Chapter 375: Chapter 375

[“Huu… Tam? I didn’t expect to find him here. And… dead, no less.”]

[“Even injured and fleeing from the hidden realm, I didn’t think he would die so easily. And twenty years ago, during the Bloodbath, the Golden Island Sect suffered heavy losses because of the information he leaked.”]

White Dragon’s deep voice, followed by Azure Dragon’s clear and melodious tone, echoed in Horus’s mind.

The Five Dragons, observing the fierce battle below, focused on suppressing the spreading deathly aura,

…to aid the human warriors and hinder the Heavenly Demon.

They couldn’t directly participate in the battle due to their nature, and they were already expending a considerable amount of energy to stabilize the demonic realm.

[“It’s a good thing, isn’t it? We were always worried about what he might do, but now we don’t have to. Just time.”]

As Red Dragon said, they had been wasting a lot of resources preparing for Tam’s potential schemes.

It was a necessary precaution, considering his personality… but in their current situation, every little bit counted.

But there was something… unsettling about it.

Who had killed him, and why was his body buried here?

And why hadn't they noticed it until now?

[“…The Heavenly Demon?”]

[“I don’t know. He’s strong, but I don’t think he could defeat Tam alone.”]

[“Perhaps the Demonic Cult’s experts joined forces.”]

[“Or maybe it was ‘him’, before he left this world…”]

[“That long ago? But…”]

As the three dragons discussed the matter,

Black Dragon was more interested in Horus, who had just returned.

[“You were amazing earlier. How did you do that? Is that one of your world’s dragon abilities? How often can you use it?”]

She was beautiful, her sleek, black scales shimmering as she swam through the night sky, her eyes like polished gems.

It wasn’t without reason that dragons were often worshipped as divine beings.

Horus, knowing her personality, couldn’t bring himself to fully trust her.

As someone who valued peace and cooperation between humans and demons, he couldn’t help but be wary of her, a representative of the hardliners.

[“Wait a minute, there’s something I have to say first.”]

And he was starting to feel the strain of maintaining his adult form with 「Elder Dragon’s Heart」. He had pushed himself too hard earlier.

He had to proceed with his plan quickly.

[“Everyone, please listen!”]

The other dragons, who had been busy discussing the situation, turned their attention to him, sensing his unusually firm tone.

Horus, standing in the center of the formation, just like when he had first appeared,

[“I’ve thought of a way to restore the Dragon Heart.”]

…made a bold declaration.

[“Without sacrificing the Dragon’s Children.”]

A plan he had been preparing for, disguised as a sudden realization.

[“Is that even possible…?”]

His gaze shifted downwards, towards the Heavenly Demon, who was slowly being overwhelmed by the combined attacks of the Murim Alliance and the demon reinforcements.

He was still putting up a fierce resistance, but his defeat was inevitable.

The final battle, which had begun in the afternoon and continued into the night, was nearing its end.

‘…The final chapter.’

It was time for the grand finale.

Hugo, after rescuing Zhuge Hyemi and retreating, hadn’t rejoined the fight against the Heavenly Demon.

The other experts and the dragons were more than enough, and someone had to protect her and the other Dragon’s Children.

“Are you alright, Young Miss?”

Hugo, who had been observing the battle, turned his head as he heard a soft groan from Zhuge Hyemi, whom he was supporting.

A dark, hand-shaped bruise, a mark left by the Heavenly Demon’s grip, was clearly visible on her pale neck.

Even a brief contact with a high-ranking undead, while absorbing a living being’s karma, couldn't be painless.

He frowned, his expression troubled by the sight.

“…I’m fine. And… thank you again, Young Master Ha. I don’t know how to repay you.”

She smiled faintly, her hand subtly covering the bruise, as if sensing his concern.

He felt a pang of guilt, a twinge of conscience he had thought he had lost long ago.

“…Don’t mention it. We’ll probably need each other’s help in the future. It’s better to help each other when we can, rather than keeping track of debts and favors.”

“In the future… you say.”

She smiled wryly at his words.

That her life was also nearing its end, along with this battle.

