As I packed up the banner and made my way back, I saw Big Brother sitting on the platform, having just woken from sleep.

He was staring at the flames with a groggy expression before turning his eyes toward me.

“Third.”

“Yeah?”

“That fire... was it you?”

I nodded.

“Burned it all.”

Big Brother handed me my wooden sword as he asked.

“Why?”

I set down the axe and the banner, then picked up the wooden sword.

“I infiltrated the site. Inside the foreman’s barracks, I found powder laced with poison.”

Big Brother nodded.

“So you killed him and set the place on fire. How does it feel?”

I sat beside him and stared at the rising flames. He was probably asking about the state of my heart demon.

Watching the fire blaze, I answered plainly.

“I feel nothing. Those foremen would’ve killed the workers after the job was done. Killing men who earn just enough to eat each day... Do you know what kind of food they were given?”

“What kind?”

“It tasted worse than what I cook.”

“That’s serious.”

“They probably planned to kill them and blame us. Look at this—‘The Haomun Lord and Sword Demon murdered laborers.’ Then they use money to control public opinion. People react sensitively to bad news. If the merchant group behind this banner spreads such rumors with enough coin, you and I would be branded as the culprits without any way to defend ourselves. Thinking about it... this doesn’t feel like something the Demonic Cult would do. Look at that banner.”

Big Brother examined the emblem and inscription on the banner.

“Looks like the Myeongcheon family from the Outer Hall has joined the central organization.”

“What kind of family is that?”

He spoke in a slightly unpleasant tone.

“A family both the Right Guardian and I detested.”

“Why?”

Big Brother crossed his arms and continued.

“A family that used the cult’s forces to amass wealth. Even before joining the cult, they were major merchants trading across the western regions. You could say they’re an exceedingly rare type of tycoon.”

“So they must have quite a bit of manpower?”

“If they tap into their estate’s full resources, yeah, probably a lot.”

I asked what didn’t sit right with me.

“If they’re that wealthy, why bother joining the cult?”

“You can’t evaluate a rich man’s mind with that kind of logic. The real question is: Can joining the cult increase their wealth even more? That’s probably all that mattered to them. And in fact, their fortune is immeasurable. They're among the families who offered the most tribute to the cult. Back when I was Left Guardian, they even requested troops to resolve a trade dispute. They had a good enough reputation that many cultists volunteered to help.”

“Because the pay was good?”

“Something like that. But whenever there was blood to be shed, they used cultists to do the dirty work and kept their own merchant identity clean. They pulled that stunt more than a few times. That’s why the Right Guardian and I couldn’t stand them. Still, they always bowed and scraped before the cult’s executives and handed out lavish gifts and funds, constantly reminding everyone of the power of money.”

“You mean their ‘gifts and funds’ were basically bribes?”

“More or less.”

“Ugh, classic money-crazed bastards.”

So then I began to wonder—what the hell was the Cult Leader thinking?

“What does the Cult Leader think of the Myeongcheon family?”

Big Brother replied.

“He probably sees them as nothing more than fund managers or a source of cash when needed. And that’s exactly how they’ve been treated.”

That’s when the situation started to click.

“So this family... they’re basically on the same level as the cult’s central management. They’re pretty formidable in their own way, huh? Because the cult respects power, they were treated like trash. But if this family belonged to either the orthodox or demonic factions, they’d wield power that couldn’t be ignored.”

Big Brother looked at me.

“Central management? You really think in such odd ways. I guess that’s one way to look at it.”

A family belonging to the Demonic Cult, yet looked down upon within the cult. If such a family suddenly took the role of Left or Right Guardian, or became one of the Four Great Kings, it would certainly be a bizarre turn of events.

I looked back at Big Brother.

“Are there other reasons you dislike them?”

He smirked.

“Yeah. All those top-tier mercenaries and elite assassins that move for money? They’re all close with the Myeongcheon family. Which means their surroundings are swarming with money-hungry parasites. Back when the Right Guardian and I were still around, they couldn’t even breathe freely. But the moment we both stepped # Nоvеlight # down, they came crawling to the forefront. If the Cult Leader personally called for them, they probably snatched up the position of Left or Right Guardian. Even the other lords hate that family. It’s getting more pathetic by the day.”

