Prologue
I am an Earthling from a civilized society.
This was the mantra I repeated whenever I had a moment.
"I am from a civilized society, cough cough!"
If I hadn't kept reminding myself of that, I might have gone mad.
"Oh dear, Mr. Seo. My mother sent this for you."
"Thank you."
"Not at all. Please get well soon and make some more soap!"
The daughter of the Ju family next door places a basket of boiled potatoes beside me and hurries back to her house.
50 years.
It's been 50 years since I fell into this cursed world.
Cough! Cough!
I lie down, coughing.
Yes, it was the day we were going to a company workshop.
I was on my way to the workshop with Director Kim and other company employees.
We were swept away in a landslide, and when we came to our senses, we found ourselves in a strange world.
A fox as big as a house with three tails.
A large red-scaled snake with two heads.
And, beings wielding swords, flying through the sky.
It was a world like the martial arts novels I occasionally read.
Although it was a strange world, we adapted well.
Most of my colleagues probably did quite well.
Except for me.
Director Kim, Chief Oh, Section Chief Jeon, Deputy Manager Kang, Deputy Manager Oh, and Manager Kim, who were in the same car.
Within three days of arriving in this martial world, Section Chief Jeon, Deputy Manager Kang, and Chief Oh caught the eye of the seniors of cultivation sects and became their disciples.
Deputy Manager Oh was taken away by a man from a mysterious background on the fourth day, claiming her as his kin.
And Manager Kim was taken away by an old man riding a giant mechanical puppet on the evening of the fourth day, after he noticed Manager Kim's unique abilities.
Eventually, everyone except for Director Kim and me were chosen by some cultivation sect or cultivators.
But for some reason, Director Kim had a natural talent for martial arts.
He didn't learn cultivation methods, but after working menial jobs with me for six months, he bought a third-rate martial arts technique from a street vendor, and with his tremendous talent, he became a top-notch master and left for the martial world.
Ten years later, I heard he had become one of the top ten martial artists in the world.
Twenty years later, he was known as one of the top three masters in the martial world.
And after thirty years, he became the number one in the world, established the Wulin Alliance, and became its first leader, then disappeared after stabilizing the martial world for ten years.
Rumors say he ascended to a higher realm.
Just like that.
Three of the seven who fell into this world of martial arts became disciples of famous cultivation sects.
One became the kin of a strange man.
One was recognized for her talent by a monster.
And one unleashed his martial arts talent.
Everyone had a happy ending.
Except for me.
Cough! Cough! Cough!
I have no talents, qualities, or special abilities.
Section Chief Jeon... he was born with a special constitution called 'Heavenly Golden Thunder Body'...
Deputy Manager Kang also awakened a special root called 'Ghostly Yin Transforming Immortal Root'...
And Chief Oh had a body known as 'Unique Holy Body'.'
And on the fourth day, Deputy Manager Oh awakened a strange ability to summon the rain and clouds.
After Deputy Manager Oh left with the man with mysterious origins, Manager Kim also awakened a unique ability to see everything within a ten-mile radius even with her eyes closed.
Director Kim and I were amazed by these fateful encounters and special privileges from another world.
We two were left behind, hoping that something similar would happen to us.
But neither Director Kim nor I gained any special roots or unique abilities.
In the end, without knowing anything about the situation in this world of martial arts, the two of us worked menial jobs in the marketplace for six months.
And on the sixth month.
Director Kim couldn't stand living like that anymore, spent all his savings on a third-rate martial art skill for physical strength, and learned it.
In three months, he mastered the martial art and became a martial artist.
After becoming a martial artist, Director Kim worked at a courier service, learning more advanced martial arts, and quickly became a powerful warrior, leaving for the martial world.
Leaving me behind.
I, too, hoped that maybe I would have some fateful encounter.
Discover hidden talents.
Awaken a unique ability, or develop a special spiritual root.
I lived in this world with that small hope.
But
Ten years passed.
Twenty years passed.
Thirty years passed.
Nothing happened to me.
Forty years passed.
Fifty years passed.
Cough! Cough!
I am just an old man dying of a cold.
"I am, Earth, Earth..."
Now, just so I don't forget that I'm an Earthling.
I babble to the air.
A noisy old man I've become.
"Huff... Huff..."
Why did we come to this world?
Why did they all awaken unique bloodlines, roots, abilities, and talents?
Why didn't I...?
"Did I gain nothing after all?
For 50 years in this world, I learned the language.
Learned to read and write, worked as a laborer, and barely managed to settle down.
Made a living by making soap from lye.
The soap was useful for the people of this world, which wasn't much different from medieval China, but.
After some thieves stole the method of making my soap and started producing their own,
My soap barely sold anymore.
So, in addition to making soap, I had to forage for medicinal herbs, brew liquor, and take on all sorts of odd jobs to survive in this world.
I was overwhelmed.
For some reason, I can't stop the tears from flowing.
'Why... me...'
Was it simply because I wasn't chosen?
No, it wasn't that.
Even though I wasn't chosen,
Even though I wasn't a special human being,
I used everything I could and lived my life to the fullest.
My past life briefly flashes before my eyes.
The difficulty of learning the language of this world.
The struggle to learn to read and write.
The hardship of earning money to buy a small piece of land.
The difficulty of building a house on that land.
Settling down in the village and getting to know the villagers.
Applying my knowledge from Earth to make and sell soap.
Even setting up a small soap shop.
But after a few third-rate martial artists stole my soap-making technique and opened similar shops,
No one but a few regulars came to my shop anymore.
After that, life got harder, and I had to gather herbs and chop wood.
Just when life was stabilizing, bandits raided the village and took all my money.
I spent my days doing all sorts of odd jobs, barely scraping by...
'Why... did I... who worked so hard... have to be robbed...?'
In this world, I did my best.
But this world denied all my efforts.
'What do you want from me...!'
I shed tears of injustice, sniffling softly on my bed.
Its winter today.
Im sick with a cold.
My body is as weak as it can be.
My eyes are closing.
'If only... I had more opportunities... even just a little...'
In the cold winter.
I lie in bed, sick with a cold, ending my persistent life of 50 years.
That was my first return (regression).
"Cough! Huff!"
I open my eyes and hastily get up.
I can clearly feel it.
The moment I closed my eyes and lay on the bed, slipping into darkness.
The moment when the life in my body grew cold and passed away.
I had died.
But why...
"Am I... alive?"
Startled!
Even as I speak, Im surprised for a moment.
'This... voice...!'
I slowly look down at my body.
It isn't a hand full of wrinkles and lines.
Its a young hand, full of vitality and life.
Im wearing something clearly different from the clothes of this world,
The blue shirt and sweatpants I had worn on [Earth].
I look around, trying to grasp the situation.
"Oh my, Du-ya..."
"What's happening?"
"Wh-where am I..."
Director Kim, Chief Oh, Section Chief Jeon, Deputy Manager Kang, Deputy Manager Oh, Manager Kim...
I realize.
'I've returned (regressed)!'
And at the same time, I know.
Shiver!
'I hadn't come to this world without any abilities.'
I have awakened the ability to regress (return)!
-x-X-x-
"What's happening? We were just on our way to a workshop..."
Director Kim, with half his hair scraped off, looks around and stands up.
I try to recall my memories, figuring out where we were in time.
'The first day! It's the first day we landed in this bizarre world!'
I remember how we ended up here.
'We were in an SUV, going to the workshop, then a landslide... We got caught in a landslide... and then something flashed suddenly...'
It's a 50-year-old memory, so it's a bit hazy.
I can't remember clearly.
"Hey, Deputy Manager Seo."
'Now that I've regressed... How should I live...?'
"Deputy Manager Seo."
'Usually, in regression novels, people live well using their future knowledge. But all I know about the future is trivial stuff like Mr. Ju's daughter being born 30 years later...'
"Seo Eun-hyun, Deputy Manager!!!"
"Ah, Section Chief Jeon. Sorry, I was a bit startled."
I snap out of my daydream at Section Chief Jeon Myeong-hoon's shouting.
Deputy Manager.
Its a title I haven't heard of in so long. I couldn't help but be startled.
Then, I remember the face I haven't seen in a long time.
Section Chief Jeon Myeong-hoon.
Jeon Myeong-hoon.
The nephew of Jeon Myeong-cheol, the executive director of the company I worked for, SJD Company.
Hes 32, three years older than me, but had already snagged the section chief position through nepotism.
