Chapter 26
The Moonlight Shall Guide You
Chapter 26: The Moonlight Shall Guide You
The bulletin board was ablaze with the news that one of the Seven Demon Lords, the Pilgrim of Blood, had appeared.
[(Title) Emergency Emergency! Pilgrim Appears]
They say the Pilgrim appeared in the Abyssal Forest.
-Exactly where?
└No idea
-Please, just don’t come near the Holy Nation
└Why? Wouldn’t the Silver Sun stop them if they did?
└Might as well livestream while stopping the Pilgrim
└fr lol
└Is this place full of trash or what?
[(Title) Breaking! Pilgrim heading toward the Martial Alliance]
I work at the Martial Alliance, and the lord just left to deal with it
-For real?
-Phew, went that way thank god
└Was hoping for a Silver Sun broadcast though damn
└Damn, easy for you to joke when it’s not your life
└I can hear my faith in humanity crumbling
-Did the lord go with the Infinite Greats?
└Nah, he went alone
-Why alone? Isn’t that dangerous?
└Because of the Pilgrim’s ability
└It devours any living creature
└It’s safer to go alone… if others go, they might just get absorbed too
└Terrifying;
[(Title) What’s the Pilgrim doing?]
That “WhereIsMyGod” account … that’s the Pilgrim’s ID, right?
(The Pilgrim’s challenge message shown on Heavenly Demon’s livestream screen)
(A photo zoomed in on the ID and its Heaven-Above-Heaven rank beside it)
He suddenly appeared and sent a challenge to Heavenly Demon
(A picture of the Pilgrim wearing a deep hood under the red moon)
(A shot of Heavenly Demon and the Pilgrim staring silently at each other under the blood-red sky)
-???
-Out of nowhere?
-What the hell is going on?
-Isn’t that the same stream where the Pure Fool showed up?
└What is this, a cursed hotspot;
-Why did she even accept it?
└Seriously though;
└Guess she’s got guts… or a death wish
-Fake?
└Don’t believe it? Go check yourself
└(Heavenly Demon’s stream link)
-Holy crap, it’s real?
-What in the world is this?
-Wonder what the Pilgrim looks like
└Yeah, he’s always got that hood up, no one’s ever seen his face
-The stream just cut off
-What happened
-Damn it what’s going on?
—
This was Start Valley… Heavenly Demon’s farm, basking under the warm, peaceful sunlight.
“How satisfying.”
Magical Genius Romero smiled proudly as he looked at the thriving potato field.
A straw hat, the signature of a farmer, sat on his head.
At first, when Heavenly Demon told him to plant potatoes, he fought back tears while plowing, sowing, and watering.
But as he kept at it, he started to enjoy it.
Growing crops began to feel genuinely fun… rewarding, even.
He’d thrown aside his usual Rifa streams and poured all his time into Start Valley.
Like they say, late-found passions burn the brightest… he’d completely fallen for this healing farm game.
Romero pulled up a large bucket of water from the well, raised it toward the sky, and chanted a spell.
Essence of water, with the blessing of heaven… bring down the rain!
“Little Rainmaker!”
Swaa…
Rain began to fall over the not-so-large potato field like a shower.
-That’s a 3rd-circle water spell, right?
-Yeah, pretty sure
-Wow, crazy
-He’s already mastered 4th-circle fire and earth magic, and raised the rest to 3rd-circle
-Insane growth;;
-Guess he really is a genius
Farming wasn’t easy work… doing it alone was impossible.
He had to use magic, and in doing so, his proficiency rose at an unbelievable rate.
Just as every person has a different temperament, so too do mages.
Some like being in the spotlight, others prefer solitude. Some hate fighting, some love it.
Depending on their nature, mages develop faster in different environments.
Some on bloody battlefields, some crafting artifacts in workshops, others studying grimoires.
For Romero, that environment was farming.
He had always thought he was best suited for real combat magic… but he was wrong.
