Chapter 163

Chapter 163. Crack and Tight

My initial dawn in the land of Brando.

I greeted the day feeling refreshed, completed a full round of my internal breathing exercises, and requested a servant to bring me some tea.

A quiet, relaxing morning interlude.

I was fully enjoying that peaceful moment when a sudden racket erupted right outside my quarters.

“Ah, of course. Here it comes.”

The walking catastrophe known as Demian had arrived—

Slam!

Yet, the person who forcefully crashed through the entrance was a completely different individual.

“The trash?”

The pioneer of my personal rehabilitation initiative following Ivelin, that degenerate of House Tulk—Pi-something von Tulk—stood before me.

“Clearly, his correction process was left incomplete…”

…Or so I assumed at first.

But that wasn’t the case.

His face was completely drained of color.

He had slammed the entryway open and was wheezing heavily, resembling someone who had narrowly escaped being turned into a midnight snack by a mountain dragon—he had entirely lost his composure.

Why on earth had he come to my room?

My gaze naturally narrowed, and at that exact moment, the degenerate, still gasping for air like a dying beast, parted his lips.

“S-s-s-s-s…!”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“N-no, that’s not it! No! I came to offer my deepest regrets! I am here to apologize. My behavior yesterday was completely uncalled for. I am truly sorry. I acted with utter insolence toward the one who corrected my misguided ways.”

I furrowed my brow slightly at this unexpected display of contrition.

‘Did this fellow lose his mind overnight?’

To be fair, calling this “morning” was generous—it was barely the break of dawn.

The estate staff would be waking up right around now, but for a young master of a noble lineage, it was an incredibly early hour to begin his day.

And yet, he had rushed over at the crack of dawn simply to express… remorse?

A cold aura drifted into my stare as I wondered what sort of scheme he was cooking up, causing the degenerate to panic, frantically swinging his arms back and forth.

“N-no, I swear I have no hidden motives. I truly just wished to voice my regrets. I reflected deeply last night and I… I realized I had committed an unpardonable offense against you.”

Well, I mean. It wasn’t exactly unpardonable.

I was simply bewildered.

‘A fellow who didn’t display a single shred of guilt yesterday suddenly has a change of heart?’

If he possessed the capacity to repent after a single evening, that chaotic scene yesterday wouldn’t have transpired to begin with.

In fact, I had already been quietly mapping out a follow-up lesson for him…

Then, in an instant, a piece of the puzzle I had overlooked flashed through my mind.

‘Could it be… Henji?’

Indeed. The only individual capable of terrifying this degenerate into such a state was Henji.

He had assured me he would “handle the matter,” but to accomplish it this quickly?

‘What in the world did he do to him?’

Observing the complete transformation of this trash overnight, I couldn’t help but feel impressed. It seemed the most proficient reformation specialist on the Eastern Continent wasn’t me, but Henji.

In any case.

“So. You are genuinely remorseful, is that what you’re saying.”

“Y-yes. W-would you… would you believe my sincerity if I dropped to my knees before you?”

This idiot still hadn’t completely shed his old habits.

As he mentioned “kneeling,” he dropped his voice and shot nervous glances toward the perimeter, as if a shred of his pride was still clinging on.

However.

I didn’t feel like picking apart his pride at this moment.

If a man with his nose so high in the air was prepared to drop to the floor, it signified that an absolute, desperate dread was consuming his soul.

A truly compassionate Great Sage would never exploit another’s desperation merely to degrade them.

Before realizing it, I extended my hands and caught the shoulders of the fellow who had approached me, his legs trembling as he prepared to sink to the floor.

“No, there is absolutely no need for that.”

“Th-then…”

“Pay attention. Your knees aren’t meant to hit the ground over every little thing. You might be the absolute lowest trash under the sky, but I have no desire to humiliate you to that extent.”

“Tr-trash…”

A spark of what looked like profound gratitude flickered within the degenerate’s eyes.

I met his gaze with a warm, charitable expression.

“Very well, let’s move past ‘trash.’ We can at least refrain from tossing around insults like ‘bastard’ and ‘punk.’ Our initial introduction wasn’t the most harmonious, but we have been granted an opportunity to smooth things over like this, haven’t we?”

“Th-that is true.”

“In that case, let us treat each other like brothers moving forward. What do you say?”

“…All of a sudden?”

A flash of suspicion rippled through the degenerate’s expression.

Ah, perhaps I pushed the narrative a bit too quickly.

But it mattered little.

It wasn’t as though I hadn’t shook down people multiple times in the dark alleys of the Black and White Zone.

I had been targeted hundreds of times and had turned the tables on others a few dozen times myself. Why only a few dozen? Because by the time I reached the age to do the shaking, I had already been handed over to House Deculan.

Regardless, I calmly took a step back and kept my eyes on the degenerate.

“Come now, hyung. You explicitly stated you were remorseful, did you not? Or was that apology insincere?”

“I-I am truly sorry, but…”

“Hyung, what is your age. Twenty? Twenty-one?”

