“So you’re no longer Master Cheonghwi but Brother Cheonghwi now!”

“…Yes, that’s how it is.”

“I’m so happy to live under the same roof! A guest may leave at any time if our paths differ, but family remains close in heart even when apart. How wonderful is that! I look forward to living with you, Brother Cheonghwi!”

“…”

Today, Enverus Redburn, who became Nangong Cheonghwi, twisted his body in all directions every time he heard the word ‘brother.’ Nangong Myeong asked worriedly, thinking he might be ill.

“Why do you keep twisting your body, Brother Cheonghwi?”

Nangong Seung-ah smirked beside him, thinking it was a chance to repay the grudge from the first confession.

“Can’t you tell? He’s not used to being called ‘brother.’ We’ll have to call him that often until he gets used to it… Right, Brother Cheonghwi?”

“Brother is fine.”

“Do you really want to die?!”

Bickering ensued.

After a brief skirmish of words, Nangong Cheonghwi pondered a very philosophical question.

What does it mean to be a family?

It was undoubtedly something he longed for. However, having lost the meaning of family for quite some time, he was now wandering, trying to understand what it truly meant.

He reminisced. Family-like behavior…

He had shared even a single bean with Brother Roderus. Could it be that sharing one’s own is the true action of a family?

“…Cheonghwi, no, Brother. Why do you keep moving beans onto my plate?”

“I was going to share it…”

“I don’t like beans, so give them to Myung. No, I mean, give them to Myung!”

“Neither sister nor brother should be picky! I learned that we must consume everything without omission to harmonize the energy of the five elements, to strengthen our muscles and bones, and to properly accumulate our inner power. Moreover, beans grow from the earth, absorbing its energy to the fullest──”

With Namgung Myung’s commentary as background music, Namgung Cheonghwi and Namgung Seunga started a fight over who could move more beans onto the other’s plate.

Using the martial arts of Cheonma, Cheonghwi flicked away the beans, thinking this wasn’t quite right. When he shared with Brother Roderus, there was a sense of affection, but now, perhaps due to abundance, he felt no particular emotion.

He then retrieved another memory from his bundle of recollections.

Mother had taken care of young Enbus with utmost devotion. When he cried from hunger, she would nurse him, and when he fell and cried, she would soothe him.

Then, is it true family behavior to care for someone as one would for a child left by the water’s edge?

“…What are you doing?”

“I was on standby, in case you got cut by the sword.”

“I’m on my way to practice. Are you worried that I might get cut by the sword during my training, which I’ve been perfecting for over a decade?”

“That’s right.”

Swoosh!!

Namgung Seunga sent an unrestrained attack. Cheonghwi, who was dodging, reconsidered his thoughts, realizing that excessive kindness might make the person being protected feel insulted.

Another… family-like act.

Duke Redburn taught assassination techniques, showed the creation of siblings firsthand, and wouldn’t treat one as a son if they lacked ability.

From noble mtl dot come

“……..”

No matter what, he knew this wasn’t ‘family-like.’

Cheonghwi humbly acknowledged that he didn’t understand family well. And since he didn’t know, he had to learn from others, so he earnestly sought guidance.

Namgung Seunga wore a look of disbelief.

“…So that’s why you’ve been off lately?”

“I tried in my own way.”

“You know that when you’re tense and your strength is locked up during martial arts training, your movements become stiff and unimpressive. Right now, Cheonghwi… Brother, you’re exactly like that.”

In response to the question of what family is and how one should act, Namgung Seunga, the adopted child, answered.

“What’s so special about family? We’re not even related by blood.”

“……..?”

“Don’t be constrained by the notion of family. There are hundreds of ways to accept family, and among them, some, like Namgung So, focus on honor or power. It may not be right, but… you have to find your own way.”

So stop doing weird things. Namgung Seunga said sharply and then left. It was a fair point.

Left alone in the garden of the Namgung family, Namgung Cheonghwi sat cross-legged and fell into thought.

Roderus, he had taught Enbus a flawed method of magic operation, damaging Enbus’s magical engine. Until now, he had considered it a betrayal, leaving a deep wound in his heart.

