Chapter 222: Nation of Mechanical Marvels

Not only Seo Ryeom, but all the martial artists of the Annihilation Squad were seeing the Floating Continent in motion for the first time.

“How does something that huge even move?”

“Is a dragon pulling the continent from somewhere we can’t see?”

“How would that even make sense?”

“Why not? That massive landmass is moving.”

While everyone was gathered and chatting pointlessly, a massive cloud approached near the Roaring Thunder Fortress.

They all thought it was just a regular cloud. So, they didn’t pay it much mind.

But as the cloud drew closer, they all realized something was off.

“What is that?”

The martial artists of the Annihilation Squad all drew their weapons. They had caught a glimpse of something unknown inside the cloud.

Kuuung—

At the same time, Roaring Thunder Fortress came to a sudden halt with a thunderous sound. Then, a wall of the fortress opened, and Cho-su walked toward it.

He stopped in front of the cloud that blocked the path of Roaring Thunder Fortress. As the cloud slowly dissipated, something enormous within began to reveal itself.

At the sight of what emerged, everyone tightened their grip on their weapons.

A massive conglomeration that looked as though machines had been clumped together.

It looked like a pile of junk at first glance, but the sheer force radiating from it sent chills through everyone. Strangely, when it had been shrouded in the cloud, none of its aura had been detectable.

Atop the mysterious massive structure, hundreds of Automatic Puppets were lined up in formation, and it had mechanical arms attached to its body.

They could see a metallic dragon’s head, a beast’s head and wings, and even a long cylinder.

It looked as if everything had been haphazardly thrown together, but the martial artists of the Annihilation Squad all came to the same conclusion.

‘It’s an army.’

The puppets lined up on top were soldiers, and the massive machine below was a fortress and weapon no less powerful than Roaring Thunder Fortress. Once the cloud fully cleared, everyone understood.

Kki-gi-giik—

The dragon’s head made of metal moved forward. Its glowing red eyes locked onto Cho-su.

【Hyung-nim, it’s been a while.】

A voice came from inside the dragon’s mouth.

“Who are you?”

【It’s me, Ryu Wan.】

“Oh, Wan-i. Yeah, it has been a while. Are you on patrol?”

【This sector is my responsibility. It’s been over ten years now. You really should visit more often. Still, it’s good to see you again.】

“Yeah, same here. Good to see you.”

【But what is that? You brought something quite curious. Who are the people inside?】

“They’re comrades.”

【Comrades? Huh, you’ve got comrades now?】

Surprised by the unexpected words, the voice chuckled.

“Well, it just happened that way.”

【Got it. Let’s talk more later. Go on ahead. The elders are waiting for you impatiently.】

“They’re waiting? Who?”

【You’ll see when you get there.】

That voice, laced with laughter, vanished after that. The enormous structure cloaked itself in clouds once again and flew off to the side.

“Hmmm.”

Not knowing what might happen, Seo Ryeom, who was standing behind Cho-su, kept his eyes on the retreating cloud.

“Brother Cho, I’m just asking because I’m curious—”

“If you even try to fight here once, you’ll never be allowed back in Roaring Thunder Fortress.”

Cho-su, having caught on to Seo Ryeom’s thoughts, put his foot down.

The martial artists of the Annihilation Squad didn’t know exactly what they had just seen, but they had a rough idea of the power it held.

And because it was such a peculiar thing, they all wanted to try fighting it. If Cho-su hadn’t spoken up just now, some of them might have already dashed forward.

“I didn’t want to fight it, I was just curious. Really curious. It looked so fascinating, you know?”

Seo Ryeom gave a weak excuse in response to Cho-su’s stern words.

“Are you really going to go all the way here just to return empty-handed? Keep this in mind, all of you. If you cause trouble, you won’t get a single weapon.”

“Gasp!”

The martial artists who had been about to charge hurriedly put away their weapons and stood upright.

Weapons made by the Nation of Mechanical Marvels aren’t easily obtainable. But thanks to their connection with Jang Woo-hyun, the Annihilation Squad had the chance to come here.