'I remember disliking him quite a bit 50 years ago...'
But thinking of it as a face I haven't seen in 50 years, Im actually quite happy to see him.
After all, isn't he a fellow countryman from my homeland that I'm seeing again after 50 whole years?
Its time to get along well, I thought.
Swish!
Suddenly, Section Chief Jeon slaps me across the face.
"Deputy Manager Seo! You bastard, didn't you drive the car properly?!"
"Ah..."
I stand there dazed, having been slapped, and quickly erase the thought of him as a fellow countryman.
I had forgotten.
This guy is a bastard.
"You bastard, it's because of you that we're in this mess! Stranded! This, this bastard...!"
Its when Jeon Myeong-hoon is about to charge at me in anger that Chief Oh stands up and stops him.
"Look here, that's enough. That landslide wasn't something Deputy Manager Seo could have done anything about."
I remember that incident from 50 years ago.
Yes, I was definitely... assigned the role of driving the company SUV.
"Aren't you angry, Chief? Because of this jerk Deputy Manager Seo, we're in this disaster! Where are we now, and where did our SUV go! We're stranded here because of this guy!"
And then, I remember.
I definitely dozed off while driving.
'But, the reason I was dozing off was...'
Jeon Myeong-hoon.
That guy dumped work on me the day before the workshop. Work he had been putting off, forcing me to stay up all night.
"If you were going to doze off, you should have handed the wheel to someone else! What kind of mess is this?"
Thinking about it again.
'Wasn't Jeon Myeong-hoon originally the one in charge of driving?'
That's right. Originally, Jeon Myeong-hoon was supposed to drive. But he, wanting to hit on the female employees in the backseat, forcibly put me in the driver's seat.
"This stupid bastard! We're stranded because of him!"
Ah.
The memories from 50 years ago are coming back clearly.
Back then, I was so flustered and didn't understand what was happening.
So, unwittingly, I apologized to Jeon Myeong-hoon.
I even thought it was my fault.
But looking back on that memory from 50 years ago...
'Has Jeon Myeong-hoon never felt anything like conscience or shame?'
I definitely asked Jeon Myeong-hoon and the female employees a few times to take the wheel for a while.
But Jeon Myeong-hoon, who refused to drive, also prevented the female employees from driving, even though he knew I was sleepy due to overnight work.
As the Deputy Manager, I couldn't ask the chief and director to drive.
I had to drive for four hours without rest despite being sleepy because of Jeon Myeong-hoon.
So...
"Section Chief Jeon... I have something to say."
"Look at him, acting all high and mighty. Yeah, since we're stranded because of Deputy Manager Seo, if you have any conscience, you should apologize..."
"I was extremely sleepy, yes. But to my recollection, I drove the car correctly until the end, even fueling myself with coffee. When the landslide happened, I tried to avoid it. But it was too big to evade, and our car was swept away as it was."
I definitely tried to stop and reverse the car when I saw dirt falling in front of us.
But the side of the mountain next to us almost completely collapsed. It was a disaster I couldn't have avoided no matter how much I tried.
"Section Chief Jeon, I understand you're angry, but it doesn't seem like the time to blame someone."
"This guy... giving lectures in front of who!? You don't even know what you did wrong..."
"Sigh..."
I take a deep breath.
In the life where I didn't know about regression.
For 50 years, I learned how to endure while living tenaciously.
Learning to endure when strong bandits trampled over me and took my money.
Learning to endure when vicious martial artists insulted me.
Learning to endure when local officials took everything I had, even things I didn't have, to collect taxes.
Yes.
In front of those I couldn't handle, enduring was the truth.
But.
"Hey."
"What, what? Hey? Seo Eun-hyun, you bastard, what now?"
Bowing down unnecessarily in front of those I can handle...
Is not what a man does. I learned that too.
"I said it wasn't my fault. Enough is enough."
"Chief, let go of me. This guy is really..."
Thud!
Jeon Myeong-hoon charges at me and strikes my face.
But as soon as he attacks me, I step forward and headbut him.
Boom!
"Aaah...!"
In my past life.
How many times have I been beaten by martial artists?
How many times have I been beaten while gathering herbs in the mountains and encountering bandits?
How many times have I been beaten when a band of robbers invaded during a famine?
Beaten, beaten, and beaten again.
During that senseless violence, I learned something that Jeon Myeong-hoon and others didn't have.
Violence.
Boom!
Thump!
Boom!
As soon as the first headbutt connects, I charge and mercilessly pummel Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Ugh, wait, wait...!"
"You. Bastard. I. Said. It wasn't. Me."
When beating someone.
When you hit someone in the face, the person being hit feels an immense sense of fear.
The sight obscured by a fist, and the pain that follows in that moment.
The terror of the merciless attacker.
I punch around the eyes of Jeon Myeong-hoon to obscure his vision.
'If you dont know what you did wrong, at least keep your mouth shut!'
With every punch, the grudges I have against Jeon Myeong-hoon without even realizing it seem to be refreshingly resolved.
Even though 50 years have passed, the vicious bullying Jeon Myeong-hoon inflicted on me in the company was still unforgettable.
I did, I did something wrong
Sigh
By the time an apology came out of the arrogant Jeon Myeong-hoon's mouth, I stopped beating him and looked around.
Director Kim, Chief Oh, Deputy Manager Kang, Deputy Manager Oh, Manager Kim...
Everyone is looking at me with fearful eyes.
Among them, Director Kim speaks to me with a trembling voice.
''Deputy Manager Seo, no matter what, beating a fellow colleague to that extent...''
''Yes, you're right. I'm sorry. But I was so angry at the moment. I apologize for startling everyone. And after all, I was the driver, so I apologize for not doing more at that time.''
I bow neatly to Director Kim and the other employees and apologize.
In fact, except for Director Kim, I will see none of the other people again.
But, Director Kim, I will stay together with.
'Director Kim, if you learn martial arts, you will reach the pinnacle of the world.'
Of course, only in the world of martial arts.
Even though I have returned to the past, I gave up on the idea of joining a cultivation sect.
'What cultivation sect? I dont have that ability.'
The ability, also known as spiritual roots or spiritual nature.
Without it, its impossible to learn the methods of immortal practitioners or even to sense the spiritual energy they cultivate.
If there is something I wish for in this life.
Just...
'I hope I get even a little more opportunity to work harder than in my previous life.'
In the previous life, after Director Kim learned martial arts and left.
He would come to drink with me occasionally.
Even that stopped completely after he reached the peak of his skills.
But this life is different.
'If I actively support Director Kim, maybe some benefits will fall to me.'
To do so, I need to be good to him from now on.
Right, everyone is in a confusing situation, and Section Chief Jeon pushed too hard. Of course, Deputy Manager Seo also reacted too harshly. Apologize.
Yes, Director. You are right.
After bowing to Director Kim again, I help Section Chief Jeon up and say,
'I'm sorry, Section Chief Jeon. I was too harsh. I truly apologize.'
'You... you son of a...'
As I show humility again, Jeon Myeong-hoon, who seems to have regained his spirit, glares at me.
But as my eyes turn fiercely cold, he eventually avoids my gaze and shuts his mouth.
'Anyway, it looks like a forest for now, how about we walk out and find a nearby village?'
Director Kim looks around and suggests.
The sky is dyed crimson, looking like the sun would set soon, and the wind is getting colder.
Logically, Director Kim's words make sense.
But, in this place, conventional wisdom must be discarded.
'In a world where cultivators become immortals and fly around, and martial artists fight for wealth and honor.'
That is this world.
And, the forest we have fallen into...
I recall the memories from 50 years ago and think of the name of the forest.
'Ascension Path (Ascending to Immortality).'
Its said to be the best place for many demons and cultivators to ascend to immortality.
A place where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth gathers the most.
There are no villages, cities, or states near Ascension path.
Therefore, what Director Kim is trying to do is meaningless.
Whats more important right now is.
Night is coming. We need to start a fire.'
I finish my thoughts and speak to Director Kim,
'Director, do you have signal?'
'Hmm... It seems the signal is dead.'
'I think if the signal is dead, it will be hard to get rescued, and hard to find our location. Since its getting dark, instead of looking for a village we dont know the location of, it might be better to prepare to stay here tonight.'
Hearing my words, Section Chief Jeon, who had been quiet, refutes softly,
'What are you talking about... Deputy Manager Seo. On the contrary, its more dangerous at night, so we need to find a village...'
'Hmm, in my opinion, its more dangerous to move recklessly. How about this?'
