WeTried Translations

Translator: Joy

Editor: Joy

Discord: https://dsc.gg/wetried

◈ Damned Transmigration

Chapter 21

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Unpredictable elements

‘Why is he coming?’

The thought lingered in Yuri’s mind as Elena helped him into the house.

In his past life as Lee Su-hyeok, he’d known the name well. Chuk-sin-doo, the Moonlit Reveller, one of the Four Perils among the Revered.

Despite his antics, he had avoided being hunted down, somehow reaching the 7th Circle as a martial artist and earning his place among the world’s strongest.

[UrMumSpammer]
[Chuk-sin-doo]
[Cat Panties]
[FUCKINGSEXY]
[USAUSAMI₍ᐢ.ˬ.ᐢ₎]

These five had often grouped with him on the overseas community boards, and every last one of them was infamous.

Su-hyeok, who only ever engaged in serious discussions about the game, felt deeply wronged by the association.

Back when the community was at its peak, he’d been tarred with the same brush as those lunatics, branded an idiot just for being in the same threads.

Unlike the unfairly maligned Su-hyeok, the other four had probably earned the title. Among them, USAUSAMI₍ᐢ.ˬ.ᐢ₎ and Chuk-sin-doo were in a constant, bizarre rivalry for the top spot.

USAUSAMI₍ᐢ.ˬ.ᐢ₎ spammed an image of a rabbit-eared girl in every post, appending ‘USA’ to the end of every sentence.

USAUSAMI₍ᐢ.ˬ.ᐢ₎: Isn't my character cute USA?

USAUSAMI₍ᐢ.ˬ.ᐢ₎: How do I kill this guy USA?
USAUSAMI₍ᐢ.ˬ.ᐢ₎: How do I get in here USA?

At first, Su-hyeok had no idea what the person was on about. It was only after turning off the auto-translate that it clicked.

‘Why the hell do you keep adding "usa" to everything?’

‘Because I'm a rabbit, usa.’

‘What does that even mean?’

‘A cute rabbit, usa.’

It turned out ‘USA’ wasn’t a country.

He’d asked for a reason when they finally got into a one-on-one chat, but the logic remained impenetrable. Su-hyeok decided it wasn't worth trying to understand and left it at that.

If USAUSAMI₍ᐢ.ˬ.ᐢ₎ was an incomprehensible madman, Chuk-sin-doo was at least within the realm of human understanding.

For one, he could hold a relatively normal conversation.

‘Are you Korean?’
‘If your name is UrMumSpammer, can I tell you a mum joke?’
‘Do you even have a mum?’

In fact, Chuk-sin-doo was an enthusiastic communicator, often the first to comment on his posts with a strong sense of Korean camaraderie.

But this cheerful countryman would sometimes spiral into a frenzy, especially on days when his favourite footballer had a match.

‘Our boy’s gone crazy LOLOLOLOLOL’

Su-hyeok was never sure what had ‘gone crazy’, but on match days, Chuk-sin-doo would flood the community with nonsense posts for hours beforehand, calling it ‘commentary practice’.

Once the match began, he would provide a live, play-by-play commentary of every single thing the player did, even when he wasn’t on camera.

If the player was benched, the commentary became a stream of insults.

Other football fans on the boards, enraged by his antics, would try to shut him down with championship stats and match scores.

Chuk-sin-doo would simply counter with doctored images he’d pulled from God knows where.

‘Hmph!’

That madman was coming to Rutlan. The date was uncertain, but it would be within the year.

‘Are we… friends?’

Yuri seriously considered the question.

As fellow Koreans, UrMumSpammer, Chuk-sin-doo, and Cat Panties had chatted quite a bit.

‘You mum-joking bastard, don't you dare quit before then. I'll buy you a drink, lol.’

It never happened, but the plan had been made.

‘…’

He didn’t need to think about it; the answer was already set. He would stay away.

He’d been warned before becoming Yuri: never trust another transmigrator. No matter who Chuk-sin-doo had been, there was no reason to seek him out.

Perhaps the man kept that ridiculous name precisely to bait and hunt other transmigrators foolish enough to approach him.

‘Some of them prey on others to fatten their own souls.’

There was no guarantee Chuk-sin-doo wasn't one of them.

“I can’t make dinner.”

His body felt as heavy as lead. When he said it, sprawled on the sofa, Elena shot him an incredulous look.

“I can fend for myself, you just rest!”

“Right…”

“What about you? Shall I make something?”

“If I eat your cooking, my lady, I might actually die.”

“Gods, you startled me!”

Yuri’s head snapped around at the sudden voice.

“How long have you been there?”

He hadn't even sensed her. Haryeong, standing silently by the window, shrugged, her face impassive.

“It pains my heart to hear you say such things.”

“Were you hiding on purpose?”

“I was hiding, yes, but not out of any ill intent.”

“Then why?”

“You may not be aware, Yuri-nim, but it is taboo to watch another’s martial arts training. Bakerd-nim is in a position to exchange techniques with you. I am not.”

“Hmm… true.”

