Absolute Regression Chapter 375 : No ignoring just because the mystery is gone

Translator: FenrirTL

Editor/Quality Checker/Notes : Saphartlantis

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Chapter 375: No ignoring just because the mystery is gone

That was the first ti Geom Mugeuk saw it.

Baek Jagang's eyes grew wide. Of course, even when widened, they were still small.

‘Is that the best you can do? Alliance Leader!’

Bih Sa-in was like that, and so was the Unorthodox Alliance Leader. Each had a striking individuality that made them seem cool. The small eyes beca more charming the more you looked at them. 1

“Wasn’t that favorite tavern said to be in front of the Divine Cult?”

“It’s in Maga Village.”

“You’re saying you want to take there?”

“Yes.”

Baek Jagang, who had been staring at Geom Mugeuk for a mont, turned to look at Bih Sa-in.

Before the Alliance Leader could say anything, Bih Sa-in sighed and spoke.

“He’s serious. This person has always been this crazy.”

Even so, Bih Sa-in used the word ‘person’ instead of ‘bastard’.

Baek Jagang asked again.

“Was this your plan from the start?”

“That’s right.”

“Is this your goal? To lure to the Divine Cult and kill ?”

Geom Mugeuk laughed. In Baek Jagang’s mind, he was already imagining being surrounded and jointly attacked by the Eight Demon Supres at that famous tavern in front of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

“No. I would never intend to harm you, Alliance Leader.”

There was no chill at Baek Jagang’s ears.

Right, if that had been the plan, the Poison King wouldn’t have detoxified the Netherbane earlier.

“Then why are you trying to take to the Divine Cult?”

“Didn’t I already say? I want to serve you a drink there.”

“Can’t you just buy drinks here?”

“The tavern owner there is an excellent cook. And the atmosphere is great too.”

“Be honest. What’s the real reason?”

After a short pause, Geom Mugeuk answered.

“I want you to et my father.”

No matter how unofficial it might be, if the Unorthodox Alliance Leader ca all the way to the Divine Cult, there’s no way the Heavenly Demon would just sit still, right? Geom Woojin would definitely co out to the tavern to et the Unorthodox Alliance Leader.

“Your father? Why?”

“There are two reasons. First, it’s because of this conspiracy. They targeted the Young Leader of the Unorthodox Alliance and the grandson of the Martial Alliance Leader, while aiming for the Soul Reaper Demon Supre of the Divine Cult. In a situation where such people are moving in the shadows, I believe it’s aningful for the two of you to et at least once.” 2

Baek Jagang nodded. It made sense, but it wasn’t necessary for them to et in person. They could exchange letters, or share information through military officers. He had a feeling the second reason was the real one.

“What’s the second reason?”

Then ca Geom Mugeuk’s true intention.

“I’d like you two to et and beco close. I just think both of you will get along really well.”

Like so, he hoped that his father and the Unorthodox Alliance Leader would gradually distance themselves from the dream of unifying the martial world. Because within that one toast between those two, countless lives were at stake.

Baek Jagang looked at Geom Mugeuk with an expression that said he couldn’t understand him at all.

“You think that reason is better than a martial treasure or an ancient elixir?” 3

“Yes, it's better. Of course, I fully understand that this isn’t sothing that can be decided lightly.”

He brought it up casually, but it was anything but a small matter. After all, this involved the Unorthodox Alliance Leader moving toward the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Even just thinking about the escort—would he bring only a few elites? Or mobilize a large force?

“Did you get your father's permission to say this?”

“To be honest, I haven’t. But this isn’t sothing that requires permission. I’m simply inviting the Alliance Leader personally for a drink.”

If this matter were handled officially, his father wouldn’t approve. He disliked the Unorthodox Alliance, and he disliked the Unorthodox Alliance Leader even more. Well, it's not like he was fond of the Martial Alliance Leader either.

In any case, even without approval, the eting could still happen.

Baek Jagang began walking again.

As he walked in thought for a mont, he suddenly stopped.

“Alright. Let’s say I go. Do you think the Martial Alliance will sit still? They’ll start to think the Divine Cult and the Alliance are scheming together.”

“I’ll take full responsibility to ensure there’s no misunderstanding.”

“And how will you do that?”

“I’ll go directly to the Martial Alliance Leader. I’ll explain everything—that I arranged the eting for such and such reasons. I’ll ask that there be no misunderstanding.”

Baek Jagang could tell that Geom Mugeuk ant what he said.

‘Maybe this kid…’

He felt that perhaps this one might actually calm the Martial Alliance down.

