Act 25

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The characteristics of characters with slit eyes can largely be divided into three. 

The malevolence that shows even when they try to hide it. 

Speech and actions that seem to scheme behind the back. 

And, when they truly get angry, their normally half-closed eyes open wide, and their combat power increases. 

I thought these characteristics of slit-eyed characters were merely a part of their character. 

Honestly, what difference would it make if someone who usually squints suddenly opens their eyes wide?

“Save… me…”

However, I was mistaken. 

As soon as I opened my eyes, my body became as light as a feather, and my dynamic vision improved to the point where I could easily see the massive fists of Pelkor. 

The density and elasticity of my muscles seemed to have increased, making it easier to deflect his attacks. 

‘When slit-eyed characters open their eyes, they become stronger.’ 

A cliché shown in novels and games. 

In this game, it was implemented as a trait. 

But there was a penalty to this trait. 

‘Their original ferocity is revealed without filter.’

I looked down at Pelkor, who had kneeled. 

His body, mangled like a rag, was enough to make anyone frown. 

The numerous gashes and the bright red blood flowing from them were enough to make anyone grimace. 

Yet, when I opened my eyes, I found the situation somehow pleasant. 

‘Normally, I would never have thought that way.’ 

A significant improvement in physical abilities was clearly felt, along with a drastic change in emotions. 

This trait, <Opened Eyes>, seems to be the one that most significantly affects emotions among all the traits I’ve seen so far. 

Thinking this, I calmed myself down. 

It’s not about adhering to the social norms of the world I originally lived in. 

I just didn’t want to damage the humanity I had built up over the years I’ve lived. 

After all, I have lived as Lee Si-hoo longer than as Julian.

“Why don’t we stop here?” 

As I was about to sheathe my sword, Elenoa, who had been watching the events unfold, spoke up. 

She was holding a small wand in her hand, aiming at me, with mana characteristic of ‘shadow’ magic swirling at its tip. 

“It was you who started it, wasn’t it?” 

Though I said this, I was relieved inside that Elenoa tried to intervene. 

Even though I tried to calm down, a certain emotion kept boiling up, screaming incessantly to kill Pelkor in front of me. 

“I understand it was rude, but it was our people.” 

“So, you think it’s okay to just watch?” 

“He was rude, so he must be punished.” 

Elenoa smiled faintly. 

Then, she withdrew the mana she had gathered on her wand. 

With a fluttering step, she approached Pelkor and began to use a simple healing magic to heal his wounds. 

“Pelkor, you acted without my permission. I won’t overlook this incident.” 

Although there was no response, Elenoa seemed to take it as an affirmation and added, “Okay.” 

“Excuse the rudeness. Ah… if Lord Julian wishes, I can charge Pelkor with blasphemy. What do you think?” 

“That sounds good.” 

“Right?” 

She swiftly turned her head to meet my gaze. 

Her seductive smile and the beauty mark below her right eye made the smile stand out even more.

The reason Elenoa added such words was quite predictable. 

She wanted me to make a decision quickly. 

Whether to join the Dawn Society or to stand against them as an enemy. 

“We hold you in high esteem. Overwhelming force, corresponding decisiveness, and even the trust sent from the royal family. Let’s stop beating around the bush and join hands with us. As you may already know, there’s nothing to lose.” 

“You’re right.” 

“Then, right away…” 

I left her words hanging and quietly smiled. 

No matter how much she threatened or pressured me, I had no intention of deciding right then. 

I had fully assessed the situation. 

Despite efforts to hide it, it was clear who had the upper hand. 

Naturally, the person with the upper hand is the one answering. 

“Still, let’s think about it a bit more.” 

The smile on her face slightly contorted. 

*** 

After Julian left, Elenoa felt as if the chilly night air of the archipelago had become a bit more pleasant, though it was a mere illusion. 

Despite trying to act as if nothing was amiss in front of him, the chilling ‘smile of the executioner’ she encountered in the gloomy alley had sent shivers down her spine. 

‘It’s exactly the same as when I first encountered him at the royal palace.’ 

Muttering to herself inwardly, Elenoa brushed over her beauty mark. 

“So, how was it, Pelkor?” 

She had heard the widespread rumor that Julian had lost his memory. 

She thought it was just grasping at straws. 

For someone with so many enemies to still be alive after such rumors and considerable time had passed was to outright deny those rumors. 

But, what if? 

It was Julian who first showed interest in the power that the Dawn Society, or rather, we possessed. 

It was strange that there had been no contact from him since then. 

“Do you think anything has changed compared to when your eyes were left in such a state?” 

“He was still a formidable man, Bishop Elenoa.” 

“Is that so? Then, it’s certain that the rumors floating around the archipelago are false.” 

