Chapter 376

"It sounds like you're hoping for that." Ian spat coldly as he unfolded the cloth wrapping the jerky.

—There’s no way.

Yog responded immediately, flicking its tongue.

—Of course, I do think it would be amusing if that happened. But no, I'm not wishing for it, friend.

Ian tore a strip of jerky and let out a scoff.

"We usually call that

hoping for it

." He carefully rewrapped the cloth and placed it back into the box as he spoke. He then handed Lucia a piece of jerky.

Lucia, who had been reaching out while setting down her water pouch, froze. Her gaze wasn't on the jerky, but on Ian's hand holding it. His skin showed clear signs of burning, charred, and peeling.

Realizing her stare, Ian gave a slight laugh and wiggled the jerky. "It's healing, so don't worry. Take this. You need to eat to recover."

"Okay." Lucia's lips moved silently a few times before she finally replied and took the jerky. Even then, Yog's whispers continued to echo in their mind.

—If it didn't threaten your survival, perhaps I would have hoped for it. But you'd never let Lucy be broken, would you? So no, I'm not hoping for that.

It talks too much.

Ian thought as he closed the lid of the storage container and pulled out Findrel's cigarette case.

"Well then, think of something. Is there no way to prevent chaos remnants from accumulating in Lucy's body?"

—Well, the simplest way would be to stop using magic altogether.

Placing the cigarette on top of the container, Ian picked up a bottle and murmured, "It's certainly the simplest and most reliable method."

By keeping her magic reserves as full as possible, she could minimize the influx of external, tainted magic. Of course, she couldn't be entirely free from the corrupted magic in the air or the chaos roiling in the skies.

However, that was an unavoidable risk as long as they remained in the demonic realm. Ian was the only one free from that danger, thanks to harboring the fragment of chaos. It explained why he hadn't experienced any aftereffects from crossing the Black Wall and his resistance to magic poisoning.

It must have been a perk of being a corrupted one in the game.

Ian was fairly certain of that.

Outside the Black Wall, there must have been countless restrictions. Conversely, in this place, there were no penalties. Perhaps that might remain true in the future, especially as the gods' influence over the continent continued to weaken.

"What a shame."As Ian set the bottle down, Lucia blurted out a remark.

At his gaze, she added, "I finally got the chance to actually use spells, you know?"

So she knew spells after all.

Ian opened the cigarette case and asked, "Did you learn from the High Priestess?"

"Yes. She knew I was interested. She taught me the most basic theories and knowledge, along with a few lower level spells."

"Bold of her. The Red Magic Tower wouldn't have let that slide if they found out."

"That's why she only taught me enough to keep it a small secret. Besides, I never thought I'd use magic again... or so I believed." Lucia's gaze momentarily darkened, likely as she once again realized the situation she was in.

"Well, in any case, I’ve benefited plenty," Ian spoke flatly as he pulled out a cigarette. He figured he needed a smoke to sleep soundly tonight.

The fairy cigarettes not only increased his stats as shown in the information window, but also had a calming effect, easing both physical and mental pain. Moreover, he still had an untouched pack he'd taken from other fairies.

"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it out alive."

—And if it weren't for me, you wouldn't have even gotten out of that cave.

Yog added lazily. Ian paused and clicked his tongue before placing the cigarette in his mouth. He couldn't find the words to argue.

Whoosh.

A small flame ignited at the tip of the cigarette right after.

"I thought we just agreed not to use magic." Ian lit the cigarette quickly and looked at Lucia as he added the comment.

She scattered the flames with a smile. "I never say I would. But I'll use it only minimally. Only when it's necessary."

Ian's gaze darkened as he inhaled deeply.

Sensing his unease, Lucia added, "You know as well as I do—we can’t avoid using it entirely."

"Yeah, I know." Ian exhaled a sigh along with the smoke. Their situation didn't allow them the luxury of conserving their strength.

Sure, they might not face monsters as massive as the one they dealt with earlier, but as they continued forward, it was inevitable that they'd encounter enemies of a similar level—or even stronger.

"

Ugh

." At that moment, Lucia turned her head and coughed up blackened blood again. Although she didn't look as distressed as before, it was clearly a symptom she'd have to endure until her magic fully recovered.

"Isn't there another way? Something other than not using magic." Ian, who had been watching the scene, casually muttered.

Yog, as if realizing the words were directed at itself, let out a low chuckle—a laugh that sounded utterly lazy and exhausted.

—It seems I struck a chord. I was just thinking the same thing...

"So, there

is

a way."

—One option is to borrow refined power—divinity. But unfortunately, that's impossible right now.

This bastard always does that on purpose.

Clicking his tongue, Ian took another drag and asked, "And the other?"

—To engulf it in even greater chaos and swallow it whole.

Ian, who had been exhaling smoke, froze. His gaze instinctively dropped to Yog, coiled around his finger.

Yog flicked its tongue leisurely.

