Chapter 896: Send Me to the Past

TL: FoodieMonster007

Geom Mugeuk walked slowly. He had walked this path of blood countless times, but he had never been as nervous as he was today.

Today, the Eight Demon Supremes were not his friends. They were subordinates of the Heavenly Demon, the Eight Demon Supremes of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult. Even the Fist Demon was not the Cult Leader's in-law, but a Demon Supreme.

As Geom Mugeuk walked, he met the eyes of the Demon Supremes. Their gazes all seemed to ask the same question: Are you prepared to persuade the Cult Leader?

He could feel their nervousness. The fate of the murim would change depending on the outcome of this day.

However, the most important thing today was his father's wishes.

"You're here?"

"Yes, Father."

A taut tension, unlike any other time, flowed between Geom Woojin and Geom Mugeuk.

"Do you have any last words for me?" Geom Woojin asked.

The Demon Supremes tensed. This was Geom Mugeuk's final chance to persuade his father. They wondered what secret plan he had brought.

The answer was unexpected.

"No, I have none."

The Demon Supremes were startled. The Blood Heaven Blade Demon, in particular, had been certain that Geom Mugeuk would persuade the Heavenly Demon today.

You fool, what are you trying to do!

Geom Mugeuk made no attempt at persuasion. He had not tried to convince his father about this for the past five years. If he thought words could change his father's mind, he would have tried to persuade him long ago.

Instead, Geom Mugeuk had spent the last five years living diligently. He lived as the Young Cult Leader, as his father's son, as his woman's husband, and as his child's father. He also did his best to maintain his relationships with the Demon Supremes.

If that life he had lived had not gotten through to Geom Woojin, then nothing would.

Geom Mugeuk finally asked the most important question. "What is your dream, Father?"

Geom Mugeuk felt as if only he and his father existed in this space. He saw no one else, only his father. If his father's answer was the unification of the murim, he had promised to become the vanguard of that war.

At last, Geom Woojin answered.

"My dream is…"

In the brief silence, the tension soared to its peak.

"The unification of the murim."

"!"

In that instant, Geom Mugeuk's heart plummeted.

It can't be, it can't be.

A vague hope shattered against the cold reality confronting him.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon's face twitched. A silent sigh escaped the Flower Sword Supreme's lips. The Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme lowered her head. The Poison King gazed at a distant window. The Demonic Buddha silently rolled his prayer beads. The Drunken Demon opened his flask and quietly took a drink. The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon and the Fist Demon simply stared at Geom Mugeuk without reacting.

All eyes were on Geom Mugeuk, but he seemed neither surprised nor agitated.

After a moment, he slowly spoke, "As promised, I will stand at the vanguard of that war."

He did not try to persuade his father to change his mind. This was a promise between them.

An image of a blood-soaked battlefield rose in Geom Mugeuk's mind. He pictured himself standing alone atop a pile of corpses.

Just then, his eyes met the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's. His friend's gaze conveyed the same message from the fishing tournament: I will follow you.

Geom Mugeuk nodded. Deep down, though, he was thinking, Can I really endure this war? Can I point my sword at Jin Hagun and Bi Sayin?

Just then, Geom Woojin spoke again.

"But…"

Everyone held their breath, waiting for what would follow.

"I'll let you choose the method to unite the murim."

"!"Geom Mugeuk's eyes widened, and the Demon Supremes exchanged surprised glances.

"My way doesn't break the table," Geom Mugeuk said. "My way of unifying the murim is to hold a fishing tournament with the orthodox and unorthodox factions and win. It's to hold hunting and cooking competitions with them and win. That's my way."

Geom Woojin slowly nodded. "Then we'll unify it that way."

Geom Mugeuk could tell. His father had given up his dream.

Father.

He closed his eyes, feeling too ashamed to face his father.

A moment later, with apologetic eyes, he asked, "Why did you change your mind? Was it because of Hayeon?"

He had naturally assumed that was the reason, but Geom Woojin shook his head.

"I didn't change my mind because of Hayeon."

"Then what was it?"

"I changed it because of the first pocket money I ever received from my child."

Everyone started at Geom Woojin, wondering what he meant. Only Geom Mugeuk understood, but he knew that was not the only reason.

Geom Woojin continued, "It's because of the flower-patterned pajamas I received as a gift. It's because of the memory of laughing at the person who came to me in search of a loan guarantor."

Only then did the Demon Supremes understand who these memories were about.

"It's because of the succession battle that was fought without bloodshed."

Geom Woojin's true feelings, spoken for the first time, echoed through the hall. Each quiet yet resonant word struck Geom Mugeuk's heart.