Looking back, there was a simpler and quicker option available to Roderus.

If he had been jealous of Enver’s talent and wanted to exclude him, he could have just killed him. A rapier thrust while he slept would have silenced him without a scream.

So… perhaps it was all deliberate, to force himself to leave the Redburn family.

Was it something he wanted to protect that much?

It’s clear to me now. If I were in the same situation as Namgung Myeong, and there was no other way, perhaps Cheonghwi would have made a similar choice.

“So, Roderus brother must have thought very little of me back then… That’s a bit disappointing, brother.”

I thought I was quite mature at the time. Or wasn’t I?

Cheonghwi recalled memories with Roderus one by one. Even during their sparring, there were times when Roderus would attack particularly fiercely. Enver would be injured to the point where he couldn’t properly compete.

Had I just thought it was a bad day until now? Maybe it was a kind of care that was hard to recognize.

Upon reflection, on ominous days, Roderus invariably caused injuries. And on such days, there would often be fatalities among the b*stard sons caught up in the competition.

He had kept me safely distant from danger.

“…There were clues all along. I just wasn’t seeing them.”

Namgung Cheonghwi dusted off his dusty seat and stood up. Then he walked a little.

After all, if life is like martial arts, and it’s up to me to decide what meaning to put into the word ‘family’.

Then for Namgung Cheonghwi, family means a deeply caring relationship.

Having been hurt by misunderstandings for so long, I sincerely hope that we can now face each other properly.

When I meet Roderus brother again, let’s open up and talk. To return to being close brothers.

Not just that, but also for Selvier and Luna. For the people I’m grateful for. I felt the desire to take a step closer to them. There’s so much I’ve missed while living on the run.

If I don’t convey my gratitude.

With his thoughts in order, Cheonghwi took out a letter from his bosom.

It was a letter from Namgung So, telling him to come to the nearby forest when night falls. If he didn’t come, he couldn’t guarantee the safety of his ‘family’.

“Hmm…”

Namgung Cheonghwi leaned briefly against a rock and securely fastened his sword to his waist. It was a sturdy longsword given by the head of the Namgung family, welcoming him.

It’s time to tie up loose ends.

—

I walk along the path. Heading back the way I came.

I crossed the main gate of the Namgung family. Now I exchange nods with the guards who share the same surname. I’ve told them I’m stepping out for a bit.

I pass through the bustling streets. The once unfamiliar scenes are now familiar to my eyes. The delivery men running across the rooftops are also part of everyday life.

In the marketplace, two warriors are brawling clumsily. Whether it’s the alcohol or not, both their faces are red as boiled octopuses.

Cheonghwi, passing by, steps in between them, effortlessly diffusing the tension and bringing them to a halt.

“Gasp…!”

“Master, master!”

With the master’s intervention, the fight ceased. Nangong Cheonghwi left them with a word to fight after sobering up, and once again, he moved on.

Walking past the city gates, the lush greenery began to fill the view.

As I walked, the sunset faded, and the sky turned crimson before becoming pitch black. They say night falls quickly in the forest, and indeed it does…

“…”

Perhaps, it’s not because of the forest.

My skin tingles. A sensation as if my soul is trembling.

From afar, a sinister energy spreads. It seems to stretch to the sky, thinly veiling it, faint yet oppressively heavy. It’s as if a layer has been draped over the world.

Approaching it is daunting. A fear wells up within me. Upon closer inspection, its form is all too familiar.

The Heavenly Demon. This is the energy of the Heavenly Demon.

When faced with the Heavenly Demon, it felt like something colossal, like looking up at an insurmountable wall.

Was the mad sorcerer bound by fate to foresee such a future?

I could turn back now. The sense of powerlessness felt from the Heavenly Demon is still vivid. Even with all I’ve learned, facing it now, Enverus would be hopelessly overpowered.

But.

Nangong Cheonghwi stands here for his family.

“I can’t run away. I’d rather bash my head against the wall.”

If Selvier does not fear the challenge, and Luna enjoys it, then I shall bear the challenge on my back.

