Chapter 347. Arrangement

Chi-Woo felt someone’s gaze on him while walking. Yunael was glancing at him sideways; it seemed that she had something to say. She would have usually asked the question without hesitation, but she was clearly holding it in because they were marching. Although she had a fiery and energetic personality, she surprisingly made a clear distinction between professional and nonprofessional life—that was probably why she was a hero.

Chi-Woo muttered to himself and widened his distance from the other expedition team members with the excuse of scouting the area during the break. Then, as expected, Yunael quietly followed him.

“Hey, you know. Can I ask you a question?”.com

“Yes, go ahead.”

“What happened this morning?”

“What do you mean?”

“Stop playing dumb. I’m talking about that hero—Ru Amuh.”

“Why? Do you want me to arrange a separate meeting between you two? Since you two are getting so cozy.”

“Ah, seriously. I’m not interested. Although my body changed into that of a woman, my heart is still the same.”

When Yunael sharply glared at him, Chi-Woo smirked. “Then what is it? I can only give you a proper reply if you tell me exactly what you’re asking.”

“Oh my goodness. Look at you keeping up the act even though you know what I want to know.” Yunael crossed her arms and grumbled at his attitude. Although she looked displeased, she sighed and continued, “How can someone change so much overnight?”

Chi-Woo’s eyes widened slightly. He had been somewhat doubtful that Yunael would notice Ru Amuh’s change.

“Frankly, I thought I might be able to challenge him if I rose to gold tier just before I went to sleep yesterday, but when I woke up, that thought completely disappeared. The energy flowing out of him completely changed as well. Ru Amuh might be even stronger than Alice Ho Lactea right now.” Yunael’s pride seemed to have suffered a blow, but she clearly expressed her thoughts straight away, and Chi-Woo was slightly surprised.

He hadn’t expected anyone to find out. No—other people might have also found out, but they might be keeping it to themselves. Like Evelyn, who had been snooping near them for a while.

Stroking his chin, Chi-Woo suddenly smiled and asked, “Then what about me?”

“What?”

“You said that Mr. Ru Amuh might be stronger than Ms. Alice. Then what about compared to me?”

“That’s.” Yunael blinked at his unexpected question. “Well…I don’t know.” She thought about it a little bit and continued with a serious expression. “You know how you get a sense of intuition whenever you meet someone? Take Ru Amuh as an example; I think it’ll be a bit hard for me to beat him. And for the legend, I think I’ll get killed immediately.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“But Captain is…hmm, what should I say? I feel like you might be able to destroy everything if you really decide to?”

Chi-Woo flinched. Yunael…had surprisingly sharp instincts.

“It feels like something that can never be overcome…a fundamental difference from birth that cannot be surpassed…no—wait, why do I have to talk about this?” Yunael got angry while she talked. “Anyway, what is it? I answered your question, so quickly answer mine as well.”

“No.”

“Why!”

“It’s a secret.”

“Come on.”

When Yunael looked at him with a baffled expression, Chi-Woo chuckled.

He wanted to ask if she had stayed awake last night, but then he would be admitting to her speculation, so he changed the subject. “I don’t know why you’re asking me this. What does that have to do with you?”

“Well…” Yunael murmured and continued in an uncharacteristically careful manner, “I was wondering if I could also get it.”

“Get what?”

“Ah, seriously. I’m not stupid, okay?”

“You’re very greedy. Didn’t you get something already? Wasn’t it called divine blood?” When Chi-Woo brought up information that Eval Sevaru told him, Yunael shook her head.

“That? She said she’d give it to me, but I didn’t take it.”

“Why?”

“It’s just…I want the effect, but then I’ll be subjugated to Ho Lactea. As a member of Tania, I can’t let that happen.”

“Then what if mine also has the same restriction?”

“Don’t lie. Aida already told me it’s not like that—ah.” Yunael realized her mistake mid-sentence, but it was already too late.

“Aha. Ms. Aida.” The corners of Chi-Woo’s mouth went up. “Oh, my. I told her to keep it a secret, but haha. Ms. Aida has…”

“No! Aida only told me this! I swear I never told anyone else! That’s the truth! Honest!” Yunael jumped up and down. Considering that Yunael hated being indebted to others, she was also extremely wary of situations in which others had to take responsibility for her mistakes. It went without saying that this feeling was amplified when Aida was involved.

Although Yunael didn’t seem to be lying, Chi-Woo deliberately overreacted. “I won’t say it’s your fault, since this is Ms. Aida’s mistake. Anyway, I’ll make sure to hold her accountable.”