—Yes... I'm talking about the chaos you hold within, my friend.

Ian's eyes instinctively narrowed. "But so far, every opponent whose chaos I've absorbed was already dead—or about to die."

Lucia, who had been coughing lightly, turned to him. Even in her current state, she seemed curious about something she was hearing for the first time.

—Couldn't that be because you forcibly took their chaos?

Yog chuckled low and added.

—The seed of chaos within you is just as rough as you are.

"Would it be different if it were consensual?"

—Maybe. That would depend on how delicately you can handle chaos...

Hmm

.

Yog paused mid-sentence, staring intently at Ian.

—Something's changed, my friend. The chaos within you... interesting. I'll need to take a closer look.

At the same time, Yog's movements stilled entirely. Ian realized it had dived into his inner world without permission, likely to observe his internal state.

So, it had said its piece.

Scoffing, Ian placed the cigarette between his fingers and reached for the bottle beside him. He didn't bother trying to wake the creature forcefully. That snake might uncover some unexpected information Ian didn't yet know.

Taking a sip, Ian contemplated the essence bead of chaos within him again. Though he couldn't see it with his eyes, he could picture its smooth, refined form. Unlike before, it felt entirely stable, without the slightest hint of instability.

At this rate, will I eventually turn into a demon? Is that the final stage of being a corrupted one?

His lack of knowledge about the corruption DLC suddenly felt frustrating. There had to be more to growing the essence bead of chaos than merely increasing its total capacity.

After all, he had fused with chaos multiple times already. Occasional fusion might be manageable, but he had no intention of fully becoming a demon. Not even a shred.

"Well, at least we have a way." Lucia's voice broke the silence. At some point, she'd stopped coughing and had resumed chewing on her jerky.

Snapped out of his thoughts, Ian shook his head as he set the bottle down. "No, it's an untested method. Far too dangerous."

Though he had a feeling he could handle chaos more delicately and precisely than before, he didn't voice it. After all, that didn't mean the chaos he had infused wouldn't still pose a risk of tainting Lucia's soul.

"It could be worse than death."

"Then, would you consider teaching me another spell—"

"Absolutely not. If you knew, you'd be tempted to use it. Don't even think about it."

Lucia looked at Ian for a moment, then bit into her jerky again, seemingly resigned.

Ian didn't even blink. Not only did he have no intention of teaching her, but he also had no way to. He merely invoked skills to use magic; he still didn't understand the principles or formulas behind the spells.

"But Sir Ian."

"Whatever it is, the answer is no."

"No, it's not about that."

Ian shifted his eyes toward her, prompting Lucia to continue.

"You haven't eaten, have you? It's been several meals now, and I haven't seen you eat properly."

"I've been eating just fine." Ian shook the bottle of liquor.

Lucia continued to stare at him blankly, making it clear she would not let this slide.

Eventually, Ian clicked his tongue and placed the cigarette between his fingers. "I couldn't eat even if I wanted to right now."

He opened his mouth wide, revealing the mess inside. By now, a few more teeth must have fallen out along the way, making it even worse.

"Oh, my goodness." Lucia sighed.

Seeing her gaze grow even more serious, Ian gave her a faint smile. "Give it a few days, and they'll grow back—just like my hand."

He opened his right palm wide. The burned skin was already peeling away, revealing new flesh growing beneath, accompanied by oozing fluids. Whether the scars would completely disappear was uncertain, but at least it was healing.

"Still, you can't just avoid eating."

"I only need to eat the bare minimum."

"And you'll recover like this? How?"

"Well."

Lucia's lips moved soundlessly, as though at a loss for words.

Ian opened the storage box and handed her a blanket. "So, finish eating and get some sleep. We've moved far from the border, but we can't stay here for long."

"Okay." Lucia, looking blank, took the blanket in her arms and returned to chewing on her jerky.

Finally averting his gaze, Ian inhaled the cigarette smoke. The reason he wasn't eating wasn't just because his mouth was in shambles.

Supplies weren't exactly plentiful. Even if he gave all the food they had to Lucia, it wouldn't last long—especially water. So, he had to minimize his intake, substituting liquor for water whenever possible.

Of course, this couldn't go on forever. If this were a game, maybe it would be fine. But now that it was reality, no matter how high his Stamina stats were, he'd still need food, eventually.

Though jerky wasn't likely to be the solution.

I really have to go through every possible option.

He resolved to find edible resources in this place, even if it meant using his body as the test subject.

Ian's eyes twitched right after he sighed and took another swig. That's when he noticed the change in the sky.

When did that happen?

The dark sky, previously ominously streaked with lights, had spread outward like an oil slick. The glowing ripples had become far brighter, forming concentric patterns.

"Could it be that the demonic realm has weather patterns?" Lucia, who had turned her head to follow his gaze, murmured.

—This is a change you two have created.

Yog's whisper intruded suddenly, its tone more languid than before.