Before he knew it, such a thought had entered his mind. To think that rely a few days ago, he used to scoff at the idea of being swayed by a young man.

Just then, the carriage for the Alliance Leader arrived.

“See you at the Alliance later.”

As if he had sothing to think about alone, Baek Jagang left without taking the two with him, accompanied only by his escorts. The martial artists of the Extre Forces Brigade carefully escorted the children and followed afterward, and Monster Evil also left, saying they’d et again next ti.

Now, only Geom Mugeuk, Bih Sa-in, and the Thirteen Wolves remained there.

The two began walking slowly, and the Thirteen Wolves spread out at a distance, guarding them as they walked.

To Bih Sa-in, all that had happened—the battle with the Battle King—felt like a dream. But Geom Mugeuk, not even sparing a thought for such past villains, was already throwing out a new problem.

Having known Geom Mugeuk for more than a day or two, it wasn’t at all strange that he had made such a request to the Alliance Leader. However, there was one thing that worried him.

“What if the two of them et and end up fighting? Who could possibly stop them? Aren’t you afraid?”

Instead of answering, Geom Mugeuk asked a question.

“Do you trust your master?”

“Of course I do.”

“I trust my father too. So they won’t fight.”

He was saying: trust the adults. But were they ordinary adults?

Even if a fight did break out, that would be fine. In fact, Geom Mugeuk rather hoped the two of them would clash once. After all, among martial artists, one couldn't disregard the bond that ca from trading blows. 4

When Bih Sa-in silently nodded, Geom Mugeuk asked with a suspicious look in his eyes.

“Why are you agreeing to everything I say so easily? It's making nervous.”

“It’s the acceptance period.” 5

“There’s such a thing?”

“There is. And I learned that from you. It's not not knowing sothing that hurts one's pride—it’s not trying to fix it that does.”

Just the fact that he admitted it so openly showed how much Bih Sa-in had changed. Perhaps because he was still young, Bih Sa-in had a stronger desire to learn and grow than anyone Geom Mugeuk had t before.

As if sothing had suddenly co to mind, Bih Sa-in asked again.

“By the way, what was it you were going to ask ? Are you going to ask to co to the tavern too?”

“No. If the Alliance Leader gives his permission, you’ll end up coming along anyway. Why would I need to ask?”

What Geom Mugeuk asked was as unexpected as what he’d asked Baek Jagang.

“From the Unorthodox Alliance treasury, let take just one thing I want.” 6

Bih Sa-in widened his eyes and stopped walking.

“What’s so surprising? For sothing that nearly cost my life, it’s only fair to ask for that much, isn’t it?”

“Of course.”

“Are you disappointed? Thinking, why is he being so materialistic? He should’ve asked for sothing to deepen our friendship!”

“That’s not it.”

“Rather than regret it for a long ti, I’d rather beco the embodint of greed just for a mont.”

Bih Sa-in walked in silence for a while. Then, stopping in his tracks, he opened up.

“It’s not that I’m disappointed. Honestly, I’m just taken aback. I thought you’d ask for sothing else. If you were , how would you react in this situation?”

With a strange smile, Geom Mugeuk thought for a mont and then gave his answer.

“If I were you, I’d say this: Alright, I’ll give you a gift from the treasury. And? Is there anything else you want?”

He was supposed to offer more?

“And if I said I wanted more treasure?”

“Alright, I’ll give you that too. What else do you want? I’d keep asking like that. Until I got the answer I was hoping for. If you have any conscience, you’d say it eventually. Until then, I’d give you even ten treasures.”

“Is there a reason you’d go that far?”

“Because we’re friends.”

Bih Sa-in narrowed his eyes and asked suspiciously.

“Are you by any chance targeting ten of the main alliance’s treasures right now?”

“Oh, you noticed?”

Bih Sa-in’s rough expression relaxed slightly, as if exasperated.

“I told you, didn’t I? I’m not so great person. I’m greedy, and I look out for myself first. So don’t have any preconceptions or illusions about .”

Bih Sa-in could feel it. Right now, it was another of Geom Mugeuk lessons, one that was saying to him:

Break the illusions between people, my friend. That’s how it lasts long.

In truth, although Bih Sa-in couldn’t know it, there was another reason Geom Mugeuk wanted to enter the Unorthodox Alliance treasure vault.

It was because of the Secret Box.

He was vaguely hoping that there might be so kind of artifact in the Unorthodox Alliance treasure vault that the Secret Box could absorb. If not now, he might never have the chance to enter the Unorthodox Alliance treasure vault again.

“You’re a hard person to figure out.”

