The Holy Woman’s Path (1)

Inside the <Tartarus> hideout.

The meeting proceeded gradually.

Light yet at times chilling topics were mentioned nonchalantly.

It soon came to an end, and Tang Seo-ran looked around as if to ask if there were any final comments.

“So, does anyone have any suggestions?”

Moon Ha-yeon raised her hand cautiously.

“It’s not a suggestion… but I’d like to mention a person we should be cautious of.”

“A person? Oh, perhaps that old hag, the <Snow Ice Lady> Cheon Mira?”

“……”

Moon Ha-yeon hesitated.

After all, she was in front of the <Clan Master> Tang Seo-ran.

Although she seemed like an ignorant child, Moon Ha-yeon knew well how many old foxes and monsters lurked within that facade.

After all, she was…

‘The one who summoned the 72 Demon Lords into this world.’

A specter that had lived for hundreds of years.

Tang Seo-ran’s personality was innocent yet cruel.

Moon Ha-yeon was well aware of this.

Saying something unnecessary might cost her a body part.

That’s why she hesitated.

She wondered if it was right to speak.

‘But…’

Feeling a certainty that she could no longer stand by, she spoke carefully.

“Yu Seha.”
“…Yu Seha?”
“…!”

Ju Yuri, who was sitting, shuddered slightly.

Tang Seo-ran tilted her head at Ju Yuri’s reaction.

Not comprehending at all, Tang Pyo-rim next to her informed her cautiously.

“Seo-ran~ It’s that kid we mentioned once before.”

“Ah, that pretty boy? The one who supposedly ate the [Dragon Heart]… So? Just to let you know, there’s no point in ripping out his heart.”

“I understand. What I want to emphasize is his danger. Yu Seha is the one who attacked the most important location of the great undertaking, the <Sea Dragon Temple>.”

A beloved disciple of the <Overlord Sword>.
She also heard that he stepped in to prevent all the damage in the recent Jing Daram incident.

“I feel a certain inevitability. He will surely be a formidable opponent to us.”

Not a matter of strength or weakness, but a fated adversary granted by the heavens.

An entity that must inevitably be confronted.

Surprisingly, the Sword Ghost showed interest in those words.

“…Did the <Overlord Sword> have a disciple? What grade?”
“…D.”
“……”

The Sword Ghost frowned.

He turned his head without saying anything.

It was an attitude of dismissing it as unworthy of confrontation.

Tang Seo-ran felt similarly.

“Is that something worth reporting to me?”
“…!”

The words were spoken calmly, but Moon Ha-yeon felt as if someone had grabbed her by the hair and slammed her into the ground. She bit her lip under the pressure.

Even so… she couldn’t let it go.

“He is absolutely not a D-grade. At least B-grade. No, he can rise even higher—”
“Enough.”

Tang Seo-ran showed signs of fatigue.

“Moon Ha-yeon, no matter how cautiously we act, I don’t think our dignity has fallen so low that we’re trembling over such an insignificant student.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine~ I’ll forgive you. It just shows how much you’re worried about our goal. Anyway, Yu Seha…”

Tang Seo-ran trailed off, stroking her chin.
A slight hint of interest.
But even that quickly vanished from her eyes, filled with concentric circles.

“Alright, I’ll remember. Though it probably won’t matter.”

The secret garden of <Tartarus> would be concluded within two years at the latest.

Would that child grow enough to threaten her with a sword in those two years?

It didn’t seem possible.

The wall called S-grade was a lofty place that an ordinary person couldn’t even dare to gaze upon.

“By the way… you made sure to record everything, right?”
“Of course.”

Moon Ha-yeon nodded while looking at Kim Minsu and the Sword Ghost.

“In the not-so-distant future…”

They would launch an assault on <Gonis Hunter Academy>.

The preparations for that…

“Are all complete.”

---

“Yes, Kim Minsu… confirmed.”

In front of me, Chairman Yu Neung-hae nodded.

