You Will Be Blessed If You Do Good Deeds¿-Chapter 206

I felt a slight grinding sensation when I thought of the word failure, but the truth is, it was the truth.

“Mana control isn’t working properly.”

The most important thing for a magician to cast a spell is controlling the surrounding mana.

However... when I tried to grasp the mana like usual, it slipped through my fingers as if it were some liquid I couldn't hold.

Flustered, I forced myself to hold the mana and cast the spell, but the glass shard flew to a different place instead of the target I had aimed for.

A spell that would usually be as natural as breathing, a simple magic, failed to be cast correctly.

“So does this mean there’s already a magician in this city who has claimed control of the mana?”

“No, it feels a bit different.”

If another magician had already taken control, the magic would have failed outright from the start. More importantly, I would have realized it as soon as I entered this city. But the mana in this city was flowing freely without a master.

That’s why I entered Suzhou without much thought.

But now, when I tried to cast magic, it turned out like this.

“How about you, Han Jaeyoung?”

“Hmmm...”

Han Jaeyoung furrowed his brows and tried to move the mana, but then shook his head.

“I’m in the same boat. I get what you mean when you say it feels different. It’s like trying to change the course of a giant river. I could force it a little, but... I don’t think I can control it completely.”

Han Jaeyoung’s description was spot on.

Since I had also failed to control such simple magic.

“I’ve been thinking about it, and maybe this is some kind of formation technique,” I said.

“A formation technique...?”

“Like you said, Da-on, a formation technique is basically a way to follow the natural flow of mana, right? But a magician is someone who breaks the original flow. So, a formation technique is essentially in direct opposition to a magician.”

Han Jaeyoung’s words certainly made sense.

The Qi Men Dun Jia formation, in its essence, is about changing the natural flow of mana by arranging natural objects around it, and it’s still part of nature and its logic.

However, a magician is someone who overturns that natural order and writes new rules.

This city, which utilizes the Qi Men Dun Jia, doesn’t allow a magician to set their new rules, meaning it effectively ties the magician’s hands.

“It’s really troublesome,” I said.

“It’s really bad,” Han Jaeyoung agreed.

I said seriously, “This means we’ve lost over 99% of our party’s power.”

“Well, just asking for fun... but that 99% includes my magic, right?”

“Do you really want to hear the answer?”

“I guess I don’t need to,” Han Jaeyoung replied.

“If that’s the case, we should move quickly rather than wait here for the manager,” I said.

Yuhanul looked up into the air, likely reading the system’s message.

The system was still displaying arrows pointing to the location of the shard.

“The system shows that the shard is indeed in this city. I want to go first and figure out where it is and if this Hyunam person is the shard. What do you think?”

I crossed my arms, and Han Jaeyoung shrugged.

“Since 99% of our power is lost, we have no choice but to trust the remaining 1%. What do you think, Da-on?”

“I think it’s a pointless move, but I won’t stop you. Go ahead.”

There was no point in stopping him, as I couldn’t use magic myself.

Even if I gave another suggestion, there was no way to stop Yuhanul if he insisted on going.

Still, his asking for my opinion was likely a form of consideration since he didn’t want to leave me and Han Jaeyoung behind... but it was unnecessary worry.

Yuhanul, apparently thinking my consent meant agreement, nodded and said, “I’ll be back.”

With that, he opened the window and jumped down without hesitation.

Thud!

A slight noise echoed as Yuhanul kicked off the window frame and landed on the roof of another building.

Soon, he disappeared from view.

Han Jaeyoung watched his retreating figure and asked, “So why do you think sending Yuhanul is a pointless move? Honestly, there’s a good chance he’ll find Hyunam and succeed in the quest. That guy’s power isn’t something you should discount.”

“Just to clarify, my calculation says the remaining 1% power is you,” I replied.

“Good grief.”

Han Jaeyoung, a fairy hybrid, may not be able to use magic, but he certainly has his uses.

His greatest weapon, Transformation, isn’t overly dependent on mana control.

And considering how a fairy and an ogre are opposites, he’d be useful for fighting zombies as well.

Despite clearly enjoying himself, Han Jaeyoung still seemed perplexed.

“But if Yuhanul isn’t even 1%, why is he out of the equation?”

“Yuhanul can’t use his full power in this city.”

I know Yuhanul is strong, probably more than anyone else. But...

“Do you really think someone like Yuhanul could steal the hope of this city?”

From everything I’ve seen and heard, the reason this city has survived is because of Hyunam’s Qi Men Dun Jia and the zombies.

That’s why the people at the watchtower and others, including Soomyeong, blindly follow Hyunam.

