Failed Possession Chapter-79

## Ch – 79.

—

‘Orca and Lacy know about me.’

It wasn’t something to be greatly surprised about. Yuri had already braced himself for Orca reaching that conclusion two years ago.

It wasn’t something he could prevent. The opponent was a grand archmage who had sat in the seat of Tower Master since thirty years ago, when possessors first began crossing into this world.

Fortunately, just as Yuri had thought two years ago—Orca was not particularly hostile toward possessors. The fact that she maintained a friendly relationship with Chuk Shin-do, a famous possessor known to the whole world, and that she kept Lacy as one of her closest confidants, was proof enough of her disposition.

On top of that, Yuri was Elena’s childhood friend.

“She really didn’t say anything.”

After leaving the private room, Yuri walked absentmindedly and muttered to himself. Any thought of touring the Magic Exposition had already vanished from his mind. Instead, the things Lacy had said kept circling in his head.

Elena had not revealed that Yuri was a possessor.

—I have no intention of spreading around the fact that you’re a possessor.

Honestly, he had assumed that even if she told someone, there would be nothing he could do about it. The emotions Elena had felt at the time were ones Yuri deserved to bear. But from what Lacy had just said, he now knew Elena had kept silent to the very end.

‘She… must have read the diary.’

Among all the things he had left behind in Lutran, the diary was the one he regretted most. Together with the letters he had exchanged with Elena, it was one of the few relics the orphan Yuri had left behind in this world.

To understand what kind of person the original Yuri had been, he had read that diary several times. He had read through pages filled densely with sticky, clinging emotions—especially the parts about his childhood friend, Elena.

A childhood friend who had gone so far, so high, she was no longer within reach. The childish self-display that seeped through her letters. Advice and condescension sent to a childhood friend who could not leave his hometown, who spent his days in an orphanage, who picked pockets, who ran errands as the lowest grunt in a third-rate gang.

Perhaps at first it had been different—but through exchanging letters, one thing had become clear.

Yuri had resented Elena. Intense inferiority had turned into hostility. Writing obligatory replies had been his way of draining that emotion.

The diary was filled with the feelings he could not put into letters. Truthfully, he hoped Elena would never see it—but that was no longer something he could control.

‘If you read that diary…’

He forcibly suppressed the emotion creeping up inside him. Letting out a long sigh, Yuri lifted his head. He had been walking aimlessly and had already stepped outside the exposition building.

Perhaps that was better. Rather than remaining inside the crowded hall, it felt preferable now to get some fresh air.

‘Full-Moon Play.’

Chuk Shin-do was searching for the Church of Order. Lacy said she didn’t know the exact reason, but she was certain he was also looking for possessors from the same homeland.

Whether that reason stemmed from hostility or something else was unclear—but it would be rash for Yuri to approach Chuk Shin-do first.

‘For all I know, that bastard might already know I’m a possessor.’

Moreover, Chuk Shin-do was currently involved in the Bernok conflict. That place, entangled with several archmages and Martial Zeniths, was far too dangerous for Yuri at his current level. The War Church’s Tu-seong was there, and instead of subsiding, the conflict was escalating. It was even possible the Cult of Chaos had intervened.

‘He won’t die there, will he?’

Every day, newspapers reported on the Bernok conflict, yet there had been no news of any Martial Zeniths or archmage dying. For masters of that level, death was no easy matter. And considering Chuk Shin-do’s personality, even if it was a request from the Ascad family, he likely wouldn’t risk his life recklessly.

Yuri did not know why Chuk Shin-do was searching for the Church of Order—but Yuri, too, had ties to the Order, to the Calamity star Lorellia.

‘If possible, I’d like to meet him directly.’

If he met Chuk Shin-do later, perhaps they could talk about the Order.

Even after organizing his thoughts, Yuri didn’t rise from the bench. It was difficult to stuff all the tangled emotions back inside. So he simply sat there, head lowered, letting time pass.

“Hey.”

