Chapter 207

Korea’s Exorcism Headquarters is renowned worldwide, and as such, it is an organization with a deep history.

Consequently, it naturally possessed corresponding capabilities.

This was evident even just from observing their response process during the second Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis.

They quickly assessed the situation, minimized damage, and ultimately succeeded in establishing a perfect defense line.

And now, within that very Exorcism Headquarters, an urgent meeting had been convened.

It was precisely because of rumors about a third Night Parade of One Hundred Specters.

“It certainly seems possible. If it happened twice, there’s no law saying it can’t happen a third time.”

“However, considering the gap between the previous two occurrences, shouldn’t we be able to rest easy for now?”

“Why can’t you understand that is the most dangerous mindset? Such complacency leads to unexpected sacrifices.”

Everyone’s points were valid.

Being overly vigilant about it now might be premature, but conversely, it could also turn into a monumental mistake.

And right now, a piece of information circulating among the public was further fueling this debate.

“What does everyone think? About the rumor spreading rapidly right now.”

“You mean the one about the Oracle Bone Casket?”

“That’s correct.”

Currently, within Korea’s Cursed Arts World, a detailed hypothesis about the cause of the Night Parade of One Hundred Specters was circulating.

It was the theory that these events were caused by an artifact called the Oracle Bone Casket, and that according to the structure of the three-part box, the final Night Parade would soon arrive.

And for some reason, this theory had gained significant support and was being accepted as half-truth.

“Well, it’s not entirely without merit, is it?”

“Compared to other absurd hypotheses, this one at least has some persuasiveness.”

“Of course, we cannot be certain what the truth is.”

There were even reports of corresponding movements from the Three Great Noble Families, meaning it was at least not just baseless gossip.

“So, we really have to see that damn spectacle one more time?”

With that one remark, the atmosphere in the room turned solemn. They were already struggling with the aftermath; if the situation escalated further, it might become uncontrollable.

“Tsk, even so, a rumor is just a rumor. Let’s not act rashly.”

Normally, the agenda would have moved on at that point, with only appropriate countermeasures being prepared.

However, coincidentally at that moment, a guest arrived at the Exorcism Headquarters.

Thud!

“S-sorry for interrupting the meeting! However, a messenger sent by Master Woonyeon…”

“What?”

There was no one present who did not know the name of Woonyeon, a Prophet and renowned Sorcerer.

And as if everyone recognized what it meant, they began exchanging glances with hardened expressions.

“…Greetings. I am Hwang Jin, who serves as an attendant by Master Woonyeon’s side.”

“So, what is the reason for your urgent visit?”

“Master Woonyeon has sent an urgent message.”

The words Woonyeon conveyed to Hwang Jin this morning, waking up with a face as if the sky had collapsed, were truly simple.

“He said, ‘I cannot see our future.'”

“Does that mean, perhaps…?”

“Yes. An immense crisis, the scale of which cannot even be guessed, is approaching.”

Woonyeon may keep others at a distance, but he does not speak nonsense.

Everyone here knew that all too well.

Therefore, Woonyeon’s single statement was more than enough to freeze the members of the Headquarters.

“…It seems the return of the third Night Parade of One Hundred Specters is not too far off.”

Thus, an emergency was declared within the Headquarters, and members dispatched externally began returning one after another.

The flames of war, thought to have subsided, were about to flare up once again.

September 24th.

A mere three weeks after the second Night Parade of One Hundred Specters Crisis had ended.

Shocking news flew in from all over the world.

The content was that those called Prophets worldwide were unanimously warning of a crisis.

As this was an unprecedented event that had never occurred before, the world began to be engulfed in anxiety once more.

People avoided going out as much as possible, and even when walking the streets, their expressions were heavily shadowed.

And in such a situation, changes also occurred at the Academy.

“Did I hear that correctly just now?”

Jeong Hansol, with a dumbfounded expression, tilted her head and asked a question.

It was understandable. We had just heard the announcement that the Academy was declaring a temporary closure.

“…Is it really true that the Night Parade is starting again?”

Most students showed reactions similar to Jeong Hansol. Having witnessed the extreme damage caused by it just recently, the atmosphere was one of trembling fear.

However, to me who knew the truth, even their worries felt like a mere luxury.

After all, this time, if we failed to stop it, everything would literally crumble.

“…I didn’t expect the Prophets to step forward.”

Seo Jian, who was beside me, subtly approached and spoke.

Indeed, to my knowledge, such an event did not exist in the original work. It was most likely correct to view it as an effect of the Hell Difficulty.

And that made me truly uncomfortable.

‘Is there something more, after all?’

Considering the cases so far, that seemed plausible.

However, knowing that didn’t mean there was anything I could do immediately, so it wasn’t unreasonable to feel frustrated.

“…It’s really coming.”

“That seems to be the case.”

Since it was a crisis warned of by her father, Seo Taehoo, Seo Jian’s feelings must also be truly complicated.

