RKP 591-600

     ----------------------------

Part 2, Episode 7

An alley on the first floor of the Tower.

There.

Crack.

A rough sound was heard.

[Impressive. Such resistance with weakened power.]

Dokgo Young, who stepped back, said with admiration.

He scanned Taehyun, who was gasping for breath, and his fallen subordinates.

Although he couldn't bring those with high spirits to avoid the Association's surveillance, the skilled warriors of the Shin-gyo possessed power comparable to B-rank players of Shin-Hanguk.

Kim Taehyun had dealt with four B-rank players.

While keeping him in check.

Of course, Kim Taehyun had to pay a corresponding price.

They had only been engaged in combat for less than five minutes, but in that time, he had become a wreck.

The clothes he was wearing were torn to shreds, and his breathing was so rough it sounded like he would collapse at any moment.

His shoulders were shaking as he failed to catch his irregular breath, so it was unlikely to be acting.

Dokgo Young raised the corners of his lips with a smirk.

[I see you can't use your skills?]

A technique used only by the Awakened of Earth among the many dimensions of the Interdimensional Zone.

He heard from the leader that Kim Taehyun had risen to the top by devouring numerous Awakened with a skill called 'Predation.'

But now, he's just panting after a few bare-handed fights.

"You talk too much. Are all cult members like that?"

Taehyun took a deep breath and adjusted his stance.

He placed his left foot forward and held a dagger in his left hand in reverse grip.

His right hand, clenched in a fist, was brought to his waist.

To be able to use Sansha at any time.

The ancient martial arts that he had no use for after transcending mortality were now his greatest weapon.

[Excellent technique. I suppose you call it ancient martial arts.]

As if there was no need to answer further, Dokgo Young closed the distance.

'Fast.'

Taehyun twisted his body to avoid the sword aimed at his neck.

Even so, blood splattered from his cheek.

'This much from just the wind pressure…'

If he had dodged any later, his neck would have been cut.

He was definitely on a different level from the guys who were lying down.

Taehyun moved the hand holding the sword instead of a fist.

The dagger crossed in a series of movements.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

'Heavy.'

So heavy that his mana-enhanced body couldn't withstand it.

A-rank.

Taehyun was sure that the man in front of him was one of the best of them.

Unfortunately, the current him couldn't handle this kind of guy head-on.

Above all, although he avoided fatal injuries, the infiltrated poisons were gradually slowing his movements.

[Your movements have slowed. Have you lost your resistance to toxicity too?]

Dokgo Young's sword was swung once again.

Clang!!

Unlike before, Taehyun's sword shattered with a cracking sound.

Thud!!

Dokgo Young's foot kicked Taehyun in the abdomen.

Taehyun, who had been rolling on the floor, managed to get up only after hitting the wall at the end of the alley.

"Keuh…"

A groan escaped his lips because the heavy impact had shaken his internal organs.

Thwack.

Without hesitation, he took out a detoxifier from the belt on his waist and jammed it into his thigh.

It was a low-grade detoxifier that he had obtained through Jaeyoung before entering the Tower.

'I备備 it just in case.'

The poison applied to the dagger was at least intermediate grade after a cursory glance.

A low-grade detoxifier would only slow down the rate at which the poison spread, and complete detoxification would be difficult.

In the first regression, he was immune to poison-related skills thanks to the Predation skill, and later became completely immune to poison while dealing with the Great Devils.

Who would have thought he would end up like this in the second regression?

Taehyun checked the dagger in his hand.

The blade was shattered and could no longer be used.

'If this is the case even with mana imbued…'

Taehyun looked at the sword Dokgo Young possessed.

The blade, completely stained purple, didn't look ordinary at a glance.

'It's not just the difference in the level of the sword.'

Weapon Destruction Technique.

It was an unfamiliar technique to the players.

Dokgo Young was testing him by matching swords against him.

How much Taehyun's level had fallen.

Whether he had any other secrets hidden.

'It's difficult to deal with the Murim people with this level of martial arts.'

A Murim person who's being so leisurely against him.

As expected, you have to live a long life to see everything. Taehyun threw the broken dagger at Dokgo Young.

Clang.

Dokgo Young, who easily deflected it, slowly closed the distance.

He was confident of victory.

[It was a more trivial mission than I thought. I don't know why the leader ordered me to spare someone like you.]