"It's because of the Go board I received as a gift, and because of the scroll with the painting of brothers."

Memories of the past surfaced, and Geom Mugeuk's eyes trembled.

"It's because of the hammock I lay in on our journey, and because of your chatter when you'd return from being away and tell me everything that happened."

This was the first time Geom Woojin had spoken of his feelings at such length, except when teaching martial arts.

"It's because of the whale I saw in an illusion, and because of the nap I took that day, completely unguarded for the first time in my life."

Geom Woojin's gaze turned to the Demon Supremes lined up before him.

"It's because I was given an opportunity to see the Demon Supremes standing over there for who they truly are again."

All the Demon Supremes had formed new relationships with the Cult Leader, clearing up misunderstandings and lessening their fear.

"It's because of my lovely daughter-in-law, and because of my precious granddaughter."

Geom Woojin smiled wistfully. Come to think of it, Hayeon was just one of many reasons.

"And… because I came to speak of someone I thought I would never mention again."

Geom Mugeuk knew that person was his mother.

"The reason I changed my mind is…"

Finally, Geom Woojin added the last reason, the very person who had made all of this possible.

"Because of my son."

A powerful surge of emotion overwhelmed Geom Mugeuk. He never knew his father had given meaning to all those little things.

On the day he regressed, the old man in the sky had told him something.

"How could a great technique made by humans cause regression? You are being sent back because of your effort."

His life before regression and his life after regression were both achieved through effort.

"Son, you've worked hard all this time."

The moment he heard those words, a gasp escaped Geom Mugeuk, and tears streamed from his eyes. Despite being in front of all the Demon Supremes, he cried.

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon turned his head away. Seeing the young man cry made him want to cry too.

All Eight Demon Supremes were moved. They had witnessed Geom Mugeuk's efforts firsthand and knew how hard he had worked. That effort had finally reached the Cult Leader.

Geom Mugeuk bowed deeply. "Thank you, Father."

DRIP, DRIP, DRIP…

His tears fell to the floor.

"Please forgive this unfilial son for ruining your dream."

Geom Woojin rose from his seat, walked down from the grand chair and helped his prostrated son to his feet. "I'll be away for a while, so protect our Cult well."

Geom Mugeuk breathed a sigh of relief. His father's gentle gaze eased his tension. "Where are you going? Don't tell me you're going to invade the Murim Alliance after all this?" he joked.

"That's right, I off to conquer the murim," Geom Woojin replied matter-of-factly.

"What?"

"Didn't you tell me before? To go on a trip with the Murim Alliance Chairman and the Evil Alliance Chairman. So I've arranged to meet them. We promised to go fishing together. You said winning at fishing is your way of unifying the murim, right?"

Geom Mugeuk jumped in surprise. Those words meant his father had already made this decision a while ago. He should have realized sooner why Head Strategist Sama Myeong wasn't present!

"Wait, so you had already decided? Did you knowyour son was about to have a heart attack just a moment ago?"

Geom Woojin's characteristic smirk formed on his lips. "This entire murim would have to move to give you a heart attack."

Geom Woojin strode forward, and the Demon Supremes followed behind him like spreading wings.

Geom Mugeuk's eyes widened. "Hey, Father is leaving, but you don't all have to follow him like that, do you? Stay and talk with me, console me for all my hard work. I'm the Young Cult Leader. You'll be receiving your monthly salary from me when Father goes out to play!"

The Blood Heaven Blade Demon passed by and poked Geom Mugeuk in the side with the hilt of the Heaven Destroying Dao. He had done the same thing long ago, leaving a bruise, but today it was a light, playful jab.

The Flower Sword Supreme tapped the sword at her waist, a sign that she wanted a duel.

The Soul-Stealing Demon Supreme passed by with a respectful bow.

The Drunken Demon mimed drinking, a sign they should have a celebratory drink later.

The Fist Demon raised his fist, saying with his eyes, 'Let's have a late-night training session for old times' sake.'

The Demonic Buddha congratulated him by emitting a dazzling golden light.

The Poison King suggesting the one thing he hated most in the world to congratulate him. [Let's go to the Central Plains for some fresh air next time.]

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon stopped in front of Geom Mugeuk. The two eyes behind the mask were bloodshot from crying along with Geom Mugeuk.

Geom Mugeuk realized he had not protected this world alone. He was able to protect it because they had protected him. Thanks to them, he had learned and realized things he never could have on his own.

Thank you, everyone.

SHING!

Geom Mugeuk drew the Black Demon Sword.

The Extremely Evil Smiling Demon immediately understood his intention.

TING!

He flicked the sword with his finger, letting a clear ring echoe through the Heavenly Demon Hall.

