Holy Idol [EN]: Chapter 710

◈ 710. Redrin’s Message

“What are you talking about? A power similar to that of Myeol and Jo Woon? Are you saying Jo Woon created ice over there?”

[No. It’s not that Shin Jo Woon did something there, but it’s about his ability. The power he gained upon awakening.]

“Ice?”

[It’s not just the ice that’s the problem. It’s a power that feels out of place, like it doesn’t belong.]

“I usually understand everything pretty well. If I don’t, it must be because you’re not explaining it clearly, Gamjae.”

Sagamjae paused for a moment.

Rembrary was about to urge Sagamjae to elaborate.

But just as he was about to speak, someone caught his eye in the distance.

It was Hwasa. He was pacing back and forth in front of the shaved ice shop window, looking serious, even standing on tiptoe to peer inside.

‘What’s he doing? Is he looking for me?’

Rembrary checked his watch. It wasn’t the appointed time yet. But Hwasa was still acting strangely.

‘Is he eyeing the milk shaved ice?’

As Rembrary debated whether to sneak up on Hwasa, Sagamjae continued.

[Anyway, it has something similar to that strange power.]

“You didn’t mention that before.”

[I couldn’t tell at first. But as I kept observing, I could sense it.]

“The flow of power is intensifying.”

[Yes. And that story too. It seems to be accurate.]

Rembrary frowned, thinking of Clot’s interest in the Demon King’s tomb.

“Then what about the demons? Are they connected to this?”

[Well… The demons aren’t doing anything particularly concerning.]

Rembrary was worried by Sagamjae’s words, but Hwasa’s antics in front of the shop window were distracting him even more.

[So, what do you think about taking Shin Jo Woon there one more time?]

“Will Myeol agree to go?”

[He will.]

“He’s probably busy.”

[He will go. He’ll go at the earliest opportunity. Check their schedules and let me know.]

“But if he refuses—”

[The deceased are waiting.]

Sagamjae hung up before Rembrary could finish speaking.

Almost simultaneously, Hwasa rubbed the back of his head, checked his phone, and then looked in Rembrary’s direction as if sensing his presence.

“!”

When Hwasa’s eyes met Rembrary’s, he spun around as if malfunctioning, ran away, and then teleported back to scold him.

“How long have you been watching?!”

“Do you want some shaved ice?”

At Rembrary’s question, Hwasa covered his lion mask with both hands and groaned.

A moment later, Hwasa calmed down, lowered his hands, and said evenly.

“No. I thought you seemed a little more down than usual. You might not realize it, but that’s how you appear to me. So, I came to check on you.”

Rembrary didn’t understand what Hwasa meant.

But Hwasa didn’t feel the need to explain further, so he pretended to look around at the nearby shops and asked, “Shall we go?”

* * *

Hwasa was worried about what to say if Rembrary asked him, ‘How exactly do I look?’

Because Rembrary’s emotional expressions are subtly different from others. Maybe he’s unaware of his own feelings.

So, Hwasa decided to describe him as accurately as possible if Rembrary pressed the issue.

However, Rembrary didn’t ask Hwasa about it again.

So neatly that Hwasa, who was prepared to answer diligently, felt strangely disappointed.

But Rembrary, oblivious to Hwasa’s inner thoughts, went straight to his bedroom upon arriving home, calling Shin Jo Woon.

Hwasa watched his retreating back and then glanced around the living room.

Rembrary had returned, but many familiar faces were missing from the shared living space.

The sound of children laughing, Nin Ring chatting with Kim Je-woo, and Mullu silently practicing with his spear were no longer present.

Most noticeably, Rembrary no longer sat on the sofa, contentedly watching his family and eating ice cream.

Rembrary’s reputation had improved significantly and continued to rise, but the house was becoming increasingly quiet.

Hwasa sighed and turned away.

* * *

While Hwasa was lost in thought at Rembrary’s house, Rembrary was busy calling Shin Jo Woon and relaying Sagamjae’s message.

“Myeol, didn’t I mention a few days ago that there was a strange flow of power around the Demon King’s sealed location?”

[Are you going to confess your feelings?] (referring to the earlier conversation)

Shin Jo Woon’s laughter echoed through the phone. He didn’t seem to think it concerned him.

“Oh, you’re so slow on the uptake.”

Rembrary clicked his tongue without thinking, then quickly continued when Shin Jo Woon’s laughter subsided.

“I spoke with Gamjae today. He said the power felt there is somewhat similar to your ability.”

Fortunately, Shin Jo Woon’s laughter returned immediately.

[How does he know about my power?]

“I don’t know. That’s just what Gamjae said.”

[Why are you so eager to tell me everything?]

“Gamjae?”

[You usually keep potentially dangerous information to yourself and handle things personally.]

Rembrary thought Shin Jo Woon seemed to be in a good mood. His voice was a little higher than usual.

