Why would you ask me then if you dont want to talk about it? Were you going to shut up after getting information from me?

Yes, that was what I wanted to do. What a shame.

The two clan heads dont intend to budge.

Thanks to them, Im not put in a lot of trouble.

There arent many secure routes based on Moon Saerons Focused Coverage skill and the information obtained by Jeon Muyeong.

It just so happens that those two are in the way as if it was planned.

I want to scootch by. What should I do?

I think I could use Jeon Muyeongs light skill that even Hwang Jiho couldnt properly sense.

However, I cant just recklessly use up precious energy waves and light skills, especially since Im inside the enemys territory.

Should I just pass by?

Those two technically arent hostile subjects.

In this situation, theyre a nuisance at best, but they wouldnt cause much harm.

For Seodol, he even communicated with me personally and expressed that he wants to give me his order.

Of course, I dont have any other connection to Heukma other than our encounter at Hongcheon.

Still, since Heukma is allied with the Tiger Clan, she wouldnt dare harm a student from Eungwang High.

On top of that, she knows that Im close with Maeng Hyodon, her benefactor.

But walking in front of them is kind of

While I was hesitating, the war of nerves between Heukma and Seodol continued.

Seodol would occasionally throw in a word that would scratch Heukma, and the latter doesnt hesitate to throw a remark back.

Its a shame that Im not impressed by your puns, Prankster. Im glad I could cause you disappointment.

Its not such a disappointment, to be honest. Its true that Im curious as to why youre here, but theres something much more interesting than that right now.

Oh, its a relief that Im not the one youre most interested in. Im busy, so Ill go now.

Wait a minute. I still want to guess why youre here.

You think Ill stay just because you want me to? No.

Seodol tried to hold back Heukma and began to guess the reason why she was in this place.

The two casually spoke in Korean, not showing any sign of paying attention to their surroundings.

Seodol talked in an upright manner, and Heukma had a contemptuous look at him for continuously using formal language.

In order to locate this place, one needs to have an exchange with the Demon Race or have collected extensive information. Or it could be that your network is wide. But I dont think any of those applies to you.

Youre right that I havent had an exchange with the Demon Race. What makes you so sure that the other two arent correct?

Didnt you neglect to manage your personal connections because of the continuous attacks of the Demon Race? And how can you afford to do extensive research on Britain when youre so busy in Korea, warding off those demons?

Heukma looked like she wanted to throw Seodol on the line between life and death, but it doesnt seem like Seodol minds.

Well, it looks like youre more lax now. Enough for you to abandon your post as clan head. Im sure the Demon Race isnt stopping with their attacks, so there must be an important reason why youre here. Your influence on the Korean Peninsula is increasing, and the clan with overlapping names as you will not leave you alone.

Seodol spoke as he looked straight into the black mane mask of Heukma.

His gaze was persistent, trying to look for a slip from the other clan head.

Perhaps youve joined hands with another royal lineage? Who could it be? Maybe its one of those people who dont get along with the Demon Race as well?

Seodols guess was correct.

Although its not widely known, Heukma and Hwang Jiho formed an exclusive alliance.

Im probably the only one who knows this fact outside the Horse Clan and Tiger Clan.

Heukma can move more freely now because of the alliance with the Tiger Clan. I guess the people Hwang Jiho dispatched are doing their job well.

Seodol hasnt figured out that it was the Tiger Clan, but he guessed correctly about the existence of an alliance between Heukma and another royal lineage.

He hit the bullseye, but Heukma wasnt showing any signs of agitation.

Prankster, you keep talking nonsense that you forgot an important thing. I already said I dont have any intention to tell you why Im here.

Yes, I know, thats why Im trying to guess it.

Mind your own business. Are you that jobless?

Actually, I dont have that much free time. Theres actually someone Im more interested in than you.

He says hes not that interested in Heukma, but he keeps running his mouth.

Really? If youre trying to pick a fight, I think its better for you to be honest about it.

Im not trying to pick a fight. So about the reason why youre here. Perhaps a superior being make a revelation to you?

I think Seodol and I have the same guess.

When I saw Heukma, I immediately thought that there was a superior being involved.

I have two candidates in mind.

I only guessed that it was Epona, a goddess of horses, but Seodol must be thinking of another one.

Seodol explained his reasoning.

First, Morrgan from Tuatha D Danann. It is said that the name of Morrgan, the goddess of war, is related to the word mare. Mares are horses, correct? Its related to you.

