Chapter 24

Han Seoa had spent a long time with Han Kangyoon.

Though they weren’t biological siblings, she could confidently say their affection for each other surpassed even that.

That’s why, when she learned how Han Kangyoon was doing at the Academy, her heart ached terribly and felt tangled.

‘…….’

Simultaneously, she firmly resolved that she must somehow lighten that burden for him now.

After all, she was A-Rank. She was a promising talent recognized in her own right.

So she actively promoted herself to secure a sponsor, tirelessly practiced Art Formulas day and night, and quickly adapted to life at the Academy.

Her grades were outstanding even among the geniuses gathered in the A-Rank class, so one could easily imagine how hard she had worked.

‘Now I have to be the support.’

Han Kangyoon had always been the sturdy guide leading everyone at the orphanage, but now the roles were reversed.

That’s why, even in this second exam, Han Seoa deliberately sent Han Kangyoon to the rear and stepped forward to take the vanguard herself.

But.

[Kuwah-oh!]

Kwaah-ang!

Suddenly, the situation reversed. The moment she faced an enemy’s intense killing intent for the first time in her life, Han Seoa’s entire body froze completely.

‘…I should step forward.’

The Specter, judged to be worth the maximum score of one hundred points—now that the ‘no-attack’ restriction was lifted, its danger was starkly evident.

Han Seoa fought back the surging fear and took a step forward.

But someone blocked her path. It was Han Kangyoon.

“It’s okay. Stay back.”

Swish.

The hand lightly patting her shoulder was the same as always, that of the head of the family.

And in the ensuing battle, Han Seoa realized she had been greatly mistaken about something.

‘…….’

Actually, rumors had been circulating lately. That Han Kangyoon’s growth, stagnant for so long, had finally begun.

But for Han Seoa, who still had the various rumors and mockery about Han Kangyoon from the start of the semester stuck in her heart like painful thorns, she couldn’t easily accept it.

However, seeing the scene unfolding before her eyes now, anyone would have to acknowledge it.

‘…There was never any need for me to protect him from the start.’

That Han Kangyoon was no longer the ignored figure from the past.

“…How can a person fight like that?”

Even Yohan beside her let out an exclamation without realizing it. That’s how incredible Han Kangyoon’s combat was.

U-deuk!

[Kuwah-ak!]

Kwaang!

Judging purely by specs, this was by no means a fight in Han Kangyoon’s favor.

But the way he utilized his main weapon, the Shikigami, and each movement gauging his opponent’s and his own next move were nothing short of artistic.

It was like the skill of a seasoned veteran who had experienced countless battles and survived life-and-death situations.

“Fierce Wolf.”

Kwaak!

[Kehk—!]

It wasn’t about using incredibly powerful Cursed Techniques or crushing the opponent with sheer force.

It was like a peerless master in a martial arts novel displaying divine prowess with just a single tree branch.

Han Kangyoon’s combat was simply on a different level and method compared to the other students.

‘…….’

Han Seoa unconsciously gulped. Before she knew it, the match was decided, and the enemy radiating ferocious momentum had completely collapsed.

Koo-woong.

“It’s an emergency. Consider this real combat from now on.”

Seeing his composed demeanor, showing no change in expression even after defeating a strong foe, Han Seoa recited inwardly.

No matter what happened or how, Han Kangyoon was still the same sturdy head of the family she knew.

The Specters were breaking free from their restraints. A signal that Bihyeong had begun to act.

Sure enough, the examiners were seen scurrying about frantically through the Black Bird’s vision.

Likewise, one of the examiners nearby came to us and spoke.

“…Hoo. It’s an urgent situation. All students are to gather at the central hall and follow instructions.”

“Understood.”

I led Han Seoa and Yohan and quickly left the spot. This is where the crucial phase begins.

As mentioned, aside from Bihyeong and the Specters he brought, the people we need to be concerned about total four.

Choi Ilmok of 2nd Year D-Rank.

Shin Hyeonmin of 1st Year A-Rank.

James, a professor and supervisor.

And finally, someone who might become the Sacrifice in my place.

‘But in the end, I couldn’t find the last one.’

I couldn’t help it, as I saw no one showing any signs.

In this case, there are two possibilities.

