Absolute Regression-Chapter 380 : I held off everything even when I was alone
Translator: FenrirTL
Editor/Quality Checker/Notes : Saphartlantis
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Chapter 380: I held off everything even when I was alone
Jin Paecheon expressed a firm resolve to attend.
Geom Mugeuk spoke weakly, his face showing embarrassment.
“I will invite the Alliance Leader to this gathering as well.”
Geom Mugeuk remained committed to the act until the very end. 1
Jin Haryeong was beyond surprised by the outcome—she was in awe. She had played a major role in achieving this result, yet she never imagined it would really turn out like this.
‘In the end, everything went according to Mugeuk’s plan.’
If this person were to ever become an enemy? Could I or my big brother withstand them?
She once again felt that vague fear she had sensed before, now hitting her with sharp clarity.
Regardless, a plan they had devised together had succeeded. The Heavenly Demon Divine Cult receiving a visit from the Alliance Leader of the Martial Alliance had become reality.
Jin Haryeong now returned to her role as the granddaughter of the Alliance Leader, standing at the forefront of the three-person strategy team.
“How will you guarantee the Alliance Leader’s safety?”
This was the Alliance Leader’s official outing—surely, absolute masters would accompany him. However, since the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult had extended the invitation, it was their responsibility to ensure his safety.
“Our Cult will take responsibility. We invited such an esteemed guest—how could we possibly treat him with negligence?”
“And who will protect him from you?”
Thinking it was a joke, Geom Mugeuk laughed. But Jin Haryeong was serious.
“Promise that you’ll protect him. That you’ll make sure nothing happens.”
Her eyes spoke for her.
‘You know, right? That all of this was done because I believed in you.’
She trusted Geom Mugeuk more than she trusted the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Truly. This was something she did, prepared to be cast out and stand in the rain at the front gate of the Demonic Cult.
Geom Mugeuk met her gaze and replied,
“I promise.”
Only after feeling the sincerity in his clear, deep eyes did Jin Haryeong finally feel at ease.
‘Grandfather, I’m sorry for deceiving you. But I believe this is the right thing to do.’
She believed Geom Mugeuk’s words—that war could be avoided. And that this decision would ultimately lead to a better path for her grandfather.
Geom Mugeuk spoke to Jin Paecheon with respect.
“I will speak with our Cult’s strategist and coordinate the schedule. Thank you for making such a significant decision.”
Thinking of the three of them meeting made Jin Paecheon also recall Baek Jagang’s face.
‘Come to think of it, it’s been a while since I’ve seen that guy.’
Though he regarded him as a notch below Geom Woojin, he was well aware that Baek Jagang was no ordinary man. And naturally, one concern arose.
“But if the Unorthodox Alliance Leader hears that I’m going, wouldn’t he change his mind?”
“I will go and tell him myself.”
“You’ll go in person?”
“This is too important a change to be delivered by letter.”
They were about to have both the Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader sit before the Demonic Cult’s main division. If necessary, he would go back and forth ten times—or a hundred.
Geom Mugeuk gave a polite bow.
“Then I shall take my leave. Let us meet at the tavern in front of our Cult.”
“Fine. Let’s see what kind of Demonic Path you’ve got.” 2
Jin Paecheon told Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong to escort Geom Mugeuk out together.
Left alone, Jin Paecheon spoke into the empty air.
“I’ll probably get scolded by the strategist.”
Then, a deep male voice responded from the void.
“Do you truly believe the Demonic Cult Leader will kill the Unorthodox Alliance Leader?”
“I don’t know. How could I know what that man is thinking? The Geom Woojin I met over ten years ago wasn’t the type to pull such petty tricks. But who can say what kind of person he’s become, now that the world has changed so much?”
Jin Paecheon walked slowly and looked out the window.
He could see Geom Mugeuk, Jin Hagun, and Jin Haryeong standing side by side in front of the Alliance Leader’s Hall.
There had been several reasons behind his decision to attend the upcoming meeting.
There was some concern that the Demonic Cult and the Unorthodox Alliance might scheme together. And part of it was also curiosity about that young martial artist named Geom Mugeuk. How in the world had he managed to bring that stubborn Baek Jagang all the way to the front of the Demonic Cult?
Moreover, it was already known that Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong both held a strong liking toward Geom Mugeuk. Naturally, Jin Paecheon felt he ought to take a closer look at the man himself.
However, if those were the only reasons, he wouldn’t have made such a decision without even discussing it with the strategist. The biggest reason why Jin Paecheon had decided to go was this:
He felt it was finally time to meet Heavenly Demon Geom Woojin once more.
When he had met him in the past, Jin Paecheon had seen the ambition to unify the martial world in Geom Woojin’s eyes and had suspected that he might one day start a war.
That was why he had poured all his strength into protecting the Orthodox martial world.
And now, before growing any older, he felt it was time to confirm it again.
‘If his eyes still look the same.’
If those eyes still held that same light, then he could not allow Jin Hagun to face them. His grandson was not someone who could withstand that gaze.
