Side Story 9: Kim Ji-Hoon and Lu-luah

“What is…that?”

“She is the messenger that He sent. Well, that is what she insists.”

Kim Ji-Hoon looked up to the void again. She surely looked like a Valkyrie summoned by Him from her appearance alone, but her presence was of a different dimension.

She did not pale in comparison even to the Fire Spirit King. Rather, her aura was even more powerful than him, and it was impossible for her to be anything less than that. Moreover, it felt like her voice was still reverberating in his head.

Anyway, Kim Ji-Hoon’s immediate concern was not her. All the citizens of the Savior’s City who finally escaped the maze, aggressively approached the surrounding Awakened and demanded food and water. Their days of sustaining themselves with the blood of cursed elves were now over.

At least it wasn’t poisonous. God damn.

Kim Ji-Hoon’s anger still did not subside whenever he recalled the situation where he was driven into His bedroom, which had become a maze.

***

The Awakened who returned from the Final Stage claimed they had gone through the toughest moments compared to others. However, Kim Ji-Hoon just scoffed and laughed it off. Unlike other battlefields where they had support from the Lord’s allies and other challengers, his group had to face hordes of elite elves with limited numbers.

Then, they were eventually pushed back to the entrance of His bedroom. Although Kim Ji-Hoon knew he would not be able to escape easily as soon as he stepped in the maze, he had no choice. He needed to devise a new strategy within.

The ordinary elf troops were not a big deal, but when he encountered the strongest elves, the maze was the only answer he had. That was their last resort.

It is really over now.

Kim Ji-Hoon satiated his hunger, then he finally felt clear-headed. When all the Awakened returned to the castle, the being who called herself a ‘messenger’ remained silent in the air.

Then, it happened suddenly.

Dududu.

Kim Ji-Hoon began to feel the vibrations from the ground. Most of the Awakened were accustomed to this, so they immediately sprung up while they were relaxing in the joy of victory. They created a formation with their comrades and prepared themselves to rush into a new battle.

Nonetheless, a peculiar phenomenon was spotted in the distance. The cracked and split grounds were moving. That was not the only thing. From the dead land where nothing used to grow, sprouts started to emerge.

Is it regenerating?

When Kim Ji-Hoon looked up at the air, a dazzling light was flowing from the grip of the Valkyrie. Her claim that He sent her as a messenger could be true. The power radiating from her grasp and spreading throughout the Dragorin territory was proof of that.

[Kim Ji-Hoon: I, Kim Ji-Hoon, am announcing to everyone. It is true that there is a possibility that the presence floating in the void was actually sent by Him, just as she continues to insist.]

[Kim Ji-Hoon: But we are the citizens of the Savior’s City. We should not let our guards down until we confirm the fact. After getting emergency food, we will gather again secretly away from her gaze.]

[Kim Ji-Hoon: We will gather again in front of the bedroom.]

[Kim Ji-Hoon: We must absolutely protect that place no matter what.]

Of course, the bedroom had now changed to the Labyrinth of Eternity. Nevertheless, one evident fact was that there was something that needed to be safeguarded at the end of it.

“Hey.”

Kim Ji-Hoon approached an Awakened from another faction before moving. He happened to make eye contact with this particular guy.

“You know me, don’t you?”

“It is an honor to meet you.”

“What is your name? Not your code name, but the name you used as a civilian.”

“Norihito.”

“If you have food, give it all to me. I, Kim Ji-Hoon, will kindly remember your name, Norihito.”

The Awakened seemed pleased at the chance to establish a connection with the top-ranked citizen of the Savior’s City. When Kim Ji-Hoon patted his shoulder, the Awakened’s face was filled with emotion.

The preparations were complete. Then, something flew toward Kim Ji-Hoon.

[Oh my! Who is this? You’re still alive? Gosh. Nice to see you again.]

“...”

[Do you not recognize me? ( ??д?? ) It’s me. The High Priest Lu-luah.]

Given that they all looked identical, Kim Ji-Hoon didn’t even think it was funny. It seemed that some kind of alliance was formed between the Lusea clan and the Awakened during the second Final Stage. Lusea species often clung to the Awakened, usually targeting those who seemed like the leaders of groups.

Kim Ji-Hoon looked up at Elle. There was also a Lusea creature clinging to her, flapping its tiny wings continuously.

