Weapon-Eating Bastard [EN]: Chapter 255

It had been a day since Sungmu Yi Ga began to move.

And in just that one day, the situation around the Aerial Fortress underwent a significant transformation.

Nations that sent only a small number of personnel to assess the situation due to the relatively great distance, and minor powers with limited strength from the start…

Organizations other than the major powers like the Gyoguk [likely a powerful religious organization], the Russell Family, Guryongchae [Nine Dragons Stronghold, likely a martial arts sect], and Eiffel Magic Tower were largely swept away.

The number of captured prisoners reached four digits, the death toll exceeded three digits, and the losses from additional equipment and information leaks were incalculable.

Surrender or death.

Those were the only choices granted to groups that encountered Sungmu Yi Ga.

“The Twin Stars have become even stronger.”

“How can that be a Rank 2? It’s easily the force of a Rank 1.”

“That berserker-like girl was also incredible. Lee Jin-yoon, was it?”

“How does Sungmu Yi Ga possess so many like them?”

“It was already well known that the direct descendants were strong. The problem is the power that Sungmu Yi Ga has been hiding.”

The achievements Sungmu Yi Ga made in a single day spread throughout the world, and the leaders of each nation and power could not help but tremble at Sungmu Yi Ga’s strength.

The number of warriors estimated to be Rank 3 alone was countless, and there were no warriors below Rank 6 or 7.

Organizational power, individual martial prowess, and even the quality of equipment and supplies.

Although they may have been stronger because it was their territory, the martial prowess of Sungmu Yi Ga’s warriors far exceeded the expectations of the major powers.

However, all such shock paled in comparison to the appearance of a young man.

The young emperor of Sungmu Yi Ga.

The youngest of Sungmu Yi Ga, Lee Cheol.

His terrifying martial power sent shivers down everyone’s spines.

“Lee Cheol, was it? What is that man?”

“Unbelievable growth… How can he become this strong in just a few years?”

“Isn’t he comparable to the Twin Stars at this point?”

“How was such a person estimated to be only Rank 3?”

A terrifying martial power that single-handedly destroyed national forces, crushing magic groups and spellcasting groups alike head-on.

Not only did he possess tremendous magic resistance, but no curse or poison worked on him.

He showed no noticeable habits or weaknesses.

Whether it was firepower, long-range, or close combat, he excelled in everything.

As the situation reached this point, each organization had no choice but to consider their options.

Whether to withdraw their troops or keep them stationed.

But in the end, their opinions converged.

“The Aerial Fortress hasn’t reacted yet, so we can’t withdraw our troops here.”

“No matter how strong Sungmu Yi Ga is, they are just a clan. We can do it if we combine our strength.”

“Even if we take some losses, we must unite and resist.”

Thus, in just one day, a coalition was hastily formed.

It was a coalition formed mainly among countries belonging to the European Union.

Since these organizations already had a coalition structure in place, there was no great difficulty in consulting opinions from the command.

And they went to find the leader of the coalition.

To a major power that could potentially stand against Sungmu Yi Ga.

* * *

I took a long breath and recovered the weapons I had scattered outside.

Like a sandcastle collapsing, the weapons floating in the air turned into black energy and were absorbed into my body.

I had just annihilated a mercenary group operating in West Asia and other regions.

There was no benefit in taking them as prisoners, so I cleaned them all up.

The Cheollyeong Unit went to clean up the aftermath, and I sat down on the floor for a moment to rest.

‘I used a bit too much magic power… but now it doesn’t even feel like it’s being consumed. And my stamina is perfectly fine.’

I had been running non-stop for about 21 hours since the start of the operation, but I didn’t feel tired at all.

Originally, I was confident in my magic power, control, stamina, and recovery, but it felt like I had surpassed that level.

‘Is it the effect of Metamorphosis?’

The potential of Metamorphosis was surprising even to me.

Now, I seemed to have immunity to all kinds of external stimuli, including poison, curses, spells, and magic.

Honestly, with a little exaggeration, I could probably block a magic bullet with a moderate amount of magic power with my body and not even get a scratch.

That was without using magic, only with the ability of my body.