Now I understood why Big Brother was pissed.

“So basically, you’re not mad about fighting powerful enemies—you’re mad because it feels like fighting money itself. And that’s a battle without end.”

“Exactly.”

“Then I guess the Myeongcheon family has finally met their match... Imagine having to deal with paupers like us.”

Only then did his expression soften a little. He gave a faint smile and glanced at the workers still laboring inside.

“...Let’s send the laborers home.”

“Mm.”

“Look at what those lackeys from the Myeongcheon family were doing in the barracks. On the surface, they look like merchants, but in cruelty, they’re no different from other clans. There’s no point continuing construction on the guesthouse. Next time, it won’t be them—it’ll be troops without barracks or assassins paid in full. We can kill them if they come, but we won’t be able to protect the workers. Worse, they’ll use them to threaten us.”

I nodded.

“It can’t be helped. Let’s do that.”

I looked at the skeleton frame of the Zaha Guest House being built. From this angle, it looked like the giant bones of a half-eaten fish.

“But nothing should happen today. I’ll head over to Baek Eung-ji, ask them to help us stock up on food and alcohol, then dismiss the workers.”

“Go ahead.”

“Damn, making a living really is tough.”

Just like Big Brother, I crossed my arms and watched the burning barracks until the fire died down.

***

Gwangmyeong Usa was eating alone in the main hall when he suddenly looked up, his eyes fixed on the door.

From the slowly opening doorway emerged a small man, his back against the sunlight. He pushed the doors wide open.

Gwangmyeong Usa chuckled as he spoke.

“Well, well. Look who it is. Lord Yang. Running away—now that was unlike you. Come in.”

Lord Yang, standing at the door, didn’t respond. He just stared at the Right Guardian.

“......”

Because the light was behind him, Gwangmyeong Usa couldn’t make out his face.

“Lord Yang, don’t tell me you’ve gathered troops again?”

“......”

“Still this foolish? Surely you know it’s pointless.”

Without a word, Lord Yang turned slightly and lowered his head like a defeated man.

The moment Gwangmyeong Usa sensed something off, he erased his smile and rose from his seat.

“......”

Though no footsteps were heard, he sensed someone approaching.

Then, the sunlight streaming through the large hall entrance was suddenly swallowed by a dark shadow as another man appeared.

Gwangmyeong Usa dropped his chopsticks and reached for his sword the instant he recognized who it was.

The man who had walked in as casually as if visiting his in-laws looked around like he owned the place and spoke.

“Usa, were you in the middle of a meal?”

Gwangmyeong Usa furrowed his brow and squinted toward the light, needing a moment to recover from the glare. Realizing that he had briefly gone blind in front of a powerful foe sent a chill down his spine.

The chance to escape had already vanished. Troops were pressing in from outside.

By the time he could see clearly, the Cult Leader was already seated across the table, calmly watching him.

Gwangmyeong Usa took a sip of water as he stared at the Cult Leader.

“...You’ve come?”

The Cult Leader looked around the hall like a man revisiting his wife’s family estate for the first time in ages, then spoke with a casual tone.

“Lord Yang seemed genuinely worried about you. Said you’ve fallen into deviation.”

Only then did Gwangmyeong Usa force out a reply.

“Impossible. And you—such a lazy man—what brings you all the way out here?”

“Lord Yang was surprisingly honest. Said you were too difficult to deal with.”

Gwangmyeong Usa responded with a grimace.

“He got past it. What about you, Cult Leader? What do you think?”

As blood began to tinge Gwangmyeong Usa’s eyes, the Cult Leader actually let out a rare, audible laugh.

“Your eyes are bloodshot. You should get more sleep.”

“......”

“I thought you were a straight-laced type. Maybe I misjudged. Or maybe people really do change. If I’d seen this side of you earlier, I would’ve helped you break free sooner.”

“Break free?”

The Cult Leader sat down opposite him and spoke.

“Then I would’ve helped you gain independence earlier.”