The leader of the Shin-gyo. The Blood Demon wanted Kim Taehyun captured alive, not killed.

It wouldn't be easy to capture him unless it was now, when he couldn't use 'Predation,' so he told him to cut off his limbs and drag him away.

He had repeatedly emphasized it.

But he only took down four of his subordinates and ended up like this.

Dokgo Young admitted that he was being careless.

The leader who received god-like worship in the Shin-gyo.

It was because the target, which the leader had emphasized several times, showed a level below expectations.

[To think that a guy like you once ruled this place... It's quite amazing.]

"Don't… misunderstand."

[What?]

"I've never done anything like ruling."

[Hehe. Wordplay.]

Taehyun's gaze, gasping for breath, was directed at Dokgo Young's sword.

'If I confront him head-on, the durability of my weapons won't hold up.'

Two of the daggers he had stolen from the already fallen masked men had already been broken.

[Surely you're not going to make excuses because of the weapon?]

He grinned.

Dokgo Young raised his sword.

[They say it can even kill dragons, hence the Dragonslaying Sword. A divine sword bestowed upon me by the leader.]

Taehyun let out a hollow laugh at the unexpected name.

Dragonslaying Sword (龍殺劍).

It was the name of the sword that Taehyun had obtained and used in the past after subduing the Dragon race.

Although the shape was different, the current moment didn't feel like a coincidence.

'That damn timeline.'

The more he knew, the more time passed, the more he wondered what this world was like.

Before he knew it, the distance between Taehyun and Dokgo Young had narrowed to about five steps.

[Further disappointment would be a waste. I'll have you fall here.]

The Dragonslaying Sword aimed for his neck once again.

Taehyun chose to step forward instead of retreating.

Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts, First Form: Taebaek.

Crack.

A half-beat faster movement.

Taehyun's hand struck Dokgo Young's wrist.

[……!!]

Dokgo Young's energy was disrupted by the different movement than before.

Whoosh.

The Dragonslaying Sword, which had penetrated by spinning his body once, this time stabbed his abdomen.

If Taehyun's physical abilities that he had grasped were correct, it was impossible to avoid, and even if he blocked it, it would be difficult to avoid a fatal injury.

But clearly.

Chinese Ancient Martial Arts, First Form: Explosive Force.

Wham.

A counterattack as if he had been waiting for it. Dokgo Young staggered at the repeated coincidence.

'How…?'

His gaze turned to Taehyun.

And.

[That eye….]

Dokgo Young let out a low groan.

Taehyun's eyes, which had returned to a natural stance, were shining brightly.

It wasn't just a matter of enhancing his eyesight using mana.

One of his eyes had turned red.

'Is the seal being released?'

No, that couldn't be.

The seal placed on Kim Taehyun wasn't light. The Blood Demon had directly guaranteed it.

'But what the hell….'

Dokgo Young shook his head.

Already broken body.

Kim Taehyun's ancient martial arts no longer possessed the power of a one-hit kill.

He used his meager mana to protect his body, and his ancient martial arts to increase his destructive power.

In addition, he focused mana on his eyesight to make up for his lack of speed.

That was all.

[That eye. The fact that you haven't used it until now and are using it now must mean there's a reason, right?]

Taehyun silently grabbed one of the daggers that had fallen and charged.

It wasn't wrong.

The 'Demon Eye' gave him excellent dynamic visual acuity, but using it only with control like this involved a considerable burden.

His mana was already running out just by imitating Stone Skin.

Even that was only maintained because he had drunk potions several times in between.

Taehyun took a new stance.

The ancient martial arts he used while dealing with these guys were only up to the 4th Form.

His body seemed unable to withstand the burden with just that.

He had to push himself to the limit now.

'There's only one chance.'

If the guy in front of him was still standing even after his attack was over, his journey would end here.

It started with Sansha.

First Form: Explosive Force.

Bang.

A roar was heard as Taehyun's fist collided with Dokgo Young's sword.

Following that.

Second Form: Inch Force.

Bang.

Third Form: Elbow Force.

Bang.

Blood splattered.

It was because Dokgo Young had blocked the Elbow Force with one hand and slashed Taehyun's shoulder.

[If those are the three forms, then I've seen enough. Is there anything else?]

A sense of elation at facing the ruler of the world. The joy of being able to make such a ruler a wreck.

