To The Edge Of The Sky| VMinKook

Chapter 22

author pov

"The divine crown prince of Silla must be sacrificed." A sly smirk creeps onto Ji-Yong's lips, eyeing the very said boy.

"What sacrifice?" Sehun's voice rang out with fierce protectiveness as he positioned himself firmly in front of Taehyung, shielding him from the mocking presence before them. A pulse of tension filled the air as the rest of the group instinctively gathered in support, each person taking their place alongside Sehun, their collective energy forming a formidable barrier against the impending threat.

"Oh, Sehun, it's you, isn't it?" Ji-Yong taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "The esteemed Kim Sunghae's trusted warrior—the one chosen to be the divine prince's protector," he continued, a smug grin stretching across his face. "You've certainly upheld that title, but let's see just how well you can safeguard your little prince today." His voice was laced with an unsettling cheerfulness as if he reveled in the challenge before him.

The atmosphere shifted as the companions exchanged glances, frowns etched deeply on their faces. Ji-Yong strode toward them with an air of arrogance, his eyes fixated on Taehyung, whose calm demeanor stood in stark contrast to the tension radiating from the others. "It seems you're misinformed, Ji-Yong," Kim Shin interjected, his voice steady but edged with confusion. "Let me remind you that Taehyung, the divine, is blessed by the moon goddess, granting him immunity to the harm that any mortal can inflict. He is the protector of the galaxy, and no man can touch the chosen one."

As the words hung in the air, the weight of the situation pressed down on them, a palpable blend of determination and dread swirling among the group. They tightened their stance, resolute in their commitment to protect Taehyung from whatever malice Ji-Yong had conjured.

Ji-Yong turned slowly, his expression shifting as he came face to face with Kim Shin, who stood there laughing, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "I don't think I'm the one lacking information here," Kim Shin retorted, an air of arrogance in his tone. "It seems you've forgotten important details, but don't worry—I'm feeling generous today, so allow me to remind you." A sinister smirk crept across the corners of Ji-Yong's lips, hinting at an underlying challenge.

"Kim Shin," Ji-Yong began, his voice steady and deliberate, "if I'm not mistaken, you've lived for around 900 years, correct?" His words dripped with intent as he sought to play a little mind game. The atmosphere became charged with tension as everyone listened attentively. 

Kim Shin's expression shifted as he suddenly grasped the implications of Ji-Yong's words, a realization dawning upon him. "Today marks the thousandth passing year of the Moon goddess' chosen one," Ji-Yong declared, his voice echoing in the charged silence that followed. The weight of his statement hung heavily in the air, suggesting a deep, shared understanding among them.

As the words sank in, confused expressions appeared on Jimin's and Taehyung's faces, both struggling to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "Thousand years?" Jimin echoed, his brow furrowed in confusion as he exchanged glances with Taehyung, who mirrored his bewilderment. The tension in the room was palpable, thickening as the significance of Ji-Yong's revelation began to unfold before them.

"After a millennium, today marks the arrival of the blue moon, a celestial event that grants the divine prince immense power, transforming him into the most formidable being to tread among all realms," Ji-Yong explained, his voice echoing with an ancient gravity as he turned to Turing. He then glanced at Taehyung, whose eyes were wide with disbelief, frozen in place as an icy grip of fear settled over him.

"Beast?" Taehyung's voice trembled slightly as he finally mustered the courage to meet Ji-Yong's gaze. It was as if the words had shattered the illusion he had held about himself. He had always known he was the divine prince, a being of exceptional strength destined to be a protector. Yet, this was the first time he had ever encountered the concept of a beast residing within his very essence.