The voice came suddenly, just as he was mentally cycling through a combination—adding the Fist King’s skill cancel to the pairing of Rantian Flowing Cloud Fist and Crimson Blood Flowing Kick. It was something he had been testing while sparring with Estor and Haryeong during their travels, and the synergy had been improving.

Truthfully, thinking about it now did not help much. No matter how much his martial talent was praised, inspiration did not strike every day.

Especially not at a time like this, when his thoughts were heavy and emotions muddled. He had simply been sitting there blankly.

“Hey, you punk.”

Thud. The bench jolted lightly from a kick. Yuri looked up to see Haryeong glaring down at him. She looked—strangely similar to Lacy earlier. Oversized glasses, a peculiar necklace, shopping bags in both hands marked with workshop names.

“To stand up this older sister after making a promise—quite the boldness. I was almost worried something urgent and important had happened. But to see you sitting here shamelessly without a care is truly audacious.”

Right. He had promised. Before he could respond, Haryeong deftly raised White fang with the hand holding the shopping bags.

“How did I find you? With this. Though even without it, you’re sitting so openly outside the hall—it wouldn’t have taken long.”

Why was her tone like that? The angle of her brows, the sharpness of her gaze—Haryeong was genuinely angry.

“I’m sorry.”

There was no excuse. Yuri immediately stood and bowed deeply.

“To apologize at once without acting shameless—perhaps one of your many flaws has improved slightly.”

As soon as he apologized, her tone returned to normal. But the angle of her brows remained unchanged, suggesting her anger had not fully subsided.

“So. We agreed to meet in an hour, yet you left me waiting for dozens of minutes. Why? And why are you sulking out here in the heat?”

“I ran into Lacy Yuzuha.”

There was no need to hide it. In fact, at this moment, the only person Yuri could share these concerns with was Haryeong.

“What did she tell you?”

Her raised brows lowered back to their usual angle. She sat down beside him without hesitation.

After Yuri relayed his conversation with Lacy, Haryeong removed the oversized glasses from her face and set them aside.

“Shall we kill her?”

“…What?”

“Alderan is a large city with many people. Though Lacy Yuzuha rarely acts outside, it is widely known within the Dercia Magic Tower that she is especially favored by Heavenly Thunder Orca.”

Her brows drew slightly together.

“Lacy Yuzuha herself may not have many enemies, but Lady Orca certainly does, given her fame. And this city is not Dercia Tower’s domain. Therefore, if Lacy Yuzuha were to die here, it would not be an impossible event.”

“Are you… serious?”

“To be honest, half jest and half sincerity.”

Her black eyes fixed on Yuri.

“No matter how bold an assassin I am, I’m not bold enough to assassinate a mage favored by Heavenly Thunder. More precisely, I am a cold and rational assassin, not one prone to reckless boldness.”

“…”

“But at times, I can be bold. Even if something should not be done, for your future, Yuri-nim, it may be better to remove the root of trouble.”

“If we killed Lacy Yuzuha, wouldn’t that pour oil on the fire rather than remove the problem?”

“Exactly. Which is why we must not kill her.”

Then what was the point? Yuri felt absurd, but Haryeong remained serious.

“However, it is true that the insolent woman threatened you. And she even had the audacity to act as though she hadn’t. Killing her may be excessive—so how about kidnapping and torturing her? It would also serve to silence her.”

“I can’t tell where the joke ends.”

“Upon reflection, torture alone would not suffice to silence her. No matter how professional we are, fear of Orca would outweigh fear of us.”

“Then what are you suggesting?”

“Let us use *Gu Parasite*.”

“Gu Parasite…?”

“A living insect and a poison. There are various types, but the Yin-Yang Twin Gu of the Tang Clan would be ideal.”

When Yuri asked what kind of poison it was, she explained swiftly. The Yin-Yang Twin Gu referred to a paired set—implanting the Yin Gu into someone’s body allowed the controller, via the Yang Gu, to inflict excruciating pain and control the target.

