Damned Transmigration - Chapter 12

WeTried Translations

Translator: Joy

Editor: Joy

◈ Damned Transmigration ◈

Chapter 12: Home Sweet Home (1)

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‘What the fuck is this guy doing?’

Yuri saw nothing wrong with how he had handled things. It had not been his decision to keep the gate closed, and he thought the explanation had been polite enough.

That man had ignored him, kept talking back, and pressed the doorbell over and over. Fine. Yuri could tolerate that much.

But climbing over the wall because Yuri would not open the gate, calling him a son of a bitch, and trying to fucking slap him? That had clearly crossed a line.

“Fuck? Did you just say fuck?”

The man was the perfect example of someone getting angry after farting first. He had already forgotten that he had called Yuri a son of a bitch, latching onto the fact that Yuri had said fuck.

“How dare you say ‘fuck’ to this Namgung Jin?”

Namgung Jin’s face turned bright red. His shoulders trembled as though his anger had reached its peak.

Yuri was just as angry.

“You called me a son of a bitch and tried to fucking slap me, but you’re that pissed because I said fuck once?”

It was fortunate Namgung Jin had not brought his sword. Even without it, though, he still had his fists. Namgung Jin glared at Yuri with clenched fists that trembled slightly.

He had sensed it from outside the gate, but he could not feel even a trace of internal energy from the unknown man. Yuri could not possibly be a master who had reached mastery through simplicity at that age. Nor, judging from the youthful way he spoke, could he be an aged master who had undergone rejuvenation.

That meant he was an ordinary person who knew no martial arts.

That only made Namgung Jin angrier. This man had to be insane.

“If you kneel and beg right now...”

“Why should I kneel and beg? You fucking...”

He said fuck again.

Namgung Jin did not hold back any longer and attacked. He knew Yuri was an ordinary person, so he did not put internal energy into the blow. Still, unlike his earlier attack, which had been driven entirely by emotion, this one was subtle and sharp.

First, he would crush that arrogantly raised nose.

His clenched fist shot toward Yuri’s face.

Unlike before, when he had dodged on instinct, Yuri was aware of everything this time. Namgung Jin’s punch was far subtler and sharper than Oh Bong-chun’s attack. Only just before Namgung Jin launched it did Yuri realize the fist was headed for his face.

Still, it did not seem impossible to avoid. Perhaps it was because the foul energy had drained from his body, or because his meditation had gone well, but his body felt light.

His eyes, no longer stiff and sore, did not miss the incoming fist. His head, no longer throbbing, quickly found an answer for how to respond.

The internal energy in his dantian spread through his entire body.

Smack!

He knocked aside the fist aimed at the center of his face. The instant Namgung Jin’s arm opened slightly, Yuri’s fist shot forward.

‘What?’

Namgung Jin had not expected a counterattack. Startled, he dragged a foot back and leaned away.

Whoosh!

The wind trailing Yuri’s fist scattered Namgung Jin’s bangs.

“You!”

Namgung Jin shouted and swung his fist again. This time, he did not simply throw a punch. He mixed in footwork. His staggering body moved to Yuri’s side in an instant, and the hooking punch once again targeted Yuri’s face.

Thump!

Unlike before, Namgung Jin’s fist carried internal energy. Yuri did not try to divert it this time. He caught it with both hands, but his body was sent flying backward instead.

That had been intentional.

Yuri landed a short distance away and regained his stance by taking a few more steps back. The palms that had caught the punch tingled, and his bones ached.

“Blocked...?”

Namgung Jin did not pursue Yuri. Truly flustered, he looked back and forth between his fist and Yuri’s face.

He had used footwork to slip into Yuri’s blind spot and thrown a punch. Yet it had been blocked. His movements had been read. Yuri had not missed either Namgung Jin or his fist.

“What the fuck is this supposed to be, you fucker?”

Yuri no longer wanted to fight Namgung Jin. He could keep up with Namgung Jin’s attacks for now, but that did not mean he could actually fight him. Namgung Jin was still holding back, restraining the force he used.

His body felt light. His eyes saw clearly. His mind worked quickly. He still had plenty of internal energy in his dantian. He had not even used Sacred Flame Release.

He wanted to try fighting him once.

He could not. If Namgung Jin decided to raise his internal energy in earnest, Yuri would lose without question. For now, he had to stop this here.

“You...”

“Come on, you fucking son of a bitch. You climb over someone else’s wall like a thief, then start barking and trying to beat people up. What the fuck makes you so great?”

“What...”

“What do you mean, ‘what,’ you fucker? Namgung Jin? Namgung Family? Stop lying, you petty thief.”

He spoke that way, but the man probably really was from the Namgung Family. No one, not even a madman, would impersonate the Namgung Family in Rutlan of all places.