‘I felt it when I was training Simgeom [Mind Sword, a technique], but my magic efficiency also increased like crazy. Even if there are some injuries, my body recovers before the black energy’s healing power takes effect.’

I really feel like I’ve stepped out of the realm of humans.

It was then.

Whoosh! Thud!

I frowned, catching something that flew from behind me.

“What is it, Lee Seo-hyun?”

“Tch, almost got you.”

“Did you change your job to an assassin? Why are you throwing a canteen filled with aura?”

I shook off the aura fragments that were rising from my palm with a *chi-i-ik* sound.

“As if I’d get hit. You noticed it before I even threw it. I brought it so you could drink it while you rest.”

Lee Seo-hyun grumbled and sat down next to me with a thud.

…Could you just give it to me normally?

She’s really annoying.

“I have my canteen, so I’m fine. You drink it.”

“Ah, just drink it! I don’t want to touch something with your handprints on it either?”

“…Isn’t that a bit harsh?”

I wasn’t thirsty, but I obediently drank the water.

It wasn’t ordinary water when I put it to my lips.

It tasted like a sweet drink, like she added something.

Meanwhile, Lee Seo-hyun grumbled as she watched Lee Cheol drink the beverage.

‘Seriously… he’s become a monster. That bastard.’

Today, Lee Seo-hyun acted as Lee Cheol’s adjutant, working with the Cheollyeong Unit.

That’s how she could tell how ridiculously high Lee Cheol’s martial power had reached.

Clearly, he seemed within reach when he was a cadet, but I don’t know when he became so distant.

‘That technique… was it called Cheonra [likely a powerful technique]? The family’s profound mysteries were embedded in it. Fire, ice, water… he was handling all sorts of elemental powers.’

He’s a real monster.

The competitive spirit she had abandoned long ago had now turned into awe.

‘And… Simgeom too.’

Lee Cheol often took out Simgeom.

It wasn’t so much that he had to take it out, but rather that he took it out to test it.

‘A feeling that the world is distorted.’

That realm that Saintess Christina had shown as a test.

Lee Cheol had also obtained that realm.

Lee Seo-hyun felt like she was the only one left behind and kicked a harmless stone at her feet.

In fact, Lee Seo-hyun’s level was by no means low.

Even without considering her age, she had enough martial power to be recognized worldwide.

However, Lee Cheol had simply come to possess the top-class martial power of that world.

“If you have something to say, say it. You’ve been like that since you were young, always hesitating when you have something to say.”

Then Lee Cheol scratched her nerves again and spoke.

‘…That unlucky bastard.’

She muttered that inwardly, but in fact, there was something she really wanted to ask.

“Do you use mind-reading with that magic eye of yours?”

“You’re just obvious. How long have I been living with you?”

“Is that so? Hey, let’s just ask frankly.”

Lee Seo-hyun turned her body and asked Lee Cheol.

“Simgeom, how can I reach it?”

Lee Seo-hyun’s eyes flashed with a desire for strength.

Lee Seo-hyun, a warrior who is already treated as a full-fledged Rank 3.

However, Lee Seo-hyun was unable to cross that one step.

‘For her to ask me this.’

From that alone, I could tell that she had eliminated her subtle competitive spirit towards me.

Rather, the way she was asking for guidance seemed a little more grown-up.

‘You’ve grown a lot, Lee Seo-hyun.’

I couldn’t help but feel proud of Lee Seo-hyun’s grown-up appearance.

…Well, she’s my sister, but still.

“Aren’t you going to tell me? I’m really in your faction now, and I…”

“No. I was considering what to say. I haven’t organized my enlightenment enough to convey it in words yet.”

My father seemed to have awakened to this realm to the point where he wrote Simgeom, but I was not yet at a level where I could theoretically establish it perfectly.

Besides, my Simgeom level is so special that even my eldest brother would be dumbfounded.

“First, it’s important to concretize your own origin in the deepest part of your consciousness.”

Lee Seo-hyun’s expression became subtle.

“What are you talking about?”

“That’s the fastest way. You seem to have already realized the structure of power while learning the 12 Seasonal Techniques, and you have enough magic power.”

Just as I was about to finish speaking.

Someone walked leisurely from afar and took over my words.

