Swordmaster, My Ass!(Under Revision)

The day of eclipse (5)

The cult leader stood before a large wall. He turned to his escort and gestured for him to open the door.

The escort nodded, pushing the large door made of metal, inscribed with strange writings.

The door opened fully, revealing a large round table surrounded by old men wearing a crimson robe. The faint light from the lantern in the middle serves as the light source. The cult leader walked to an empty seat and sat on it, his escort at his side.

"It's about time you get your ass here, Jin-seong," one of the elders said. "The eclipse is close."

The elders paid no respect to Jin-seong, their cult leader. The elders turned to Jin-seong, waiting for a response.

Jin-seong quietly put his hand under the table, clenching it. 'Dammed bastards.'

One of the elders cleared his throat and said, "We'll discuss what'll happen. I—

"What the fuck are you doing? You're making nonsensical decisions," one of the elders interrupted. "Firstly, you've ordered our subordinates to kill all of Byu-mei's residents causing the outside world to be alerted."

Jin-seong bit his lip, clenching his fist tighter and tighter, the sharp nails piercing his palm. 'You don't understand. You all... You all don't understand.'

One of the elders stood up.

"Cheon Il-gon, stop. We'll discuss the plan requested by the shadow cult," he said, interrupting the Cheon Il-gon.

All eyes turned to the elder who had interrupted Cheol Il-gon.

Cheol Il-gon sat back down, crossing his arms, glaring at the standing elder.

"The shadow cult suggested that we seal the blood god until they find the shadow god's shards."

"Jin-seong is the only capable vessel right—"

"Maybe too capable," one of the elders interrupted. "The blood god might regain all his powers in one go if his spirit inhabits a strong vessel which will make it harder for us to seal him."

They all looked at each other.

But Jin-seong frowned.

The words that came from the elder's mouth made perfect sense for Jin-seong but he didn't want to accept it.

The rush of voices filled the room, overlapping with accusations and defensiveness. Jin-seong’s eyes narrowed as he listened, his frustration growing with each passing moment. The elders' bickering seemed endless, and his patience was wearing thin.

'How dare they doubt me?! I've done more than you all have! You all run your mouths on everything!'

Jin-seong's fist tightened, his nails digging deeper and deeper, blood dripping onto the ground.

'I've trained all my life to strengthen myself. Doing my best to be the best vessel for the blood god. Fearing death. Fearing that I'll lose all my progress.'

'Do they not trust my strength?! Are they looking down on me?!'

Thump!

Cheol Il-gon stood up and struck the wooden table, silencing everyone.

"Cheon Gwi-jin. He's the perfect vessel."

Everyone turned to Cheol Il-gon with a serious expression.

Jin-seong's expression darkened as he heard Cheol Il-gon's words. The words struck him like a dagger to the heart. His eyes flared with a mix of disbelief and rage.

Cheol Il-gon continued, explaining his opinion, undeterred by the tension.

"Cheon Gwi-jin's frail body will serve as a perfect seal for the blood god. Once he sinks into the blood bath, the blood god will reincarnate in his frail body. After that, we'll seal him easily and move on to the next post."