As Ikenhong mentioned, there were many dungeons around Suzhou, and other cities were struggling as well.

For the people of Suzhou, Hyunam’s presence, which kept them safe, is invaluable.

But if, in this situation, we assume Yuhanul is going to kill Hyunam, who might be the shard of Orbis...

“If we kill Hyunam, this city will collapse.”

If Hyunam, the backbone of this city, falls, the formation and the zombies will vanish, and the ordinary people living here will be thrust back into danger.

Would Yuhanul really kill Hyunam, knowing the risks? Even someone like Ikenhong couldn’t ignore that.

This is a huge handicap for Yuhanul.

“That’s why I’ve excluded Yuhanul’s power from the equation.”

“Da-on, don’t you think you’re underestimating Yuhanul? I’m sure he’s already made the same deduction.”

Han Jaeyoung rebutted my point.

“Yet, seeing him rush out like that means he believes that even if there are risks, it’s the right thing to do—to defeat the enemy of humanity.”

Yes, I know Yuhanul isn’t a rookie.

He’s no comparison to Yi Pyeonghwa, but Yuhanul is a veteran who’s been through many battles and challenges.

Killing someone isn’t an easy decision, but he has borne the weight of murder for a greater cause before.

But...

“The enemy has already made all the preparations.”

By now, the fact that Theo Yobanovich is dead is likely known by the shard of Orbis in this city as well.

So, they must already know that either I or Yuhanul will come looking for them.

“The fact that we can’t use magic now is definitely a trap from the enemy. But charging in without any plans is a fool’s move.”

I scoffed.

“I’ll bet 500 on the fact that Yuhanul won’t be back by tomorrow morning.”

He probably won’t die, but it’s obvious he’ll walk right into the trap set for him.

“Wow, 500,000? Your stakes have gotten bigger.”

“I’ll win, even if I bet 50 billion.”

Han Jaeyoung looked at me with a dumbfounded expression.

“If you’re that sure, you should have stopped him from going.”

-System reminds user, 'Jeong Da-on', of the quest Do Good Deeds, Be Blessed?

“How am I supposed to stop him? I can’t even use magic.”

Yuhanul wasn’t someone who could be stopped by a few words, and there was no point in making myself tired by saying more.

“So, you’re saying we just watch and do nothing while Yuhanul gets into trouble?”

“No, I never said that. I told you, I have a plan.”

“I knew it.”

Han Jaeyoung smiled, knowing exactly what I was thinking.

Han Jaeyoung may be fundamentally good-natured, but he’s also good at playing the system to his advantage.

“We’ll move without Yuhanul to avoid his inevitable opposition.”

“Your understanding of me is why you’re the 1%.”

“...So, what’s the plan?”

“Of course, we start a campaign to sway public opinion.”

This is the enemy’s home turf. In a place like this, if we want to fight, we need to first knock down as many of their points as possible.

“How do you plan to sway public opinion? This isn’t Korea, and people here aren’t friendly to you, Da-on. Plus, Hyunam’s position is very strong... Ah.”

Han Jaeyoung stopped, as if he realized something.

I nodded.

“That’s right, I’m a ‘sage’ like Hyunam.”

I don’t know why the system decided that I’m on the same level as Hyunam, but it’s a card I can use.

“I might not be as powerful as him, but I’ve built up quite a bit of authority too.”

“So, you’re going to use that authority to shake Hyunam’s position? Or maybe expose the fact that he’s using outsiders as zombie food...”

“Would that even work? He’s sacrificing a few outsiders to save thousands, maybe even tens of thousands. Even if the truth gets out, people will stay silent.”

This is something that’s happened countless times throughout human history.

No matter how much pain someone on the other side of the world suffers, humanity usually chooses convenience and righteousness.

This time will be no different.

“Which is why we need to use a different method. Alright, Leo.”

I lowered Leo, who had been yawning in my arms, to the floor.

With graceful feline movements, Leo landed and looked up brightly.

“Meow!”

-My turn?

“Yeah, your role is very important. Can you do it?”

Leo puffed out his chest confidently, as if to say, Of course.

But that only lasted for a moment.

“Leo, you’re going to become a rat ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) from now on. Got it?”

“Meow meow?”

-What’s that supposed to mean?

“What are you talking about?”

“Can you even understand Leo? Never mind...”

Well, the shard of Orbis has probably made preparations of their own.

'This time, you’re the one defending the city, Orbis.'

The side that has something to protect is always the one that has the hardest fight.

And unlike the hero, I’m not interested in a fair fight.