Farming was his true calling!
-At this rate, he’s definitely going Platinum
-If he keeps it up, yeah
-? Wait, isn’t he done with Rifa?
-He’s been growing potatoes nonstop since yesterday lol
-They say late-learned habits are scary haha
-He even sings lullabies to his potatoes at night lol
-For real?
-Yeah, says it’s a spell to help them grow healthy and disease-free
-lol that’s hilarious
-He’s even digging through academic papers on farming magic now
-That dedication tho
-Guess it’s working? They grew so fast
-Well it’s a game, they grow faster than real life
-True, but the magic helps too
-Look at those lush green leaves
-Man, that’s satisfying
“Grow strong and healthy.”
-ㅋㅋㅋ Now he’s even talking to the potatoes
-You really are a farmer
-Farming Genius Romero lol
-Dongpa Yukdan would be proud of you
[CloneMasterKimBunshin has entered “Heavenly Demon’s Farm.”]
Pop!
At that moment, someone appeared on Heavenly Demon’s farm.
“Damn it. If it weren’t for that weird brat, Heavenly Demon or whatever…”
It was CloneMaster Kim Bunshin, whose undefeated streak had been crushed by Heavenly Demon the day before.
Of course, he had no intention of doing a collab stream, but after receiving a threatening call where his home address was read out loud, he had no choice but to accept the invite code and enter Start Valley.
“Why the hell do I have to play some stupid farming game?!”
Kim Bunshin kicked at the fresh green potato leaves sprouting from the soil.
Romero, who witnessed this, felt a spark ignite in his eyes.
Fwoosh… A ball of fire flew toward Kim Bunshin, who was venting his anger by stomping on the poor potato leaves.
“My undefeated record! Broken! By that brat… huh?”
BOOM!
An explosion went off, and Kim Bunshin hurriedly jumped back from the field.
“Who the hell are you?”
Romero appeared, twin fireballs blazing in his hands.
“I should be asking that. Who are you, wrecking someone else’s farm?”
-PotatoMom Romero has appeared lol
-Did you just bully our potatoes?
Kim Bunshin leaned on one leg with a crooked stance, sizing Romero up from head to toe.
“You the owner of this farm?”
“You could say I’m the caretaker.”
“Caretaker? Where’s that brat? I’ve got business with her.”
“She’s not here right now.”
“Not here? That’s a problem.”
“Not my problem. Get the hell off this sacred potato field.”
Kim Bunshin’s lips curled into a smirk as he looked between the potato field and Farming Genius Romero.
At some point, his clones had appeared, trampling the potato leaves underfoot.
“And what if I refuse?”
Crack…
A vein bulged on PotatoMom Romero’s temple.
“Then you die.”
Just as the eightfold Kim Bunshin and PotatoMom Romero were about to rush each other…
[WhereIsMyGod has entered “Heavenly Demon’s Farm.”]
Pop!
“Hmm! The air here is pleasant.”
At the sudden arrival, both of them froze.
“Hm? Who are you two? I heard this was the Alliance Leader’s farm.”
Even at a glance, this man gave off an ominous, overpowering aura.
Every instinct screamed danger. The two of them stiffened like mice before a cat.
“Ah, I see… you must be new believers of the Moonlight Divine Sect, recently enlightened by our Alliance Leader?”
“Uh, uh…”
“That’s…”
“Is that not so?”
The stranger’s eyes narrowed.
Chill… !
It felt like saying “no” would get them killed instantly.
“Y-Yes! That’s right!”
“Hahaha, of course! We really admire the Alliance Leader!”
“We were just guarding the farm in her absence.”
“Ahh, I see.”
[HeavenlyDemonForever has entered “Heavenly Demon’s Farm.”]
[HeavenlyDemon-chan has entered “Heavenly Demon’s Farm.”]
Pop! Pop!
“Oh, so you were here.”
“The Alliance Leader has arrived!”