He walked on.

Following the direction of the energy, I saw Nangong So looking up at the sky through the trees. In his grasp was an ominous book.

To Cheonghwi… it appeared reversed. It wasn’t Nangong So holding the book; it felt like the book was holding Nangong So. Such was the immense presence of the book.

Though it was a vague feeling, Cheonghwi intuited that this book was indeed the root cause of this disaster.

Nangong So spoke in a voice that seemed to spill out with resignation. His clothes were disheveled, and his hair was a mess, the usual princely demeanor nowhere to be seen.

“You’ve come, Cheonghwi.”

“Nangong So. Have you decided to drop all formalities?”

“There’s no need to be courteous to a dead man.”

“It’s not about courtesy, but perhaps you lack even the leisure to mourn.”

Swoosh. Nangong So drew his long sword.

The well-sharpened blade exuded a chilling frost. The murderous intent was thick.

“You’ve ruined all my plans. If it weren’t for you, I would have taken Mingyi’s blood long ago… and obtained the power of the Heavenly Demon!”

“Speak clearly. I haven’t ruined your plans, I’ve saved you. Make sure you have no regrets later.”

“Regrets? The only thing I regret is not having killed you sooner. I shouldn’t have left it to a fake shaman; I should have beheaded you right there and then!”

“Well then, try it now. You think it’s not too late, don’t you?”

Nangong Cheonghwi also drew his sword.

Ssshhh.

Nangong So was in the perfect stance of the Changgung Sword Dance. Like a flawless marble sculpture, he was ready. Yet, his heart was hurried and closed, not free.

On the other hand, Nangong Cheonghwi, who had not practiced the Changgung Sword Dance for long, had many gaps and an awkward stance. However, knowing the spirit of the martial arts, he was unconcerned and at ease.

In the silence.

The clash of swords began with the sound of birds flapping their wings.

“Haaah──!!”

Nangong So, focusing intently, lunged with the footwork, his momentum like a shot arrow. The martial arts displayed with pure inner strength were as powerful as his proficiency.

Nangong Cheonghwi crossed swords to test him.

Clang-!!

Cheonghwi’s sword was knocked away.

Nangong So’s sword strike, freely wielding inner strength, was superior to Cheonghwi’s unstable energy. There was no way to win in a head-on contest of strength.

Nangong So’s sword spread like a crane spreading its tail feathers, smoothly transitioning from a thrust to a slash aimed at Cheonghwi’s chest.

Naryeotagon. Without hesitation, Cheonghwi rolled on the ground to dodge the blade.

“What a disgrace!”

“One shouldn’t be swayed by appearances. You talk about the power of the Heavenly Demon, but if you were the Heavenly Demon, you would have used Naryeotagon dozens of times by now.”

If that were the choice with the highest chance of winning, the Heavenly Demon would have performed any ridiculous move necessary.

Nangong So’s sword cut through the ground fiercely like a swooping hawk. Cheonghwi used an explosive technique to roll away from the slash, and from a low stance, he swung his sword aiming for So’s ankle.

Nangong So leaped up to avoid it. In the moment of avoidance created by their focus, Cheonghwi spoke.

“There’s something I don’t understand.”

“Do you have the energy to chatter, you cur!”

Clang-!!

Steel clashed against steel once more.

Bloodlust flickered in Nangong So’s eyes. His swordsmanship became more aggressive, and the blue aura of his blade began to mix with a crimson hue.

Nangong So’s Changgung Sword Dance whirled in all directions, pressuring Cheonghwi, but he countered as if soaring through the sky. Even with the sword paths limited by the dense sword energy, he remained free.

Narrowing his shoulders and twisting his body to swing, or stepping in a stance while aiming for Nangong So’s instep. Mixing various martial arts, Nangong So found it hard to conclude the fight.

“Why do you seek to kill Mingyi?”

“In the secret arts of the Demon Subjugation Technique, it demands a sacrifice of family blood!”

“And having achieved such a secret to gain power, what do you intend to do?”

“I must make the Nangong Clan even greater. So that no one dares to look down upon our lineage!”

