Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 578

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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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But the moment the sun fully rose on those wielding weapons.
Kale Heniatus spoke calmly.

“For now, let’s rest.”

Park Jin-tae’s mouth fell open.

“…What?”

Rest?
In this situation?

Park Jin-tae looked around.
The Grade 2 and 3 monsters had retreated swiftly and were now distant, but the surviving Grade 1 monster still remained here.

Then, something strange appeared in the eyes of the people.

Last night.
A sight they had not witnessed amid that hellish chaos.
The place where this sight unfolded was where Choi Han and Kale Heniatus had primarily fought.

“…Those monsters—”

Beneath the towering piles of Grade 2 and 3 monster corpses that had surged from all directions lay unusually large creatures, their bodies growing cold.

They were distinctly larger than the other Grade 1 monsters.

Suddenly, Bae Chul-ho spoke what had come to mind.

“Tasting monsters of the second tier?”

Just as tasting monsters had appeared between Grade 3 and Grade 2, tasting monsters would emerge during the transition period between Grade 1 and Grade 2.
Kale Heniatus nodded.

“Yes. These are the second tasting monsters.”

Kale Heniatus continued speaking as he observed the Grade 1 monsters, which remained motionless and watchful in place since the humans had ceased their attacks.

“They’re just large in size. The second tasting monsters are far easier than the first ones.”

Their size exceeded that of Grade 1 monsters, but their attack power fell somewhere between Grade 1 and Grade 2.
Approximately 1.5 Grade level.
There was no boss monster among them.

It was recorded in the documents.

【In the case of the second tasting monsters, even if all of them died, unlike the first time, Grade 1 monsters did not attack the Central Shelter for a certain period.】
【The first tasting monsters were an anomaly; the pattern of these second tasting monsters was somewhat more comprehensible.】

In truth, the first tasting monsters were the strange ones.
It was the transition period from Grade 3 to Grade 2, yet Grade 1 monsters appeared as a tasting, and moreover, a boss monster—far stronger than Grade 1—emerged.

Therefore, the second tasting monsters were the true 1.5 Grade monsters right before Grade 1’s appearance. They fit the definition of genuine ‘tasting’ monsters.

“So, until 9 o’clock, Grade 1 monsters will not attack the Shelter, and it is safe. Everyone should return to the Shelter and rest.”

Choi Han approached Kale Heniatus’s side as he spoke calmly.
Swoosh.
Choi Han flicked his sword lightly, and the monsters’ blood scattered from the blade onto the ground.

“…Hah.”

The others watched the sight with varying expressions.
Yet within those expressions lay astonishment and awe.

‘They hunted down and killed all the tasting monsters in that chaos. Those two really did hunt.’
‘…They didn’t just kill the tasting monsters. They killed the most Grade 1 monsters too.’
‘Insane! They literally piled up a mountain of monster corpses.’

Bae Chul-ho, Kim Min-ah, and Park Jin-tae each harbored different thoughts, yet they reached the same conclusion swiftly.

‘Incredible.’
‘I should definitely follow that person to Busan Seomyeon.’
‘…That crazy bastard.’

As Bae Chul-ho murmured.

“We survived.”

I arrived at that conclusion through a flood of emotions about this moment of survival.

“Everyone, come over here and take a look.”

Kale Heniatus stepped back from the location where the Grade 1 monsters had gathered and gestured for the people to approach.

Originally, the Grade 1 monsters should have been divided into three groups to attack the three Central Shelters.
But Kale had used flames and Grade 2 and 3 monsters to gather all the Grade 1 monsters into one place.

“Do you have anything to say?”

Park Jin-tae swept his gaze across the gathered people before directing a question at Kale.
Kale looked at his companions and opened his mouth.

“From 9 PM to midnight. All the shelters in the world will disappear for three hours.”

The Central Shelter had lost its function yesterday at noon.
But the other temporary shelters had been losing their functions one by one.

