“We were planning to go to Katla.”
“Katla?”
“It’s a city that will appear south of the Han River…”
Namgun spoke as he pointed toward the sky.
“Did you notice that Casita’s needle disappeared? A civilization that used to exist in this desert region that appeared because of those 3 needles.”
First Trial. After the Order under the Sun was applied, many humans pretty much just acted same. They hid during the day and came out at night to search for food and water. That was why it took a long time for people to realize that there were various cities that appeared in the sky. There were some who luckily located those cities in the earlier stages, but that didn’t make them step forward. Those who decided to come forward were those who chose to explore other places and the city first.
“So?”
“What?”
“What were you going to do there?” Namgun asked.
“I… I heard Julian say we will need to acquire the ‘Influence Point’ once we get there…”
Namgun tried to continue but Dohyuk stopped him.
“Do you want to live?”
“…Yes.”
“Then bring me to that city and help me do everything that Julian was trying to do. Then I let you live.”
Dohyuk then began taking off the gaiter from Julian, but Namgun knew that Dohyuk was still in full alert mode – he wouldn’t allow any surprise attacks or running.
‘Did-did he really lose his memory?’
Namgun had no choice.
“B-but aren’t you worried?”
“Worry?”
“That I might betray you?”
“…Try it if you can.”
“What?”
Dohyuk was still sitting in front of Julian’s body, unwrapping the gaiter from his legs, “Then you’ll make it easier for me to kill you.”
“…”
Dohyuk spoke the truth. Namgun wasn’t his friend or servant.
“Did you know him?”
“You mean Julian?”
“Yeah.”
“I… I worked as his advisor for the region he ruled in his previous life.”
“How long have you known him?”
“7 years.”
“…”
And he didn’t care about Julian who was almost dead?
“You think he’ll die?”
“Uh… isn’t it too late? Oh, But if I use ‘Buster’ then maybe…” Namgun quickly shook his head, “N-no. I mean… he deserves to die. I’m sorry.”
“…”
Dohyuk stood up with the ‘shell’ and a pair of gaiters in his hand.
<<Gaiter of Rainmonger x 2 – AA>>
-Physical Defense: 24
-Durability: 40/40
-Damage reduction(Lv.4) Slicky foot(Lv.2)
-Skill: One who dances with the origin (Ga.-)
Dohyuk then lifted his foot up and slammed it down on Julian’s head.
<<Killed human>>
<<Acquired 781 coins>>
He eyed the man kneeling in front of him. Dohyuk felt pity for Julian – even his closest follower did not mourn for him.
“Wait here.”
Dohyuk then turned around toward the sound of a girl’s cry.
Mingu was at the entrance of the cave. He was dying. He was barely holding on in an effort to protect his daughter. With Dohyuk driving all the enemies out and his daughter’s voice coming from inside, he had lost all his strength to stand.
“D-dad… dad…”
When Dohyuk came, Mingu was hugging his treasure. However, he did not have arms anymore. It was only his daughter, wailing as she grabbed at her father’s melting body.
“Say something! Dad! Please…!”
He tried to speak, but his vocal chords were already damaged beyond repair. Mingu turned to Dohyuk.
I am sorry I couldn’t help you. And… thank you.
He had no chin but Dohyuk knew what Mingu was trying to say. Then, his body completely melted away. The body then turned into dust and disintegrated into the wind.
“No… no…”
Dohyuk couldn’t call out to her at first. But what called her was the vibration from Dohyuk’s pocket.
“…!!”
The girl who didn’t even know someone was behind her turned around instantly. Her eyes were filled with anger and determination.
‘I’ll survive.’
It was the life that her father sacrificed for her. She wasn’t going to let it go. The person then seemed to be shocked by the girl’s aggression and took a few steps back. Then his face was revealed under the moonlight.
“D…”
And she let go of her guard. It wasn’t because her determination was weak.
“Dohyuk?”
He was the only person she knew she could trust other than her father. She rose and walked to Dohyuk. Step after step, and when she got to him-
“D-dad… my dad… he….”
She began to cry. Dohyuk did not know why this girl who had maybe just had graduated high school was acting like this to him. He did not share the same memories as her, but he understood one thing. He glanced at the thing vibrating in his pocket.
Compass of Tyrant.
It was pointing at her. Dohyuk then realized his desire.
He hated this world. He wished this world was a dream, and he wanted to get out of here.
And she had the same desire. That’s why Dohyuk did not push her away.
When Dohyuk came back out, he was shocked. There were more people, about 20 or more. They were all the people who ran away after Dohyuk’s threat. They were all kneeling down.
“What is this?”
“Uh… they’re saying they will serve the Great Emperor.”
“…”
Julian, their host, had died. They ran, but they were too weak to survive on their own. That’s why they kept their distance and watched what Dohyuk would do next. And whatever happened between them, Dohyuk did not kill Namgun.
“I-I pledge allegiance!” someone shouted.
“Let us follow you!”
People began to shout but Dohyuk spat, “Get lost.”
“Aren’t you going to take them…? They should be good enough…”
“You better keep your mouth shut. You talking is not on our contract. Don’t pretend you are my right-hand man.”
“…”
Namgun became silent and Dohyuk glanced at the compass. The compass was now spinning quickly. It pointed Namgun, then someone else, and then elsewhere again. Dohyuk knew the reason why.
“I have no intention of taking these beats.”
None of them had the same desire. Surprisingly, they didn’t hate this world as much as Dohyuk did.
“Keeping one dog is enough.”
“…”
“Let’s go.”
Dohyuk then turned.
“…Dohyuk.”
It was girl who came out of the cave after saying ‘goodbye’. Her name was Jo Heeyun. She was surprised by the number of people that had gathered.
“These people…”
“You don’t need to care about them.”
Dohyuk turned back and shouted, “Last chance! BEAT IT!”
They began to run. Some cussed at Dohyuk as they ran, but Dohyuk did not follow after them. It was a waste of time.
“How long does it take to get to Katla?”
“Uh…” Namgun flinched and answered, “It’s about 6 hours to the north. But the sun will come up in 4 hours. It’s better to rest here today.”
“4 hours… I know a place we can go. to It’s bit off from the north though.”
Dohyuk looked at Namgun and Heeyun.
“And there’s a good item there. It’s a small ring, and you had it last time.”
“I didn’t hear about the Great Emperor having a small ring,” Namgun spoke in disbelief, but he silenced himself under Dohyuk’s glare.
“Great Emperor?” Heeyun asked.
“He’s talking about me.”
“Hmm… I don’t know why, but I think we should try. It’s a place that only you and I used to know.”
“…” Dohyuk nodded. If the equipment was not known as Namgun said, and the place was secretly hidden, the chances of someone visiting it was low. Then Dohyuk turned to move and something dropped from his backpack.
“Huh? Dohyuk, you dropped this.”
Heeyun picked it up. It was a small glass bottle with salt in it.
“Huh? Uh… the words are changing. It wants me to take a bite.”
“No. Don’t do that.”
Dohyuk snatched it away.