“Ah, why! It doesn’t even matter! Since I’m your subordinate now!”

“This is information not everyone in Seven Stars is privy to. It’s a top secret that only a few members know… Just watch when I go back. I’ll—”

“Ahhhhhhh~!” Yunael was so desperate that she quickly grabbed his arm and pulled.

“No.” At that moment, the one person who had been hovering around quickly stepped between them. “That’s enough.” Evelyn grabbed Yunael’s hand and pulled her away from Chi-Woo.

Yunael asked, “What are you doing? Can’t you see that we’re in the middle of a conversation?”

“Then you can just talk. Why do you have to make unnecessary physical contact? While making a whiny sound.”

“When did I—no, it doesn’t matter if I did. Why do you care?”

“I wouldn’t have cared if you’re a man. But that’s not the case. Who told you to change into a woman? You’re making me feel anxious for no reason.” Evelyn said it quietly as if she was gently persuading her. “Of course, I’m not saying you can’t get close at all, but you have to wait for your turn. Let’s sort out the ranks first. Come here.”

As Evelyn dragged her away, Yunael looked back at Chi-Woo with a completely dumbfounded expression, and Chi-Woo shrugged.

* * *

Chi-Woo thought of Ru Amuh’s team on the way. They should have arrived by now. He wondered what the situation was like over there and whether they were doing well. However, these thoughts grew less frequent as he moved forward because they were almost at their destination.

This was no time to worry about others; he needed to concentrate. After a few more days of marching, the expedition finally reached their destination, or to be exact, they had no choice but to stop somewhere close.

“…Ms. Hawa.” Chi-Woo asked, staring blankly forward. “Is this the right place?”

“…Yes,” Hawa answered half a beat later. Even though Hawa rarely showed emotions, she seemed dumbfounded by the sight in front of her. “It’s the right place. I’m sure of it.”

To activate the Narsha Haram, they needed to go to the location designated by Mamiya and make an altar to offer the token. Yunael grumbled about why they had to go all the way there, but Chi-Woo thought there must be a reason why Mamiya specified the location. However, he became at a loss when they reached their destination. Because…

“It’s over there.” There was a fortress where Hawa was pointing at. It was quite large, and it appeared to be a military fortress considering the thick walls and various defense facilities. It seemed to still be under construction, and quite a few individuals were busily moving about.

“I think it’s under careful watch…and it looks like they’re monitoring the construction site. Many seem to be workers…I see demons as well as humans.”

Yunael asked, “Even humans?”

“It’s not very strange,” Evelyn replied calmly. “Although human civilization has been destroyed, not all humans have died. The Demon Empire captured the survivors and enslaved them. It’s a common occurrence.” According to her, it was not unusual to see humans in the Demon Empire’s territory, but that was not the important matter.

“…This is crazy.” Chi-Woo bit his lower lip. A fortress was being built exactly where they needed to go; it was way too coincidental.

“Perhaps God Mamiya is a sicko?” Yunael also muttered, feeling dejected.

They couldn’t do anything for now. The expedition team held a meeting after stepping back out of clear view of the fortress. Simply put, they could follow Mamiya’s order if they just attacked the fortress and wiped out everything. However, could they attack the fortress with only seven people? And a siege at that? Although it was a ridiculous proposition, Chi-Woo’s thoughts were slightly different as he looked at the glove he was wearing. For some reason, he thought he would be able to do it in his current state. If only Ru Amuh were here, he would have thought it was worth a try.

Of course, even if they succeeded, not everything would be solved. This was still the Demon Empire’s territory, albeit at the border. Since their territory had significantly decreased compared to before, the distance between this place and the great demons monitoring the area must have gotten closer as well.

The current Demon Empire was like a honeycomb. There would naturally be a big commotion if they attacked one of their fortresses, and in the worst-case scenario, all the demons might gather here, and they would be surrounded, especially considering that demons constantly fought with each other but immediately united against foreign invasion. Then, even if they encountered no problem when they left, trouble would come knocking as they headed back home. They tried to come up with a better solution, but to no avail. If they didn’t subjugate the fortress, the only method was to quietly return, but that would be wasting their time even further.

“Why don’t we join the Cassiubia League with Ru Amuh’s team? After offering our help, we can explain our situation and get help to attack this place. If a large army from the League is sent, even the Demon Empire won’t be able to move recklessly.” Evelyn came up with a compromise. Although it was a viable method, it remained uncertain that the League would move as they wished. They were at an impasse, not knowing what to do.

