Chapter Text
Bud took a sip of his wine, his expression unusually serious as he listened to Choi Han. They had just spoken about the mercenary guild and the White Star, and Bud wanted to be sure he understood.
“So you mean,” Bud asked, “the leader of Arm, the White Star, will soon start a war on the western continent, take control of the mercenaries in the east, and then come after me because of my ancient power?”
Choi Han nodded once. “Correct.”
Bud swirled the wine in his glass, his voice low. “That’s a lot to take in.”
Choi Han leaned back, his tone calm but firm. “I know. Just be careful. The White Star has eyes everywhere, especially here. Don’t do something unexpected, just stay out of his reach.”
Bud let out a long sigh, nodding. “I see. Well, thanks for the warning. I’ll be careful… and I’ll let you know if anything strange happens.”
Choi Han’s voice was steady, though his memory carried weight. “He’s not an easy opponent. He’s strong, so we should move discreetly.”
He recalled the battles of his first time line, countless clashes with the White Star. Even then, before gathering all the ancient powers, the man had been formidable. With complete attributes, he would be far more dangerous. Choi Han had crossed swords with him many times, yet never once gained the upper hand.
Bud swirled his drink, his expression thoughtful. “I did hear the Arm leader was terrifying… rumors from those who worked under him.”
“I’m afraid those aren’t just rumors,” Choi Han said quietly.
Bud nodded, the silence stretching between them, he understood the whole White Star situation now. At least he got a warning and would be able to move carefully, however there is still something he was curious about. Bud glanced at Choi Han and asked “Hey… did I do something you didn’t like?”
Choi Han frowned, caught off guard. “What?”
“Ever since you arrived, you’ve been giving me this dark look, like I offended you or something.”
“I don’t know what you mean. I’ve never done such a thing,” Choi Han replied, his tone firm yet his expression conveyed confusion.
Bud blinked, then gave a small laugh to ease the tension. “Oh… okay. Maybe it was just me, haha.”
An awkward silence settled between them, making Bud shift uncomfortably. He was never good with quiet moments like this. “So uh… you leaving today?” he asked.
“Yes,” Choi Han replied. “I’m just waiting for the young master to prepare. Thanks again for your assistance.”
“It’s nothing, we didn't really do much” Bud said with a casual wave of his hand.
Choi Han gave a small nod before his tone grew more serious. “What about the expansion of the mercenary guild? What did the young master discuss with you?”
Bud raised his glass, taking a slow sip before answering. “About that… I can’t disclose it. A deal between us can only stay between us.” His eyes drifted as he recalled what he had seen the day before. “Though, you don’t have to worry. I was concerned at first too, but from what I witnessed yesterday… the young master seems to know exactly what he’s doing.”
Their conversation broke off when Cale appeared, already dressed and prepared. He spotted the two and walked over, settling onto the couch beside Bud. “What are you talking about?” he asked.
Bud lifted his glass and answered casually, “The White Star. We were just discussing him.” Then he leaned forward. “So… are you leaving now?”
Cale’s eyes shifted to Choi Han. The swordsman gave a firm nod of confirmation. "Seems like it"
Cale reached for Bud’s wine glass, and Choi Han’s eyes followed the movement with a faint frown. The young master took a sip and let out a quiet sigh.
“You could have gotten your own glass,” Choi Han remarked.
“Eh… it’s too far, and there aren’t any spares here anyway. I don’t think Bud minds.”
“Not at all,” Bud replied, shaking his head. Still, his gaze lingered on Choi Han, catching that same dark look he had noticed when they first met.
That look!
Weird.
Choi Han rose to his feet, his tone shifting back to business. “Eruhaben-nim said he would help us teleport to the Stan Territory. I’ve already spoken with Taylor about our arrival.”
Cale nodded and refilled the glass. Not long after, Eruhaben entered with Raon at his side, asking if everyone was ready. Choi Han and Cale rose to their feet, Bud following as they moved toward the living room, where the Molan father and son were already waiting.
“You and the young master are the only ones going this time?” Ron asked.
Choi Han nodded. “It’s better with fewer people. This ancient power lies within a mountain that uses illusions to confuse travelers. Too many companions would risk everyone getting separated.” Choi Han glance at Eruhaben before he added, “Teleportation doesn’t work around that area. We’ll need to travel from the Stan Mansion to Nake Mountain.”