Even if Ha Seung-hoon and the Zhuge Clan tried to protect her, it wouldn't matter.

Her life was tied to the fate of this world.

Even they couldn't fight against the entire world, humans and demons alike.

It was her destiny, her unavoidable fate, sealed at birth.

She had been born during the Great Calamity, causing her mother’s death, and she had brought hardship to countless others.

This was her only path, her final act.

A group of people, their bodies battered and bruised, their clothes torn and stained with blood and dust, rushed towards them.

Zhuge Howon, the Clan Leader, and the other members of the Zhuge Clan.

Their faces lit up as they saw her.

And seeing them, her resolve hardened.

This sacrifice was necessary.

It was better to offer herself for a brighter future than to wait for the inevitable destruction of their world.

A deep voice, close to her ear, interrupted her thoughts.

The man who had saved her life countless times, the one who had supported her through her darkest moments.

“I understand what you’re thinking, but… please don’t give up so easily.”

He looked down at her, his expression serious, his voice firm.

“What? Ahaha… What are you…”

Before she could even respond, he continued.

“I’ve been through a lot. You might think I’m too young to have experienced much, but… incidents don’t always correlate with age.”

To be precise, he was the one causing the incidents, using his multiple bodies… but that wasn’t important right now.

What mattered was that the events he had experienced were world-altering, each one a turning point in history.

“And I’ve learned something… that things don’t always go as planned. Even the most meticulous plans can be disrupted by a single, unforeseen variable. And sometimes, unexpected events can create new opportunities. Of course, sometimes things do go as planned, with a bit of luck.”

Countless memories flashed through his mind.

Acquiring the 「Avatar」 skill, Hans becoming the Immortal King, discovering Heaven’s Turn Society and deciding to destroy them, his avatars rising to prominence in their respective worlds…

And everything that had led to this moment.

“I don’t believe in predetermined destiny. There are only choices, countless paths diverging at every crossroad. Even if it seems like a one-way street… even if it seems like a dead end… there’s always another option.”

To break through the wall, to climb over it, to find a hidden passage…

…for someone to reach down and pull you up.

“Ah, that sounded a bit… arrogant. Of course, I’m not saying I’m always right. There are those who are truly trapped, with no choice but to accept their fate.”

He seemed to have realized that his words might have sounded condescending, and he scratched the back of his head awkwardly, a flustered expression on his face.

Zhuge Hyemi smiled faintly, her heart warming at his awkward attempt to reassure her.

She knew he was just worried about her.

She understood what he was trying to say,

…but she couldn't see any other options for herself.

“Thank you, Young Master Ha. Your words are… comforting.”

“Hmm, it seems the battle is over.”

She was standing on a precipice, a narrow ledge on a cliff face, a dead end.

“Hyemi, are you alright?”

“Yes, Father. Thank you for your concern.”

There was no way out.

She could either wither and die here, or jump off the cliff.

Unless… a miracle occurred, like a golden rope descending from the heavens.

‘…But still… I wish… I could have a little more time…’

To dream, to hope, even if it was just a fleeting illusion.

She closed her eyes tightly.

[“Then would you mind listening to me for a moment?”]

…a strange voice, a resonating echo, filled the air.

The sound of flapping wings, accompanied by a powerful gust of wind.

A heavy presence, pressing down on the surroundings.

A golden light, like the dawn breaking through the darkness, slowly illuminated the earth.

[“It’s convenient that the Dragon’s Children are also here.”]

And so, a miracle descended from the heavens.

The battle, which had raged for almost an entire day, claiming countless lives on both sides, finally ended.

The Murim Alliance had hoped to capture the remaining Demonic Cult warriors and extract information about their hideouts… but it hadn't been possible.

The surviving Demonic Cult members, as if driven by some kind of restriction, had fought to the death, their desperation making them even more dangerous.

“Treat the survivors first, regardless of their faction!”

“Whew, I’m exhausted. Hey, Crescent Moon Spear, let’s have a drink when we get back. You saved my life, so I’ll treat you to my best wine.”

