All Those Who Do Not Revere Are Guilty

Divine Maiden, it's time now.

Divine Maiden? Haha. Are you still calling me that?

My heart has been absolutely sincere from the very beginning. You're the one and only person in Baek-Ah worthy of being called the Divine Maiden.

The one and only Divine Maiden...

A fleeting image of Mina's smiling face briefly flickers in my mind.

The only other person who could understand the weight of this burden.

My only friend...

Forget about it. None of that matters to me now.

I'm sorry? What do you mean?

It's nothing. Where's the spirit tablet?

It's already on the altar.

It would be wrong not to have a rite for my mother on an important day like this.

Where is Father? I heard he wasn't in his bedroom last night.

Actually... nobody has seen the elder since he went out for a walk yesterday.

Hmm...

Should I command a few men to escort him?

No, just leave him.

It's obvious that he's deliberately left his seat because he didn't want to attend the departure.

As you command.

Oh, the fog is thicker than usual today, so be cautious approaching the altar.

Yes, it smells especially foul today.

Servants of the Serpent Dragon humbly meet the Divine Maiden.

Whoa! A silver scale!

I can only imagine how much our young leader has suffered all this time...

But look at that, she's like a lotus blossoming from the mud!

Hey, what are you doing?! Hurry up and bow down!

All of you, raise your heads!

Your loyalty has filled me with determination.

This is it. I just need to give them a sidelong glance as if I'm in pain, no, as if I'm feeling resentful, then lift the corners of my mouth in a slight smile.

Did you see that? Nagi smiled at me!

What are you talking about?! She smiled at me!

They're all ready to lay their lives down for you, Divine Maiden.

So, for everyone's sake. Divine Maiden!

Of course.

This is a promise I cannot break.

As of today, the weak girl carrying everybody's worries on her back is dead.

In her place, a cruel ruler ready to be soaked in blood marches towards tomorrow.

Now is the time to embrace the cause that's been long oppressed.

I will reclaim...

Everything.

I close my eyes. The scents of powder and scented candles blend together, stinging my nose.

Am I still afraid?

Old memories suddenly come back to me.

You know that nothing can be done in this swamp!

Hahaha. That again?

Your land isn't all swamp, is it? Goldwave Shore is also part of your land.

But, that place is already the Shellymanders'

They're lowly creatures who can't even speak. Simply chase them away.

They have families and are living their own lives. How could we possibly do that?

So you cannot call that land ours.

Well, now...

Naun used to praise his daughter all the time, so I believed you were a bright child, but...

Lord Whitehare, that's too far!

I am speaking as a clan leader just like you.

Oh. Is that so?

Okay then, as the new clan leader, you probably know this, too.

All matters within clan leader meetings must be settled unanimously.

So regarding this matter...

It was agreed upon by your father, the former clan leader. I assume you understand that.

But that was...!

How many of us can live within the Toxic Mire?

It is a place perpetually shrouded in poisonous fog.

It is only possible for your clan, with your hard scales and poison-resistant organs.

Isn't that so?

I'm sorry, Divine Maiden.

Again!

Didn't I tell you to never call me that?

But to us, you are the one and only Divine Maiden, Lady Nagi.

Is... that why...?

Is that why you cursed Mina?!

Honestly.

I can't accept her.

A Divine Maiden who hasn't even received her divine sword?

So you cursed Mina...

You broke the barrier of the Shrine of Nine Fates.

And you lured in youkai and spirits with cursed jars.

I'm asking you. Is that all your doing?

Yes! I thought that I could prove it.

If she was truly the Divine Maiden, it would've been easy for...

...It didn't have to come to this.

No. I feel so uncomfortable. This entire situation is unbearable!

I'm sorry. Divine, no, Clan Leader.

Leave now. I would like to be alone.

No, no.

Mina... didn't choose that life either...

Plus, for now, the only one who can look into the petition for me is Mina.

What are you hiding behind those sealed mouths?

It's okay. This time, you're just here to see a friend.

And then to the left...

Oh, no...

I needed to bring my foot out farther.

It's okay, Mina. You almost got it this time!

No. That's way off.

Spin around there.

Lift up high, then slowly sweep down.

But if it were me, I could dance better.

I have these beautiful legs.

Oh? When did you get here?

You look much more natural than last year.

Hmm... I'm actually in big trouble.

I keep making mistakes at the same spot.

Don't you have some time left? Until the Sacred Soul Ritual, I mean.

Well, that's true, but...

