Absolute Regression

Translator: FenrirTL

𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Editor/Quality Checker/Notes : Saphartlantis

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Chapter 375: No ignoring just because the mystery is gone

That was the first time Geom Mugeuk saw it.

Baek Jagang's eyes grew wide. Of course, even when widened, they were still small.

‘Is that the best you can do? Alliance Leader!’

Bih Sa-in was like that, and so was the Unorthodox Alliance Leader. Each had a striking individuality that made them seem cool. The small eyes became more charming the more you looked at them. 1

“Wasn’t that favorite tavern said to be in front of the Divine Cult?”

“It’s in Maga Village.”

“You’re saying you want to take me there?”

“Yes.”

Baek Jagang, who had been staring at Geom Mugeuk for a moment, turned to look at Bih Sa-in.

Before the Alliance Leader could say anything, Bih Sa-in sighed and spoke.

“He’s serious. This person has always been this crazy.”

Even so, Bih Sa-in used the word ‘person’ instead of ‘bastard’.

Baek Jagang asked again.

“Was this your plan from the start?”

“That’s right.”

“Is this your goal? To lure me to the Divine Cult and kill me?”

Geom Mugeuk laughed. In Baek Jagang’s mind, he was already imagining being surrounded and jointly attacked by the Eight Demon Supremes at that famous tavern in front of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult.

“No. I would never intend to harm you, Alliance Leader.”

There was no chill at Baek Jagang’s ears.

Right, if that had been the plan, the Poison King wouldn’t have detoxified the Netherbane earlier.

“Then why are you trying to take me to the Divine Cult?”

“Didn’t I already say? I want to serve you a drink there.”

“Can’t you just buy drinks here?”

“The tavern owner there is an excellent cook. And the atmosphere is great too.”

“Be honest. What’s the real reason?”

After a short pause, Geom Mugeuk answered.

“I want you to meet my father.”

They finally arrived at the treasure vault.

On the way, they had passed through numerous heavily guarded checkpoints. Only after crossing areas with hidden experts, extremely dangerous mechanisms, and mysterious formations could they reach the treasure vault.

He hadn’t blindfolded himself on the way. Bih Sa-in knew well that for someone like Geom Mugeuk, covering his eyes was something meaningless.

“Not trying to brag or anything, but even I’ve never been allowed to choose freely in here.”

“I’m truly grateful. I know I got this chance because you value me. I probably won’t forget this for the rest of my life. I might even lose sleep over it. If I ever have a child, I’ll be sure to tell them. ‘You know your father’s friend, Alliance Leader Bih? When he was young—’”

“Enough! Sorry, I bragged a little.”

Bih Sa-in entered first, wearing a look that said, ‘I really shouldn’t have said anything’. Geom Muguek followed with a chuckle.

Inside was a collection of every kind of treasure.

There were peerless secret manuals that would stir a bloodstorm in the martial world, famed swords known to all, and protective armors that were nearly immortal. It was a dazzling display of treasure in every sense.

As the two walked together, they slowly admired the items on display.

“Once you become the Alliance Leader, all of this will be yours, right? I should probably start treating you even better.”

“Anyone hearing that would think the Divine Cult doesn’t have a vault of its own. When you have an even bigger one. If I offered to trade, would you accept or not?”

“...I wouldn’t.”

“Then stop whining!”

As he looked around, Geom Mugeuk felt a hot, intense heat rise inside him.

‘This place is preparing for war too.’ 11

It was just like the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Weapons, protective gear, and elixirs meant for martial artists in the event of war were neatly arranged. Clearly, the Unorthodox Alliance was also preparing for that day.

“The Alliance Leader must be really grateful to you. He's not the kind of person who would ever allow an outsider in here.”

“It’s because of you.”

“Because of me?”

“Because he wanted to honor the promise you made with me.”

Was that really the reason?

Bih Sa-in couldn’t be certain. He still didn’t fully understand the Alliance Leader’s heart. But at the very least, he hoped that was the reason. Geom Mugeuk was the only one who truly understood such feelings. He didn’t doubt it anymore—because he knew those words were Geom Mugeuk’s way of showing consideration.

Geom Mugeuk passed by the secret manuals, treasured swords, protective armor, and elixirs without pause.

He wasn’t focused on his own greed. He was concentrating on the desire of the Secret Box.

‘Secret Box, this is your one chance. Hurry and choose.’

But even as they passed all sorts of rare items, the Secret Box didn’t react.

“Is there anywhere else?”

“There’s a section where the less valuable things are stored.”

“Let’s look there too.”

“Is there something specific you’re searching for?”

“I’m looking for something that pulls at me strongly. That’s not here.”

So they made their way to the other section. As expected, compared to the main vault they’d seen first, the items here were of lesser value.

“If it were me, I’d have only shown you the first vault.”

With a joking tone, Geom Mugeuk calmly looked around the second area as well. This place had more ordinary jewels and ornamental items than weapons, armor, or elixirs.

The further into the corner they went, the more relatively worthless items were stored. They walked nearly all the way to the end.

Just as he was about to give up, thinking perhaps the Unorthodox Alliance didn’t have it—

Wuuung!

The Secret Box reacted. 12

1 : I really can’t manage to picture the Alliance Leader’s eyes. Narrow-eyes, I can, but, just, small ? Nope.

2 : He might not know about Baek Jagang super ear, but he still was careful to not let slip he’s gonna manipulate Jin Paecheon to go there too XDXDXD You can’t hide it from us Mugeuk, we know you too well !!!

3 : What use power can be, when the world is in ruin and all your loved ones are dead ? As much as not having enough power is a sin, holding too much of it with an empty heart is meaningless. Better to have nothing and be happy rather than having everything and be hollow. Of course, having both is a much better outcome, but how many can realistically reach it ? F to them all.

4 : Plus, with Bih Sa-in, himself and either Jin Haryeong or Jin Hagun (or both) on the location, they will be wary/careful to not go all out, so all of you will be able to talk them down.

5 : Lol, the 5 stages of grief XDXDXD A bit exaggerated, don't you think ?

6 : Lol, I can see him try to ‘sneakily’ whisper while looking ‘suspiciously’ at the Thirteen Wolves XDXDXD

7 : It’s nice that the Thirteen Wolves found that peaceful moment important enough to involve themselves too, despite their responsibilities. Being a bodyguard is hard, taking time to rest is important too. You lose sight of what’s important far too quickly, after all.

8 : I have this sudden image of Bih Sa-in going Super Sayan in his argument with the Alliance Leader, only for Baek Jagang skin to turn green like Vegeta XDXDXD And I didn’t read or watch Dragon Ball too !!! It just shows how much this image ingrained itself in our global, unconscious culture.

9 : That would be nice though, especially since his room only has a bookshelf full of books he doesn't have the time to read. It’s the first time he has the urge to decorate. Plus that wolf statue seems lonely too. Oh well…. next time maybe ? ^^

10 : That old temptation, it’s been a while ^^

11 : Siiighhh. Humans.

12 : *Jackpot bells SFX*

* : Great news !!! At the time of my editing, we reached 1001 bookmarks on Absolute Regression !!! Considering we recently lost our beloved old Discord (RIP, dear server), we’re doing pretty well ^^

I’d love to ask you to share the story everywhere, but considering how ravenous our DCMAs providers are acting these last months, we’re kinda trying to stay below their radar, so please keep that to yourselves instead XDXDXD