Tartarus (2)

‘Their swords touched the sky.’

This was said about those known as the Five Swordsmen.

Unofficially, they are strong individuals recognized by anyone who is a <Hunter>.

Obsessed with swords, they reached their own level by cutting through everything with their swords, and there are exactly five such swordsmen worldwide.

Among these remarkable swordsmen, there were as many as two in South Korea.

The first was the <Plum Blossom Sword Emperor>, who received much respect even abroad.

The second, although now deceased, was the head of the <Peng Family> and Peng Jin-ah’s mother, Peng Chae-rin, who had achieved great fame.

However, this list excludes those who can be called <villains, demons>.

In reality, if you consider the list from the underworld,
Hunters believed that the number would increase by at least 10.

Among such lists, there was a super strong individual recognized by everyone.

“That’s the Sword Ghost, isn’t it?”

“You’re putting too much gold on your face.”

Sword Ghost So Hang-woo.

In South Korea, he was the most notorious villain if you only consider notoriety.

In the past, he caused the <Gyeongbokgung Great Disaster> incident and fled, which was a representative case.

Of course, a murderer who committed such heinous crimes couldn’t just roam around.

He fled to the underworld, joined a nameless , and raised his reputation.
Ultimately, he joined <Tartarus>.

And in just one year, he secured a position as an executive in clan.

However, this was merely a nominal position.

In reality, he was an extreme lunatic whom even the <Clan Master> Tang Seo-ran couldn’t control.

According to rumors, there was a not-so-joking joke that when the Sword Demon was approached by someone he didn’t like, he would swing his sword instead of responding.

In that sense, Moon Ha-yeon was in a very unique position.

Not only did she converse with the Sword Ghost, but she also maintained a somewhat close relationship.

Even Moon Ha-yeon herself didn’t know why this was possible.

If she had to guess, it might be because their philosophies aligned to some extent…

Or perhaps it was because they had known each other since childhood?

After all, who could understand that old man’s thoughts?

‘That’s probably why Tang Pyo-rim sent that woman to me.’

Fortunately, Kim Minsu was also an exception.

Kim Minsu, realizing the Sword Ghost’s presence belatedly, bowed his head.

“I greet the Sword Ghost.”

“Alright. Falling for a woman and speaking with a heart you don’t have…”

“She is not a woman. She is a goddess.”

“…Minsu, please just shut up.”

Contrary to Moon Ha-yeon’s words, the Sword Ghost chuckled softly.

He asked,

“Is that kid with the <Overlord Sword> as strong as the rumors say?”
“I think he’s the strongest within the <Academy> at least.”
“That’s vague.”

The Sword Ghost held back his words.

Tapping his forehead, he spoke suggestively as if he had found a good example.

“For instance.”

Could he reach the point where a sword touches his neck?

Normally, one would be puzzled, not knowing who “for instance” referred to.

But the clever Kim Minsu understood immediately and, after pondering, replied.

“…In a mutual destruction scenario, I suspect he could take one arm of the <Plum Blossom Sword Emperor>.”
“I see. That will do.”

The Sword Ghost nodded slightly, as if finding it somewhat worthwhile to face him.

He turned his gaze to Moon Ha-yeon.

“Ha-yeon. As you suggested, I will extinguish the white flames of the <Overlord Sword>. But… aside from that, I can do as I please after, right?”

“Of course. Who would dare stop a strong person like you from doing as you wish in the first place?”

Moon Ha-yeon shrugged her shoulders with confidence.

She was certain that if he wielded his sword now, both Kim Minsu and she herself would die without being able to resist.

‘How is this considered A-grade anywhere?’

Moon Ha-yeon thought.

The person who spread such ridiculous rumors surely wouldn’t live long.

“So, little So Hang-woo?”
“Hmm?”
“Are you still searching? For someone to pass on that Ghost Shadow Sword or whatever it’s called.”

The Sword Demon nodded silently.

Moon Ha-yeon naturally wore a face of disbelief.

Stubborn old man, as always…

“It’s impossible, I’d say… I took a rough look, but there’s no one who can learn such an absurd ultimate skill except you. How does it make sense to think of cutting and then it cuts?”

“I think so too, but you never know. What if the Overlord Sword is that kind of vessel?”

“What if it is? What will you do then?”

“I plan to take them by force and teach them even if I have to… but it’s unlikely to be the <Overlord Sword>.”

If it were the <Overlord Sword>, it would already be an entity that has established its own domain.

The more splendid and beautiful a picture is, the less room for white space it has.

“You can’t repaint a canvas that’s already been dirtied with ink cleanly.”