Gwangmyeong Usa glared at him.

“...What the hell are you saying?”

The Cult Leader looked at him gently and said,

“You’ve served the cult for years. I can at least give you that much. Even if you go independent, try not to kill fellow cultists needlessly. In recognition of your dedication, if you hand over the Great Cloud Sword, I’ll let you go without killing you.”

Usa sat down as well and fixed his gaze on the Cult Leader.

“I have no idea what goes on in your head.”

“When parting comes, people drop their courtesy, get curious, their expressions change... Did you forget I treated you with respect as the Right Guardian?”

Gwangmyeong Usa tilted his head with a sneer.

“You didn’t come here to chat. You came to kill me.”

“If that were the case, I wouldn’t have started with conversation.”

Gwangmyeong Usa laughed.

“Cult Leader, did you lose your martial arts due to deviation? I can’t read you at all.”

“Hand over the Great Cloud Sword.”

Gwangmyeong Usa untied the sword from his waist and half-drew it before him.

“This? Is this sword really so important to you? Take it. I’m past the stage of being bound by swords.”

He tossed the Great Cloud Sword before the Cult Leader.

Then the Cult Leader called out.

“Lord Yang.”

“Yes, Cult Leader.”

Lord Yang, waiting outside, strode in.

“Deliver the Great Cloud Sword to the new Right Guardian.”

“Yes, sir.”

Lord Yang took the sword from the table without once looking at Gwangmyeong Usa, then walked out and closed the doors behind him.

Gwangmyeong Usa stared at the farce, then swept the food off the table with his hand. Plates shattered and food scattered, leaving a chaotic mess.

He stared at the Cult Leader.

“So what now? We gonna fight?”

The Cult Leader, expression unchanged, asked,

“If you have any questions, ask them.”

“......”

“There must be plenty you don’t know. Ask anything. I’ll answer.”

Gwangmyeong Usa responded with disbelief.

“This is absurd. Fine, I’ll ask. Compared to the previous Cult Leader’s era, the cult’s strength and authority have clearly weakened. You, as the current Cult Leader, seem to be the cause. What do you think?”

“I disagree.”

“The Four Kings are dead. Sword Demon left. Even retired ghosts were killed. And that’s not even counting the subordinates.”

The Cult Leader replied.

“What does that death have to do with strength? Thanks to them, you’ve become stronger. The cult’s strength only declines if you leave. Don’t you think?”

“You mean I’m worth more than all those dead people?”

“That should be obvious to you by now. Truthfully, the only two events that weakened the cult’s strength were the Sword Demon’s departure and your declaration of independence.”

Gwangmyeong Usa murmured,

“What an absurd calculation.”

“To be precise, the cult’s power remains unchanged.”

“How?”

The Cult Leader looked his former subordinate in the eye.

“Because I’m still here. Compared to what, exactly, is our power diminished?”

Usa scoffed.

“Then why haven’t you killed the Haomun Lord yet? With your skill, you could’ve done it long ago. Instead, only unrelated subordinates died. Mine among them.”

The Cult Leader answered.

“True. But when did I ever order the Haomun Lord’s death?”

“What?”

“I said bring him to me. When did that become an order to kill him?”

Usa slammed the table, splitting it clean in half.

“Are you serious? That man would never come willingly. Of course we had to kill him.”

The Cult Leader chuckled.

“Section one of the cult’s law clearly says not to kill non-cult members recklessly. Why? Because no one starts as a cultist. It states to recruit them first. The Haomun Lord was under observation because of that.”

“Don’t kill recklessly? You’ve killed countless people!”

“Who?”

Usa pointed at him.

“You. Don’t you remember? Massacres. I know. I’m from Jin Hongdo. Born into the Hong family—its ruling clan. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?”

“That massacre was ordered by the previous Cult Leader, against a family that rebelled. My own killings were only against rival demonic clans, or the maternal family of my half-brothers. All were challengers or dissenters. It wasn’t against the law. Since becoming Cult Leader, I’ve never killed a cultist without cause. Or non-cultists, for that matter. Think. Who have I killed recently with my own hands?”

Usa shook his head and spoke.