[That is the mother of the Lu-seah clan, Lu-seah!]

Kim Ji-Hoon tried to ignore and pass by it, but Lulua persistently followed him.

[I was being nice because the most revered citizen of the Savior’s City seemed lonely… I have made time for you. Ugh. If you want to go, I will let you do that. I won’t stop you. Pff!]

However, Lulua flew right in front of Kim Ji-Hoon’s eyes. He felt as if his blood was boiling in anger. He was in the middle of a secret, dangerous mission, but this creature was in the way, disturbing him. Kim Ji-Hoon was confident that it would be easy to confront this nuisance even though it used to be hard before. His gaze was sharp and fierce.

[Ugh…(?>﹏<?) You are so scary. Your eyes are like a snake’s.]

- Kim Ji-Hoon: You found the wrong person. Weren’t you handling someone higher up than me? Get the fuck off to them.

[Hmph. Are you blind? Do you see Mr. Caliber anywhere here? Is that big guy over there? Eeek! Never mind. He is not.]

It was not just the esteemed Caliber, but neither His lover Mary nor the King of Hell were there to be seen either.

“Could it be…”

Kim Ji-Hoon thought they might have passed away. However, that was not sad. Although he would mourn their heroic ends, it was true that there was no one else better than them to become a sacrifice on the path to becoming the only holy being.

[Let’s look around. Boing, boing, boing, boing.]

- What are you doing?

[What do you mean? That is the noise of your eyes rolling, Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon. That is why I feel like I am closer to you than others. Perhaps we might share a similar mental flow. That is probably why I admire Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon so much. Hehe.]

- Stop blabbering and get to the point.

[Blabbering? You are so mean… Fine. The point is that it is too early to be happy. I, Lu-luah, heard the news that they are indeed alive. Everyone is alive, including the lesser god Mary and others. It seems that our Lord Odin took them to his side. But you were not included. Oopsy.]

[You must be disappointed. (?′???`?) If they all had died, Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon’s status would have been elevated.]

“...”

Kim Ji-Hoon admitted that there was an insurmountable wall between those close to Him and himself. Even His blood-related cousin Ji-Ae noona could not enter His inner circle.

Yet, he was a bit disappointed as this bastard mentioned.

[Puhahaha. Hehehehe. Hahahahaha~]

The bastard laughed out loud, and Kim Ji-Hoon turned red with rage he could not contain. However, it was a crucial moment. Kim Ji-Hoon shook his head and passed by Lu-luah. The entrance leading to the bedroom maze was near.

[I was just joking. Don’t get mad at me for that. Okay?]

Buzz-

[Wait a moment. It was just a joke. Can’t we joke between comrades?]

[Okay, fine! Fine! I, Lu-luah, worked super hard and heard that the biggest reason our Lord Odin sent a messenger was because of ‘Our Lord’s soldier Kim Ji-Hoon.’ Even at this crucial time when he became the only god, He did not forget about you.]

[How disappointing. You lack your loyalty and trust toward our Lord. I cannot believe that you were pissed at my trivial joke. I can’t even have fun with you anymore.]

- Shut the fuck up before I kill you. Please. Just go away. Leave.

[If you continue acting like this, it is your loss… Should I really leave? Even if you come looking for me later, crying, I won’t even look at you. I, Lu-luah, possess the power of a High Priest. Do you think it was easy for me to make it to this position? In our clan, you will never be able to find another powerful one like me, other than Lu-seah. All are lesser than me.]

[Do you really want me to go? Actually? I am about to leave now. Do you really want that? For sure?]

Kim Ji-Hoon felt his limits. However, the arrogant attitude of this bastard was holding his sanity together.

Huff-

Kim Ji-Hoon took a deep breath, venting his anger and thought about it. It became clear that the reason why the Lusea clan clinging to strong Awakened was not because of the bond they formed over time.

- Can we not go back?

[Do you want to go back?]

- Just answer me.

[Someone like Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon will be able to get a pass. After all, you are the leader of the Savior’s City, and your reputation score is quite impressive. But you need to plan carefully. If you rush, then you might lose good land to another Awakened group.]

Then, Lulua pointed at Hera’s camp with its wings.

[From Lu-luah’s excellent perspective, the citizens of the Savior’s City wouldn’t want to lose their sanctuary. Greenwood’s central region has a nice climate and many flourishing civilizations. Since there are multiple civilizations, you will get to rule a large population.]