Ron inclined his head in understanding. “Very well"
Bud spread his arms wide with a grin. “Good luck out there, young master. It’s an honor to meet and share a drink with you,” he said warmly, pulling the young master into a hug.
Glenn gave a small wave from the side. “If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us,” he offered.
Cale chuckled dryly, returning the embrace with a few awkward pats on Bud’s back. “Yeah, sure, sure,” he muttered.
Meanwhile, Choi Han and Raon exchanged a glance. Their expressions mirrored the same thought.
So clingy.
“Well, the kid and I will return to my lair once you arrive,” Eruhaben said, his voice heavy. “We will be.. working on something"
“We will leave Raon to your care then, Eruhaben-nim,” Choi Han said.
“Don’t worry, Choi Han!” Raon declared proudly. “I’ll learn everything Goldie teaches me, and then I’ll show it to Red like I promised!”
Cale smirked, amused by the little dragon’s determination. “Looking forward to that, runt.”
The floor started to emit light as Eruhaben draw the teleportation spell, the four stood still above it as their bodies slowly disappeared along with the spell. The golden dragon and Raon exchanged looks before they bid farewell to Bud and Glenn as well as they also left to Eruhaben’s lair through teleportation.
Bud stared at the empty space and turned to Glenn “What a crazy experience”
“You don’t say” Glenn replied before he added, concern laced his voice as he asked “Are you letting the young master manage the expansion of the mercenary guild?”
“I don’t see why not give him a chance?” he crossed his arms “Besides, having an ally with two dragons, a family of legendary assassin and a swordmaster is not bad of a deal yeah?”
“Its quite surprising indeed” Glenn could still recall Eruhaben and Raon’s display of powers, as a mage he was truly amazed to witness it. how often it is to witness a dragon and two at that! “Who would have thought the young master had connections like that”
Bud shrugged as he continued speaking “Hm.. but he doesn’t seem to be the one running the group. That swordsman is, and the young master seems to have a plan on his own” he waved his hand “I don’t know about you but the person who I drank with on that drawing room knows how to play the game, as if he's done this stuff before, wise for his age far from the lout he was rumored about”
“There's more to him that what meets the eye”
“Indeed, lets wait and carefully plan ahead our moves”
Glen nodded at him.
.
.
“Young master Cale! It’s been a while!” Cage greeted cheerfully, excited to see them, especially her drinking buddy the young master.
“Ah Cage, it’s been a while indeed!” Cale greeted back.
Taylor smiled as he greeted the group, leading them toward the waiting carriage. He and Choi Han had spoken yesterday and agreed to meet up. It was to help Cale get an ancient power apparently, but knowing its location he could not help but worry.
“You should be careful, Nake Mountain is quite dangerous,” Taylor said.
“Well that brute likes danger,” Cale replied as he walked toward them. “What’s so special about this mountain anyways?”
Cage stepped in this time to explain. “There was this legend about Nake Mountain. There was a snake there that takes people away, a lot of missing people actually.”
“That’s why…” Taylor took Cale’s hands, holding them. Cale looked down at their hands and raised a brow. “Please be careful and return safely. There should be a guide there that could help you. Ride the carriage to the foot of the mountain, since teleportation doesn’t work around that area.” He glanced at Choi Han and reached out to tap his shoulder. “Take care, you two.”
“Thank you, young master,” Choi Han nodded. “How was the Stan estate?”
Taylor pulled his hand away as he smiled. “Everything is great. I would say even better now that Venion is already put into his place, thanks to the both of you of course.”
“We will be off then,” Cale waved at them as he rode the carriage, Choi Han following with him as he waved goodbye to Taylor and Cage. The two went inside the carriage while Ron drove and Beacrox sat beside him.
Cale and Choi Han looked at each other. There was silence between them as the carriage moved. The sword master looked at Cale for a moment, observing him silently. He was watching the scene from the window, chin resting on his hand.
“Don’t drop your eyes.”
“I was not,” Choi Han replied.
Cale chuckled as he looked at the sword master. “What? You want to say something? What’s up with this ancient power we are getting?”
“The Nake Mountain has a guardian snake. It lures people, gives them illusions, and they get lost in the mountain,” Choi Han said. “There is a bell on the snake’s tail. You have to retrieve it. That’s where the ancient power lies.”
“I assume this is not a regular sized snake, right?”
