Weapon-Eating Bastard [EN]: Chapter 121

Weapon-Eating Heir 121

Russia shared the longest border with unexplored territories in the world.

To the east, it bordered the largest expanse of unexplored territory, and to the north, it directly faced the Arctic’s unknown reaches.

After flying across the Chinese continent and landing at a clandestine airfield in southern Russia, Baek Gyeong-hui and I immediately entered a waiting vehicle.

‘It’s not so different from what I remember.’

I mused, observing the Russian cityscape.

Russia was one of the countries where the scars of the Great War were still visible.

Perhaps as a result, a societal emphasis on military strength over social and economic stability persisted.

It wasn’t unusual to see citizens openly carrying swords, and some even bore firearms loaded with magic bullets.

“Due to the possibility of being followed, we’ll need to take a circuitous route from here on out. I appreciate your understanding.”

“Yes, I understand.”

From that point, Baek Gyeong-hui drove herself, without including any other members of Pyeongyo.

Subsequently, Baek Gyeong-hui repeatedly disguised our movements by switching vehicles and taking deliberately indirect routes.

“Isn’t this process overly complicated? I apologize for the inconvenience. I know it’s impolite to subject a guest to such a convoluted process, but…”

“I understand. If you want to maintain neutrality, this level of precaution is necessary.”

Moreover, Baek Gyeong-hui even altered her appearance mid-journey.

A discerning eye might detect the artifice, but at first glance, she appeared to be a typical Slavic woman.

“This is the final transfer. We’ll head directly to our destination now.”

“Understood.”

Baek Gyeong-hui switched to yet another vehicle, offering another apologetic look.

The car continued for some time before finally stopping.

“This is…”

I surveyed our surroundings.

“Lake Baikal. It’s one of the most significant sacred sites in the world.”

Baek Gyeong-hui announced, facing the cool lake breeze.

* * *

Our destination was Lake Baikal in Russia, one of the oldest lakes on Earth.

I sensed a vast amount of magical energy evenly dispersed throughout the area.

Unlike the concentrated power found in Korea’s sacred mountains, this energy flowed freely and widely.

‘It’s called a lake, but it feels more like a sea.’

A horizon stretched into the distance, and several islands dotted the water.

Baek Gyeong-hui parked the car in a suitable spot and gestured for me to follow.

“This way. We have to walk from here.”

Baek Gyeong-hui entered the forest bordering the lake.

Immediately, I felt a strange sensation envelop me.

‘The magic density has shifted.’

It was a subtle change, one I could detect due to my sensitivity to magical fluctuations.

A similar sensation to what I experienced passing through the goblins’ magic or Valery’s space magic.

“As expected, you’re perceptive, Young Master. The formation is designed so that even ordinary warriors wouldn’t notice the change.”

“I’ve encountered similar effects before. Is it a formation of some kind?”

“It’s best to think of it as an amalgamation of various elements. It incorporates Slavic New Religious relics, formations, and spells. And… a rather unique individual is assisting.”

“A unique individual?”

“You needn’t worry, as they rarely reveal themselves. Speaking of them unnecessarily might lead you astray.”

The moment Baek Gyeong-hui uttered those words, a shiver ran down my spine.

I paused and glanced back into the forest.

Then, as I turned my head forward again.

“…!”

The figure of Baek Gyeong-hui, who had been speaking just moments before, had vanished.

I tensed.

A sharp wave of hostility washed over me.

“Who are you?”

My hand instinctively moved to the hilt of my sword as I slowly turned.

Cool glints of light flickered within the shadows of the dense trees.

A massive being, easily ten times my size, stood before me.
The energy radiating from it was unlike that of humans or even spiritual beings.

‘Is it similar to the Mystical races? No, there’s a difference… Could it be…’

A particular entity came to mind.

A Spirit.

If the Mystical races originated from nature and lived in harmony with it, then Spirits were beings who embodied the will of nature itself.

‘The unique individual assisting them is a Spirit.’

As that thought solidified, a voice like that of an old man echoed in my mind.

-You who carry misfortune. Why have you come here….

Instantly, the forest was plunged into an even deeper darkness.
The sounds of birds and insects that had filled the air vanished, and the gentle breeze died down.

“I didn’t seek out this place. The people here sought me out.”

-That is a falsehood. Did you not intend this? I can sense it.

Fingers made of branches reached out from the darkness and pushed aside the overgrown cedar trees.
The cedars yielded like taffy, revealing the Spirit in its entirety.

A forest spirit, a Leshy (ле́ший).

If trees could move, would they resemble this?

Its skin was a blue-green hue, matching its lips.
Hair like a tangled mass of moss and vines grew from its head, and a long, coarse beard reached its knees.

-You must state your purpose for coming here accurately….

The massive being loomed over me.

* * *

Leshy’s body was entirely composed of wood, and each movement produced a sound like branches scraping together.

Leshy was traditionally described as the god of the forest.

As a spirit, it was generally benevolent, but it was known to dislike humans and rarely revealed itself or offered assistance.

