Weapon-Eating Bastard [EN]: Chapter 198

Weapon-Eating Bastard – Episode 198

The video screen displayed a satellite image of Sector B-1.

If it weren’t uncharted territory, even the precise terrain could be captured. However, due to light refraction, only a very rough image could be taken from that distance.

“A significant magical surge occurred in Sector Ma-12, located in northern Manchuria, a few days ago, and the terrain changed. We don’t know if it was hidden or if something new appeared, but a new landform has emerged.”

It sounds absurd to say a new landform suddenly appeared, but in uncharted territory, it’s not entirely unbelievable.

Uncharted territories are, by definition, incomprehensible regions.

Mountainous terrain that existed yesterday might suddenly become desert, and terrain that flickered like a mirage might suddenly solidify.

Time and space are distorted, causing bizarre phenomena, and spatial rifts, like gates, occur frequently due to magical distortions dozens of times greater than those found in dungeons.

“Sector B-1 is strangely ‘fixed’ spatially. According to the researchers’ report, no magical anomalies occurred for 43 hours immediately after the event.”

“Does that mean… it’s free from the strange phenomena typical of uncharted territories?”

I asked my eldest brother for confirmation.

“To some extent, yes. Now, let’s get straight to the point.”

My eldest brother answered and moved to the next screen.

The video screen showed a picture of old ruins.

Because it was taken in uncharted territory, the picture was incredibly blurry.

In the picture, there were structures resembling ruins, with a crest imprinted on one side.

I widened my eyes when I saw the crest.

‘…The Soongmoo Lee family crest?’

A pattern resembling a pine tree extended from the lower left, and a sword was drawn on the lower right.

The two patterns intersected at the center, surrounded by a circle painted with red dye.

The pine tree represents integrity and vitality.

The sword represents the spirit of Soongmoo [martial prowess].

The red circle represents blood.

It is the Soongmoo Lee family crest.

‘No. It’s a little different.’

It looked like the Soongmoo Lee family crest flipped upside down and sideways.

“This photo was taken by the first unit of the Spirit Sword Division on the outskirts of the uncharted territory using magical engineering equipment. The quality isn’t great, but as you can see, something very similar to the main family’s crest can be identified.”

That means it might be a Soongmoo Lee family ruin.

‘The existence of ruins is evidence that humans ventured there in ancient times. Moreover, if it’s the main family’s ruins….’

I suddenly recalled the cipher drawn on the stone tablet to find the tomb of the 2nd generation ancestor.

That cipher was also historical evidence that ancient people had advanced to the north.

But this time, it’s a more definite ruin….

‘It has tremendous value.’

For the Soongmoo Lee family, that ruin has considerable value.

“However, as you can see on the map, geographically, it also spans the Nine Dragons Fortress [a Chinese military base], specifically Chinese territory. If I’ve told you this much, you’ve probably grasped the essence of the mission, right?”

“You mean we need to explore Sector B-1 to assert territorial rights.”

Just as I discovered Odin’s temple in Northern Europe and claimed ownership, the uncharted territories aren’t much different.

According to international law, to claim territorial rights over a newly emerged uncharted territory, you must explore it before anyone else.

“That’s correct. The reason we can’t mobilize a large-scale subjugation force or army is because we need to move secretly and quickly.”

A moment of silence fell.

Everyone gathered at this meeting was taken aback by the mission’s implications.

It was a mission with the highest level of difficulty and importance among those recently assigned within the Soongmoo Lee family.

But a question arises.

‘The fact that my second sister or Lee Goon-sung didn’t participate in such an important mission….’

I looked towards the Council of Elders.

And even Madam Baek’s expression suggested something was amiss.

Something’s up.

“The top priority is to explore the uncharted territory. If a sudden situation occurs, the secondary goal is to explore the ruins and secure data.”

My eldest brother continued.

“Each direct descendant assigned to the mission must enter the uncharted territory with a minimum force of no more than 5 people and carry out the mission. The first unit of the Spirit Sword Division will scout external forces on the outskirts of Sector B-1 and provide rear support, and the Bloodhowl Squad and the Heavenly Bow Squad will be organized as support troops.”

My eldest brother finished speaking and looked down at me again.

“The commander of the mission will be decided and reported just before departure. If you have any additional questions or requests, speak up now.”