Anyway, you do a pretty good job of copying the dance.

Huh? Hahaha. You saw that?

But can't there only be one Kumiho Divine Maiden?

Are you trying to take your sister's seat?

N-no. It's not that. I just keep following her without thinking about it!

Do you remember how surprised I was when Nagi first started walking?

Yeah, I just had to fall while you were looking.

I wanted to secretly walk up to Mina and show her how strong my divine power had gotten.

Yeah. I was really surprised too. But It's so natural now.

Because they're real.

Huh?

These, they're real. Real legs.

Oh. Yeah... right. You're really amazing!

Hehe. Hey, Nagi? Do you remember...

the time we first went to see you in the Toxic Mire?

Yeah, I remember. I missed you because I was meeting other clan leaders.

Oh, that's right. And you were coughing all day because of the fog, Narae.

Uh huh, I 'd only heard about it. I didn't know how harsh the Toxic Mire's fog really was.

It's probably gotten better now compared to back them.

It has. I perform a cleansing ritual every day.

The fog isn't as bad as it was, so come by anytime.

Whoa! You're the best, Nagi. I bet when it comes to divine power, you're at a similar level as my sister.

Yeah, that's probably right. Even if we've never actually used our powers against each other.

And... that'll likely never happen, you rude little kid.

Hmph. Why are you still calling me a kid?

Oh, but actually...

I'm here today to ask the Divine Maiden about something.

Have you seen this document before?

I... have.

It was left behind by my mother and Sangun.

Then, do you know what it is that needs to be kept silent?

I don't know, since it's been kept silent.

But you're a part of the Council of Empyrean Fangs, Mina.

If you can remember anything, even something small...

I'm sorry. I really don't know anything.

And Sangun's not taking visitors right now, so...

No. You definitely know something.

It's not that you don't know, it's that you mustn't know.

If even you turn your back on me... then, who am I supposed to rely on?

Where am I...?

Be quiet and bow down, old man.

Y-you! Do you know who I am? I am Lord Whitehare's...

Shut up and just bow down!

You bastards!

Hmm... Too aggressive.

I'm sorry, my lady.

But, this man was acting so rudely before you...

Why are you so concerned about the actions of MY guest?

I'm s-sorry!

It's fine. You may leave now.

Understood, my lady.

My lord...?

I had hoped to keep our meeting quiet, but that got a bit noisy.

Oh goodness! Lady Nagi?

I apologize. I was dragged here blindfolded and was in a bit of a panic...

This is it. They'll realize who they're standing before on their own.

And they'll fall to their knees in reverence.

That is true dignity.

...So, he said that to my father.

Snakes must slither on the ground...

Yes, that's right. I wouldn't dare lie to you.

If Elder Naun didn't save me that day, I would've most definitely met my end gobbled up by a demonic beast.

To insult him like that...

Lord Whitehare, that man will receive judgment from the heavens!

Hm... Alright. It's clear.

But, who knows of you visiting here today?

Nobody.

I made sure to check nobody was following me several times on my way here.

Very good. Then, I'll get to the point.

He must've seen my legs.

What's wrong? Did you see something terrible?

N-no. That's not...

Do you agree that snakes must slither along the ground, sir?

No. I was simply mesmerized by your striking appearance, Lady Nagi.

You sure know exactly what to say to a girl.

No! I am being sincere.

Don't be afraid.

I've called upon you for a very secret reason.

A secret... reason?

There's something you must help me with.

I plan to repay the debts my father owes to those who've helped him over the years.

Indeed! The rumor that you were mobilizing a large army was true!

An Otherworldly Immortal appeared before me and granted me a revelation. I had no choice but to follow.

I would like to start by finding a place more befitting for your master.

Would there be a way?

It's the full moon soon, so we'll be heading to Cloudcrest Peak for the ancestral rites.

The young guards will try to stop his journey, citing safety reasons.

So?

However, the more guilt one bears, the more likely they are to cling to superstition and ritual.

I simply plan to advise him that, if we skip this year's rite, there will be no way to avert our ill fortunes.

I'm sure that'll make him head to Cloudcrest Peak despite everybody's protests.

So wouldn't that be the perfect place for his grave?

Haha. That means it's almost time to go rabbit hunting.

Indeed... that's truly...

An idea.

No way.

An immortal being... An immortal being has descended.

We're all gonna die! We're gonna die!

What's this ruckus about?

Leader! We tried our best to stop it, but...

All our guards have been killed.

What? Our guards?