“Sounds good. I’ll bring a whole roasted pig. You saved me from becoming a cripple.”

[“Grrr— Hey, human. Are you alright? Snap out of it.”]

“Ugh! I’m fine, stop shaking me! My head hurts!”

The survivors, having fought side-by-side, their lives intertwined, mingled freely, regardless of their species, faction, or alignment.

Not everyone had completely let go of their prejudices, but they were too exhausted to care.

And with so many casualties, most of their resentment and hatred had been redirected towards the Demonic Cult.

As the battlefield was being cleared,

…a serious discussion was taking place among the leaders of the various factions.

“Mad Demon, you were quite…”

“Old man, if you call me by that ridiculous title again, I’ll rip out your beard. There’s only one Mad Demon, new or old! We’ve already settled this!”

“…That temper of yours. Are you sure you’re alright with that ominous title? You were on the front lines, you must be injured.”

“Hahaha! This is nothing! A little ointment, and I’ll be fine! You’re the one who should be worried about your old bones!”

Gwak Cheol, the Heavenly Crushing Sword Emperor, frowned at Harley’s boisterous laughter and casual dismissal of his concern.

If he were ten years younger, he would have challenged him to a duel… but he had also witnessed Harley’s power firsthand, fighting alongside him.

And if it wasn't for Harley’s timely intervention, he would have lost an arm.

He had to acknowledge that he wasn’t a match for him, not in his current state.

“Amitabha, Benefactor Mad Demon, please let us know if you need any assistance. Buddhist energy is effective against demonic energy. We can help you recover.”

Master Wu Jin also expressed his concern, but Harley just waved him off.

They were all so concerned because of the coffin he was carrying on his back.

A black wooden coffin, its surface covered in incantations and talismans, bound with a golden rope.

Its ominous appearance suggested that its contents were… unusual.

“Hmm, to seal the Heavenly Demon… It could be dangerous. Shouldn’t we just… destroy him?”

Heavenly General Jeongcheon, his right eye covered with a bloodstained bandage, spoke, his voice filled with disapproval.

He believed the Heavenly Demon should be eliminated, not sealed.

Of course, there were various reasons for his opinion…

“It’s already been decided, General. We can’t just ignore a way to prevent unnecessary casualties. Or do you have some other… motive?”

…but one of the main reasons was to save the Dragon’s Children.

Sword Saint Namgung Woo’s sharp words silenced him, and he coughed awkwardly, averting his gaze.

He was from the Northern Army, a faction led by Prince Choryang, a distant relative of the imperial family.

The survival of Zhu Gang-in, the last surviving member of the direct imperial line, was a sensitive issue for him.

‘It could become a problem later, after the Dragon Heart is restored and the situation stabilizes. And the fact that one of the Dragon’s Children, the key to restoring the world, is the last imperial descendant…’

…gave him significant legitimacy.

Until now, with strength being the only law, Zhu Gang-in’s survival hadn't mattered… but things would change.

‘…I’ll have to prepare for that.’

But there was nothing he could do right now.

Not with the dragons, the leaders of the demon factions, Master Wu Jin, Sword Saint Namgung Woo, Mad Demon Harley, and even the Heavenly Crushing Sword Emperor, who had been saved by Harley, all agreeing to the plan.

Blood Asura didn’t care either way.

“Oh! The sun’s rising!”

And at that moment, Blood Asura, looking towards the east, exclaimed loudly.

The first rays of dawn, piercing through the darkness, illuminated the battlefield.

A beautiful sight, as if blessing the future of this world.

Several days had passed since the final battle.

The Murim Alliance had left Beijing, and the Five Dragons, having returned to the hidden realm with the Golden Island Sect demons, were preparing for the ritual.

And deep beneath Beijing,

[“…The preparations are complete.”]

…an ominous voice echoed from within Tam’s sealed remains.

Hans, hidden within Tam’s aura, manipulating the situation from behind the scenes,

[“It’s time to end this.”]

…spoke, his voice low and menacing.

And so, the day of the ritual, the day that would change the fate of Ganghwange,