I point to a tall tree nearby.
'Why dont you go up that tree and see if theres a village or even a road nearby? If theres nothing around, how about we do as I say?'
'Go up that tree? Who's going to climb... it? You, Deputy Manager Seo?'
'Well, if no one else knows how to climb a tree, then Ill do it.'
I nod easily and grab the trunk of the tallest nearby tree, slowly climbing up.
I once encountered a wild boar while picking herbs in the mountains.
At that time, I climbed a sturdy tree nearby in a life-or-death situation.
Modern people dont usually climb trees, but having experienced all sorts of hardships in my previous life before returning, I easily climbed to the top of the big tree.
'What do you see? Deputy Manager Seo!'
Below, Director Kim shouts.
As expected, the vicinity is an endless forest.
There are no roads or villages, let alone any traces of humans.
'Rather, monsters and demons are probably swarming among those trees.'
Instead of shouting back from the tree, I pretend to look around for a while and then climb back down.
'Ha, Deputy Manager Seo. Youre really good at climbing trees. That tree looked about 11 meters high.'
'By the way, what kind of tree is this? It looks unfamiliar, like it's not from around here.'
Director Kim pats me on the shoulder, and Manager Oh looks curiously at the tree I had climbed.
I dust off my hands and tell them what I saw.
'There are no roads or villages nearby.'
'Huh, that's strange. Even if we were swept away by a landslide, there should be a highway nearby...'
Director Kim strokes his chin as if its strange, and Section Chief Jeon looks at me suspiciously.
'Deputy Manager Seo... Did you really see properly? Are you sure you're not just saying there's nothing there... on purpose?'
'Why would I lie about that? I'd rather sleep in a house than camp in the forest. If you dont believe me, Section Chief Jeon, you can climb up and look for yourself.'
Section Chief Jeon backs off with a face like he had eaten something bitter.
'I think even if we explore the surroundings, we should first set up a base and light a fire, since its getting dark.'
'That makes sense. Then... oh, lets look for our SUV too. We were swept away by a landslide in the car, but logically, our car should be nearby.'
Director Kim claps his hands and says.
But...
'This is a place where common sense doesnt apply...'
Our SUV is gone.
It wont be anywhere.
'How about looking for the car and sleeping in it? There are a lot of supplies in the car since we were going on a workshop...'
This workshop was practically a picnic.
So, there were lots of camping tools and food loaded in the SUV.
However, the car is gone.
'Of course, I know because I returned to the past, but they wouldnt believe me if I said the car is gone.'
Instead of draining my energy trying to convince them, it's better to just let them look.
'Then let's split into teams. One team will look for a place to stay, and another team will look for the car. Let's meet back here before the sun completely sets.'
I suggest dividing into teams.
I, Deputy Manager Oh, and Manager Kim are in the team looking for a place to stay.
Director Kim, Section Chief Jeon, Chief Oh, and Deputy Manager Kang are in the team looking for the car.
We split up and look around.
''Um, Deputy Manager Seo. You said to look for a place to stay, but how do you usually find such a place?''
Deputy Manager Oh cautiously asks.
She seems a bit awkward because I beat up Jeon Myeong-hoon.
'Sleeping in the mountains or forests is dangerous. Wild animals and beasts coul attack and if you light a fire just anywhere, it could cause a forest fire. The best thing would probably be a small cave. Ah, like that place over there.'
'Oh my, a cave?'
'You found it right away? You're lucky!'
Of course, the cave I had naturally led them to was one I had visited 50 years ago.
'In my past life, it was a refuge I had barely found after wandering for hours.'
To Deputy Manager Oh and Manager Kim, it seems like good luck, but in reality, its not a coincidence but an inevitability.
'Even in my past life, it was the perfect place to stay without any danger inside.'
I look at the cave and gather twigs and leaves from nearby.
"Wow... Mr. Seo, you're really skilled."
"Did you do something like Boy Scouts?"
"Ah, well... something like that."
Although it isn't Boy Scouts, but rather a 50-years experience in Old Scouts.
"We can light the fire later with Director Kim's lighter. Shall we gather some firewood for the bonfire?"
"Oh my, it feels like when I went to a training camp as a kid."
"Right, right. It feels just like that time."
The two female employees chatter happily as they join me in collecting dry sticks and branches for firewood.
Later, as the sun is setting,
"Now, let's slowly head back to the clearing we were at earlier. The others will be gathering there too."
"Alright~"
"Yes~"
I head back to the clearing with the two female employees.
Soon after, we are reunited with Director Kim, Chief Oh, Section Chief Jeon, and Deputy Manager Kang.
"Did you find the SUV?"
"..."
Director Kim shakes his head with a gloomy expression.
Chief Oh and Section Chief Jeon also have worried looks on their faces.
Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee also speaks with a tense face.
"There's no sign of it anywhere. We circled around looking for it, but it's like it vanished into thin air. Logically, if the car was swept away by a landslide, why are we out of it and the car gone?"
She looks around with a worried expression, as if the forest itself is frightening.
"There's nothing we can do now. We've found a place to spend the night, let's stay there. We'll continue the detailed search tomorrow."
"Okay."
The six of them follow me to the cave with somber faces.
"Oh my, what's this?"
"Mr. Seo made it."
"Huh, Seo Eun-hyun is really capable. Did he live in the wild or something?"
Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee is surprised by the windbreak and cave door I made.
Chief Oh Hyun-seok quietly expresses his admiration and praises me.
Director Kim also nods in satisfaction, and Jeon Myung-hoon...
He seems unsatisfied but, too tired to say anything, just enters.
"Director, the lighter please."
"Oh, right."
Director Kim takes out a lighter from his pocket and lits the dry sticks I had gathered.
We sit around the fire inside the cave.
The smoke perfectly escapes through the hole I had made in the windbreak.
"Wow... what a situation we're in."
"This is hardly logical..."
"..."
Everyone sits with gloomy expressions, seemingly worried. That's when it happened.
Gurgling
The sound came from Manager Kim Yeon's stomach. Her face turns red with embarrassment.
"Oh, that's..."
"Haha, it's okay. We all missed dinner..."
I grin and take out berries I had picked while gathering branches.
"Everyone must be hungry. Try these. I picked them earlier."
"Are these safe to eat? They're not poisonous, are they?"
Jeon Myung-hoon, his tension easing, casually asks me.
I smile and eat one of the berries.
"I learned about herbs when I was young. I know what's safe to eat and what's not."
Although saying 'when I was young' is a bit of a stretch, I had indeed learned it in the past.
Seeing me eat the berries without hesitation, Kim Yeon also cautiously tries one.
"Wow, these taste like raw chestnuts."
"They're crunchy, right? I picked plenty, so everyone can have some."
Watching this, Director Kim and Deputy Manager Oh start eating the berries I had picked. Deputy Manager Kang and Chief Oh also happily ate them.
Only Jeon Myung-hoon looks at the berries with displeasure and lies down first, claiming hes tired.
"Haha, this is something. We should be serious, but thanks to Deputy Manager Seo, we're having a good time."
"I always knew from the company how diligent he is. I heard he was tired from driving because he worked the night shift the day before."
"Our deputy manager is really diligent~"
"Ah, thanks to Deputy Manager Seo, it feels like we're camping."
"Indeed."
We all spend the night in a lively and friendly atmosphere.
I too laugh heartily, chatting with my colleagues.
Its a night to laugh and chat because it might be our last.
The next morning.
As soon as I smell the dawn air, I wake up earlier than anyone else.
Memories from 50 years ago begin to come back vividly.
'The first day, after wandering through the forest all night, we barely found the cave and collapsed. The next morning, it came.'
Despite 50 years passing, the fear, shock, and pain from that time is still vividly terrifying.
I open the windbreak outside the cave and start heading out.
Its just before dawn.
I wander nearby, gathering herbs good for stopping pain and bleeding.
The herbs are in incredible condition, thanks to the forest full with energy from the heaven and earth spiritual energy.
These are more like spiritual herbs than just medicinal ones.
And after a while, the owner of this territory arrives.
With a leap!
A creature as big as a house.
With three tails and eyes burning with blue fire, its a white-furred fox.
Shiver...
The intimidation of the forest's owner, and the events from 50 years ago, make my body tremble with fear.
However, having 'experienced the future' is an enormous advantage in itself.
"Gr-greetings to thethe owner of theforest."
I stutter, biting my trembling lips, and slowly bow to the fox.