This was both the sound of the Extremely Evil Smiling Demon's congratulations, and the sound that heralded a new era.

Late at night, the Ghostly Sage diligently wrote on a piece of paper. His entire room, not just his desk, was piled high with books.

His wife, Lim Hyang, entered with a tray of tea and fruit. "Working late again today?"

"It seems I'll have to."

Lim Hyang placed the tray on a small table beside the desk. She was about to leave when her steps halted. "…Do you remember?"

The Ghostly Sage looked up at her.

She continued speaking, her back still to him. "My parents were against our marriage. They said the successors of the Ghost Sect have always devoted themselves to research, so they would make a woman lonely. You said back then that would never happen. You promised you would never make me lonely."

The Ghostly Sage paused. He had certainly made that promise. "I can make time once I finish this part of my research," he said. "I'm really almost done. We can go on a trip when it's finished."

Lim Hyang did not believe him. "You said that last time, too. That you just needed to finish one part."

When one part ended, another began. The research was endless.

"Just work."

Lim Hyang left.

For some reason, her retreating figure looked especially desolate today. The Ghostly Sage felt he should follow her.

He stood up, but his gaze was drawn back to the paper on his desk.

I have a good feeling about this research. If I stop now, I might ruin the last few days of work. Right, I'll just work today. She'll understand.

He sat down again and wrote diligently.

Just then, the door opened again, and he sensed someone entering.

"Honey, I'm truly sorry about today. Let's have tea together tomorrow for sure."

Lim Hyang did not answer.

When the Ghostly Sage looked up, it was not his wife but someone else looking at him. Startled, he almost cried out, when he recognized the person.

"You are…?"

The person who had entered was Geom Mugeuk.

In the past, Geom Mugeuk had gone with Lee Ahn to stop his marriage, but the Ghostly Sage genuinely liked Lim Hyang, so Geom Mugeuk had let the marriage take place anyway.

Back then, the Ghostly Sage had not known then that Geom Mugeuk was the Young Cult Leader of the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult, but he knew now.

"I heard who you are from Seo Jin. Is my younger sister doing well?"

"She's a Captain of the Ghost Shadow Squad, a martial unit working directly for me."

Ghostly Sage did not know whether to be happy or worried. "Isn't that a dangerous position?"

Geom Mugeuk walked to the window, drew back the curtain, and opened it, airing out the stuffy room. "It's probably less dangerous than your job doing research in this stuffy room all day. How often do you even get up?"

If he stays this engrossed in his research, his relationship with Lim Hyang will become irreparable. I can tell from how she just left that she's almost at her limit.

"Why have you come to see me?" the Ghostly Sage asked.

Geom Mugeuk said something he could never have imagined. "Send me to the past."

The Ghostly Sage was flabbergasted. "How did you know about that?"

"……"

Geom Mugeuk did not answer, so the Ghostly Sage assumed Seo Jin had told him. "The research isn't complete yet," he sighed.

Geom Mugeuk nodded. I know. You'll devote your entire life to completing the Great Regression Technique, but you'll never gather all the materials.

It's even more difficult this time. I've already consumed the inner core of the Ten Thousand Year Fire Carp. Even if I were lucky enough to find another, the crucial Heavenly Demon treasure, the Secret Demon Soul, is in my father's possession. In time to come, it will be passed down to me, and no one will be able to take it away.

The Ghostly Sage was betting his life on an unattainable dream, his eyes full of determination.

Still, he said, "I'll definitely complete it."

"And what will you do after you complete it?" Geom Mugeuk asked.

The Ghostly Sage could not answer. He had never thought about what came next. The research was a family legacy, something he felt he naturally had to do. He had never considered anything else. It was his destiny.

"Who will you send back to the past?" Geom Mugeuk asked again.

"……" The Ghostly Sage had not thought about that either.

"If things continue like this, you'll probably be the one who wants to go back to the past."

And in another life, that was exactly what happened.

"Me? Why do you think so?"

Geom Mugeuk glanced at the tea and fruit the Lim Hyang had left. The untouched fruit had discolored, and the tea had grown cold.

Ah! The Ghostly Sage understood. The Young Cult Leader was asking if his relationship with his wife had already become like the cold tea and discolored fruit.

He couldn't refute it.

He's asking if I would want to go back to fix my own ruined marriage.

"Even if it's you…"

He couldn't bring himself to say that the Young Cult Leader shouldn't meddle in his marriage. This man was not only a leader of the fearsome Demonic Cult but also his younger sister's direct superior.

Geom Mugeuk sighed. I know a few words won't change him or his marriage, but I don't want him to be unhappy.