"Are you saying it's because of the chaos that thing spewed earlier?" Ian asked.

—It's like throwing a stone into a lake. You've created new ripples. Stirring stagnant chaos into motion again. For now, it's just a small disturbance.

So, on the other side of the world, this could turn into a tidal wave?

Ian snorted briefly and added in a detached tone. "It's a meaningless change, then."

—Who knows? Ripples that spread will eventually settle somewhere. Sometimes even overflowing what's stagnant.

Yog's whisper slowed further, its tone hazy and drowsy, as if it were speaking whatever came to mind.

Ian narrowed his eyes and spoke. "Keep it simple. Stop beating around the bush."

—It might serve as a guidepost for you.

Ian's eyes gleamed at that. The statement sounded like an offhand conclusion, but it struck a chord. As Ian channeled chaos and looked up at the sky, Yog added in a fading voice.

—Of course, it could also birth new chaos, but that's inevitable.

The voice fell silent entirely. Ian paid it no mind, his violet-hued eyes fixated on the sky. After a moment, the corner of his lips lifted slightly.

"Not ideal, but...."

It was clear he could now perceive the flow of chaos more distinctly than with his bare eyes. It felt akin to activating Magic Detection.

𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Lucia tilted her head and asked, "How would that serve as our guidepost?"

"Heavy things attract what's around them," Ian replied, drawing on his modern knowledge.

The explanation only deepened Lucia's confusion, her expression turning even more puzzled.

Ian placed the cigarette back in his mouth and continued, "And in this demonic realm, there must be several of those heavy things. Demons, for instance. Or grotesque beasts like the one we saw earlier. Or maybe...."

Exhaling smoke, Ian turned to Lucia. "The source of the demonic realm itself."

Lucia's eyes widened in realization.

Ian blew out a plume of smoke and added, "We won't find it in one go. But if we keep creating ripples and follow where they lead—"

"—Eventually, we might reach the goal we've been searching for," Lucia finished the sentence.

It wasn't appealing, but it was a necessary choice for survival. Ian nodded and turned his gaze back to the sky. "So, for now, let's follow those waves."

"Yes. I'm looking forward to it," Lucia murmured, turning her gaze in the same direction as his.

The massive demonic realm, shrouded in dim darkness and mist-like dust clouds, quietly awaited them.

***

Night at the Temple of Brazier—

The faint glow of lightning illuminated the modest office furnished with only a desk, chair, a small brazier, and an old bookshelf.

Seated with her back to the window was the High Priestess, Cherwyn. Before her stood a priest whose lips moved hesitantly, the flickering light casting deep shadows on his face. The untamed beard and the claw-like scar slashing across one side of his face momentarily stood out.

Rumble.

Thunder followed, and the priest's lips fell silent.

"That day... for a moment, the holy flame burned fiercely, white-hot."

It was Cherwyn who broke the silence, her crimson eyes focusing on the priest, Miguel. He had returned alone, nearly three weeks after the incursion. By now, word spreading through the North had already reached Cherwyn's ears. And now, Miguel had just confirmed that most of those rumors were indeed true.

"I felt the Goddess's fiery wrath. At that moment, I knew instinctively—much blood had been spilled, and a great upheaval had befallen our flame."

"It's all my fault." Miguel, who had been struggling to form words, finally bowed his head and spoke. Dark shadows loomed over his eyes, and his tightly clenched fists trembled faintly. "I should have been taken instead of Lucy. And if that wasn't possible, I should have stopped it, even at the cost of my life—"

"You are not at fault, Priest Miguel," Cherwyn interrupted. "Surviving is not a sin. And it seems you've already borne more than enough responsibility on your shoulders."

Her gaze lingered on Miguel's gaunt cheeks. It wasn't just from the guilt—his appearance suggested he had endured a great deal during the past two weeks.

"That's not true. Not at all... dammit..." Miguel covered his face with his right hand and murmured.

An overwhelming sorrow and guilt, impossible to hide, weighed heavily on his entire body. It was as if all the emotions he had been suppressing and holding back were flooding out at once.

Cherwyn watched him in silence before speaking again. "Earlier, you said you believed Lucy was alive and that she would certainly return, did you not?"

"Of course." Miguel slowly dragged his hand down his face and continued. "She must have crossed the wall safely and is alive. And she will return, without a doubt. By her side is brother... no, the Superhuman from the North. But when that will be, I cannot say—"

"Then don't bow your head." Cherwyn cut him off again, her piercing gaze locking onto his. "Stop acting like a sinner. Show the strength befitting your faith. Let others draw hope and belief from you. As the sole witness and survivor of it all, you must do so now, Priest Miguel."

Miguel's eyes flashed with emotion for a moment before his expression hardened. "I will remember that."

"Good. Then let's return to the main point." Cherwyn nodded.

Miguel blinked in confusion, and she calmly elaborated. "You were explaining the primary reason for your delayed return—the issue of the Crimson Legion."