Chapter 135: Traitors of the Reverse Heaven Sect (2)
The Reverse Heaven Sect.
They were an entity that made appearances in the novel whenever one might have forgotten about them. They were all the more dangerous because they were bound together by a single shared purpose.
Ironically, however, the Reverse Heaven Sect was never described in detail within the novel.
The villains of the Reverse Heaven Sect, appearing suddenly, annihilated the villain organization that had been hounding Kim Su-hyeok's party in a single night.
They were described only through such brief, intermittent sentences. That was the extent of the Reverse Heaven Sect's presence.
However, there were parts that remained unexplained by that alone.
Even though the majority of the Reverse Heaven Sect's villains consisted of those at C-Rank or lower, their influence was immense.
This was the sentence that introduced them when the organization first appeared in the novel. However, the path the Reverse Heaven Sect took within the story could never be justified by that sentence alone. No matter how much their wills aligned and everyone looked in the same direction, a lack of skilled powerhouses eventually leads to death.
Yet, the Reverse Heaven Sect broke through that logic and consistently achieved whatever they desired. They had a success rate that would make one naturally wonder, "Just how?"
So, as I just mentioned, how exactly was that possible?
'There was definitely a reason.'
The author had invested so much length into so many different plot points that some readers dropped off, but it wasn't a novel that completely ignored plausibility. Thus, the reason why the Reverse Heaven Sect possessed that much power was clearly described.
It was because of…….
'Artifacts.'
The existence of artifacts that made the impossible possible. The artifacts I am referring to are not those that directly intervene in combat. However, even if they did not interfere directly, it was true that they were artifacts that had a profound impact on battle. It was to the point where one could recognize their incredible ability even if they were only explained in a few lines in the novel.
The artifact possessed by the Sect Leader of the Reverse Heaven Sect held an incredibly rare ability. The incredibly rare ability to seal space.
Space Sealing.
An ability to seal a portion of an area within an expanded space, making it so that no one could interfere. It was a mad ability that lived up to its introduction as an S-Rank power.
'Thanks to that, the Reverse Heaven Sect was able to demonstrate immense influence.'
Of course, it was not a perfect ability and came with various restrictions. A certain number of people had to be inside the sealed space, there was a limit to the duration, and it required a certain amount of preparation time before the ability could be used.
Even considering all those conditions, it was a formidable power. Once Space Sealing was deployed, no one—except the caster—could interfere with what happened inside.
RUMBLE!
…Yes. A space where no one could interfere.
Rumble…….
The thunderous roar that had been echoing violently for a while finally began to subside. Having begun to fade little by little, the roar eventually came to an end.
However, that did not mean the situation had improved in the slightest.
THUD!
As I moved beyond a certain range, my body stopped as if blocked by a transparent wall. Although it had never been described what it felt like, I could sense it instinctively.
This was the Space Sealing mentioned in the novel.
As that thought occurred to me, my expression could not help but stiffen.
'The novel said it was an ability only the Sect Leader of the Reverse Heaven Sect could use.'
Then what was this situation? This was definitely Space Sealing.
If there was one fortunate thing, it was that my group and Im Seong-cheol were bound together in the same space, likely due to the restrictions of the ability. But that was only "fortunate" in a relative sense; it wasn't truly a good thing.
'Damn it… to think he was such a big shot.'
Didn't Yu-hyeon say before that he didn't want to act coercively and needed evidence? Hearing that, I had predicted the traitor would be someone equal to or higher in rank than Yu-hyeon.
I had spent so much time worrying about where Yu-hyeon stood in the hierarchy, but that was a truly meaningless effort. If the Sect Leader is the traitor, what does Yu-hyeon's rank even matter?
"Is this situation really okay?"
Im Seong-cheol and the other players were currently exchanging words across the sealed space. Some players were even trying to send out communications.
Taking advantage of the chaotic situation, I threw a sincere question toward Yu-hyeon.
"Hmm, I would like to say it is okay… but that would be a lie."
The response that came back was quite negative.
"You said there was someone suspicious from the start. Then didn't you expect the Sect Leader to be here as well?"
"It is surprising that you even knew this ability came from the Sect Leader's artifact."
"Just answer the question."
"…For now, yes. I did expect the Sect Leader to be here."
"Then……."
"But I did not expect the ones who would be with the Sect Leader."
"What?"