“It is a very convenient poison. One cannot read detailed thoughts, but emotions such as hostility, killing intent, or rebellion can be sensed.”

“So… you’re suggesting we feed a bug to Lacy Yuzuha?”

“Unfortunately, I do not possess the Yin-Yang Twin Gu.”

“Then what?”

“Let us consider it from now on. The Yin-Yang Twin Gu would be perfect, but obtaining it is impossible. Even if we visited the Tang Clan and requested it, they would not give it.”

“Sigh…”

Yuri let out a long sigh and shook his head.

“Let’s not discuss things that can’t be realized.”

“Do you understand?”

Haryeong suddenly said,

“Lacy Yuzuha said she would not expose that you are a possessor. But I already know you are one. And if you wish, I can seriously discuss ways to assassinate Lacy Yuzuha. I am that devoted an assassin to you.”

“…”

“The real issue is Estor Orsia. He does not know you are a possessor. If Lacy Yuzuha attempts a petty threat, she will likely target Lord Estor.”

“Probably.”

“In my opinion, even if he knew, he would not care much. What do you think?”

It was not something Yuri could answer immediately.

They had met by chance at a cult gathering in Evil Hamlet. Fought together. Saved each other’s lives. Dueled. Left Panteleon together.

They had become comrades. Before that, he had thought of him as a friend.

Estor was a good guy. Even now, he was meeting the ruling powers of Alderan for Yuri and Haryeong’s sake.

At times, he did foolish things unbecoming of a noble heir of the prestigious Orsia family—but when it came to the sword, he was sincere.

“I don’t know.”

They had known each other for several months, but Yuri did not know Estor’s heart. He seemed open and bold—but if he learned Yuri was a possessor, his attitude might flip like turning a palm.

That was why Yuri did not want him to know. Most possessors likely felt the same. In the end, a possessor was an alien being in this world—someone who had extinguished another’s soul and worn their skin.

To build relationships as such an alien, one either had to openly declare oneself a possessor from the beginning, like Chuk shindo—or, like the vast majority, hide it and live quietly.

Yuri was doing the latter.

“ Yuri-nim. This is only my personal opinion.”

Haryeong spoke suddenly.

“You are somewhat pathetic.”

“…What?”

It came from nowhere.

“Given your circumstances, it is understandable. Outwardly you try not to show it, but you carry many worries inside. What I find hardest to tolerate is your attitude regarding Lady Elena.”

“What are you suddenly—”

“I will tell you why you are sitting here sulking. You were threatened. At the same time, you feel gratitude that Lady Elena protected your secret to the end. At the same time, guilt that you put her in a position where she had to. Or perhaps you do not wish to repeat the past—when being exposed as a possessor led to ruin. Am I wrong?”

She struck the mark precisely. Yuri could only blink, unable to answer.

“Before you became Yuri—before your possession—you were probably far more pathetic than you are now.”

“Ghk—”

The brutal, violent statement made Yuri clutch his chest without realizing it.

At this moment, Haryeong’s tongue was sharper than any famed blade, and the words she fired were more lethal than sword aura. She was mercilessly slaughtering not Yuri—but the man named Lee Su-hyeok.

“I imagine you barely had any experience interacting with others, either.”

“Hrk…”

Yuri’s shoulders trembled. Friends? None. To be more honest, he hadn’t even had many conversations with women.

‘…Do online friends count as friends…?’

They probably did. In that case, there was at least one consolation—UsaUsami was female. Which meant Lee Su-hyeok had had at least one female friend.

“Your circumstances changed suddenly, so the pathetic Yuri must have been in quite a bind. Your original memories and personality mixed with the real Yuri’s memories. And since you didn’t want to be exposed as a possessor, you acted the part of Yuri until this became your current personality. Well, you still have pathetic aspects, but you’re better than you used to be.”

“Th-that’s enough…”

Yuri said it sincerely. The criticism was painful but fair—yet more than anger, it simply hurt too much.

