The One Who Defies Fate: The Law of the Strong (Transcendental Murim)

A Mid-Sized City: Tervan

After departing from the White Citadel, Damian's party arrived in Tervan, a mid-sized city.It was a trading hub where merchants and adventurers from various regions gathered.But Tervan was known for something else entirely.

"This place is famous for its hot springs," Ian said, gazing up at the steam billowing from the city gates."Thanks to the geothermal heat, you'll find bathhouses all over the city."

Leanne looked around with intrigue."No wonder the air's so humid."

Damian remained indifferent."It doesn't matter where we are. Let's just rest."

Soon, they found lodging.To Ian's delight, they stumbled upon a bathhouse inn—a favorite among weary travelers for its combination of beds and steaming hot springs.

The Men Finish Up… But Ian Lingers

Damian and Leanne finished their baths quickly.They reappeared in the inn's lounge, sipping tea on the first floor.

But time passed—and Ian hadn't returned.

Leanne raised an eyebrow."…Isn't she taking a bit too long?"

Damian shrugged."Don't worry. Thieves are always gathering intel. Anywhere. Anytime."

Sure enough, Ian was deep in work—not in the lounge, but in the women's bath.

Eavesdropping in the Steam – Where Rumors Begin

Relaxing in the hot spring, Ian let the warmth ease the tension from her limbs.The heat soaked into her muscles, unwinding the fatigue built up from travel.

But she wasn't here just to soak.Her sharp ears were tuned to the idle chatter around her.

"Did you hear? They found some kind of treasure near the northern ruins.""Treasure? You mean gold and jewels again?""No, it's different this time. Supposedly, they found a metal fragment with strange markings.""So what? What's so special about that?""Who knows… but get this—every adventurer who found it has vanished."

Ian narrowed her eyes.Treasure? Missing adventurers?

The conversation continued.

"They say the guild officially posted an expedition notice.""Then it must be something valuable.""Maybe… but I wouldn't go near it. Sounds way too dangerous."

Ian smirked.Dangerous? That's my favorite kind of job.

Naturally, she slid into their conversation.

"So where exactly are these ruins?"

Thief's Instinct – Moving Faster Than News

Ian wasn't just a listener—she was an extractor.

She expertly steered the conversation,teasing out critical details about the ruins' location and the rumors surrounding them.

Finally, she had what she needed.

"Perfect. We've got our next destination."

With a satisfied grin, she left the bath.

Ian's Report – Time to Move

When Ian returned to the lounge, Damian and Leanne were still enjoying their tea.

Ian casually dropped into a chair."We've got something to do."

Leanne looked puzzled."What is it?"

Ian replied with a grin."Treasure hunt."

Damian leaned in with interest."Explain."

Ian recounted the rumors she'd overheard:the metal fragment etched with strange symbols,the missing adventurers,and the official expedition posted by the guild.

It didn't feel like a simple treasure hunt.

Ian added, playfully,"Come on, admit it. You're both curious too, aren't you?"

Leanne sighed."…So we're getting involved again, huh?"

Ian winked."Obviously. That's the whole thrill of adventuring, isn't it?"

Damian watched her silently, then let out a soft chuckle and stood."Fine. Where are the ruins?"

Ian beamed."North. If the guild's issuing a contract, it's gotta be something big."

Leanne gave a quiet nod."…Alright. Let's go."

And just like that,they were off again—heading toward a new mystery, chasing yet another echo of the unknown.

***

Chapter – A Being Forged by Belief

Relics of the Temple, and Strange Phenomena

The treasure found in the ruins—and the unsettling rumors surrounding it.

Based on the information she'd gathered at the inn, Ian confirmed the official quest posted by the guild.Holding the parchment out in front of her, she said:

"People who touched the artifact started having nightmares.And they said objects around them began to move on their own."

Damian spoke flatly.

"A ghost?"

Leanne fell silent for a moment, then nodded.

"More accurately, a ghost-like being."

Ian raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"So it's not the kind of ghost we usually think of?"