Once, twice, three times.
Its the triple bow required when meeting the owner of the forest.
The fox, as large as a two-story house, looks at me with its fiery blue eyes and speaks.
[A unique scent from a human. In my thousands of years, I've never encountered a human with such a scent.]
"..."
Click, clack, click...
I tremble in anticipation of what this monstrous fox might do.
That's when it happened.
The fox's presence wakes the others.
Director Kim, Chief Oh, Deputy Manager Kang, Section Chief Jeon, Manager Kim, and Deputy Manager Oh emerge from the cave in turn.
What follows is inevitable.
"Aaahhh!"
"A monster!"
"It's a monster!"
At that, the monstrous fox rolls its large eyes in displeasure.
[You humans always seem to possess pitiful intelligence and terrible rudeness. Normally, I would tear off one limb from each of you...]
Shiver...
[But since one of you knows how to respect the owner of the forest, I will forgive you.]
The monstrous fox's gaze fa;s on me, who had knelt and respectfully bowed.
"Everyone! Show respect to the owner of the forest! Don't just stand there, kneel down!!"
As I shout, the others blankly stand there and then awkwardly kneel down like me.
The fox's eyes meet mine.
[A human who knows respect. I will not punish you hastily, but... your scent is too unique...]
Drip, drip...
From the corner of the fox's mouth, a sticky liquid flows.
Saliva.
[One of your limbs. Let me taste just one. Then I will allow you to stay in my territory for a while.]
Deputy Manager Seo, what is this...?
What is that...?
Director Kim and Deputy Manager Kang each whisper.
But Im more focused on the drool of the fox falling in front of my eyes than on that.
[A wise human among the pack, I shall not harm recklessly. However, if you wish to stay in my territory, a price must be paid. One of you must offer me a limb to temporarily acknowledge your residence. Who will sacrifice their limb?]
Right.
Since it has come to this.
I will... offer it.
Trembling, I stretch out my left arm.
In my past life, when I knew nothing, everyone screamed at the sight of the fox.
And, everyone was left dying with their arms and legs torn apart, eaten by the fox in its fury.
Surviving that was a miracle in itself.
But now, I know the etiquette of the forest and have gained the fox's favor.
Not everyone's limbs.
Not all limbs.
Just one person's limb.
Only one of them needs to be offered.
Even that will be healed by the cultivators who will arrive in two days.
[A wise human indeed. I acknowledge your sacrifice, so I shall taste it as painlessly as possible.]
The fox opens its wide mouth and bites into my arm.
!!! Ahhhhhhh! Aaargh! Aaaargh!
My flesh is torn apart by its large teeth.
Bones crushed, blood vessels ruptured.
Crunch, crunch, crunch!
Snap!
Rip!
After chewing on my arm for a while, the fox violently tears it off my body.
Ah... Argh... Ahh...
I writhe in pain, half out of my mind, and grab a handful of pain-relief herbs I had prepared in advance.
I put them in my mouth, roots and all, and swallow them.
The dirt and sand in the roots get stuck in my teeth, but thats the least of my concerns.
The pain is unbearable!
After consuming the herbs for a while, the pain starts to subside as their effects kick in.
Crunch, crunch... munch.
Later, the fox that swallowed my entire arm licks its lips with its tongue.
[I thought it might taste different because of its unique scent. Turns out, it's not much different from ordinary humans. There's a lot of impurities in the blood vessels, making it rough and leaving a bad aftertaste.]
...I offer this humble tribute.
[I accept your tribute and permit you to stay in my territory for seven nights. My divine power has infused you, so you shall not die from this wound.]
After saying so, the fox leaps away and disappears into the forest.
Hu, huuh... Hah, hah...
I chew on a hemostatic herb, apply its juice to where my arm has been torn off, and the bleeding stops, the pain gradually subsiding.
Gr... Ugh...
Deputy Manager Seo!
Deputy Manager Seo Eun-hyun!
Director Kim and Deputy Manager Kang hurry over to help me.
What is all this? What was that just now?
...First, let's go inside. I'll explain.
Supported by the two, I return to the cave.
Then, I mix truth and lies to tell them what happened.
This morning, I met the fox when I went out early. It told me...
They will find out in a few days anyway.
I pretend the knowledge I already have was what the fox had taught me.
This is not the world we used to live in but a completely different one, inhabited by immortals, cultivators, and martial artists.
...Martial world, huh. This is thrilling.
Hehe, never thought I'd experience something like this.
Director Kim and Chief Oh make jokes about the martial world, trying to lighten the mood despite their disbelief.
Haha, Deputy Manager Seo. If it's about the martial world, I'm an expert. So, you see...
Director Kim's voice trembles, revealing his attempt to hide his emotions.
Don't die. If you die...
It isn't excitement about the martial world, but a forced attempt to divert attention from my pain.
Director Kim and Chief Oh are trying to lighten the mood because they are the oldest here.
...It's okay. I won't die. The fox said so, with its divine power, I won't die from this wound.
In my past life, when we didn't perform the ritual, everyone's limbs were torn apart.
Despite the pain that made us wish for death, none of us actually died.
No, we couldn't die.
But what about immortals and cultivators?
At that moment, when Chief Oh is puzzled by my mention of immortals and cultivators, Section Chief Jeon steps forward.
There are novels called 'Xianxia', not just martial arts fiction."
Jeon Myeong-hoon explains the concept of Xianxia to Director Kim and Chief Oh.
"I see..."
"Section Chief Jeon, you know some interesting things."
"I've been interested and have looked into it."
'I guess he spent his work hours reading Xianxia novels instead of working...'
So that's why he dumped his work on me.
I almost explode in anger but quickly let it go and continue speaking.
"Anyway, the owner of this forest demanded a tribute to allow us to stay here temporarily, so I offered my arm. This should keep us safe in the forest for a week."
"A week? What happens after a week?"
"...We'll have to offer another tribute."
At this, everyone's gaze turns towards my shoulder.
Their faces are all pale as death.
"By the way, could you bring me some pain-relief herbs? It hurts a lot."
"Ah, sure. This one?"
"Thank you."
I chew on another root of the pain-relief herbs I had dug up earlier.
"I'm going to sleep for a bit. Please understand..."
Perhaps due to the shock, I naturally fell asleep as the tension released.
After suppressing the pain with the herbs, I fall into a sweet sleep.
It's said that hearing is the last sense to go.
Perhaps that's why, as I regain consciousness, I could hear the voices of others.
"What? A tribute! That's absurd..."
"After a week, we have to offer another tribute like that?"
"We should think about leaving this place within a week."
"How can we let Deputy Manager Seo suffer like this..."
"Deputy Manager Seo was the first to encounter that... thing and almost got eaten."
"Rather, hes the first to sacrifice."
In a half-asleep state, I continue to listen to the ongoing conversation.
"But what if we can't leave the forest after a week?"
Jeon Myeong-hoon asks in a cold voice.
No one answers.
"Then who will have their limb torn off next?"
Silence hung in the deeper part of the cave.
'In three days... the immortals will appear and kidnap them, so it doesn't really matter.'
There's no need to mention anything about my regression.
That's when it happened.
A rather annoying sound came to my ears.
"Is Deputy Manager Seo sleeping well?"
"Yes... He's completely knocked out."
"Deputy Manager Seo, if you're awake, I have something to tell you. Please wake up."
I keep my eyes closed and pretend to sleep.
Jeon Myeong-hoon checks that Im asleep and then stands up.
"Come to the entrance for a moment."
"Huh? Can't we just talk here?"
"No, come outside."
Eventually, Jeon Myeong-hoon leads the others to the cave entrance.
A while later, I hear whispers from the entrance.
Simultaneously, there are voices criticizing Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Section Chief Jeon! How can you think of something like that?"
"Deputy Manager Seo sacrificed his arm like that..."
"Um. Section Chief Jeon. I really can't approve of that."
"Um..."
Outside the cave, Jeon Myeong-hoon raises his voice.
"Well, who will offer their arm or leg to the monster fox after a week?"
"Even so..."
"Chief Oh, what do you think? I think it's reasonable."
"...I don't know. And Deputy Manager Seo is capable. He knows a lot about herbs and food..."
"Then let's learn as much as we can from Seo Eun-hyun for a week..."
Though I couldn't hear clearly from outside the cave,
I can roughly guess.
'So they're thinking, since I've become disabled, let's cut off my limbs and offer them to the fox every week.'