“To put it more simply, Eighth. You must firmly establish an image of the ideal ‘strength’ that you have, and swing your sword accordingly.”

A person appeared with a relaxed smile.

That person was none other than my eldest brother.

Despite fighting all night, he was still impeccably dressed.

“Big Brother. Have you arrived?”

“Big Brother. Are you here?”

“Yes, you both have worked hard.”

My eldest brother said that and turned his head back to Lee Seo-hyun.

“Recognize the Simsang [Mind’s Image] rooted deep in your consciousness. It is to find your own ideal self that is different from others. If you do, you will be able to open the door.”

“Simsang… ideal…”

Lee Seo-hyun muttered those words and fell into thought.

I left Lee Seo-hyun behind and looked at my eldest brother.

My eyes met my eldest brother’s in the air.

A moment of silence.

I was the first to open my mouth.

“How many did you do?”

A word I blurted out without explanation.

But my eldest brother seemed to understand the words and immediately smiled and replied.

“Fourteen.”

“Really?”

“Why would I deceive you?”

“Tsk… I was two short.”

“You still have a long way to go, youngest. Haha!”

“…”

The words I just said meant the number of forces that had been eliminated here.

Was it because I caught too many prisoners?

It seemed that it took too much time to hand them over to the support group.

‘I should have moved a little faster… No, the eldest brother’s Cheonggeomdae [Blue Sword Unit] are veterans, so there’s nothing I can do.’

I clicked my tongue and admitted defeat.

Unlike the Cheollyeong Unit, which was being completed, the Cheonggeomdae was already a complete warrior unit.

“But it seems that your faction members have been sending up victory reports like crazy. If you include them, you’ve won.”

“Faction members? Ah… you mean my Saengdodae [Cadet Unit] classmates.”

“Yes. This time, Choi In-ha, Kim Bo-sung, and Kim Han. The activities of these three warriors were particularly prominent.”

It was the first time I had heard those names in a long time.

Even while going through various events, they were busy with their respective missions, so they occasionally contacted each other.

‘They sent up victory reports. I knew it.’

I believed they would do well on their own.

“If you count that way, aren’t the Sasin-dae [Four Gods Unit], Yeonggeomdan [Spirit Sword Corps], and Wonro-won [Council of Elders] troops all under the eldest brother’s power?”

“That’s true. The door to my faction is always open. You are welcome anytime.”

“No, thanks.”

I laughed in vain and waved my hand.

“Let’s go to the base camp as soon as this place is cleared. It seems that the second has already arrived.”

“Yes, I understand. Our communication device is out of order due to the influence of the unexplored territory, but what is the situation with the forces that have created the coalition?”

My eldest brother’s expression became somewhat serious at my question.

“The situation has become a little… interesting.”

I looked at my eldest brother with a puzzled look.

* * *

The first coalition was formed by five forces.

It was a coalition of European forces led by France.

“They originally had the European Union, so it would have been easy to reach an agreement.”

“Doesn’t the command system become ambiguous?”

Lee Seo-hyun expressed her doubts about the news that the eldest brother had conveyed.

No matter how friendly the forces were from the beginning, if they belonged to their respective organizations, it would be difficult to establish a system when they formed a coalition.

“So they set up a coalition leader.”

“Coalition leader…”

My eyes lit up.

In short, they set up a leader.

Then who would it be?

‘Saintess Christina would never accept such a thing. Then it’s either the Russell Family or… the Eiffel Magic Tower.’

And my prediction was accurate.

“The Eiffel Magic Tower has taken control of their command. It seems that there was some kind of agreement behind the scenes. The Eiffel Magic Tower has nothing to lose, so it seems to be actively absorbing other forces.”

The Eiffel Magic Tower.

The pinnacle of the Western magic world.

And… the place where my eldest brother studied magic during his Musahaeng [Warrior Pilgrimage].

The organization to which Valerie de Bell, one of my allies, belongs.

That place became the leader of the coalition.

‘It’s going to be difficult.’

I narrowed my eyes.

The Eiffel Magic Tower’s mobile fortress was a strategic weapon called a technology that transcends modern magic engineering.

It cannot be compared to the average forces I have met so far.

