Chapter 236

The Specter Desire Jar has returned to where it originally belonged.

And Luke Pensalot ultimately failed to achieve his ambition and breathed his last.

Even though I had accomplished everything I sought today, my expression was not bright.

‘My senses are on high alert.’

The sinister energy beginning to encroach from all directions, and the familiar presences felt from every side.

I had a feeling the time was approaching, but the true, final Night Parade of One Hundred Specters was announcing its commencement.

“…To think he actually defeated him.”

Lost in such thoughts, Yoon Haecheol, who had been hiding in a corner of the forest, appeared and muttered with a dazed expression.

Seeing him having somewhat composed himself, I recalled the scene from another battlefield I had forgotten and simply turned my body to move my steps.

“Let’s return to where the others are.”

There was nothing more for me to do here.

As quite some time had passed, the outcome on the other side was now clearly decided as well.

The victors were Baek Soyool’s faction and the Kruger family. Most members of the Sakoonpa had been rendered combat ineffective or subdued, and Drax, Luke’s last remaining comrade, was the same.

It seems Allen, the only one who managed to flee the battlefield, is now being fiercely pursued by the Kruger family.

‘…That’s not something I need to concern myself with.’

It’s an unfortunate thing to say to the Kruger family, but even if they lose him here, an opportunity will surely arise again someday.

That was originally Allen’s future, and his conclusion.

He’ll probably lie low and not operate in the world for a while, so he shouldn’t be a hindrance anymore.

Effectively, the complete dissolution of the Night School had been achieved.

“What happened to him?”

“If you mean Luke, he’s deceased.”

“Hoh, impressive. The power he exuded even outwardly was no ordinary thing.”

John Kruger didn’t seem particularly displeased despite having lost Allen.

When I asked the reason, he said it was fine because they had achieved a definite result.

“We inflicted an irreversible wound on him. Now, he won’t be able to use his signature Forbidden Art to change bodies and extend his lifespan.”

Then it’s indeed as if Allen’s evil deeds, carried across eras, have ended here.

It’s understandable that he looks pleased.

“Anyway, I owe you a great debt. I will definitely repay this favor.”

“I also received much help. Thank you.”

All immediate worries had been neatly resolved. However, now I had to plunge back into the massive torrent laid before me.

John Kruger also mentioned it.

“It seems… it has begun. Sorry, but we must hurry back to our home country.”

“Yes. Thank you for your hard work.”

After seeing off the Kruger family, I gathered Cheong Soha, Baek Soyool, and Yoon Haecheol and quietly conveyed my thoughts on the future.

“Has it finally begun?”

“Yes. Now is the time for each of us to return to our places and fulfill our roles.”

No one objected to that statement.

Everyone had tangibly felt the danger of the situation now facing us.

“It’s on a level incomparable to before. The headquarters people have Soye attached, but this is worrying.”

“…Yeah. I can already feel strong energies from all directions.”

Yoon Haecheol and Arietta both muttered with serious expressions, different from usual.

There was no time to hesitate. And so, wishing each other safety, we moved our steps to where we each needed to be.

And in that process, I had to handle one matter I had been putting off.

That was, none other than, the matter concerning Hwabaek.

“…You shouldn’t talk nonsense.”

When she first had a brief encounter with Yeon Jaki, Hwabaek wasn’t certain of her identity.

Well, her appearance and energy had changed from before, so it wasn’t that strange.

‘From my standpoint, it would have been better if she didn’t notice for a while longer…’

But after hearing her name and acting together for some time, Hwabaek finally realized Yeon Jaki’s identity and tried to contact her.

However, since I actually blocked that, their meeting ultimately didn’t happen.

“First, let me ask one thing. Is she the same person as the woman I know?”

“Yes. Although much has changed over the years, she is the same person.”

“…Then why on earth did you block me? Isn’t that contrary to our agreement?”

Her demeanor suggested she would immediately vent her anger if I misspoke.

To that, I calmly organized my thoughts and gave Hwabaek an answer.

“She might have improved compared to before, but she still distrusts me now.”

Since I mentioned Yeon Jaki’s purpose and proposed a deal, from her perspective, I am indeed a suspicious existence.

“If, on top of that, I suddenly dig into that past and expose your existence, it could actually make things worse.”

“You mean if I don’t approach carefully, it could backfire?”

“Exactly. At the very least, the timing wasn’t good then.”

I had already exposed many of my cards to Yeon Jaki.

To suddenly bring up Hwabaek’s existence there? That was absolutely not a good idea.

Hwabaek still seemed full of dissatisfaction, but she seemed to somewhat understand my thinking.

“She has a clear purpose now. Therefore, she will be wary of and hostile towards those who might interfere with it.”

“……”

“So, I would be grateful if you could wait patiently a little longer until a definite position is secured.”

And when that time comes, Hwabaek’s existence will surely become a great strength for me.

According to what was revealed in the side story, Yeon Jaki also still reminisces about Hwabaek in her memories.