“Just a little longer, and you’ll see. That I’m actually easier to understand than you. And when the mystery disappears, no ignoring it, alright?”

The breeze that blew wasn’t cold but warm.

“The weather’s really softened. At this rate, spring will co before we know it.”

As he said that, Geom Mugeuk looked up at the sky. Bih Sa-in looked up as well, following him. Even when you try to look up often, you keep forgetting to do it.

“What’s your favorite place like?”

“It’s got good liquor, a good tavern owner, and good guests. You’ll like it too when you go. You might even end up going there every day just to drink.”

“Isn’t it a bit too far to go just for a drink?”

“Then work harder on your light footwork training.”

Like that, the two of them—along with the Thirteen Wolves who were with them—stood there for a while, all gazing up at the sky. 7

* * *

After returning to the Unorthodox Alliance, the two headed straight to the Alliance Leader’s Hall.

“I’ll go get the Alliance Leader’s permission, so wait here.”

Even the Young Leader couldn’t enter the treasure vault of the Unorthodox Alliance without permission.

“Even if it’s unreasonable, make sure you get that permission.”

As Bih Sa-in walked toward the Alliance Leader’s Hall, he answered.

“You know, this is when you’re supposed to say, don’t push yourself.”

“I really want to see what’s inside! I really want to take it! Please! Use all your friendship power!” 8

As he walked away, Bih Sa-in pretended to cover his ears.

After sending Bih Sa-in off, Geom Mugeuk turned to look at the steel wolf standing in the corridor. It looked just like the Blue Wolf that had appeared when Baek Jagang unleashed his martial arts.

As he stood staring at it for a while, soone revealed themselves, lifting their concealnt.

“You’re looking at the wolf again.”

It was none other than Ingung, the Commander of the Unorthodox Alliance Escort Troop.

“I don’t know why, but I’m drawn to it.”

To the point where he almost asked for permission to take that steel wolf statue back ho. Of course, he couldn’t really say that. 9

“Thank you for what you did this ti.”

Ingung expressed his gratitude to Geom Mugeuk. The only reason he had revealed himself was to say thank you.

“Think nothing of it. You’re the one who had it the hardest, Commander.”

It hadn’t been visible on the surface, but they were the ones who fought the most grueling battle this ti. Hidden in concealnt, they had been prepared to throw their lives to protect the Alliance Leader at any mont. The ntal strain had been enormous.

So this ti, the ones who felt the deepest gratitude toward Geom Mugeuk and the Poison King were none other than Ingung and the escort guards. After all, they existed solely to sacrifice themselves for the protection of the Alliance Leader.

At that mont, the doors of the Alliance Leader’s Hall opened from the far end of the corridor, and Bih Sa-in walked out. He’d co out sooner than expected. Either he’d received permission readily, or he’d been denied outright—one of the two.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

Without a sound, Ingung vanished while Geom Mugeuk bowed to him.

Bih Sa-in walked up to Geom Mugeuk and said with confidence:

“Let’s go. I got permission.”

“Knew it!”

“Say one more word and I’ll take it back.”

Geom Mugeuk imdiately covered his mouth with his hand before laughing.

The two of them left the Alliance Leader’s Hall. As they walked side by side through the inner court, Geom Mugeuk asked cautiously,

“You didn’t get scolded?”

“I did.”

“Give a blindfold. I’ll go with my eyes tightly shut.”

“What if I push you into a trap?”

“Would you?”

“If I do, it’ll be off a cliff. One about ten thousand ters high.” 10

They finally arrived at the treasure vault.

On the way, they had passed through nurous heavily guarded checkpoints. Only after crossing areas with hidden experts, extrely dangerous chanisms, and mysterious formations could they reach the treasure vault.

He hadn’t blindfolded himself on the way. Bih Sa-in knew well that for soone like Geom Mugeuk, covering his eyes was sothing aningless.

“Not trying to brag or anything, but even I’ve never been allowed to choose freely in here.”

“I’m truly grateful. I know I got this chance because you value . I probably won’t forget this for the rest of my life. I might even lose sleep over it. If I ever have a child, I’ll be sure to tell them. ‘You know your father’s friend, Alliance Leader Bih? When he was young—’”

“Enough! Sorry, I bragged a little.”

Bih Sa-in entered first, wearing a look that said, ‘I really shouldn’t have said anything’. Geom Muguek followed with a chuckle.

Inside was a collection of every kind of treasure.

There were peerless secret manuals that would stir a bloodstorm in the martial world, fad swords known to all, and protective armors that were nearly immortal. It was a dazzling display of treasure in every sense.