Taehyun realized that Dokgo Young was feeling a sense of superiority over him.

He silently extended his fist.

Fourth Form: Spinal Force.

Wham.

"……."

Taehyun didn't give Dokgo Young, who had been pushed back a long way, any time to react.

Fifth Form: Penetrating Force.

As if tilting, Taehyun's fist bounced off.

Whack.

It struck the Dragonslaying Sword that had barely been raised.

His whole body was covered in blood just from a brief exchange.

Taehyun didn't stop and increased his gears.

The power of Sansha doubles when the 1st to 6th Forms are linked.

Dokgo Young also seemed flustered by the stronger than expected resistance, and a determination appeared in his eyes.

He understood what the Blood Demon meant by saying that he shouldn't be allowed to adapt.

A red aura bloomed from his sword.

A martial art that only the upper-level warriors of the Shin-gyo could master.

Blood Poison Ten Transformations.

Inner force that bloomed with blood flowers was imbued in the sword.

Dragonslaying Sword.

To be exact, it was a famous sword that a blacksmith had hammered out of Western goods dedicated to the Shin-gyo.

He swung his sword at Kim Taehyun, who was flying like a bounce.

He could sense that his victory was assured just by enduring that attack.

After that, his mission would be completed by cutting off the limbs of the wrecked guy.

Thwack!!

The Dragonslaying Sword split the mana that Kim Taehyun had donned and pierced his fist.

At the moment he was about to take one of his arms as it was…

Sixth Form: Divine Transformation Force.

Wham!!

His whole body trembled from the power that was incomparable to before, and a ringing sound was heard in his ears.

He was certain that he would have lost if he had allowed all of that attack.

Thwack!!

His hand, covered in the energy of the Blood Poison Ten Transformations, dug into Kim Taehyun's abdomen.

"Keuh…"

Taehyun spat out a handful of blood.

The mana that he could no longer maintain began to scatter.

'It's over.'

It was the moment he was about to stir his internal organs to subdue him.

Thud.

A tightly clenched fist and a straight palm.

His wrecked body was touching his abdomen.

The corners of Taehyun's mouth, which was bleeding, went up.

"Die."

Crack.

[Cough…!!]

The principle of Force, which was the fist, and the principle of Eight Trigrams, which was the palm.

Dokgo Young's blood began to flow backward as the two techniques overlapped.

It felt like his body was about to explode.

'No way…….'

Horror appeared in Dokgo Young's eyes.

An attack that the body that had used the Blood Poison Ten Transformations couldn't withstand.

He had to pull his body out immediately and control the reverse-flowing inner force.

But.

Grip.

Kim Taehyun strongly grabbed Dokgo Young's arm embedded in his abdomen.

Kilkilk.

Taehyun, who smiled bitterly, raised his other hand.

Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts, First Form: Taebaek.

Crack.

It was a hand strike used in a state where the strength was insufficient compared to before, and the balance of the lower body was unstable.

Even though he was properly hit in the neck, Dokgo Young only groaned.

[You…!!]

Taehyun ignored him and used Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts, Third Form: Vajra.

The flow of blood stopped for a moment, and his body became as hard as a stone.

It was inferior to a body enhancement skill, but it momentarily imitated a similar state.

Whack.

Dokgo Young struck Taehyun's face with his other hand.

Red blood flowed as his red eye was released.

[Let go…!!]

"Hoo."

Taehyun, who took a breath, raised his hand once again.

First Form: Taebaek.

Whack.

Taebaek.

Whack.

Taebaek.

Whack.

As if chopping wood with an ax, Taehyun silently swung his hand while enduring Dokgo Young's resistance.

How long had it been like that?

Thud.

Dokgo Young, whose neck was twisted grotesquely, rolled his eyes and collapsed.

"Not… that great…"

Panting was only for a moment.

One knee buckled.

It was because the joints had been strained due to the reckless use of Taebaek.

One eye was completely crushed, reducing his vision by half.

He was out of breath.

Poison and reverse flow.

Both were eating away at his body without prioritizing one over the other.

"Zodiac… you… if I meet you… really…."

Taehyun, who couldn't finish his words.

Thud.

Collapsed as it was.

Part 2, Episode 8

When he became the Integrated King of the Three Thousand Worlds and went outside, Elven opened a coordinate through the divine beast, and when he opened his eyes after being moved there.

