Weapon-Eating Bastard [EN]: Chapter 130

Weapon-Devouring Bastard – Episode 130

Jeong Jin-soo, aided by the Black Turtle Society, boarded a clandestine transport ship bound for Tsushima Island.

‘To think I’d be entering a Class B dungeon in my lifetime.’

It’s a given that ordinary people can’t approach it, and I know that even skilled warriors avoid special dungeons if they can help it.

But Lee Cheol, entering and training alone in such a special dungeon, and not even a low-grade one but a Class B, what is he?

“We’ll be arriving soon.”

The silhouette of Tsushima Island materialized in the distance.

* * *

The journey from Jeju Island back to Busan, and then onward to Tsushima Island, was relatively swift.

Thus, upon reaching Tsushima Island, the sun was still aloft, painting the sky with daylight.

‘But… it’s awfully gloomy.’

Despite the sun’s position, a palpable darkness seemed to cling solely to the vicinity of Tsushima Island.

Thud.

Unlike standard military transports, the Black Turtle Society’s vessel navigated directly to the coast of Tsushima Island and docked.

“Please exercise caution. The monsters here are dangerous, making it difficult for us to provide adequate escort. It’s best to remain as quiet as possible until Young Master Lee Cheol arrives.”

The Black Turtle Society agent spoke with evident nervousness.

In addition to the supplies requested by Lee Cheol from Mirinae Village, the transport ship carried a substantial quantity of food, potable water, clothing, and other necessities.

The Black Turtle Society agents diligently and swiftly unloaded the cargo onto the shore.

But then.

-Kyaang!

-Kieek!

A pack of shadowy, dog-sized monsters emerged from the forest’s edge.

Level 5 monsters, Black Soil.

One of the agents audibly gulped.

“Level 5 monsters on the outskirts….”

While individually, Black Soil are among the weaker Level 5 monsters, their tendency to hunt in packs and their resilient hides make them a formidable challenge.

The Black Turtle Society agents unsheathed their swords, gathering their mana [internal energy] in preparation for battle.

“Are you alright?”

Jeong Jin-soo inquired, his voice betraying a hint of trepidation.

The Black Turtle Society agent assigned as escort nodded.

“We can handle Black Soil. The real concern is that the commotion from fighting them could attract other, more dangerous monsters.”

The agent in charge of the escort felt his mouth go dry as he spoke.

‘Even though he’s from the Soongmoo Lee Clan, is he really coming to a place like this to train at only 16 years old?’

-Kieek!

The Black Soil, their eyes bloodshot with aggression, lunged forward.

“Fight with minimal noise!”

At the command of the Black Turtle Society agent’s leader, the agents raised their weapons.

But at that moment.

-Kieeek! Keeek! Keeek!

The charging Black Soil abruptly halted, their attention fixed on something unseen, and began to tremble.

-Kieeeeeek!

Then, with a piercing shriek, they turned tail and vanished into the forest.

For a monster to flee at the mere sight of a human…

Could it be that they sensed an even greater threat?

Then.

“Long time no see.”

A voice cut through the tense atmosphere.

Flinch.

Jeong Jin-soo felt a jolt of unease at the unexpected sound.

‘Gasp!’

His surprise intensified upon seeing the speaker.

A grotesque monster’s paw was fastened to his ears, seemingly as earmuffs, and he was clad in what appeared to be clothing fashioned from monster hides.

He clutched an unidentifiable crystal ball, and a pungent odor of blood permeated the air around him.

A figure resembling a primitive tribesman or a savage from a film.

“What’s wrong? Why are you looking like that?”

But the voice that followed held a distinct familiarity.

“Y, Young Master?”

Jeong Jin-soo’s face registered utter astonishment as he recognized the individual.

“Long time no see, Jeong Jin-soo.”

Lee Cheol offered his characteristic bright smile.

In stark contrast, Jeong Jin-soo’s expression was… unusually awkward.

* * *

“Those who can manipulate mana, keep doing so. It’s okay to be exposed for a short time, but if you’re exposed for more than 10 minutes, something will go wrong with your body. Jeong Jin-soo, hold this crystal ball carefully.”

Lee Cheol extended the crystal ball to Jeong Jin-soo.

Jeong Jin-soo accepted it with a bewildered expression.

“W, what is this?”

“A purification stone. I was lucky enough to find it and process it with Aura [a type of energy]. It purifies the air when you hold it. Everyone, follow me.”

Jeong Jin-soo trailed behind Lee Cheol.

The Black Turtle Society agents, burdened with luggage and sporting awkward expressions, followed suit.