It's not going to happen, but it still feels disgusting.
Very, very much so.
'Should I kill him?'
Even with one arm, the 'violence' I have learned over the 50 years in my past life is considerable.
I could easily kill someone like Jeon Myeong-hoon, who hasn't fully escaped modern civilization.
'...No. That's not it.'
The immortals who will find us in two days didn't come for 'us.'
They came because they found 'talented beings.'
'Chief Oh Hyun-seok, Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee, and Section Chief Jeon Myeong-hoon. They were surprised by the qualities of these three.'
If even one of them is missing, I can't be sure if they'll come.
'Should I beat him to the brink of death? Make him disabled?'
"Anyway, the immortals came to us in the past even when their limbs were severed.
Its likely that they would come even if this guys limbs are broken.
However, I soon stop thinking and shake my head.
'...Everyone must be paralyzed in their head with emotions due to fear. They are all originally good people. It's just that the situation is too sudden and nonsensical.
And if I want to rely on Director Kim later, it wouldnt be good to show too cruel a face right now...'
Its better to be seen as a subject of protection or sympathy.
Also, if Director Kim joins in this plot, he will take more care of me in the future due to guilt.
'Its rather good. Everything will be resolved on the third day anyway.'
In two days, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Oh Hyun-seok, and Kang Min-hee will be people I never see again.
Three days later, Oh Hye-seo and Kim Yeon will be separated as well, and Director Kim Young-hoon and I can leave Ascension Path with the help of a monster.
I quietly continue to pretend to sleep on the floor.
After a while, people with dark expressions, as if they had reached some dirty agreement, enter the cave.
'Hey, Deputy Manager Seo. Are you okay? Try getting up.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon deliberately wakes me up.
'Haha, Deputy Manager Seo. Sorry about that. I didnt know you were such a self-sacrificing person.'
'...'
'From now on, I'm counting on you.'
Jeon Myeong-hoon looks at me with a smile I have never seen before and pats my back.
I look around at the people nearby. Everyones expression is dark.
'This garbage, I see how he persuaded everyone with his silver tongue.'
For a moment, annoyance surge, and I even considere strangling and killing the guy who hugged me.
'Endure. Phew, just hold on.'
'...Yes. We all need to survive together in a difficult situation.'
'Haha, right. So, about the fruit you picked yesterday. Do you know where to find it?'
'...'
This bastard, so he woke me up for this.
'...I can teach you. Actually, I was planning to teach you, Section Chief Jeon, in particular.'
'Ha, really? Thanks! Thank you!'
'Dont worry about surviving in the forest. Ill teach you everything.'
I give him a sly smile.
Yeah, Ill teach you all this knowledge.
After all, it's knowledge you wont need for the rest of your life once you join a cultivation sect
'Jeon Myeong-hoon. How many times have I told you its not that fruit? You're not focusing on my words, are you?'
'No, but surely...'
'The one with the split top is a different fruit. Eating this fruit will kill you. Do you understand?'
'...'
While teaching Jeon Myeong-hoon about herbs and edible fruits, I no longer called him 'section chief.'
Hes learning about herbs while grinning, even though Im scolding him.
'I wonder how frustrating it will be when he realizes these are low-grade herbs useless for a sect disciple.'
'No, Jeon Myeong-hoon. Cant you understand? Ive explained several times. You have a problem with concentration.'
'...I getit'
Jeon Myeong-hoon's face turns as red as raspberries.
Jeon Myeong-hoon is being tormented in the same way he used to torment me when I first joined the company.
He must be enduring it with the thought of extracting as much knowledge as possible in a week.
Sorry, but we wont see each other again in two days.
'Look here. This is called green-leafed ear, and it emits a unique fragrance when chewed. It can be used for brushing teeth and repelling insects.'
'Green-leafed ear, green-leafed ear...'
'Hmm, but Ive never heard of these in Korea...'
Deputy Oh Hyun-seok tilts his head, looking a bit confused.
'They are somewhat specialized plants, and since they are not native species, you may not be familiar with them.'
Of course, they dont exist on Earth.
Im using the knowledge of herbs I learned in this world.
But Deputy Oh Hyun-seok, not being an expert, seem to believe it roughly.
'That's right. Please continue.'
'This is called blue baby's hand vein, also known as blood-purifying grass. Ah, Jeon Myeong-hoon. Youre not listening to me now, are you?'
'...Sorry, right.'
I continue giving Jeon Myeong-hoon noticeable looks while persisting with the herbal medicine class.
The day passes by just like that.
And the next day.
We have to confront a huge red snake with two heads staring at us in front of the cave.
"Hi, hiik..."
"Huuh..."
The others tremble in fear, holding things like branches inside the cave, and I cautiously speak to the snake.
"...What brings you here?"
The snake replies..
[The master of this territory has tasted a human with a unique scent.]
Though not as much as the fox, this snake is quite fearsome to me.
Of course, compared to the fox, it isn't really traumatic.
[Of course, since you've offered sacrifices to the master of the territory and received permission to stay for seven nights and days. I will not bother you during that time. However...]
The snake licks its lips with its two heads.
[If you allow me to taste even a little of your blood, I won't bother you even after seven nights and days.]
Unlike the fox that tore off my arm, the snake is quite moderate.
Even in my past life, when I wasn't recognized by the fox, this two-headed snake just came, bit into Chief Oh's body, sucked his blood, and left.
But now, its even asking for our permission to take some blood.
'It should be fine.'
Our bodies, being modern people, are full of cholesterol and fat.
Thanks to that, in my past life, the snake left after tasting Chief Oh's blood, saying its tasteless.
"How much blood do you want?"
[A handful. Just a handful of blood. Then, I'll leave.]
I smile and look at Jeon Myeong-hoon.
"Mr. Jeon Myeong-hoon. Could you give this gentleman some blood?"
"What, what?"
"It's not like I'm asking you to sacrifice an arm, just a handful of blood. That should clot quickly."
"I, I..."
"Ah, Mr. Jeon Myeong-hoon. Don't you need knowledge of herbs?"
"...Alright."
With a flush face, Jeon Myeong-hoon cuts his hand with a sharp stone knife he had made.
Drip, drip...
The snake joyfully consumes Jeon Myeong-hoon's blood.
A little later.
[There are many impurities in the blood. Even poison. A terrible taste... The worst I've tasted compared to any human's blood.]
The snake shakes its two heads and retreats.
The blood of a 21st-century office worker, laden with cholesterol and nicotine, is not tasty
[Anyway, since you let me taste the blood, I'll leave.]
After the snake left, I applied hemostatic herbs to Jeon Myeong-hoon's wound.
Jeon Myeong-hoon was quite annoyed, probably feeling dirty from being licked by the snake.
"Mr. Seo Eun-hyun. I know I bullied you a lot in your early days at work, but isn't that a bit too much?"
"What can I do? It's hard to ask the ladies or older executives like the Chief and the Director to give blood."
"A handful of blood should have been enough for you..."
"...I just had an arm severed yesterday, and I'm a bit short on blood. Even a handful is a lot for me."
"Kuhk..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon bites his lip and takes a breath.
'Funny guy. He plans to sell me to the fox in a week.'
He's just resentful because I sacrificed him.
Anyway, he can't do anything to me.
'Well, I won't see him after tomorrow...'
I think I should take advantage while I can and start to hassle Jeon Myeong-hoon more.
Thus, three days passed since we fell into this forest.
Whoosh, whoosh...
The wind has been strong since dawn today.
Zap, zap...
At the same time, the air feels turbulent.
I smile and wake up Jeon Myeong-hoon early in the morning.
"Mr. Jeon Myeong-hoon, let's go pick some herbs in the morning."
"Right from the morning..."
"Ah, hurry up."
"...Alright."
I take Jeon Myeong-hoon around, searching for herbs.
And a little later.
"Oh, I found it!"
"Is this a good herb?"
"Yes, it is."
"It does look like ginseng..."
Jeon Myeong-hoon swallows his saliva looking at the plant resembling wild ginseng in front of him.
The plant is a type of ginseng called Yellow Bamboo Root.
It isn't particularly rare.
But what matters is the size of the ginseng.
Perhaps because it absorbed spiritual energy, the yellow bamboo root, normally the size of a pinkie, is now as thick as my forearm.
"Hahaha, oh, this is incredible. Is it really okay to dig up so much wild ginseng like this?
...
Jeon Myeong-hoon seems to feel exhilarated, but Im chuckling to myself.
