Only I Am A Reader

"Senior Brother!"

Walking up to Cheon Chang, Leo raised his eyebrows as he felt the same powerful wave that he sensed not too long ago. His Senior Brother was trying his best to hide it, but it was clear that even the Absolute Spear couldn't handle his newfound powers too well.

"You…"

"Yes, with you chasing my tail so fast, I finally took the step that I have been trying to take for so long. This wasn't exactly the way I envisioned it would happen, but…"

[Don't be a downer. Although I haven't met our master, I'm sure he would have been proud of you for catching onto his footsteps in your own way.]

Yeon wasn't the only one that Leo believed he would miss. If anyone else made it to the list, it just had to be Cheon Chang. With a complimentary smile on his face, Leo made sure to send him a meaningful Sound Transmission to boost his self-confidence.

[I'm glad that you see it that way, but I'm sure if Master was really here, he would have been even more proud of what you have accomplished.]

In a way, it felt like the Absolute Spear was happier about Leo's accomplishments in comparison to his hierarchy-destroying breakthrough.

"Hey kid, that was pretty impressive."

"Mast- Jeong."

Like the free spirit she was, Cheon Jeong naturally jumped into the conversation. She usually referred to Leo in other ways, but her mischievous face said it all.

"What? This is just how things work. He is the newbie of the Pillars so I still get to treat him as such, just like we are on a first-name basis."

It was obvious that the Blade Spirit was playfully aiming for Yeon's awkward protest. As the new leader of the Heavenly Strength Society, retaining her Master's title was no longer an option.

She was now the highest sky that everyone should look up to and not the other way around.

"It seems like I wouldn't get to speak that way for long though."

The way that Leo fought on this day and the milestones that he achieved had absolutely proven his ability to every member of the Society, his assignment as the newest Pillar was acknowledged as more than well deserved!

'Sadly, that's not one of my current worries.'

"That's irrelevant, Ho and I will be taking our leave now after we prepare some things."

"Eh? Right now? Can't it wait?"

Just like a worried mother, Cheon Jeong didn't seem to understand the reason behind this quick escape. Unfortunately, Leo had no plans to explain their destination.

"It's a little thing we need to do for the sake of a smoother future. Don't worry, it won't take long."

"I will follow."

Just as Leo was trying to pull a quick retreat, Cheon Chang immediately decided to attach himself to their little expedition…

"But…"

"I will follow, or you don't get to go."

"It will be just a boring carriage ride."

"It's okay, I will be the driver. In my current state, I need to do something simple and carefree like that to start adapting."

The Absolute Spear was being adamant about something for once. It would be against one of the Heavenly Strength Society's few rules, but considering his current level of ability, he could act on his threat.

[Don't worry, I won't be interfering in your later business.]

"Alright, just get going then. This could work out well. If someone got over their head, we could get to show off our new Profound Powerhouse as a cautionary tale."

Instantly flipping her stance from confusion to being supportive, Cheon Jeong pushed the three stars of the show onto their way before giving one last shout.

"Congratulations, Spearhead!"

`~~~`~~~`~~~`

'Goodbye, everyone.'

After sneaking off and collecting some supplies, Leo took one last glance at the people that he would miss very soon before boarding one of the Society's carriages.

"Setting off!"

He couldn't go to everyone and give them a long hug now saying that it was farewell, but Leo had already taken that into mind. He made sure to finish his subtle goodbyes before the day of the clash.

'They should do alright, especially Sohee and Yong.'

The two little siblings that only lost to Yeon when it came to how much time they had spent together were dear to Leo's heart even if they were just novel characters from someone else's perspective.

"I'm sorry we have to do this first. I'm sure this wasn't what you had in mind when I mentioned a trip, but I promise we will get to that soon."

"It's okay, Ho. We sent that last letter for a reason. It would only be unwise to not follow up on it."

"That's not just it."

Sitting next to Yeon in the wide carriage, spread out his arm to take her into his embrace. They weren't lying on a comfy couch or bed, but Leo definitely initiated some cuddling.

"I also wanted to silently spend some time next to you before we get to have our talk."

Although that wasn't their current target, Leo's ultimate destination was a place where he and Yeon could get a little alone time to shed some light on a few long-needed details, and… That scared Leo.

He was confident that Yeon could handle everything he would tell her, but he wasn't sure how she would view him after.

Leo wanted to believe that there would be no difference, but on the slimmest chance that something went wrong. He just couldn't imagine his beloved Yeon looking at him like some sort of an alien or an invader.

Rather than noisily discussing everything that he held back, his weary heart preferred the silent warmth that they shared at this very moment.

"Ho…"

"Yeon…"

In the end, even Yeon settled for the same thing. To her, being together was all that mattered.

'Still, let's get this done with. With a timer breathing down my neck, escape isn't an answer.'

Just like that, the new Heavenly Demon quickly made her way toward the Murim Alliance!