‘Either they didn’t create a Sacrifice to replace me at all, or they didn’t receive power from Bihyeong like the other students.’

I couldn’t think of any other cases.

Being a Sacrifice inevitably means obtaining something desperately desired from Bihyeong, and if that something is power, it would inevitably show in some way.

But it wasn’t a problem.

‘Whoever it is, if they actually exist, their identity will be revealed when the Resurrection Ritual progresses.’

So it’s just a matter of pushing that step to the very end.

‘The mechanism of the resurrection curse Bihyeong is planning is complex yet simple.’

First, select the aforementioned Sacrifices, lure them with sweet talk, and while pretending to give them power, carve the curse that becomes the ritual’s core into their bodies.

Then, using them as cores, deploy a large-scale resurrection ritual. Its area is the entirety of Yeongwoldo.

‘Everything that loses its life within the curse’s range becomes material for the resurrection.’

The Specters released all over Yeongwoldo as targets for the current second exam.

And the ranked Specters Bihyeong personally gathered.

Or even the supervisors and students who might lose their lives in the chaos.

After absorbing sufficient nourishment, the ritual is structured to be completed by completely stealing the lives of those who became the cores.

Naturally, the most important thing here is the four individuals functioning as cores.

‘Actually, killing them before the ritual properly begins is the simplest.’

But if I step forward and do that recklessly, I’ll just be treated as mentally contaminated and dragged away.

That’s why I had already completed a curse to disrupt it without taking their lives.

‘I invested all the Art Formula Modification class time into it.’

Anyway, I roughly know the structure of the curse Bihyeong used. After that, it was just a matter of using my extensive knowledge to research a curse that could interfere with it.

‘The problem is if I act too quickly, Bihyeong might notice the anomaly.’

That’s why I deliberately took no action before coming to Yeongwoldo.

However, conversely, that also means that after arriving at Yeongwoldo, I can begin interference work without Bihyeong noticing.

So, since yesterday, I had already taken measures against one of the Sacrifices.

‘Choi Ilmok’s case was easy. Because we were in the same faction, we stuck together several times during the first exam.’

Since I scattered the curse carved inside his body here and there, even if the ritual begins, Choi Ilmok can no longer function as a complete Sacrifice.

That leaves two people.

Shin Hyeonmin of 1st Year A-Rank and Professor James.

‘Anyway, James will die fighting alongside Bihyeong, tying up the professors’ feet.’

That’s not only hard to prevent, but actually better not to prevent for the situation.

Therefore, the one I needed to prioritize taking measures against was Shin Hyeonmin.

‘Found him.’

As soon as I sensed the start of the incident, I sent the Black Bird to find Shin Hyeonmin and soon discovered him chasing after Yoo Haon, Cheong Haram, and Baek Eunseo.

Coincidentally, they were also heading towards the central hall.

If they continue like this, they’ll likely join up soon.

“Let’s hurry.”

“Somehow, I’m getting a creepy feeling.”

As Yohan said, ominous energy began to surge from all directions.

The Resurrection Ritual had begun in earnest.

Also, a tremendous roar echoed from the direction of the central hall we were heading towards.

Kuwah-ang—!

“…Oppa, that’s.”

“It’s an attacker. It seems the evacuation location was leaked.”

Bihyeong had also begun to move personally. Probably, most supervisors will be unable to move for a while, their feet tied up by Bihyeong and James.

Those not at the hall will also be too busy dealing with the ranked Specters Bihyeong brought.

In other words, there is no one here now who can take responsibility and protect the students.

The effect quickly became apparent.

Kwaah-ang!

“It’s ahead!”

“…They’re fighting. And it’s between students.”

Shin Hyeonmin, shrouded in ominous energy, was attacking Yoo Haon’s group and letting out a mad laugh.

“That’s right! You always looked down on me like that!”

“What the hell are you suddenly spouting…!”

Although he had only received a portion of Bihyeong’s power, his majesty was certainly not at a student’s level.

As Cheong Haram and Baek Eunseo, who were struggling, were pushed back, Shin Hyeonmin grabbed Yoo Haon with a strange binding technique, wearing a despicable smile.

“Enough. I don’t care anymore. Huh. I’ll take you specially. What he will create……”

“Mind Fox.”

