Mirror World: Destined Return

The morning sun rose like a spotlight. The sound of flesh and bone being cut, which one would normally hear in a butchery, echoed in the middle of the stage filled with dry leaves. Everyone, humans and orcs alike, frowned as they watched what was happening.

“DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!!!”

The rapidly moving blonde woman restlessly cut an orc, who had already lost consciousness, with a shortsword. He was Museci, who had already lost his ears and arms. He was not collapsing because Hwa-Yeon was attacking him from all sides at extraordinary speed. He was like an enemy in a fighting game that couldn’t fall because of combo attacks.

“AHHH! AHHHHH!!!” Hwa-Yeon screamed, her face a mess.

The duration of Full Makeup was almost up. Her tears were black from her mascara, her foundation was vanishing as if evaporating, and yellow exudate oozed from the black and red burns exposed behind the makeup.

Seong-Hwi appeared beside Hwa-Yeon before she had realized it and grabbed her arm as she was restlessly swinging her shortsword.

“That’s enough,” he said.

“Let go! Let go of me! I need to kill—”

“He’s already dead.”

Museci’s body fell to the ground like a rotten tree. Hwa-Yeon stared at his corpse as she panted heavily. Normally, she could never have defeated Museci even if he couldn’t use his right arm, but her newly awakened D Weapon had given her a new power, allowing her to avenge Seong-Tae.

Once all the tension left her body, she fainted with bloody foam coming out of her mouth. The rebound from Full Makeup had taken effect.

“Hwa-Yeon!”

“Hwa-Yeon unnie!”

The One Tree clansmen ran and took the convulsing Hwa-Yeon from Seong-Hwi.

“What do we do?! Her face...”

“Y-you idiot!”

“Take her to the healers!”

As they took Hwa-Yeon to the rear, Seong-Hwi stared at them in silence, thinking, That was interesting to watch. She has quite the D Weapon.

He recalled Hwa-Yeon’s awakened D Weapon. It was fundamentally a transformation ability, but it also included a manipulation ability.

Such talented humans... were all killed in the Dark Forest in my past life.

Kim Min-Su, the Deceitful Pharmacist who was the first to acquire the Dark Seal in District 8, had killed every human in that district besides Seong-Hwi. However, Seong-Hwi’s return changed their destinies because he had killed Min-Su first thing after being Lost to the Dark Forest.

I see. Perhaps I pay close attention to them because they’re the first destinies I changed after returning to the past.

Seong-Hwi might have wanted to be certain that his return wasn’t a rehash, but a path of pioneering a new destiny. It might have been why he had been paying close attention to Clan One Tree, which did not exist in his past life, for the consolation that he was doing well, that he was changing the future, and that they were proof of it.

As he was thinking, Tasha approached him and said, “Chwik, we have lost. The humans have won the Rite of the Plains. I will comply with all of your conditions.”

Tasha smiled amicably and outstretched his arm, requesting a handshake.

Seong-Hwi smiled back and grabbed his hand, saying, “I can’t deny that our warrior went a bit overboard.”

“Chwik, it doesn’t matter. Rather, I should be grateful. I didn’t have to sully my hands with his filthy blood. Sympathy is wasted on those who break the five covenants.”

“I like your style.”

***

Two horses—no, one horse and one centaur raced across the vast plains, each with one individual on their back.

“Chwik, I am impressed that you acquired a centaur as fast as my black warhorse, my friend,” Tasha said as he glanced at Ibiso, the red-brown centaur whom Seong-Hwi was riding.

Ibiso answered loudly in Seong-Hwi’s place, “Neigh! Naturally! The greatest warrior needs the greatest centaur! I, Ibiso the Tempest, find it a great honor to have the human warrior, Master Cheon Seong-Hwi, on my back!”

He would usually not have the courage to be so boastful before an orc High Ranker like Tasha, but he believed he had nothing to worry about.

Cheon Seong-Hwi is the real deal! He is different from the others! Ibiso shouted inwardly.

