Chapter Text
Cale Henituse wondered where his quest for slacker life had gone wrong.
The thought flashed across his mind mid-air, all while being catapulted into an impenetrable barrier.
‘Those motherfvcking bastards!’
His head throbbed as his records unraveled and replayed everything from two years ago.
After dying during a mission, Kim Rok Soo woke up in a completely different world, in the body of Cale Henituse. Troublesome, but he got over it quickly. However, all his preparation to avoid being beaten up by the vicious protagonist fell apart when he realized that Choi Han didn’t exist, and Harris Village remained standing days after its scheduled destruction.
Not only Choi Han went missing, but also Rosalyn and Lock. The heroes he should have pushed all that work into were gone! No swordmaster, no crazy strong mage, no Wolf Beast person who could go berserk at will.
At first, he could not investigate as he focused on more pressing matters, like preparing for war and fighting battles. But as his fame rose, so did the rumors.
Whispers of a Demon Lord.
Apparently, the Church of the Sun God sent heroes and Saints on crusades to the Forest of Darkness, but they never returned. Even their families disappeared within a single night. This was why no one wanted to be a hero, who in the end would be expected to slay the Demon Lord.
And who was he now? A hero that had apparently outlived his usefulness after defeating the Empire.
Nobles who were afraid of his ancient powers and rising fame. Remnants of the old Church of the Sun God who condemned him for supporting a necromancer. Both factions had people who hated him, eager to see him fall by pushing for a crusade.
‘Really? They pull this shit right now? Do they think it all ended after killing the Lich here in the Empire’s capital? We still have to clean up the four Alchemists’ Towers.’
However, if all heroes died after facing the Demon Lord, why were there inconsistencies with the intelligence he received?
Rosalyn was never sent to slay the Demon Lord. She was last seen entering the Forest of Darkness. The Breck royalty were secretive, but Cale’s information brigade reported parcels and sacks of food being teleported somewhere.
There was no news about Lock. This was not a surprise, as Beast people were naturally elusive. However, Odeus’ little merchant guild had not been using their route in the novel. At all. As if the Blue Wolf tribe living in that area had never existed.
And Choi Han. If there was such a strong existence in the Forest, stronger than Choi Han, he would not have stood a chance.
Cale—no, Kim Rok Soo—had followed the protagonist’s adventures every step of the way from the books Jung Soo lent to him, a series he never finished before his death. Choi Han dying so meaninglessly was hard to wrap his mind around. Especially when he survived through so many near-death experiences through a combination of adrenaline, desperation, skill and godly luck. (And probably a protagonist halo and thick plot armor.)
“Ouch.”
Someone flicked his forehead, too gentle for such a great and mighty existence. “Stop worrying about those things, unlucky punk. Worry about your plate first.”
“I’m not—”
“I can hear you thinking from here. Shut up and rest.”
Before Eruhaben-nim and Olienne-nim led him to the Sky-Eating Water after the Gorge of Death Battle, he lacked an internal ancient power of water and the power of the earth. Taking in such a strong ancient power of water was a close call when it almost shredded his plate. He only lacked an earth ancient power now, and then he had gone to fight in the Empire’s capital not even days later.
It was not like Cale had to do anything. He did not have to move much in the last battle, only providing rear support while Eruhaben-nim, Mary, Jack and Hannah fought off a Lich. It seemed like the final boss. They were fortunate that nothing stronger than the Lich showed up, or they would have been finished.
He wanted to grab the ancient power of earth that should take care of his unbalanced plate, but no. Eruhaben-nim had plopped him down in the Imperial Prince’s bed and told him to sleep.
(He had already fainted for more than a week after the battle. Wasn’t that enough rest?)
“It will be easier if I come with you, Eruhaben-nim.”
“You’re not ready, you unlucky bastard. A Demon Lord is a different existence altogether. If you even take one step inside that Forest, you’re done for.”
“But I can—”
“ Listen to me. Its demonic barriers are too tough. For tens of years, it kept deflecting Olienne and I every time we tried to enter. With that level of strength and slyness, that dirty Demon Lord will toy with you before killing you.”
The golden ancient Dragon sighed. “You showed me the book you received from the elves. I will find another way inside the Forest of Darkness. Once I have the coordinates for the power of earth, I’ll teleport you there.” With a snap of his fingers, a magic circle appeared beneath him, and he teleported away.
He told Cale to wait, but would his plate hold on until then? The two ancient Dragons had barely managed to help him stabilize his plate. Eruhaben-nim told him that he had three more days to live, less if he overused his ancient powers again.
As much as the prospect of being near a Demon made Cale fear for his life, the need for the ancient power outweighed the risks. But how could he go to the Forest of Darkness? Eruhaben-nim confiscated all his teleportation scrolls. Should he bribe or kidnap a mage to take him there?
‘Besides, I’ll steal the ancient power without anyone knowing. No need to run into the Demon Lord or anything.’
Fighting was definitely not on the agenda. Skirting the area around the approximate location of the Black Castle would be the best move, far enough not to be discovered but near enough for any stray monsters to be deterred.
Ron or Beacrox should have been perfect for this venture. Unfortunately, Ron had gone on a vacation for a while, taking Beacrox with him. And they would surely stop him before he could leave the room.
He fell asleep, a bit satisfied with his half-baked plans.
When he woke up, he was bound in chains like a wild animal, surrounded by sneering people in robes.
Black mages. Haaa. He should have demolished the Alchemists’ Towers earlier. And now they had successfully taken him from a secure location.
‘At least, Eruhaben-nim won’t scold me for being kidnapped. Will he?’
When he heard them talk about torturing him, he begged with a tearful expression, “Before you kill me, please let me do my final duty as a hero. Please let me slay the evil Demon Lord so the world will be at peace. I want to do it, even if I have to sacrifice my life.”
‘Peace and sacrifice, my ass. The world will never be at peace if you exist, you bastards. And I have no plans on sacrificing myself just to kill anyone. I’ll leave that to the Dragons.’
After noticing that the black mages display so much animosity against the Demon Lord, Cale made the deal sweeter for them. (Weird. Shouldn’t they be allied with the great evil?) With a few more tweaks, he managed to imply that it would be bad if rumors spread that the beloved hero of the continent was kidnapped and slain by the Demon Lord. Many would take up arms and rally to end the tyrant.
(He almost gagged at all his lies. Beloved hero? Even if he died—not that he was planning to—his allies would not do anything as stupid as storming a deadly forest to get to an equally deadly demon. They had too much sense to do that.)
He heard a slow clap.
“Wonderful, Cale Henituse. What a magnificent liar you are.”
The bastard Adin. Of course.
