EX rank supporting role’s replay in a prestigious school-Chapter 1096: At the end of a long fight (6)

Cheong Ho’s disciples were crying while saying something, but their sobs were so loud that it was difficult to understand what they were trying to convey.

Even when trying to read their lips, it was hard to interpret because they were crying so loudly while speaking.

Nonetheless, Cheong Ho patiently listened to his disciples, responding with things like, “Sorry for making you wait,” “You’ve endured well,” and “We’ll listen together next time.”

Even after the crying stopped, the disciples were sprawled around Cheong Ho for quite some time.

It might have just been because they were exhausted, but it looked like they were waiting for Cheong Ho to comfort or help them up.

The other tigers, meanwhile, were drinking tea while leaving the front door open, and it wasn’t until Ajeok Ho and Kim Shin-rok arrived at the annex and had three cups of tea that the disciples began to calm down.

“The benefactor is waiting. Let’s go greet them.”

“Yes!”

Just when it seemed they had finally gotten up, they suddenly rushed toward me.

Benefactor, huh? I had almost caused Hwang Ji-ho to die because of a mistake I made, yet they ◈ Nоvеlіgһт ◈ (Continue reading) were calling me a benefactor.

All I did was clean up the mess I made...

“Baek Ho, what are you planning to say?”

“I still have nothing to say. But if Jo Yi-shin thinks about it some more, he might have something to say.”

“Enough. Don’t do it.”

When Hwang Ji-ho said this, he looked at me.

I couldn’t tell whether he was telling Baek Ho to stop or me not to think.

Meanwhile, Cheong Ho led the four disciples over the front door and toward me.

Click.

The sound of the door closing was unusually loud.

Cheong Ho, now in Han-i’s form, was looking at me with affectionate eyes.

It was similar to the look Han-i gave me when I brought snacks and drinks for him in the morning.

As I made eye contact with Cheong Ho and thought about Han-i, Cheon Dong-ha gently patted my back.

Somehow, I felt encouraged.

“Benefactor, please accept our deep bow.”

“Huh?”

While I was momentarily stunned, Cheong Ho’s disciples suddenly dropped to the ground and performed a deep bow.

Though they had usually treated me well, I wasn’t prepared for them to act so suddenly, and I couldn’t react in time.

The disciples, heads bowed to the floor, rapidly fired off words of gratitude, and I was left trying to process everything.

Cheong Ho, seemingly pleased, said with a smile,

“Our disciples may not be as good as Yi-shin, but they are polite, aren’t they?”

Cheong Ho had a bit of a proud streak.

It seemed the disciples were so happy about the praise that they continued their thanks while keeping their heads bowed.

Fortunately, one of the tigers tried to intervene.

“Indeed, as expected of the disciples that Cheong Ho takes pride in.”

At Eun Ho’s gentle voice, the disciples paused in their thank-yous, startled, and flinched slightly.

It seemed they had only been focused on Cheong Ho and only now realized Eun Ho was there.

Eun Ho’s awakening had been treated as highly secretive, and since he hadn’t shown himself, it had been a long time since the disciples had heard his voice.

Eun Ho, setting down the tea cups around Cheong Ho, spoke.

“Yi-shin is feeling burdened, so let’s sit down now. Since you all have cried a lot in the heat, I’ve prepared some iced tea for the disciples.”

“...Eun Ho?”

“It’s been a while. I, too, have received Yi-shin’s favor to be here.”

Cheong Ho’s disciples, slowly lifting their heads, stared at Eun Ho with mixed expressions of joy and shock.

“I believe Eun Ho just referred to Yi-shin as ‘Hyung,’ though?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

“Aren’t there age-related issues?”

It seemed that even the tigers found it strange that Eun Ho would speak that way.

But before Eun Ho could argue, Cheong Ho spoke.

“Yeah, that’s true. But even if there are age issues, I still want to remain friends with Yi-shin.”