And during the final three hours of the twenty-four-hour cycle, every shelter vanishes from the face of the Earth.

Kale extended one finger.

“For one of those three hours, we fight.”

He extended another finger.

“For the remaining two hours, we focus solely on defense.”

Kale continued speaking as he took in each of his allies one by one—their forms ravaged by monster fluids, blood, and countless wounds.

“Jang Man-su, Je Ha-jeong, and Kim Rok-soo. These three will each deploy a shield at their respective Central Shelters. And Bae Pureun will move alongside Joo Ho-sik, who will use his abilities to support each Central Shelter defender.”
“Wait!”

Bae Chul-ho shot his hand up abruptly.
His eyes were trembling.

“Kim Rok-soo… you also have defensive abilities—”
“I do.”

A sigh escaped Bae Chul-ho’s lips.
Kale Heniatus continued without pause, pressing forward with what needed to be said.
There was no time to waste.
There was no time.

“Of course, during the defensive battle, other attack-type ability users will have to fight the grade 1 monsters. But then, when it becomes noon…”

Kale Heniatus’s gaze turned toward the Sky.

“There will be another eclipse.”

Seeing their comprehension, Kale pointed toward the direction of the Central Shelter.
Kale Heniatus pointed toward the direction of the Central Shelter as he watched the people understand.

“So let’s go back for now.”

Choi Han approached.

“No need.”
“That’s it.”

Kale Heniatus shook his head and gestured toward one side.

A low growl.

But that wasn’t all. Steel Hawk and White Rabbit drew near as well, and Kale spoke to the two monsters.
It wasn’t just that. Steel Hawk and White Rabbit also approached, and Kale Heniatus spoke to the two monsters.

“Hmph. Understood. You’d better not be scheming anything foolish.”
“Excellent. A conversation of substance is always worthwhile.”
“Very well. We need to have a conversation of substance.”

As the others watched in silence, Kale called out to Choi Han with a serious expression.
While the others quietly watched the scene, Kale called out to Choi Han with a serious expression.

“Choi Han.”
“Yes. I’ll wake you at 9 o’clock.”

Hm?
A question mark appeared in the minds of those watching.

“Right. I’m going to get some sleep.”

Kale Heniatus stretched out flat across the Dark Tiger’s plush fur.
And fell asleep in an instant.
Choi Han watched the sight with considerable satisfaction before turning his head. The people were all looking at him with various expressions.
Even the two leader monsters gazed at Choi Han and Kale Heniatus with peculiar expressions.
Choi Han pondered for a moment at those expressions before opening his mouth.

“I’m glad Kim Rok-soo didn’t lose consciousness. I’ll see you at 9 o’clock.”

With a gentle smile and those parting words, Choi Han followed the Dark Tiger as it trudged back toward the Central Shelter, heading toward the Central Shelter himself.

“…Good grief.”

Park Jin-tae, watching this unfold, shook his head and followed after Choi Han.
The others did the same.

“As expected.”

Only Joo Ho-sik gazed at Choi Han and Kale Heniatus with an enigmatic expression.

“…The power of those two seems a bit peculiar.”

Joo Ho-sik looked down at his own hands.
Hands that had been clasped together throughout the night in prayer.
Though he didn’t believe in religion, the gesture was one that came to mind when praying, and it had become a habit etched into his movements.

He thought back on the ability that had suddenly manifested after the Great Calamity.

Does God exist?
If I’m to believe, what should I believe in?

Joo Ho-sik, who had nothing to believe in except himself, had never believed in religion, yet now he began to contemplate the divine.

“…Hmm. Both of them appeared suddenly, you say?”

Kim Rok-soo was originally an orphan.
Choi Han appeared suddenly, claiming to be Kim Rok-soo’s close younger brother.
And they wielded a power different from ordinary humans.
Because I had supported them with the ability called ‘faith,’ the sense of alienation became all the more apparent.

