—From the New Continent Atlanta (Northern City Secret Library), Victoria Dynasty Chronicles – 18th Emperor (147~147), “After Escaping the Forest of Mist, First Encounter with the Witch.”
“……”
“……”
Under a clear, quiet sky, we huddled at the campsite, silently staring down. On the ground lay three beasts we had dragged here as soon as we woke up. They didn’t seem dead—just asleep. But the problem was, their appearances were drastically different from yesterday. Everyone wore expressions of disbelief.
The biggest change was in the father(?) beast. It had shrunk to about 20 centimeters—half its size from the day before—and its fur was patchy and falling out. It couldn’t even open its eyes, just wriggling weakly like a newborn cub.
The baby beast, on the other hand, stayed the same size but grew thick, fluffy fur all over. It looked so round and soft I almost wanted to kick it playfully. The mother beast showed no visible change, but no one could say for sure—maybe something had shifted inside.
After watching the beasts for a while, I cleared my throat lightly. We’d seen enough. Now it was time to prepare a plan. But first, we had to deal with these guys. And since it was before breakfast…
“I’m craving something hot and soupy today. How about making a stew with these three for breakfast?”
Huh Jun-young spoke calmly, as if thinking the same thing. Hmm, that sounds good.
“What are you saying right now!”
Just as I was about to agree, An Sol burst out in protest. Even Lim Hanna shot a sharp glare. Huh Jun-young gave a nonchalant look and quietly averted his eyes.
“Yeah, eating them might cause problems. Better to just let them go.”
“Brother… what will happen to them now?”
An Sol carefully cradled the beast family and asked as I stepped forward to explain.
“Don’t worry. From what I heard, the changes start fading as soon as they leave the forest. It’s not permanent—just temporary.”
“Really?”
An Sol’s face brightened instantly. Not just hers—everyone’s expressions started to lighten, relief more than joy. Anyone would hate being under a lasting curse-like effect.
Anyway, the time it takes to break the curse matches exactly how long you stayed in the forest. But I didn’t mention that detail—I hadn’t heard it from the boy.
“Let’s sum it up. The smoke in that forest suppresses the user’s magic and causes various status ailments. You’ve all seen the effects firsthand.”
Everyone nodded.
“Of course, the effects fade gradually once you’re out, but we have to consider the risk of being attacked while still under the effects. Depending on the ailment, it could be deadly.”
“……”
“By the way, it took about four days to cross the forest. We should be able to do it in two days if we move fast.”
“……”
I finished speaking and quietly scanned the group. Some looked dazed, others deep in thought. Silence stretched on. Then, cautiously, Kim Han-byul raised her hand.
“How about using magic outside the forest, where it’s not restricted? Like when we first attacked the Steel Mountains—burn the forest as we advance.”
“That’s impossible. I tried Water Arrow this morning, but the moment it touched the smoke, it dispersed immediately.”
Ha Seung-woo shot down the idea, and Jung Ha-yeon nodded in agreement.
“Right. And even if we burned the forest, we can’t guarantee the smoke would disappear.”
“Um… then what if we put up protective shields before entering? Like when we went into the Mountain of Delirium. You know, my shield has reflection abilities…”
“Han-gyeol, no. Even with reflection, it’s still based on magic.”
“Oh, right.”
“Why don’t we just rely on Jegal Hae-sol’s power again? If the goal is to get through the forest, we could just bypass the smoky areas.”
“No. You think my transport ability is all-powerful? And it’s nonsense to try skipping a three-day journey with this many people all at once.”
“How about using An Sol’s miracle?”
“No. Miracles are a last resort. It’d be a waste to use it here.”
For a while, various ideas flew around. Some tempting, but all were shot down by those who would have to carry them out. I was against using miracles, too.
After a long discussion, silence returned. In the quiet, I stole a glance at Han So-young, who had been looking increasingly displeased. She didn’t seem to have any better ideas either.
So many talented people… but no solution.
I wouldn’t lie if I said I wasn’t disappointed. But I tried to push the rising frustration away. After all, even the best magic users in the past had spent days or weeks without finding a solution. Expecting one in a single day was unreasonable. I was no different.