“Enough? What do you mean enough? If I felt like it, I could speak of your pathetic traits for three days and nights.”

“For example?”

“Standing me up without a care, then sitting here alone with your head hanging, wallowing in self-pity—that was quite pathetic.”

“Ghk…”

“Since you seem to be in genuine pain, I’ll stop there.”

Seeing Yuri clutch his chest for real, Haryeong clicked her tongue and showed mercy.

“This is merely my personal opinion. You may let it go in one ear and out the other—but listen first. If you wish to maintain a friendly relationship with Lord Estor, I believe it would be better for you to reveal your secret first.”

“That…”

“Wouldn’t it be better for you to tell him rather than hearing it from someone else? You’re about to travel far together. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to say—and the greater the backlash.”

She was right. Even if he prayed not to be exposed, the world was unpredictable. It might be better for both of them to say it now, before boarding the airship.

“And if Lord Estor becomes angry, or despises you and spreads the word? What are you worried about? You can simply ‘ask’ him, can’t you? Tell him to forget it.”

The wager from their duel. Estor was not the type to break such a promise.

“And one more thing. I, too, have kept your secret. Do you think I was never questioned about you? When we returned from Lagos, Lady Orca summoned me immediately and asked about you. And the Salho Gate received letters inquiring about you as well.”

Of course that had happened. But Yuri had never once asked Haryeong about it.

“But I kept your secret. How is it? I am an assassin with a very tight mouth.”

“…”

“I know there are secrets about you that you have not told me. CatPanties. Pad-lip Immune. Matters regarding possessors. I am curious, but since we both have secrets about our identities, I do not mind. However, I am always available for consultation, should you wish.”

With that, Haryeong put her glasses back on. Yuri stared at her blankly, then asked hesitantly,

“Why are you so good to me?”

“I believe that is not the first time I’ve heard that question.”

“I honestly don’t understand.”

“I have said several times that I wish to become close friends.”

“Yes.”

“I am someone abandoned by my family.”

Perhaps it was because of the glasses, but her expression was harder to read than usual.

“The reason I first took interest in you was because you belonged nowhere. Having no affiliation means you can belong anywhere. And at the time, I judged that you had sufficient potential to become a master.”

When was it?

Two summers ago, at the Lutran estate. When she gave him advice about martial arts and sparred with him.

“I do not carry the Tang Clan’s banner. I am merely an assassin of the Salho Gate. I know my talent is exceptional—but I lived in an environment where talent alone was not enough to stand out.”

She had reached the 5th Rank without inheriting all of the Tang Clan’s secret arts. Ironically, that very potential had made the Tang Clan view her as a threat.

“As you know, my greatest weakness was my shallow internal energy. I had never properly consumed even a common elixir. My cultivation method was incomplete. There was a limit to how much internal energy I could accumulate, and my martial arts were incomplete as well. I believed my limit was around the middle of the 5th Rank.”

Her brows shifted slightly behind the thick, comical frames.

“You asked why I treated you well. This explanation may be easier for you to understand. As someone abandoned by my family and merely an assassin, among the talents within my reach, you were exceptional—perhaps the most exceptional.”

She continued speaking even as Yuri remained silent.

“Lady Elena was similar. The Salho Gate Master took pity on a poor woman abandoned by her family. That is why he assigned me the duty of guarding Lady Gold Marigold, Elena Heinderga, who was close to becoming Lady Orca’s disciple. Well, among the Salho Gate assassins, I happened to most closely match the conditions Lady Elena wanted.”

A slight curve touched Haryeong’s lips.

“To tell you now, Lady Elena’s conditions were these: female, not too old, not confusing guard duty with surveillance, and not being overly bothersome.”

“Silence wasn’t one of the conditions?”

“Most assassins are taciturn. I, too, can be taciturn when needed. If Lady Elena had required silence, I would have fulfilled that condition splendidly.”