He thought that the secret organization was at large in both continents, but they turned out to be a localized force of black mages headed by Adin. Nothing of the strong secret organization Cale anticipated from the novel. Adin was a sly bastard, but in the end, he only had his minions. Well, there was a Lich, but that was nothing compared to Cale’s backer, an ancient Dragon.
Unfortunately, it seemed that Adin used his slyness to escape from his prison and kidnap Cale.
“How does it feel, being the one in irons?” Adin looked down at him and smirked. “Poor hero-nim. Look at you. So weak without your powerful friends. Are you that desperate to escape that you will gladly throw yourself to your death? Hm?”
Cale put on a stoic expression, but he scoffed internally. Adin didn’t know about the ancient power inside the Forest of Darkness. Cale would acquire it, hide the fact that he was still alive, and then escape to strike his enemies at the back.
“I was going to let you suffer a bit more, but your suggestions have merit. I will spread those rumors for you.”
Adin turned away from him, heading out of the dungeon. “Beat him up.” He looked back at Cale, a derisive snort escaping as he raked his gaze over that pathetic form. “Don’t worry. They will help you fulfill your final duty.”
The villainous laughter that rang out was more annoying than the beating that followed. Cale hated pain, but they might do something worse if he fought back. He just curled up, protecting his head. He managed to block his vitals with a stealthily placed shield, rolling with most of the punches and kicks. When he felt someone trying to stab him, he blocked it, letting it sink into fleshier parts, like his arms or thighs, avoiding major arteries. Better those than hitting his neck or spine.
From what he heard from their taunts, he should have been unable to use his ancient powers. But the manacles were made by black mages, who were unable to fully comprehend his ancient powers. The power output was low, yet he could use his shield. He was also confident that he could use a bit of the Fire of Destruction to remove his shackles. He would bide his time until they took him to the Forest of Darkness.
‘Took’ was too mild of a word. They teleported outside the wall on the borders of the Forest of Darkness and left him chained up so he couldn’t run away.
Then blasted him off into the barrier above the wall with haste, flight and acceleration spells.
‘Fvck!’
Cale shook off the brief Record-induced daze. Activating his weakened Indestructible Shield, he tucked himself smaller to lessen the impact. Unexpectedly, the barrier gave way like mist underneath his shield. A split second of surprise took hold, before he used the Sound of the Wind to avoid smashing to the ground. However, his dizziness was worse than expected, making him crash into a few branches and smack into the inside of the wall. He continued to curl up as the shield shattered, rolling until he bumped against a tree. He lay there panting, cursing inside his mind as realization sunk in.
‘Those bastards! What if I smashed full-force against the barrier?!’ Cale shuddered at the graphic image of being the human equivalent of a bug to a windshield.
Then the pain registered, and he hunched over with a bloody cough. Cale quickly took stock of his injuries.
General exhaustion, blood dripping from his mouth, throbbing bruises and some open wounds. The blood seeping through his clothes and hair made him feel sticky. He easily ignored the possible concussion from a blow to the head during the beating. Vitality of the Heart would heal him if he rested for a while. His stomach grumbled fiercely, reminding him that he had used the shield more than necessary.
He had to get moving, to remove the chains, yet his eyes drifted shut and he leaned against the tree. It wouldn’t hurt to rest for a little while. Monsters would not get this close to the wall. He could escape anytime. Or he could capitalize upon the opportunity to steal the ancient power, and then escape.
But first, a nap…
The Forest of Darkness was silent. Not a rustle of a leaf or a single peep could be heard. Every lifeform was hiding, trembling as a dark figure dashed between the trees with purpose and urgency. The shadow stopped, looming over the slumped form of the Northeastern Commander.
Three smaller shapes detached themselves from the larger figure, two lightly jumping down and one floating up. The slightly smaller one on the ground approached, tapping the redhead’s knee and looking up.
“He looks hurt, nya.”
Hong looked back at their dad. Someone who adopted him and his noona and even offered to annihilate the Fog Cat tribe for them. If their good dad was willing to avenge them, surely he could trust him to help this injured human?
‘He looks so angry! He must be angry that someone got hurt! Dad is a really good person!’
On the other hand, On could only sigh. She knew that stiff posture and clenched fists. Their dad would stand there frozen for all eternity if not prompted. So she decided to move.
“Are we picking him up, nya?”
Normally, On would not be able to fool his perceptive dad with her innocent act. However, he was too preoccupied with trembling and staring wide-eyed at the man. ‘Ha, it’s worse. So much worse. Looks like Auntie Tasha, Grandma Sheritt, Rosalyn-unnie, Auntie Jopis and Auntie Mila will have new tea to spill.’
Their youngest spun around the air, clearly excited. “Strong Choi Han! Are we getting a new human? Is he another dad? Is the human you liked so much going to live with us?”
“You’re right, youngest!” Hong yelled, eyes alight with recognition. “It’s him! Go on, dad! Pick him up!”
“What are you waiting for, Strong Choi Han?”
Choi Han hardly heard the repeated chanting of his two boys to, ‘Pick-him-UP! Pick-him-UP!’ Ever since he recognized the approaching aura and opened up his barriers, he was too busy internally screaming.
Like the fanboy he was.
‘W-What is Young Master Silver Shield doing out here? Is this— Is this real? Am I dreaming? SOMEONE SLAP ME RIGHT NOW AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH ANSDNAKNVKJKRFGN’
“Dad?”
On’s voice brought back the kindhearted Choi Han who would fuss over the smallest scrapes. His shaking legs steadied and he knelt beside the young master.
Even smudged with dirt and blood all over, Cale-nim still looked as pretty as ever. Choi Han had only seen him from afar and through video recordings, but he’s so damn fine in person. Choi Han gave a firm shake of his head.
‘No, I have to assess his injuries first. Ah, but I have to touch him. Would that be okay? Would Cale-nim be offended?’
Choi Han’s gaze swept across his body and froze. All of them could see well in the dark, but he signaled his youngest to make a ball of light for him. Choi Han had to confirm what he was seeing. Bright light flared, making him squint, before his sharp eyes adjusted.
There. Hidden by his lap and by the shadows.
Chains. Manacles.
Unbridled fury shook Choi Han to the core. He took those frail hands and let his aura seep into the cold metal. The gentleness of his hold contrasted with how violent the offending restraints shattered like brittle glass. His aura caught the shrapnel, devouring them faster than Hong’s corrosive poison, leaving the surrounding skin and clothes untouched. Choi Han carefully rubbed the chafed skin, leaving traces of his cooling aura on the raw spots. It was not true healing, but this would do for now.