His mouth had been agape the whole battle between Tasha and Seong-Hwi. He knew that Seong-Hwi was powerful when he killed Gurun with a single strike, but he had not expected him to overpower Tasha.

Luck may be on my side!

Since his plan to be rewarded by Bodonchar for rescuing Gurun had gone down the drain, he believed the next best plan was to profit as much as possible by assisting Seong-Hwi.

Not only that, but Cheon Seong-Hwi may be better than the doubtful Bodonchar!

He had thought everything was over, but he believed he might be able to make a comeback.

“Neigh!!!”

Seong-Hwi smiled as Ibiso whinnied excitedly and asked Tasha, “How much further do we have to go?”

“Chwik, the warp zone is three hours away.”

“Neigh! I will try to make it two!”

Seong-Hwi and Tasha were heading south to Fortitudo, the orc capital. The cities of the southern plains were so far apart that there were warp zones where Warp Gate users were dispatched in critical hubs.

Once we’re at the warp zone, we’ll reach Fortitudo in a flash, Seong-Hwi thought, smiling in satisfaction at the time he would save.

Outsiders were usually prohibited from using warp zones because if anyone leaked their locations, enemies could read their paths of retreat in emergencies, such as wartime.

“Thank you for letting me use the warp zone. I thought the travel to Fortitudo would take much longer.”

“Chwik! You are my friend! Hahahah! Besides, this matter is of utmost importance, so the faster, the better. Still, if you are thankful, I would appreciate it if you would spar with me one day,” Tasha replied as he laughed heartily, expressing limitless amity for Seong-Hwi since the Rite of the Plains.

I’m not sure why his attitude changed so much, but... whatever.

What mattered was that Tasha was the leader of the rebel army, and that he was willing to take him to meet Taidzu.

“Come to think of it... Bodonchar should have reached Garapan by now,” Seong-Hwi mumbled as he turned to look north.

***

People gathered in the streets, anxiously chatting among themselves.

“What in the world... is going on?”

“Should we have run away? If it’s not too late...”

“Forget it. Look outside. Not even a single ant could get past them.”

“They even set up a force field, so all we can do now is to trust One Tree.”

Shortly after news that a battle had broken out against orcs in the south, an army of several hundred thousand orcs had come from the north and surrounded Garapan. They consisted of the Tusk tribe’s warriors who had returned from Forestis. On top of that, a group of orcs, who anyone could see were stronger than the rest, had entered the government building.

“Urgh... The World Ranker, Bodonchar, is here, right? He could destroy Garapan if he put his mind to it!”

“He wouldn’t. What would that give him?”

“Yeah. Besides, humanity isn’t alone anymore. We’re part of Underground! He wouldn’t harm us for no reason!”

Although Garapan’s residents were anxious, they waited with trust. One Tree had always acted in Garapan’s best interest, and the judgments of Shin Jun, the leader of One Tree, had always profited the city.

On top of that, humanity’s status was different from before. Not only had they successfully reclaimed the fourth zone and were preparing to reclaim the fifth, but their population had skyrocketed due to the Lost-All phenomenon, and new skilled individuals appeared by the day.

Most of all, Lee Kang-San, the Tortoise Emperor, the hope of humanity, was eighty-eighth in the world ranking, above the ninety-second Bodonchar. Underground, the confederation of the human Union, the dwarven Faber, and the elven Viridis instilled confidence in humans.

“Not even Bodonchar could...”

“Yeah. They won’t take us lightly...”

“The Tortoise Emperor will...”

Their conversation reflected humanity’s improved status, achieved by Seong-Hwi. Although he had played the leading role in the feats that led to it, his name was rarely mentioned among the humans.

For now, at least.

***

“Chwik. Shin Jun, was it?” said a large orc, whose tusks reached his temples, as he looked down at Jun.

“Yes, Lord Bodonchar Solho Abkai, patriarch of the orcs,” Jun answered, shaking from the caliber exuding from Bodonchar.

My body feels like... It’s falling apart!

However, Jun did not avert his gaze from Bodonchar and smiled.