Wasting such a good opportunity by picking a fight and missing out on a weapon or Dharma Treasure? That would be horrifying.

Thus, everyone intended to follow Cho-su’s orders. After all, the Nation of Mechanical Marvels was the one place that could grant them the best weapons and Dharma Treasures.

“Hyung-nim, please behave.”

“Know the mood, man.”

“Seriously. These days, he’s worse than our former Captain.”

Worried about upsetting Cho-su, the martial artists of the Annihilation Squad each took a jab at Seo Ryeom. They needed someone to blame, so everyone was united.

“What did I even do? I haven’t done anything yet.”

“It’s your mindset that’s the problem. You should just stay quiet. Geez, the former Captain, the Vice Captain—why are they all such kids?”

“Exactly. Told you to stop causing trouble already. You guys still think you’re in charge. There’s a new Captain in the Annihilation Squad now.”

“Enough already. It’s not like this is the first time Ryeom pulled something like this. We should understand.”

Mak Ya-wol, who had usually been the target of the Annihilation Squad’s barbs, joined in this time since Seo Ryeom was now their target.

“He’s not gonna change. We should just bear with it.”

While Mak Ya-wol’s lips curled upward, Seo Ryeom’s brow furrowed deeper.

“You’re all really gonna go there, huh?”

“What do you mean go there? You’re the one who’s in the wrong.”

“What did I even do? I haven’t done anything yet!”

“Oh-ho. Cho-su gave a strict warning, and yet you had impure thoughts? That alone is the problem.”

“He’s right.”

“Indeed.”

“You were a bit much, Former Vice Captain.”

The Annihilation Squad became one unit in mocking him. Though Seo Ryeom was innocent, he had become everyone’s scapegoat, and there was nothing he could do.

While Seo Ryeom bickered with the others, Jang Woo-hyun approached the Wind-Passing Great Sage. It was strange for that monkey who loved fighting to be so quiet.

“Why are you so well-behaved for once?”

“I won’t fight here.”

Jang Woo-hyun’s eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected answer.

“You made a promise?”

“With who?”

It was an answer he hadn’t expected. For the Wind-Passing Great Sage to refrain from fighting due to a promise?

“So it was true.”

Seon Tae-gyeong, seemingly aware of what was going on, nodded beside him.

“You know something?”

After glancing at the Great Sage, Seon Tae-gyeong opened his mouth.

“I once heard that the King of the Nation of Mechanical Marvels forged the Great Sage’s weapon.”

“His weapon… you mean that one?”

Even Jang Woo-hyun knew of the Great Sage’s weapon.

At first, it had been a silver sphere, but it transformed into a sword, spear, blade, or even a chain. The weapon used by the Wind-Passing Great Sage last time was like the wind itself, with no fixed form.

“Did receiving that weapon come with a promise not to fight the people of the Nation of Mechanical Marvels?”

“No, I just decided not to mess with the Nation of Mechanical Marvels.”

That meant he could attack people from the Nation of Mechanical Marvels as much as he wanted once he left this place.

“Come to think of it, why aren’t you using your weapon? Didn’t bring it?”

“I can’t use it right now. My weapon is like a Monster in itself, so I need to summon it with far greater power than I currently have.”

The Wind-Passing Great Sage, who had appeared while being chased by Twin-Winged Lotus, had possessed strength on the level of the Realm of Wish. He had been far stronger than he was now, which was why he had been able to use his weapon then.

“Still, it’s surprising. You’re actually keeping your promises.”

“There’s a contract on it. If I don’t keep it, the weapon disappears.”

“….”

At the absurd response, Jang Woo-hyun shook his head and let out a small sigh. So that was why he’d been so well-behaved—because he was afraid of losing his weapon.

‘At least that means I won’t have to deal with any headaches.’

It was a relief not to have to restrain the Wind-Passing Great Sage. If they had arrived in the Nation of Mechanical Marvels and he had thrown a tantrum about wanting to fight, there’d have been no answer to that.

‘Looks like I won’t need to worry this time.’