Someone hurt Cale-nim, judging from all the blood. Once Choi Han destroyed the restraints attached to his ankles, the open wounds immediately scabbed over, accelerating the healing until all that was left was tender pink skin. Probably the work of an ancient power. The blood on his shirt and the traces of blood on the corner of his lips showed that he overused his ancient powers.
What could have brought the hero to the Forest of Darkness? His last intel was that Cale-nim was in the Empire before he disappeared.
‘Did someone kidnap him, but he escaped?’
Gently, he lifted the fragile body and let him lean on his chest. He marveled at how peacefully he was sleeping, but Choi Han was worried. He’s so light. He must be so tired after everything he went through.
“Strong Choi Han! I will teleport us this time!”
“You ran straight and forgot you can teleport, nya!”
Choi Han reddened at the two kids’ snickering, which only grew louder when On had to nudge his foot inside the teleportation circle. Choi Han took a quick sidestep to the middle to avoid disrupting the flow of magic.
“Thanks, On. What am I ever going to do without you?”
“Just make sure you don’t get flustered in an emergency again.”
As On hopped up and balanced herself onto her dad’s right shoulder, she said a little prayer:
‘Gods, please let this man be less of an idiot than my dad.’
She was already tired of raising a single adult. On hoped that her new dad had more brain cells, so she did not have to keep reminding two people to take care of themselves.
If only she knew.
Black.
The walls and the ceiling were black.
“The human is awake!”
The cheerful voice of a child made Cale blink. When his gaze sought out the source, he was greeted with the dazzling smile of a happy puppy. Wait, that was a human. Cale squinted when the smile intensified. Why did he seem familiar— Oh.
Dark hair and darker eyes. Distinct Korean features. An all-black ensemble, a sword hanging from his hip. If his face was the same color, he would have blended right into the walls and Cale would never know the difference.
What was Choi Han doing here? Wasn’t he supposed to be missing or still inside the Forest of Darkness? Where was “here,” anyway? He tried to ask, but his parched voice only came out as a croak. A black blob rushed towards him, a glass of water held delicately between his squishy paws.
“Human, drink! You can’t talk if you’re thirsty! Why are you so weak?”
Cale sat up and wordlessly accepted the glass, along with the black creature’s nagging. A baby Dragon, huh? He must still be dreaming. Yes, that’s why he was seeing Choi Han and a Dragon here.
“Nya.”
“Nyaaaa~”
And two kittens, both coming in exotic colors of silver and red.
“Where… Where am I?” he asked after putting down the glass. His voice came out a bit scratchy from disuse.
However, Choi Han instantly misunderstood.
‘Those damn bastards! Just how much was Cale-nim screaming in pain for his voice to be this hoarse?’
Choi Han suppressed his bloodlust and kept his voice calm and gentle. “You’re at our home. We found you at the edge of the Forest of Darkness.”
That made Cale wake up completely. There was only one place in the Forest of Darkness with such aesthetics.
“Am I in the Black Castle?”
“That’s right, weak human! You’re in my great and mighty castle!”
A Dragon… owned the Black Castle? Wasn’t it supposed to be the Demon Lord’s? Was there some misinformation along the way? He would dig into this matter later. For now, he set into motion what he did best in any given situation.
Sca— uh, information gathering.
“Yes, but please don’t worry,” Choi Han reassured. “None of us mean you any harm. We’re just worried when we find you bound and unconscious. What do you remember?”
“I think I was kidnapped.” And because he could, he decided to throw that two-faced Adin under the carriage. “My enemies wanted to kill and torture me, but the merciful Imperial Prince came and granted me my final wish. They took me to the barrier, but it seems the black mages disobeyed and hurt me. So here I am. Sorry for the intrusion.”
At that moment, both Cale and Choi Han had the same thought.
‘He’s too innocent!’
With one being derogatory and the other being affectionate.
Cale resisted the urge to click his tongue at Choi Han, who was nodding along and eating up all his lies. ‘Haaa, this innocent protagonist. I was being sarcastic about Adin there. You have to notice the sarcasm! What if someone worse than me scams and takes advantage of you? You’re not this clueless in the novel!’
Meanwhile, Choi Han was in awe. ‘Cale-nim is really a good and innocent person!’
Adin already made his stand in supporting black magic. Yet, Cale-nim still called the bastard merciful. Had he already forgiven the Imperial Prince?
Of course, he could be lying, but his heartfelt words sounded too sincere. Even his youngest expressed his astonishment in Choi Han’s mind.
—Strong Choi Han, I am amazed! If he is lying, then he is a better liar than you! We both know that he hates that bastard Adin, but the weak human still smiles like that? Wow!
Cale-nim shouldn’t be, what with Adin obviously escaping and ordering the black mages to take him to the Forest of Darkness. Maybe to incite another round of hatred against the Demon Lord if Cale-nim died within his territory. If Choi Han didn’t open up his barrier, if he didn’t hurry to the borders, it would have been too late.
For them to hurt Cale-nim to that extent, even if his power of recovery naturally healed him without a single scar… Choi Han clenched his fists, determination flooding him to the marrow of his bones. He must protect Cale-nim from people who would take advantage of his too kind heart.
A vicious aura surrounded Choi Han.
Unfortunately, Cale did not notice, too distracted by the two kittens meowing sweetly and pawing at his blanket-covered knees. Cale hated cats, but these ones were cute.
“No need to worry. It’s not your fault that you ended up here.” Ugh, that polite and formal speech from the protagonist was giving Cale goosebumps.
“Weak human, I am curious! What did you wish for?”
Cale feigned a shy chuckle as he tucked a lock of hair behind his ear. Choi Han’s gaze followed his every movement. Did he suspect something? “I feel very greedy to admit this, Dragon-nim, but I wish to end the issue about the Demon Lord.”
A peculiar expression crossed the protagonist’s face. “Do you want to kill the Demon Lord?”
“No.” The denial was firm and abrupt. “I only want for him and the humans to have a peaceful coexistence. There is no need for this centuries-old posturing, when we can all live together without bloodshed.”
‘No need to tell him what I said to Adin. Not that I stand a chance, with these stick arms of mine. Maybe if I try to…’
Nope. His slacker life would suffer if he manipulated the protagonist into slaying the Demon Lord for him. Moreover, Choi Han and the Black Dragon must be related to the Demon Lord, for them to live in the Black Castle. He should be careful on what he said around them.
“If possible, I also want to send word to my allies and family. They must be so worried, especially my faithful guardian knight, Haben.”
He wanted them to interpret this as an unintended warning. If these people were planning to hurt or detain him because he was a hero in enemy territory, strong people would come looking for him. Even if they were not on par with a Demon Lord, Cale was confident that his people could stage a jailbreak and rescue him.