L-look over there. That woman...

As expected, my calculations were correct.

It's just as I had predicted in my simulations.

Who are you? Explain yourself!

Ran.

Your soldiers called me an immortal being.

An immortal being? How dare you?!

You trample over my land and my people! You will pay with your life!

The concentration of proteolytic enzymes in the mist is 12%.

The contaminated water contains numerous substances that induce paralysis and confusion.

The soil offers scant nutrients, and the land primarily consists of swamps unsuitable for the cultivation of grain.

So, this land is yours?

That's...

I know. It is not what you desired.

Of course, your father didn't desire it either.

Who are you to dare speak about my father!

You are essential for the coming of the Void.

I've only come to tell you something.

There is something you must know in order for Code's plan to be realized.

Quiet! I will end your life today and hold a rite to comfort my dead soldiers!

Don't get so excited and look at this.

This is a grave injustice.

My contributions during the war were by no means insignificant! Just why?!

Listen, Naun. Who else could take that land?

Tell me if anybody other than your clan can withstand all that poison.

In addition, you played the biggest part in putting Red Shadow to sleep...

So you're also the only one who can guard that terror.

What? Have you lost your minds?!

You want to force my clan into that barren swamp and carve up the rest for yourselves?

Hahaha. My friend, you're really worked up about this.

Leaders, did you all hear that? This is why you should always be wary of misunderstandings.

How do you feel?

I assume this answers some questions.

...Where did you get this?

I have more to show you.

...I brought a special vintage for today, so please, a toast!

Ugh, agh... Ack.

Ahhh! My eyes!!!

I can't see. I can't see anything. Nagi! Nagi!

Stop!

That's how your father lost his sight. This is the full story.

The one called the Divine Maiden in that era obtained a written promise to cover up this incident.

The petition...

Hm? Yes. How do you know the name of this file?

The final message within the file was this. Those...

Those who do not keep silent shall be strictly punished.

Correct.

It feels like all the scenes I just watched have turned into daggers, each one a stabbing freshly at my heart.

My mouth reeks of blood from biting on my lips too hard, and my heart hardens.

What is it that you want?

It's not complicated. Starting from now on, just do as you want.

I will join you.

The Council of Empyrean Fangs. Sangun and Miho. They must all be eliminated!

Greetings, Father.

I don't sense anybody inside. Did he go out somewhere?

Hm... He's really not here.

He's always disappearing without a word. What if he gets lost somewhere...?

Anyway, where did I put it...

I don't know why, but I feel like if I smell the powder it'll calm me down.

I'm pretty sure I put it somewhere in this chest.

Hm? What's this?

There's something written on it.

This is...

It's a petition.

Ahem!

Father?

You are an adult now, Clan Leader.

You should be ashamed to secretly enter your father's shabby room.

I'm sorry, Father.

I wasn't trying to be nosy...

I was actually looking for Mother's powder case.

I think I'll need it.

I see.

You left it on these books sometime ago, so I put it away for you.

Mm... Yes, I think smelling this fragrance is helping me feel a bit more relaxed.

Hahaha. I can imagine how much she would have adored you if she were alive, Clan Leader.

Father...

Alright. Was something concerning you again?

...The clan leader meeting is tomorrow.

And? Do you mean to say you fear they will dismiss you because of your youth?

Since, well... They're all elders, much older than me.

Haha. Even so, you are also there as a clan leader.

You must be more confident and act more assertive. Do you understand?

Yes, Father.

Um... Will you tell me stories about the Demonic Beasts Suppression War? It's been a while.

I don't know... those stories are pretty special.

Oh, come on.

Okay then, I'll have to recall the days I used to wield a blade like the wind.

...And that terror still lies deep under this earth, sealed away.

It moves each time it senses divine power, right? And that's the reason we have earthquakes?

Yes, that's right. They say that divine beasts are connected to all the energies of this world.

There is no telling when it will recover its strength again.

But Divine Maiden Miho used a secret technique to seal it away.

Yes, that is so. But if it were to draw upon the spiritual energy of a Kumiho, the seal could be broken, allowing it to resurface.

So please...

I know. I need to look after Mina so something like that doesn't happen.

Yes. You don't know how happy I am to be the father of such a smart clan leader.

But I still think that you were treated unfairly, Father.

I've asked the other clan leaders to reconsider the land allocation many times.

Of course, they always say no.

Ahem...

You already know this, but that matter was settled by a unanimous vote, which included me.

I know, so why?!