The island’s interior presented a scene of unparalleled desolation.

Even at midday, a thick black fog shrouded the area, severely limiting visibility.

A noxious, gas-like stench permeated the air, and the vegetation appeared twisted and grotesque.

“…Are you training in a place like this?”

Jeong Jin-soo blurted out, unthinkingly.

“It’s surprisingly beneficial. The magical contamination enhances my mana refinement skills and builds my resistance.”

It defied logic.

Normally, one would flee from such a hazardous environment, not seek to train within it, right?

‘Just what is this person….’

Not only Jeong Jin-soo but also the Black Turtle Society agents stared at Lee Cheol’s back with dumbfounded expressions.

For a direct descendant of the Soongmoo Lee Clan to be dressed like such a savage… one might easily mistake him for a monster in disguise.

Jeong Jin-soo nervously fingered the smooth surface of the purification stone and addressed Lee Cheol.

“But it’s quieter than I expected. I heard there were a lot of monsters….”

“I’ve already cleared most of the outer and inner forests. There are still many hidden ones… but the only ones that venture outside are the Black Soil.”

“The monsters hide?”

Jeong Jin-soo’s eyes widened slightly.

Monsters are typically characterized by their relentless hostility towards all living beings, including humans.

Their act of hiding was perplexing.

“That’s right. I had a hard time chasing after the ones that hid.”

Lee Cheol paused and turned to address the group.

“From this point onward, tread carefully. There are numerous battle and training traces, making it dangerous.”

As they emerged from the forest, Jeong Jin-soo gasped at the sight before him.

‘W, what is this.’

Evidence of immense destruction was everywhere.

Enormous trenches and craters scarred the landscape, as if excavators and bulldozers had indiscriminately ravaged the area. Adding to the devastation were massive impact craters, as if countless bombs had been detonated.

What had once been a forest or solid bedrock was now a desolate wasteland.

What kind of training could leave such a mark?

“Where exactly are you going?”

“To the cave where I used to live… or rather, what used to be a cave? It’s been smashed to pieces, you see.”

Jeong Jin-soo resolved to remain composed and unfazed, regardless of what he encountered.

“…!”

But his resolve proved futile.

He couldn’t suppress his astonishment at the barbaric scene that unfolded before him.

* * *

Monster byproducts were strewn haphazardly across the area.

Unidentifiable bones were piled haphazardly on the ground, and skulls were arranged on crude wooden tables as if on display.

Rough, handmade wooden boxes contained monster teeth and claws, while monster hides hung from poles erected in various locations, drying like laundry.

“H, heok…….”

The Black Turtle Society members began to tremble, as if on the verge of flight.

Could this be akin to the Spanish nobles’ initial encounter with the Inca Empire?

The only distinction was the presence of monster corpses instead of human ones.

It was the epitome of barbarism.

Even a visit to an African voodoo village wouldn’t be this extreme.

‘T, to think that the youngest son of the Soongmoo Lee Clan was such a terrifying figure…….’

The monsters’ fear was now understandable.

Regardless of their monstrous nature, they would undoubtedly avoid confronting a psychopath who collected the remains of their own kind!

The Black Turtle Society agents were careful to minimize their breathing.

They feared that their heads might end up displayed among the numerous byproducts.

“D, Young Master, what path have you been walking…….”

Jeong Jin-soo recalled that Lee Cheol was only 16 years old, a boy navigating a turbulent phase of life.

He felt a deep concern that the promising young man had strayed onto the wrong path.

“What are you thinking? I organized all of this to take it all with you.”

“T, take it?”

“Take a good look. They’re quite valuable.”

Jeong Jin-soo refocused his attention and examined the items.

‘Ah……!’

Only then did Jeong Jin-soo grasp the purpose behind this grotesque display.

“If you’ve decided to trade with Mirinae Village, you can take that and make it into equipment to sell, or you can process it appropriately as it is and give it as a gift to the wealthy.”

I casually nudged a dragon’s spine that lay nearby.

Monster byproducts command high prices, contingent on their type.

Dragon bones, for instance, are exceptionally strong and rich in mana, making them ideal for crafting weapons or magical potions.

Furthermore, there are affluent individuals who collect the remains of rare monsters.

While it may appear unconventional, these items possess considerable value, depending on their application.

And Jeong Jin-soo would ensure their appropriate utilization.

“Heo! As expected of Young Master. If it’s this much… it’s really good. If we select the good ones and turn them into equipment… hmm. I was thinking of starting a hunter equipment industry anyway…….”

