul's sleeve was sliced. Yonah
continued to haunt their vicinity like a ghost, thrusting her sword.

[Yes, it was meaningful. I really learned a lot thanks to you.]

"Is that so? From where I stand, it looks like a fool has just become a
bigger fool."

[You're as blunt as ever, little brother.]

"I never had a brother like you."

[You can't deny we share the same blood. We were born from the same
womb, but our standing is different.]

Hedo and Owul sensed that Jin was losing his composure with Joshua's
appearance.

But far from feeling uneasy, they were reassured.

The man of such caliber is unlikely to let emotions cloud his judgment, so
the newly appeared Second Flagbearer seems to be of no concern to Jin, not
even warranting caution.
"Sigh... Joshua, I never even imagined you'd show up again like this."

[Then what did you imagine?]

"If you're asking whether I hoped you'd rot and die in a dungeon, then yes,
of course. I thought that's where you'd meet your miserable end..."

[That wish didn't come true, did it.]

"Don't interrupt me, Joshua. This is the last time I'll treat you like a person
and have a conversation. So listen up, you trash."

Jin is staring at one point in the tent as if to tear it to death.

"On one hand, I hoped you'd gain some real enlightenment in there and
come back to challenge me. To break away from Rosa's grasp, to finally
become a human being and turn into a more worthy opponent. I thought
so, and so did Brother Diphus. Why? Why do you think that is?"

[If that was really your wish, it's already been fulfilled. I'm standing before
you now.]

"You're in front of me?"

Jin laughed incredulously as he scanned the surroundings.

"Where exactly are you? Can you really say you're standing before me when
you're hiding like mold behind Yonah-nunim, only letting your voice out? I
don't know what you're so proudly spouting about learning in prison, but
you're the same as ever. The same Joshua!"

Chaang!

Hedo deflected a blade that fell towards Jin. Jin didn't even turn to look.

"Even if I personally tore you apart and left you to rot in some corner, you
wouldn't care. That's because you hoped to grow stronger and return. It
was all so futile. The enemy who schemed against us for so long, the one
who was supposed to be our ultimate adversary, ended up so pathetically
defeated. And it wasn't even my doing—it was all because of Rosa's word.
Why did we fight you so fiercely, Joshua?"

[Now you'll find out whether I'm the same as back then or not. It seems
your impatience has grown.]

"As for whether you're the same as back then, I'll correct that. In fact,
you've become even more worthless. I thought I was caught in your trap,
and that's the evidence. Even the power you wield, supposedly granted by
Rosa and the Prophet, acts as if it's entirely yours! How could such a flimsy
trap ever work on me?"

Jin's blade was wreathed in azure flames.

"You foolish man... If you had just requested a direct confrontation, even if
I had to tear you apart and leave you on the roadside, I would have
respected that. Even if your body had rotted away in the dungeon, even if
you couldn't wield a sword, I would have treated you as a worthy
opponent."

But you still haven't realized anything.

As Jin continued in a calm voice, Joshua remained silent for a while.

Unbeknownst to him, he was recalling a story he had heard from Rosa long
ago.

- "You're not dead yet. And I expect not only the fulfillment of the
prophecy but also the struggle to break it. My youngest brother, Jin. His
fight might just shatter the prophecy. No matter how absolute it seems."

- "If the day comes when your prophecy leads you back to the real world of
struggle, and if you can withstand that world. I'll bring you back to the
surface. Of course... as always, your prophecy will likely disappoint me. Just
like you always have."

Back then, Jin hadn't forgotten about the struggle, and Joshua was still
there, in the same place.

Joshua was still oblivious to that fact.

So Jin found it difficult to gauge why Rosa had started using Joshua again.

In truth, even a puppet like Paddler wasn't necessary, let alone such a
trivial entity.

"There must be a reason, but I just can't fathom it. It can't be mere
caprice."

