TRPM 319

chapter 319

The Oracle and the Grand Sorcerer quietly followed the woman.

The place where the Oracle and the Grand Sorcerer had been staying all this time was the main headquarters of the White Lotus Sect (白蓮敎), one of the many organizations collectively called the demonic cults. And the identity of the woman leading them to Cheonma was…

‘(The head of the White Lotus Sect….)’

She was none other than the sect leader herself—the leader of the White Lotus Sect. A figure who, in terms of pure combat ability, ranked among the top five even within the demonic cults.

And yet, she treated the Oracle and the Grand Sorcerer with the utmost courtesy. This made sense, as Cheonma had introduced them as honored guests to the cultists.

‘(When every organization heard that, they all rushed to treat us with the utmost respect.)’

The Oracle let out a silent sigh, recalling the terrible events of the past. If she hadn’t thought it more convenient that the White Lotus Sect was led by a woman, there might have been a violent clash between the cultists right then. That’s how unusual it was for Cheonma to introduce someone as a guest of honor.

“(Cheonma is waiting inside.)”

Because the White Lotus Sect could not entrust someone of uncertain skill with the guests Cheonma had summoned, the sect leader herself stood outside Cheonma’s room, personally assisting the Oracle and the Grand Sorcerer. She spoke as if to say she could not enter carelessly.

The Oracle, already thoroughly accustomed to such behavior, naturally opened the door.

“(Hmm….)”

Inside lay Cheonma on the bed, popping grapes into his mouth.

“(Hm…? Oracle? What brings you to my room?)”
“(Is that the attitude of someone who summoned us?)”
“(…Ah, right, I forgot.)”

Apparently, he had summoned them for a trivial reason, forgetting the act itself. The Oracle sighed and asked Cheonma.

“(I’m bored out of my mind. Isn’t there anywhere I can rampage? I wouldn’t mind bringing in some elites from that organization you mentioned and knocking them down.)”
“(…Do you think there’s anyone? Even if there is, we’d only stop it at my level or the Grand Sorcerer’s level. Why would I bring someone like you who just escalates things?)”

Right now, the organization must not learn our whereabouts.

“(Even if the members of the cult you follow are harmed, you don’t care, but if they all die, you won’t be able to lie in bed munching grapes like this.)”

“(Fine, fine.)”

Listening to Oracle’s nagging, Cheonma grimaced and pushed the plate of grapes aside.

“(Heh… You’re like a mother disciplining her son.)”
“(I don’t need that kind of son.)”
“(I wouldn’t want a mother like that either.)”

Sharing a rare moment of mutual understanding, the Oracle and Cheonma stared at each other briefly before moving on to the main topic.

“(I’m thinking of buying souvenirs when I go to Korea this time. What should I get?)”
“(Don’t you dare go to Korea on your own, you fool!)”

Annoyed by Cheonma’s casual words, the Oracle used her space-time ability to fling the plate of grapes at him.

“(Whoa!)”

Cheonma lightly caught the plate, set it back in its place, and continued popping grapes into his mouth with a playful air—obviously teasing Oracle. Watching her reaction, Cheonma’s eyes widened when he saw her merely sigh instead of getting angry.

“(Why?)”
“(Unexpected reaction.)”
“(Ha… this isn’t the first time. I can already guess what you’re thinking.)”

She just wants to see me throw a fit, doesn’t she?

“(Hahaha! Exactly! And to add, I like how brazenly you act toward me.)”

Additionally…

“(Oracle, I was planning to film your embarrassing moments for later, but too bad.)”

Cheonma said as he pulled a hidden camera from his chest.

“(…This guy really?!)”

Oracle, unaware of the camera, blushed and lunged at him. Of course, her attack had no effect.

Meanwhile…

‘(He really does like Oracle.)’

Not in a romantic sense, but he liked Oracle as a person. Otherwise, Cheonma, who treats weaker opponents like insects, wouldn’t be playing around with her like this.

‘(…Though it seems he’s playing a mischievous prank because he’s still annoyed I stopped the previous fight.)’

The Grand Sorcerer watched, waiting for the two to finish their squabble. Interfering would have been unwise—not just practically, but also magically, and they didn’t want to suffer collateral damage.