“There’s no problem. None at all, Cheong Ho!” one of the tigers said.

“There seem to be more nobles who aren’t acting their age,” Ajeok Ho added.

Though Ajeok Ho spoke, the other tigers didn’t pay it much mind.

To be honest, I agreed with Ajeok Ho’s opinion, but Cheong Ho’s words of wanting to stay friends with Yi-shin were heartwarming.

It felt good to see Eun Ho reconnecting with Cheong Ho’s disciples after a long time, and it was clear Eun Ho had changed his course of action.

‘Eun Ho, who had been so thoroughly hidden, is now revealing his true identity. Eun Ho has already used “error” several times as Cheon Eun-ha. Now, he’s thinking of using a different approach.’

After the major defeat yesterday at the hands of the hidden figure, it was clear that new strategies were needed, but I didn’t want Eun Ho to become a target.

Though his appearance and memories had changed, the fact that Eun Ho was still my precious junior remained unchanged.

But I didn’t have the authority to stop Eun Ho’s choice, so I had to make the best move I could.

“Now that everyone is seated, let’s get to the main topic.”

Hwang Ji-ho, sitting in the highest seat, looked around.

We were encouraged to sit at the high seat, but only Gong Cheong-hwan, Hwang Ji-ho’s close friends, Kim Shin-rok, Cheong Ho’s disciples, Cheon Dong-ha, and I did so.

Hwang Ji-ho seemed to enjoy the busy atmosphere as he began speaking in a bright tone.

“I will explain the circumstances of the attack last night, the damage, and the progress of the recovery.”

Hwang Ji-ho brought up a holographic map and explained the damage done to the facilities and the movements of the clones and subordinates he had placed.

It was a political maneuver that could only be done if one knew the layout of the Hojo family’s placement and the positions of the facilities.

It seemed the hidden figure was still actively using the demon’s “eyes.”

‘Seo Dol must stop playing around and hurry up.’

Very few can detect and counteract the demon’s “eyes,” and although there are ways to block transmissions, it’s nearly impossible to completely cut off transmissions in the daily life of modern society.

The solution was still in Seo Dol’s hands.

“I’ll report. As ordered, I’ve checked the movements of the Myo tribe in the Korean Peninsula.”

Next, Cheong Ho’s disciples reported.

They had been monitoring the Myo tribe’s movements in the Korean Peninsula and reported that there were no traces of them in their usual territories.

Though the Myo tribe didn’t usually stay in groups, they seemed to have almost disbanded, as their primary activity zones were nearly empty.

Next, Cheon Dong-ha reported.

“Namgung Group was involved in the construction of the Rose Garden farm, owned by the Three Knights. We failed to acquire detailed information, but the department responsible for the construction of the energy terminals at Namgung Construction was in charge. Also...”

Energy terminals are facilities humans create to control energy.

In the game Plmago, they are located in Seowang-gu, but after Hwang Ji-ho stopped being negligent, progress has slowed.

They may have experimented with energy terminals in other locations before building them on the Hojo family’s sacred land.

Cheon Dong-ha spoke with a heavy tone.

“There are records of a technological partnership with the TC Research Institute during the energy terminal development process. Most of the records have been deleted, and we are trying to restore them.”

This was part of the recent purging of factions after the incident involving Do Won-woo and Yoo Sang-hee at the TC Research Institute.

Hwang Ji-ho asked several questions about the restoration process and the need for powers, and then Ajeok Ho reported.

“As per Hwang Ho’s orders, I’ve conducted an investigation under the assumption that Yeong-in is the hidden figure. There are no records, so I’ve been rummaging through places Yeong-in might have visited based on memory, but if the hidden figure was monitoring, they must have seen it.”

Ajeok Ho had looked into Yeong-in but found no significant leads.

He had only confirmed that Yeong-in had been abandoned by Cheonsin and disappeared without a record.

If the hidden figure had an agenda, Ajeok Ho might soon uncover some strange clue.