Amidst the stillness, Yona's blade occasionally passed through the party,
leaving nothing but emptiness.

"In the end, because you couldn't stand alone even at this point... know that
you've never gained recognition from Father, Rosa, or me, Joshua. Now my
last remaining patience for treating you as a person is wearing thin. It's
over."

The new sword technique Jin had achieved solely when facing Bale. That
blade was pointing at a single spot within the chaotic cloak.

As the flames melted away like ice, cloak that the blade was pointing at
peeled back, revealing the hidden forms of the fake Yonas.

In total, there were seven fakes, including the real Yonah all of whom had
been lurking within the chaotic void, targeting the party.
[...You've mastered a peculiar sword technique.]

"Second Flagbearer, if I were you, I'd be too embarrassed to even show my

face. Even if you're as broken as you are, aren't you still a warrior? Right
now, Jin is revealing an area you can never reach. So, be grateful."

[Shut up, Tower Keeper.]

As the [Yonas] reappeared and then vanished again, a new dimensional

portal opened from the spot where they had disappeared.

From that portal, chaos-enhanced demons poured out. Hedo recognized

them as the original inner-circle demons that should have remained in the
Black Sea.

Around that time, Joshua was gradually sinking into the intuition that his
plan might fail.

Despite the onslaught of inner-circle demons pouring out alongside the

[Yonas], none of the three showed any signs of panic.

Particularly Jin, who had faced formidable opponents like Paddler and
Lionel, as well as divine beings like Bale and the cursed Rosa.

Such a flimsy trap didn't faze them.

"Well, is this everything you've prepared? The real Yonah, the fakes, and
the inner-circle demon horde?"

Sskeuk-!

Jin swung his sword, beheading one of the fakes. The fake had approached
Jin but was unable to strike properly due to the flames radiating from
Bradamante.

In that moment, Joshua looked back and forth between Jin and the fallen
Yonah.

According to Joshua's calculations, Jin should never kill the [Yonas].

[Are you also walking the path beyond defeat? To kill Yonah so
nonchalantly.]

"You speak as if you're a mage like Rosa. You're neither a mage nor a
warrior—just a mere pawn. Did you think I'd kill Yona? I killed the fake
because it was just an imitation."

Jin's ability to instantly distinguish between real and fake Yonas wasn't
part of Joshua's plan.

In truth, Joshua hadn't come here today with the initial purpose of
eliminating Jin.
He had hoped to witness Jin's struggle, as he continued to face danger due
to the [Yonas], eventually reaching a point where he had no choice but to
kill them all and fall into despair and hatred.

Joshua believed that such despair would serve as a boon to Rosa. The
immense despair of a unique existence like Jin was precisely what Rosa
needed most right now.

Therefore, Joshua felt a suffocating sensation, as if his breath was being cut
off. He feared failure and disappointing his mother once again.

Of course, Jin saw through Joshua's inner turmoil as if it were an open

book. Yet, there was no joy in it, much like not feeling victorious over a
bug.

"By the way, you once conspired with Airan Viment to assassinate Dante.
Back then, I thwarted your plan by knowing in advance, and it seems the
same now. Looking back, you've never defeated me."

[But I see that Airan Viment is still alive.]

Jin was reading the chaos energy’s flow that opened the dimensional portal.
His intention was to trace that flow and find Joshua's hidden space.
"Is that something to be proud of? You're hiding quite far away. It seems
like you're outside the forest. If you want to stop this nonsense, wait right
there. I'll come find you after I've cleaned up this place."

Of course, Jin didn't expect Joshua to wait quietly until he arrived.

In any case, dealing with the remaining six fakes and the real Yonah along
with the inner demons, would take quite some time.

It wasn't just a matter of eliminating everyone except the real Yonah. They
needed to be thoroughly dealt with to prevent them from escaping outside
and causing casualties in the surrounding areas or villages.

So Jin planned to send someone else to deal with it.

"Chuaaaak!"