Jeong Jin-soo reverted to his businessman persona, muttering calculations, and Lee Cheol chimed in with relevant comments.

And the people of the Black Turtle Society were…….

‘These people are crazy.’

They recoiled, observing Lee Cheol and Jeong Jin-soo.

Then Lee Cheol turned his gaze to the Black Turtle Society agents.

“I’d appreciate it if you could leave the luggage here. And can you load all of these onto the ship?”

“Y, yes…….”

At my words, the Black Turtle Society agents deposited their luggage and nodded, their expressions strained.

“But, wouldn’t monsters attack while we’re moving the luggage? The items might be damaged…….”

“Don’t worry. They absolutely won’t be able to touch it.”

He stated that they wouldn’t be able to touch it, not that they wouldn’t attempt to.

“I, I see…….”

The Black Turtle Society agents refrained from further inquiry.

I sighed, observing the Black Turtle Society agents’ apprehension, and tossed them the leather clothing.

“If you’re worried, hold that. Unless it’s the monsters in the center, they’ll smell it and never come.”

The Black Turtle Society agent stared blankly at the leather clothes in his hand.

Then Jeong Jin-soo turned to Lee Cheol and asked.

“But Young Master. I understand the byproducts… but why are you dressed like that?”

“I tore all my clothes while training.”

“Yes?”

How could he have torn all the functional clothes that were made exclusively for hunters, which were so tough and sturdy?

‘Come to think of it…….’

Jeong Jin-soo scrutinized Lee Cheol.

Lee Cheol, who already possessed a larger physique than others his age, appeared to have grown even taller and more muscular.

‘And the atmosphere he exudes has changed.’

Jeong Jin-soo wasn’t a warrior and lacked the ability to perceive aura or energy, but he possessed a keen eye for discerning character.

He realized that Lee Cheol from six months prior and the Lee Cheol before him were markedly different.

How should he describe it?

If six months ago he was a boy who appeared strong at first glance, now he exuded an air of calm and composure.

If six months ago it felt like witnessing a violent storm, now it felt like gazing upon a tranquil lake.

“Then let’s go in.”

I led Jeong Jin-soo into Maeng Geuk’s cave, where I had resided.

Of course, after approximately three months, it had been reduced to rubble, transforming it from a cave into a wide plain with only a pile of stones to offer shelter from the wind.

* * *

Jeong Jin-soo surveyed Maeng Geuk’s cave.

In contrast to the shocking visuals outside, the interior was relatively unremarkable.

There was simply a tent to provide shelter from the wind and various daily necessities scattered across the open space.

‘That’s… the clothes Young Master used to wear often.’

On one side of the open space, a black durumagi [traditional Korean overcoat] hung from a long pole.

Adjacent to it was a long feather, measuring at least 30 or 40 cm in length. The obsidian-like black feather emitted a strange luster and was embedded in the pole.

“What is that?”

Jeong Jin-soo inquired, his gaze fixed on the feather that radiated an unusual energy.

It was none other than the Black Turtle Society’s sacred object, the sacred-grade Black Turtle Feather, which he had received from Hweju.

I glanced at the Black Turtle Feather for a moment and shook my head.

“I can’t absorb it. I’ve been leaving it like that for a while. It feels like Eunhan and I are combining our powers.”

“Yes?”

“It’s nothing. More importantly, did you bring what I asked for?”

At my words, Jeong Jin-soo swiftly handed over the sack he was carrying.

I took the sack and reached inside to examine its contents.

Sss…….

Shiny black and white powders flowed like water between my fingers.

‘Activated carbon burned with goblin fire, petals of the elves’ dawn flower, powder made by grinding Baekgwang fused stone… the blending is even better than what I requested. It’s top-notch. I’m always indebted to the people of the village.’

They were all exceptionally valuable items.

The people of Mirinae Village may have created them casually, but they would be unattainable elsewhere, even for a thousand gold.

“And the Black Turtle Society succeeded in tracking down the information that Young Master mentioned and told me to deliver it to you. This is it.”

Jeong Jin-soo handed Lee Cheol the envelope he had received from Baek Gyeong-hee.

Lee Cheol perused the documents for a while, his eyes gleaming with interest.

“How ironic. To think that weapon would appear in this competition. In the end, Jang Han and I were destined to meet in Germany.”

A quiet murmur.

Jeong Jin-soo couldn’t decipher its meaning but listened silently.

Lee Cheol remained still, flipping through the documents as if organizing his thoughts.

And upon finishing the documents, Lee Cheol muttered.

“I’ll have to leave a little early.”

“Yes? From here, you mean?”