“…Are they human?”

Were those two really human?
Or were they something else entirely?

Joo Ho-sik’s pupils began to gleam with a peculiar light.

“Hey, Joo Ho-sik!”

At that moment, a gruff voice rang out.

“What are you doing? Why do you look so spaced out! Come on!”

Park Jin-tae, who had been walking ahead, turned around and snapped irritably at Joo Ho-sik, who then began walking toward the Central Shelter with a gentle smile.

“…Something feels off.”

Park Jin-tae watched Joo Ho-sik with a disapproving gaze before resuming his pace.

“Grrr.”
“Kiiieee—”

Even now, many surviving Grade 1 monsters lurked in the shadows, waiting for their moment and eyeing the humans.

* * *

Boom! Crash! Kaboom!
Deafening sounds erupted from all directions.
The Grade 1 monsters launched their assault with unprecedented ferocity.

Crackle. Crackle.
-Kim Min-jun! This is Bae Chul-ho! Could you send Joo Ho-sik here?

Kim Min-jun hastily spoke into the radio at Bae Chul-ho’s words from the Second Central Shelter.

“Joo Ho-sik will be heading there shortly!”
-Please hurry as much as possible! Je Ha-jeong is barely holding on!

Crash—crash!
Bae Chul-ho’s voice was drowned out by the deafening roar.
The same would be true on his end.

“Grandmother!”

Kim Min-jun picked up the radio.

-Min-jun! I sent Joo Ho-sik through Bae Pureun!
“Thank you!”
-Crash! Crash!

Kim Min-jun heard the thunderous roar through the radio. He found himself opening his mouth.

“Is Jang Man-su doing alright?”
-Yes. Man-su is holding strong! And Min-ah is safe too!

Jang Man-su was the one in charge of defending the third Central Shelter.

-How are things on your end?

At Grandmother Kim’s question, Kim Min-jun stared straight ahead.
Beyond the open door of the building.

-You received the least of Joo Ho-sik’s abilities, didn’t you?

Since the defense began, Je Ha-jeong had received the most of Joo Ho-sik’s ‘Trust’ ability. Jang Man-su came next.
The defender here where Kim Min-jun stood had received the least assistance from Joo Ho-sik.

-And all the other ability users went to different shelters, except for Choi Han.

That was right.
Choi Han was the only one who could take the offensive.

Even with Dark Tiger on our side, your group has the fewest ability users.

Yet despite this.
Kim Min-jun could answer with certainty.

“This place is safe. Don’t worry.”

Crash! Bang!
Grade 1 monsters charged forward with ferocious intensity.

Toward the silver shield.
Toward the two wings that unfurled from that shield and wrapped around the entire building.

But the shield held firm.
It did not break.

The image of Kim Rok-soo standing with his hand pressed against that shield burned into Kim Min-jun’s eyes.

Whether it was because the shield was so massive.
Or because Kim Rok-soo was so small.
It seemed as though the shield and the two wings sprouted from his very body, protecting this place.

Kim Min-jun, positioned relatively close to Kim Rok-soo compared to the others, could see his face clearly.
His body as well.

Blood had begun trickling from the corner of his mouth again.
And unlike his steadfast back, his arms trembled faintly, starting from his fingertips.

Then, Kim Min-jun heard Lee Jin-ju’s voice.

{Current time: 11:55.}

It’s finally coming to an end.
Kim Min-jun heard Lee Sung-won’s murmur beside him.

“Current time: 11:55. Defender Kim Rok-soo’s shield remains steadfast, and Dark Tiger and Choi Han continue their assault outside the shield.”

Beyond the translucent silver shield, two dark silhouettes tore across the battlefield.
Dark Tiger and Choi Han.
Though they couldn’t block every Grade 1 monster, Choi Han and Dark Tiger were holding back a substantial portion of them.
Without them, Kale would never have endured.