Suddenly, the upper part of the barrier was split in half, and a golden
energy burst through. Bale tore up the barrier from the outside.

[Argh! Good timing after such an annoying journey. Hey, Jin. Can I just
wipe them all out except for your sisters?]

"You have other tasks, Bale."

[Can't I just kill those things for you? It might relieve some stress.]
"No. Instead, I'll tell you who to kill. Go outside the forest and find
Joshua."

[Who is that?]

"The one who created this barrier. They're probably around twelve o'clock
direction from outside the forest. They have regeneration and resurrection
abilities, so tear them apart as many times as needed. That should do the
trick, right?"

Bale hesitated, and then Hedo spoke up.

"Why hesitate, Bale? Go now. Take them down before they escape."

[Cheeet….. Alright, alright.]

As Bale left, Jin fired a signal flare to gather the others.

제 695 화

E177. Yonah, Yonah, Yonah…….(4)

"The remnants of demons swept up in swordsmanship were gathering

again to form another monster. Their regeneration seemed faster than
Hedo's killings.

Hedo tightened his grip, seemingly annoyed by this fact (and also because
he wasn't fond of the temporary sword he had borrowed). However,
swinging that power recklessly was risky. While they needed to prevent the
demons from multiplying, increasing their strength beyond the current
level could attract unwanted attention.

"Should I resolve this in close combat? But that would expand the range Jin
has to handle, making it more troublesome."

As Hedo pondered, something unexpectedly sprang from Owul's sleeve. It

was a thin thread, even finer than a strand of hair.

Each of these threads was imbued with Owul's energy, and they tightly
ensnared the demons without hesitation.

Owul adjusted the force, delicately controlling the captured demons to

prevent them from disintegrating.
"Ah, you'll find it much easier now, Nameless King. I've been impressed by
your abilities since earlier."

"I originally saved these threads to bind the fakes, but since Jin can
distinguish them, there's no need for that anymore."

As the giants exchanged pleasantries, Jin dispatched one more fake.

"Now, only sister and five remaining fakes remain.""

After the cloak of chaos closed once more, the summoned demons roared.
Their energy distorted the cloak, causing disorientation, and the [Yonas]
began to move again.

"Did Joshua really think he could maximize the abilities of sister and fakes
using these demons? He's underestimated us... There's no corner left
unturned."

Joshua hadn't reached Jin's level of enlightenment, so he believed such a

shallow scheme would work against the three of them.

However, this trickery wouldn't deceive the giants' senses. While even
minor variables could pose a threat, considering the nature of the [Yonas]
and fakes, it was futile against their group.
"Well, dealing with these things as second-rate beings must have been
quite a hassle for you, Jin."

"It was embarrassing in many ways."

Hedo stepped forward first, unleashing his swordsmanship. Waves of

sword energy engulfed the demons, creating a dazzling light.

Amidst the torrent of bones and flesh that sprang up like rain, three of the
[Yonas] simultaneously targeted Owul. Unlike Jin, he couldn't immediately
discern the real from the fake, so he focused on deflecting their attacks.

"Please continue to defend against sister and fakes. I'll take care of them
one by one."

"Understood."

From that moment on, the [Yonas] no longer recklessly targeted Jin.

It wasn't a calculated decision; it was instinct. As someone who had fought

alongside Jin, the [Yonas] were currently devoid of reason.

They mindlessly followed Joshua's orders. If the fakes had possessed even a
fraction of the judgment they had before going berserk, Jin might have
faced a tougher challenge.
Fwirl...!

Jin's ethereal dark sword illuminated the surroundings like a torch. the
[Yonas] struggled to avoid looking directly at the blade.

The pain they felt seemed akin to their insides burning whenever their gaze
lingered on the sword's fiery glow.

Jin knew well that his unnamed sword contained such power.

Now, he began actively seeking out the [Yonas]. Whenever Bradamante tore
through the fabric of subspace, glimpses of the [Yonas]' forms briefly
appeared before dissipating like smoke.

