Chapter 172

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Keuseundae】

▶Level 60

▶Stats

【Stamina: A】

【Monstrous Power: S-】

【Art Formula: A】

【Mental Strength: B】

▶Traits (7/10)

【Battle Qi Gluttony (S)】

【Emotion Devouring (S)】

【Grudge Specter (B+)】

【Shock Absorption (B+)】

【Output Enhancement (B-)】

【Monstrous Strength (C+)】

【Strong Body (C-)】

【Fire Horn Specter】

▶Level 51

▶Stats

【Stamina: B+】

【Monstrous Power: A】

【Art Formula: A-】

【Mental Strength: B】

▶Traits (7/10)

【Flame of Purification (S-)】

【Specter Fire (A+)】

【Blazing Flame (A-)】

【Challenger (B+)】

【Rampage (B)】

【Monstrous Strength (C+)】

【Strong Body (C-)】

Thanks to having shared its power with Kongsami, Keuseundae’s Level had dropped by 4 from before, now at 60.

‘…Well, it’s still strong regardless.’

Moreover, Kongsami, having experienced numerous battles up to now and participated in this ritual to gain power, had achieved significant growth.

Its Level had risen a full nine stages from the initial point, its stat ranks had increased, and it had gained more Traits.

At this level, it was not lacking to be called A-Rank.

‘As expected, going through the trouble to bind it back then was the right choice.’

Given its trait of being able to manipulate fire, its applications were many, and there was still room for future growth.

I nodded in satisfaction and, after clearing all the Status Windows, sank into thought.

‘With this, I should be able to handle most Specters.’

Not just Kongsami, but my other Shikigami had also each achieved significant growth, big and small.

My current combat strength was at a level that no one could easily ignore. My firepower itself had increased, and I had prepared enough hands to handle most situations.

And starting tomorrow, the second summer vacation, which would finally become the stage for the second Night Parade of One Hundred Specters, would begin.

Baek Eunseo, Han Seoa, and Yoo Haon’s group would go out for field training with the Guard Unit, just as I had done before, and there they would face the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis.

‘The problem is how I will move at that point.’

I could stick close to the protagonists, Yoo Haon’s group, and play the role of an ally, or I could plan to resolve the situation from another angle.

‘…….’

It was still a point of consideration even now, but I had already decided on the answer.

‘I should probably operate separately first.’

Even in the second Night Parade, Specters that powerful don’t appear in the very early stages.

It’s just that Specters stronger than usual continuously show up. Therefore, joining Yoo Haon’s group from the very start isn’t very efficient.

‘If so, it’s group activity first, I suppose.’

Once the return of the Night Parade is officially announced, the Exorcism Headquarters will declare the highest level of emergency, summon all officially qualified Exorcists, and form Subjugation Forces in each region.

It was highly likely that I too would be included and sent to the front lines.

‘I’ll move like that for now, and then act flexibly based on the situation.’

Arietta and the Jeokhwadan, Baek Soyool, and others.

I had plenty of cards I could play appropriately depending on the situation anyway.

Finishing organizing my thoughts, I lay down on the bed and went to sleep.

And so, the vacation finally began.

“Yes. The 2nd Guard Unit in Dongjak District.”

Having checked in advance the training location where Yoo Haon’s group would be sent, just in case, I left the Academy and went to find Arietta.

And as usual, after handing over blood, I left a final request.

“Please be mentally prepared. I will contact you immediately if I need help.”

“…Yeah. No problem. You be careful too, junior.”

And so, three days passed.

By now, Yoo Haon’s group should have become quite familiar with the Guard Unit’s duties, and the Academy cadets were also scattered across the country.

And the next morning, the crisis finally began.

Weeeng!

Weeeeeng—!

[This is a real situation! All citizens, please evacuate to shelters! Leave the streets and move to your homes or shelters!]

Along with the blaring siren sounds, a broadcast so urgent it hurt the ears echoed.

At that desperate voice, citizens wandering the streets each grasped the situation and began to quickly leave their spots.

And I had come to the front of a game center in Sadang-dong to capture one Specter that would cause a truly troublesome situation within this second Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis.

‘…I was worried because there was little information about its appearance location, but finding it was surprisingly easy.’

In the original work, there was a mention that this Specter, which liked flashy and dazzling things, killed citizens at a game center in Sadang-dong after its initial appearance.

And upon checking directly, there was only this one game center in Sadang-dong that met the conditions.

Weeeeeng—!

The siren was still blaring noisily, but there were still citizens left inside the center who hadn’t fled.

By now, it had become a fairly repeated routine, so they held the complacent belief that the Exorcists of the Guard Unit would handle the situation.

‘Well, it’s probably also because the inside is so noisy that they were slow to notice.’

As a few minutes passed like that, sure enough, the presence of a Specter with considerable power was felt nearby.

‘…It’s inside the building. Did it enter through the bathroom window?’

Since I was waiting right nearby anyway, I immediately went inside to check the situation.

“Fuck!”

“G-go away!”

Because the Specter had occupied the passage leading to the entrance, citizens were huddled in a corner, clinging to each other.

I sighed at the sight and deliberately deployed a Binding Spell Formula in a precarious situation to bind the creature.