“You... you son of a bitch. I am Namgung Jin of the Namgung Family. Why would I be ashamed enough to hide my name?”

“If climbing over someone else’s wall in broad daylight and trying to slap a formally invited guest is not shameful, then what, is it something to be proud of? You fucking bastard pretending to be from the Namgung Family. The lofty and dignified Namgung Family could not possibly be this rude.”

Anyone with status would care about appearances, but prestigious families cared especially strongly about their reputation. And this was not just anyone’s home. It was the home of the Dersia Mage Tower’s darling, Marigold Elena.

‘Marigold? Is she called Marigold just because she has blonde hair?’

If so, was that not an incredibly lazy nickname? Yuri pushed the thought aside and glared at Namgung Jin.

“You trespassed into Elena’s house, attacked and threatened me, a guest, and even impersonated the Namgung Family? You’re fucked now. Don’t even think about running. Stay right there.”

The mansion’s security magic had already activated. Elena, who was at the Mage Tower, would have noticed by now. Haryeong, who was staying at a nearby inn, would soon come rushing over.

That would settle the matter.

And Yuri’s stream of insults?

‘There was a misunderstanding. I apologize.’

Who could possibly blame Yuri in this situation?

“You, you insolent...”

Namgung Jin’s shoulders trembled, but he could not continue. Once his anger rose, he had a bad habit of losing his judgment and acting first.

Still, he was quick to realize things. Namgung Jin understood that the current situation could not possibly favor him.

It might have been different if this were some stranger’s house, but he had trespassed into the home of Elena, who was favored by Heavenly Thunder Orca. This matter was far too trivial to sour relations with the Dersia Mage Tower. The only way to resolve it amicably was for Namgung Jin to lower his head.

“Th-there was some misunderstanding. I thought you were an intruder...”

“What misunderstanding? Don’t say something so ridiculous. I explained exactly who I was. Why not just be honest? You got angry because you were refused entry.”

Namgung Jin bit his lower lip instead of answering.

Yuri was right. Namgung Jin had introduced himself, but the gate had not been opened. He had been irritated when told to go back or wait in front of it.

Then, when he saw Yuri’s wet hair, he lost his reason. He had clearly just finished bathing. In Elena Heinderga’s house!

Namgung Jin panted, swallowed hard, and took a step back.

“...Then who are you, exactly?”

“Shouldn’t you say something else first?”

“I... I still do not know who you are. I find it difficult to believe both that you are a guest and that Miss Elena is truly not at the mansion. So first, tell me your name and your relationship with Miss Elena.”

He was still being stubborn to the end. Were all the young masters of prestigious families in this world like that? Lee Su-hyeok and Yuri had no parents to teach them manners, but why was that bastard, who presumably had distinguished parents, acting like this?

Yuri opened his mouth to reply, swallowing his boiling anger.

“Huh.”

Yuri quietly closed his mouth.

Haryeong stood at the already open gate, holding a dagger in each hand. Throughout their week-long journey, she had not shown a single expression. Yet now, she wore an expression Yuri had never seen before.

“What the hell is this?”

Haryeong looked sincerely baffled and flustered. She blinked her wide eyes, looked around the area, and strode into the garden.

“This is very strange. I do not see... any other intruders.”

Only after inspecting the garden did Haryeong turn her gaze toward Namgung Jin.

“So the identity of the ruffian who trespassed into Miss Elena’s mansion is the fourth young master of the great Namgung Family, Young Master Namgung Jin?”

“Ha, Haryeong.”

“If there is any flaw in my judgment, please correct me directly. From what I can see, Young Master Namgung Jin not only trespassed into the mansion, but also...”

Her wide eyes narrowed. Haryeong looked at Namgung Jin’s footprints carved into the garden floor and Yuri’s red, swollen hand.

“It appears you assaulted Yuri-nim, Miss Elena’s guest.”

“Th-that, there was a misunderstanding.”

“Young Master Namgung Jin. I find it difficult to imagine what misunderstanding could have occurred in this situation. Even if there was one, you clearly crossed the line.”

Haryeong’s voice turned cold. She hid the daggers in her hands as she continued.

“Given your status and the fact that there is no concern that you will flee, I will defer taking action against you for the time being.”

“Punishment...? Haryeong, did you say punishment just now? You, an assassin of the Salhomun, are saying you will punish me, Namgung Jin?”

Namgung Jin’s eyebrows twitched. He glared at Haryeong, openly displaying his anger.

“Yes. Do not misunderstand me. I, too, fear the Namgung Family’s power. But what can I do? As long as I am an assassin of the Salhomun, I must fulfill my contract thoroughly.”

“How dare you...!”