This process would take quite some time. In reality, Jin had spent a while
exploring the subspace without managing to kill any of the fakes.

However, Jin had brought the strongest members of each faction precisely
to prevent situations like this.

Zuaaah-!

Swinging his sword in an arc, Jin tore apart a section of subspace.

"Whoa!"
"Wha-what the...!"

At that moment, Ranke and Bianka blinked in surprise, their eyes

widening.

They had just arrived nearby, attempting to breach the subspace.

"You've come."

"W-wait, we... How did you...?"

"How did I know? Ugh, frustrating. Bianka, can't you speak a bit faster?
Seriously?"

"How could I possibly know? I sensed their energy."

"You sensed their energy?"

"You... sensed their energy?"

Ranke and Bianka exchanged puzzled glances. Due to the cloak of chaos,
they couldn't detect the energy flowing from within.

"Anyway, hurry inside and put pressure on sister and fakes. I mean, defend
while pushing forward."
"Defend while pushing forward? How does that work?"

"I'm applying pressure, so it's possible. And let me say this again, if by any
chance the real sister gets hurt, it won't be fun. Now, let's get motivated."

Ranke muttered a curse, and Bianka nodded, stepping into the cloak.

With the addition of these two, the [Yonas] began to focus solely on hiding,
and Jin was becoming increasingly certain that they would flee.

"The entrance where the Kinzellos came in hasn't been sealed. Probably
because Bale is still engaged in battle with Joshua."

When the cloak opened, it was immediately restored. That had been
possible because Joshua had continuously disrupted this place with chaos
energy. However, that wasn't the case now. Joshua was too preoccupied
dealing with an enraged Bale to pay any attention to this side.

Jin pretended not to guard the precarious entrance he had created. He

deliberately distanced himself from the entrance, waiting for the [Yonas] to
appear.

Driven solely by instinct, the [Yonas] fell into the trap too easily. As one
fake turned its back on Jin, releasing its concealment, it lunged toward the
entrance.
Of course, the fake couldn't escape outward.

Fwizzz!

The magical power Jin had previously infused into the entrance formed an
ice barrier.

The fake attempted to break the barrier with its extended sword, but in that
moment, Jin caught up with it.

"Where do you think you're going?"

Bradamante pierced through the fake's back. It shuddered, disintegrating

into a black mass.

"Another fake trying to escape?"

Jin smiled. Now, only four fakes remained, and with each reduction in their
numbers, the [Yonas]' options dwindled.

Near the center of the subspace, Hedo and Owul continued to subdue the
inner demons. Ranke and Bianka, whenever Jin's flames revealed a [Yonah]
charged forward, striking the walls.

"Until... the real one... comes out."

"Ugh, that idiot is helping us until the end."

Jin surveyed the surroundings carefully. At this rate, he could eliminate the
remaining fakes within thirty minutes and return with his sister.

However, his optimism was short-lived.

Suddenly, the chaotic subspace began to vibrate unstably.

"Huh? Hey! The subspace seems like it's about to explode!"

Ranke shouted. Everyone else also noticed the signs of impending

explosion.

The reason for the subspace malfunction was obvious. Joshua was sowing
chaos as a final act.

'Joshua, this guy is relentless. It seems he chose self-destruction after

taking a beating from Bale.'

That meant they needed to change their strategy quickly.

"Disperse and do everything you can to prevent the explosion!"

The scale of the subspace explosion couldn't be precisely predicted. It

might obliterate the entire forest or even reach distant villages.
As Jin shouted, Hedo, Owul, Bianka, and Ranke spread out, taking their
positions.

The [Yonas] were equally bewildered by the sudden collapse of subspace.

They ran amok, screaming like animals trapped in a wildfire.

And Jin heightened all his senses.

'Even if the explosion is massive, as long as those four give their all to stop
it, it won't reach the villages.'