Since he had a favor to ask, Rembrary was happy and said brightly, “So, Jo Woon, Gamjae would like you to accompany him this time when he goes there.”

[…….]

But Shin Jo Woon, who had been talkative, suddenly fell silent.

After waiting for ten seconds without a response, Rembrary tapped the phone and called out, “Myeol?”

Only then did Shin Jo Woon answer with a simple, “Uh,” but his voice was noticeably lower than before.

“Are you busy, Myeol? You don’t have to go if you are.”

Rembrary offered, not knowing what was wrong.

“Gamjae and I can go alone. I can check how your power differs from mine.”

But the blunt Myeol disregarded Rembrary’s consideration and said flatly, [No. It’s okay.]

Rembrary didn’t understand Shin Jo Woon’s meaning and asked again.

“Ah, are you planning to investigate yourself? It’ll be dangerous to go alone.”

Then Shin Jo Woon said firmly this time, [Sagamjae brought up the story. Sagamjae says it’s similar to my power. Then you don’t need to go, right?]

“I’m fine!”

[I’m not okay.]

Shin Jo Woon cut him off again, despite Rembrary’s cheerful tone, and added, [I’ll go with Sagamjae. Don’t follow me.]

Rembrary, knowing Shin Jo Woon’s exceptional hearing, briefly wondered if he had misheard something and asked again.

“Why?”

But Rembrary quickly guessed Shin Jo Woon’s intention and smiled.

“Is it because it’s dangerous? But I’m twice as strong as you.”

[No. Stay out of it.]

Shin Jo Woon said without hesitation.

“You don’t even have Gamjae’s number.”

[I know it.]

He acted decisively, as if his mind was made up.

[I’ll contact Sagamjae and go on my own. You stay out of it. Isn’t there a second preliminary round coming up soon?]

“I’m not participating in the second preliminary round.”

[Then rest.]

Shin Jo Woon said a few more words and hung up. Rembrary frowned and stood there holding his phone for a moment.

He had considered the possibility that Shin Jo Woon might not go at all, but he never imagined that he would try to exclude him.

Rembrary pondered for a while and then picked up his phone again. ‘He’s not going with me? Then I’ll go separately.’

But Sagamjae didn’t answer right away.

It was almost fifteen minutes before he got in touch, and during those fifteen minutes, Sagamjae seemed to have been in contact with Shin Jo Woon.

“Gamjae, I—”

Before Rembrary could say anything, he was rejected.

[I’m sorry. Shin Jo Woon said it would be troublesome, so let’s just go the two of us.]

“You don’t need to apologize. Just tell me where and when you’re going, and I’ll go alone.”

[Shin Jo Woon told me not to tell you.]

“!”

[He even specifically asked me not to tell you. He said he’d prefer to go with me this time.]

Rembrary raised his eyebrows. He had never expected Shin Jo Woon to try and leave him behind like this.

Rembrary, slightly taken aback, hesitated and asked, “Wouldn’t it be awkward for you two to go alone?”

[It’ll be awkward, so we’ll just handle the task quickly and part ways.]

“Are you going to do everything Shin Jo Woon tells you to do? Aren’t you closer to me than Myeol? And you’re giving in after just fifteen minutes?”

[I need his cooperation right now. I’ll let you know how it goes when I get back.]

* * *

Rembrary didn’t believe that Shin Jo Woon and Sagamjae would actually go alone.

Leaving behind the most experienced, most capable, and strongest person for this kind of mission and going with a relatively weak Myeol and a restricted grim reaper seemed too inefficient.

However, even the next day, and even after the results of the first preliminary round were released, Shin Jo Woon and Sagamjae didn’t contact Rembrary.

[I can’t answer the phone right now—]

Sagamjae had even turned off his phone.

Shin Jo Woon answered the phone, but when Rembrary asked, “How did it go?” he answered vaguely, “I don’t know,” and abruptly changed the subject.

“I heard you made it to the first round? Congratulations. Now you’re going to be a world-famous pig [a common Korean expression for someone who’s successful].”

In the end, Rembrary called Jang Tae-ri, who was good at analyzing Shin Jo Woon, and reported Myeol’s actions in detail before asking, “Why do you think he’s doing this?”

[I think he’s worried that you’ll take on a dangerous job and disappear again without telling anyone.]

“He’s resorting to strange tactics.”

Jang Tae-ri laughed brightly over the phone.

[Just think of it as taking a break and let it go. He’s answering the phone this time, right?]

“Okay.”

Rembrary said obediently and chatted a little longer before hanging up.

Hwasa had overheard all the phone calls, so he pretended to read a book on the sofa while observing Rembrary’s face.

Fortunately, Rembrary didn’t seem too upset.

In a moment of relief, Rembrary unexpectedly approached Hwasa and said, “Then let’s go to the place where the Demon King is sealed, Lion.”

“You said ‘Okay’ to CEO Jang and hung up.”

“I said okay, but did I say I would actually do it?”

“Wow. You—”