The Wind-Passing Great Sage was calm, and the martial artists of the Annihilation Squad would behave thanks to Cho-su’s warning. No persuasion necessary. It was a rare moment of peace.

While they conversed, Roaring Thunder Fortress arrived near a city at the center of the Floating Continent.

As Roaring Thunder Fortress landed in a clearing near the city and the group disembarked one by one, three people flew in from the direction of the city.

One had only one arm, white skin that looked powdered, and a third eye between her brows. Like Cho-su, they were from the Nation of Mechanical Marvels.

Those approaching had distinct characteristics.

A young woman with her hair tied up rode a massive wolf-shaped Puppet, and a middle-aged man had wings of light spread behind his back.

The elderly man with white hair, who followed behind, rode a sword-shaped Flying Apparatus, with metallic tendrils squirming from its rear section.

Just at a glance, it was obvious they were not ordinary.

The three quickly closed the distance and landed in front of the group.

“Which one of you is Jang Woo-hyun?”

“Who is it?!”

The middle-aged man and the old man raised their voices.

Looking around the Annihilation Squad, the two fixed their gaze on Jang Woo-hyun.

“So it’s you!”

“You’re the one!”

They rushed toward Jang Woo-hyun, clearly agitated.

“You rascal! How could you just now show up?!”

“Move faster, will you!”

The old man and the middle-aged man scolded Jang Woo-hyun. Everyone turned to look at him. And with their eyes, they asked—Who are these people?

“I waited so long.”

“I waited an awful lot too.”

Though the two spoke as if they knew him, Jang Woo-hyun said nothing and simply stared.

And it was only natural—he had absolutely no idea who they were.

Who were they to have been waiting for him?

“Um…”

“Both of you, calm down. Step back a bit.”

Unlike the two excited men, the woman remained calm.

“You impudent brat! I’ve waited so long—who are you telling to step back?!”

“Who do you think? That half-dead old man over there.”

“What?!”

The old man shouted in anger, but the young woman didn’t even turn her head. She walked forward and made eye contact with Jang Woo-hyun.

“Sorry for the noise. Those two old fossils are out of their minds since they’re about to croak.”

The woman smiled brightly as she spoke.

Though she used polite speech, everything that came from her mouth was harsh.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Ju Yeong-rang.”

She extended her one arm for a handshake.

“We’re known as the Three Master Craftsmen of the Nation of Mechanical Marvels. Oh, and those two geezers who look like they’re about to die? Same.”

The old man’s name was Jo Cheol-san, and the middle-aged man was Seo Hong-ho.

Together with Ju Yeong-rang, the three were known as the Three Master Craftsmen of the Nation of Mechanical Marvels.

They claimed they had been waiting for Jang Woo-hyun all this time.

“Huh? Why were you waiting for me?”

Jang Woo-hyun had no connection to them whatsoever. More than that, he hadn’t even heard their names before today.

“As of now, the Nation of Mechanical Marvels has no heir to the throne.”

“And in such a situation, how dare you show up this late!”

“Stop yelling and get back, before I sew your mouth shut with a Dharma Treasure.”

“What did you say?!”

“What? Wanna try me?”

When Ju Yeong-rang glared at him, Jo Cheol-san cleared his throat and turned his head.

“Um… sorry. I really have no idea what any of this has to do with me.”

“Ah, I see I didn’t explain enough. Young Master Jang? Great Hero Jang? Or should I say Thousand Thunder Swordsman? What should I call you?”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with is fine.”

“Then I’ll call you Swordsman, since it sounds cool.”

She smiled kindly, a stark contrast to how she had treated Jo Cheol-san earlier.

“We’re going to make your weapon, Swordsman.”

“…Pardon?”

The unexpected statement delayed his reaction. But the words that followed went beyond surprise—they defied all reason.

“We will craft the Swordsman’s Sword, and based on the outcome, we will choose the next heir to the throne.”

“….”

This time, he couldn’t even respond.

He had only come because Cho-yul called him, but now it felt like he was getting dragged into something bizarre.

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