'After all, you wont have the chance to eat such things in the future.'
Even the yellow bamboo roots that Jeon Myeong-hoon digs up with his own hands, he wont be able to eat.
For cultivators, yellow bamboo root is just a low-grade medicinal herb for mortals.
'Of course, its used by martial artists for internal energy enhancement... I should give it to Director Kim later.'
You can try the ginseng later. First, put them here.
I hand over a pouch I made from tearing my clothes. Jeon Myeong-hoon carefully puts the ginseng into the pouch.
Lets return now.
Its about time to head back.
We went back to the cave, had Jeon Myeong-hoon start a fire, and sat down.
And it was when I was quietly sitting and looking up at the sky.
Kwagwang! Kwakwagwang!
Suddenly, theres a flash, and something collides in the sky.
It seems like a collision of black, golden, and pure white lights.
And then, at that moment.
Kuhuk! Kuaak!
Suddenly, Jeon Myeong-hoon spots blood and collapses.
Aaak, Aaaak!
Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee also screams and collapses. Her screams echo around like a ghostly wail.
Additionally, Chief Oh Hyun-seok also collapses, clutching his heart.
'Its time.'
A little while later.
Paaat!
Above the cave we were in, three orbs of light fly down.
[Wow, amazing. To think Id find such gems while bumping into those annoying folks.]
[Whos talking. Get lost, Byuk-ho. These guys are all mine.]
[Such shameless talk. Heo Gwak.]
From within the orbs of light, a middle-aged man in a golden robe, a figure in black robes that made it unclear whether they are male or female, and a giant in blue armor ste out.
Yo-you are... who...?
Director Kim asks them with a fearful voice.
However, they glance at Director Kim and ignore him.
[No spiritual roots.]
[Just ordinary mortals.]
[Theyre irrelevant to my treasures.]
Their gaze sweeps over each of us in turn.
[Do these three have spiritual roots?]
[But its amazing. How did these untrained mortals end up in Ascension Path...]
[Hehe, it seems like that fox tricked one of them. From the injury, it seems they offered themselves willingly. Impressive spirit for a mere mortal.]
Kuong!
The giant in blue armor stomps his foot, and a faint turquoise light ripples outwards.
At the same time, when the light touches my body, something amazing happens. My arm, enveloped in a sky-blue light, regrows.
Th-thank you!
I bow deeply to the giant, overwhelmed with gratitude. The giant laughs heartily and speaks.
[No need to be so formal. For a cultivator, restoring a mortals blood essence is quite easy. Anyway...]
Click
The giant in blue armor flicks his hand towards the air.
At the same time, my body is pushed back, and Jeon Myeong-hoon, Chief Oh, and Deputy Manager Kangs bodies are pulled forward.
[These three have spiritual roots, shall we see whos worth it?]
The middle-aged man in the golden robe steps forward and extends his hand.
A golden sword then floated above his hand.
Wooong!
Pajijik!
Simultaneously, golden lightning roars in the sky, and Jeon Myeong-hoon collapses again, spitting blood.
[As expected... amazing! A body of Heavenly Golden Thunder...!]
[Move, its my turn.]
The figure in black robes, ambiguous in gender, pushes the man in the golden robe aside and takes out a black pipa.
Tung
As the pipa string is plucked, Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee clutchs her head and screams.
Aaak!
Her screams once again echoe like ghostly wails.
The figure in black robes show a slight smile.
[Ghostly Yin Transforming Immortal Root...! To think it actually exists! Aaaa...]
[Hehe, I also believe what I felt was not a lie.]
The giant in blue armor walks past the figure in black robes and approaches Chief Oh Hyun-seok.
What, what is it?
Chief Oh seems fearful, but the blue-armored giant surprisingly checks his pulse, holding his wrist calmly.
And after a while.
[A Unique Holy Body! Can such a body really exist! Impossible...]
A little while later, the three, seemingly shocked, calm their hearts and then ask the three.
[Would you like to consider the path of cultivation?]
The middle-aged man in the golden robe speaks to Jeon Myeong-hoon with a gentle expression.
[Each of you has the talent to turn the world upside down. Its unthinkable to waste such talent.]
The figure in black robes looks at Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee with a lingering gaze.
[Immortality! The power to turn heaven and earth upside down! Immense wealth and honor! Dont you want it all? I assure you, if you follow me, you will obtain everything within 100 years.]
The giant in blue armor openly approaches Chief Oh Hyun-seok and speaks, massaging his body.
[I am the Grand Master of the Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect, Jin Byuk-ho. How about all three of you join my Golden Divine Heavenly Thunder Sect?]
[Hmph, so greedy! In our Black Ghost Valley, theres no such thing as a missing elemental method. I am the Grand Elder of the Black Ghost Valleys Elder Council, the White Bone Ghost Devil. If all of you join our valley, you can achieve maximum growth.]
[Well, I dont really need those two. Just you, come along, Unique Holy Body. I am the fourth-generation sect leader of the Heaven Creation Sect, Lee Chang-ho. If you wish, Im even willing to pass on the sect to you. Oh, the other two can come if they wish. Though different in direction, you both have tremendous talent, so Ill take you as direct disciples.]
While the three cultivators seem to be giving them a choice, in reality, its no different from a forced threat.
The giant in blue armor, known as Chang-ho, is practically crushing Chief Oh Hyun-seoks shoulder.
The gender-ambiguous figure in black robes, the White Bone Ghost Devil, is doing something suspicious while making eye contact with Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee.
Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee's eyes are gradually becoming dull.
And Jin Byuk-ho seems to be pressuring Jeon Myeong-hoon with an invisible force, as if threatening to kill him if he doesnt choose him.
After a while, Jeon Myeong-hoon, Chief Oh Hyun-seok, and Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee are forced to join the three cultivation sects.
[Welcome to the sect, haha!]
[The elders of the valley will take good care of you.]
[Come, my disciple, lets go.]
The three cultivators are about to take off with the three people.
Just then, Director Kim, who is watching the situation in a daze, suddenly regains his senses and runs out.
"Wait, wait a moment! Excuse me! Can you possibly help us out of this forest? If we stay here, we're all going to die!"
[Hmm, are you so worried because you're mortals? Worried about that fox? Dont worry.]
The giant in the blue armor, Chang-ho, laughs and speaks.
[We've already beaten all the demons and monsters in Ascension Path on our way here! Now we're going to catch that fox too, and for the next 10 years, Ascension Path will be safe!]
"Ah, no... Look here! Section Chief Jeon! Chief Oh! Deputy Manager Kang! Say something! We dont even know how to get out of here!"
In reality, Jeon Myeong-hoon is already captured by Jin Byuk-ho in a golden bottle like a Pokmon.
Deputy Manager Kang Min-hee is completely entranced by White Bone Ghost Devil.
Chang-ho just laughs off whatever Chief Oh Hyun-seok says, seemingly uninterested.
'It was like this 50 years ago.'
Those three were irresponsible and out of their minds.
No matter how loudly we shouted, they didn't pay any attention to us, as if we were just insects, and went on their way.
Instead of calling out hoarsely to the three cultivators, I touch my arm that has been restored.
'Well, at least they restored my arm.'
I sigh and thank Sir Chang Ho inwardly.
Director Kim shouts till his throat is hoarse as he watches the three orbs of light disappear, but theres no response.
"Ugh... Damn it..."
Eventually, Director Kim just collapses.
"What are we supposed to do... in this forest..."
Now only four of us are left.
Me, Director Kim Young-hoon, Deputy Manager Oh Hye-seo, and Manager Kim Yeon.
'Tomorrow, Deputy Manager Oh and Manager Kim will probably be kidnapped too...'
My time alone with Director Kim is coming shortly.
Director Kim is momentarily disheartened but is overjoyed and congratulates me upon seeing my arm had been restored.
"It's really a relief, truly a relief..."
"Exactly. Moreover, that Chang-ho said he'd catch the fox too. If we only aim to survive, it seems we can make it."
"Hoo...I see..."
"When Deputy Manager Seo's arm was torn off, I thought I was going to lose my mind... Ah, but even now, its really, really shocking to see three of our colleagues disappear like that..."
"Deputy Manager, it's truly fortunate."
We, who had lost our colleagues yet had our lives assured in this strange situation sat there, unable to cry or laugh.
And then, a little later.
Like a meteor passing through the sky, a pure white light streaks across the sky.
"Oh, what..."
It isnt just that.
After the white light, several, dozens of lights fly across the sky like a meteor shower.