For a moment, Kim Min-jun watched Kim Rok-soo, Choi Han, and Dark Tiger in silence.

The past day slowly replayed through his mind.

Crackle. Crackle.
-Min-jun, let’s talk in a bit.

Kim Min-jun replied softly through the radio that still hadn’t cut out, hearing Grandmother Kim’s voice.

“Yes. I’ll see you shortly.”

At the same time, Lee Jin-ju’s voice came through.

{Current time: 11:58.}

Two minutes remained.
The eyes of those in the three Central Shelters slowly lifted upward, toward the sky.
Toward the sun.

The past twenty-four hours replayed through my mind like a film.
It had been a moment akin to hell, yet here I stood, alive and remembering it.

Kale felt the same.

“Ugh.”

Kale suppressed the groan threatening to escape and stretched both hands forward. The silver shield unfurled steadily without wavering.

{Current time: 11:59.}

The Grade 1 monsters rushed forward with unprecedented ferocity.

Crash! Crash!
With every weapon at their disposal—claws, fangs, heads—the monsters lunged at Kale, at the shield.

“Huff… huff…”

Kale Heniatus watched Choi Han gasping for breath behind the shield.
Choi Han was incredibly strong, but even he was human—his stamina had limits.

Both Kale Heniatus and Choi Han were exhausted now.
And yet.

‘Just a little longer.’

Just a little longer.

{10.}

Lee Jin-ju’s countdown had begun.

{9. 8. 7…}

Just a bit more now.

{4. 3…}

Kale Heniatus lifted his head.

It was truly almost time.

{2. 1}

Now.
The sun was obscured by darkness.

The monsters’ assault, their spine-chilling cries.
Everything stopped in an instant.

It was then that Kale Heniatus—that I finally felt it.

In this very moment.
I am.

“I changed it.”

My past.
My record.
My regrets.
My despair.
Finally, I changed one thing.

Kale Heniatus closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them.
In that instant, as the sun was obscured by shadow, darkness fell.

Far in the distance, a beautiful luminescence appeared.
It was like an aurora descended to earth.

And within that aurora-wrapped glow, a colossal castle rose into view.
A magnificent structure spanning several stories, its elegant traditional Korean tile roof commanding attention.
And surrounding that castle, modern buildings had been constructed.

Lee Jin-ju’s trembling voice reached his ears.

{What you see now.}

Everyone in this vicinity was witnessing the very place Kale Heniatus had spoken of countless times.

{That place you see is our new home.}
{The moment the sun appears again.}
{We will move there.}

And after one minute passed, when the sun revealed itself once more.
The Grade 1 monsters retreated as if by covenant, scattering into the darkness.

Kale Heniatus lowered his shield.

“Rok-soo hyung.”
“You did well.”

Kale Heniatus patted Choi Han’s shoulder as he approached, then turned away.
He gestured to the people who had trembled in fear inside the building all day long.

Come out of the building.
And.

“Let’s move to our new home.”

Hurry and relocate to the New Central Shelter, to our new foundation.

* * *

The key ability users from the three Central Shelters—the only ones who had achieved the remarkable feat of “zero casualties” during what people called the “First Central Shelter Destruction Incident”—gathered in the Castle situated at the heart of the new massive Central Shelter.

A conference room located at the very top of that Castle.

“Kim Rok-soo.”

Park Jin-tae looked toward Kale Heniatus.

“So. According to what you said, or rather, your ‘premonition’…”

Park Jin-tae barely managed to speak, suppressing the violent pounding of his heart.

“An ‘Unranked Monster’ will appear in Busan Seomyeon soon?”

Park Jin-tae, Kim Min-ah, Bae Pureun, and many others.
Many eyes fixed on Kale’s lips.

Behind Kale, Choi Han stood like a bodyguard.
Kale’s mouth opened, and he answered with conviction.

“Yes.”

The time had come.

“That’s why I plan to go to Busan Seomyeon.”

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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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