A week had passed since the Jing Daram attack incident.

Currently, she was fully trusting my words and was examining the evidence that had been gathered in advance.

What Yu Neung-hae was looking at were recent videos from secretly installed surveillance cameras and familiars used for monitoring.

Of course, it was the cautious Kim Minsu.

Nothing was blatantly captured, but there were circumstances that could be inferred as evidence.

“Just as Seha said… always a step ahead before an incident occurs.”

Once underground during the <Sea Dragon Temple>.

And once more before the <Jing Daram Attack>.

“If this is the case, there’s more than enough basis to investigate. Naturally… we could request help from the skilled hunters of the Association and Clans. At least 20 A-grade… no, even 50 might be possible.”

“Thank you.”

I handed over a special flask to Yu Neung-hae one last time.

Inside, Kim Minsu’s unique magic was swirling like fine hairs.

‘The magic I gathered from shaking hands with Kim Minsu.’

It was collected with Yu Neung-hae’s help.

This would soon be…

A sharp sword that would pierce through and embed into the heart of <Tartarus>.

“With this, we will be able to know in advance before they invade.”
“Alright, I’ve confirmed it… By the way, since it’s come to this, can’t we just catch them now?”
“It would be difficult.”

He’s a guy with an almost supernatural level of vigilance in this area.

Initially, the fact that he quickly left during the vacation period was significant…

“…If we pursue him clumsily, we may never catch him.”
“Got it. Then I’ll gather as much power as possible, as Seha suggested. There are many who detest demons… they’ll surely cooperate. If necessary, I’ll use all my money to help.”
“Thank you.”
“Yeah, enjoy your vacation, okay? And keep in touch?”
“Of course.”

I finished my greeting and stepped outside.

‘With this, the die has been cast.’

<Tartarus> would inevitably invade the Academy.

This was an unchanging premise.

‘They’re targeting the Demon King’s temple.’

The issue was not knowing how many, who would participate, and when they would come.

In the main story, this part varied greatly depending on the actions of the Supervisor, so I couldn’t predict it.

‘…In the worst case scenario…’

Both the Sword Ghost and two clan masters might come.

If this happens…

‘…We might be annihilated.’

The Sword Ghost is A-grade, so that’s understandable…
But Tang Seo-ran is definitely S-grade.
Without recruiting someone like the <Plum Blossom Sword Emperor>, it would be hard to win against her.

‘It’s alright.’

No matter what happens, we can respond quickly.

This alone is a major factor in securing victory.

‘Alright…’

I nodded slightly.

Anyway, then, now it’s about time…

‘Shall I head to the promised location?’

---

“Ah, you’re here, Junior Seha.”

I smiled at the voice I heard.

Her signature golden hair swayed like it was dancing.

In some ways, it seemed fragile, but in other ways, it felt as if a strong holy power was contained within that small frame.

A third-year student of <Sisterhood>, the Mother Superior, and almost the only senior I knew.

It was Divine Light Garam.

“It’s been a while, Senior.”
“Oh my~ It’s only been 4 days, isn’t ‘a while’ a bit disappointing?”
“No, I didn’t mean it like that…”
“I’m joking~ You probably haven’t been able to come into the ward in the meantime.”

Divine Light Garam covered her mouth with both hands, laughing, ‘nyehehehe~ kukuku’.

A bandage was wrapped around her head.

There were surely stitch marks inside.

‘I heard she had surgery.’

It seemed the mace hitting her skull directly was a big deal after all.

Beyond simply healing with <Divine Law>, she also underwent surgery.

I gently opened my mouth out of concern.

“…Shouldn’t you still not be moving?”
“It’s okay. Shortening the recovery period is a feature of <Divine Law>.”

Divine Light Garam smiled broadly and guided me to the reception room of the Sisterhood.

As she sat in the usual chair, Divine Light Garam naturally served tea and snacks.

“What about Senior Choi Mari?”