“I want a detailed list of the forces other than the main family that are planning to send exploration teams to the uncharted territory.”

“The Nine Dragons Fortress, the Onmyoryo [Japanese Bureau of Divination], and the Russian National Intelligence Service. Specific data is prepared, so come to my office after the meeting.”

“Understood.”

My eldest brother looked down at the four people assigned to this mission and said.

“Failure is not an option for this mission. Bring results worthy of the name of the Soongmoo Lee family. With that, today’s meeting is adjourned.”

My eldest brother’s final instructions were given, and the fourth, fifth twins, sixth sister, and I paid our respects.

On the way out of the conference room, I called out to the twin brothers and sixth sister.

“It looks like we’ll have to leave tomorrow, so let’s decide right now.”

“Huh? What?”

“Huh? What?”

“……”

The twin brothers smiled knowingly, pretending not to know, and the sixth sister contorted her face.

“Don’t play dumb; let’s finish this quickly. Brothers, little sister, I’m talking about the commander.”

“Ah! You’re talking about that?”

The twin brothers glanced at each other and shrugged.

“Of course, the youngest should do it.”

“You should do it. You’re the strongest among us, so you should do it, right?”

The two twin brothers supported me as if they didn’t have much desire.

‘They’re accepting it surprisingly easily. I thought they would be annoying?’

I was rather surprised.

In my previous life, the two brothers were so greedy that they even organized a coalition to jump into the competition.

‘Did the two of them give up on the family head competition after the regression?’

Lee Cheol’s guess was correct.

In fact, the twin brothers did not become greedy for the position of family head entirely due to Lee Cheol’s influence.

‘What if we mess around and end up like the sixth one?’

‘The Council of Elders is completely torn apart right now, right? Honestly, what family head are we talking about with our skills? It’s better to side with someone who’s likely to become the family head and survive.’

Unlike in his previous life, the twins had completely given up on their desire for the position of family head.

The sixth one was disgraced by Lee Cheol, and there was no talk of a coalition, and Lee Cheol’s influence in the family is considerable.

Due to many other influences, the twins aimed to ‘survive’ in the family head competition, and naturally, the sixth one, who could only compete by forming a coalition, became an outcast.

‘Family head… Of course, I’m a little greedy, but I’m aiming to go the long way rather than being cut off.’

‘But what is that stupid girl going to say?’

Lee Hyun-jae and Lee Hyun-chan, like twins, almost simultaneously looked at the sixth, Lee Seol-ah, with the same thought.

Lee Seol-ah hesitated as if she had a lot to say, then clenched her fist and said.

“…You do it.”

“What did you say?”

“You… should do it. You’re the strongest among us… and the most powerful….”

“I can’t hear you well. Sixth sister.”

The sixth sister raised her head and shouted loudly.

“I said you command!”

I chuckled and nodded.

“Understood. Then I’ll report it that way. I’m glad it was decided without any disputes. Isn’t that right?”

“Uh, uh….”

“That’s right, haha! As expected, with the youngest…!”

“……”

The twin brothers smiled awkwardly, and the sixth sister had a slight tear in her eye as if she was about to cry.

I smiled and continued.

“Then, I will report this immediately and gather the related materials. Everyone, please prepare. I will see you before the mission departs.”

“Oh! Okay! Little one!”

With that, I turned and headed to my eldest brother’s office.

* * *

I headed to my eldest brother’s office.

Originally, detailed information should be received from the intelligence department, but the fact that I was specifically told to come to my eldest brother’s office seemed to indicate that he had something to say.

“I knew you’d come,” my eldest brother said with a subtle smile as soon as he saw me.

“Yes, all three of them conceded to let me command.”

“You didn’t threaten them, did you?”

“How could I ever do that?”

At my words, my eldest brother laughed again.

“The related materials are prepared in advance. Take them with you.”

I nodded and picked up the documents on the desk.

Since it was close to classified information, it was prepared in document form.

“How do you feel? This is the first time you’ve received such an important mission.”

“I don’t feel much. It’s definitely an important mission, but it’s also a mission where I might become a sacrifice.”

“……You noticed.”

“Yes.”

My eldest brother isn’t incompetent, so there’s no way he wouldn’t notice.

At my words, my eldest brother chuckled softly.

“Well, there’s no way you wouldn’t notice.”

