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Now that his recovery was complete, it was time to return. That it was time to return meant it was finally time to face the Blood Demon for true.
"What I can give you is all here. Do not forget. I am someone who wishes for you to end this cycle of regression more than anyone."
Seolhwa looked back at Sama Cheon one last time. A man who had lived as long as the Blood Demon, who had suffered through that endless time, who had lived staring up at a mountain he could never surpass.
"You'll fight too, won't you?"
If her current energy sense was correct, the Blood Demon and Sama Cheon had reached the Profound Realm, a state beyond that—true superhumans. That meant, no matter how much her own strength had grown, facing the Blood Demon without Sama Cheon's help would be a daunting task.
"...When the time comes."
Uncertainty laced Sama Cheon's voice as he answered Seolhwa. That uncertainty was born of fear. Fear of the Blood Demon, against whom he had never once won in all that long time.
Fear of Jeok Yeonhwi.
"When the time comes... I will lend you my strength."
"That's enough then."
"That child."
"?"
"The Heavenly Demon's son you brought."
Seolhwa's brow furrowed faintly.
"It seems the Heavenly Demon intends to make that child his successor. It looked as though he was trying to use you to place the boy firmly on that seat."
"Using me?"