“Sister Mari had some business to attend to and will return around tomorrow. Are others, including Junior Hana, well?”

“Of course. I heard they’re discussing what to do during the vacation.”

Courteous words were exchanged.

Immediately after, Divine Light Garam brought up the reason she called me here.

I sipped my tea and responded with an intrigued ‘Oh?’ to her continued words.

“A unified meeting?”
“That’s right.”

I understood immediately.

“Certainly, since we caused such a commotion.”
“That’s right. It’s no longer just an <Academy> issue.”

Divine Light Garam explained.

The recent Jing Daram attack had made the threat of villains and demons a reality to everyone.

Therefore, discussions on what to do next were set to begin soon.

However…
It was necessary to understand this.

The Order, Clans, Academy, and Association were forced to cooperate.
But their relations weren’t very good.

Instead of distant threats…
They were more focused on criticizing the wounds inflicted by their immediate enemies.

“…So, the current situation is difficult for the <Order>?”
“…That’s correct.”

Divine Light Garam affirmed with a troubled heart.

The mastermind of the attack, Jing Daram.

She was from the <Sisterhood>.

A second-year student who had completed a certain level of formal training.

From the Order’s perspective, it was a pressing issue for them.

“I heard the Chairman is suffering from various slanders.”
“…But that will likely be overlooked. It’s clear to anyone that the Chairman is not at fault… The real issue is—”
“Yes, it’s our Order.”

A follower of the holy path compromised with evil.

Moreover, she accepted <Demonic Energy> and became a <Demon>.

The Order would want to hide it somehow, but the calamity had long been exposed to the world.

And with Jing Daram now in a vegetative state, practically dead, it was impossible to extract any information from her.

As a result, the <Order> was being bombarded with criticism and outrage.

“Some privileges we used to take for granted will likely be revoked. I’ve heard that a few bishops have already agreed to it.”

I clicked my tongue.

Personally, I wished they would cooperate and help each other instead of fighting.

The more they did so, it was no different from giving <Tartarus> time to prepare.

‘…Damn it. If things go wrong, there might be fewer people helping during the Academy invasion than I thought…’

Revival of the Demon King?

It might be dismissed as an old story from the distant past.

The reason I say this is…

‘Because it’s an event that actually comes out from GAL.’

When emotions between factions worsen, or when they lose too much of their power due to unexpected disasters.

There were times when no one responded to the Academy’s request for help, leading to a ridiculous situation.

What was more frustrating was that it was something I couldn’t do anything about.

I took a sip of tea, hoping at least that wouldn’t happen.

Then, quite shocking words came from Divine Light Garam’s mouth.

“…A traitor, you mean?”
“…That’s correct.”

Divine Light Garam hesitated a bit before continuing.

This incident, no matter how you look at it, couldn’t have been carried out by Jing Daram and the crime clan alone.
The appearance of monsters and various supports were, of course, significant, but…

Decisively…

“[Khan’s Mace].”

A [holy relic] used by a famous crusader in the past.

The fact that this was leaked meant one thing.

“There is someone inside the <Order> who smuggled it out.”
“…That’s correct.”

Divine Light Garam bowed her head deeply, looking apologetic.
On the other hand, I just accepted it as it was.
Because I already knew.

‘This part is proceeding exactly as the story goes.’

I know who it is.

I know, but…

Without any evidence, it would be impossible to catch her even if I spoke out.
Of course, since she self-destructs if left alone, according to the story… there’s no need to step in unnecessarily.

‘…Still, I can’t help but be concerned.’

Like a misstep, things could go awry like a clumsy squirrel.
I decided to ponder a bit more and returned to square one.

In conclusion, starting this evening, various high-ranking individuals would gather at this <Academy>.

It was said that meetings would be held for about two days.

There was also a piece of delightful news to lift the gloomy atmosphere here.

“…Guild Master Su Ok-bin?”

Su Ok-bin noona.