“It’s massive.”
“Well… fuck.”
Choi Han leaned back. “I’ll assist you. Just because it is your trial does not mean you have to face it alone. As long as I do not interfere that should be good enough.”
Cale hummed, then turned toward him. “Hey, I want you to trust me this time. Let me handle this.”
“I do not think that is going to happen,” Choi Han replied flatly.
“Come on! Look, I will call for you if I need help, alright?” Cale leaned closer, his tone half-pleading, half-teasing. “I feel like this opponent will be tough, so yes, I will be needing that brute strength eventually.” He extended his hand. “Handshake for agreement?”
Choi Han eyed the offered hand, sighed, then clasped it firmly. “I will hold you to your word.”
“Great.”
The journey to the nearest village passed in silence. Cale dozed off, only to be nudged awake by Choi Han when the carriage stopped. Groggy, the young master stepped down with Ron’s assistance. Waiting for them was an old man, his posture weary but his gaze sharp.
That must be the guide Taylor mentioned.
“You must be our guide?” Choi Han asked.
The old man sighed. “Aigoo… I am Bobe, your acting guide today. Are you truly set on entering that cursed mountain?”
Cale frowned. “We would not have come all this way just to turn back.”
“Ha! Youngsters never listen.” Hunter Bobe shook his head. “I already warned the young master. It is dangerous. Look there.” He pointed beyond his house, where the fog-shrouded silhouette of Nake Mountain loomed. “Half the people who enter that place never return.”
“So the other half survived?” Cale asked dryly.
“You naïve young man!” Bobe scolded. “What is your name?”
“Cale,” the young master replied simply.
Choi Han stepped forward, his presence commanding. “Senior.”
Bobe’s eyes narrowed as he studied him. The man radiated strength, like a predator from his hunting days. Those eyes, experienced and unyielding, belonged to someone reliable.
“If guiding us is too difficult, then at least tell us what dangers to expect. We must enter the mountain, whether or not you lead us.”
Bobe sighed again. “I can take you as far as the foot of the mountain.”
“Enough talk. If it is payment you want, I will pay,” Cale offered.
“It is not about money,” Bobe muttered.
“Ten million gallons. Take it or leave it.” Cale smirked. “Come on, old man.”
Choi Han frowned, shaking his head as Bobe turned away. “You know he is not doing this for money.”
“Oh, please. Everything has a price,” Cale said, smirking as the old man glanced back.
Moments later, Hunter Bobe returned clad in worn leather armor, bow and arrows slung across his back. His expression hardened. “If you want to live, you will follow my instructions.”
“Should we remain here, young master?” Ron asked, Beacrox standing silently beside him.
Cale glanced at Choi Han, waiting. The sword master met his gaze, then turned to the Molan father and son. “No. It is fine. Join us.”
Bobe adjusted his bowstring. “Now then, where exactly on the mountain is your destination?”
Cale’s eyes narrowed. “Where the snake is.”
Bobe stopped and looked back at them. “Have you gone mad?!”
“Halfway there to be honest,” Cale replied. “Just lead us there, stop questioning. By the gods, let me just go on my own.” He threw his hands in the air and started walking away. “Either guide us or not. I am not wasting my time here. I can march on my own!”
“Hey!” Choi Han called out as he ran after Cale, the rest of the party following close behind.
“Alright, alright!” Bobe barked, hurrying to the front. “Just follow me. Stay in a single line behind me. We need to reach the peak before nightfall, so we’ll take a narrow shortcut.” He glanced back at the group as they fell in step. These reckless youngsters… capable enough, except perhaps the red-haired one.
“It’s quite foggy at the top,” Beacrox commented.
“This mountain is cursed by a red snake that devours intruders,” Bobe said, his voice heavy. “It appears most often when fog covers the cliffs. They say if you hear the voice of a lost loved one in the mist, it lures you. By the time you realize it, you’ve already stepped off the edge, falling to your death.”
He sighed, pressing a hand to his chest as memories surfaced. “I’ve seen the faces of those who fell. I’ve carried their families to the bottom of the cliffs. By the time we found the bodies, they were already rotting. It was terrible." His voice dropped lower. “I saw those bodies. Broken, twisted… yet smiling, as if they laughed while falling to their deaths.”