And…

“There’s no way a girl who hasn’t even reached S-grade yet is superior to me.”

“That’s quite the confidence.”

“Anyway, Ha-yeon. What will you do?”

There were quite a few meanings embedded in that statement.

“No matter how much Minsu recorded the coordinates, the level of vigilance at the <Academy> will be beyond extreme.”

“Not really?”

“Hmm?”

“Soon, an interesting character will appear in the city center.”

“An interesting character?”

“Yes, because of that monster… Not just the association, but the cult will be most shaken. The clan won’t be able to sit idly by, and naturally, only the chaff will remain at the academy. And just in case, they’ll take the elites with them, right?”

“…Then the start time is-”

“-During the break.”

Precisely about a week before the school starts again.

“That’s when I’ll set the date to achieve the greater cause.”

Moon Ha-yeon rummaged through her belongings and took out the <Soul Stone>.

It was not the fake one given to Jing Daram, but a perfect genuine one.

It was a first-class ticket to encounter the <Demon King> in the truest sense.

The Sword Ghost, who was staring at it blankly, said something uncharacteristic.

For a moment, Moon Ha-yeon wondered if she had finally lost her mind.

“Ha-yeon.”
“Yeah?”
“If you give up everything now and disappear overseas, you can die of old age.”
“…What?”

Kim Minsu, who had been bowing his head, flared up.

“What nonsense are you talking about!”
“Enough.”

Moon Ha-yeon, who stopped him, looked at the Sword Ghost.

“…Are you telling me to live as if I’m already dead?”

“I know well that you, as a flower, have blossomed due to the malice and hatred of those stained with evil.”

The Sword Ghost recalled the first day he met Moon Ha-yeon.

A young girl who seemed just about to turn 12.

He remembered the first time he frowned upon seeing the bruises engraved on her body and the men chasing after her.

Soon after, he realized.

The marks were not from the men behind, but from her own father.

That was their first meeting, and it might be one of the reasons he’s staying by this woman’s side now.

“You are young.”

You can fall in love, and you can meet good people.

The Sword Ghost gestured toward Kim Minsu.

“You look feeble, but I bet he’d risk his life to protect you. Taking you along won’t be boring.”

After seeing such good things.
Eating good food.
Living well.

“Your hatred might subside a little.”
“…Are you joking?”
“Half-joking.”

Moon Ha-yeon stared at the sword demon for a long time without speaking.

Then she laughed as if she found it absurd.

Even though he is a criminal who couldn’t hold back his hatred and swung his sword…

Even though he is a murderer who killed dozens, hundreds of innocent people, what hypocritical words are these?

“Aren’t you turning 70 this year?”
“I’m 98.”
“You’ve lived long enough to be sick of it. How about worrying about dementia soon?”

Moon Ha-yeon chuckled and walked past him.

“Stop the nonsense and let’s go.”

The <Clan Master> is waiting.

A moment later.

The three headed to the basement of an abandoned factory.

Amazingly, as soon as they entered, the space twisted and transported them to a completely different place.

The revealed location was an unidentifiable, atmospheric bar.

And at the center of it.

A woman exuding dizzying allure was holding a pipe, seemingly waiting first.

It was the appearance of <Tartarus>’s <Vice Master>, Numerous Changes, Numerous Situations Tang Pyo-rim.

“…You’re here early?”
“Greetings, <Vice Master>.”

Tang Pyo-rim shifted her gaze from Moon Ha-yeon.

“It’s been a while. Old man.”
“……”

Despite being a clear superior, the sword demon did not respond to Tang Pyo-rim’s words.

A blatant disregard.

Tang Pyo-rim’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn’t mind.

Because he’s that kind of man to begin with.

Meanwhile, Moon Ha-yeon, having finished her greetings, quietly surveyed the surroundings.

‘…Is that woman not here?’

I’m sure you said you’d come to today’s meeting.

Just as I was thinking that.

Chills-!

“……!”

Moon Ha-yeon involuntarily swallowed dryly.

The blade of the Sword Ghost standing right next to her slightly came out.

In response to that sight, the owner of the aura cheerfully answered.

“Isn’t it bad to wield swords in such a narrow place?”

It sounded somewhat childish, yet also mature.

At the same time, there was a subtle…

Scent of death emanating.

Step, step.

Walking out was a young woman who seemed to have just turned 19.

Her hair was white as if deliberately bleached.

Seeing the red at the tips, it was clear she originally had red hair.

A woman who embodied both girlishness and femininity.

There were many features to note, but the most striking was her eyes.

Eyes filled with indescribable concentric circles that reflected a unique madness.