...Have you forgotten the rule that decisions made through clan leader meetings shall not be opposed?

Whether a decision is beneficial or harmful, it represents the collective will. You must respect it.

Do you not even feel wronged, Father?

Do you know how peacefully they live on their plentiful lands?!

Clan Leader... no, Nagi! Too much greed can bring calamity.

No. This isn't greed. It is our right.

I am not like you, Father.

I won't bow down to anyone now!

I will start the rite for my mother now.

Yes, my lord.

Today...

Today is the day we depart.

It's the day we reclaim all that was stolen from us.

It's the day we prove we are the true masters of Baek-Ah.

So let us all raise these glasses of victory!

With that, everything is ready.

Shaman Hyeonui will bless our departure from the heavens.

Of course. I am certain Mother will be with me.

But, is Lord Naun still...

It's nearly evening, but he's still yet to come?

Yes... He actually told us not to look for him this morning, but I've already sent a few men over.

If he were to get lost...

Father won't give his blessing anyway.

Do you consider him an obstacle in this matter?

What are you saying, Lady Immortal?

I'm asking Nagi.

I'm quite skilled at disposing of waste.

Let me know if you need my help.

I can have him completely deleted.

Silence!

I am doing this for Father.

If you try to harm him...

I don't care if you're immortal, I will start by tearing those wings off your back.

Hm. At ease. I would only act if you requested my help.

But this reaction you're having... exceeds my calculations.

It'll definitely be effective for eliminating the true variable.

Variable?

That child you call the Shaman of Fate...

She will probably be your biggest obstacle.

I ran the simulation multiple times, but every future in which both of you remain always ends in destruction.

Of course, in the future I envision, you achieve a complete victory.

That's good to hear.

You only came looking for me because you wanted her gone.

And now that you've revealed the truth to me, I have more than enough reason to do so, too.

I really hate liars.

Perfect.

Our win rate just surpassed 85%.

My lady, I apologize for interrupting, but it's time for you to take the stage.

Alright.

Listen well, Otherworldly Immortal. I apologize, but your calculations are wrong.

I don't need anything like a win rate.

We're going to fight until we win.

Okay, I like that. 89%.

By the sacred tongue of the dragon, I speak!

Any that don't follow the Serpent Dragon Guild...

Whoever they may be, whatever reason they have, strike them all down!

We can't move forward current-alee.

The enemy has made the road quite fire-alee!

We have no choice. Keep pushing forward.

Don't hesitate to lay down your lives for Lord Nagi!

We can't clear a path. We're all going to die at this rate!

Look-alee! Lotus flowers are blooming prett-alee!

Lady Nagi! Lady Nagi is clearing a path herself!

I won't let anybody harm my clan!

Divine summoning dance? What a joke.

Following the Path of Destiny is for the benefit of all beastkin?

No way!

Look here. I shall clear the Path of Destiny!

My lady, we've captured the holdout.

Bring him here!

So, you thought you'd be brave?

Here, on my land?

Ptui! How is this your land?!

This has been our land since long ago.

You're the ones trying to trample and take everything!

Long ago?

Alright then, what did you do to earn this land?

You've simply been sitting on land that was passed down to you by your parents.

What? Sitting on?

This is a senseless fight!

You just don't like that everybody is happy!

Hahaha.

Yes. Wouldn't it be nice if you were miserable too?

Wh-what?

Why did you just watch us suffer?

Yuryeon!

Yes, my lady.

Allow that beastkin to experience just how fragrant the fog of the Toxic Mire is.

Yes, my lady.

Take him away!

Ah... N-no!

And Father? Have you not found him yet?

Not yet. We haven't yet heard from him...

I hope he hasn't come to any harm.

If someone who bears me ill will were to attempt to harm my father...

*Sigh...* I have no choice.

How is the situation with that old turtlie?

I've just been informed that Lord Whitehare has entered Cloudcrest Peak.

We should hurry then.

And...

The Kumiho Divine Maiden seems to be helping the beastkin who've lost their homes and is tracking our movements.

Really?

My lady, watch out!

Pathetic.

You come running to your death.

Ack...

Fools devoid of goodwill.

Worthless creatures who take everything they have for granted.

Blame your own stupidity, which only learns regret when standing at death's door.

We shall now head to Cloudcrest Peak to eliminate the vile rabbit.

After that, all that remains are Sangun and the Divine Maiden of the Empyrean Fangs.

No... Your side started this. So...

I don't care.

No snake ever reaches adulthood without shedding its skin!