EX rank supporting role’s replay in a prestigious school - Chapter 856 - Boundary (9)

The light sources inside the garden were weak, but this furnace was different.

The flames inside burned so brightly that it blinded our eyes.

Its power spread out like a wave, from the floor beneath the furnace to the whole garden.

‘This garden’s power is connected to that furnace.’

There was no doubt.

This was definitely the clouded furnace that I saw with my left eye.

I saw its flames burn with the Glare of Life and Death, but standing before it gave me a gloomy feeling.

The Black Screen seems to have chosen heat to suppress Unsa’s power.

‘It’s the same as using water to suppress Wu Zhiqi.’

And Do Shihoo’s light skill was used on Wu Zhiqi as well.

Does that mean this furnace is as powerful, or even more powerful than those two combined?

It would’ve been impossible to keep a mythical royal lineage alive for a long time with just ordinary flames.

“…Inside that furnace?”

The flames were reflected in Hwang Jiho’s golden eyes.

Even though he probably already knew it, it was hard for him to believe.

I said yes, and Hwang Jiho looked at the furnace and said,

“I am here, Unsa.”

Hwaaaa!

The flames in the furnace flared up in response.

It might just be a coincidence, but the flames kept burning and dying out as if a person were screaming.

It was like the two of them were having a conversation.

“Just wait a little longer. I’ll be there soon.”

The flames became noticeably stabler at Hwang Jiho’s words.

Jeon Muyeong, who seemed skeptical whether Unsa was actually there, sighed.

It must’ve been difficult for Unsa to retain his body and mind while being burned, but he decided to wait after hearing Hwang Jiho’s words.

‘I would’ve had to come up with a new plan if Hwang Jiho had approached the furnace carelessly, but there’s no need for that now.’

Instead of rushing in right away, Hwang Jiho chose to reassure Unsa and prepare for the inevitable battle.

Unlike his tone to Unsa, Hwang Jiho spoke in a cold voice.

“I know you are here.”

Hwang Jiho’s gaze fell on the dark clouds around the furnace.

It seemed like no one was there at first glance, but…

Fwaaaa!

Golden particles rose around Hwang Jiho’s body.

Hwang Jiho converted the golden energy waves into magic and spread it around, ready to create a barrier.

“Don’t think you can fool these eyes. Surprise attacks are meaningless.”

When we split up at the forked road, we expected traps or ambushes to be set up by the enemy.

They still controlled the garden and held Unsa hostage so they were still at an advantage.

It still hasn’t revealed itself, hiding itself behind the clouds.

Despite Hwang Jiho’s provocation, he remained quiet.

Meanwhile, the golden particles around Hwang Jiho increased.

‘He’s coming.’

Perhaps thinking that Hwang Jiho was bluffing, the enemy attempted a surprise attack.

Hwang Jiho, noticing it before I did, sneered.

“I told you. It’s meaningless.”

Kwaaadeuk!

The remnants of the barrier scattered where Hwang Jiho had been standing just a second ago.

Through the debris, a cloud-covered mass could be seen melting into the wall in an instant.

Hwang Jiho used his magic in one breath to create a barrier and escape.

In the blink of an eye, the enemy and Hwang Jiho exchanged attacks while the latter tried to figure out the former’s identity.

Fwat!

With a single flick of Hwang Jiho’s fingers, the shattered barrier was reassembled.

He could create an impenetrable barrier, but he probably lowered its durability intentionally.

It’s necessary to use soft materials when making a mold, and that seems to be what Hwang Jiho was doing.

The shattered remains recreated the shape of whatever had attacked it.

It had the shape of a fang.

‘I thought I might’ve seen it wrong, but I was right. I saw teeth between the clouds. They looked like tiger fangs.’

It was clear that the enemy had decent power.

The tiger is associated with the origin of the Korean Peninsula, and so it is a symbol of strength.

But against Hwang Jiho, the head of the Tiger Clan, that symbolism meant nothing.

Now that we saw the shape, I got a clue on the enemy’s identity.

‘A royal lineage, reluctant to fight with others, have tiger fangs, and a legend related to eating.’

I got the third clue thanks to Hwang Jiho’s barrier skill too.

Part of it had been eaten away.

When it attempted a surprise attack and ended up exchanging blows with Hwang Jiho, I caught sight of the teeth between the clouds chewing through the barrier and trying to swallow it.

‘Someone of that description who is worthy of following the Black Screen.’

The answer came to me.

Hwang Jiho glanced over and said,

“You must’ve figured it out.”