‘Once I get out of here, I should find a way to extend Eruhaben-nim’s life. He exerted so much effort to look for my ancient powers. I might be trash, but I’m not an ungrateful bastard who ignores hardworking subordinates.’
Choi Han pondered on this. The ancient Dragon must be at the end of his lifespan, and yet he still posed as a knight during Cale-nim’s battles. If Cale-nim knew that the Dragon was dying, the caring hero would be looking for ways to extend the Dragon’s life. Choi Han resolved to do something, even if that Dragon and his friend were very rude lately.
‘All for Cale-nim.’
“Nothing for yourself?”
“No, I don’t need anything else.” Acting like a humble hero was tiring, but Cale kept it up easily. Then he added, as if in an afterthought, “Ah. If it’s not a bother, I want to take a walk around the vicinity.”
‘That way, I can scout for the ancient power without anyone getting suspicious. Hm, should I evoke their pity and say that I only have less than three days to live unless I find the ancient power? Or was it two now?’
Maybe not. He would not say something bothersome. Better use it as leverage later, if the Demon Lord refused, and when he garnered enough sympathy from Choi Han.
“I’ll find a way to fulfill your other requests, but a walk should be fine.”
And if this punk tried something funny, Cale could always make a break for it. Running away should be easier if he knew the lay of the land. He just needed to take everything he could first.
Thinking of his loot by the end of this venture drew a smile on Cale’s face. “Thank you.”
Choi Han felt his heart melt. His coherent thought process, too.
‘Kyaaaaa! The smile! THAT smile! Is that what Alberu and the Black Dragon dubbed as Cale-nim’s scamming smile? It’s too pretty I can’t—’
The red kitten yowled and spoke, surprising Cale. A Cat Beast child? “Daaaad, you still haven’t introduced us!”
“Sorry, that was rude of me. These are my children, On, Hong and the Black Dragon. Well, he is more of a younger brother—”
“I’m also your kid! Mom calls it co-parenting!”
“…So I sometimes don’t bother. Children, this is Cale-nim.”
‘Shit! This is bad. The protagonist knows my name.’
“You know me?”
“No. This. Is. The. First. Time. I. Saw. You.”
Ah. The children could not help but gasp. This was someone who lied to his enemies’ faces before he cut them down without remorse. This was someone who always pretended to be an innocent teenager lost in the Forest of Darkness to sow confusion and discord within the invaders’ ranks. When did he get so bad at acting?
“He means you’re a famous hero,” the silver kitten, On, excused, tail curling primly around her paws. “Who doesn’t know you these days?”
Cale decided to ignore both blatant lies and smiled winningly. “Still, I want to introduce myself properly. My name is Cale Henituse.”
‘I know. I know, I know! AAAAHHHHHHH Cale-nim is asking for a handshake I CAN FINALLY HOLD HIS HAND— well, I held his hands while he’s unconcious but AAAAAHHHH EKSKALCNENDBFBFBFBFBV’
Choi Han put a lid to his inner screaming and casually extended his hand. “Pleased to meet you, Cale-nim. I am—”
Just before their hands touched, a loud alarm cut through his charmed greeting. A dark scowl descended on Choi Han’s face. Cale blinked and it was gone.
‘Must be my imagination.’
“I’m sorry. Someone must be looking for me,” Choi Han apologized, scratching his head sheepishly. Really, this protagonist. “I will arrange for food and a guide to show you around. You can go anywhere around the castle and the city.”
‘Hmm? There’s a city?’
An unreadable expression flickered on Choi Han’s face. Then it was gone. “Ah, except for the room at the top of the castle. Don’t open that room.” The sound blared persistently like Kim Rok Soo’s phone alarm when Jung Soo set it to snooze for every few seconds. “I will try to get back as quickly as possible, Cale-nim.”
Cale watched blankly as Choi Han bowed like a knight and strode out of the room, the three children hopping right after him.
On looked back briefly and sighed. Unbeknownst to Cale, she was already thinking of adult-proofing the castle so he would not get hurt.
‘Looks like I have another idiot to parent.’
Dark smoke wreathed the clear hand mirror Ron was holding, making a face appear on the surface that previously reflected his own.
“Make it quick.”
This was the punk’s true face. Expressionless, matching the heavy stench of blood he always wore around him like a funeral shroud. His hands were bloody, bloodier than the assassins who made their living by killing. Demon Lord or not, he would always be a punk to Ron Molan. Beacrox might admire him in his own way, but Ron didn’t care for him.
The puppy young master was much more interesting in comparison.
After being assigned as spies in the Henituse household more than a decade ago, Ron didn’t see the appeal in following the puppy young master around, when the wild mutt’s strength piqued Beacrox’s interest. Only when they watched him grow skinnier and skinnier within the span of two years, vomiting blood and sacrificing himself did they acknowledge the difficult mission ahead, tougher than assassinating the mad illusionist queen and making it seem that she died of natural causes.
(But not as hard as facing down the wrath of his wife after Ron forgot their anniversary last week. She was yet to forgive him, even after he and his son returned with all haste.)
“This lowly Ron is worried for the young master. Surely, the great Demon Lord is able to find out where the young master had disappeared to?”
There were no visible changes on the punk’s face, but Ron could almost imagine him squashing down the urge to scowl. “He was… kidnapped and thrown into the Forest of Darkness.”
“Ho!”
Beacrox threw Choi Han an ‘I told you so’ look over his father’s shoulder. The disrespect. Choi Han’s gums ached. He wanted so badly to grow his fangs and tear off their necks. Damn Molans.
Still, Choi Han drooped internally. As much as they hated each other, Old Ron’s bad feeling was right. Cale-nim got into trouble again. Choi Han had sent the assassins home to the Eastern Continent, confident that his Mogoru spies, Jack and Hannah, could easily protect Cale-nim. But when he checked, they had been flipping the capital over in search of the young master, who was supposedly resting in Adin’s room. The Henituse estate was in a similar state of chaos. That loose-lipped butler Hans might have reported the incident to Count Deruth.
Choi Han was surprised, but mostly relieved, when he found the missing young master. Carrying the surprisingly light body between his arms resuscitated an old flame, which he thought was snuffed out once he became the current unbeatable Demon Lord.
‘I have to get stronger.’
Strong, stronger than the mythical Demon King, strong enough to protect his Cale-nim.
And he had to learn everything about Cale-nim, not Commander Cale or Young Master Cale Henituse. Even if that meant asking indirect questions to Old Ron and Young Beacrox, who worked with Cale-nim every day and knew him best.
Damn Molans.
“Shall we go back there?”