* * *
As soon as they left the Alliance Leader’s Hall, Jin Hagun let out a sigh.
“Why are you sighing? This is a time to be cheering.”
Jin Hagun ignored Geom Mugeuk’s words and spoke to his sister instead.
“We might’ve just thrown the Alliance Leader, our grandfather, into danger with our own hands.”
It felt like the morning after a long night of drunken fun. That’s always how it felt after spending time with Geom Mugeuk. 3
“Aren’t you worried?”
But Jin Haryeong was carefree.
“Worried about what?”
“Worried we might’ve been deceived by that man.”
At that, Geom Mugeuk cut in.
“Please, can you just not have that kind of conversation out loud!”
But even that didn’t stop Jin Hagun and Jin Haryeong from continuing their talk.
“He could’ve tricked us.”
“Exactly, right?”
“It could be a plot to get the Alliance Leader and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader in one place and take them both out.”
“But you don’t seem worried at all?”
“Since you’re worrying enough for the both of us. Otherwise, knowing my personality, I wouldn’t have been able to sleep properly starting tonight. So, thanks for being born first.”
Jin Hagun shook his head, as if to say she was hopeless, then glanced sideways at Geom Mugeuk.
Geom Mugeuk was looking up at the sky.
“How does the sky look when viewed in front of the Alliance Leader’s Hall of the Martial Alliance?”
“The same. Whether you look at it from here or from there, the sky is just the sky. That’s why I have no desire for this place.” 4
These were words filled with Geom Mugeuk’s true intentions. He had been constantly conveying it whenever he could—he held no ambitions. That they didn’t need to doubt him.
Again and again, even if it was a nuisance, he would keep saying it. Suspicion is inevitable, but nuisance is a choice.
“Still, it’s nicer seeing it together with you two.”
Jin Hagun recalled the look Geom Mugeuk had given him earlier. That provocative gaze, daring him to cross the line drawn in his heart.
‘I crossed it—just like you intended. Things have gone just the way you intended.’
And so, he kept making jokes like this.
“So, have you finished planning how to kill us all?”
A faint smile tugged at Geom Mugeuk’s lips as he continued looking at the sky.
“I told the Unorthodox Alliance Leader the same thing in a similar situation. That’s not my way. My way is sending people to the dueling grounds. We fight it out, and the loser steps away cleanly. I’m not the kind of man who would scheme just to take something…” 5
Geom Mugeuk didn’t finish the sentence.
If he looked back at himself before the regression, this would fit:
I had no affection for people or the world.
Maybe that’s why he was who he was now. Because of the regret and emptiness over that hollow life, where he had lived only for revenge, without giving any meaning to people, to the world, or even to himself.
Because he had seen the end of loneliness, he now intended to walk to the opposite end, all the way. Even if a greater regret awaited him, he would walk forward without hesitation.
“I prefer to have fun. Rather than sitting in that lofty Celestial Zenith Throne, I like the second floor of the Flowing Wind Tavern better.”
Right—if I’m going to imitate him, I might as well do it properly.
“Let’s set aside the escort duties for today, grab some liquor, and head somewhere scenic. Let’s share some of those conversations we’ve long been putting off. Oh, by the way—anyone among you know how to dance?”
As surprised eyes all turned toward him, Bih Sa-in too looked up at the sky.
“The weather’s too nice to drink alone.” 11
1 : If it was me, I would have immediately cheered and high-fived the others. Since you’re the Martial Alliance Leader, you won’t go back on your word, riiiight~~ ? ^^
2 : Lol, I can imagine him asking that question again at the Flowing Wind tavern, only for Mugeuk to turn and shout at the customers,“What kind of Demonic Path do we have ?!!” and for them to answer as one,“One where we do not break tables !!!!” “Exactly !!! The next round is on me !!!” *Cheers* ^^ The unorthodox and orthodox guests would be completely floored XDXDXD
3 : He sure makes your mind dizzy in the same way XDXDXD 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺
4 : *nods wisely* Do not get fooled by earthly obsessions, the land belongs to no one, let alone a sole tyrant. If there was a single owner, it would be resentment. Not a place in this world hasn’t been touched by human hands, and so there is not a single place not filled with resentment !!! Our hearts are candles, burn this place !!!! (Suicide Hunter, obviously)
5 : Not anymore. *pats in the back*
6 : *Pats in the back too*
7 : Lol, immediate reaction. Really, this reputation XDXDXD
8 : But not as bold as Charles. This man has the greatest plan XDXDXD (Henry Stickmin Collection)
9 : Yeah, he dug them out all on his own and hunted most of them alone. If they ever try to show up when all three tyrants of this era are present, I’ll at least admit they have guts, before they get dogpiled, that is.
10 : Yup, it was hard. Getting poked in the ribs hurts.
11 : He’s growing well, I’m proud of him ^^
* : This chapter was edited while listening to Undertale Remix: dj-Jo - UNDERTALE VIP (Straight from the Underground). Quite catchy ^^
