SSMW CH 03

Chapter 3

If the Mountain Lord had gained a true immortal’s power, he would’ve already ascended. Why are we even talking about immortals?

The jimgjo bird tapped the fox’s tail suspiciously. The fox flicked its tail in annoyance and replied,

I’m just saying it’s possible. They say that spirits who ascend go to the Immortal Realm, right? Those beings might be able to see what we can’t see, hear what we can’t hear, and use powers that normal spirits can’t.

… Don’t tell me you believe that rumor.

If that’s not the case, then how do you explain the Mountain Lord’s current situation?

The fox’s confident question silenced the jimgjo.

I couldn’t add anything either. I suspected time had rewound because these two were still alive—but I didn’t know anything.

The fox and Jimgjo were special to me. We’d known each other a long time. I would call them friends, even if they didn’t think of me that way.

They still felt indebted because I once saved them. For me, it wasn’t a big deal, but it stuck with them.

Maybe that’s why they were willing to believe something so unbelievable. And I trusted them enough to speak honestly.

Maybe an immortal interfered, the fox said. Maybe the price for turning back time was that the Mountain Lord used up all the energy he had gathered.

… It’s a plausible explanation, but still…

Well, most beings wouldn’t even be able to try it. If it were me, I’d probably dry up and die before I managed to rewind anything at all.

I thought about the hand and the voice I had sensed right before dying.

“If this is your wish, then so be it.”

If that voice belonged to an immortal… did it grant my wish?

If so…

Believe it or not, I said, this might actually be an opportunity—even though I’m weaker now.

Both the fox and Jimgjo looked at me.

A chance to get revenge on those Blood Cult humans.

…Um, Mountain Lord, the fox said carefully. Not to ruin the mood, but you’re way weaker than before. And we’re not even 100% sure the Blood Cult really exists.

Yeah… and you hardly ever interfered in human affairs to begin with…

“True,” I replied. But I can build my strength back up. And I already swore that I’d take revenge on the Blood Cult bastards who killed you two and controlled me.

Starting from nothing would have been overwhelming. But I wasn’t a beginner. I had already learned how to gather massive amounts of energy.

Even if my inner core was smaller now, my inner space—the part that holds energy—remained expanded. That meant gathering qi would be easier than it had been the first time. My knowledge and senses were still there.

But there’s another problem, Mountain Lord, the fox added, wagging a few tails.

If those Blood Cult people are as troublesome as you say, then… Mountain Lord, you’re completely clueless about the human world.

… Why do you think I called you here?

The fox frowned, then suddenly smiled with rounded eyes.

I mean, I don’t have to help you, do I?

…

Well, it’s surprising that those humans even exist, but now that I know, I can respond properly. I’m a nine-tailed fox, you know. I don’t die easily. If I don’t know something, that’s a problem. But once I do know, there are plenty of ways to deal with it.

There it is. Exactly what I expected the fox to say.

Since I was ready for it, I just stared calmly.
My lack of reaction made the fox hesitate.

Uh… Mountain Lord?

I’ve known you for a long time. I knew you’d say that.

Oh! Then I can just do whatever I want, right?

Sure. Do whatever you want. I’m weaker than you now—how could I force you?

Seeing how easily I agreed, the fox’s face went pale with worry.

Then I casually added:

But… did I ever explain in detail what those Blood Cult humans did?

…Huh

I told you what they did to me, and how you two died… But I never said how they killed you, did I?

Uh—Mountain Lord! W-wait!!

The scariest predator is the one you know nothing about. Go ahead and deal with them alone. Jimgjo and I will be over there, staying alive.

The jimgjo—who had been silently watching—darted to my side immediately.

Mountain Lord! I’ll follow you! I’ll do whatever you say!

Good. I’ll need your help until I regain my strength. I promise I won’t let those Blood Cult bastards capture you and humiliate you again.

The jimgjo chirped happily and cuddled into me—except now that my body was small, I sank into the bird’s wing joints instead.

‘…It’s oddly warm.’

Realizing I even thought that was humiliating. I used to hold the jimgjo in my arms—now I was being smothered in his wings.

To hide my frustration, I tapped the ground with my tail. The fox called out nervously:

H-hey, Mountain Lord?

I hear some nonsense in the distance.

Mountain Lord! I was joking! Joking! How could I ignore the great Mountain Lord’s words?

Hmm. Must be a fox barking far away.

Mountain Lord!! I’m sorry!

Jimgjo, shall we go?

The jimgjo replied quickly:

Should I search for a place with lots of medicinal herbs, Mountain Lord?

Yeah. I need to start gathering qi.

I took a large, proud step forward.

Or tried to.

‘Damn it! Why are my steps so tiny?!’

To travel the distance I used to cover in one stride, I now had to move my legs nonstop. Annoyed, I stomped as hard as I could.

…No sound.

I felt my blood pressure rising.
Jimgjo noticed and flinched. I glared at him and walked with as much dignity as I could.

Mountain Loooord, I’m sorry…

After only a few steps, the fox threw itself in front of me, lying flat.

Move, you soot-colored fox.

No, really! I’m sorry!

The fox rolled onto its back, exposing its belly.

You were hurt by them too, but I was talking carelessly. And if what you said is true… they killed me as well.

…And?

Mountain Lord needs my help, right? Isn’t that so?

The belly-up fox grinned.

Among all spirits, who else is a weirdo like me—who gave up becoming an immortal and likes mingling with humans? Who else knows how to disguise themselves as a human?

I fell silent.
Yes—this was why I had called the fox here.

‘To hunt humans from the Blood Cult, I need to blend in with human society.’

To hide a tree, you place it in a forest. And this fox knew how to turn me into a tree.

Seeing me quiet, the fox wagged all nine tails vigorously.

I’ll help you, Mountain Lord!

Just with words?

O-of course?

Put your inner core on the line and swear it.

The fox’s fur puffed up instantly.

I lazily swished my tail.

If you do that, I will also swear on my inner core—to make sure you never get captured and killed by the Blood Cult.

The fox’s eyes darted. I could practically hear its brain overheating.