"I missed out on a lot because I didn't look at people properly, so I always keep this thought in my heart. When it comes to relationships, don't just imagine things. Look straight at people and listen to them." Geom Mugeuk stood up. "Are you looking straight at your wife?"

"!"

"Perhaps understanding the heart of the person beside you is more difficult than that complex technique you're researching. Oh, and don't worry about Seo Jin. I'll take good care of her."

With that, Geom Mugeuk opened the door to leave.

The Ghostly Sage shouted from behind him. "This research is my family's long-cherished wish!"

Geom Mugeuk turned back. "Then pass the research down to the next generation. Someday, a genius will appear who can complete the technique with ease, without pouring their entire life into it like you. Keep passing it down until then. That genius will fulfill your family's wish."

As Geom Mugeuk turned to leave again, the Ghostly Sage asked from behind. "Do you believe this great technique will succeed?"

I do believe. I'm probably the only person in this world who believes such a crazy thing is possible.

For the sake of the Ghostly Sage's life, though, Geom Mugeuk firmly shook his head. "No, I do not."

Geom Mugeuk left. From a distance, he looked back and saw the Ghostly Sage leave the study and walk toward the building where his wife was. At least for tonight, he would talk with Lim Hyang and spend time with her.

You're doing well. The past you wanted to return to is happening right now. Today, you succeeded in regressing too.

SHWAAAA!

Waves rolled onto the sun-drenched water. Grains of sand on the crab-scuttled beach glittered like jewels.

Inside the Spacetime Manipulation Technique, Geom Mugeuk sat on a chair side by side with the Heavenly Demon Soul.

"It's all over now."

He told the Heavenly Demon Soul that he had ended his father's dream of conquering the murim.

As always, the Heavenly Demon Soul listened in silence.

After he finished speaking, Geom Mugeuk leaned back in his chair and gazed at the blue sea.

As he rested under the warm sunlight, he heard a low, deep voice.

"How will you live from now on?"

Geom Mugeuk looked at the Heavenly Demon Soul, his eyes wide with surprise. The Heavenly Demon Soul had spoken! It was the first time it had ever spoken to him.

"……" The Heavenly Demon Soul stared at the sea and played dumb, as if it hadn't said anything.

Geom Mugeuk also looked back at the sea as if nothing had happened.

Soon, his gaze shifted from the sea to the sky. He tried to hold it back, but a smile spread across his face.

"Hahaha!"

A bright laugh escaped his lips, resonating far and wide across the sea and sky as it rode on the wind.

The End.

<Author's Note>

To all the readers who have read Absolute Regression up to this point, I sincerely thank you.

I received so much undeserved love while writing this work.

I was truly happy as a writer throughout the entire process.

I believe you have all patted me on the back for my steadfastness in writing only martial arts novels since my debut. I bow my head in thanks to all of you who cheered me on with comments and sternly rebuked me when I was heading down the wrong path.

During the three years and six months I spent with Mugeuk, I did my best and wrote diligently.

How could I not write diligently when you've shown me so much love, even creating the nickname 'Late-Night Reading Club'?

I truly tried and tried again, enough that I can confidently say this was the best I could do.

And yet, as I write the final period and look back, there are so many parts that feel lacking and regrettable. I suppose it's this feeling of regret that will lead me to write my next work.

The end is always bittersweet. I have parted with the characters of my stories thirteen times, and with all of you, but I don't think I've ever felt a sense of regret as great as with this work.

P.S. For those curious about side stories, I'd like to say a word. Since so many of you are sad to see it end, I am considering whether I should fill that void, even just a little, with stories I couldn't tell in the main text. The only thing I can promise is my writing, but there is also nothing that goes against my will as much as writing, so I cannot give you a definite answer. However, I will think about it deeply while I take time to recharge.

I'd like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Team Leader Yoon Doohan, who was in charge of editing throughout the serialization.

Also, thank you to artists Park Jinhwan and JP, who are serializing the Absolute Regression webtoon. You are creating something truly wonderful!

And more than anyone, thank you once again to the readers.

Until we meet again, please be healthy and happy!

— From Jang Younghoon

<Translator's Note>

I hope you all enjoyed Absolute Regression as much as I did. A complete epub ebook of the whole series will be posted this weekend so you can download the entire novel to your phone/pc for keepers. *UPDATE*: Download the ebooks at the main series page: https://mtl.northbladetl.com/ABSR/

I also translate another of Jang Younghoon's novels, Absolute Warrior. This one is a proper translation, and Absolute Warrior is the highest rated of all of the author's novels besides this one. You can read it here: https://northbladetl.com/ABSW/

Thank you for reading. I'll miss posting AR every weekday!

— Foodie