“Chwik. Humans have become... rather impertinent these days. Very good,” Bodonchar answered as he stared at Jun, then looked down at his son, lying on a white bed. “On the other hand... Look at you, boy. Pathetic.”

“Chwik... F-Father... I’m sorry...” Gurun said with a crackly voice.

“We did the best we could, but... His vocal cords seem to be damaged,” Jun quickly mentioned.

“Chwik. I do not blame you. That price is for this idiot to pay. I trusted Fortitudo to him, but not only did he lose, but he ran away with his tail between his legs.” Bodonchar’s expression crumpled. He shouted furiously, “Chwik! They dare... commit treason? Bastards!”

Sharp Battle Force filled the infirmary.

“Kurgh... Please... Calm down!” Jun said as blood trickled from his mouth due to suffering internal injuries.

“Please stop!” shouted Xiu Xian, who had been standing in the rear, as he stepped forward. “We... helped you!”

“CHWIK!!!” Bodonchar exhaled forcefully through his nose, instantly withdrawing the Battle Force as if this level were child’s play.

He’s a monster! So, this is the power of a World Ranker! Jun shouted inwardly.

Jun and the other One Tree clansmen swallowed the saliva. They did not even want to imagine if they had lost the Rite of the Plains and were forced to hand Gurun to the rebel army. Garapan would have had to face Bodonchar’s wrath.

Cheon Seong-Hwi! What in the world are you planning against someone like this?

Jun was the only one in this room who knew that Gurun was already dead. The Gurun currently lying in bed was a rebel army orc wearing Gurun’s skin, transplanted by Bartholmew Avison. Jun couldn’t help but be impressed by Seong-Hwi’s guts and astounding ability to act.

Not only does he plan to profit from both Bodonchar and the rebel army, but he has even planted a spy right beside Bodonchar!

Seong-Hwi was completely different from Jun, who had been powerless to do anything during this entire matter. It had been the same in the Dark Forest. Seong-Hwi was like a tiger, the strongest animal in the mountain, ever since they first met. Not only that, but he was also as sly as a fox, avoiding any traps that a hunter could place.

Compared to him, I’m... so pathetic.

Jun recalled Hwa-Yeon, who had suffered severe burns on her face. He had been the one to push her to that extent, under the guise of cold and logical judgment.

I don’t deserve to be a clan leader—

“Chwik, I let my emotions get the better of me. Take Gurun away,” Bodonchar said, interrupting Jun’s thoughts.

“Chwik!”

“Chwik!”

The orcs on standby behind Bodonchar carefully lifted the fake Gurun and transported him out of the infirmary.

“Chwik, humans. In the plains, it is customary to repay those who have helped you. Tell me what you want,” Bodonchar remarked.

Jun’s eyes light up, thinking, Set your guilt aside for later. I can’t afford to lose this opportunity!

Seong-Hwi had prepared this golden opportunity for them. Jun recalled what Seong-Hwi had said before he left.

“Demand material things that Bodonchar can provide on the spot. After all, he’ll be dead soon.”

***

“Seong-Tae... Na Seong-Tae... Please... Wake up...”

Hwa-Yeon prayed fervently as she watched Seong-Tae, whose face was deathly white, lying in bed. She was not in good condition either, but she had insisted on nursing him.

“If even you... don’t wake up... I...”

Avison, the leader of Clan Trauma Centre, had reattached Seong-Tae’s right arm and both ears with his miraculous skills. However, Hwa-Yeon recalled what he had mentioned.

“There won’t be any problem with his ears. Even if his sense of touch in the area doesn’t return, the auricles are mostly there to gather sound, anyway. The problem is his arm. No one’s arm is for decorative purposes. I called my clansmen at the surgery team over here, but not even I know how it will turn out.”

“Just wake up... That’s all I ask!”

As long as Seong-Tae woke up, she was willing to accept his feelings for her, which she had been purposefully ignoring, and tell him everything she had been hiding.

“To tell you the truth... I was already broken before ending up in the Dark Forest... I thought everything was meaningless, but... I pretended that I wanted to live, and be frustrated... I deceived you all... When I was eighteen, I...”