Cale’s usual sarcasm faded. He looked sullen. “That’s terrible.” He murmured as images of dead bodies on the ground flashed on his mind for a brief moment.
“That’s why I am against this idea,” Bobe said bitterly.
“But you don’t have to worry,” Cale replied firmly. “We’re here to kill that snake. Next time, people will climb this mountain for the view, not to fear voices in the fog.”
Bobe’s eyes widened. “Kill it? How can you even—”
Cale clapped Choi Han’s shoulder and tapped his chest. “We’ve got this guy. He’s strong, right?” He nudged him with his elbow.
Choi Han scowled but unsheathed his sword. A faint shimmer of black aura rippled along the blade.
Bobe’s breath caught. A sword master… He had heard of such warriors but never seen one. Confidence stirred in him. Perhaps this was possible.
“I see,” he said at last. “I don’t need money. Helping you hunt the greatest prey of my life is reward enough.” He chuckled, pulling a small bag from his pack and handing it to Cale. “Earplugs. Use them, or the voices will claim you. Magic won’t protect against that sound.”
Cale looked inside, took a pair, and passed the bag to Choi Han. He fitted the plugs in his ears, glancing back to see the others doing the same.
“One more thing,” Bobe warned. “If you see anything red, don’t look twice. The second glance will doom you. Keep your eyes forward, on the back of the one ahead. That’s how I survived the fog of Snake Mountain.”
“Does my hair count?” Cale asked.
“…That’s not what I meant. I meant the snake,” Bobe said flatly.
“You should have clarified that.”
“Stop being so difficult” Choi Han clicked his tongue.
“I wasn’t!” Cale replied while looking at the Bobe.
The old man shook his head and turned once more, walking forward with both arms out, feeling the ground, boulders, and trees as he moved.
Cale raised a brow. “What’s he doing?”
“Just shut it and follow him,” Choi Han hissed.
The group moved in silence, their steps measured and deliberate. Each pair of eyes stayed fixed on the old man’s back, watching the way his hands brushed against stone and bark to guide them forward. The path narrowed, forcing them to walk single file along a ridge where the ground sloped sharply into nothingness. The fog thickened until even the cliff edge was hidden, leaving only the crunch of boots on stone to remind them they were still on solid ground. Cale’s brows furrowed. For a moment, he thought he saw something red flicker at the corner of his vision. He clenched his teeth and snapped his gaze back to Choi Han’s dark silhouette.
Eyes forward Choi Han mouthed.
Cale rolled his eyes as he continued walking, suddenly he felt chills throughout his body.
Shhhhh….
The fog pressed in thicker, muffling sound and swallowing the path ahead. Cale’s ears caught it first a low, dragging hiss that seemed to vibrate through the stone beneath their feet. His skin prickled, a cold shiver running down his spine. He clenched his fist, nails biting into his palm, fighting the urge to turn his head.
Don’t look. Don’t look.
But curiosity gnawed at him, relentless. His eyes slid to the side.
What he saw made his breath hitch. A massive red wall loomed beside them, shifting, alive. It wasn’t stone. It wasn’t cliff. It was scales. The snake’s body, thick as a fortress wall, slithered silently along the mountain, its movements so vast and slow it seemed the mountain itself was breathing.
“Shit! That’s fucking massive!” Cale hissed, whipping his head forward again, heart hammering.
The serpent moved with terrifying grace, its presence pressing against them like a storm. Though none dared to look, the others felt it. The subtle tremor beneath their boots, the oppressive weight in the air.
Yet they did not falter. Hunter Bobe’s steady pace guided them, his arms stretched forward, feeling the path. And behind him, the group fixed their eyes on the only red they were allowed to see: the fiery strands of Cale’s hair swaying just ahead of them in the fog..
The snake moved beside them, unseen but impossible to ignore, a silent predator following their climb. “Don’t talk. Just walk,” Choi Han muttered, hand tightening on his sword. He froze when someone grabbed his shoulder. It was Ron.
“Beacrox is gone,” Ron said, scanning the fog.
“What?” Choi Han turned quickly.
Cale, hearing bits of their whispers through his plugs, frowned. He saw Bobe walk past and asked, “What happened?”
Ron’s face darkened. The snake had vanished, but the fog grew thicker. “Beacrox is gone.”
“He must have followed the voices,” Bobe said. “He could be heading to the cliffs.”