Ron’s sudden switch to informal speech seemed to snap the punk out of whatever funk he was having. “No, stay there. Find Bud Illis and tell him my real name. Cale-nim needs something from him.”
“Ho? Only some heroes, your people and your direct servants know your real name. He’s just a mercenary.”
“ The Mercenary King,” the punk emphasized. “He’s enough of a hero. Trust me, he would scramble to meet us.”
“I don’t trust you—”
The freezing voice dropped an octave, almost nearing a growl. “Servitude to me until the day you die, mortal. That was the price you paid when I saved your household.”
As much as the reminder raised Ron’s hackles, a life debt was a life debt. Molans returned grace at a hundred times the value of what they received, while they got their revenge by bringing death to their enemies. The punk prevented their annihilation at the hands of the greedy and traitorous Poeffs. Ron would never regret the deal he struck with a demon to save his wife, his child, his household.
(Because his desperate prayer to save his dying wife was not answered by any of the gods. Only a demon dared to reach out, clutch his hand and make his fingers bleed through its claws. Demonic or divine, honestly, Ron never cared.)
“You don’t have to remind me. I do not trust you, but I’ll do my job well.” His look darkened and turned steely, as sharp and as silent as his blood-soaked daggers. “Just don’t try your tricks on the puppy, or I’ll come for your throat.”
That chuckle could only be classified as sinister . “You can try, old human.”
Ron wanted to hurl the mirror across the room, but he held onto his last shreds of self-control. That was until the black smoke cleared from the surface and he saw his reflection. And his son’s expression as he tried to make himself as small as possible. Chills ran down his spine when he saw the manic smile of the person on the doorway.
“Dearest,” his wife’s voice was deceptively benign, “why didn’t you tell me that you adopted a new son? Does it mean that the handsome young man in the mirror is my son-in-law? And I think I’ve heard something about lifetime servitude? Aigoo, my hearing must be going now that I’m old.”
Ron Molan, fifth generation patriarch of the Molan household, would rather face down an army of Demon Lords without his blades than try to reason with his angry wife. So he did the most logical thing in this situation.
He turned and threw himself out of the window, beating a hasty… no, a tactical retreat.
Beacrox held up a fist in silent rapport. ‘Good luck, Father!’ He froze when his mother smiled at him. Eyes widening, he realized that his father used him to buy time and escape.
A greatsword was unsheathed and levelled at him. “Training, Beacrox.”
Oh, the betrayal.
After a hearty meal (not as delicious as Beacrox’s, but good enough), Cale opted to explore the city and met his supposed guide. Who was a see-through woman like a ghost, wearing a white dress and a mischievous grin. Despite her elegant air, she felt like a prankster and a troublemaker who got away with everything. Best not to associate with her after this.
“I’ll be your guide today. My name is Sheritt, the former Dragon Lord.”
You know what? Cale no longer gave a fvck. He was fresh out of fvcks to give. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Sheritt-nim.”
“Aww, so formal. I feel like I’ve known you for centuries. Just call me Sheritt.”
“I cannot do that, Lord Sheritt-nim.”
“Hmm, we’ll see. Anyway…” With a dramatic flair of her sleeves, the shield-shaped gates swung open, revealing a lively city some distance away from the castle. “Welcome to the City of Light, haven of heroes.”
Lights, sounds and colors assaulted his senses. Sheritt-nim let him adjust to the overwhelming sights, before she walked outside in a relaxed pace. Cale matched her step. Everywhere his glance landed, people were bustling about. The main road they walked on was crowded, but everyone quickly gave way when they saw who was passing. They only gave Sheritt-nim salutes or bows, and gave smiles to Cale before returning to their tasks. Cale tensed when they saw him, but relaxed when they acted like it was no big deal.
Cale spotted different races mingling with the humans, different Beast tribes, Dark Elves and the occasional Elf. Human and Dark Elf children shrieked in delight as a tall Tiger Beast person tossed them gently up in the air and caught them one by one. Wolf tribe members bargained for leather from a human tanner, and an awfully familiar red-haired mage was engrossed in a discussion on magic and Elementals with a Dark Elf and an Elf.
“Surprising, isn't it? Let me tell you something about this place.”
Lord Sheritt was very chatty while explaining the history of the castle and the city. Originally, the castle was called the Castle of Light from the Eastern Continent, before they moved it here hundreds of years ago. Once people began to live around it, they decided to name the city in honor of the dwelling of the beings protecting them. The Black Dragon took over once he was born, dyeing the formerly white castle with his mana, turning it into the infamous Black Castle.
She didn’t just talk about the famous places around the city. Cale could feel the secondhand embarrassment as she went on and on about her “Little Han,” prouder than a mother showing off her son’s baby pictures. Why was Sheritt-nim acting like a doting parent to the protagonist?
Cale wanted to ask about the supposed Demon Lord that lived in the Black Castle. Maybe the rumors meant the Dragon Lord? Yes, that must be it. Dragons were solitary creatures, so when someone discovered them, Sheritt-nim must have spread a rumor that a Demon lived here, not a Dragon. Then she built this city for those who ran away and discovered the truth about the rumor. Cale nodded internally. His theory was sound enough.
Said theory instantly shattered like his happy little hopes and dreams when she impishly revealed, “Have I told you that Little Han is the Demon Lord?”
‘Shit! Choi Han became the Demon Lord?’
Cale kept looking around the city, feigning distraction, but his attention kept straying back to Sheritt-nim. He was curious. What changed? Why did Choi Han become a Demon Lord, when he was celebrated as a hero in the novel?
“We met when Cale Barrow was leaving with my eggs. My screaming from inside the castle was not exactly subtle. I couldn’t leave the Castle of Light back then, unlike now, so I couldn’t go after that oath-breaking thief.”
Her slightly weightless form tapped the paved stones underfoot, skipping a bit and twirling a few times. The black stones on the road looked like they were made from the same material as the Black Castle.
“Choi Han killed Barrow, carefully put down my eggs in front of the gates and retreated. That action and my sealed existence were the only reasons why he didn’t get a taste of my attribute.” The feral glint in her eyes sent a shiver down Cale’s spine. Dragons were really vicious, no matter how frivolous they acted.
“Dragons are supposed to receive a revelation when we have to close the Gate to the Demon World and prevent the Battle of Good and Evil. But Little Han didn’t look like a part of the Demonic Race. More like a snivelling puppy drenched in the rain. And I am in need of a new nanny for my kids, since he eviscerated the last one. So I let him stand outside a bit—just a year or two—before telling him, ‘Welp, you’re hired.’”
“And he lived with you ever since?”
