The Second Coming of Gluttony - Chapter 162

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 162. Struggle

After driving hard without rest, the carriage came to a halt before half a day had passed.
They had reached their destination.
Haramag was quieter than expected. There was no need for it to be bustling, but the silence itself felt unsettling.
It wasn’t that people were absent—rather, a hushed, secretive atmosphere permeated everything.
Seol Jihoo, who had set aside all other concerns to head straight for Lushulia Temple, only grasped the source of his unease upon arrival.
A group of Earthians glanced furtively about before hurrying up the steps and disappearing into the temple interior.
It wasn’t just one or two. Watching everyone who entered the temple exchange wary glances sparked an old memory—the tiresome eye-probing that had plagued him throughout the Stage during the raid.
Above all, many people were entering the temple, yet not a single person had emerged.
Considering where the portal to Earth lay, there was only one explanation that came to mind.
…….
Seol Jihoo stared long at the backs of people vanishing one by one, then strode forward with measured steps.
Even as he retrieved his belongings from storage, no one came out.
He suppressed the surge of frustration rising within him and quickened his pace.

Seo Yuhee was preparing to depart for Sheherazade. She had overheard the temple’s communications several times, and the headquarters there had parroted demands for her immediate return in light of the current situation.
Given that the enemy hadn’t yet arrived at the doorstep and that promotion could only occur in the main temple where the “Sacred Object” resided, Seo Yuhee’s return was now a foregone conclusion.
Yet throughout her preparations, she had been visibly dispirited. Her obvious reluctance suggested there were circumstances unknown to outsiders.
Seol Jihoo arrived with the promised item, and upon his return could see that she had argued once more—her face still slightly flushed with irritation.
“You came?”
The moment she saw Seol Jihoo, her expression brightened as though nothing had happened.
Seo Yuhee examined the item carefully and let out a gasp of admiration.
“So this is what it looks like….”
“I’ll bring the appraisal certificate.”
“No. There’s no need.”
Seo Yuhee cradled the Proof of Purity and Attestation of Devotion in both hands, closing her eyes gently.
“Hundreds of years have passed, yet the holiness remains undispersed… it’s genuine, without question.”
Opening her eyes again, Seo Yuhee lifted the white, rounded bead. As she beheld the Fortune’s Oath, wonder bloomed across her face.
“You purchased this from the Neutral Zone?”
“Yes.”
“You’ve been holding onto it all this time—that means you were saving it… are you really sure about giving it to me?”
Rather than answer, Seol Jihoo silently raised his arm. Soma Energy began to gather, and his hand shimmered with golden light.
And at his quiet, steady gaze, Seo Yuhee let out a short laugh.
“All right, then.”
Her hesitation was brief. The moment she swallowed the Fortune’s Oath, Seo Yuhee’s eyes turned to gaze into the void.
“I see. So just below the highest rank comes….”
She nodded as the effect took hold.
“Wait a moment. I have something for you.”
She stopped him before he could dash off, returning with a heavy bundle.
“It’s a Twisted Wish.”
Seol Jihoo’s eyes widened as he examined the contents.
“How did you…?”
“Remember Stage 3?”
Seol Jihoo, quick to read such hints, understood at once. She must have brought out the five Twisted Wishes from those who had fallen back then.
“But—”
“This Twisted Wish belongs to you.”
Seo Yuhee spoke flatly, as though unwilling to rehash the argument.
“I’d originally meant to leave it behind. When I came to my senses and was about to go, Lushulia told me to bring it with me.”
“Lushulia told you?”
“Yes. Since she asked me to deliver it to you—if it bothers you to receive it for free, go tell Lushulia yourself.”
“But why would she….”
He wasn’t opposed, but his mind—imprinted with the Golden Law—reeled at this unexpected kindness.
Seeing his hesitation, Seo Yuhee urged him to accept it.
“She thinks well of you. You’ve accomplished great deeds for Paradise several times over, so she likely has high expectations.”
“Still…”
“Take it. If you’re troubled, you can repay her by using it for Paradise’s sake. And besides… you’ll soon find a use for it anyway.”
At those last words, Seol Jihoo finally relented and accepted it.
Not just one or two—Seol Jihoo had nine Twisted Wishes. They would prove invaluable in the war to come.
“Understood. I’ll use this equipment for Paradise’s sake.”
Seo Yuhee gently clasped the hand of Seol Jihoo, who burned with determination.
“I want to ask you to come with me… but you won’t, will you?”
It was an abrupt question, yet there was no need to deliberate.
“If you’re worried, I’m sorry to say, but I have to stay in Haramag.”
Seo Yuhee sighed, though she smiled gently as if she’d expected as much.
“You have to be careful. Even if you’ve grown stronger, Parasite is a terribly fearsome enemy.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Wait for me a little longer. I’ll return as quickly as I can.”
Seol Jihoo smiled softly.
With all of human territory in peril, the mere fact that Lushulia’s daughter had offered to aid Haramag brought considerable reassurance.
Perhaps her journey to Sheherazade was part of a larger plan to bring reinforcements back to Haramag.
What strength would it bring if they could secure the support of Lushulia Temple’s main branch—the very heart of healing priesthood?
With that thought, gratitude toward the woman before him deepened.
“Thank you. Um, I mean. Sister.”
Seo Yuhee cast him a graceful, sidelong glance.