He needed to protect his sister. She currently lacked the power to shield
herself from such an explosion.

Even if she had some ability, it wasn't hers—it belonged to the chaos.
When her physical form collapsed, the chaos would naturally consume her
and restore her. In other words, Jin anticipated drastic bodily
transformations.

Kurrrr...!

The chaos forming the subspace converged into a single point. In about
five seconds, all the energy would coalesce and explode.

Jin had to find the real sister amidst the fakes and hold onto her.
But the other strong individuals, especially Owul, who cherished her as
much as Jin did, willingly chose to endure the explosion instead of
searching for her.

He was confident. If anyone could handle it, it was Jin.

Jin lunged forward, grabbing his sister as if rescuing a child about to fall
into water.

"Nunim!"

Yonah still held her sword, but Jin paid no attention and pulled her close.
They narrowly avoided the sword piercing Jin's abdomen.

As the subspace exploded, Yonah tightly shut her eyes, and Jin shielded her
with a protective barrier.

Kwaaaah...! Kdudduk!

The bodies of the fakes that had lunged at the siblings disintegrated.

[Kiaaaah...!]

[Thud!]
The flames of the subspace consumed even the black remnants left by the
fakes.

The explosion began with an earth-shattering roar and continued for over
five minutes.

The strong individuals tirelessly wielded their weapons, expanding their

protective barriers. Jin finally managed to safeguard his sister.

"Is everyone okay?"

Hedo was the first to survey the surroundings.

"We're unharmed. I endured the most intense part of the explosion, but
there isn't a scratch on me."

"I suppose I need to have some advantage over you. It seems the Kinzello's
officers are all intact too. Hmm, what about that guy?"

"Ugh, that idiot helped us until the end."

Ranke, who had been muttering curses, collapsed, spitting out blood.
Bianka supported him. Meanwhile, Jin still held his sister.

His neck and back were covered in wounds. Yonah continued to struggle in
her berserk state, clawing at Jin, but he felt nothing but relief.
"Nunim, let's go now, back home."

Yonah responded with a wild scream, and the rest of the group
simultaneously looked up at the sky.

There, the Zipple fleet had arrived at this location.

제 696 화

E177. Yonah, Yonah, Yonah…….(5)

The flagship Cozek, First Fleet, was imposingly encircling the group in the
sky.

Jin, after using Owul's remaining threads to restrain Yonah finally raised
his head to observe the fleet.

The Zipple fleet wasn't firing yet; instead, they appeared to be here for a
cleanup operation, not as allies.

This was expected.

In the letter Jin had sent to the Zipple side before coming to Akihn, he had
stated his intention to rescue sister and also mentioned Hedo and Sandra's
defection.

In other words, they had carried out the operation without proper
authorization within Zipple's territory, and on top of that, they had
extracted a key figure. It was an uncomfortable situation from Zipple's
perspective.

Jin turned to look at Hedo. Despite the circumstances, Hedo's expression

remained composed, as if he wasn't bothered.
A long silence ensued. The fleet continued to hover without descending.

"We're unsure who's aboard the flagship, so I'm not sure how to proceed
with greetings. Let's skip that for now. Still, we should apologize. Rescuing
my sister was an urgent matter, so we proceeded with the mission before
receiving permission. We'll compensate for any damages."

Jin's resonant voice, imbued with energy, reverberated through the sky.

The answer didn't come for quite some time. Although everyone heard Jin's
voice, the conversations within the ship remained unknown to those on the
ground.

'Kadun must still be undergoing treatment.'

If that foul-tempered wyvern had arrived, they would have heard ten
complaints by now.

"Then it's Octavia or Ronil Zipple, but why are they hesitating? They must
have already discussed how to handle Hedo before I arrived."

After a few more minutes of standoff, amplified voices finally came from
the fleet.
[Sir Hedo... Honestly, I didn't believe the Twelfth Flagbearer's words until I
saw you standing there. But now that I see you with the Twelfth
Flagbearer... You've truly abandoned your family.]

