Salvation Through Delusion C136

Chapter 136

If Tyroc could accept Sarne’s power as well… and even learn to use it…?

The thought rose — and I immediately shook my head.

“No way. Borhumi’s divine beast was weak back then.”

“Then Sarne’s beast can give a weaker portion. There’s no harm in trying.”

“There is. I’d have to explain why I entered Acorn Forest and met Black Bear.”

“…Damn it.”

Dr. Kim muttered a curse, then spoke flatly.

“If Tyroc learns Acorn Forest belongs to me, he’ll kill the closest target first. That’s you.”

“…Thanks for the concern.”

She sighed.

“This whole situation’s a minefield.”

And she was the one who planted half of them. I swallowed the comment and changed the subject.

“Everything okay on your end?”

“…More or less.”

“Really? Hoiga’s not causing trouble?”

Instead of answering, she turned her head — and the communicator filled with a strange noise.

“Shhhhh— psssshhh—”

“Uh? Doctor?”

“Signal’s bad. Can’t hear you.”

Really? Then why did that sound like a spray can?

“Anyway, we’re done. Figure out how to convince Tyroc.”

“You said I’d lose my head if I mentioned Acorn Forest.”

“Then don’t mention it.”

How, exactly?

“And even if I do convince him, there’s no guarantee he can accept Sarne’s power. That would mean he can take multiple divine beast powers. Does that even make sense?”

Dr. Kim twisted her mouth.

“If it works, it benefits us. Even if it feels disgusting.”

Yeah… disgusting sounded right. Still — if that power helped us win… if it helped break the curse…

She caught the flicker in my thoughts.

“What? Not disgusted?”

“No, just…”

“…You slept with him, didn’t you?!”

I froze.

“Wh-what are you talking about?!”

“You did! Don’t lie!”

Crash — she shot up.

I immediately flooded the channel with noise.

“Shzzzz— can’t hear— shzzzz— Doctor—”

Click.

I cut the connection and dragged a hand through my hair.

Why was I embarrassed? It wasn’t like I’d committed a crime.

…Right. I’m from Earth. Not Tuvine.

That’s why.

—

The next morning, I ran straight back to Acorn Forest. There was nothing for me at the estate, and every word with the bear cost time.

And once again, Black Bear was kneeling.

“Savior, please let me accept the divine beast’s power again.”

I glanced at the bear. It simply watched with its eerie black eyes.

“You collapsed last time.”

“I’ll endure it. I’ll learn on my own. Please permit it.”

“This isn’t my permission to give.”

I looked back at the bear. When I didn’t want answers, it wouldn’t shut up — and now it was motionless.

I sighed.

“Can you grant her power again?”

Its eyes slid toward Black Bear.

For the first time, that unsettling gaze looked… warm.

Suddenly I remembered Borhumi’s beast calling Zab adorable. Divine beasts really did shower affection on their chosen humans.

So when the furry paw reached for me, I took it — then grabbed Black Bear’s hand too.

“—!”

Thud.

She clutched her chest and collapsed again.

“…What?!”

“She fainted again!!”

The bear slowly rose.

‘ㅇㅇ.’

You psychopath divine beast!

—

Elsewhere — a quiet tavern.

Ennya sat after confirming details with the owner.

“Your Grace. Baiyan passed through here.”

Tyroc, eyes disguised by magic beneath a hood, gestured for her to continue.

“They stayed a day… then moved toward XXX.”

The table went tense.

“That’s right on Koon’s border,” Haas said. “Just a river away…”

No one echoed him. They’d suspected this already.

“She may be heading for Koon,” someone murmured.

“I agree,” Ennya added.

“But why Koon?”

Haas frowned.

“Doesn’t matter. We’ll ask her after we catch her.”

The mood turned cold.

“Haas.”

Tyroc’s voice cut through.

“Return to the estate.”

“Just me?!”

Haas’s eyes widened — then hardened at the next order.

“Tell Rick to prepare for an attack. And stay beside the Consort.”

The others blinked. Wedding or not — Tyroc said it like fact.

—

Days passed like this.

Black Bear kept collapsing… and kept insisting on trying again.

Maybe she was the real psychopath.

Today, I refused to hold her hand.

“You’ll die.”

“I’m still alive. I’ll try harder.”

She said that — and immediately coughed blood.

Stubborn beyond reason.

I couldn’t win the argument. I returned to the estate frustrated.

“Rue… are you alright?”

Rick hovered outside my door.

“Yeah.”

I stepped past — then stopped.

“You want to say something?”

“The curse on Koon is unprecedented black magic… Even a savior might not solve it.”

Ah. Comfort.

Why now?

“Something happen to Tyroc?”

“…No.”

“Yes.”

“…What?”

“You found Baiyan. And he went to fight her.”

Rick stared.

“Can you read minds?”

No time.

“Did they already clash?”

“I… don’t know. Haas reported this morning… a day’s passed…”

Rick shook his head.

Even if Tyroc had the edge — what if he was crippled? Bedridden for a year? Dead?

Damn it.

“Contact him. Tell him to return.”

“Rue — I understand your worry. But once His Grace decides, he finishes it.”

Rick stood firm.

“If war with Sarne is inevitable, defeating Baiyan first is wise — especially before Sarne regains divine power. We have no better option.”

“We do.”

“…What?”

“A better option.”

Rick blinked.

“You can defeat Baiyan?”

“Yes.”

“…How—”

“Don’t ask. Call Tyroc.”

He still looked doubtful.

Fine.

“Tell him… I heard the method from a divine beast.”