Crunch!

“Kyuwaak?”

It was strong, but at best, it could be estimated as B-Rank.

However, because of this one creature, communications in Seoul and nearby cities would be completely paralyzed, causing large-scale chaos.

Considering the urgency of the crisis, it was obvious even with eyes closed that numerous casualties would occur from that alone.

‘To think that Headquarters was in such a panic over just this guy.’

Even though I already knew, seeing its actual form in person was truly disheartening.

I deployed Soul Rending Slash and beheaded the creature, then spoke to the completely stunned citizens.

“Let’s go. I’ll guide you to a safe place.”

Oh Taekmin, a college student who usually spent his time immersed in game centers, felt his heart leap several times today as he hurriedly followed behind Han Kangyoon.

He had ignored it, thinking it was a problem that would be resolved quickly as usual, but upon actually going outside, he saw this was no small-scale crisis.

‘Screams from people all around…’

It was proof that many Specters had appeared and citizens were falling into chaos.

In fact, Oh Taekmin himself might have already been killed by a Specter if not for the Exorcist named Han Kangyoon leading the group at the front.

“W-we have to move over 500 meters to the shelter, is this really okay?”

“I, I just want to go home. I think I should.”

“That won’t do. Leaving my side now is tantamount to suicide. And judging by the situation, even an ordinary home doesn’t seem safe.”

The citizens with him were anxious and didn’t know what to do, but Han Kangyoon, leading them, maintained a silent and resolute attitude, sticking to the destination.

Certainly, as far as Taekmin knew, Han Kangyoon’s judgment was correct in a situation like this.

‘…Anyway, the family will be escorted to shelters by Exorcists from the Guard Unit patrolling certain areas.’

But even knowing that, he himself was this anxious and restless now, yet Han Kangyoon, who seemed to be around Taekmin’s age or a bit younger, showed no wavering.

Even in his dazed state, Taekmin felt that such Han Kangyoon was incredibly impressive.

However, not everyone shared Taekmin’s thoughts, as one of the group spat out complaints and spoke up.

“Hey, who do you think you are to order us around like this? Are you even a qualified Exorcist? You don’t look old enough. Sorry, but I can’t trust some inexperienced rookie.”

Certainly, Han Kangyoon had a face that looked far too young to be a seasoned Exorcist.

Once the opinion was voiced, several in the group agreed and made moves to leave the spot.

“…Honestly, that’s true. How do we know if you have the skill to protect us or not?”

“L-last time I saw, a guy who just got his qualification and went out got taken down by a Specter instead, leaving the citizens behind!”

The citizens’ anxiety was valid. Even now, shouts and screams could be heard from all around, and there was no guarantee they wouldn’t be the next target.

And as if that anxiety hit the mark, another Specter revealed itself before them.

One in front, one on the rooftop of the building to the side, and another near that alleyway, smashing cars with loud bangs.

“A-ah, no, so why are you screaming! Stop screaming!”

When the situation actually hit, the citizens noticeably flinched and called out to Han Kangyoon in shrinking voices.

“H-hey, Mister Exorcist, it’s okay, right?”

“…Requesting backup! D-do you have a radio or something?”

Amidst the citizens who had fallen into complete panic, Han Kangyoon let out a deep sigh and muttered quietly.

“There’s no need to worry. Judging by their aura, they’re not that formidable.”

Simultaneously with those words, Han Kangyoon’s shadow suddenly writhed like a living creature and spewed out something.

Slither.

Thump!

Squelch!

What emerged from within were several creatures that appeared to be Shikigami.

“Take care of all of them.”

That one sentence was the end.

With that single command from Han Kangyoon, the Specters that had been eyeing the citizens were mercilessly torn apart and met their deaths.

Only then did the relieved citizens wipe away cold sweat and let out awkward coughs.

“W-what, they really weren’t a big deal.”

“…I don’t think leaving now is a good idea after all. I’ll just go to the shelter with this person.”

Having recognized the threat they could see, the citizens stopped complaining and began to follow Han Kangyoon’s instructions.

And Oh Taekmin, who witnessed the entire process, opened his eyes wide and gazed at Han Kangyoon’s retreating figure.

‘…No, of course that can’t be right, can it?’

He had once studied Cursed Techniques and aspired to be an Exorcist, so he knew. There’s no such thing as an insignificant Specter. No matter how low-ranked a Specter is, it possesses the power to mercilessly kill ordinary people.

Moreover, to Taekmin’s senses, the Specters Han Kangyoon had just dealt with weren’t even that low-ranked.

‘T-that person is just incredibly strong.’

Summoning Shikigami through shadows in the first place—he had never even heard of such an outlandish Cursed Technique.

‘…Something’s definitely not right.’

This current flood of Specters reminded him of the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis from the old days.

Checking his messenger briefly, it seemed acquaintances from all over the country were experiencing the same situation.

If so, then as Han Kangyoon said, nowhere in Korea was safe right now.

And in such a situation, the way to protect his own life was clear.

‘I absolutely have to follow this person.’

Beside a truly skilled powerhouse.

That was the only place where he could feel at ease and let his guard down.