Yet, here was a Leshy, appearing before me as if to flaunt its presence, radiating hostility.

‘Is it protecting the head of the Black Crow Association? Or is the head’s condition even worse than I anticipated…’

But something felt off.

In my past life, the head’s “sequelae” [after-effects or consequences of a disease or injury] hadn’t progressed to this extent at this point.

‘So the spirit is helping of its own volition.’

I gazed at the spirit, which was staring intently at me.

“You created the formation that encompasses this area.”

-Do not evade the question and answer me… I ask again, why have you come here….

I looked up at the spirit for a moment.

I could easily surmise that there was a misunderstanding.

Calmly, I composed myself and spoke politely.

“Forest spirit, I came here to help the humans residing here. I have no intention of harming them. As a spirit, you can discern whether I speak the truth, can you not?”

-Hmm.

“Furthermore, I did not seek this place out myself; I was guided here.”

-That is so….

The face covered in bark trembled.

-You did not come to harm the child. Can I believe this….

“Of course. If I intended harm, would I have quietly followed that person? I would have drawn my sword immediately.”

-Oh, oh, oh… do not draw that. If you draw that, my power will be scattered….

Shiver!

I merely touched Heukya lightly, but Leshy recoiled, displaying clear aversion.

‘Is the spirit truly that afraid?’

Leshy slowly opened its mouth again, revealing what resembled a network of tree roots.

-I will believe you. You did not lie. But why do you harbor such a greedy thing within your body….

“What are you referring to?”

-I do not know… but I sense that it is not right. It devours all.

Rustle!

A rough sound, like branches colliding, accompanied each of Leshy’s movements.

-The human inside is our benefactor… you must never harm them.

“Do not worry. In fact, I will require your assistance in treating that person, so you must appear when I call upon you.”

-….

Leshy remained silent.

It resumed bending the cedars like rubber, retreating into the forest.

-If you repay our favor instead… we may even bestow blessings upon you….

As the sun climbed higher and the night receded, the darkness that had enveloped the forest gradually dissipated with Leshy’s words.

I turned and surveyed my surroundings.
A small cabin stood nearby.

* * *

Baek Gyeong-hui, standing before the cabin, looked at me in surprise.

“Did you happen to encounter the guardian of the forest?”

“Yes, I did. It invited me first.”

“…How.”

Baek Gyeong-hui regarded me with a slightly astonished expression.

Ignoring her surprise, I shifted my gaze.
A wide, sunlit clearing held a cabin.

That place was the core of the formation.

This seemingly insignificant cabin in the forest was central to everything.

And within it resided the head of the Black Crow Association.

Baek Gyeong-hui turned before entering the cabin.

“The weapon…”

She hesitated, unable to finish the sentence.

Was she asking me to remove my weapon?

I casually unfastened Heukya from my waist.

“If you’re concerned, I’ll leave the weapon outside.”

“I apologize.”

“There’s no need to apologize repeatedly. I understand your loyalty and concern.”

Baek Gyeong-hui reached out to take the sword.

But I drew the sword slightly before her hand made contact.

Seeing her puzzled expression, I calmly explained.

“This is a weapon that unauthorized individuals cannot touch. If you direct me to a suitable place, I’ll place it there.”

It was the power of the sword sheath crafted by Sub Elder.

No one but me could draw or even hold Heukya while it was in this sheath.

Baek Gyeong-hui nodded in understanding.

“Then, if you would, please place it on the rack just beside the entrance.”

Only after setting Heukya down was I able to enter the cabin.

The interior evoked images of old European homes.
A fireplace stood in the living room, and the floorboards creaked with each step.

There was no electricity, running water, or modern heating.

The scene was deliberately austere, minimizing human influence as much as possible.

‘It’s as I expected.’

Considering the condition of the head of the Black Crow Association, it might have been better if this cabin didn’t exist.

But without it, a space suitable for human habitation wouldn’t exist, so the design must have been minimized.

“Welcome. Lee Cheol Gong-ja [Young Master] of the Soongmoo Lee family, head of the Korean branch. I have been waiting.”

In the living room stood a woman with a composed demeanor.
The energy she exuded was remarkable.

Though she minimized it as much as possible, from the magical power she possessed to her disciplined posture, she was undoubtedly a formidable individual.

‘The head’s sword.’

She was a well-known figure from my past life.

One of the rising masters who single-handedly annihilated one of the Nine Dragons Union’s assassination squads that targeted the rapidly ascending head of the Black Crow Association.

‘This woman was already serving the head of the Black Crow Association.’

The expressionless woman met my gaze and paused momentarily.

But she quickly regained her composure and bowed her head.

“Would it be impolite if I briefly searched your person?”

I nodded, and the woman carefully examined me.

She soon stepped back and bowed again.

“Thank you. The head is waiting.”

And so, I was led to the innermost room of the cabin.

Creak-.

The door opened, revealing the room’s interior.

It resembled a study more than a bedroom.

Bookshelves lined every wall, filled with countless volumes.