As the report ended, Cheong Ho spoke.

“I spoke with Seon-o today. I learned some information about nightmares and wanted to share it with everyone.”

Cheong Ho relayed the conversation he had with In-seon-o.

When he mentioned the performance, odd looks were cast, but Hwang Ji-ho’s smile grew, so I decided to ignore it.

The hypothesis that nightmares might be interfering with my performances was brought up, and I somewhat agreed with it.

It had felt easier to play the triangle at the festival than playing the chimes with the caretaker at the daycare.

When all the reports had concluded, Hwang Ji-ho spoke up.

"Jo Yi-shin, it's time to speak about what you're planning to do."

Baek Ho-gun suddenly interrupted.

I had been waiting for the right moment to speak, but the white tiger had decided to call it for me.

The intensity of the stares felt almost like the skin on my body was burning.

“There’s something I need to do in front of the Heavenly Dan Su. Please create a barrier so no one can see or approach.”

“Jo Yi-shin, are you planning to do that again?”

Hwang Ji-ho openly showed his distaste, and Eun Ho stared at me with a smile on his face.

The tigers’ reactions weren’t favorable, so Cheong Ho asked,

“What exactly is that ‘thing’ you plan to do?”

“It’s an ability to discern the truth behind the secrets of this world. However, the cost is great—this will likely cause me to faint and bleed.”

“But because of that, you found the newcomers and Cheong Ho.”

I spoke firmly before anyone could stop me.

No matter the state of my body, I had to communicate with the transcendental universe.

And I imagined the Hojo family had already recognized the necessity of this communication.

“This time, we couldn’t read the hidden figure’s moves because of a lack of information. Most of the information I obtained while playing the game is starting to lose its meaning.”

“Yes, because Yi-shin has saved many people, given them great favors, and prevented disasters,” Eun Ho said softly.

If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.

His words were kind, but thinking of the things that almost happened or did happen, I couldn’t fully accept it.

“As a result, you haven’t forgotten what could’ve happened to Hwang Ji-ho, right?”

“Jo Yi-shin...”

A long silence followed as the tigers exchanged glances.

The tigers were sharp, so they must have realized that I had no intention of changing my mind.

Hwang Ji-ho pressed his temples and spoke.

“Fine. I’ll cooperate with Jo Yi-shin. But not today. Rest and recover your abilities, and then accompany me when you go.”

“I’ll go too,” Eun Ho said.

“I’ll go too,” Cheong Ho added.

“I will also go,” Kim Shin-rok said.

After everyone said they would go, Gong Cheong-hwan joined as well.

In the end, most of the tigers, along with me, went to visit Cheon Ik-san.

The Hojo family was busy, so sending such a force to Cheon Ik-san felt like a waste, but the tigers weren’t willing to compromise.

The next night, we ascended Cheon Ik-san.

When we mentioned going to Cheon Ik-san, San-ryeong excitedly joined us, but when he realized I was planning to use the communication skill, he nervously asked,

“Isn’t that really hard and painful? Are you sure you want to do it?”

“Yeah, I have to.”

San-ryeong mumbled, “Since the benefactor wants to do it...” as he looked at the tigers, but it seemed like the decision had already been made.

While comforting San-ryeong during our walk, he seemed to calm down a bit, though he was still filled with worry.

We soon arrived in front of Cheon Dan-su.

The tigers, having set up a perimeter and created a barrier, ensured no one else was around us.

Before I placed my hand on the sacred stone of Cheon Dan-su, I spoke to Baek Ho-gun.

“When I use this skill, won’t it affect you if you read my thoughts?”

“Yes.”

“Will you still read them?”

“Yes.”

Communicating with the transcendental universe causes both physical and mental strain.

The pressure from the vast amounts of information and power would affect even Baek Ho-gun, who was closely connected to Jin-myeong.

Especially if he focused on sharing my thoughts.

Normally, he would’ve advised against it, but this time it was necessary.