I don’t believe in justice or goodness.

What I believe in is human desire.

The desire that called me the destroyer of worlds, and you the world’s justice.

I raised the corner of my mouth.

“Let’s see just how fast this house of cards will come crashing down.”

The next morning, when Han Jaeyoung and I went down to the first floor, the restaurant was completely empty, unlike the previous night.

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

[Oh, you’re up so early?]

Soomyeong, looking tired, sat on the counter chair, then stood up to greet us.

She must have been cleaning up after the drunks until early this morning. I wasn’t sure if she had gotten any sleep.

I greeted her and asked, "Aren’t you going back home?"

[Ah, we’re on shift work, so we’ll be going back this afternoon. After that, we have two days off, so don’t worry.]

“You must be working hard.”

[It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s not a big deal, especially when serving precious guests... and when I’m hosting a sage, this kind of work is nothing.]

Soomyeong waved her hand, but then she stood up to prepare food. Han Jaeyoung and I both stopped her.

“We’re fine, we don’t need to eat.”

[Huh? But you didn’t eat anything last night either. Is the food not to your taste...?]

“No, it’s not that. As a sage, I don’t need to eat.”

In reality, I had just eaten some calorie bars I’d brought with me earlier.

[Still, others should eat something...]

“Oh, my companions are also training to become sages, so fasting is better for them.”

Han Jaeyoung glanced at me without blinking, probably surprised by my lie, but I wasn’t particularly bothered by it.

After all, Taoist priests often fast, so this setup wouldn't be an issue.

“By the way, do you have children, Soomyeong?”

[Ah, yes. My grandson is five years old.]

Soomyeong’s eyes softened.

[He’s my daughter’s son. My daughter and son-in-law... were taken by monsters, so I’m raising him now.]

“I see. That’s really unfortunate.”

[Ha-ha, thank you. But it’s okay. I have my grandson. I would do anything for him.]

“Haha, of course, one’s own flesh and blood is always the most precious.”

I smiled lightly as I passed it off.

Of course, thinking about whether that "anything" would include offering one of the living to the zombies for food was a chilling thought.

Soomyeong sighed in relief at my words.

[Thankfully, I knew a sage would say something like that. In fact, Hyunam said the same thing.]

I managed to keep my calm smile intact. Thankfully, I didn’t lose my composure.

"Ah, what did Hyunam say?"

[He said that sacrifice for others is a noble virtue. It’s tough working here, but if it’s for our child, I can endure it.]

I see.

I don’t know how much Soomyeong knows about the secrets of this city, but...

At the very least, I understand that Hyunam gave a perfect excuse to rationalize his actions.

“...You’re truly doing difficult work.”

The 𝘮ost uptodat𝑒 novels are pub𝙡ished on freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

The foundation of conversation is understanding and empathy.

“I saw you working last night, Soomyeong. You didn’t get angry at the poor people and served food with kindness. That’s truly a virtuous deed.”

Saying this, I took Soomyeong’s hand. Her skin was rough, likely from doing hard labor.

Soomyeong looked a little surprised but didn’t pull away from my hand.

[Hmm? Ah, thank you...]

“I’m not just saying this. Anyone would hesitate to do what you’ve done, working day and night and putting yourself at risk to help others. An ordinary person would have given up.”

[Ah... that’s true.]

My words seemed to touch something in Soomyeong.

At first, she seemed hesitant, but now she appeared moved, even slightly teary-eyed.

[Actually... working here in this empty inn is tough and basically unpaid. Even if we try to find other workers, the younger ones always push the work onto people like us who are older... Of course, since it’s voluntary work, people like me have to step up.]

I see, she’s even working without pay.

“Again, I’m truly amazed by your dedication. You’ll definitely be rewarded someday.”

I hoped my translation device conveyed this properly.

Looking at Soomyeong’s face, it seemed to have worked. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

[Do you really think so? That I’ll be rewarded?]

Everyone desires a reward for their actions.

They’ll do anything to receive that promise.

I smiled.

“Of course. As a sage, I can guarantee that. However... there’s one thing that bothers me.”

[Hmm?]

“The thing is, a sage like me shouldn’t usually speak about such things, but since you’ve been so kind to me and accumulated virtues... I don’t want to hide this from you.”

[Wh-What is it?]

“You have to keep this secret.”

I lowered my voice.

I saw Soomyeong gulp nervously.

When empathy is formed with someone, the words of an authoritative figure seep in like rain to a thirsty earth.

“The energy in this city is weakening. If it continues like this, everyone might die.”

A fight that heroes can never engage in.

A fake must be countered by a fake.