“You’re insane.”

“Usa.”

“Why am I still ‘Usa’ to you?”

“Hong Ye. You’re in deviation right now. You’ve lost your composure. Even when I’m telling you hard truths. What, is your pride worth more than your life? Since when were you this emotional?”

“......”

The Cult Leader let out a low, drawn-out laugh.

“The previous Cult Leader didn’t annihilate all of Jin Hongdo. Just the faction that followed the family head. You, Hong Ye, should return as the family head. Things might’ve changed, but with your strength, you could seize control. As you know, we still have ties with various esoteric sects and marginal nations. The reason I’m letting you live is because you declared independence. I won’t stop a different branch of the cult from forming.”

Usa replied.

“I’ll handle that myself. But why did you spare Sword Demon?”

“That’s rich. You were the one who quietly suggested sparing him. Lost your memory too?”

“......”

“I had my reasons. Sword Demon was the best candidate for next Cult Leader. Better than any of my children. Personality, martial arts, everything. Why would I kill the one man who most fits the throne?”

“Why didn’t you say that earlier?”

“I didn’t expect him to leave. How could I tell you beforehand?”

“Then what about me?”

“If he refused, you were next. That’s why I kept you and the Right Guardian by my side. When the Cult Leader is away, the Left and Right Guardians act as Vice Leaders. You two already functioned that way. What were you doubting?”

“......”

“Since I became Cult Leader, I haven’t killed cultists without reason. Even grave mistakes led only to exile to the old headquarters. When have I ever treated lives lightly? I know I’ll be blamed for the blood spilled by cultists. And even if you had failed and returned, I wouldn’t have blamed you. Pressuring the Haomun Lord was already fulfilling the mission. But with your understanding this low...”

“What was the point of all that pressure?”

The Cult Leader spun a finger at his temple.

“He would’ve gone mad—like you are now. When he hit bottom, I’d have rescued him myself. But it didn’t go as planned.”

“Why the hell would you rescue the Haomun Lord?”

“That’s the Cult Leader’s duty. You fool. He defeated you perfectly. Look at yourself. Ask who disturbed your heart.”

Usa sighed.

“You’re not the Cult Leader I once knew. When did your thoughts turn this way?”

The Cult Leader stared at him seriously.

“...Most of you are weaklings. Misinterpret orders at will. Can’t control yourselves. Racked with deviation, loitering at the old headquarters. Addicted to slaughter. Incapable of redemption. Incomplete in every way. That’s what most cultists are. Garbage. They only respond to fear. Everyone except Sword Demon and you—cowardly, wormlike trash.”

He pointed at Usa.

“You’re allowed to go independent because you’re just slightly better trash. How’s it feel, your first manly choice in life?”

“......”

“Go to Jin Hongdo. Form the Blood Sect. Grow your cult. And when I call, day or night, you’d better come running with your followers like a dog. If not, I’ll massacre your Blood Sect, your cultists, your hidden family, and tear your limbs apart to decorate their corpses.”

“......”

The Cult Leader looked at Hong Ye’s frozen expression and chuckled. As if his speech was done, he rose and looked down at the seated former Right Guardian.

“Hong Ye, do you know why I made you... the Right Guardian?”

He stepped closer, inspecting Hong Ye’s face like checking a butchered pig.

The Cult Leader placed his hand on Hong Ye’s head.

“You were a particularly obedient worm. So I appointed you. You’re free now.”

Hong Ye couldn’t comprehend why he couldn’t move. He wanted to counter with qi, but couldn’t risk it—he knew the Cult Leader would tear off his head instantly. Even with his improved martial arts, he was still beneath the Cult Leader’s tier.

“......”

“You grew up well.”

Staring at the Cult Leader’s retreating back through the great hall, the former Gwangmyeong Usa, Hong Ye, fell into the illusion that he truly was nothing more than a worm.

The words “Travel safely, my lord” almost escaped his lips from old habit—but he swallowed them down.

That was when Hong Ye finally realized...

He had always lived as the Cult Leader’s slave.

And the Cult Leader... had never hated the worms.

Because—

They were simply worms.