“I do not understand why you are so angry, Young Master. If someone trespassed into the Namgung Family’s mansion and attacked one of your family members, what punishment would the Namgung Family mete out to that intruder?”

Haryeong said that and closed the gate.

“Of course, Miss Elena will decide your punishment. Therefore, Young Master Namgung Jin, please remain here and wait without moving.”

“...I said there was a misunderstanding.”

“I have already answered that. If you truly wish to explain the misunderstanding, do not explain it to me. Explain it directly to Miss Elena.”

Namgung Jin bit his lower lip. Feeling anxious, he clenched and unclenched his hands before releasing a short sigh.

“I will return to my family and send a letter containing an apology for the misunderstanding, along with suitable compensation. Just... just let me return today.”

“A letter?”

Haryeong tilted her head.

“Why would you write a letter? The person you need to apologize to is right there, is he not?”

Haryeong pointed at Yuri.

“And Miss Elena will return shortly. Surely, Young Master Namgung Jin, you do not wish to face Miss Elena directly over this matter?”

“...”

“Would it not be better to offer Yuri-nim and me a bribe and ask us to pretend nothing happened?”

“...Would you really pretend nothing happened?”

“No, I cannot do that. I cannot speak for Yuri-nim, but I am bound by a contract with Miss Elena.”

“I do not take bribes either,” Yuri answered with a frown.

“That is surprising. I thought Yuri-nim would accept one.”

“What exactly do you take me for?”

“I cannot say for certain, but Young Master Namgung Jin will likely offer a great deal of money to smooth this over. Young Master Namgung Jin is a very generous man.”

Haryeong said this as she approached Yuri.

“Are you hurt any... Hm, my apologies. I am not blind, so I can see that Yuri-nim’s hand is badly swollen.”

“Are you really worried about me?”

“Of course I am worried. Do you have any other injuries?”

“My shoulder feels a little stiff. My ankle, too. I might have landed badly when I fell.”

“Your shoulder? When you fell? What exactly happened?”

Namgung Jin, who had been anxiously clenching and unclenching his hands, hurriedly turned his head.

“That...”

“Young Master Namgung Jin, I apologize, but I was not asking you.”

Haryeong replied without even turning around. Yuri glanced at Namgung Jin, whose face had turned bright red, and spoke.

“I was attacked three times.”

“Three times?”

“Yes. First, he jumped from that wall and tried to slap me. I dodged it, but I think I sprained my ankle while doing so.”

“A slap!”

“Yes. Then a fist came at my face, and I knocked it away with my hand. I think I sprained my wrist doing that.”

“Your face!”

“Yes, and then... he suddenly vanished from in front of me, appeared beside me, and swung his fist. I was startled, so I blocked it with both hands. My body flew through the air, and I fell.”

“Young Master Namgung Jin. Did you use footwork and internal energy as well?”

Haryeong looked at Namgung Jin with genuine shock. It was not surprising that Yuri had reacted to the first two attacks. No matter how hot-tempered Namgung Jin might be, a member of the Namgung Family would not use martial arts against an ordinary person with no internal energy.

That was not merely a matter of conscience. It was a strict rule of the Namgung Family, an old prestigious clan rooted in the Righteous Heavenly Alliance.

But from Yuri’s account, it was clear that Namgung Jin had used footwork and put internal energy into his fist.

“I... I did not think that man was an ordinary person.”

“Do not say something so absurd. Young Master, did you truly not know? That cannot possibly be true.”

“...”

“It is fortunate that this ended with only these injuries. What would you have done if Yuri-nim had been seriously hurt? And you targeted his face? If he had been unlucky, he might have died.”

“So... I said I would apologize and compensate him...!”

Namgung Jin’s voice trembled.

“Who is this Yuri, anyway? Haryeong! I heard that man’s name from you for the first time! No matter how many times I asked his name, he would not answer. Is it not natural for me to find him suspicious?”

“Why are you the one getting angry, Young Master?”

“I am not getting angry! I am saying there was room for misunderstanding. What kind of man is he, to be in Miss Elena’s house, take a bath, and have you defend him?”

“Young Master Namgung Jin.”

Haryeong’s eyebrows twitched.

“I understand that you are agitated, but your attitude is excessive. I do not understand why I must endure you venting your anger at me.”

“I said I am not angry...!”

Rumble...

Namgung Jin, who had been pounding his chest in frustration, jerked his head up. Thunder suddenly rang out from the clear sky.

“Good heavens.”

Haryeong was just as startled. She instinctively grabbed Yuri’s wrist and pulled him back.

Yuri also stared up at the sky, his face stiff.

It was a sound effect he had heard countless times in the game.

In Seronis, a sudden peal of thunder heralded only one thing.

[Heavenly Thunder Orca Dersia has appeared.]