“You should have at least told me you were training. I returned with the young lady without a second thought. Do you have any idea how startled I was to find you lost in a trance, swinging your fists?”

“But I am a courteous salsu. I did not keep watching. I withdrew and came in again through the main gate.”

Hearing her out, he realised she was right. She had been considerate. Yuri blinked, then bowed his head.

“Th-thank you.”

“Think nothing of it. In any case, the young lady’s cooking is inedible. Just have some bread.”

“I can at least fry bacon,” Elena muttered, glaring at Haryeong.

“I learned something new today: frying bacon qualifies as cooking.”

“Haryeong, aren’t you leaving?”

Normally, Haryeong wouldn't enter the residence once Elena had returned. But today she crossed the living room and sat on the sofa.

“Something is on my mind. I’ll stay for a moment before I go.”

“What is it?”

“Is the Moonlit Reveller truly coming to Rutlan?”

“Well… I don’t know the exact date, but within the year, apparently.”

“Why?”

“How would we know?” Elena asked.

“Even you don’t know, Haryeong-nim?” Yuri added.

“No. This is the first I’ve heard of it.”

Haryeong frowned and crossed her arms. Seeing her, a woman who rarely showed any emotion, frown so openly suggested this was no small matter.

“Perhaps he’s just visiting?” Yuri offered.

“One would hope, but the fact that he informed Bakerd-nim beforehand suggests a scheduled event in Rutlan.”

“Scheduled…?” Elena tilted her head, confused.

Haryeong paused, then said, “Even without this, the Le Seyun auction was strange. Harabel Ushia, the Crimson Wing, a 7th-Circle mage, personally put her Scorching Blaze spell formula up for sale.”

“Right.”

“There may have been a deal between the Crimson Wing and the Ascard Family. The Moonlit Reveller’s visit might also be connected to them.”

Haryeong’s dark eyes fixed on Elena. Under that persistent gaze, Elena blinked and pointed at herself.

“Me? Why?”

“Aren’t you curious?”

“A-about what?”

“Why is the Moonlit Reveller coming? Why did Harabel-nim sell her own spell formula at the auction?”

‘…’

“The Master of the Dersia Mage Tower is an old friend of the Ascard Family Head. Surely she would know something?”

“Are you telling me to ask her directly?”

“Aren't you curious yourself, my lady?”

Elena didn’t answer right away, her eyes darting about.

She was curious. But she was far more interested in why the Crimson Wing had sold one of her unique spell formulas than why the Moonlit Reveller was visiting.

“Maybe it’s because of the Namgung Family?” Yuri, who had been listening silently, spoke up.

“Orca-nim mentioned it before. The Ascard Family isn’t fond of them.”

“So you’re suggesting the Ascards invited the Moonlit Reveller to keep the Namgung Family in check?” Haryeong asked.

“Yes.”

“It’s not impossible, but it feels… excessive.” Haryeong shook her head.

“The Ascard Family can handle the Namgung Family with their own strength. They leave them be only because there’s no reason to act. They don’t need to invite outsiders.”

“Are they that powerful?”

“They are. Their military might may be less than the Namgung’s, but the city of Rutlan itself is their power. Any shortfall can be borrowed from the Dersia Mage Tower.”

With that, Haryeong rose from the sofa.

“Since you know nothing, there’s no reason for me to stay. I will take my leave.”

“Will you investigate on your own?”

“I must. No matter how bizarre the Moonlit Reveller is, I doubt he would visit Rutlan just to cause trouble… but he is an unpredictable madman. If he were to cause a disturbance, it would make escorting you, my lady, much more difficult.”

‘Bizarre and unpredictable madman.’

What on earth had he done since transmigrating to earn that reputation? It had to be more than just his name.

“And to think Bakerd-nim challenged him to a duel,” Yuri mused.

“He must be just as insane.”

“Can’t he win?”

“There is a vast difference between the 6th and 7th Circles. While nothing is certain, if the duel happens, Bakerd-nim will undoubtedly lose. In any case, Yuri-nim, good luck tomorrow.”

“Good luck with what?”

“I overheard Bakerd-nim is burning with enthusiasm. I doubt his instruction will be as gentle as mine.”

With that parting shot, Haryeong left.

‘Enthusiasm, huh.’

Seeing the secret manual and performing the forms today had sparked something in him.

He could probably figure it out on his own, but learning the fundamentals from a master like Bakerd was a rare opportunity.

He also knew he needed to train his external arts.

If Bakerd was teaching him for a month, he might get more than just advice on the Fist of the Rending Cloud.

“Are you eating?”

Elena, heading for the kitchen, glanced back at Yuri with a sweet smile.

“Let’s just fry some bacon.”

He was expecting an intense session tomorrow; he had no desire to get sick from eating something strange.

***

In the Tower Master’s room at the peak of the Dersia Mage Tower.

“What is it you want to say? This whimpering and hesitation doesn’t suit you.”

Orca, perched on the sun-drenched windowsill, twirled a teacup on her finger and sneered.