Yuri had suspected there were other motives behind Haryeong’s approach—but hearing it stated so plainly felt different. As she said, it was easier to understand when laid bare.

“So you treated Elena and me well to make the family that abandoned you look back.”

“I will not deny it. At the time, I thought Lady Elena might one day become the Tower Master of Dercia. If I served her with utmost devotion, perhaps when she became a great figure, she might take care of me in return.”

Haryeong let out a hollow little laugh.

“The same applies to you, Yuri-nim. With Lady Elena’s support, I thought you would inevitably rise to a high position somewhere. I wished to leave my mark early. For a mere assassin of no great worth, the two of you were insurance for the future.”

“There’s a contradiction in what you’re saying.”

She said she treated him well for calculated reasons. That was easy to understand—but there was something that didn’t add up.

“If we were merely insurance for the future, why did you risk your life?”

At Lagos, she had been prepared to die to let Yuri and Elena escape.

“At that time, I judged that no matter what I did, death would be difficult to avoid. But if by some luck I survived, I would become the savior of your lives. Was that not a gamble worth taking?”

“That’s a lie.”

“You are correct. That intention existed—but in that moment, emotion overrode reason. Just as you stepped forward because you did not wish for us to die, I did the same.”

She shrugged.

“It may be harsh to say, but the outcome was good. That incident brought us closer.”

“…”

“I still hold my original objective. My desire to grow close to you is not false. And I am already seeing results. While serving Lady Elena, I earned the epithet Dark Flower. After our contract ended and I sought you out, I was fortunate enough to obtain and drink an elixir.”

Her greatest weakness—her shallow internal energy—had been resolved. With her constitution improved, she could now aim for higher realms even with an incomplete cultivation method.

“And as I expected, you will continue to gain renown. If I accompany you, even the Tang Clan will look back at me. How is it? Do you now understand the calculated goodwill of this assassin?”

“I understand that I’m too pathetic to criticize you.”

She claimed it was for her own benefit—but Yuri didn’t believe that was the whole story. The woman who always maintained a blank expression had words and actions that didn’t quite align.

The way she had risked her life to block the Blood Fiend Ghost. The way she had remained at Yuri’s side despite the danger he posed as a possessor who had already antagonized a cult.

“To call you pathetic? I am not like you. I have a clear objective.”

“Why do you want your family to look back? Do you want revenge?”

“Rather than revenge, I wish to make them regret abandoning me. Hmm… now that I think about it… it is not revenge, but Yuri-nim—I wish to kill my father.”

“…?”

Once again, a destructive answer.

As Yuri stared wide-eyed, Haryeong—rarely—smiled with a full curve of her lips.

“I wish to do it with my own hands, though it may not be easy. But if I grow close to you and offer my assistance… someday, I might receive your help in killing my father.”

“You want to… kill your father? And that’s not revenge?”

“Yes. It is entirely different from revenge. It is not that kind of emotion.”

“Then why kill him?”

“Because he must be killed.”

As she had said earlier, both of them carried secrets about their identities. She did not wish to reveal that reason yet.

Still, they were speaking of things they had never spoken of before. Perhaps they had been close enough long ago—but neither had opened their mouths.

“It feels like we’ve grown closer.”

Yuri let out a faint laugh and stood.

“What a coincidence. I was thinking the same, Pathetic Yuri.”

Haryeong stood as well, her faint smile lingering.

“Are you going to keep wearing those glasses? They really don’t suit you.”

“They were expensive.”

“What do they even do?”

“They let me see distant objects up close, perceive the flow of mana faintly, and have several other functions.”

“With whose money did you buy them?”

“With my own. Though I intend to reimburse myself from Lord Estor’s pouch currently in your possession.”

“Ha.”

It was shameless. Yuri shook his head.

“When Estor returns, I’ll tell him I’m a possessor.”

“Wow.”

Haryeong exclaimed flatly.

“A great step forward for Pathetic Yuri.”

“Stop calling me pathetic.”

It stung because it was true.