“E-eighteen.”

“Then you are undeniably my elder brother. Are you not? You certainly are. What was my age again… regardless, Demian and I share the same age, which indisputably makes you my hyung, correct?”

“That… seems mathematically sound.”

The degenerate hyung, who appeared to have calmed his nerves slightly, gave a compliant nod, and I offered a pleased grin.

Ah, yes. My train of thought.

“Hyung, take a seat first. What are you doing standing there, honestly. Any onlooker would assume I am mistreating you.”

“S-should I sit down?”

“Indeed, you should.”

After shifting uncomfortably for a brief moment, the degenerate hyung settled into the seat directly opposite me.

His anxiety appeared to dissipate, and a touch of comfort even returned to his features. But perhaps I had permitted him to relax a bit too much.

“S-so, little brother. Yes, you are the younger one. Haha! But, little brother, when your older sibling travels all this way to see you, the least you could do is offer him a beverage…”

“Come now, hyung. Do you truly believe we are gathered here to sit comfortably and enjoy a warm drink?”

“……”

“How about some bread instead? I happen to possess an abundance of ‘ppang,’ you see. Take your pick. Our premier items on the menu are the Knockout Ppang and the Knife Ppang. If your tastes lean toward another selection, I can certainly arrange for you to sample them one after the other.”

“Hic.”

Ah, it seemed I had terrified him a bit too severely.

Our degenerate hyung locked up once more.

Yet, observing his posture now, this degree of anxiety actually suited his character remarkably well.

Consequently, I didn’t offer any reassurance. I simply took a slow, composed sip of my tea by myself before breaking the silence.

“Hyung, let us square our accounts now.”

“Sq-square them?”

“Indeed. You mentioned your remorse, correct? Therefore, there ought to be a tangible demonstration of your sincerity.”

dishonesty.

“What, you surely aren’t planning to swindle your own younger brother? I genuinely believed your apology was backed by real sentiment, you know?”

“N-no, that’s… that is not the case at all. I am deeply, truly sorry.”

Our degenerate hyung frantically gestured with his hands once more, his complexion draining to a pasty white.

I remained ignorant of the specific methods Henji utilized, but he had certainly re-educated this fellow thoroughly.

At that moment, the degenerate hyung warily monitored my demeanor and spoke up.

“Th-then what… what is it you desire? J-just state it.”

“Tch. ‘Just state it,’ is it?”

“……No, I mean, please just instruct me.”

Excellent. That was far more appropriate.

‘Very well, what shall we extract from our dear degenerate hyung?’

From the perspective of the one being squeezed, this represents the most agonizing instant. But from the perspective of the one doing the squeezing, it ranks among the most delightful.

Adopting a benevolent grin, I rested my elbows upon my knees and intertwined my fingers.

“So, hyung. What is the amount you brought along to present to me?”

“……?”

“I am simply intrigued by the depth of your devotion.”

“ Simon.”

The degenerate hyung’s irises quivered erratically.

I beamed a radiant smile straight into his panicked eyes.

And within my mind, I sent a heartfelt acknowledgment to that nameless drifter from the Black and White Zone who had once squeezed me for resources. It was entirely thanks to your guidance that I developed into the person I am today.

This truly illustrates why childhood guidance is so pivotal.

To that nameless drifter—my highest regards.

After securing an exceptionally handsome sum of funds… rather, a token of his devotion, I personally escorted my newly minted degenerate hyung right to the exit.

“Hyung, you aren’t planning to go spreading rumors about this transaction anywhere, correct?”

“……”

“Silence. Why is that? Did we not agree to maintain a tight bond moving forward?”

“……I shall remain silent.”

Our degenerate hyung gave a rigid nod.

To be perfectly candid, I didn’t feel entirely satisfied with his reaction.

We had concluded our business on amicable terms, discovered a mutually beneficial resolution, and yet he still carried an expression like he had been forced to consume a plate of filth.

“Hyung, let me see a smile.”

“……”

“You indicated you were on your way to visit Lord Gamo now, correct? Surely you don’t intend to greet him with that miserable face?”

“That is…”

“You wouldn’t dare, right? Yes, it would be wise not to. Should Lord Gamo witness that expression, it will cause him immense discomfort. Observers might deduce that I coerced you. Come now, mimic my words. Chee~ese.”

“Ch-chee~ese.”

“Excellent. Keep that cheese in mind. Unless your preference is to be quietly laid to rest beneath the soil to decay where absolutely no one will ever discover your remains.”

“……”

Our degenerate hyung’s features completely locked up once more.

Nevertheless, I placed my faith in his capabilities.

I remained confident that when standing before Lord Gamo, our degenerate hyung would control his expressions flawlessly.

“Th-then… am I permitted to depart?”

“Indeed, you may take your leave. Ah, and ensure that you deliver the funds… I mean, the token of devotion by the commencement of the evening gala.”

“B-but regardless of the circumstances, securing such an amount by the gala is far too tight…”

“Are you familiar with the specific sound skeletal structures produce when they fracture?”