“Or do you intend to muddle my mind with this poison before wringing an answer from me? Useless. The Master of Dersia does not yield to torture.”

“You’re being awfully harsh,” Elena said, stopping her tidying of the cluttered desk.

She glared at Orca.

“You’re the one who said you missed my tea, Tower Master.”

“I did say that. But that was before I drank your tea a few days ago. My mouth still remembers that particular hell, so no, I do not miss it.”

“How bad can tea be?”

“Exquisitely awful. The brewing, the timing, the temperature, even your choice of leaves and cup are all dreadful.”

“You’re too much.”

“Elena. Fortunately, what you lack in some areas, you make up for with magical talent. It is why you are here. On the top floor of the Dersia Mage Tower.”

Orca chuckled and released the teacup. It didn't fall, but floated magically to the desk Elena had been clearing.

“That talent not only grants you a place here, but also the right to ask me personal questions. So stop hesitating and ask.”

Elena sighed and perched on the desk.

“The Scorching Blaze spell formula was sold at the Le Seyun auction. Harabel Ushia-nim supposedly sold it herself. Do you know why?”

“A debt.”

Orca wasn’t surprised. She already knew of the matter between the Crimson Wing and the Ascard Family.

“The burning ancient tree of Surtr Volcano bears a single fruit, the essence of fire energy, once a century. The Ascard Family watched over it for a long time, and finally obtained it.”

This was not a well-known story. Elena listened intently.

Orca, seeing the curiosity in her prospective disciple’s eyes, continued.

“But the fruit never reached the Ascards. The Crimson Wing, not yet a 7th-Circle mage at the time, stole it. She took Delia Ascard, who was present, as a hostage and fled.”

“D-Delia Ascard?” Elena’s eyes widened. She was the direct granddaughter of the current Family Head.

“The Crimson Wing likely never intended to demand a ransom. She probably planned to release Delia once she was clear with the fruit, but Alfreon came to me about his kidnapped granddaughter. So I went to find her.”

Orca chuckled softly at the memory.

“I secured Delia’s safety and subdued the Crimson Wing, bringing her before Alfreon. But he did something interesting. He forgave her and gifted her the fruit. In return, he imposed two conditions.”

“What were they?”

“One: when she reached the 7th Circle, she would sell one of her unique spell formulas at the Le Seyun auction. Two: she would grant one request from the Ascard Family. Alfreon showed great mercy by not making the request ‘unconditional’. Honestly, I thought he would kill her.”

Orca chuckled again.

“He even let her choose the spell formula. Naturally, she would pick one she could afford to lose, but a 7th-Circle mage’s unique spell formula still holds immense value.”

"By selling it at a public auction, not a secret one, Le Seyun’s reputation soared. Alfreon probably has dozens of new VIPs lining up, and the next secret auction will be crawling with big names."

“Big names…” Elena murmured, captivated.

“Could the Moonlit Reveller be coming for the secret auction?”

At her words, Orca’s laughter stopped. She stared at Elena, her eyes wide.

“The Moonlit Reveller? One of the Four Perils?”

“Yes.”

“He’s coming to Rutlan? Who told you this?”

The fact that Orca, who seemed to know everything, was asking her for information flustered Elena.

She blinked, then recounted the events of the past day.

“Fist Wolf Bakerd…” Orca stroked her chin, lost in thought.

“He must be a guest of the Ascard Family, then.”

“So you think so too?”

“You needn't worry about him. He's more of a court jester than a rabid dog.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means he doesn’t commit any truly crazy acts. Anyway, I am far more interested in your childhood friend.”

Orca’s lips curved into a mischievous smile.

“I saw a glimpse of his talent before, but perhaps it is greater than I thought. My eyes are not perfect, it seems. Had I known, I would have brought him here with you ten years ago.”

“His talent for magic seemed… average.”

“He absorbed half of an Azure Heaven Pill, did he not? That is no small feat. Nurtured carefully for ten years, he would have become something remarkable.”

Orca was not usually stingy with praise, but to compliment a non-mage who wasn’t even part of her tower was exceptionally rare.

A pleased warmth spread through Elena’s chest, and she couldn't suppress the twitch at the corner of her lips.

“E-ehem. Yuri said he wants to learn magic eventually. When he’s ready, I’ll try teaching him.”

“A martial artist is not a mage,” Orca said, turning her gaze to the window.

“A mage can train alone, to a point. They focus on formulas and casting. A martial artist is different.”

‘…’

"My eyes may not be perfect, but of this I am certain. Your childhood friend is no pet to be kept as an ornament. He is a predator, meant to hunt, not to be fed."

“Yes…” Elena replied softly.

“Even so… next time, I was thinking of taking him with me on a request from the Adventurer’s Guild.”

“So you don’t intend to send him alone.”

“O-only at first!”

With that last defensive remark, Elena left the room. Orca watched her go, still perched on the windowsill, and let out a short sigh.

“This won’t do.”

The Fist Wolf’s training would last a month.

‘Ample time,’ Orca thought.

‘I’ll have to see this boy of hers for myself again.’

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