Cale lifted his plug slightly. “Hey, what’s going on—”
Cale…
The voice stopped him cold. His breath caught.
My darling Cale…
He turned. Through the fog, a familiar figure appeared. “Mom…” he whispered.
“We need to find him before the fog takes him,” Bobe urged.
Choi Han glanced to his side and froze. Cale was gone. His eyes darted around. Where is Cale?!
“Where’s the young master?!” he shouted. He had only looked away for a moment.
“What?!” Bobe spun around. Now two were missing.
Ron’s expression hardened. He stepped closer to Choi Han. “Hunter Bobe, guide this brat forward. I’ll search for my son.”
Choi Han started to argue, but Ron’s look silenced him.
“The young master comes first. I can find Beacrox. He can defend himself. But the young master needs you.”
Choi Han clenched his jaw and nodded. “Hunter Bobe, lead the way.”
Ron turned aside, and they split up, each chasing shadows in the fog.
They should hurry before its too late, not when two of their members were lured by the sweet voices of their late mothers.
Step.
Step.
That’s it sweetie, come here
Cale followed the voice as if he was in trance, the voice that he longed to hear is whispering on his ears, branches crushed against his boots “Mom… wait..” he murmured, looking around searching for the voice, through the thick fog he could laughter.
Follow me my dear.
Step.
Cale, my precious Cale.
Step.
Cale kept moving forward, the fog swallowing everything in sight. The voice was his only guide. His pace quickened, breath catching in his chest. Step by step, the mist began to thin, revealing more with each stride as he drew closer to the cliff’s edge.
“This…”
Ding… Ding..
A bell.
Cale turned his head sharply, but the voice rose again, luring him forward, urging him to take each step.
Cale, come here
“Mom..”
That’s right my sweetie, one more step
Cale stood at the cliff’s edge, staring into the fog-covered abyss. “Mom… you’re here,” he whispered as the mist began to thin. He lifted his foot, ready to step into the void until the voice answered.
I am here.. I am back to see you.
“…”
Cale slowly raised his hand as if reaching out to the voice, but as the fog cleared and sound of bell became more clearer and came face to face with the serpent, Cale planted his hovering foot back on the ground. “Now.. that’s where you are wrong because she would never come back”
Swish!
A water spear flew past Cale’s head as he summoned it, piercing through the bell dangling on the snake’s tail.
Ding!
A loud, piercing shriek rang out. Cale watched with satisfaction, though a cough threatened to escape his lips. This beast had tried to lure him with his mother’s voice. At first, he faltered when he heard it, but the longer it spoke, the more the illusion unraveled. Instead of sinking into its deception, he broke free with ease.
I came back to see you
What a joke, Cale of all people knew that was not true, that its not gonna happen.
Cale still remembered how desperately he wished for her return. The funeral itself was a blur, and afterward he spent each morning pleading and each night praying for her to come back. But she never did and no matter how much he cried, shouted, or threw tantrums, nothing changed.
She never came back.
As the months passed, Cale finally accepted that she was truly gone that she would never return. That was why he knew the voice he heard could not be hers.
She will not come back.
Lifting his gaze, Cale saw the massive serpent’s head looming through the fog. Its eyes, as red as its scales, glared down at him, hungry and unyielding. Goosebumps prickled his skin as his body froze in place.
“Oh.. shit”
.
.
Screeeech!!
Boom! Boom!
Choi Han and Hunter Bobe turned toward the source of the noise as the ground trembled beneath them, forcing them to steady themselves. They both knew it could only mean one thing. “The snake! It’s never acted like this before!” Hunter Bobe exclaimed, trying to still his trembling hand as fear clawed at him.
“Not good!” Choi Han shouted, breaking into a run. “Stay here! Find somewhere safe!” he called back as he rushed toward the disturbance. There was only one reason for the serpent to cry out like that. It was attacked. Perhaps the Molans were responsible, but deep down Choi Han’s instincts told him the truth: Cale was the more likely culprit.
It’s dangerous.
Choi Han frowned, that screeching sound is piercing through his ear and making the hair on his back stand, he felt.. scared for some reason, it felt like a heavy sense of dream came over him. This feeling seems familiar as if he had sense its before.
-This earth attribute power if used as a weapon, it makes people feel the instinctual fear of death.