She was reportedly attending as a representative of the <Association>’s perspective.

“To be precise, she’s the Vice President.”
“…?!”

I was genuinely surprised.

What the…?

Vice President…?!

‘Just half a year ago, she was a guild master…’

Did she rise up there in one leap?

Naturally, there were several steps above a <Guild Master>.

As far as I knew, there were at least three more steps above that…

“Well, she’s a resourceful woman. In fact, considering her abilities, it was certain she would rise up without anyone’s help eventually.”

But recently, someone helped her twice?

Even in discovering a new trial…

Providing immense help by removing a thorny competitor?

“Uh… is that me?”

“Of course. Thanks to Junior Seha giving her wings, she soared up there. And probably… she will go even higher.”

“…!”

For a moment, I imagined Su Ok-bin as the <President> of the Association.

Oh…
Crazy…

‘Isn’t that incredibly reassuring?’

It seemed there was nothing to fear in terms of power struggles.

“And this is also why Junior Seha is here. There was a request from Su Ok-bin, and… I also agreed… Junior, you fully deserve it.”

“Pardon?”

While I was tilting my head at the incomprehensible words, Divine Light Garam stood up.

She raised both hands above her navel and bowed deeply.

“<Sisterhood> Mother Superior, the 13th scourge of the main god, greets her benefactor… Thank you so much for risking your life and devotion to protect me and my sisters from the threat of evil.”

“If it weren’t for Yu Seha, a greater tragedy would have ensued. It might have even led to the collapse of the <Order>, beyond just our lives.”

“Uh… um…”

“Thank you once again.”

“Oh, no. It was something I had to do…”

Divine Light Garam, who was smiling faintly, soon hesitated.

For a moment, I wondered if she needed to use the restroom.

Then she approached me.

“… Uh, um. Please don’t… misunderstand?”
“…Huh?”

Divine Light Garam, her face flushed, tightly closed her eyes.

She carefully grabbed my shoulder, and with her other hand, brushed her hair back as she gradually closed the distance.

“…?! Senior?!”
“Shh.”

Peck.

Then she left a small kiss on my forehead.

---

I was momentarily flustered.

Soon I understood why she did such a thing.

I opened my eyes wide at the emerging content.

‘This is crazy, it’s a blessing?!’

<Blessing>.

This was also an arrangement set up by the administrators for the somewhat ambiguous growth of the <Divine Class>.

For those who had accumulated a certain level of divine power and achievements, it could be bestowed from a minimum of 1 to a maximum of 3 times.

It was possible to grant permanent growth to a specific person.

Here, the value of [Blessing] was significant beyond mere growth.

It wasn’t something you could simply buy with money…

It’s like a medal given to those who made great contributions to the <Order>.

“Senior, this precious thing…”

“Uh, uh… uh…”

Divine Light Garam was overwhelmed with embarrassment.

Hiding her flushed face, she crouched down.

And then she hid under the table.

Pulling the veil over her head, she let out an ‘uh’ sound.

“…Uh, uh… it’s my first kiss… even on the forehead, it’s my first kiss… uh.“

“…Are you okay?”

“…Calm down, calm down. Divine Light Garam. You were prepared for this. But… it’s still too embarrassing… uh…“

After one minute.

Divine Light Garam, finally calm, replied as if crawling back.

“Once again… thank you sincerely.”
“Thank you as well.”

I thought it went well.

With the recent Jing Daram incident, I was thinking of enhancing [Divinity] against villains and demons…

Thanks to her, that plan just got easier.

Additionally, surprisingly, this wasn’t all there was.

“…Others as well?”
“Yes, the main reason for inviting Junior Seha to this meeting is to give you a reward.”

Divine Light Garam continued to speak with a still reddened face, saying, ‘uh, uh…’.

Soon, she mentioned someone.

My eyes widened in disbelief at those words.

“…What?”

Here in this place…

“The <Saintesses> of the Order are here…?”