“Yes. For about a millenia, give or take. I might be a bit cruel at times, but even I won’t kick out a homeless Demon Lord. I told him that a Demon Lord must live in cool castles. And what castle is the coolest but mine! Well, it’s passed down to my child now, but you get the point.”
‘Huh. The Demon Lord is a freeloader inside the Dragon Lord’s castle?’
That was such a difficult concept to grasp. The eternal munchkin who grew at a scary pace in the series, hanging around the Dragon Lord because he didn’t have anywhere else to go?
“I see you recognized some of our citizens. You might be seeing some familiar faces in the city. Most heroes who were sent to kill Little Han ended up being his sparring buddies and moving in. For those who never want to go back and be used by greedy nobles again, they move in here with their families. We also grant asylum to all kinds of Beast tribes and darkness attribute users.”
A haven for both heroes and outcasts, where the heroes went to retire or the persecuted went to hide. The residents also seemed pretty relaxed around him, treating him more like a fellow citizen than an admirable hero. This city would have been a great place for his retirement, but Cale valued his peace of mind and his slacker life. No way could he slack off with a Demon Lord and a former Dragon Lord within the same territory. He would be running away from this place after acquiring the ancient power of earth.
“Aren’t you a Dragon Lord, Lord Sheritt-nim? Why is he ruling over the city instead of you?”
“ Former Dragon Lord,” she corrected gently. “The ‘me’ now is nothing but an illusion with my memories, made to provide guidance to my children. There isn’t anyone filling up the Dragon Lord position as of this moment, though my youngest is shaping up into the role quite nicely. My biological eldest is more suitable, but he’s like me, a free spirit .” She giggled at her pun, looking too pleased with herself.
“Besides,” she continued, “Little Han is the best choice. My biological children and I didn’t want to be involved in interracial politics. Dragons may be the rulers of mana, but ruling over squishy and breakable creatures is… not a good idea. We’re the protectors of the city and his advisors in our free time, if that helps.”
Cale ended up asking about how the Forest of Darkness could support a whole city, not just the inhabitants of a castle. Sheritt-nim enthusiastically showed him around their fields where happy Dark Elves and Elementals worked. They didn’t have to forage for edible plants or look for clean water, sources that their population would have stripped clean within a few days, leaving the poisonous plants and monsters behind.
“We also have cattle and other livestock, so we are pretty much self-sufficient. Do you want to see them?”
“Maybe next time, Lord Sheritt-nim.” All thoughts on how to indirectly ask for the ancient power’s location were cut short upon spotting someone heading over to them.
Choi Han approached them, a kitten on his shoulder and another in his arms. Seeing him like that made Cale feel weird. Dragons and kittens were really great and mighty. To think that they have the Demon Lord wrapped around their little paws. Look, even that baby dragon was using his head as a perch! Was this really the Demon Lord that everyone was afraid of? No matter how much his brain warned that appearances could be deceiving, he only looked like a puppy to Cale.
Of course, even the cutest dog could bite, and he had yet to witness Choi Han’s actual vicious nature. He had to put him in a good mood. Only then would Cale ask for permission to search for the ancient power, to strike a deal with him so he would hand it over to a mere human. Chances were, Choi Han would like to have it for himself or for somebody he knew. To convince someone like the Demon Lord, he had to—
“Cale-nim, do you want to come with me?”
‘Hmm?’
“Where to, Lord-nim?”
“Please, it’s Choi Han. And… I want to show you something.” The children jumped off when Choi Han turned to the former Dragon Lord. “Mom, we're leaving.”
“Take care. Enjoy your first date!”
Sheritt scooped up the kids and skipped back to the castle, leaving her sputtering and blushing mess of a son behind.
Choi Han’s good mood plummeted after talking to Old Ron. Making up his mind, he called someone who never failed to bring a smile to his face and told her to meet him in the usual place. He also sought out the children to calm down. Only then did he search for Cale-nim. And then his mom went and spouted embarrassing words like “first date.”
‘Is… Is this really a date?’
While Choi Han was having an internal gay panic, Cale was trying to come up with reasons why Sheritt-nim called his deal with the Demon Lord a date. Maybe it was like a lunch date for a business deal, minus the food?
‘Yes, that must be it.’
“Lord-nim—”
“Ah, n-not that.”
Maybe it was not respectful enough? Was he offended that Cale didn’t complete his title? What if this punk got angry and beat him up? “Do you prefer Demon Lord-nim, then?”
Choi Han sputtered some more, covering his face with both hands. It took a few seconds before he managed to regain his composure, coughing delicately into his fist and looking away. “Choi Han. My name is Choi Han. And please speak informally.”
Well, if he was going to insist. “All right, Choi Han.”
Cale looked away, failing to see how those black eyes sparkled. So many things were different from [The Birth of a Hero]. He was wondering where Choi Han went, and here he was, apparently a Demon Lord ruling the very Forest where he was supposed to be trapped in for tens of years.
Choi Han led the way to the Black Swamp, a place where no one could live. Cale did not have to wear a mask, as the black aura enshrouding him seemed to be filtering the poison from the air. Meanwhile, Choi Han was strolling like he was not the least bothered by the miasma around them. They reached the edge of the swamp, where a very familiar figure stood.
“Hello, Mary. I’ve brought Cale-nim with me.”
Of fvcking course. Even the necromancer he recruited was here, standing so casually like the Forest of Darkness was her backyard. “Nice to see you again, Mary.”
“Hello, Young Master. It’s good that you finally met Choi Han-nim. He really likes you.”
“Whaaa— Mary!”
Mary tilted her hooded head at Choi Han’s cut-off screech. “But it’s true? Why are you not saying it?”
Cale was similarly bewildered. ‘Huh? Does he admire my personality? But there’s nothing likeable about me. I am trash.’
Choi Han looked at the two confused beings in front of him and realized it was not the time to discuss his feelings. Time to change the subject. “How is it going, Mary?”
Mary extended her spindly fingers marred with webs of black scars in the direction of the swamp. “I still can’t take it. The power is fighting my will.”
Now that got Cale’s attention. “Power?”
Choi Han was quick to explain. “An ancient power that only appeared recently. A hundred years, to be exact. We let necromancers use the bones within limits, and then return them to the bottom of the swamp, like with the Queen of Death.” There was something profound in his eyes. Sadness? Longing? It disappeared before Cale could wonder about it. “Necromancers as strong as her no longer appeared, and Mary is the only necromancer to surface after so many years.”
Cale understood the unspoken offer. “You… want me to take this power?”
“Yes, so Mary can use the bones. And Mom had been looking for someone to inherit this ancient power. It’s her friend’s, you see. She wanted someone to continue his legacy. If not as a Dragon Slayer, then a good person like her friend.”