“……?”

“Crack.”

“……”

“Therefore, which alternative do you find more appealing? Having circumstances be tight, or having your bones go crack?”

“…Understood.”

“And what are the consequences if you fail to attend the gala?”

“M-my younger brother’s emotions will be damaged.”

“And if my emotions are damaged?”

“…My physical vessel will suffer damage.”

“Precisely. Excellent, you may go now.”

After thoroughly embedding these vital instructions into our degenerate hyung’s mind, I offered a casual wave toward his departing form.

His posture was entirely deflated as he shuffled away down the corridor.

There exists a peculiar, melancholy grace in viewing a back that recognizes its time is up and proceeds to depart.

Even so, he was getting the better end of the deal.

Where else could he possibly encounter such an extraordinary younger sibling as myself? I am not merely boasting—well, perhaps I am—but if there resides another individual of my generation who has attained the realm of transcendence and possesses a platinum token from Lortel, I invite them to present themselves.

Well? There is no one.

In any event, after seeing my degenerate hyung off, I returned to my designated chair and picked up my relaxing tea session right where I left off.

It turned out to be an incredibly productive morning.

Why productive?

It wasn’t merely due to the fact that I had acquired a token of devotion.

The primary source of my satisfaction stemmed from the fact that I had completely snuffed out the remaining sparks of animosity between myself and the degenerate hyung.

“The realm of mortals has advanced one step closer to harmony today.”

A practitioner of magic who dedicates himself to global harmony.

The Great Sage Aster.

If such a notion doesn’t evoke a sense of pride, I cannot fathom what would.

I was thoroughly indulging in that beautifully minor harmony when, accompanying the approach of footsteps down the hallway, a soft tapping sounded on my door.

Knock, knock.

“Aster, have you awakened?”

A readily identifiable voice.

Ransi.

“Yes, I am awake, however…”

“Wonderful. I have accompanied Young Master Demian and Chenbi. Do we have permission to enter?”

Ah, such is the nature of existence.

One individual departs, and two more arrive to take their place.

‘If I choose to say “no” at this juncture… that is precisely how things will truly become “not okay,” wouldn’t they.’

I never possessed a genuine alternative to begin with.

“Yes, please enter.”

“Understood.”

Following my confirmation, Ransi swung the door wide and made her way inside.

Right behind her, the unmistakable platinum-blond locks and familiar brown hair advanced into the room, and I offered a defeated smirk, bracing my mind for what was to come.

It had been quite some time since I last crossed paths with the walking disaster.

I required a moment to steel my resolve before interacting with him—

“…?”

Hold on. Something felt entirely out of place.

‘What on earth… is that truly Demian?’

What sort of transformation had occurred during these past weeks?

The boy who previously stood a bit shorter than myself had suddenly shot upward by nearly the span of a hand. Furthermore, moving past his physical alteration, his entire demeanor had shifted.

Let us dismiss Chenbi’s presence for a moment.

He had always maintained a stoic, composed nature.

But Demian…

Step, step.

Demian strode into the quarters with the calculated poise of high nobility. The grin stretching across his features remained radiant and devoid of malice, yet the soft, boyish roundness of his face had completely vanished.

And above all else—

‘What is the source of this overwhelming pressure…’

Was this genuinely the identical companion I knew?

I silently shifted my gaze upward toward Demian as he stood directly before me, looking down at my seated form.

Even in the past, Demian’s natural pressure had significantly eclipsed that of his peers, but currently, he was broadcasting the absolute, unbridled pressure of a master mage.

His smooth, unhurried respiratory rhythm, his sharp focus, the intangible weight that drifted off his form—every single detail pointed to it.

No matter the extent of Demian’s prodigal talents, this progression was…

Just as my analysis reached that conclusion—

Demian offered a refined, brief smile.

“My companion, how have you fared?”

He offered an incredibly elegant salutation.

I merely stared blankly at him for a brief span, and then, completely operating on instinct, the words slipped from my lips.

“You arrogant little imp, you aren’t the real Demian, are you.”

“My companion, erase your memories of the first-semester Demian. At this current juncture, I am the New—Demian. The freshly upgraded Prototype Demian.”

What utter rubbish.

Deducing from the sheer absurdity of his words, this was undeniably the real Demian.

‘…What events transpired during my absence?’

I shifted my focus toward Chenbi, seeking some form of clarification.

However—

“Aster, a significant duration has passed since our last encounter. On an unrelated note, have you ever sampled the flavor of soil? I remained ignorant of this fact previously, but the flavor profile shifts slightly depending on the local soil composition. My personal preference leans toward yellow clay…”

“……”

I looked back and forth between Chenbi, who was casually detailing his culinary assessments of dirt, and Demian, who was radiating a species of majestic ignorance.

Demian’s mental capacity had apparently ascended.

Chenbi’s mental capacity had apparently plummeted.

‘Brando… what sort of madness have you inflicted upon them.’