The first thing he saw was the king, whose appearance was not much different from what he remembered.

Wearing a mask with two deformed horns and surrounded by various flames.

He was definitely the man who regressed him, the former Lower Realm King.

[‘Demon King Who Defies Fate’ senses the presence of ‘???’.]

[‘Demon King Who Defies Fate’ recognizes the presence of ‘Kim Taehyun’.]

"Reached you, King."

Taehyun's lips turned up.

The Demon King with a satisfied face smiled.

[? Grade ‘Star Constellation War’ is intervened by ‘???’.]

[‘Butcher Guarding the Temple’ questions the existence of ‘???’.]

[‘Flower Blooming in the Ruins’ denies the existence of ‘???’.]

[‘Tail Made of Death’ hates the existence of ‘???’.]

Familiar messages were heard in his head.

It was neither the language of the Middle Realm, nor the language of the demons, nor the language of the absolutes.

Nevertheless, the meaning is clearly understood.

They are denying Taehyun's existence.

‘These are constellations (星座).’

Noname who created the Three Thousand Worlds. The beings outside that the absolutes of the Upper Realm called the only God.

Taehyun recognized at once that they were of the same race as Noname.

Unlike their different appearances, they all exuded a fighting spirit that overwhelmed Taehyun.

Taehyun also raised his divine power and released his fighting spirit.

Was it because he had just gone through a fierce war?

Although there was clearly a considerable difference in power, he did not feel any fear.

Rather, his sensitized senses began to quickly accept information about the new environment.

'Is this also a status window system?'

Most of the things Noname created in the Three Thousand Worlds. It is likely that they all imitated this outside world.

At that time, the temperature in the area began to rise rapidly.

[The main body of ‘Demon King Who Defies Fate’ manifests.]

Whirrrrr.

An unprecedentedly huge flame swept through the area.

Whirrrrr.

The flames spread in four directions, separating Taehyun and the constellations.

Whirr. Whirr.

What appeared was the king in the form of a human in his memory.

'This is… the King's real form.'

gulp.

Taehyun swallowed dryly without realizing it.

It felt as if one huge world was condensed into a human form right in front of him.

Even he, who had reached the pinnacle of the Three Thousand Worlds, was not sure he could win.

“Welcome, Kim Taehyun.”

The king spoke in a language that only they could understand.

The greeting was brief.

“Wait here for a moment.”

Whirr.

The moment a blue flame burst from the king’s hand, he was holding a different mask than before.

Squeak-.

The king's momentum, who had changed the mask, became even sharper, and fighting spirit leaked from his exposed red eyes.

“……”

Even though he was clearly hostile to himself, he felt a sense of oppression that he could die if he let his guard down.

Blue flames covered the red flames.

The two flames intertwined like a spiral, amplifying their presence.

At the same time.

The presence of other constellations confronting the King began to stir.

[The main body of ‘Butcher Guarding the Temple’ manifests.]

[The main body of ‘Flower Blooming in the Ruins’ manifests.]

[The main body of ‘Tail Made of Death’ manifests.]

Three huge presences that were not inferior to the king. The presence that the four constellations raised as if competing was enough to make him suffocate.

“Kim Taehyun.”

Whirrrrr.

Three pillars of fire soared up and surrounded them.

The king, who was standing next to him, was already there.

He thought that by integrating the Three Thousand Worlds, he would become an equal being.

'With my power… I can't beat these guys.'

He was convinced of that even without comparing them.

Even so, he couldn't just be killed as soon as he came outside, nor could he hold the king back.

Predation (捕食) and Dream Eating (夢食).

Taehyun spread his divine power so that he could unleash the two powers at any time.

The king's gaze turned to Taehyun as he watched the three constellations respond.

“You have developed predation.”

“Thanks to the arrangement you prepared.”

“…Is that so.”

The king was lost in thought for a moment.

“Let’s hear the story later.”

“Should I help?”

He couldn't win alone, but the king's momentum was also unusual.

If he unleashed all his presence, he would be able to provide some assistance.

That was what he said based on that judgment.

“No, it’s too much for you yet.”

The king just smiled and refused Taehyun's help.

The flame flickered in his hand, and before he knew it, he was holding a red mask.