“Wait.” Hawa, who had been continuously watching the fortress, said, “An individual is approaching.”

“Just one?”

“Yes, just one. They’re slowly coming this way.” Hawa bent down. She seemed to think she would get caught if she stared any longer. She turned around and asked, “What should we do?”

It was now time to make a decision. Chi-Woo thought about it for a while and ordered everyone to prepare for battle. The expedition team waited with bated breath while staying hidden as the footsteps gradually approached. Soon after, the footsteps quieted after getting close.

‘What the? Why aren’t they coming closer? Do they know we are here?’ While all kinds of thoughts passed through his head, Chi-Woo was about to infuse exorcism mana into his glove when—

“Excuse me…” They heard a feminine and slightly cautious voice from above the rock. “…I understand that you’re going to run out and subdue me if I walk a little further from here and go past you. Then there’s a high chance that the soldiers on guard at the fortress might see it. To be frank, I came out here after receiving a report that they have detected signs of suspicious activity…” The speaker spoke in a calm and serene tone.

On the contrary, Chi-Woo was shocked. They’ve already been caught?

“Then there might be quite a fuss, and that’s something that I don’t want. But I think if I go behind that rock, I would be well covered. No one inside the fortress would know what happened if I hid behind it.”

This was true, but…

“If you don’t mind, I’ll move there slowly. Would you please capture and interrogate me after I’m no longer visible?” At her very polite request, the expedition members all looked at each other. There was a figurative question mark on top of everyone’s heads.

“Uh…” Chi-Woo gaped. He was flustered because it was the first time something like this had ever happened to him. “I-Is that so? Then…shall we do that?” Although Chi-Woo was not usually respectful to an enemy, he unconsciously adopted a polite manner of speech; he somehow felt like he should.

“Yes! Thank you for listening to my request. Then I’ll move towards that direction, so please don’t kill me instantly.” Her response was followed by the sound of grass being stepped on. Soon after, a figure wearing a hood appeared from behind the rock. As soon as she turned the corner, she pulled down her hood and revealed her dark brown face and long hair. Both of her ears were pointed, and she was wearing a monocle. Judging by her appearance, she was definitely not human but a member of the Demon Empire.

“Pweh. It’s done.” The slender and academic-looking female demon exhaled and turned around. Then she knelt down and held her hands behind her head. “Now! You can do as you please. Let’s begin talking when all of you feel assured of your safety.”

The expedition team stared at their opponent, who was in a perfect surrender position. They all stared at her as if she was insane.

Then she tilted her head at their silence. “Aren’t you going to tie me up? If you don’t have a rope, you can step down on me or point a weapon at me.”

Chi-Woo wondered if there was any need to go so far, but Yunael didn’t seem to agree. She said, “I’m not the captain, but let me just ask one question.” She pointed her spear at the demon and asked, “Are you crazy?”

“Hmm…no. I’m completely sane. And just so you know, my hobbies and tastes are perfectly healthy and normal.” She continued in a calm tone, “However, I don’t think it’s unreasonable for all of you to think that I’m acting like a crazy idiot or assume that I have an ulterior motive. Yes, of course. I would probably think the same if I were in your position.”

Everyone nodded.

“Thus, may I be given the chance to resolve this unfortunate misunderstanding with a question and a couple sentences? That’s all I ask. Then you’ll understand why I’m acting like this.”

Yunael looked back at Chi-Woo with an expression suggesting that she had no idea what to do. Although Chi-Woo was also confused, he decided to allow it based on the opponent’s sincerity. “Yes, go on.”

“Yes! Thank you. Then first, are all of you from Shalyh?”

“Yes, that’s correct,” Chi-Woo answered calmly. That was one question asked.

“As expected!” And now one sentence said, leaving her only one more to explain herself. Chi-Woo prepared to infuse exorcism mana into his glove. Although he didn't know her intention, he sensed a dark energy as powerful as that of a great demon from her.

“My prediction was right!”

With this, two sentences were completed, and Chi-Woo turned his head from side to side. “We’ve heard a question and two sentences from you, But I still didn’t understand.”

Then the demon’s eyes widened in apparent puzzlement. “Huh? No, I said, ‘As expected, my prediction was right!’ That was the first sentence.”

“But you paused and split the sentence into two.”

Yunael agreed with Chi-Woo’s argument and immediately clutched her spear.

“No! Wait!” Stunned, the demon hurriedly turned halfway and shouted, “It’s a message from Lady Shersha!”