To that, Hwabaek let out a sigh tinged with frustration and turned her steps directly back into my shadow.

Though mixed with a bit of complaint, it was a clear sign of acceptance.

“Thank you for understanding.”

“…If it takes too long, I too will not be able to endure.”

“Yes. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Having finished the conversation with Hwabaek, I quickly moved my feet towards the lodging where I was staying with Arietta.

The scenery around me confirmed during that process was, as expected, ominous.

Exorcists were walking around everywhere with hardened faces, and citizens were all joining the evacuation procession according to pre-arranged guidelines.

“…Junior, can you feel it?”

“Yes. Some of them are already emerging into the world.”

No sooner had the words ended than Spectral Energy was suddenly felt beside the route the citizens were moving along, and several Specters began to reveal themselves.

Scuttling sounds

[Kyaak!]

[Kieeeek!]

“Kyaaaah!”

“S-Specters! Specters have appeared!”

Naturally, the citizens were thrown into panic, and the Exorcists walking around hurriedly rushed over to confront them.

But the result was, frankly speaking, bewildering.

“Keuhk! Kek, kehk!”

“They’re strong! Everyone, surround them at once!”

The Exorcists gathered here were almost all veterans who had broken through the early-mid Level 40s.

There were even some who seemed to be at the initial stage of 2nd-Rank, so it was by no means a weak force.

However, even they couldn’t avoid struggling against just a few Specters that appeared like mere foot soldiers.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding!

【Twisted Corpse Ghost】

▶Level 49

【Two-Headed Ghost】

▶Level 47

‘…Not to be taken lightly.’

At this level, it’s definitely a tough match for 3rd-Rank or initial 2nd-Rank Exorcists.

Having assessed the situation, I subtly signaled to Arietta and immediately manipulated the shadows to summon my Shikigami.

“Kongsami.”

“…Burn it.”

Swoosh

Whoosh!

Kwaaaang—!

Kongsami, leaping out of the shadow as if surging up, used the momentum to grab one of the Two-Headed Ghost’s heads and slammed it down.

The Twisted Corpse Ghost rushing in next had its movements sealed by intense flames, and Arietta, seizing the opening, finished it off.

A battle concluded in an instant.

The Exorcists, with surprised expressions, reorganized their posture and began approaching us.

“W-who on earth are you…?”

“3rd-Rank Exorcist Han Kangyoon. What’s the current situation?”

“Ah, you’re that… I’ve heard rumors a few times. Excuse me, but could you help us?”

According to 2nd-Rank Exorcist Joo Yong-taek, nearby Exorcists were patrolling several areas, directly guiding citizens to shelters.

Certainly, the response is much faster compared to the previous incident.

However, as the Specters’ level has also risen and their actions have become swift, it seems things aren’t easy.

“Yes. I’ll help. Which direction is the shelter?”

“About 2.2Km to the northwest.”

Until a precise course of action is decided, we must first help the citizens.

Having judged so, I, along with Arietta, fended off Specters blocking the way and guided the citizens to the shelter.

And, just as arrival was near, crisis suddenly arrived.

Chik. Chikchik.

《This is the shelter, this is the shelter, do you copy?》

“This is Joo Yong-taek of the Hwayoung 1st Guard Unit. What’s the matter?”

《Emergency situation. A high-rank Specter has appeared in front of the shelter entrance. You must immediately halt movement and hide.》

“W-what…?”

Just as the message said, a Specter of considerable level was emanating its presence up ahead.

At that level, it would be assessed as at least A-Rank, a formidable enemy.

Moreover, as if adding insult to injury, the problem didn’t end there.

[Boooooo—!]

Perhaps it possessed a means to summon Specters; as it let out a bizarre cry, numerous Spectral Energies approaching this place from all directions were felt.

Consequently, it was only a moment before we, leading many citizens, were detected.

[Kyaaak?]

[Shiiiiik!]

“Huh, huk!”

“H-how many are there? Exorcists, do something quickly!”

As one woman said, their numbers were truly considerable.

It’s baffling where so many Specters were hiding.

Chikchik!

“T-the shelter, we’re already surrounded here! Requesting immediate support!”

At this level, even without a powerful Specter among them, it’s a force Joo Yong-taek’s group cannot handle.

But the response from the shelter was utterly despairing.

《…Impossible. There are no remaining forces.》

“Damn it! There are dozens of citizens here!”

At Joo Yong-taek’s action, full of fear, the citizens also began to despair and tried to flee, each seeking a way to survive.

In this situation, that action is akin to giving up on life. Before it was too late, I took a step forward and spoke to everyone.

“Don’t act rashly. Gather in the center. I will protect you.”

“Y-you, fuck! Can’t you see those numbers right now?”

A familiar reaction, but there was no particular need to argue.

Swoosh

Whooosh!

“All of you, come out.”

Anyway, in a little while, he too would realize where the safest place here was.