‘I wouldn’t call him a good person.’
As much as Sheritt-nim talked about Choi Han, she had talked Cale’s ear off for a minute straight about this amazing friend of hers. ( “A really great scammer! He scammed the strong people to go live in the Dragon Slayer Village! He’s so successful that it stayed that way for 9,000 years! ”)
“Most of those who did the trial for this ancient power ended up running back in fear. It only stayed silent for me and the Dragons, so we figured we won’t be getting it.”
A picky ancient power, huh? “I see. Then please make a path.”
With a snap of Choi Han’s fingers, the mucky waters parted for Cale, revealing a lump covered with black mud in the middle. Activating the Sound of the Wind, a smirk unconciously made its way into Cale’s face.
‘Picky ancient power or not, it’s mine now.’
Choi Han kept casting glances at the redhead beside him. He had Cale-nim pick up the ancient power in the Black Swamp first, apprehensive that it would set off an adverse reaction. Thankfully, the human-based power did not upset the balance of his plate.
Though the nonchalant way Cale-nim wiped away the bit of blood he coughed up made Choi Han panic. Especially when he revealed the reason why he always had a bloody coughing fit during every battle.
‘Hmm? Don’t worry, it’s only because my plate is not balanced.’
He and his mom somewhat suspected it, especially after seeing two ancient Dragons always hovering around Cale-nim. (Really rude Dragons who were trying to break through his barriers, so Choi Han ignored them. Though he should have spoken to them about Cale-nim’s plate and let go of his grudges.) And while Mom also considered that Cale-nim’s plate was really weak, it turned out that their first hypothesis was more accurate. Cale-nim still did not have an earth attribute power.
Though the calm, casual way Cale-nim dropped the most crucial piece of information gave Choi Han a devastating blow. ‘And it seems that I only have less than three days to live unless I find the ancient power of earth.’
Choi Han put Cale-nim on back and made all haste to the boulder, despite reassurances that he was fine. Choi Han almost could not say a proper goodbye to Mary, who only nodded in understanding and wished them luck for their date.
Knowing that he would not be allowed to interfere in an ancient power’s trial, Choi Han bargained with the ancient power’s voice through Cale-nim. Swearing that he would only escort Cale-nim and would never use any sort of power once the actual trial began. Cale-nim’s stoic face twisted in visible confusion as he listened in to the power and relayed its consent.
Now they were walking side by side in the dark, which made Choi Han feel that they were underwater. Just him, Cale-nim, and this darkness inside the tunnel. He was just going to ask Cale-nim if he wanted a fireball spell to light the way, when a hand grabbed his.
“Don’t get lost.”
‘He must be lagging behind because he can’t see in the dark. While the Super Rock is showing me the way, Choi Han seems unable to do any light spells. I guess even overpowered Demon Lords can’t have everything.’
Of course, Cale was aiming to tug at his sleeve, but his hand missed and grabbed the gloved hand instead. It would do. It was not like there would be anyone who would see them and misunderstand.
Someone definitely misunderstood.
‘H-Hand holding… Holding hands… Holding hands…’
All rational thoughts fled from Choi Han’s mind the moment he felt those graceful fingers wrap around his. He could not even muster a single word right now beyond an intelligent, “Uh.”
He did notice when Cale-nim suddenly stopped walking. Choi Han watched a strange twist settle on those lips.
“Cale-nim?”
Choi Han did not receive any answer, except for Cale-nim starting to walk again. He trotted right after him, easily keeping up when Cale-nim hastened his pace. He could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“Wow.”
Choi Han looked at his abandoned hand, feeling a bit forlorn when Cale-nim dropped it. As they moved through the hidden villa, Choi Han watched different emotions flit through Cale-nim’s face, ranging from shock, happiness, annoyance and laughter. Choi Han could not focus on the tastefully decorated villa, the ominous stone pillar to the side, or the rooms full of jewels, weapons and treasures. That carefree laughter consumed his attention, making a smile bloom on his own face.
Following the delighted exclamations, he could not help but wonder, ‘Does gold excite him so much? Should I give him mine?’
He should diligently take note of anything Cale-nim was interested in. The Molans reported some of their observations, but he did not trust those weasels not to try and bite him back.
Arriving at the fifth floor, Choi Han heard Cale-nim mutter something about a Super Rock and approach a bejeweled altar. Disbelief froze him to the doorway after seeing his hero… eat a rock. Was that the ancient power trial? It was unexpected, but more harmless than the dead mana-filled mud leaping at Cale-nim in the swamp.
Besides, it was only chewing a rock. What could go wrong?
“Cough!”
“Aigoo, you unlucky bastard.”
Eruhaben had had enough of the punk running around spawning so many problems. He told him to rest while he looked for the ancient power inside the Forest of Darkness. Only to discover that he went missing. And here he was, coughing his lungs out while reforming his plate. It didn’t seem that bad, since the earth-attribute ancient power must be protecting him.
He thought he had seen all the surprises of the world in his long lifespan. Until the Demon Lord tore down his own barriers—ones that he and Olienne had been trying to destroy for years—and begged for his help.
(A Demonic being begging an ancient Dragon to help a human? Ha! If Eruhaben was younger, he would have a good laugh. But he was older and wiser now, knowledgeable enough to realize that wherever the unlucky redhead went, chaos followed.)
The Demon Lord looked like a kicked puppy as he scolded him for not alerting them, or at least opening the barriers earlier. Eruhaben was too worried about the unlucky bastard to even be intimidated by a Demon at that time.
As he sat by this unlucky bastard’s bedside, Eruhaben wondered how his life turned into this. As a Dragon who kept mostly to himself, he only helped out other Dragons go through their first growth phase and occasionally talked to elves and the World Tree. The only Dragon he tolerated around him was that crazy Green Dragon, and yet, look where it got him. Masqueraded as a knight for this unlucky bastard, fought in the human wars, killed a Lich alongside a necromancer and the Sun God’s champions so the human would not overexert himself, and rushed to his side once Eruhaben heard him coughing up blood. Again.
‘Aigoo. This is what I get for being soft.’
Eruhaben had only stayed alive this long because there was a Demon Lord to defeat (and maybe an unlucky punk to take care of). When he was escorted to the Black Castle and saw the last Dragon Lord being chummy with the Demon Lord, he could not believe it. There was also that Beige Dragon casually having tea with humans in the castle. And a little kid who called him a “socially awkward Dragon who doesn’t even know how to shake hands,” and nicknamed him Goldie Gramps, all in one breath.