“This…” Choi Han blinked as the sound of the super rock echoed, and suddenly he understood. He had felt this before, it was the White Star’s earth attribute. Everything made sense now. In the first timeline, the White Star had obtained this ancient power, making his presence overwhelming. Choi Han had crossed blades with him many times, mistaking his own fear as simply the dread of death. But in truth, it was the White Star’s earth power an aura that commanded, that bent others to his will. Fear, after all, could make anyone submit.
-You know, you remind me so much of that punk I once saved, he was always bluffing but he had the courage to stand up against fear. That courage turned into an aura, we able to fight against this fear when we were with that punk’s aura.
Who is he talking about?
Choi Han frowned, he racked his memory, searching for any records relating to this. However he suddenly felt something inside him stir, the dominating aura was making its presence known.
A conversation with Kim Rok Soo resurfaced on his mind.
“I have to tell you something, the dominating aura, this ancient power actually belongs to someone you might be familiar” Kim Rok Soo said leaning against the couch while plucking some grapes from the stem.
“What do you mean?”
“If you have heard any relatives that had gone missing.. lets just say you aren’t the only one the God of death snatched, he seemed to have some weird attachments to your ancestry”
“Shit” Choi Han hissed, realizing who it was but untangling that family mess would have to wait. Right now, his eyes locked on Cale Henituse, bolting across the torn earth with a massive red serpent tearing through the ground in pursuit. “Young master—what in the hells?!” Choi Han shouted, sprinting forward. His hand hovered near the hilt of his sword, blood pounding in his ears as fury and panic surged together. The sight before him was enough to send his pulse skyrocketing.
Cale heard his name and looked up to see Choi Han running towards him. His eyes widened and for the first time he was so glad to see Choi Han’s mug. Cale was thankful he was able to move his legs now, earlier when the snake made a loud screeching noises, he got frozen and his knees almost bucked, the hair on the back of his neck stood and for the first time, fear gripped him so mercilessly that instinct chose for him—flight over fight—and he had hurled himself forward, he used the sound of wind to his escape.. Years of survival had taught him one rule above all: know when to run. If the enemy was stronger, why waste strength in a futile battle? Cale knew his limits, and this monster was beyond them. Escape now, vengeance later! that was the plan. But with Choi Han charging toward him, sword at the ready, a flicker of hope sparked. Perhaps, just perhaps, this fight wasn’t lost.
“Choi Han!!”
Choi Han heard his name and released the dominating aura. He rarely used his ancient powers, and even this dominating force had little purpose until now. With his sturdy plate, casting it was effortless, the energy stretching all the way to Cale. “Keep running!” he shouted, unsheathing his sword.
“Don’t attack!” Cale shouted, his voice steadier now. The tremors in his hands eased, fear loosening its grip as he found his footing.
“Huh?!” Choi Han’s brow furrowed in confusion.
“Boost me up!”
“What?!”
“Boost me the fuck up, Choi Han!!” Cale barked, gesturing urgently for his hands.
Choi Han frowned at this and was about to argue back but he recalled what they had agreed earlier on the carriage.
Hey, I want you to trust me this time. Let me handle this. I will call for you if I need your help.
Choi Han gritted his teeth, slid his sword back into its sheath, and planted his feet firmly. He crouched low, palm outstretched, ready.
Cale smirked at the sight, drawing in a steady breath as he closed the distance, preparing to leap.
“How high?!” Choi Han shouted.
“Just throw me!” Cale barked back.
“Damn it!” Choi Han hissed, bracing himself. Cale stepped into his open palm, and with a surge of strength, Choi Han launched him skyward.
Cale gasped as he soared through the sky, Choi Han hadn’t held back, and that was good. The throw spared him from wasting more of his wind powers; it alone carried him high above. Glancing down, he saw the serpent distracted by Choi Han’s presence. His gaze locked onto the cracked bell he had struck earlier.
Twisting midair, Cale extended his hand. A spear of water shimmered into existence and shot downward, hurtling straight toward the bell.
Ding!
The bell made a loud sound and the snake screeched and crash its head on the ground where Choi Han was previously standing.
-Another one! Do another one!
The sky eating water insisted and Cale chuckled “Fuck, sure!”
Cale shot another one, the second arrow pierced through the bell severing it, he used the sound of the wind to catch it, he reached out, ignoring the blood trailing from his chin. Teeth clenched, he stretched his hand toward the falling bell, determined to catch it.
