Jinhwan whirled around, sword raised, ready to strike but froze. Just a few steps away stood something that looked similar to the wooden puppets he had fought earlier. but this one was different.
It had a head shaped like a human's but formed entirely from bark and vines. Its face had carved features, eerie in their almost-human resemblance. The wood was a deep brown, polished and smooth, with green moss growing around the jaw and temples like hair. At the center of its chest pulsed a glowing green crystal, faintly humming with power. Its body, although wooden, moved with unsettling grace. It felt alive.
Jinhwan's heart pounded like a drum, his grip tightening on his sword.
What the hell?
How can it talk?
That's impossible.
"H-How can you talk?" he stammered, his voice shaky but firm.
"You.... you're not supposed to be able to. What are you?"
Jinhwan didn't blink. He couldn't. His eyes were locked on the creature, every instinct in his body screaming at him to be ready for anything.
The woodman smirked.
"You're right no beast should be able to talk. Not even this one. Call me the 16th Pillar. I can't give you my real name due to certain rules."
His voice was smooth, calm but something about it sent chills crawling down Jinhwan's spine. The woodman began to walk slowly in a circle, feet brushing against the grass with each graceful step.
"Tell me, mortal why are you alone? Humans usually hunt in groups, don't they? Are your teammates dead? If so, you should've left this gate. Why do something so foolish. like coming in here by yourself?"
The 16th Pillar?
Jinhwan's brows furrowed.
What the hell is he talking about?
And why does it sound like he's not even using his own body?
He kept his stance low, sword at the ready, every muscle on edge.
"I entered this gate alone. That was my choice. Now it's my turn why are you talking like this isn't your body? And what's with the '16th Pillar' bullshit?"
The woodman stopped walking and let out a soft chuckle at Jinhwan's response. "Interesting. You came here alone, even though you're this weak you can't even properly keep your sword infused with mana. And yes, you're right this isn't my real body. I've simply taken control of this one. Just for fun. My physical body is resting comfortably in bed right now."
Jinhwan's eyes narrowed.
Taking control?
What is he.. a gate creator?
Wait.....
"You."
he began, voice sharp.
"Are you one of the ones who connected these gates to Earth? Are you the reason all of this is happening? And if you're so powerful, why are you here possessing the body of a low-rank gate boss?"
The woodman tilted its head and nodded slightly, as if amused.
"As for your first question. no, I'm not the one who did it. But I do know who is. As for the second good point, I suppose.. But I'm not allowed to interfere in major events. My Lord would be displeased.. Using a lower gate boss doesn't break any rules, so it's harmless fun."
His voice was as calm as ever but every word seemed to weigh heavily on the air.
Jinhwan's expression shifted. His guard dropped slightly, his grip loosening on the sword. His voice turned desperate.
"You know who's behind all this?" he asked. "Then tell me who is it? How do I reach him?"
The woodman smirk returned, wider than before. "Why should I tell you that, mortal?"
"What do you want then?" Jinhwan asked, his voice firm. "Money? Technology? Weapons? Even a country on earth. Just name it."
The woodman paused, seemingly surprised. "Hah.... Looks like you're more than just a reckless kid."
He slowly raised a hand, his wood fingers curling into a fist as he continued.
"How about this fight me. Not the brainless beast this body used to be. Me. I'll use only the strength this vessel provides. If you can defeat me here and now, then the next time we meet, I'll tell you who's behind all of this. And even how to find them."
The instant those words left his mouth, Jinhwan moved. With a flash of speed, he appeared right in front of the puppet, his glowing blue eyes burning with resolve.
His sword came down in a blur aimed straight for the glowing core embedded in the puppet's chest.
But the woodman reacted, just in time. His right arm shot up and blocked the blade with a loud clang. Then, without hesitation, it drove its fist into Jinhwan's right side with brutal force.
CRACK.
The impact echoed through the chamber as Jinhwan's body was launched across the room like a ragdoll. He slammed into the stone wall with a bone-jarring thud, then crumpled to the ground, bouncing once before coming to a rough stop.
He coughed, blood spraying from his mouth, staining the grass below.
The woodman tilted its head, grinning. "What a surprise. You didn't waste a single second. You're interesting. Mortal."
Blood spilled from Jinhwan's mouth as he growled in pain, his body trembling. The right side of his ribs felt numb, a dull throb spreading with every breath.
His legs shook beneath him, barely holding him up, but still he stood. Gritting his teeth, he gripped his sword tighter, knuckles white.
"Fuck he's strong," he muttered under his breath, eyes fixed on the woodman standing silently ahead.
Should I run?
If I win, I'll finally know who's behind all this.
But… will I even survive?
His heart pounded. Doubt clawed at the back of his mind.
But if I just run like a coward.... then what's the point of having this power at all?
He closed his eyes and drew in a slow, shaky breath. The fear didn't vanish but it sharpened into something else. Determination. He dropped his stance slightly, steadying himself.
Then his eyes snapped open glowing blue, fierce and alive once more. With everything he had left, Jinhwan pushed forward, his feet pounding against the ground as he charged toward the woodman.
The woodman moved. Without a word, it thrust both hands into the ground. The ground trembled beneath Jinhwan's feet then cracked open.
A forest of roots burst from the soil, thick and wild, whipping toward him like snakes with fangs drawn, aiming to strike him down before he could get any closer.
Jinhwan kept running forward, ignoring the pain in his body. His grip slipped, but he quickly spun the sword in his hand, cutting through the roots that shot at him. He pushed forward like a drill, forcing his way through.
As he got close, he grabbed the sword with both hands and ducked low.
The crimson handle started glowing brighter, brighter than before. Then Jinhwan swung his sword upward with everything he had.
In that moment, a glowing slash shot out from the blade.
The woodman crossed his arms in an X-shape to block it, protecting his core.
As the slash hit, a sudden explosion went off.
The blast sent the woodman flying, and cracks spread through his body. His arms and chest split from the force.
[Chapter 8 end]