“……”

Faced with a tense opponent, Moon Ha-yeon was about to bend her knees.

But before that, the voice of Tang Pyo-rim, rushing out with “Seo-ran-ah~~”, was louder.

Tang Pyo-rim hugged the opponent, rubbing her face against her as if she were a treasured possession.

“…Everyone’s watching, isn’t it embarrassing to do this?”
“Oh dear, what are you going to do if you reject this mother so?”
“The woman who gave birth to this body is someone else, you know? Besides, I’m several times older than you?”
“But I carried and raised that body, didn’t I~ So you’re my child.”
“This is ridiculous…”

The opponent frowned as if she had eaten disliked vegetables.

Seen like this, it seemed very human.

But Moon Ha-yeon knew well.

How foolish that thought was.

She turned her gaze.

Eye contact was made.

As if seeing through everything, I involuntarily knelt.

“…I greet the <Master>.”

Moon Ha-yeon couldn’t completely erase the feeling of frustration.

Despite her remarkable growth compared to before…

She was still intimidated by this kid, whose age was unknown.

“I greet the Master.”

Kim Minsu knelt down.

“…It’s been a while.”

Even that sword ghost bent one knee.

A rare scene where the executives of <Tartarus>, a symbol of terror, show respect.

The person receiving all the attention.

<Clan Master> Tang Seo-ran smiled brightly.

It was the innocent smile of a street gang leader-like child.

“Nice to see everyone~ Wow, how many years has it been since we all gathered like this?”

Tang Seo-ran walked over and casually perched on a chair.

She got straight to the point.

“First, thanks for gathering. Since you all have quite the personalities, let’s proceed quickly.”

The <Crime Clan>, mainly consisting of villains and demons, was different in nature from other <Regular Clans>.

Criminals who broke society’s rules and laws and went on the run.

They were uncontrollable individuals pursuing their own freedom, principles, and pleasures.

That’s why they usually acted as they pleased.

Only one thing.

They entered by signing a contract pledging absolute loyalty to the upper command.

This was their own rule for survival, as a self-destructive group known as <Villains, Demons>.

And <Clan Master> Tang Seo-ran was…

The pinnacle of such a disposition.

“I’ll speak first. To sum it up, the replacement failed. What was there wasn’t a dragon, just a thousand-year-old worm.”
“……!”
“No matter what, it’s impossible with the heart of such a scoundrel.”
“……”

The reply was as if it was nothing at all.

Moon Ha-yeon flinched involuntarily.

Everyone here knew well.

The ‘thing’ referred to as ‘that’ was precisely the [Dragon Heart].

Although the exact reason was unknown, Tang Seo-ran had been seeking the <Dragon’s Power> for a long time.

Not just any mediocre power, but the mighty power of a fully matured dragon.

The reason she killed the original owner of this insignificant body and possessed it was ultimately because of the <Dragon’s Power>.

“…I’m sorry.”

Moon Ha-yeon apologized.

She knew how much Tang Seo-ran had pinned her hopes on the <Sea Dragon Temple>.

In an era where virtually all dragons had vanished,

It was the only [Dragon Heart] that could be obtained with certainty.

“Eh? No~ I didn’t bring it up to blame you.”
“……”

Tang Seo-ran, the person in question, showed no particular reaction.

As if she had resigned herself to it, thinking, ‘Well, there’s nothing to be done.’

“Well, there is still a way… Oh, right.”

As if she had just remembered, Tang Seo-ran struck her palm with her fist.

“Before the meeting starts, there’s some good news.”
“…Good news, you say?”
“Yes, a new comrade has joined us.”
“……!”

Except for the indifferent Sword Ghost, everyone else showed surprised expressions at her words.

The term ‘comrade’ did not refer to just any ordinary clan member.

It surely meant that someone of executive level had appeared.

Clap clap.

Tang Seo-ran clapped her hands.

Was that the cue?

Soon, a woman appeared.

‘……Ha.’

Moon Ha-yeon clicked her tongue inwardly as she made eye contact with her.

She couldn’t believe it…

It was really her.

Automatically, memories from the past overlap.

―I could have shut the mouth of that female who sees Ju Na-young as a thorn in her side.

‘…In the end, I entered without knowing my place.’

Reddish-black hair flutters.

Step by step.

Without a tremor, the woman slowly bowed in greeting.

“Nice to meet you. My name is Ju Yuri.”

In the deep black eyes.

A black flame of desire burned in Ju Yuri’s eyes.

And Tang Seo-ran, who was watching her, smiled very deeply.

As if…

It was the look of having an incomparable treasure in her hands.