At least I had less to worry about. The power of Fire Spirit in my heart could operate independently inside my body, even if my magic was suppressed. That didn’t mean I was immune to the smoke’s effects, but I was prepared for the burden it would place on me.
Anyway, it was time to go in. All questions would be answered once we entered.
With that thought, I stood up.
“Let’s eat. If we don’t come up with a plan by the end of breakfast, we’ll just go in as is. We can’t just sit here forever.”
After breakfast, I acted as planned. We packed up and entered the Forest of Mist. The others looked reluctant but understood there was no choice and followed without complaint.
Inside, only silence reigned. Thick white smoke hung heavily, and nothing moved. Without the smoke, it felt as if time itself had stopped.
We pressed forward along the eerie, unsettling path. The claim that it took four days to cross wasn’t an exaggeration—everywhere we looked, it was just forest. The only sounds were the crunch of leaves underfoot. The silence was unbroken. No one spoke. The tension was palpable even without looking back. I tilted my head up suddenly—no sky was visible. The smoke and dense trees completely blocked it out.
Normally, I would have used magic to increase my agility. But that was impossible now. As expected, the moment we entered and faced the smoke, our magic was immediately suppressed. Like Jegal Hae-sol said, it felt as if an invisible force had tightly bound our magic. After walking for a while, a question popped into my mind.
Hey, Fire Spirit.
As we marched, I quietly spoke for the first time in a while.
Luckily, Fire Spirit was awake and answered immediately.
You have the power to burn anything, right?
Then can’t you burn away the smoke that’s suppressing my magic?
Fire Spirit’s calm voice echoed in my mind. It sounded so obvious that I felt confused. Before I could shake off the confusion, Fire Spirit continued.
Why?
On average. But I’ll try to shorten it as much as possible.
Yeah. I felt you moving all along.
……
Only then did I realize what Fire Spirit was trying to tell me.
‘Hmm.’
‘Yeah, I get it.’
Hwa-jeong’s words were simple and absolutely right. After hearing her explanation, I couldn’t help but admire her silently. There’s a saying that small details make a masterpiece, isn’t there? I suddenly felt the difference between Hwa-jeong and the others. Without me even mentioning it, she was already taking care of the little things.
‘Cute little kid… Baek Han-gyeol? Why?’
‘Ah, I see. So you’re saying I have to accept the burden then?’
I let out a small sigh. The forest was quiet enough that I felt a curious gaze on me. But it didn’t matter. I immediately called Baek Han-gyeol over to stand beside me. So, if a crisis comes, as soon as my magic is freed, I’ll also free Baek Han-gyeol’s magic. As long as we’re physically connected and Hwa-jeong’s power flows through, Baek Han-gyeol will be able to use magic. It’s a very useful defense in surprise attacks.
Hwa-jeong sighed deeply and clicked her tongue in disdain.
‘I’m sorry. And thank you. I’m lucky to have you.’
I admitted honestly.
Maybe it was the slightly lonely tone in her voice.
Without thinking, I found myself saying,
‘Come on, what are you saying? You’re always my number one wife…’
Bang!
At that moment, sparks flew right before my eyes.
You little! You said that just now! Number one wife?
You think that way? So you did that with her, right in front of me?
Sucking, licking, messing around, even getting her pregnant! I was just starting to forget!
I’ll kill you!
Amidst the storm of angry voices, my startled comrades shouted and surrounded me. I bowed my head in embarrassment.
My mouth really got me into trouble this time.
---------------------------= Author’s Note =---------------------------
It’s still a bit late, but it seems like the update times are gradually getting earlier. If I can manage to update before 2 a.m., I’m thinking of bringing back the update schedule announcements. Haha.
Now that we’ve entered the Misty Forest, this part is past the halfway point. I wonder what changes Kim Soo-hyun’s companions will go through here? Including when they return, I’m planning some tough(?) changes, some pretty changes, some cute changes, and even some risqué changes. Please look forward to it! :D
Wishing all readers a cheerful Tuesday filled with good things, not gloom!