‘Long sword, shield, light armor, crossbow….’
After parting with Seo Yuhee, Seol Jihoo’s expression as he examined each of the Twisted Wishes one by one seemed faintly disappointed.
‘Not quite what I hoped.’
Raid rewards were guaranteed in performance and quality alike. Which made it all the more frustrating.
He’d hoped for a good spear, but found nothing suitable for his use.
Seol Jihoo stopped just before ascending the stairs. He spotted Marcel Gioneah warming up on the first floor.
As their eyes met, he stepped outside and bowed politely.
“Welcome, Leader.”
Now that Seol Jihoo thought about it, Marcel Gioneah’s equipment was remarkably sparse for his skill. Having been captured by Tarnera’s group, he’d lost or had stolen much of what he’d originally possessed.
Since Seol Jihoo had already confirmed Marcel’s intention to participate in the war on the way, he posed a different question.
“Do you happen to know how to handle a crossbow?”
“I can handle most varieties of bows. Crossbows, in particular, are my primary weapon.”
“Really? That’s fortunate.”
Seol Jihoo retrieved the crossbow he’d seen in the bundle.
The crossbow, which resembled a violin at first glance, was distinctive for its white base and a cylindrical magazine-like disk attachment. Its size was considerable as well.
Upon activating Normal Observation, the name “Victory Laurel” and its specifications displayed.
“Victory Laurel… an upgraded multi-shot crossbow that can fire twelve bolts in succession with a single loading, and with each shot, the wind’s power…?”
Seol Jihoo trailed off, his lips moving silently. Marcel Gioneah wore an utterly baffled expression.
“A crossbow with… rapid-fire function?”
“Yes. Why?”
“If I may be so bold, a crossbow is a weapon with very poor rate of fire. Each shot is powerful, but reloading takes time….”
Seol Jihoo glanced sideways at the information displayed in the air. There was nothing wrong with what was shown.
Yet he didn’t think the Nine Eyes would lie.
“While there are rare cases of expanding range with crossbows or bolt-throwers, precision suffers greatly. It might work for forming a suppressive fire pattern, but—.”
“I’m not entirely sure either. Why don’t you have a look?”
Seol Jihoo cut him off and held out both arms. Marcel Gioneah accepted the crossbow without hesitation.
Click-clack. With dexterous hands, he examined it thoroughly from every angle.
“?”
He tilted his head in puzzlement.
“…It has quite a unique structure?”
A note of uncertainty crossed his features.
“I’ve been using crossbows since the Neutral Zone days… but this type….”
His fumbling words made it seem quite confused, so Seol Jihoo spoke up abruptly.
“It’s a reward from a raid.”
“Pardon?”
“Twisted Wish. You know the item?”
At those words, Marcel Gioneah’s countenance changed.
“Ah. Twisted Wish. So that’s….”
He let out a rueful laugh as if now understanding.
“If it’s an artifact bestowed by divinity, that changes everything. Even if adapted to human capacity, it’s only natural that my shallow knowledge cannot fathom it.”
“You can still use it, though, right?”
“Of course. Using something and understanding how it works are entirely different matters. I’ll have no trouble becoming accustomed to it.”
Marcel Gioneah, having spoken with such clarity, suddenly turned his gaze toward something distant and unreadable.
Seol Jihoo shrugged.
“I’ll lend them to you.”
“Your generosity as leader is quite remarkable.”
It was understandable to be impressed—lending weapons of this caliber without any compensation was no small gesture.
But from the start, they’d agreed to use them for Paradise, and Marcel Gioneah didn’t strike him as the type to lose his head to greed and flee with them.
And if by some chance he did abscond, they could always track him down with Kim Hanna’s help and reclaim them.
That was the Golden Law, after all.
“War’s coming soon anyway. My predecessor was an Upper Rank Archer, and I have to say, having a skilled archer makes combat so much smoother.”
“Edward Dylan… I understand what you’re getting at.”
Marcel Gioneah bared his white teeth in a grin—the first smile Seol Jihoo had seen since their first meeting.
How could he not be delighted to receive a weapon of such quality for nothing?
“I was worried about my equipment, to be honest. With something like this, I can perform well beyond my usual capabilities. I’ll return it in pristine condition.”
“I’m counting on you.”
“Oh, right. Leader.”
Seol Jihoo came to a halt again.
“It seems you need to head directly to the royal palace.”
“The royal palace?”
“An emergency assembly summons. Your superior received word that the Royal House requests your attendance, even at this late hour.”
Marcel Gioneah, realizing he’d completely forgotten, bowed at the waist apologetically.
The moment they’d returned to Haramag, there hadn’t been a moment to catch their breath.
But given the circumstances, Seol Jihoo turned without complaint and headed in the new direction.