All are headed in the direction where Jin Byuk-ho, the White Bone Ghost Devil, and Sir Chang-ho had flown.
"What is this... Is there something in that direction..."
Director Kim looks in that direction in confusion, and I start to gather fruits to eat for the day, lighting a fire to roast them.
Tomorrow, it will be time to part ways with Deputy Manager Oh and Manager Kim.
Sssssss
The next day came.
This day is unusual as it rained.
Dark clouds fill the sky, and thunder rumbles.
"...With this weather, it'll be hard to go out for fruits. What should we do?"
Manager Kim looks at us with a worried expression.
"...Especially since Deputy Manager Oh isn't in good condition."
Its true.
Deputy Manager Oh Hye-seo is lying down with a high fever, looking at the sky with a vacant expression and muttering to herself.
"...Let's wait a bit longer."
I speak, looking up at the sky.
"Who knows, maybe another miracle like yesterday will happen today."
"...Is that really a miracle? Oh, of course, your arm coming back is really... like a miracle, but..."
I chuckle and say to Manager Kim.
"Who knows. Someone might appear and cure Deputy Manager Oh's illness completely."
I look up at the sky with Manager Kim and Director Kim.
Its lunchtime.
Kwarurung!
Thunder roars.
Cough! Cough!
Deputy Manager Oh's cough and fever worsens. Blood flows from her nose.
"Deputy Manager Seo. Is there any herb we can use for this? What should we do..."
"Lets try giving her some fever-reducing herbs for now."
Thats when it happened.
Thud, thud...
Someone enters the cave.
Hes a handsome middle-aged man dressed in blue robes.
The middle-aged man, with a topknot hairstyle, has a pair of small deer-like horns on his head.
[Mortals in Ascension Path. It's like ants getting crushed between the competition of true dragons.]
"Who, who are you!"
Director Kim, vigilant, guards against this new figure. The man in blue robes smiles wryly and introduces himself leisurely.
[I am the Sea Dragon King, Seo Hweol. I came following the source of the sudden and unnatural stormy weather. That woman over there is using the spell of the storm.]
The man introduced as Seo Hweol points to Deputy Manager Oh.
[Well, its not exactly a spell, but yes. She wields the power of the storm. It's a strain on her human body to cause such massive events.]
"St-stormr?"
[Yes, the storm. Its quite unusual. A human, and a mortal at that, without even spiritual roots, wielding such immense power... Shes not even doing it consciously. Truly peculiar.]
Peculiar, indeed...
Curious, I ask Seo Hweol a question that had been on my mind.
"In fact, we've experienced more peculiar events. Yesterday, three incredible cultivators took away members of our group who were perfectly suited as their disciples. And today, you came to take a look at Deputy Manager Oh. Why do people as great as you come to us so specifically?"
To my question, Seo Hweol looks puzzled for a moment, then bursts into laughter.
[Hahaha, it is so. I'm not sure of the details, but there were mortals among your group with exceptional qualities. Masters fitting those qualities took your colleagues away. And today, I appeared, specifically suited for that woman, is that peculiar?]
Seo Hweol asks me as if amused.
[Look here, mortal friend. Do you know where this place is?]
"From what I've heard, it seems to be called Ascension Path..."
[Ascension Path. Also known as the Path to Ascension, a gateway leading to the Upper Realm. And in a few months, near Ascension Path, a space rift called the Gateway to Heaven, the Ascension Gate will open.
Its a once-in-a-thousand-years event. During this time, the surrounding space becomes unstable, and many cultivators and demons flock to the vicinity of Ascension Path. All to ascend to the Upper Realm. All high-level cultivators existing in this realm would have gathered.
So, its not impossible that masters specifically suited for you appeared. The same is likely for that woman. If not me, other high-level cultivators or demons would have found her.]
"Is that so..."
I thought that some entity that sent us to this world intended to scatter us quickly.
But it seems, in reality, its just a matter of probability.
"Um, but the cultivators took my colleagues away..."
Director Kim, seeing me initiate conversation with Seo Hweol, seems to relax and also asks a question.
"They talked about joining their sects and inheriting their methods, but if you ascend to that Upper Realm... how do they get people to join their sects?"
[Hmm, as an ordinary mortal, you might not understand cultivators. Among the skills of cultivators, there is one to shrink large objects for storage.]
Hearing Seo Hweols response, I am astonished.
[Perhaps all of them have stored their sects in their storage devices. Their ambition is to ascend to the Upper Realm with their entire sect when the Ascension Gate opens. Ah, in fact, I have also placed one of my Sea Dragon Tribes castles in my storage device. There are about eighteen hundred of my Sea Dragon Tribe members sleeping inside it.]
Stunned by his incredible words, both Director Kim and I are at a loss for words.
Swoosh...
Then, Seo Hweol approaches Deputy Manager Oh and strokes her forehead.
Her condition, previously feverish and gasping for air, quickly stabilizes.
[...Intriguing, really intriguing. If she becomes a member of my Sea Dragon Tribe, she might become an extraordinary being...]
Swoosh...
While talking, Seo Hweol picks up Deputy Manager Oh. Director Kim, flustered, tries to stop him but is repelled by an invisible force.
"Ughh!"
[This lady will receive my blood and become part of my tribe. That will probably be good for both of us. Since many formidable cultivators will pass through Ascension Path, I say this out of concern...]
Flash!
Seo Hweols pupils slit vertically.
"Cough! Choke... Argh!"
"Guh... Ugh..."
Both Director Kim and I, who previously asked Seo Hweol questions, collapse under the overwhelming pressure, finding it hard even to breathe.
[Do not carelessly question high-level cultivators. I am good-natured and answered your questions, but some cultivators with foul temperaments will explode you like bugs just for questioning them...]
After speaking, Seo Hweol leaves the cave.
Flash!
Boom!
With a flash, a thunderous roar echoes, and shortly after, we see a Blue Dragon flying in the sky.
Sssssss
The rain still does not stop.
Manager Kim looks up at the sky with a hollow look and mutters.
"...Everyone's been taken away. Now I dont even know whats what. Suddenly a landslide, suddenly another world, cultivators, dragons kidnapping my colleagues... Ha, haha..."
She covers her face, looking like she might cry.
Director Kim Young-hoon also sighs deeply with a gloomy expression.
"I dont know what to do. We should try to find a place with people, but I dont even know where to go. These cultivators and dragons just spout incomprehensible things and... damn it."
"..."
I pat both their shoulders quietly.
Then, suddenly, Manager Kim Yeon grabs my arm.
"Deputy Manager Seo, youre not going to suddenly disappear too, right?"
"..."
"Dont, you can't be kidnapped too, Deputy Manager. If you're taken away too, I wont have the confidence to survive in this forest..."
I gaie a bitter smile.
Tonight.
Lastly, Manager Kim Yeon will be kidnapped by a strange being.
***
Drip, drip-drip...
The endless downpour gradually subsided after Deputy Manager Oh disappeared.
After a while, the sky began to clear.
"...Regardless of what happens next, I'll go gather some food."
I stood up, leaving the two who had become despondent behind.
"Wait, Deputy Manager Seo. Let's go together."
"Yeah, yeah. What if some weird creatures kidnap us while we're separated?"
"...Well, yes. And..."
I said with a bitter smile.
"Strictly speaking, since they were taken away as disciples or blood relatives, it's more like recruitment than kidnapping..."
"That's kidnapping. What? Did those strange creatures actually get proper consent before taking them?"
Director Kim spoke with a grimace. Indeed, it was actually a kidnapping.
We stayed close to each other as we gathered herbs and fruits together.
"Try chewing on this herb. It will warm your body."
After the rain, I gave warming herbs to Director Kim and Manager Kim, who were shivering in the cold air.
"Th-thank you, Deputy Manager Seo."
"Really, if it weren't for you, we would have been starving from the first day until now..."
"Why didn't the company recognize someone as capable as you..."
I chuckled bitterly.
"The only thing I know how to do is survive in the woods for a few days, but I have no other abilities or talents."
"Don't be modest. It's because of you that we are still alive. You are, in essence, our lifesaver."
"That's right, Deputy Manager."
The two encouraged me with trembling voices.
Moved by their sincere words, I could only smile bitterly inside.
'This is all I can do for you.'
Right now, I'm like a merchant trying to buy Director Kim's favor with my future knowledge.
I am neither a capable person, a good person, nor someone who can be a savior to others.