Although Morrgan has a connection to horses, shes more associated with crows, being a crow goddess.

I know that Sidelentiums agent is here, so its possible that Morrgan wouldve contacted Sidelentium if his agent interferes with the auction.

Unaware of Sidelentiums intervention, Seodol guessed that Morrgan is related to Heukma.

The second is Epona of course. I think Morrgan is more likely considering her personality as said from the myths, but Epona will surely intervene, depending on the treasure that will be up for auction.

Heukma silently listened to Seodols words.

She seemed unwilling to properly deal with Seodol until now, but she looks engaged already.

Well then Mr. Prankster, let me take a guess too.

Youre going to guess about me? I dont really like things like that.

Then I have to do it. The subject of interest that you have here is the intruder of the party.

The tip of the mouse-shaped mask in Seodols hand became slightly distorted, perhaps from the added force from his hand.

The mask was the color of a mouse.

The dull color didnt go well with the white clothes that Seodol was wearing.

There are two intruders, but I guess youre more interested in the one with the swan mask the Phantom Thief Neon who sent a colorful announcement. Merlins disciple isnt well dressed, and I know that part is important for you. Thats why you became a designer to send clothes to people that you like.

Come to think of it, only those who put particular thought into their clothing are the ones Seodol is interested in.

Hong Gyubin, who doesnt let his coat be wrinkled even though hes drowning in long hours of work.

Kwon Jein, who pulls off the dresses prepared by the Lake of Eternity team members.

Hwang Jiho, who always matches interior design and fashion to the season.

All of them were neat-looking and well-dressed.

Compared to them and Phantom Thief Neon, Goo Seulbi didnt pay much attention to her clothes.

Well, thats true. Oh, by the way, I think the suit that youre wearing is okay. I dont like the dark color of it, but I think it matches your personality. Is that why?

Seodol is implying that Heukma has a dark personality.

He technically praised her, but Heukma didnt look happy about it at all.

Rather, she seems to feel unpleasant being evaluated by Seodol.

And I could think of a superior being related to swans.

Theres probably more than hundreds of them related to swans, both in Eastern and Western mythology.

Theres only one that comes to mind considering this auction though. Didnt that swan mask person receive Midhirs revelation?

The Celtic God Midhir.

There is a story that he infiltrated a castle in the form of a swan to regain his lover.

Some say he turned into a swan after a long ordeal and adventure, and that he was with his lover who he couldnt be united with in the end.

He does remind me of a swan, but I thought of something else.

Midhir is known as the genius of Fidchell, a game known as Celtic Chess.

In the myths, Midhir famously challenged the king to a chess match to regain his lover.

I remember reading about him when I was a chess player.

I cant believe Im hearing his name in here.

Phantom Thief Neon and Midhir.

The two names being mentioned in the same sentence didnt seem compatible.

I suddenly remembered the image of the man in a swan mask and a chessboard cufflink.

On top of that, the information is from Heukma, who possibly has a connection to Epona.

The Phantom Thief in PMH was never associated with a superior being, but Neon in this world could be related to Midhir.

You didnt answer right away. I guess Im right.

Its not particularly because of what you said.

Seodols tone changed.

He wore his mask again, and I saw a mouse-colored bead on his wrist.

Thats Seodols weapon when he broke Hwang Jihos boundary back in China!

I remember how the golden boundary was shattered when his mouse-colored beads went into contact.

Hes taking it out now, which means

He wants to fight Heukma?

Hesitating if I should stop them or use this opportunity to run, Seodol suddenly moved.

Fwaaa!

The mouse-colored bead in Seodols hand rose in the air.

It split into dozens and rushed into shadows flying toward Heukma and Seodol.

I havent sensed those shadows at all.

At first glance, the shadows seemed to be darker and larger, but when they lost their shape because of the beads

How dare you intervene in a conversation between clan heads?

Seodol narrowed his eyes and looked down at the shadow.

The shadow disappeared and the fragmented body of the enemy was revealed.

Perhaps she also sensed the enemy approaching, Heukma didnt look all too shocked.

Why is this thing going around? I thought only the gloved hands were allowed in here.

It must have something to do with this place, right?

Seodol put his hand on the wall and released an energy wave.

Heukma put her hand on the wall as well and gasped as if she identified the space we were in.

The space seemed to be getting more and more distorted from before, but its completely different from earlier!

How outstanding. Where did the Fomorians get this technology?

Theres no doubt about it. This place is an otherworld. This place is the Fomorians garden!