Upon arriving at the royal palace, Seol Jihoo completed the identification procedures and was ushered into a conference room.
Dozens of people were already seated around a long table, and a meeting was already in progress.
Cheonji, Agnes, Ha-O Win, Kazuki—many familiar faces were present.
He spotted Erica Lorence, the Level 6 Imperial Knight they’d rescued from the research facility, and welcomed the sight of Rahin Meylar and Yaser Radi, who had fought alongside him in the extraction operation.
It appeared that those assembled here today were all influential figures in Haramag. Seol Jihoo, as leader of the Carpe Diem Team, was among them.
Just then, Rahin Meylar, spotting the latecomer, beamed and waved her hand cheerfully. Yaser Radi opened his mouth in surprise, then gave him a subtle wink.
Unsure how to respond, Seol Jihoo caught sight of Kazuki’s eye, who gestured with a glance toward an empty seat beside him. Seol Jihoo carefully made his way over and sat down.
Teresa, after exchanging a brief nod with Seol Jihoo, resumed the speech she’d paused.
“…With the fall of Tigol Fortress—once a fierce battleground—into Parasite hands, a massive breach has opened in our shared boundary with the Federation.”
She turned toward a large map hanging on the wall and pointed to a location with her finger.
“As a result, the Federation has lost significant influence over the border regions adjacent to us. And thanks to that, the Parasites are advancing without restraint.”
This was the fundamental cause behind why six cities outside the central capital had been thrown into chaos. With a passage opened, the rear cities could no longer be considered entirely safe.
“As for the Parasite’s intentions in raising an unprecedented massive army against us—we’ve narrowed it down to two possibilities. First, they seek our complete annihilation. Second, it’s a show of force.”
A show of force, simply put, is pressure.
They deploy their forces to encircle the cities, tying down the city’s armies while concentrating troops at a single point.
In other words, it’s a complete blockade of reinforcements.
“And if the Parasite Queen’s intention is the latter…”
Teresa trailed off.
The former scenario was grave, but the latter was hardly trivial either.
Because.
“The likelihood of Haramag being targeted as the primary invasion point grows considerably.”
“Because of the Aden Gorge, I take it.”
A man seated at the far end of the table spoke with a bristling tone. Teresa nodded.
“That’s one possibility.”
The man let out a hollow laugh.
“Isn’t it rather bold to speak so nonchalantly?”
“Then what else can we do?”
Teresa shot back with equal irritation.
“Should we withdraw from the Aden Gorge immediately? If we hand over the fortress, will the Parasites politely retreat? Can you guarantee that?”
“No, that’s not what I—”
“Yes.”
Teresa tilted her chin as if inviting him to speak freely, and the man shifted his jaw uncomfortably.
“What I mean is… why not try?”
…….
In the end, he quietly averted his gaze.
Seol Jihoo watched Teresa shake her head with a pitying expression, concerned by her unusually sharp mood today.
“How stands the Federation’s situation?”
It was Cheonji’s voice.
“Your eyes are bloodshot. Determined to retake Tigol Fortress, are you?”
Teresa answered in a slightly softened tone, and Cheonji lowered her head a fraction.
“Then we should assume the likelihood of the Seven Legions appearing is slim.”
“…That would be the case. The Federation is gnashing its teeth, but if they’ve no intention of abandoning Tigol Fortress, well.”
Teresa barely managed to affirm it.
‘The Seven Legions?’
At those words, silence descended abruptly. As the air grew tepid, the faces around them grew heavier in turn.
Seol Jihoo, who had been glancing around the gathering, turned quietly to Kazuki, whose face had frozen like ice.
“Kazuki. What are the Seven Legions?”
“…The Parasite’s main force. The Queen’s personal guard.”
Seol Jihoo blinked several times. Kazuki hesitated, then lowered his voice and continued.
“Centuries ago. The god that the humans who lived on this land originally served was the Seven Virtues.”
And he spoke on, softly.

(To be continued)

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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