I tried to ask what he meant by that, but unfortunately, no time was given.
"Haha, my goodness. You have swarmed in like a pack of dogs."
A single voice echoed, filling the interior of the abandoned cathedral. At the same time, the voices of the players and cadets were silenced instantly.
Everyone knew. The owner of that voice was the one responsible for this situation.
"Still, you all are lucky."
One person… no, four people walked slowly toward us?
'Are the others subordinates?'
In front of the man who appeared to be the Sect Leader, the owner of the voice just now, were three more people. Their genders were unknown as they were completely covered in robes, but it was certain that they were enemies.
As all four of them revealed themselves from the darkness.
"The Reverse Heaven Sect……!"
At that moment, Oh Seok-jae's voice broke out.
"Oho. So there is someone here who knows us. I thought we hadn't been acting openly."
"Why are you people here……."
"Haha, I wanted to take my time and handle things, but what choice do I have when someone keeps interfering?"
It was quite surprising that Oh Seok-jae knew about the Reverse Heaven Sect, but I couldn't pay attention to that right now.
It was then.
"You say we are lucky. I don't quite understand what you mean."
Yu-hyeon stopped observing the situation quietly and threw a question toward the Sect Leader. I felt puzzled by his action.
'Why is he doing that?'
It seemed the Sect Leader did not know the true identity of the disguised Yu-hyeon. Even so, since we were already trapped in Space Sealing, wouldn't stalling for time make no difference?
However, it would have been more awkward for me to step in, so I quietly observed their conversation.
"Hmm? To speak to me in this situation… I wonder if I should call you bold or simply ignorant of your place."
"Haha. I know my place quite well, so just answer the question."
"Well, then let's go with bold. To answer your question……."
The Sect Leader wore a benevolent smile as he replied.
"Most of you will be able to leave here alive, so isn't that lucky?"
"Most of you… does that mean someone will not be able to leave alive?"
"You are quick-witted, which makes conversation easy. That is right. At least one person will not be returning alive."
As soon as he finished speaking, the Sect Leader's gaze shifted away from Yu-hyeon and toward someone else. The Sect Leader's wandering eyes eventually stopped, and at the end of them was…….
"H-huh?"
As expected, it was Ha Eun-ha.
"If you do not interfere, this can end with only a single sacrifice. I trust you will all make the right choice?"
The Sect Leader declared in a low voice, yet one loud enough for everyone present to hear. He was telling us not to interfere, as it would only cost the life of Ha Eun-ha.
However.
"Eun-ha. Get back."
"Did I just hear some total bullshit from this guy?"
There was no one in this sealed space who would accept those words. Kim Su-hyeok and Ryu Jin-oh naturally stepped forward to block the path to Ha Eun-ha.
"At the very least, I will never abandon a friend again."
"I can only say you're a lunatic."
Oh Jin-eon and Ju Ha-yeon took positions behind them to provide support.
"How dare you mention my student."
And even Im Seong-cheol, who had wiped his usual expression and was radiating killing intent while keeping his eyes fixed on the Sect Leader. No one backed down.
'And the same goes for me.'
Therefore, just as I was about to draw my sword to protect Ha Eun-ha.
"Brother."
Yu-hyeon whispered my name. At a moment when everyone's attention was focused on the Sect Leader and Ha Eun-ha.
"Brother. Listen carefully to what I am about to say."
"What?"
"The ones with the Sect Leader right now are Apostles."
Apostles?
"There are four Apostles in the Reverse Heaven Sect. Myself, and those three over there."
"That means……."
"They are the strongest people in the Reverse Heaven Sect."
Did that mean there were three more powerhouses on the same level as Yu-hyeon?
Yu-hyeon caught a glimpse of my expression and continued.
"Of course, I am the strongest among them. I am different from those dregs."
"……."
"With Instructor Im here as well, if we fight here, we can definitely kill all of them. Protecting the Saintess would be a given, too."
"Then we can just do that."
"Unfortunately, the situation is not that simple."
Yu-hyeon said that and looked at the Sect Leader.
"Before the battle begins, the Sect Leader will flee."
"…Is he not a person suited for combat?"
"No. He is likely stronger than those three. However, he treats his own safety as the most important thing."
So that meant…….
"We can hold them off, but we won't be able to catch the Sect Leader."
"Yes. They are dregs, but they are more persistent than you would think. By the time we finish them off, he will have hidden himself."