She rambled on about her past like a spell, as if Seong-Tae would wake up if she chanted it.

“Funny, isn’t it? I’m actually... not even Yoo Hwa-Yeon. My real name is... Yoo Su-Jeong.”

Hwa-Yeon—no, Su-Jeong shed tears as she revealed her real name, which she had not revealed to anyone in the Mirror World. It felt like her decorated mask had fallen off.

Just then, a voice sounded from the bed, “Yoo... Su-Jeong... That’s... a nice name.”

“S-Seong-Tae!” Su-Jeong shouted, staring at Seong-Tae in surprise.

Seong-Tae stared at Su-Jeong with his swollen eyes. He smiled with difficulty and asked, “Is our dinner date... canceled?”

Su-Jeong remained silent.

“That’s a shame... It’s an ordeal... scheduling something... with you.”

Tears poured from Su-Jeong’s eyes. Seong-Tae was still alive—he had woken up. He had not died like Sang-Min.

“But you... Your face...”

“Ah!” Su-Jeong expressed, quickly covering her face with her hands.

Her face was covered in burn marks. They did not disappear even with healing skills because they were the price she had paid to awaken her D Weapon.

“It’s... grotesque, isn’t it?” Su-Jeong asked.

It’s better this way. I don’t have... the confidence to love anymore. Seong-Tae, you should find someone better than—

As she was rambling inwardly, Seong-Tae interjected, “No, you’re... even prettier now. You look strong... You’re exactly my type of girl.”

Su-Jeong bit her lip at Seong-Tae’s blatant lie.

Don’t have the confidence to love? Who am I kidding? I’m already...

She asked with a shaking voice, “From when were you... listening?”

“From when... the good part started.”

“Hah, what are you talking about? None of it was good.”

“It was all good. And it will be... from now on,” Seong-Tae said as he raised his shaking left hand to pull Su-Jeong’s hands away from her face.

Su-Jeong, her face covered in tears, said as she wept, “Sniff...Hurgh... You’re just Na Seong-Tae... Who do you think you are... to console me?”

“Kehehe, how long do you think I’ve been an attacker for? Not only do I have a pretty good way with words, but I’m patient, too.” He smiled as he continued, “That’s why I can wait as long as I need to. Until your heart is ready, I’ll—Mmrp!”

He couldn’t talk anymore because Su-Jeong had covered it with her lips. They exchanged warm breaths, and their saliva was slightly salty. Once a moment that felt like an eternity passed, Su-Jeong backed away from Seong-Tae and looked into his eyes.

She asked, “After hearing my story... and knowing what kind of woman I am... Are you sure you’re willing to wait? I—”

Seong-Tae smiled playfully and interrupted, “Yoo Crystal.”

“What?”

“Kekek. That’s... your nickname from now on. Yoo Su-Jeong[1].”

“What kind of joke is that... at a time like this?”

Seong-Tae smiled faintly and remarked, “Crystals are premium. As you already know, I’m pretty materialistic, so... I only go for the most premium of premiums.”

There was no need for further talking. As their faces grew closer again, an old, crackly voice sounded behind them.

“Ahem. Such is youth.”

Su-Jeong quickly stepped away from Seong-Tae, and Seong-Tae frowned like never before.

“Who the hell... is that... geezer, and why is he messing with my business?”

“Oh! Mister Avison! Seong-Tae, this is the gentleman who treated you. You’ll be in his care for your right arm, too.”

“Haha, I don’t need any greetings from a brat. I’m here to see you today, young lady.”

“Me?”

“Yes. I have something special for sale, only for you. Interested?”

“Huh?”

Avison smiled as he reached for something in his pocket and said, “I was impressed by what you did, so I’m willing to sell it to you for cheap. Man... it sure felt good to see you butchering that orc they call Museci.”

He grabbed what looked like a skin-colored sheet mask and continued, “This is a specially made human skin mask. Its quality is on another level compared to what I sell to the information department.”

1. Su-Jeong (수정) can mean crystal in Korean, ☜