Chapter 282: All Humans Make Mistakes

Famous heroes from around the world began to gather.

The meeting point was Joaquin Academy, considered undoubtedly the ultimate target of the Demon King’s army.

Only a week had passed since the emergency summit. However, most heroes gladly accepted the call to arms.

Director Sung, who had feared difficulties in recruitment, wore a relieved expression. Even though this was a war for humanity’s survival, he assumed noble-born heroes would only seek to save themselves. That’s how they had always been.

But unexpectedly, they came voluntarily to Joaquin Academy. And one after another, they said something to Director Sung. In essence, they all said the same thing.

“Wasn’t it Heavenly Sword who summoned us? Of course, we had to come.”

“If it had been the association or the state who organized this, I wouldn’t have come. But if Heavenly Sword asks, that’s a different story.”

“My brother was one of the survivors of Fermush’s invasion—the fourth Corps Commander. He said that if it hadn’t been for Heavenly Sword, not just him, but everyone there at the time would’ve been wiped out. Though he can’t join this war, I’ll fight in his place. To repay the debt we owe.”

They didn’t come because the state called. A noble doesn’t move for emotional appeals. If they did, they’d have accepted their extinction with indifference.

Nobles value personal gain, but even more so, they treasure honor, pride, and dignity as nobles.

This war fulfilled all three principles. Alongside Heavenly Sword. For him, even the most arrogant rallied under one banner.

Furthermore, the fact that the battlefield was Joaquin Academy also influenced their decision to gather. It was the place where many of them spent their youth, now on the brink of becoming ashes.

Heroes who didn’t think highly of Kang Geom-Ma also joined under the cause of “protecting Joaquin Academy.” Regardless of the pretext, Director Sung was grateful that they had all gathered.

Thus, the expansive Joaquin Academy was unusually crowded. The crowd was composed exclusively of veterans—no students among them. Their faces bore the marks of many years of experience.

And thanks to them, the academy, usually empty during winter break, brimmed with life. Some among them knew Kang Geom-Ma personally.

All Mute, Khan Elizabeth, and the Relentless Iron Mao Lang were among them.

“Oh, the Iron Family has come! And Lancelot Company as well! I truly appreciate both groups for accepting the call.”

Director Sung, panting as he ran up to them, greeted them. All Mute gave a polite bow, Mao Lang a traditional martial salute—each in their own way.

“It’s good to see you, Chief Sung. Or should I say, Director now. Congratulations on your promotion.”

“Wow, I thought you were just a section chief, and now you’re a director. A meteoric rise in under a year. The Iron Family should show you some respect.”

“Oh, please, don’t say that.”

Director Sung responded bashfully.

“To be honest, this position is too much for me. When I first heard I was being appointed as director, I tried to turn it down. But it was the president of the association himself who chose me, so I couldn’t refuse. If it were just the title, I could handle it, but…”

Director Sung was in charge of this entire mobilization. He wasn’t a combatant, but perhaps that’s exactly why he was right for the role.

Since there was a clear distinction between operators and fighters, no one protested. Anyone who did would be seen as petty. Thanks to that, he was able to proceed with preparations smoothly, which was a relief for him.

“Forgive me for rambling in front of such distinguished guests. This way, please. A separate meeting has been prepared for those who will be fighting on the front lines.”

Director Sung led them to a private room. Several were already seated, all imposing figures.

‘The Sword Master, Changseong, the Tyrant Media, Kojima, Meian…’

All Mute licked her lips, scanning the room carefully. Meanwhile, Director Sung quietly excused himself, having completed his role.

‘Should I really be here?’

The legends of the old generation were gathered. All Mute felt she didn’t measure up. Mao Lang, seeing her hesitation, gave a slight smile and whispered in her ear.

“If you’re already shaking, what will you do when you face the Demon King’s army? Besides, the main star hasn’t even arrived yet.”

True. One seat was still empty—clearly his.

‘He’s not here yet?’

As All Mute tilted her head, Media gestured for them to come sit.

“Geom-Ma is busy with something personal, so he’ll be a bit late. You two, come have a seat.”

The two nodded and sat in non-primary seats. A momentary silence fell. The air was thick and heavy—understandable, given both the gravity of the moment and the caliber of those present.

Within a week, at least half of those here would no longer be standing. No one knew who. That’s war.

To break the tension a little, Media clapped her hands loudly.

“Anyway, who would’ve thought? Fighting a war alongside my own students. Living to see this day.”

“It’s an honor for us as well.”

Mao Lang replied.

“To think we’ll be fighting alongside the director and the Seven Star heroes—this will be remembered for generations in the Iron Family.”

“Only if we win this war, of course.”

A woman with a tired expression, Meain, interrupted. Media flared up instantly.

“Sis!”

“Did I say anything untrue?”

“Whether you’re right or not, I told you a thousand times to read the room! Do you talk like this to the Celestial Class too? No use. When this is over, I’ll seriously consider firing you.”

“Tch, how petty.”

“……”

At the absurd bickering of the Poison sisters, Mao Lang and All Mute stayed silent. It seemed they were already tired before anything had started. Not just them; the other Seven Stars avoided eye contact as if embarrassed.

Screech.

While the Poison sisters bickered, the face everyone had been waiting for entered the room. It was none other than Kang Geom-Ma.