"……."
"It was my oversight. I did not imagine that even those three were traitors."
Yu-hyeon's face contorted like a demon as he spoke. I could feel exactly how much rage he was feeling through his expression.
"I promise you. Even if he escapes today, I will surely take the Sect Leader's head and bring it to you."
"……."
"So, for now, let's start with those guys……."
"Wait a moment."
I cut Yu-hyeon off. So what Yu-hyeon wanted to say was this: they are definitely traitors, but since catching the Sect Leader is impossible right now, he will catch him later.
But didn't Yu-hyeon just say it? That the Sect Leader is a man who prioritizes his own safety above all else.
"If we lose him here, what are the chances of catching him?"
"If he remains in the Reverse Heaven Sect, it would be easy, but he likely won't stay. Now that he's lost three Apostles……."
"You're rambling."
"…The chances are very low."
"Then what is the probability of following the Sect Leader as he flees and killing him? You have a way to leave this space."
Recalling what Yu-hyeon had said, it was easy to figure out. Hadn't he said he couldn't catch the Sect Leader because it would take too long to catch the three Apostles? That meant he definitely had a way to pursue him.
"Hurry up. We're running out of time to talk like this."
"…If I analyze the wavelength of the mana that divided this space, it is possible to break through. And I can definitely kill him."
"And the problem that arises from that?"
"Considering the skill level of the Sect Leader that I saw in the past, it will certainly take a long time."
If he could speak with such certainty, Yu-hyeon's victory was assured. However, it would take a long time, huh…….
"Long enough that we won't be able to hold them off while you catch the Sect Leader?"
"…I am not sure. It's not as if I have closely assessed the skills of your companions, Brother. But it is certain that it will be difficult."
"I see. So that's how it is……."
The fact that he couldn't say for sure meant the skills of those Apostles were quite exceptional. Then, a judgment had to be made here.
Either stay safely with Yu-hyeon and eliminate the Apostles while leaving future consequences behind.
'Or take the risk of sending Yu-hyeon away to cleanly eliminate the future threat.'
However, considering the Sect Leader's strength that Yu-hyeon mentioned, he could become a significant obstacle in the future. So, I had to choose carefully.
Safety or risk. The present or the future.
After careful consideration, the choice I made was…….
"We'll find a way to hold them off, so go kill the Sect Leader. We can't leave a future threat behind."
It was a risk. It was a choice I had to make, even if I didn't know what the outcome would be. Thinking of the consequences that small remnants of trouble had brought about in the novel, I absolutely could not leave a future threat behind.
"Instructor Im is here, but even so, you could lose your companions if things go wrong."
"That won't happen. If such a situation comes, I'll block them even if I have to throw my own body into the line."
"…But Brother, you would die if you did that."
"If I were afraid of that, I would have lived quietly from the start. As an ordinary cadet, barely noticed."
Yes.
If I were afraid of dying, I wouldn't have stepped forward in the first place. I would have just cheered for Kim Su-hyeok and the others from a distance; even if the world became dangerous in the distant future, I could at least preserve my life for now.
Of course, it wasn't that I didn't fear death at all, but I had no intention of watching the heroes die.
"And it's not like I don't have a move of my own."
That's right. If a dangerous situation came, I could just mobilize everything I had. As for the aftermath… I didn't really want to think about that right now.
"Is that so?"
Yu-hyeon finally seemed to have made up his mind as he gave a small nod.
"This happened because of my naive judgment. If something goes wrong with you, Brother, I will spend the rest of my life fulfilling your long-held wish."
"…Do you even know what my wish is? And don't kill me off yet, I'm not even dead."
He spoke as if I were about to die, but I had no intention of dying here. I still have a mountain of things to do; how could I die here?
"Haha. You're right. No results have been determined yet."
"So, you just need to come back quickly."
"That is true. My goodness. I thought I got along well with you, Brother, but I didn't know our bond would become this strong."
Tell me about it.
I didn't know either. That a mere cooperative relationship would develop into one where we had to entrust our lives to each other.
"I'm counting on you. I don't want to die yet."
"Of course. I don't want to lose you here either, Brother."
With that conversation finished, we withdrew our gazes from each other.
Now, all that remained was to focus on the battle that was about to unfold.
I steeled my resolve, hoping that this place would at least not become my grave.
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