“Then read everything and only transmit the necessary words.”

I began to think about the questions I wanted to ask and the possible answers.

Baek Ho-gun didn’t answer directly, but I trusted that he would follow my instructions.

Baek Ho-gun promised not to interfere with my process, and he kept his word.

Though he had once gotten involved in my moves early on in my journey, he had only cooperated with me, and when it was time to go to the underworld, he ultimately let go.

“Wait, it sounds like you’re saying not to ask questions that would make Jo Yi-shin unnecessary. What are you planning to do?”

“Yi-shin?”

Baek Ho-gun didn’t answer.

Instead of responding to Hwang Ji-ho’s question, I activated my skill.

〈Skill "Communication with the Transcendental Universe" is being used.〉

〈The skill “Fate Power” has been activated.〉

A deep, resonating sound filled the air.

As if waiting for this moment, the communication and the fate power were triggered simultaneously.

A beam of light shot up from the Cheon Dan-su stone, stretching high into the sky.

I felt my body break apart, starting from my head, as though I were disintegrating into nothingness.

The vast amount of information and the overwhelming force made it feel like I was disappearing.

As I fought against the emptiness, pressing my hand firmly on the sacred stone, I could feel the pressure around my nails, where they began to dig into the surface.

I asked my first question.

“Is the hidden figure preparing a move to trigger Yeom Jun-yeol’s rampage?”

I asked this question to prepare for what could happen soon.

Though I had almost eliminated the cause of Yeom Jun-yeol’s rampage in Plmago, I didn’t know how the hidden figure would act.

Fwoosh!

The surroundings turned blue as the answer was given.

Though my vision was blue, my mind felt like it was turning black.

The hidden figure had some move planned that I was unaware of.

I hadn’t expected this answer, and I heard the tigers yelling in confusion.

My next question was already anticipated, but I needed to make sure to confirm it with clarity.

“Is Yeong-in’s power being used for the hidden figure’s purposes, and is it something Yeong-in wants?”

This question was designed to eliminate several assumptions.

Simply asking if Yeong-in was the hidden figure would yield limited information.

With this question, I would be able to eliminate many possibilities.

If Yeong-in was the hidden figure, the answer would be affirmative.

If Yeong-in was cooperating with the hidden figure, it would also be affirmative.

Any other answer would be negative.

Boom!

A sensation of burning in my brain accompanied the sight before me turning red.

The answer was negative.

Several possibilities were eliminated.

〈Warning: Excessive communication with the Transcendental Universe and Dimensional Future Change Adaptation subject will cause strain on the subject.〉

Even with only two questions, my body was barely holding up.

The sensation of burning in my brain moved to my left eye.

Crack.

The lens that Eun Ho had made shattered, and I could feel something wet falling from my cheek, possibly blood or tears.

I had already suspected that the more important the secret was, the greater the cost would be to obtain the information.

As the cracks in the vessel grew, I felt a sensation as if the vessel were about to break around my left eye.

‘But this question is essential.’

I had to confirm whether the entity that disappeared, X, was the one I thought it was. The Hojo family would need to prepare.

So I asked, confirming everything.

“Is the disappeared X, the Black Tiger, the being I believe it is?”

As I confirmed the answer from the Transcendental Universe, my consciousness started to fade.

〈Warning: The Dimensional Future Change Adaptation subject has reached its limit.〉

〈Connection to the Dimensional Future Change Adaptation subject is restricted.〉

I heard the tigers shouting, but someone was supporting my collapsing body.

The dizziness and pain in my left eye were overwhelming, almost feeling as though I had been stabbed.

I could see my vision turn red from the white clothes before it completely blacked out.

The tigers’ voices sounded far away, but the system messages whispered as if right beside me.

〈Dimensional Future Change Adaptation subject’s understanding of dimensions has increased.〉

〈Skill “Communication with the Transcendental Universe” has leveled up from 2 to 3.〉