Clang, clang!

Nangong Cheonghwi smoothly rotated his wrist, using the elasticity of his joints to slash like a whip. It resembled the movement of a chain scythe.

Striking suddenly, the energy penetrated, and Nangong So’s advancing sword momentarily halted. Cheonghwi did not miss the gap and aimed with his palm.

Explosive Seal.

Boom!

Cheonghwi’s swiftly launched fist struck Nangong So’s chest, pushing him back.

“Ugh…!”

“It is you who are looking down upon the clan. How can one who seeks to kill his own kin claim to protect the lineage?”

“You don’t understand! Only I can make the Nangong Clan great. Only I can lead the clan! I must uphold that belief!”

“Who exactly told you that you would make a great clan leader?”

“That is…!!”

Mingyi.

It was something Mingyi would say habitually. That elder brother So would undoubtedly make a great clan leader.

Nangong So’s movements stiffened. With a troubled expression, he looked at the evil book still clutched in his left hand.

Try as he might to release his fingers, the book clung as if glued, refusing to fall.

The bloody gleam in his eyes faded. The breath that sounded like he was being chased quieted, and emotions other than anger settled in his eyes.

Amidst the confusion, Nangong So murmured.

“…Mingyi is a genius. His talent is something I could never hope to match. Someday, he will surely reach a realm beyond my grasp.”

Jealousy had flared, and perhaps there was fear that the position of clan leader might pass to Mingyi. And a longing to remain ‘an elder brother worth emulating’ for as long as possible.

“…So I sought to learn the Sky-Cleaving Sword to improve my skills, but father never showed me the ancestral secrets in the end. I had no choice but to seek another way.”

So he picked up the book.

The book was filled with evil methods to enhance one’s skills through human sacrifice. Nangong So harmed the common folk to take their blood. At first, there seemed to be guilt, but it faded with time.

One by one, the number of victims grew. He became intoxicated with heresy.

“…I know, I understand. The moment I killed innocent people, I became worse than a mere thug. But…”

Even if he was a jackal ready to harm others for his own sake, there was a purpose. But as the bloodlust seeped into his marrow, he even forgot that purpose.

The petty man who wanted to maintain the authority of the eldest son at all costs, in the end, was consumed by the power that was merely a means to an end.

Nangong So looked at Cheonghwi with gloomy eyes.

“I will not repent. Even if I could turn back time, I would have chosen the path of killing people to gain power easily. That’s just who I am.”

“…”

“I have no regrets about any of my actions, but being bewitched by this damned book… to the point of forgetting my own family, that hurts.”

Namgung So placed the blade against his own neck. With all his plans shattered, he preferred death over being manipulated by this insignificant book.

Just as he was about to exert force on the handle.

“Argh, ugh.”

Crack. Creak.

From the Demon Subjugation Technique, a sinister red aura spread in all directions, climbing up Namgung So’s hand and dispersing throughout his body. Veins bulged, and sounds that should not come from muscles were heard.

Something was happening. It couldn’t be left as is.

With his eyes flipped back, Namgung So screamed.

“Kill me, kill me now!”

“Huff!”

Namgung Cheonghwi, determined to end the incident before being devoured by the demonic tome, closed the distance with an explosive step and swung his sword with all his might.

Swoosh!

The accelerated blade reached Namgung So’s neck, just before burrowing in.

From noble mtl dot come

Namgung So’s body moved in an incomprehensible way and vanished from sight. Namgung Cheonghwi blinked in confusion, then, struck by a realization like lightning, he braced himself for protection.

An unfathomable technique. That was the movement of the Heavenly Demon.

Thud.

A fist landed on Cheonghwi’s chest.

And then, boom!

“Ugh…!!”

Cheonghwi was sent flying, soaring three yards through the air.

With the weight of a thousand pounds, he planted his feet on the ground and gripped his long sword with both hands, directing his gaze straight ahead. Before him, Namgung So shimmered like a mirage.

Cheonghwi saw the Heavenly Demon beyond the overturned eyes of Namgung So. That being had traversed dimensions to reside in Namgung So’s body.