Come on! Come on!
“Cale watch out!” Choi Han yelled running towards his direction.
Cale blinked, catching movement at the edge of his vision. The serpent twisted violently, its screech splitting the air as its tail whipped toward him. “Fuck—!”
“Shit!” Choi Han sprinted, his eyes following Cale’s body, he opened his arms trying to reach and catch the body that was flung away.
Why wasn’t he moving?! Is he unconscious?!
“Cale!” he shouted, legs burning as he pushed harder, arms outstretched. He had to reach him. If he didn’t, Cale would crash into the ground.
“Gh—!” Choi Han grunted as Cale’s body slammed into him. They tumbled across the ground, Choi Han’s hand cradling the back of Cale’s head, pulling him close to shield him from the worst of the impact. When they finally skidded to a halt, Choi Han tightened his hold, keeping Cale secure on top of him.
“Ugh…” he groaned, pain flaring where his own head had struck the rocks—but his focus was elsewhere. Lifting his head, he looked at Cale. “Hey! Are you okay? Answer me!” He tried to raise Cale’s head, desperate to see his face.
“...hn. Nice catch,” Cale murmured faintly.
Relief washed over Choi Han, and he let out a long, shaky sigh.
Thud.
Screeeechh
Both lifted their heads, eyes fixed on the serpent’s writhing body as it finally collapsed. Red scales peeled away, scattering from the fallen beast.
For a moment, Choi Han and Cale simply stared at each other, breath ragged, silence heavy between them until Choi Han muttered, “You are insane…”
Cale glanced back, then raised his hand to reveal the cracked bell. He nodded with a faint grin. “Yeah. I am.” A chuckle slipped out.
“Well…” Choi Han exhaled, eyes on the bell before letting his head fall back against the ground. He chuckled too, the sound rough but genuine.
Their laughter rose together, echoing into the air. Above them, the serpent’s red scales drifted like petals, carried by the wind. Choi Han watched them dance overhead, shimmering as the young master laughed beneath their fall.
Their laughter faded, breaths slowing as silence settled between them. Cale blinked, brows furrowing, his body shuddering.
“Hey, are you alright?” Choi Han asked.
“I think I’m… gonna—” Cale heaved.
“Wait!” Choi Han quickly turned his head aside, redirecting Cale’s face with his hand just as the coughing began, blood splattering onto the ground. “You almost coughed on me,” he muttered.
Cale shot him a glare, trying to turn back, but Choi Han held him steady, one hand firm on his head. With the other, he rubbed Cale’s back in slow, steady motions, soothing him through the fit.
It took time, but eventually Cale straightened, sitting up at last
“You good?” Choi Han asked when Cale nodded.
“Yeah.. fuck… “ Cale wiped his lips with the back of his hand before looking at the bell on his hand, it slowly shattered to reveal a red stone.
“Are you swallowing that?” Choi Han asked.
“… What the—why would I do that?” Cale asked his brow raising as he looked at Choi Han as if he had said something ridiculous which in fact it was.
Choi Han frowned, thinking back on how he had to swallow a rock to gain his own earth ancient power.
-Let’s not dwell on that
Super rock said after hearing Choi Han’s thoughts.
Cale stared at the rock in his hand, frowning. Its weight pressed against his skin, unsettling, almost eerie. The heaviness carried something that made his nerves crawl.
-Nice to meet you.
The voice that seeped from the Blood-drenched rock belonged to the ancient White Star. Polite, almost gentle in tone yet beneath that softness lurked unmistakable malice, sharp enough to chill the air.
Cale brows twitched.
—So, you sought this earth attribute power. Is it to plunge the world into fear? Excellent! Let us spread terror across the land—
“The fuck are you on?” Cale spat, his frown deepened and before Choi Han could ask what’s wrong he raised his hand to stop him and gesturing on his own head.
-What?
“I have no intention of carrying out your twisted, world-conquering schemes—so shut it,” Cale snapped, breath huffing.
—Then why seek this power?
“That’s none of your business.”
—And what makes you think I would surrender it to you?
“What—gh!” Cale hissed as the stone grew heavier in his grip. “You!”
“What’s going on?” Choi Han asked, frowning as he watched the rock shift, knowing he couldn’t interfere.
Is the trial not yet finished?
—I don’t think you’re worthy of this power at all.