Having received Seo Taehoo’s power, she had achieved astonishing growth, but it was unknown if that would be enough.

And the same applied to me.

‘I need to raise my Level.’

And I must meet the conditions and, once again through the trial of Cheonghongyeong, obtain even greater power.

That was my current plan up to that point, so there was no reason to hesitate.

And the talent needed for that was already here, one step ahead.

“…Can you help me a bit?”

“Hmm. I don’t have anything else to do anyway, so why not?”

One of the fastest ways to raise one’s Level is to stimulate one’s own body and mind through duels with worthy opponents.

In that regard, it was no exaggeration to say Sophia was the most perfect partner at the present moment.

For the remaining week until the Academy’s temporary closure, I used the training ground every day to spar with Sophia.

Sparring so close to real combat that I didn’t even care about equipment breaking or facilities being damaged.

【Han Kangyoon】

▶Level 53

▶Stats

【Stamina : B-】

【Spiritual Power : B】

【Art Formula : B-】

【Mental Strength : A-】

▶Traits(10/10)

【Phantom Body(S)】

【Witch’s Resonance(A+)】

【Dragon Body(A+)】

【Soul Combustion(A)】

【Challenger(B+)】

【Intracranial Spell Repository(B)】

【Life Returner(B-)】

【Emergency Evasion(B-)】

【Hawk’s Eye(C+)】

【Strong Body(C-)】

My Level, which had risen like that, was now approaching 53.

However, despite that, I had not yet overcome the wall of Level 55, the minimum requirement to take the Cheonghongyeong trial.

But it didn’t matter. After all, a battlefield to fill the lacking part would soon be prepared.

‘…It’s about time.’

According to my information, there are a series of entities that should start moving around this time.

Namely, the organization Night School, to which Bihyeong, Hectail, and Xiao Chen belonged.

‘By now, information about the third Night Parade must have reached their ears as well.’

If so, they will definitely move. They will surely do so to achieve their goals.

Finishing my week of training, I left the Academy, which had entered complete closure, and headed towards the residence prepared by Hwang Jincheol.

And Seoa, who was with me, spoke up.

“…Did you see it too, Oppa?”

What that meant was clear. Seoa firmly believed I could read the future.

In response, I nodded quietly and answered.

“I did.”

“…Will Korea be okay?”

“I can’t know for now. I just do what I can.”

After moving a bit further like that, Seoa hesitated and finally brought up the main point she had been holding onto.

“Lately, I sometimes hear a voice.”

“What?”

“That… I can’t be sure, but…”

It seems to be the Witch. Seoa clearly said that.

“What is it saying?”

“That other fragments remain, and I should come find her traces…”

That was a story I was hearing for the first time. This was also content not mentioned in the original story.

‘If she says other fragments, she’s clearly referring to the Witch’s knowledge in the remaining areas.’

The fact that she was directly urging this was a part I couldn’t quite understand within my common sense.

‘Come to think of it, I discovered it last time too.’

Another passage leading to the Eternal Labyrinth, witnessed while searching for Azure Dragon’s Yeoijoo.

It was still connected to Sahwanje’s Nest and making its presence felt from within.

Pausing my steps for a moment, I hesitated before another choice laid before me.

The content coincidentally had a connection to a thought I had just harbored not long ago.

And back then, I had decided that if something was immediately necessary, I would execute it even if it meant taking risks.

However, it didn’t take long to reach a conclusion.

‘No, now is not the time.’

At least, a more suitable timing for it will surely come.

Resuming my steps, I conveyed that opinion to Seoa.

“Let’s ignore it for now. Nothing will happen, so don’t worry too much.”

“Okay. I’ll do that.”

Thus, we met the servant Hwang Jincheol had waiting at the designated location and arrived at the prepared residence.

And there, Arietta and Baek Soyool, with perfectly calm faces, had already taken their places.

“…Junior, long time no see.”

“You were hard to contact, so I came to find you. Is there nothing you need me to do?”

“……”

Frankly, it was an unexpected sight, but since I was planning to seek their help soon anyway, it wasn’t bad.

Nodding, I called the two of them in and opened my mouth.

“There’s a matter we need to act on urgently.”

Upon hearing my instructions, the two immediately nodded as if they understood and left their seats.

Seoa, who was beside me, blankly watched the scene and then asked me a question.

“…Since when did you become so close with them?”

“There were reasons for it.”

Arietta, who boasted overwhelming fame even among the Graduating Class, and Baek Soyool, called one of the future pillars of the Baek Family and a 1st-Rank Exorcist.

The fact that such individuals were almost following me must have been quite bewildering.

Seoa kept tilting her head in confusion, then, as if giving up, blankly gathered her luggage and went inside the house.

And I, left alone, checked Seoa’s information with the Appraisal function and quietly continued my thoughts.

‘…….’

What should be postponed and what must be considered immediately. Those two things are clearly distinguished.

And once everything was sorted out, all that remained was simply action.