At least, they were better than the Red punk, who only glared at him, called him Oldie and tried to kick him out of the Forest. A mere 900-year old Dragon trying to boss him around? If Lord Sheritt and the Demon Lord had not scolded that Red punk, Eruhaben would have taught him a lesson.
This place was crazy. The Dragons here were so crazy. This must be why for tens of years, he saw other Dragons running away after breaching the barrier. Like that Gray punk he bumped into, who ran out of the Forest of Darkness muttering, “Never again. Never again…”
Eruhaben agreed. He was never going to get back here ever again.
If only he could convince the stubborn unlucky bastard to get out of here first.
Cale was living the high life of a slacker.
Relaxing in the Super Rock Villa was the best. Eruhaben-nim had ordered him complete bedrest for a week, going as far as bringing his meals so he would limit him from getting out of bed. Not that he was complaining with more opportunities to eat, sleep and slack off. Even more wonderful was the fact that he had his own villa now.
But why were there so many people visiting him after his bedrest ended? Dragons and children, heroes and elegant ladies who acted refined but swore like tavern thugs. Did they mistake the hidden villa as a park, where they could stroll in and out whenever they pleased?
Why was the Demon Lord standing outside his door like a guard? Why were the children dragging him into picnics in his stone gardens or outings in the city? Why were there Blue Wolf kids running around and training with Choi Han? Why were the ladies having tea with him? This was all confusing.
(Cale really wished that they were less active so early in the morning. He didn’t need the three children pouncing on him to wake him up. Little pranksters who acted like their grandma, showing angelic faces like their dad whenever he gave them betrayed looks. Haaa, his beloved sleep.)
At least, a month of slacking had also been fruitful. Satisfied with his preparations, he went out to look for Choi Han. One of the servants directed him to the dungeons underneath the Black Castle. Cale had a bad feeling about this.
He was not even halfway through the dungeons when he heard dying screams. Cale almost backed out, but it was common courtesy to say his goodbyes to the territory lord whenever he planned on leaving. Cale could only swallow his apprehension and power walk to the farthest cell. The faster he got this over with, the better.
A sickening squelch of something soft being crushed underfoot, bursting like an overripe berry. The crunch of breaking bone, the wet snap of muscles and ligaments being pulled taunt until they tear apart.
“...”
Maybe he shouldn’t knock on the door?
Before Cale could turn around and leave, the sounds stopped. He almost jumped back when the heavy iron door swung open, revealing a shocked Choi Han. The Demon Lord looked like a kid caught with the cookie jar, the candy jar and some mints. It was almost endearing, if not for his appearance and his next words.
“Oh. Hello, Cale-nim! Excuse all the blood.”
Choi Han lightly kicked something to the side. Cale held back a wince as it splattered on the wall upon impact. He glimpsed a pile of mangled bodies and a suspicious mop of gray hair, before Choi Han blocked his line of sight.
One cheek splattered with red, his heavy leather gloves and sleeves soaked with the stuff, and an unwavering smile on his face. Unlike earlier, Choi Han was the perfect picture of innocence. “I found all of your attackers!”
Did I do good? Praise me, praise me!
…Why did the Demon Lord feel like a dog asking for pets and waiting to be called a good boy after fetching a frisbee?
‘A short praise is enough, right? He won't be asking me for headpats with all that blood, right? Right.’
“Good job.”
Choi Han brightened, the incandescent glow on his face enough to power two continents. “Thank you, Cale-nim! They’ll never bother you ever again.”
‘So vicious.’
Cale suppressed a shudder and kept his expression carefully stoic. “I’m here to tell you that we’re leaving later. Will you be joining us to the Eastern Continent?”
“I’m sorry, Cale-nim. I still have to clean up here.”
‘The dungeon must be so filthy that even the Demon Lord finds it hard to clean.’
However, Choi Han’s mind was preoccupied with a different kind of household chore. Headhunting the black mages and cleaning up the four Alchemists’ Towers was proving to be difficult. He could not go for a cleanup for long periods, afraid that Cale-nim would get hurt if he left his side. He could obliterate the Towers, but Cale-nim had impressed upon them the virtue of patience and coming up with a plan first, so no innocent people would get involved.
But he was not planning to drag this one out. They dare hurt Cale-nim. Of course they must suffer.
“I’ll be taking Eruhaben-nim with me. Thank you for telling me about the Mercenary King’s healing artifact.”
“Are you going to make a deal with him?” When Cale-nim only nodded, Choi Han offered his advice. “Ron and Beacrox are there. They can lead you to him. I’ll give you the coordinates so the ancient Dragon can take you there. Oh, you can also take the children with you. They like traveling.”
Why was Choi Han so eager to help him? Aside from the initial heart attacks, Cale was slowly getting accustomed to Choi Han popping up from nowhere whenever Cale needed anything. It was a little strange. He ought to think that Choi Han was following him around because he did not trust Cale. But he could only see Choi Han as a little pup who liked to hang around and beg for pats.
And Cale, no, Kim Rok Soo. He hated cats, but he always had a soft spot for dogs.
Still, it would not hurt to be careful. No matter how cutely Choi Han acted at times, it did not change the fact that he was a vicious punk who was now a Demon Lord.
Then there was the thing about the Molans. Had Choi Han done something to earn their trust? Without the secret organization, they did not have a reason to run away and hide in the Henituse territory. So why were Ron and Beacrox still hired into the Henituse household?
It did not add up. He did not start to move until he transmigrated two years ago, and the Molans were already here since Cale Henituse was a child. The original Cale Henituse should never look heroic in anyone’s eyes.
‘Were they originally placed as spies there? Makes sense, since it’s the nearest territory to the Forest of Darkness. When did they shift to monitoring me? Did Choi Han somehow foresee that I will be a hero in the future? Did he deem me a threat?’
“You must be really close with Ron and Beacrox,” Cale probed carefully.
“Not really— Ah.”
Choi Han stopped scratching his cheek, drawing back his gloved finger when it smeared more of the tacky substance on his skin. Cale clicked his tongue and threw a clean handkerchief at his face. “Go wipe your face.”
‘Beacrox will go apoplectic at something so unsanitary.’
(He ignored the slightest twitch of his fingers, itching to snatch back the handkerchief and wipe Choi Han’s face for him. Must be the instinct he had developed after nearly a month of wiping the children’s mouths during meals.)
Meanwhile, Choi Han was so excited, eyes sparkling. ‘A handkerchief from Cale-nim! I’m going to frame it and put it up on a wall!’
Choi Han hummed as he rubbed the cloth against his cheek, content with their plan. Nothing bad would happen to Cale-nim with the children, an ancient Dragon, the Mercenary King and the Molans around him.
Right?