Elenoa replied with an indifferent voice, once again running her finger over her beauty mark. 

“Still, this was a personal verification, so I’d prefer if you didn’t mention it to the other bishops. Is that alright, Pelkor?” 

“Ah, understood, Bishop Elenoa.” 

“Good.” 

Hearing her soft voice, Pelkor, uncharacteristically for his size, blushed. 

The reason was her beauty mark. 

It was a unique trait passed down through the Demischel family. 

A blessing that allowed one to be easily loved by the opposite sex, but also a curse that could provoke indiscriminate jealousy. 

Normally, she would hide it with her adept ‘shadow’ magic, 

but using it against Julian proved ineffective just as before. 

Elenoa, having concealed her beauty mark again with illusion magic, turned her head in the direction Julian had disappeared. 

Only the sinister air flowed in that place, and after a while, no sign of life could be felt in the archipelago’s alleys.

*** 

Clang! 

As I placed the broken steel sword on the table, a rough sound quietly echoed.

The headache was due to a series of troublesome matters piling up. 

I opened the window, seeking fresh air, and then slumped into a chair.

“Sigh…”

The first thing to escape my lips was a sigh. 

And it was inevitable, realizing that ‘Julian’ was associated with the Dawn Society. 

Although I had a vague idea that Julian was part of the Dawn Society, facing the reality was overwhelmingly daunting.

‘Furthermore…’

I looked at my right hand, recalling the moment I had slashed through Pelkor. 

The pleasure still coursing through my skin like electricity was terrifyingly addictive.

It was an aftereffect of the trait <Opened Eyes>.

“Damn… Why does it feel like there are so many things to worry about?”

I murmured to myself in self-mockery, sinking deeper into the chair.

Fortunately, the trait <Opened Eyes> only activates when emotions reach their peak. 

Although risky like a double-edged sword, if controlled properly, it could lead to a significant boost in combat ability.

So, the biggest problem now is…

‘The Dawn Society.’

Even though I’m aware of the ambitions and objectives of those expanding their influence, moving rashly wasn’t an option. 

The martial force of the Dawn Society as a cult was too overwhelming for an individual, even for Julian, to confront.

‘If I try to expose them, it’s certain they’d attempt to eliminate me.’

The Dawn Society operates in the shadows, but its reach is almost limitless. 

This means there are spies within the Adratan Empire’s royal court as well.

Any attempt to report them secretly would inevitably leak to the Dawn Society.

‘Who would truly believe Julian’s words?’

I doubted anyone would fully trust the words of this ‘slit-eyed villain.’

Joining the Dawn Society wouldn’t solve everything.

‘If I were to side with the Dawn Society…

It would mean becoming a complete enemy of Sword Saint, Hayden Reich. 

Moreover, wouldn’t it be troublesome if their ultimate goal of reviving the Demon God was achieved? 

It would bring about the return of the one who devastated the continent.

“This is troublesome… truly troublesome.”

The headache was so severe that I didn’t even notice the involuntary formal speech slipping out.

“So, what should I do?”

Doing nothing would be as foolish as waiting for one’s downfall.

On a positive note, could I not say that I’ve grown closer to the character of Julian than when I first regained consciousness? 

Although not perfect, I’m closer to pursuing perfection in embodying Julian.

‘At least the completion of the Moonlight Sword and its ascent to its rightful place is good news.’

Looking at the beautifully completed sheath, I thought to myself.

When I overpowered Pelkor, it’s true that the “Opened Eyes” trait played a significant role, but the fundamental reason I could penetrate his tough aura and inflict wounds was thanks to this completed Moonblade.

“Although the power I currently possess is not on par with a perfect Julian, it is sufficient to mimic him.”

I started to re-evaluate my position and contemplate what stance I should maintain moving forward.

After a brief moment of thought, I reached this conclusion:

“I should indeed join the Dawn Society.”

The reasoning behind this decision was quite simple. 

I didn’t want to establish a direct confrontation with the Dawn Society.

Facing them alone, as even the Sword Saint Hayden Reich felt threatened by them, would be tantamount to suicide.

That’s why I made this decision.

“If I join, I won’t have to be hostile towards the Dawn Society right away.”

Of course, I have no intention of working for their cause.

I’ll thoroughly act as if I’m on their side, just as I’ve been pretending to be “Julian” so far.

Although it’s like escaping a tiger only to enter its den, it seems the best choice I can make right now.

“And then…?”

After organizing my thoughts, I glanced at the broken steel sword.

The steel sword, now a wreck, was damaged beyond repair.

“Should I… recycle this?”

The scrap metal, reflecting the moonlight coming through the window in all directions.

It would be better to handle it myself, as giving it to a servant might cause trouble.

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