As the two walked together, they slowly admired the items on display.

“Once you beco the Alliance Leader, all of this will be yours, right? I should probably start treating you even better.”

“Anyone hearing that would think the Divine Cult doesn’t have a vault of its own. When you have an even bigger one. If I offered to trade, would you accept or not?”

“...I wouldn’t.”

“Then stop whining!”

As he looked around, Geom Mugeuk felt a hot, intense heat rise inside him.

‘This place is preparing for war too.’ 11

It was just like the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Weapons, protective gear, and elixirs ant for martial artists in the event of war were neatly arranged. Clearly, the Unorthodox Alliance was also preparing for that day.

“The Alliance Leader must be really grateful to you. He's not the kind of person who would ever allow an outsider in here.”

“It’s because of you.”

“Because of ?”

“Because he wanted to honor the promise you made with .”

Was that really the reason?

Bih Sa-in couldn’t be certain. He still didn’t fully understand the Alliance Leader’s heart. But at the very least, he hoped that was the reason. Geom Mugeuk was the only one who truly understood such feelings. He didn’t doubt it anymore—because he knew those words were Geom Mugeuk’s way of showing consideration.

Geom Mugeuk passed by the secret manuals, treasured swords, protective armor, and elixirs without pause.

He wasn’t focused on his own greed. He was concentrating on the desire of the Secret Box.

‘Secret Box, this is your one chance. Hurry and choose.’

But even as they passed all sorts of rare items, the Secret Box didn’t react.

“Is there anywhere else?”

“There’s a section where the less valuable things are stored.”

“Let’s look there too.”

“Is there sothing specific you’re searching for?”

“I’m looking for sothing that pulls at strongly. That’s not here.”

So they made their way to the other section. As expected, compared to the main vault they’d seen first, the items here were of lesser value.

“If it were , I’d have only shown you the first vault.”

With a joking tone, Geom Mugeuk calmly looked around the second area as well. This place had more ordinary jewels and ornantal items than weapons, armor, or elixirs.

The further into the corner they went, the more relatively worthless items were stored. They walked nearly all the way to the end.

Just as he was about to give up, thinking perhaps the Unorthodox Alliance didn’t have it—

Wuuung!

The Secret Box reacted. 12

1 : I really can’t manage to picture the Alliance Leader’s eyes. Narrow-eyes, I can, but, just, small ? Nope.

2 : He might not know about Baek Jagang super ear, but he still was careful to not let slip he’s gonna manipulate Jin Paecheon to go there too XDXDXD You can’t hide it from us Mugeuk, we know you too well !!!

3 : What use power can be, when the world is in ruin and all your loved ones are dead ? As much as not having enough power is a sin, holding too much of it with an empty heart is aningless. Better to have nothing and be happy rather than having everything and be hollow. Of course, having both is a much better outco, but how many can realistically reach it ? F to them all.

4 : Plus, with Bih Sa-in, himself and either Jin Haryeong or Jin Hagun (or both) on the location, they will be wary/careful to not go all out, so all of you will be able to talk them down.

5 : Lol, the 5 stages of grief XDXDXD A bit exaggerated, don't you think ?

6 : Lol, I can see him try to ‘sneakily’ whisper while looking ‘suspiciously’ at the Thirteen Wolves XDXDXD

7 : It’s nice that the Thirteen Wolves found that peaceful mont important enough to involve themselves too, despite their responsibilities. Being a bodyguard is hard, taking ti to rest is important too. You lose sight of what’s important far too quickly, after all.

8 : I have this sudden image of Bih Sa-in going Super Sayan in his argunt with the Alliance Leader, only for Baek Jagang skin to turn green like Vegeta XDXDXD And I didn’t read or watch Dragon Ball too !!! It just shows how much this image ingrained itself in our global, unconscious culture.

9 : That would be nice though, especially since his room only has a bookshelf full of books he doesn't have the ti to read. It’s the first ti he has the urge to decorate. Plus that wolf statue seems lonely too. Oh well…. next ti maybe ? ^^

10 : That old temptation, it’s been a while ^^

11 : Siiighhh. Humans.

12 : *Jackpot bells SFX*

* : Great news !!! At the ti of my editing, we reached 1001 bookmarks on Absolute Regression !!! Considering we recently lost our beloved old Discord (RIP, dear server), we’re doing pretty well ^^

I’d love to ask you to share the story everywhere, but considering how ravenous our DCMAs providers are acting these last months, we’re kinda trying to stay below their radar, so please keep that to yourselves instead XDXDXD