I had no time to listen to unnecessary talk, so I quickly rushed forward, took out the prepared Talisman, and began constructing the Art Formula.

In the previous fight, I merely controlled bugs, but that’s not the true ability of the Mind Fox.

[──!]

The essence of the Mind Fox Shikigami is to imbue its cry with powerful will and release it. Simply put, it’s similar to what is commonly called a verbal curse.

“Kuhk!”

Shin Hyeonmin’s body stiffened for a moment as he was directly hit by the Mind Fox’s will.

And that brief moment was enough. I quickly approached, deployed the prepared curse, and thrust it into Shin Hyeonmin.

Chwa-rak!

“Reverse Primordial Transference.”

Hoo-woong!

“Huh, ugh?”

The ominous energy emanating from Shin Hyeonmin’s body gradually subsided, and simultaneously, Bihyeong’s curse carved deep inside his body tangled and scattered here and there.

That makes two. Only one remains.

“…Wh, what did you do to me?”

“Don’t die and go to prison quietly.”

Far from a new world, a future awaited where in about thirty minutes, every last drop of his life force would be meticulously extracted. I looked at Shin Hyeonmin with pitying eyes.

“…Thank you.”

Yoo Haon, freed from Shin Hyeonmin’s grasp, trembled slightly and expressed his gratitude to me.

Since he was someone who caused trouble due to an inferiority complex towards Yoo Haon in the original work, the shock was probably great from experiencing that malice firsthand.

As I helped Yoo Haon up and calmed him, Baek Eunseo and Cheong Haram approached from behind.

“Hey, what were you planning to do to Haon?”

It seemed Baek Eunseo was very angry about what happened before I arrived.

I ignored her and spoke to Cheong Haram.

“Fortunately, it seems my request was well received.”

“You, did you know something like this would happen?”

“No, of course not.”

When I looked at her as if asking what strange thing she was saying, Cheong Haram awkwardly changed the subject.

“…Anyway, what are you going to do? It seems the hall, which was the evacuation point, is in complete chaos.”

Even now, a large-scale battle is taking place at the hall. Approaching is naturally out of the question.

It was Yoo Haon who answered Cheong Haram’s question.

“…How about gathering the students first?”

It was certainly a standard plan. It was obvious that sticking together would be safer than being scattered.

“Then we’ll have to go back in the opposite direction of the hall.”

“How do we gather the kids who will be on the other side?”

Baek Eunseo, who had somehow beaten up Shin Hyeonmin and even finished restraining him, asked.

I quickly answered.

“I’ll go.”

Anyway, I’ve already scouted the entire direction Yoo Haon’s group is heading. The side with the last remaining Sacrifice must be the opposite direction.

“Alone? It would be dangerous to go alone over there.”

“I have the Black Bird, so if there are enemies, I can just avoid them.”

Since it made sense, the other students nodded and prepared to move.

But Han Seoa approached me with a dissatisfied expression and spoke.

“I’m going too.”

“…It’s safer over there.”

“Then Oppa should come with us to that side too.”

Han Seoa showed no sign of backing down. I had no choice but to allow her to accompany me.

[Kkeeek!]

[Kkeek!]

Three Black Birds were flying swiftly, checking on the students scattered across the island, but I still couldn’t find the student who had become the Sacrifice.

‘Is it really not there?’

It doesn’t make sense that there’s no reaction at all when the ritual has progressed this much. Having scouted almost the entire island by now, only a very few students remain unchecked.

‘But if that’s the case, the ritual should end the moment the lone remaining James dies.’

Roughly observing, the battle at the hall is still ongoing. James’s fate is unknown.

Then, Han Seoa, who was following behind, opened her mouth with difficulty as if out of breath.

“O, Oppa. A little slower.”

“Sorry.”

I guess I was running too fast, lost in thought.

‘…….’

But that thought was brief. I felt something didn’t logically add up.

‘…My physical stat rank is much lower. How is that possible?’

Since Han Seoa and I are at similar Levels, her physical abilities should naturally be higher.

Feeling something off, I stared at Han Seoa. Cold sweat was flowing down her neck, and her face was pale.

I felt an ominous premonition creeping in.

“Wait a second.”

“…Hoo. Why?”

Stopping in place, I hurriedly approached Han Seoa and lifted the bottom of her top.