Cale’s teeth ground together as he tightened his hold on the stone. “Bastard!”
—You can’t fathom the power of earth. Wasting it on something so trivial… think about ruling with it. You lack imagination.
Lack of imagination? Him? Cale?
“I see…” Cale murmured, dropping the rock. It pulsed faintly, as if mocking his failure to absorb it.
Choi Han frowned, watching him scan the ground. “What happened?”
“The bastard refused to grant me the power,” Cale muttered.
“How? You already completed the trial,” Choi Han said, mind racing. If Cale couldn’t claim the earth attribute, then where would they find another?
—Even when the trial is complete, sometimes the choice still lies with the owner.
Super Rock sighed.
Choi Han clicked his tongue. Of course it wouldn’t be easy, this was the ancient White Star’s power. How could Cale possibly convince such malice to yield? His thoughts froze as his eyes widened.
Cale stood with a massive slab of rock raised high above his head, a wild grin twisting his face. That thuggish look he had honed over the years blazed back in full force.
—What the hell are you doing?!
The ancient White Star’s voice thundered inside his mind.
“If I can’t have your power, then no one will!” Cale roared, swinging the stone down.
But before it could fall, Choi Han lunged, gripping both his wrists tight. “What are you doing?!” he shouted, straining against Cale’s reckless strength
-You dare!
The ancient White star yelled back.
“Yeah, I fucking dare! If I can’t destroy it, I’ll bury it somewhere no one will ever find. This disgusting power will never see the light of day. You’ll be trapped in cold, dead silence for eternity!” Cale spat.
—“You won’t find such a place,” the White Star mocked.
“Oh, don’t test me. I have two dragons who know exactly what to do with bastards like you!”
Choi Han stayed silent, listening to the one-sided exchange. His grip remained firm on Cale’s wrists, though confusion flickered in his eyes.
“You enjoyed it, didn’t you?” Cale snarled. “Luring people into this mountain, watching them leap to their deaths with smiles on their faces. That’s the kind of entertainment you thrive on. Well, I’m taking it away. You won’t get to see it anymore. And you sure as hell won’t get to know what that there is a copycat prick who dared to use your name.”
With a violent shake, Cale tore free from Choi Han’s hold. His grin sharpened, and with a roar, he brought the stone crashing down.
-Wait, what?!
That last bit of information seemed to intrigue the ancient white star.
Cale froze, the slab hovering inches above the red stone. A smirk tugged at his lips—he had finally struck a nerve.
“There’s a prick parading around with your name. Honestly, a disgrace. Your psycho fan is copying your ways, trying to replace your legacy… oh wait, you didn’t have one. Because you fucking lost before!”
His breath came in ragged huffs.
Silence.
Then—laughter.
—Hahahahaha! You are quite entertaining. You’ve piqued my interest! A fan you say?
“Make your decision bastard” Cale hissed.
-Very well... Take the stone and crush it in your palm
The voice spoke again no longer mocking, but filled with intrigue.
Cale frowned, lowering the slab and lifting the stone. The suffocating weight it carried vanished, turning strangely light in his hand. He stared at it for a moment before crushing it in his grip. The stone shattered, and thick blood spilled out, pooling across his palm. but instead of dripping away, the blood sank into his skin, seeping deeper as though the stone itself was forcing its essence into him. A red glow spread through his veins, crawling upward, surging higher and higher until—
“Gh!” Cale gasped, clutching his chest. His body convulsed violently as he lurched forward, coughing up fresh blood. He could even feel it dripping from his nose too, the heavy and oppressing power is weighing him down, it feels uncomfortable.
Choi Han grabbed his shoulder, steadying him. “What’s wrong?”
—Just because I gave you this power doesn’t mean I’ll make it easy for you.
Fucking bastard!
The sweet voice rang on his head, gentle chuckles as if assuring him but was clearly enjoying his suffering.
-Shut up! I will fucking kick your ass you bastard!
The Sky Eating Water cursed so loudly that Cale winced, clutching his head and Choi Han’s shoulder. “Mmm… fine,” he groaned, before his eyes fluttered shut and his body collapsed against Choi Han’s chest.
The swordsman pulled him closer, steadying the young master and letting him rest. Both of them were drenched in blood, Cale’s blood.
It had been grueling, relentless, but they had endured. At last, all the ancient powers were gathered. Cale had found balance.
For now… it should be fine.