As expected, it was Octavia. She didn't hide her displeasure.

"Commander, it bothered me too that I left without even saying goodbye. I

apologize."

[Is that all? How many years have we spent together, facing life and death
side by side? If you had any grievances with the family, you should have
told me. How could you suddenly betray us? And even Sandra...!]

"Betrayal isn't the right word, Commander. I never truly pledged loyalty to
the family in the first place."

[The family always respected you.]

"알고 있소. 하지만 내 주인은 오직 산드라 아가씨뿐이오. 가문도 어느 정도는 그 사실을 인지하고 있었을 텐데."

[예, 잘 알고 있죠. 그렇기에 산드라는 본래 실험체였으나, 경으로 인해 자유를 얻었습니다. 아니, 그 이상이죠. 산드라는 모든 면에서 특혜를
받아왔어요.]

"I'm aware of that."

[Then why are you stabbing the family in the back? What has bewitched
you, Sir? Or perhaps you were afraid of the consequences for helping the
Twelfth Flagbearer during your last vacation?]

"Yes, that's part of the reason."

[This foolish...! Even back then, we wouldn't investigate Sandra or

interrogate Sir (Hedo). Why? Because we trusted Sir (Hedo)! We were just
caught up in the Twelfth Flagbearer's scheme, and I believe Sir (Hedo)
wouldn't intentionally do such a thing... We did well by trusting Sir (Hedo).
So, you should give us a reason we can accept.]

Hedo looked up at the fleet for a few seconds.

He was reflecting on the days he had spent in Zipple. Just like Octavia said,
there was nothing he hadn't done for himself in Zipple.

However, the family had never perceived Sandra as a person.

"There was only a way for the Miss to be happier. The time in the Black Sea
was longer than the time of human world, so I only realized now. The
family never considered the Miss more than the unnecessary part that came
with me. It's a matter of sincerity, not attitude and treatment. If the family
had understood it, I would never leave."

Octavia remained silent.

Of course, it wasn't because she fully understood and accepted Hedo's
perspective. She knew that no matter what she said, he wouldn't return.

[Whatever the reason, ultimately, the failure to protect a human soul is the
family's responsibility. I will respect that, Lord Hedo.]

A new voice followed.

It was Veradin's voice. Unlike Octavia, who was struggling with intense
emotions, Veradin spoke calmly.

"Young patriarch."

[Instead, there's one thing I need to tell you. Because of your choice today,
Sandra Zipple will undoubtedly suffer.]

Hedo remained silent.

[Jin, you probably told Sir Hedo that he could leave anytime.]

"Your accuracy is chilling, Veradin. Did you eavesdrop on our

conversation?"

[It's a predictable story. Besides, considering the enormous public enemy

we're facing, it's understandable that we'll overlook Hedo's betrayal.]
"I agree."

[That's why I needed to take precautions. When Jin Runkandel and Rosa
clash, if Sir Hedo isn't on the battlefield, we'll immediately dissolve our
temporary alliance. The same goes for Yonah Runkandel, whom you saved
today.]

"Isn't our alliance with Zipple also because you can't face Rosa alone? You
make it sound like we're the only ones disappointed."

[The situation has changed because of you, bringing Hister back. Of course,
an alliance isn't entirely unnecessary, but it's no longer essential.]

-...These biological golems can only exert their power near the sanctuary.

-Right. We're currently exploring ways to send them beyond the sanctuary.
For now, the moment they step outside the sanctuary, they'll stop
functioning like severed dolls. It means death. But why the displeased look?
Do you think being a magic swordsman is a privilege exclusive to your
family?

Veradin's words reminded Jin of the magic swordsman biological golems he

saw at Zipple's sanctuary. He also recalled the secret numbers and
manipulated history that Ronil Zipple mentioned during their first
meeting.
They didn't seem entirely prepared. If they were, there'd be no need for
such threats.