I'm just paying the maximum price I currently can to buy favor.
"That's why you should also try this. It'll clear your mind."
"This herb helps with blood circulation..."
"This fruit is said to be effective for beauty..."
I wandered around the forest, feeding Director Kim and Manager Kim numerous medicinal herbs and fruits.
'I've dug up a few more yellow bamboo roots. I've also gathered many precious herbs from my past life. And...'
I made sure they both ate their fill.
"Thank you, Deputy Manager Seo. Feeling full makes the gloominess fade a bit."
"Deputy Manager. You really... can't go anywhere."
"...Of course. I won't be kidnapped."
As I wandered the forest, gathering herbs and fruits, evening approached.
'Now, it's about time.'
I took off my shirt and lit it on fire with Director Kim's lighter.
"Good heavens! Deputy Manager Seo! What are you doing?"
"De-deputy Manager!"
The clothes, having dried after the rain and being worn while wandering outside, caught fire easily.
I threw the freshly picked fruits into the fire made from my burning clothes.
"We couldn't gather firewood because of the rain. It'll be night soon, we need the fire."
"But... your clothes..."
"I'm fine. Didn't I bring a lot of warming herbs?"
A farewell gift for Manager Kim.
I left the two in a panic and, after a while, retrieved the fruits from the fire using a branch.
"Manager Kim, try this. Director Kim, you too."
"...Thank you, Deputy Manager Seo."
"Really, thank you."
The sun had set.
We sat in the cave, watching the sunset, eating roasted fruits.
This would probably be the last meal with Manager Kim.
While eating the fruits, we chatted to hide the sadness of parting with Chief Oh, Section Chief Jeon, Deputy Manager Kang, and Deputy Manager Oh.
Sometimes laughing heartily,
Sometimes snickering quietly.
Sometimes feigning disinterest at Director Kim's jokes.
That way, we spent a long time laughing and talking.
As the sky turned from red to purple at sunset, the sun almost completely set below the horizon.
In the distance.
In the direction where numerous cultivators and the Sea Dragon King had headed, towards the Ascension Gate,
Manager Kim suddenly turned her head.
"Manager Kim, what's wrong?"
Director Kim asked Manager Kim Yeon. Seeing her trembling lips, I guessed that the time had come.
"Uh, uhh..."
She had awakened her abilities.
"It's, it's strange... Suddenly, I can feel everything around me. My senses are reaching out for several kilometers... Ah, ahh..."
Manager Kim Yeon, suddenly able to sense her surroundings for several kilometers, clutched her head in pain, moaning.
"Ugh... Grrr..."
"Deputy Manager Seo! What should we do? Is there any herb good for headaches...?"
"There is one for headaches here, but..."
I doubted it would be useful.
50 years ago.
In my past life, it was around this time that she was taken.
"Ah, ahh...!"
She screamed softly in the direction of the Ascension Gate.
"It's coming! It's coming! Something is coming!"
From the direction of the Ascension Gate, where the cultivators had headed, a small dot became visible.
Soon after, the dot rapidly grew and swiftly approached us.
Whoosh!
Arriving above our cave at an unbelievable speed, it was a giant puppet-like beast.
Sitting on top of the sinister looking puppet beast, was an old man with a hunchback holding a cane.
[What's this? Mortals? How did mortals without spiritual roots reach the outskirts of the Path to Ascension? Ah, I see. It's the time when the Ascension Gate opens, and the nearby space becomes unstable. It's likely that ordinary mortals got caught in a spatial storm! Kikihi, as expected, I'm a genius. To figure out such a puzzle in an instant!]
The self-praising hunchbacked old man chuckled for a while and then asked us.
[By the way, ordinary folks. Who was it just now that unleashed such an immense consciousness? I was startled, thinking a high-level immortal from the Upper Realm had descended... Ah, is it that one?]
Leap!
The old man jumped down from the puppet and approached Manager Kim Yeon, who was suffering from the headache.
"Who are you...? Manager Kim is... our colleague."
Director Kim bravely blocked the old man's path.
But with a flick of the old man's chin, Director Kim was helplessly thrown aside.
I ran to catch Director Kim, and although my back scraped, I managed to safely catch him.
"Deputy Manager Seo, thank you. Hah, huff! Are you okay? Your back!"
"I'm... fine."
While we were busy, the hunchbacked old man approached Manager Kim Yeon.
[Interesting, indeed interesting. An ordinary mortal's consciousness should not extend beyond their own brain. But this girl's consciousness stretches out like threads in all directions. It's so vast that I mistook it for the presence of an immortal from the Upper Realm...]
The hunchbacked old man lifted Manager Kim Yeon's chin, grinning.
[Child, I will take you under my wing. You may lack spiritual roots, but with my abilities, I can fully awaken them. I'm curious to see what results will emerge if such a peculiar consciousness evolves into a cultivator's divine consciousness...]
Manager Kim Yeon's eyes trembled, and she turned to us.
"Director... Deputy Manager..."
[Hmm...? I said I would take you, yet you still cling to these worldly connections?]
"Ugh, huu..."
Tears the size of beans began to fall from her eyes.
She had worried about being separated from us, after her colleagues were kidnapped just a few days after arriving in this world. The thought of being separated from us again frightened her.
Seeing her like this, the hunchbacked old mans face distorted grotesquely and pointed at us.
"Keug! Keuugh!"
"Argh!"
Director Kim and I groaned loudly and collapsed on the spot.
An overwhelming pressure that made it difficult to breathe squeezed us.
[Then, I shall personally sever your worldly connections. Now...]
"No, please! I'll do anything you ask. Please just spare them!"
Manager Kim Yeon, tears streaming, clung to the old man's feet.
Seeing this, the hunchbacked old man wrinkled his brow and withdrew his hand from us.
The crushing pressure that felt like it would burst our hearts finally subsided.
[Fine, if you say so... But remember, you are now mine, and you must forget all worldly connections. Understand?]
"...I understand..."
[Well, since it has come to this, I will send these two to a nearby mortal's nation through a spatial rift. I'll send them randomly, so even I will not know where they'll end up. You will never meet them again! Forget these meaningless worldly connections!]
"Just a moment...!"
Whoosh!
Crack!
A dark rift opened behind Director Kim and me.
Startled, Director Kim tried to run in the other direction, and I hurriedly gathered the herbs and medicinal plants I had placed at the cave entrance.
[Stop right there!]
As the hunchbacked old man gestured, we began to be sucked towards the rift.
"Eun-hyun! Director Young-hoon!!! No!"
As Manager Kim Yeon reached out to us with a desperate look, we lost consciousness on the other side of the rift.
Blink.
I came to my senses and got up.
"Where is this...?"
I looked around, recalling memories from 50 years ago.
The musty smell.
The noisy sounds coming from afar...
"...What?"
Rubbing my eyes, I looked around.
It was different from my memory.
This place was different from where Director Kim and I had landed in my past life.
I found myself in an alleyway, with people passing by on the other side.
"Why is it different from last time?"
Then I remembered the hunchbacked old man saying he would randomly connect the spatial rifts.
'...It was random.'
Even a tiny difference could have changed the probabilities due to the butterfly effect, sending me to a different place than in my past life.
I looked back.
Behind me were Director Kim and the herbs I had brought, scattered on the ground.
'...Let's go outside for a while.'
I arranged the herbs and pushed them into a corner of the alley, covering them with a burlap sack.
Then I stepped out onto the streets.
A cacophony of sounds hit my ears.
"The best silk in Yanguo ()!"
"Today's goods are scriptures from Shengzhi Country ()!"
"If you talk about our pharmacy..."
It was a bustling area.
Fortunately, it was a language I was familiar with.
'I was startled for a moment. I thought I had fallen into a completely different country where I had to learn a new language...'
Luckily, it seemed I had landed in Yanguo (), where I had lived in my past life.
"Excuse me, I'm a bit confused. What's the name of this place? I've just come up from the village and am a bit mixed up about the name here..."
I stopped a passerby to ask the name of this place.
In my past life, Director Kim and I had landed in Yanguo's Lianshan City ().
A small city located on the border of Yanguo.
The passerby, looking at me as if I were insane, brushed off my hand and said,
"Are you out of your mind? Asking where this is right in the middle of the capital, ugh, bad luck. Meeting a crazy person in broad daylight..."
"The capital..."
I smiled as I learned the name of this place.
"Seokyung City ()!"
In this life, I had arrived in the capital of Yanguo.
***