At Heavenly Demon’s arrival, the Blood Demon politely bowed in greeting.
Then he turned his cold gaze toward the two stiffened men. Aren’t you going to greet her?
“C-Alliance Leader! You’re here!”
“We were waiting for you!”
Heavenly Demon smiled gently and returned their greeting.
“Good. Romero, how’s the farming going? Does it suit you?”
“Yes, it does!”
“I knew it. You’ve got the face of a farmer. Kim Bunshin, you’re here too.”
“How could I not come when the Alliance Leader calls for me!”
Heavenly Demon smiled cheerfully as she looked around the field.
“The potatoes have grown already!”
“Haha, I used a little magic.”
“Good work. I’ll send you some elixirs soon.”
“Thank you!”
Meanwhile, Dam Wolrin, who had accompanied Heavenly Demon, sent a telepathic message to Romero.
-Turn off the stream.
Romero glanced back with a “Why?” expression, but Dam Wolrin’s glare through the mask turned sharp.
-I said turn it off.
Seeing the viewer count spike and the chat explode with noise, Romero quickly caught on… something serious was happening.
He obediently ended the stream.
“Shall we taste the potatoes?”
Dam Wolrin, standing behind Heavenly Demon, immediately asked,
“How shall we prepare them?”
“Potatoes taste best when roasted.”
“Prepare them!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
Thick, plump potatoes were dug up, a campfire was lit, and preparations were done in an instant.
Before long, night had fallen.
Crackle crackle…
The group sat in a circle around the fire, watching the potatoes roast.
“They seem ready.”
“Oh.”
“Careful, they’re hot.”
“There’s salt and sugar here too, dip as you like.”
Heavenly Demon blew on a steaming potato… hoo, hoo… then dipped it in salt and took a bite.
Chew chew…
She closed her eyes, savoring the taste of the potato.
“How is it?”
…Gulp.
Everyone’s eyes turned toward Heavenly Demon.
Her eyes suddenly widened.
“Magnificent!”
“Really?”
“I don’t think I’ve ever eaten potatoes this delicious before. You should all try some.”
“Yes!”
“Mmm! These potatoes are so soft!”
“They’re moist and fluffy!”
“The savory flavor is exquisite.”
To see everyone enjoying the potatoes he had worked so hard to grow… !
A faint smile spread across Romero’s lips. So this is the joy of a farmer.
Even praise for his magical achievements couldn’t make him happier than this.
They blew on their potatoes and chatted cheerfully as they ate.
“They said you two are followers of the Moonlight Divine Sect, right? That you’ve been managing the Alliance Leader’s farm.”
“Hmm? These two aren’t followers.”
“…They’re not?”
Blood Demon’s eyes flashed.
Romero and Kim Bunshin almost choked on their potatoes.
“M–My heart has always belonged to the Moonlight Divine Sect! I’ve always wanted to join!”
“O–Of course! Why else would we call you Alliance Leader? We were just waiting for the right moment to express our devotion!”
Though the two had been ready to kill each other upon first meeting, their minds were perfectly in sync this time.
Heavenly Demon spoke while chewing her potato.
“You want to join the Moonlight Divine Sect?”
“That’s right!”
“You should’ve said so earlier. You’re welcome anytime.”
Dam Wolrin interjected.
“Perfect timing, actually. We were just preparing for a baptism ceremony.”
“…A baptism?”
“Yes. Can you come to the Martial Alliance by tomorrow?”
“Uh, I live in the Demon Kingdom, so it might be a bit difficult.”
“Pity. Romero, I’ll perform your baptism separately.”
“T–Thank you.”
“I live in Megacity though…”
“Can’t you take a boat? It won’t take long. Come.”
“Yes, ma’am…”
Dam Wolrin’s expression turned serious.
“The Dragon-Phoenix Tournament is coming soon. It’s a perfect opportunity to spread word of our Moonlight Divine Sect to the world.”
“Mhm.”
Heavenly Demon nodded, still chewing her potato.