"A stern warning indeed. It doesn't seem like empty words, so I'll
remember. Now that we've sorted out our positions, may I ask one more
thing before I leave?"

[Go ahead.]

"As you can see, the chaotic subspace just exploded. We did our best to
contain it, but were there any civilian casualties? I assume you checked on
that during your journey."

[There were none.]

"Good. Then I'll go. Make sure to arrange compensation for the damages
and send it to Tikan."

As Jin turned away, Zipple's fleet slowly began its departure. Soon, those
heading in different directions were rapidly moving away from each other.

Whether when he met Veradin at Zipple's sanctuary or now, Jin couldn't

find any trace of the Veradin he once knew.

It felt like regaining family while losing a friend.

'Someday, I'll have to find him, just like Yonah-nunim... But it won't be
easy.'

He wanted to go back and start purifying, and have a conversation with his
youngest sister who returned. Now that was the only comfort.

***

Garden of Swords.

Rosa looked down at her firstborn son with an expressionless face.

[Joshua... Once again, you've wasted my power and escaped like a dog.]

Joshua had lost his physical body five times in battles against Bale. Each
time, Rosa's energy was depleted, yet Joshua continued to use power
beyond her permission.

Kneeling on one knee, Joshua couldn't even raise his head.

After being dragged up from the underground prison, Joshua was

consumed by the conviction that he could accomplish anything.
He thought he wouldn't disappoint his mother this time. He had become a
Second Flagbearer again, and the power bestowed upon him by his mother
was boundless.

Even when Rosa faced him, she seemed somewhat expectant, unlike when
she had cast him down. It was as if she said, I'll help you defeat the youngest.

[My apologies, Matriarch-nim.]

[Yes, your title is attached to the topic. Go ahead, make excuses. What
caused you to fail this time?]

He had no words to answer.

Whether the plan was insufficiently detailed, the granted power

inadequate, or other variables existed, nothing would convince Rosa.

Self-loathing boiled within him, inexpressible.

Joshua felt like he had become a worthless existence, worse than back-alley
trash.

[I have nothing more to say.]

[When I brought you back from the underground prison, I thought you had
changed. So I gave you strength and assigned a task. It wasn't even
difficult. Use Yonah's clones to kill Dante and torment the youngest.]

He is not her son, but Jin seemed to be haunted by the nightmare of falling
as he saw his mother insisting on calling him ‘the youngest.

TN: Because Rosa have become another entity. I was confused for a moment. Wait? Jin is not son of Rosa?
Lmfao.

[Just one more chance... Please.]

[Why should I do that? Even after receiving my strength, the youngest still
has already proven that he is a wall that cannot be overcome.]

[But...]

He couldn't answer any question.

His breaths grew labored. Unintentionally, Joshua gasped for air like a
drowning person, and Rosa coldly raised her head.

[Until I call you again, return to the underground prison. From now on,
Diphus will take your place.]

As Joshua turned away, looking like a soulless person, Illyna followed him.
Illyna reassured Joshua that she would somehow delay his punishment, so
he should calm down and wait.

Having sent Joshua away, Illyna returned to Rosa and let out a deep sigh.

"Even when I used Joshua for tasks, I was on the verge of madness due to
his incompetence. But ultimately, it seems to benefit you, Matriarch. Fate...
is quite amusing."

[If he were the youngest, he would have understood my intentions and

resisted. This absurd performance is like a play.]

The reason Rosa had brought Joshua out of the underground prison was
singular.

"Yes, that foolish actor will continue to play his role until he disappears."

Joshua's despair was remarkably pure, built up over time and still diligently
maintained.

To Rosa, Joshua was useful for one thing only. That's why, for the first
time, she saw him as a valuable asset.

He would continue to despair, even if he fell into any abyss. Through the
hope of "prophecy."
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