“Rather, I’m grateful. There aren’t many people in this family who worry about me. There are many who are eager to kill me, though.”

“It’s not just that.”

My eldest brother continued with a pleased smile.

“Since your return from Musaeng [a place of enlightenment or training], your words and actions have stimulated the ambition of many warriors. There are quite a few people who support you, both outwardly and inwardly.”

“……”

I felt a bit embarrassed, so I didn’t bother to answer.

My eldest brother laughed again as he looked at me.

“Haha! You’re cute.”

“……Was that the reason you called me?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. That’s not it. I had a proposal to make.”

My eldest brother stared at me intently.

I chuckled at his serious gaze.

“Please don’t offer me to join your faction, or suggest that I’ll be safe if I do. I’ll refuse anyway.”

My eldest brother’s eyes widened.

“Can your mystic eyes now read people’s minds?”

“Of course not. I’ve just already received similar offers and refused them.”

“The third one already…… No, it must be the second.”

“Did you know about my eldest sister?”

“I had an idea, but I only became certain recently.”

As expected, my eldest brother seemed to be aware of my second sister’s act.

“Well…… you were always like that. I expected you to refuse.”

“Didn’t I say before? You should be wary of me. I told you that I’m not your ally, but your competitor.”

I said it so long ago that I don’t even remember when.

My eldest brother smiled at those words.

“Yes, you did. That was already more than 10 years ago.”

Lee Myung-jung felt a strange sensation.

He remembered having that conversation during their first meeting a long time ago.

Was Lee Chul nine or ten years old back then?

That small child had now grown up and become one of his biggest competitors, just as he had said.

“You refused, but that’s why I want to use you as my man even more.”

My eldest brother stared at me intently.

“You will be a new wind in the family. You can do what even I couldn’t do. So, if you ever want to come to me, I will welcome you with open arms in any situation.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle at those words.

As expected of my eldest brother.

The way he tries to embrace anyone with his great capacity.

That’s why so many people follow him.

“Just because you say that doesn’t mean I’ll go easy on you in the competition.”

“I’ll gladly accept any attack you make.”

“Then you won’t retaliate?”

“How could I not? I’ll uproot you completely.”

My eldest brother and I exchanged a low laugh while looking at each other.

“Hehe, go now. You need to prepare for the mission.”

My eldest brother waved his hand and said.

“Yes, then I’ll be going.”

“Yes, be careful.”

“Thank you, eldest brother.”

I bowed my head and turned around.

And before leaving the office, I hesitated for a moment while holding the doorknob.

Then, I spoke about something I had been contemplating for a while.

“Eldest brother.”

“Hmm, what is it?”

“Be careful.”

“Yes, yes, you’re my competitor, so I’ll be careful enough.”

“I’m not talking about me.”

My eldest brother tilted his head as if puzzled.

I looked straight at my eldest brother and conveyed my words, putting strength into each word.

“I’m talking about the third brother, Lee Gun-sung. He is more dangerous than you expect. He will bite like a wolf if you show even a moment of weakness.”

My eldest brother and I made eye contact.

In my previous life, my eldest brother lost to Lee Gun-sung and was deprived of the position of family head.

In this life, I have taken many of his things and made many preparations, but I don’t know what Lee Gun-sung will show.

‘The most important thing for my eldest brother in the family head competition is not recruiting talent or expanding factions, but being wary of the third brother.’

An enemy exposed in broad daylight is not scary. But Lee Gun-sung thoroughly conceals himself behind a veil, waiting for his chance.

A brief silence fell in the office.

After a while, my eldest brother narrowed his brow slightly and nodded heavily.

“I understand. I will take your warning to heart.”

Lee Myung-jung’s eyes gleamed.

It was a warning from Lee Chul, of all people.

He didn’t know what he saw or felt through Musaeng, but he had a feeling that he shouldn’t take Lee Chul’s warning lightly.

“Then I’ll really be going.”

This level of warning should be enough for my eldest brother.

I bowed lightly once more and turned around.

* * *

Early morning the next day.

Waking up early in the morning, I packed and wore my equipment, and headed to the airfield located on the outskirts of the Soongmoo area with Lee Young-sung and five members of the Cheollyeong Unit.

There, my sixth sister and fourth and fifth brothers were already standing, each accompanied by five warriors.

“Then, let’s depart now.”

With my instructions, we all boarded the aircraft.