“The participation requirements are: under thirty years old, Platinum rank or higher. We need as many disciples as possible to join.”
“What’s your plan?”
“First, I’ll select the most promising ones and focus on training them.”
“There’s not much time left. Will you manage?”
“I’ll do my best.”
Dam Wolrin turned to glare at Blood Demon, who was silently munching on a potato.
“Blood Demon. You’ll help too.”
“What a pain.”
“You’ll help.”
“Yes, Alliance Leader.”
“…”
—
The next night.
A baptism ceremony of the Moonlight Divine Sect was held in Silver Grove.
—… Unforgettable full moon night, bestow your blessings upon us.
Everyone present clasped their hands and murmured the prayer.
Standing on the altar, Dam Wolrin spread her arms and spoke. Her clear, solemn voice echoed through the sacred temple.
“Tonight, beneath the holy moonlight, we are reborn anew. Just as darkness and light become one under the moon’s guidance, so too shall we be united within the moonlight’s blessing.”
Through the window, sacred moonlight streamed in.
“Those who receive the moon’s baptism shall follow the Alliance Leader’s guidance, flowing with the light of the moon. Do you vow to cast aside your past darkness and be reborn in pure light?”
— We vow.
“Go forth, bathed in the moonlight’s blessing. Cast away your fears and begin your new journey. The moonlight shall never turn away from you.”
— Unforgettable full moon night, watch over us.
“You are now proud members of the Moonlight Divine Sect. Live your lives with the silver vow that fills the night sky engraved in your hearts.”
One by one, the new believers of the Moonlight Divine Sect stepped forward beneath the pouring moonlight.
As the Alliance Leader’s representative, Dam Wolrin bestowed the baptism upon each of them.
“May the moonlight guide you.”
“I believe.”
The first to be baptized, Blood Demon, stepped behind Dam Wolrin.
Beside him, the Martial Alliance Lord… who was only attending as a witness… watched the ceremony with arms crossed and an unimpressed expression.
“Alliance Lord. Aren’t you getting baptized?”
“No.”
“As you wish. Your loss.”
“…”
—
After the baptism ceremony ended, the newly initiated members of the Moonlight Divine Sect… who were actually members of the Assassination Squad… grumbled as they left the temple.
“Feels like we got dragged into something bad.”
“What can we do? The Pure Fool and the Pilgrim were both staring daggers at us.”
“Even the Alliance Lord attended the ceremony. That means the Martial Alliance is indirectly acknowledging this demonic cult.”
“Ugh… what a life. First, I got my ass kicked by some brat, and now I’ve joined a cult where that same brat’s the leader.”
Nam Dusik tried to calm his grumbling comrades.
“What else can we do? Just roll with it. At least we’re still alive.”
“That’s true.”
The squad members shuddered as they recalled the moment they’d seen that massive wave of blood.
Paeng Deokjo suddenly noticed a stranger following behind them with a gloomy face.
“Where’re you from?”
“…Megacity.”
“What brings you all the way here?”
“Don’t ask.”
“Tch. Looks like you got caught up in this mess too.”
Just then…
“You lot. Come here for a moment.”
“?”
The elder grandmothers of Silver Grove smiled gently as they surrounded the group.
They had come out earlier after receiving their baptisms and were clearly waiting.
Paeng Deokjo asked cautiously, his voice edged with tension.
“Granny, what’s this about?”
“Nothing much. Just come along for a bit.”
“…”
Silence fell. A heavy tension filled the air. The assassination squad members sensed something ominous.
Without exchanging words, their eyes met… and in an instant, they all scattered in different directions.
“Run!”
The old women smiled sweetly as they chased after them.
“Hehehe, a game of tag under the moonlight. How delightful.”
“You brats, stop right there!”
From the temple balcony, Dam Wolrin stood with her hands clasped behind her back, gazing down at the scene with a satisfied expression.
“All is as the Alliance Leader wills.”