“O, Oppa. Wait?”

Han Seoa blushed and tried to stop me, but that wasn’t important.

Wriggle.

‘…….’

On Han Seoa’s skin, an ominous-colored Curse Scar was pulsating. It was certain. It was Bihyeong’s curse.

“…Huh?”

At the unexpected sight, Han Seoa closed her mouth with a dumbfounded expression. Her eyes seemed unable to understand why such a mark was on her.

At that moment, a single thought pierced through my mind, which had also been pondering.

“…Where did you get your sponsor?”

“Huh? Well, since I’m A-Rank. It, just happened.”

“What did they ask for in return for the sponsorship?”

“Just, they said they had a curse from the system they were researching and asked for a little help…”

As Han Seoa calmly recalled her memories, her complexion gradually darkened as if something clicked.

“I, I did help with something like testing an Art Formula once. But at that time, there was definitely nothing…”

It was a complete miscalculation. I never expected an approach like that.

Originally, in the source material, it was only revealed as backstory.

‘…The structure is different from the ones placed on others.’

To make matters worse, the curse carved into Han Seoa’s body was special. It was quite different from what I had checked and prepared for.

But since it was a similar system of Art Formula, understanding its content to some extent was possible.

‘How could this be.’

I felt my expression harden involuntarily. It felt like I had seen something I shouldn’t have.

‘The proportion it occupies in the ritual is much larger than the others.’

What that meant was simple.

It meant Han Seoa was the center of the Resurrection Ritual.

And, if my prediction isn’t wrong.

‘The ritual will succeed with Han Seoa alone.’

Although it might not be a complete form, a monster of unbearable form will be unleashed on this island.

Also, Han Seoa, having fulfilled her function as a Sacrifice, will lose her life.

“…Oppa?”

I looked at Han Seoa with troubled eyes.

Only about ten minutes remained until the ritual’s completion. Creating a counter-curse within that time was impossible even for me.

Han Seoa cannot be saved.

And if the ritual succeeds, countless main and supporting characters, including me, will be in danger.

‘But…’

So, kill Han Seoa before the ritual completes?

That’s impossible.

At least for me, it was impossible. An unacceptable act.

In this inescapable dilemma, I clutched my head.

I only wished to escape being a Sacrifice, but this way… it was absurd to the point of being ridiculous.

“…Oppa.”

To make matters worse, the hardship didn’t stop there.

Hoo-woong.

Ta-ak.

Tak.

The presence of two people was felt from behind. Not students’. I forcibly ignored the ominous sensation and turned my head.

“…Found you. That must be the Sacrifice he mentioned.”

“Ha, this is driving me crazy. Of all the times.”

Choi Dowon, bleeding from his forehead, and Baek Jieun, covered in bruises all over her body. It was all too obvious that they had already been through a round of combat.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding.

【Choi Dowon】

▶Level 46

▶Stats

【Stamina : C-】

【Spiritual Power : B】

【Art Formula : B+】

【Mental Strength : B-】

▶Traits(5/10)

【Seeker(A+)】

【Tyrant(B-)】

【Output Enhancement(B-)】

【Merciless(C+)】

【Intimidation(C+)】

【Baek Jieun】

▶Level 47

▶Stats

【Stamina : A】

【Spiritual Power : B-】

【Art Formula : C+】

【Mental Strength : B】

▶Traits(5/10)

【Three-in-One Talent(A)】

【Martial Artist(A)】

【Grapple Combat(B-)】

【Output Enhancement(B-)】

【Strong Body(C-)】

In short, they were strong.

Though they hadn’t reached the true benchmark of a powerhouse—Level 50—as professors of the Academy, both were nearly there.

And as for why those two had come here,

there was only one reason.

Click.

Ssss.

Baek Jieun, who had taken a cigarette from her pocket and put it in her mouth, looked at me and spoke. Her voice was flat, but it held deep guilt and irritation.

“Step aside. Han Kangyoon.”

“…….”

Then, it was Choi Dowon who followed with a definitive pronouncement.

“Once you become the subject of the ritual, there’s no other way.”

In other words, what the two were trying to say was an extremely simple matter.

“…Han Seoa must die here.”

At those words, Han Seoa’s face went blank.