And if there is even a Rank 1 magician who exists in the Western civilization…

“In addition, other organizations that have noticed the coalition are quickly reaching out.”

“Now that they know that this is not an incident they can get involved in, they must be thinking of getting some crumbs.”

“That’s right.”

Since things have come to this, they intend to help the Eiffel Magic Tower and gain some kind of benefit from the exchange with the Aerial Fortress.

If possible, they may even form a force as it is and become a new major power.

‘In the end, they are going to be subordinates… It’s a strategy that politicians would use.’

If the best is not possible, choose the second best, and if the second best is not possible, choose the worst.

It is to hope for the head of a snake rather than the tail of a dragon.

“What is the current size of the enemy forces?”

“It’s considerable. It’s several times larger than the main family. Even at this moment, organizations that have completed the agreement will be quickly joining the Eiffel Magic Tower.”

Sungmu Yi Ga has excellent individual martial power, but it is by no means large in number.

Besides, the Eiffel Magic Tower is the Jongju [Sect Leader] of the Western magic world.

If we collide, the damage could be enormous.

Around that time, we arrived at the base camp located in the rear.

Outside the base camp, the Sasin-dae and the Musa-dae [Warrior Unit] of other brothers who had arrived in advance were located.

“Oh! Youngest!”

“Big Brother!”

“Ugh, Eighth too.”

“What? Why are you only doing that to me!”

Soon the twin brothers greeted us, and my eldest brother and I were guided to the command post located in the center.

“Welcome~. I’ve heard all the news. It was amazing, right? Hehehe!”

“Second Sister. You have worked hard.”

All sorts of screens and maps were spread out on the table, and my second sister had already arrived first.

As soon as my second sister returned, she asked with shining eyes.

“How many places?”

Anyway, this sister was also Sungmu Yi Ga.

“I’m two places short of my eldest brother. My eldest brother said he had fourteen places.”

“Ha! You’re both less than me. I had fifteen places.”

My second sister answered with a *hijeuk* [giggle] smile.

I frowned, and my eldest brother just laughed *heo-heo* [heartily].

After a moment of catching our breath, we sat down and shared our opinions.

In fact, with the exception of Lee Gun-seong, whose identity is unknown, the three people closest to the position of head of Sungmu Yi Ga were gathered.

After the story about the operation and a brief post-mortem review, the second sister was the first to open her mouth.

“What do you think is the best thing to do?”

It was a question about the coalition.

I said nonchalantly.

“I’ve already told the command, but I’m willing to charge in right now.”

Whether we win or lose.

Sungmu Yi Ga was already on the back of a tiger [in a dangerous situation].

If we retreat from the enemy’s coalition as it is, we will be ignored by the world.

This time, Sungmu Yi Ga must show an overwhelming appearance.

“Brother will be on that side too, right?”

“Of course.”

My second sister smiled at my eldest brother’s immediate answer.

“This is going to be fun.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s obvious that they’ve already started a battle of Myungbun [Justification] and a public opinion war. The reason we were able to go out like this was because of the Myungbun of punishing the enemies who entered the main family’s territory without prior consultation… but that’s going to be overturned now.”

No matter what anyone said, the coalition now had a large number.

The coalition will try to make the Aerial Fortress a common property and move public opinion in the direction of ‘Sungmu Yi Ga is trying to monopolize the Aerial Fortress.’

“Besides, the number of people gathered seems to be quite considerable. The scale of the troops is enormous. And even the mobile fortress. To be honest, it’s a bit Beogeopji [Overwhelming] even with the power of the main family.”

“So? Are you against it?”

“There’s no way.”

My second sister’s eyes shone sharply.

“It’s even better because I don’t have to bother looking for them?”

It was an arrogance of confidence.

But I and my eldest brother also had that confidence.

This is the territory of Sungmu Yi Ga, if it were anywhere else.

Besides, the three candidates for the head of the family, who would have had to check each other, are now joining forces.

No matter how great the opponent’s power is, no matter what the Myungbun is, Sungmu Yi Ga is not swayed by such things.

“It’ll be the first time fighting back-to-back with the youngest, right? This sister is looking forward to it a lot?”

“I’m looking forward to it too, Sister.”

“Hehehe.”