“I see everyone’s already here.”

As soon as he entered, the sisters fell silent and gathered their words with serious expressions.

All Mute and Mao Lang also held back their greetings.

The reason was clear—Kang Geom-Ma’s presence was abnormal.

Though he had always radiated a dark energy, now he also emanated a kind of magical force that was hard to describe.

If not for his familiar face, anyone would’ve mistaken him for a demon. His aura was chilling.

Thump.

Feeling all eyes on him, Kang Geom-Ma sat casually in the head seat.

He knew well what everyone wanted to ask.

‘I understand they want to know why magic is flowing from my body.’

But it wasn’t the time to explain. The situation was urgent, and they couldn’t waste time on details.

‘They’ll find out during the war anyway. No need to say it now.’

Men with secrets always carry a mysterious air.

“Sorry for the delay. I had to stop by somewhere before coming.”

“Don’t worry. You bear the greatest burden. If you needed more rest, we would understand. Sorry for wasting your time with us old folks.”

Changseong smiled kindly. As soon as he saw Geom-Ma arrive, his face lit up with a big grin.

“The protagonist always enters last. You arrived right on time.”

The Sword Master chimed in. The Poison sisters tried to start another fuss, but the Sword Master, seated next to them, restrained them. They obeyed and forced stiff smiles.

Kojima cast a glance at Kang Geom-Ma, then looked away.

Though he said nothing, he didn’t seem intent on criticizing either.

That scene stunned All Mute and Mao Lang.

The legends of the previous generation didn’t just respect Kang Geom-Ma—they practically revered him. It wasn’t out of convenience, but genuine reverence. And it made sense, considering all he had accomplished.

For those familiar only with the solemn demeanor of the Seven Stars, it was naturally shocking. That moment made the hierarchy clear.

Heavenly Sword stood above. The others, below.

Finally, Kang Geom-Ma noticed All Mute and Mao Lang. He offered them a slight greeting with his eyes, and both instinctively bowed their heads without standing.

‘…He wasn’t this overwhelming when I saw him before.’

Lifting their heads was difficult. A sticky pressure clung to the back of their necks. Even though Kang Geom-Ma wasn’t doing it intentionally, his mere presence was overwhelming.

Cold sweat dripped from Mao Lang. Her assumption was confirmed—Kang Geom-Ma would soon become someone beyond even being looked at.

‘I didn’t think it would be to this extent…’

This was an unexpected factor. It far exceeded imagination. It wasn’t just growth.

It was evolution.

That’s right. Kang Geom-Ma had shed his human form and evolved into something beyond. A new type of human being.

“New humanity” seemed the most fitting term for this non-human existence.

As Mao Lang, trembling, slowly lifted her gaze, she noticed the hairs on her arms standing on end. Her entire body was covered in goosebumps.

Was it because of Kang Geom-Ma’s presence? Not entirely. That unease wasn’t coming from in front of her—it was behind her.

She could clearly sense a presence at her back that hadn’t been there a moment ago.

The sweat that had previously beaded on her temple now trickled down her face.

The coldness of her skin made that sweat feel strangely warm.

Mao Lang only moved her eyes. Everyone present was staring at her in astonishment—or more precisely, staring behind her. Only Kang Geom-Ma frowned, visibly annoyed.

What was happening? What had occurred in that brief instant when she had tried to greet him? Mao Lang glanced over her shoulder.

And as expected, the cause of the icy silence was right behind her.

A beauty with skin as pale as cooked rice. But her beauty, artificial like that of a porcelain doll, was unsettling.

No one had seen her before, which explained their confusion. Everyone except Kang Geom-Ma.

It was Herya, Kuarne’s loyal subordinate. She had appeared just like she had during the Joaquin incident—through a projection of her double body.

‘Does that bastard think the academy is his private bathroom or what?’

Whatever the reason, this was clearly one of that pale being’s signature abilities.

In any case, the fact remained: this was the second time that thing had shown itself to him.

Even if it was just a duplicate body, it took tremendous nerve to appear twice before Kang Geom-Ma.

She must have nerves of steel.

At this point, even Kang Geom-Ma was starting to get curious. What was this ghost trying to pull now?

“If you have something to say, say it.”

He cut straight to the point. Those who were about to draw their weapons stopped. Instead, they simply rested their hands on their hilts and watched Herya intently.

With an emotionless expression, she delicately held her skirt and gave a curtsey. She barely managed to mimic the gesture. But that was all. Even if she pretended to be human, she couldn’t fake having a will of her own.

“I bring a message from Kuarne.”

Kang Geom-Ma rested his chin in his hand with an indifferent air and gave a vague nod. Since ancient times, even emissaries from mortal enemies were at least heard out. So he would listen.

“In this war, we shall exterminate humanity completely, so—”

The moment she opened her mouth, a sword flash sparked. The sashimi blade traced a white arc. The cut sliced through the air with a sharp hiss, releasing a bitter scent of scorched air.

Slash.

A head as pale as paper rolled down Mao Lang’s back and struck the floor, shattering into a thousand pieces on impact.

The body, now headless, disintegrated into dust a moment later.

“Well.”

As everyone’s pupils dilated, Kang Geom-Ma let out a brief sigh and lazily shook off his sashimi blade.