Scanning the documents, Leanne explained:

"It's not your typical undead or wraith from Western fantasy.It's not the lingering will of the dead…but rather a being formed from people's belief."

Ian let out a dry laugh.

"So if we all believe Damian is a master of ghost-slaying sword techniques,does he actually become one?"

Damian glanced at her silently.Ian raised her hands with a sheepish grin.

"Kidding. Just kidding."

But Leanne seemed lost in thought.

"…Actually, that might not be entirely impossible."

A Ghost in the Ruins

The trio departed the village and headed for the site in question—an ancient, ruined temple.

At its center sat a lone treasure, faintly glowing.

Ian stared at it and muttered,

"It's way too obvious. Like it's saying, 'Please take me.'"

But Damian didn't lower his guard.

"…Something's wrong."

The air shifted.A cold chill crept through the ruins,and a formless presence, like fog, began to emerge.

Leanne gritted her teeth.

"It's here."

Ian crouched low, whispering,

"…That's definitely not your average undead."

It writhed like black smoke,a distorted face half-formed from the mist, wailing like a human soul in torment.

But—the voice wasn't just a mindless scream.

"…Leave.""…You do not belong here."

Ian flinched.

"Did… did it just talk?"

Leanne explained:

"This isn't a remnant of the dead.It's a being shaped from the memories of those who once believed this place was sacred.""That's why physical attacks won't work."

Ian grumbled, gripping her dagger.

"So what then? Sprinkle it with holy water?"

And then—Damian stepped forward quietly.

Reaching into the air, he spoke:

"…Let's start with an attack."

Murim Meets Fantasy – How to Fight a Spirit

Drawing his sword, Damian muttered low:

"…There were stories in Murim of spirits like this.Even if ghosts don't exist… there are techniques for fighting ghost-like things."

Leanne raised a brow.

"Even Murim has stuff like that?"

Damian lowered his stance.

"Of course."

This wasn't just physical combat.It was swordsmanship fused with intention, breath, and belief.

He focused his breath.A faint energy gathered at the tip of his blade.

Ian, wide-eyed, murmured:

"Wait—are you using holy power like those knights?"

Damian calmly replied:

"No.This isn't the power of gods."

And—as he slashed through the air,

the ghostly form twisted violently.

"…GraaAAAaaah!!"

Ian gasped.

"Whoa, it actually worked?!"

But Leanne narrowed her eyes.

"No… it's not gone yet."

Though the spirit flickered and warped,it hadn't been fully vanquished.

Damian sheathed his sword with a frown.

"…It's not enough."

Just then, Ian remembered something.

"Wait—I did bring something just in case…"

She pulled out a small glass vial,filled with clear liquid.

Leanne's eyes lit up.

"Holy water?"

Ian gave a sheepish chuckle.

"Got it from the guild.Didn't think we'd actually use it, but hey."

Damian took the vial.

"How do I use this?"

Leanne explained:

"It's sacred. You can pour it on the spirit directly,but it'll be more effective if you coat your blade with it."

Damian slowly poured it over his sword.The blade shimmered faintly.

And when he struck again—the spirit howled, its form burning away like paper in fire.

"…GRaaaAAAAAAh!!"

Ian whistled.

"Now that's more like it."

Leanne nodded.

"So the holy power was the key.Damian's sword did affect it—but the decisive blow came from the holy water."

A Relic Left Behind, and a New Mystery

As the ghost vanished,a faint aura escaped from the artifact.

Ian picked it up and frowned.

"So this caused it?"

Leanne stared at the item and whispered:

"No.It didn't cause the spirit."

"The very belief that this relic existed…gave form to the spirit itself."

Damian lowered his sword and looked at the object.This was no ordinary artifact.It might be a clue—something connected to this world's sacred laws.

Ian held it in her hand and grinned.

"We should report this to the guild. And who knows…"

"Maybe this is just the beginning of something much bigger."

The three returned to the village,relic in hand.

But what awaited them—was not just a reward.