Now that the pieces of the puzzle were before us, it was time to give the answer.

As I was about to reveal it, Jeon Muyeong assumed a fighting stance and stood behind me, thinking that I would become the target as soon as I uttered its identity.

“Long ago, in Chinese mythology, there was a monster with fangs just like those. It followed the wicked, was weak to the strong, and strong to the weak. It had a huge appetite and would eat anything. Just like how it chewed through the barrier.”

Before I could finish, a strong murderous intent poured out, enough to make my missing left eye feel numb.

It confirmed that I was right.

“They say that monster avoids those who gather in groups. Perhaps it lacks the courage and strength to face a large number of people.”

Goooooo…!

With my provocative words, the killing spirit heightened and even Jeon Muyeong felt it.

Hwang Jiho used his magic again with indifferent eyes, golden particles weaving into a net.

‘I’ve been thinking about the royal lineages that would side with the Black Screen since before I came to this world. It’s not a small number as I thought.’

Kind beings are often the protagonists in myths and legends, but there are also many where the opposite is true.

Epic poems depicting hell and the devil, and stories of evil beasts that wreaked havoc through the times are still being told today.

Among the numerous candidates, there was only one monster that fit these criteria.

“It is said that the weakest of the Four Perils 四凶 is a monster with curved horns. I would know for sure if I saw it for myself. Isn’t that right, Docheol?”

Kwaaaadeuk!

As I mentioned its name, sparks appeared right in front of me.

The area in front of my right eye was blocked by a golden barrier, leaving scratch marks from its sharp fangs.

Docheol immediately aimed for my remaining eye, but Hwang Jiho anticipated it and blocked the attack.

Looking at him so enraged, I knew I had the right answer.

‘It could be pretending to hide its true identity, but the killing intent from it doesn’t seem to be fake.’

Hwang Jiho drew up another barrier.

I was feeling regretful that Docheol narrowly escaped.

“I tried to capture it this time, but it’s pretty fast. When the potion takes effect, it would be easier to fight it directly.”

Hwang Jiho became bolder now that we know the opponent’s identity.

“I will pull you out of those clouds, Docheol.”

Fwaaat!

As Hwang Jiho waved his hand vigorously, a huge net enveloped the entire space.

From a distance, it felt as if the space itself was made of gold.

Looking closer at the mesh-like barrier, the pure magic was arranged so precisely that it made me doubt my eye.

Kwaaang! Kwaaang!

A loud noise echoed from one side of the golden barrier net.

Docheol, still hiding behind the clouds, resisted being dragged out.

“Those floor masters must be quite strong. It’s not easy controlling my strength with these simultaneous fights.”

The tables turned as soon as we roughly figured out Docheol’s location.

Docheol, who had been on the offensive, was now running away to avoid being killed.

The fangs that he used for attack have now become shields for survival.

The difference between Docheol and Hwang Jiho’s powers was clear.

Without even using earth power, Hwang Jiho toyed with Docheol.

“You have to be careful. Mishandling that power could kill you.”

Hwang Jiho had no intention of killing Docheol.

It would’ve been natural to want to inflict him terrible pain and kill him, but he held back for the sake of his close friend.

We needed information to solve the mystery surrounding Pungbaek, Usa and Unsa.

‘I thought it would be difficult to capture him alive, but with this much difference in strength, it shouldn’t be too difficult.’

Hwang Jiho could easily capture Docheol alive, but the multiple clones were holding him back.

Still, it was only a matter of time.

As the floor masters were almost defeated, Hwang Jiho’s powers increased.

For the first time, we heard a voice beyond the clouds.

[…I have something to say!]

“I will let you speak at the Tiger Clan’s abyss.”

Hwang Jiho stretched out his hand and grabbed the air.

The golden barrier then split the clouds, creating a crack and pulling something out.

Although he couldn’t completely remove it, I could see its curved horns and boar-like head through the gap.

Docheol shouted urgently,

“I used Hondon’s power to identify the people who entered the garden! There are three groups, including you!”

Three groups?

If everything had gone according to plan, Maeng Hyodon, Professor Ham Geunhyung, and Heukma would have been together.

I don’t know how they ended up splitting up, but it’s likely that the most persistent target, Maeng Hyodon, or his mentor, fell.

As I thought of the possible scenarios, Docheol said,

“One of the Four Perils is heading to the group with the lowest number of people.”

On Docheol’s humiliated face appeared a bitter smile.

“Can two humans defeat a monster stronger than me?”

Docheol wanted a deal.