“(Huff…! Huff…! That was fast…!)”
“(Is that enough for today? Want to keep going?)”
“(Enough. Let’s get to productive matters.)”

Since leaving them alone entirely could also cause problems, the Grand Sorcerer intervened during a lull to change the subject.

“(Productive matters… right, you mentioned going to Korea.)”

Cheonma finally began speaking seriously.

“(There are many annoying people who will want to follow me. Five are already decided, but more are sorting themselves out.)”

So…

“(How about the two of you coming to Korea with me?)”
“(…Did you just ignore what I said earlier? It would be dangerous if people knew about our relationship.)”

Oracle said, of course. Had it been just that, Cheonma wouldn’t even have asked.

“(We can just change your faces. No problem then.)”
“(You think disguising ourselves is that simple? These days, airport security sees through most disguises.)”

Oracle said this, but Cheonma just smiled.

Warily, Oracle asked:

“(You’re not planning to use that ‘Human Skin Mask’ I saw before, are you? Even if improved with my technology, that alone isn’t enough.)”
“(The upgraded masks aren’t even finished. Ask the White Lotus Sect leader at the door for details. What I plan to use is even more reliable than that.)”

The technique: Face Transformation (易容術, E-Yong Technique).

“(…Huh? You mean disguise?)”
“(Something like that….)”

It’s not simple disguise; it forcibly reshapes bones and muscles to completely change one’s face.

“(…Isn’t that plastic surgery?)”
“(Not entirely wrong.)”

Oracle frowned at Cheonma’s words. Plastic surgery usually implies cutting the face to beautify it, so she viewed this technique skeptically.

“(Haha! Don’t worry! Similar, but very different! I won’t be chiseling your bones away.)”
“(…Fine. But why go so far to bring me and the Grand Sorcerer to Korea?)”

There must be a reason. Cheonma is unpredictable, but going to the effort of using such a technique indicates a purpose.

“(Instinct.)”
“(This guy…!)”

Instinct… This crazy guy is making such a proposal just because of some hunch?! Oracle felt herself getting angry again but…

“(…Then we must go.)”
“(…Huh? Grand Sorcerer?)”

The Grand Sorcerer stopped Oracle. Unlike Cheonma, he was someone Oracle could reason with, and after a previous encounter, he had committed himself to her welfare. She could not refuse him.

“(…Grand Sorcerer, why must we follow Cheonma?)”
“(…Oracle, you may not realize it yet due to your youth and inexperience…)”

Instincts of someone with skill at a certain level cannot be ignored.

“(Instinct is not mere guesswork; it is reasoning built from one’s life experiences and knowledge. So Cheonma’s instincts are trustworthy.)”

…No matter how I think about it, Cheonma just wants to see me struggle. Oracle thought this but said nothing. At least, the Grand Sorcerer judged it necessary.

“(…What if we meet other people, like an artist? Changing our faces won’t be enough.)”
“(…We can only hope not. Actually, I’m more of a problem than you.)”

The Grand Sorcerer laughed.

“(Not just the artist, but we must also avoid the Seoul Awakening Academy’s Chairman Shin Han-ji.)”
“(…Ah, right.)”

Going to Korea while risking this…

“(I hope it will be worth the risk.)”
“(Then it’s decided.)”

Resigned, Oracle said this, and Cheonma replied eagerly. Immediately after…

Clunk…
“(Excuse me.)”

The door opened, and the White Lotus Sect leader and others entered.

“(…They came because of your summon? What are they going to do…?)”
“(It’s obvious.)”

Before Cheonma finished speaking, the sect leader lightly clapped.

Clap! Clap!

Those who entered with her surrounded Oracle.

“(Take her to the operating room.)”

With the beautiful voice of the sect leader, Oracle realized why they had gathered.

“(Wait?! I’m not ready…!)”
“(We will completely transform her to look East Asian, not Western.)”
“(Yes.)”

The sect leader and her people kidnapped Oracle and disappeared.

“(Heh… You’re quite mischievous too.)”

The Grand Sorcerer watched the scene and smiled.

Chin.
“(…Hm?)”
“(I will personally fix your face.)”
“(…Don’t touch my bones; they are like sculptures.)”
“(Do you think I’ll heed that?)”

The Grand Sorcerer’s operation would, in fact, be personally performed by Cheonma.