- Kim Ji-Hoon: So, you are saying a non-aggression pact will soon take place. Are you saying that one can acquire territories as spoils depending on our reputation score?

[Ding dong! Yes! The party is near.]

- What about you guys?

[The lesser ones are scrambling to get crumbs that fall off from us. But Lu-luah has the wisdom of not getting swayed by immediate outcomes. You have seen that from me, too, right? If not, never mind.]

- Right. You were in charge of Caliber, weren’t you?

[Yes, so Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon should be thankful to me, Lu-luah. It seems like we are finally on the same page. Hehe]

- Why did you choose me even if you need to abandon the Caliber?

[I told you already. I chose you because of my wisdom of not getting swayed by immediate results. Think about it.]

- Haha. I asked to see your response, but this is just hilarious. Do you think they would even listen to your nonsense? It is fortunate if they don’t bash your mouth.

[What? ?(?`н′?)? You crossed the line. I should just leave. Good bye~]

- Enough with jokes and get to the point. Why me? You could have gone to Hera. Answer carefully because this is your last chance to make me listen.

That was when Lu-luah, who was turning away, stopped moving.

[Ah, I cannot compete with Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon～ ? ]

[I lost, okay? Lu-luah lost. I surrender. I give up.]

However, as Kim Ji-Hoon seemed unlikely to respond, Lulua closed the distance until it was right in front of his face..

[Many Awakened would eye this land, but the citizens of the Savior’s City have a great reason to protect this sanctuary. The Eternal Labyrinth is a place where no one should dare set foot.]

[Do you get it now? I, Lu-luah, would like to show Lu-luah’s faith to our Lord.]

[So, if Mr. Kim-Joon and the citizens take control of this central region, I plan to help so that unfortunate events will not occur.]

[As I have already mentioned, Lu-luah’s power is incomparably stronger compared to the rest. What might be impossible to Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon and the citizens might be possible with me, Lu-luah.]

[Also, by the way, Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon! I chose you over Mr. Caliber and Hera. I have no doubt that you will be the most successful.]

[I feel so embarrassed revealing all of this… You are responsible for that! (*≧o≦*)? ]

Kim Ji-Hoon sensed that this was not the bastard’s main intention. Nonetheless, if he intended to accept the bastard, he thought it was better to clarify and negotiate from a position of strength rather than hiding the fact that he had figured it out.

- Lulua.

[Yes, Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon.]

- You are not just a crawling brat but a piece of complete trash. You seem like you want to die.

[Huhhhh??? You seem like the one not in the right mind. Are you okay? What are you talking about?]

- I wonder what I should do. I have in front of me the sin of coveting his possession. Well, it has not happened yet.

[What… What the heck are you talking about?! Ugh. I might have misjudged Mr. Kim Ji-Hoon. Just ignore what I said. Do you think I do not have other options? Should I go to Hera? Or Caliber?]

- It is about His necklace. The one that has gone missing…

It was likely buried not far from here.

- It has to do with your clan, right? Oh, are you running away? If you want, you can get the fuck off. I will handle it myself. First, I need to consult with your clan’s mother.

Lulua flinched and let out a cry.

[You told me to go fuck off… Please don't be hot and cold. Pleaseeee-]

As soon as Kim Ji-Hoon snapped his fingers, Lulua’s wings flapped more rapidly.

- You are right. We must take over Central Greenwood. If the sanctuary is taken by others, it will be a disgrace to the citizens of the Savior’s City. We must show that we can secure it ourselves.

[Oh! Citizens of the Savior’s City! Thanks for the information!]

- You seem very skilled in trashy deeds.

[Ehem. Even so, calling it a trashy act is a bit… The situation has definitely changed, but I should tell you.]

[I, Lu-luah, am the priest of the Lusea clan. You can say I am on par with the human corps’s priest, but you are not on that level. Why? I am telling you the truth. So, I hope you respect Lu-luah.]

- Are you saying you are in an equal position with Caliber, King of Hell, Osiris and Mary? Asshole. You are way beneath me. Do you think your clan is of the same rank as mine?”

[But, Lu-luah has dignity…]

- Shut up. From now on, be my eyes and ears, you motherfucker.

Kim Ji-Hoon spat out another word to the distorted face of Lulua.

- Why? What? Are you mad? So what?