The two bent horns and the two abnormally grown fangs were impressive.

“Wear it. That alone will reduce the pressure of divine power.”

'Divine power? Is that the power used outside?'

Taehyun obediently wore the mask.

[Synchronizes with ‘Demon King Who Defies Fate’.]

[Receives the protection of ‘Demon King Who Defies Fate’.]

Before he had time to understand the message he heard in his head, the king's body, which had turned into flames, mingled with the constellations.

The appearance seemed to have the magic power of the Archdukes, the divine power of the Absolutes, and even reminded him of the divine beast itself.

Transcendent (超越體).

Taehyun realized that the appearance of the King was the realm he had reached in the battle with Asmodeus.

Also.

He reminded himself that the being in front of him was the former Lower Realm King and the source of predation.

'The King is indeed the King.'

Red fire, blue fire, white fire, black fire.

The four flames summoned in the form of pillars constricted the three constellations.

Each time the constellations exerted their power, the flames were repeatedly extinguished and regenerated, so it didn't seem like a victory would be easily achieved.

It was amazing that he was fighting three constellations alone, but the power of the flames intertwined like a spiral was increasing.

But the king's goal was not victory.

The flames, forming a continuous spiral, trapped the constellations, and the king pulled his body out in the meantime.

Whirr.

When Taehyun turned his head, the king, who had become transcendent, was burning next to him.

“You’ve waited a long time. Let’s move locations.”

'What do you mean a long time? It's only been a few seconds…'

Even before he could react like that, a green flame bloomed around the king.

[Accepts the ‘Afterimage of Green Flame’.]

Along with the now familiar message, flames also bloomed from Taehyun's body.

The view reverses.

After a few reversals of the view, a completely new place appeared.

The place where he stood was ruins.

'Did we move…?'

The technology to freely move ‘outside’.

Even Elven, who was combined with the divine beast, put all her energy into sending Taehyun outside, but the king did it with just a mask.

“There’s no need to be surprised. Constellations all have at least one movement skill.”

The king walked through the ruins, saying it was nothing special.

“What is all this…”

It was the moment Taehyun was about to take off the mask.

[Not yet. Wait a little longer.]

The Demon King, who said that, embroidered flames in the air.

The flames wriggled like living creatures and spread throughout the ruins.

Not long after.

The constellations who received the king's call reacted one by one.

[Upper constellation ‘Zodiac Walking Through the Timeline’ accepts the request.]

[Middle constellation ‘Repairman Converging to Infinity’ accepts the request.]

[Lower constellation ‘Flower Blooming by the Water’ accepts the request.]

[Lower constellation ‘Dragon with Five Hearts’ rejects the request.]

[Lower constellation ‘Demon King Who Defies Fate’ requests again.]

'This is also… a status window system?'

They are communicating using messages.

[Lower constellation ‘Dragon with Five Hearts’ leaves the barrier.]

[Lower constellation ‘Demon King Who Defies Fate’ is angry.]

A new message appeared in Taehyun's eyes.

'If it's a dragon… is it the Upper Realm King?'

Baal. Metatron.

Like the king, he was one of the rulers of the Three Thousand Worlds, and a creature created by the only God pouring a significant amount of his power into it.

He was also the one who sponsored his nemesis, Asmodeus.

The king's expression hardened as he conversed with that guy through the constellation system.

At that time.

[Welcome, newbie.]

Taehyun turned his head at the sudden voice he heard.

There stood a huge beast on two feet.

'When…?'

He instinctively distanced himself and watched the beast's movements.

Cow.

To be precise, it was a chimera-like creature with the characteristics of all kinds of beasts.

He looked at the king's expression.

Unlike before, he was not raising any fighting spirit.

'Is he on our side?'

Even while thinking that, he did not let his guard down, ready to use predation at any time.

[Zodiac. Where are the others?]

[It seems like they're all busy.]

[Is that so.]

It's a language he's hearing for the first time. Yet, the meaning is understood.

It didn't take long for him to realize that the reason was because of the mask he was wearing.

[Hmm… It's been a while since we had a newbie. What's your alias?]

"Alias…?"

[……?]

Taehyun and the cow tilted their heads and looked at each other.

The king nudged Taehyun's shoulder.

[Zodiac. This one doesn't have an alias yet.]

[What…?]

[He just came out of the outside world.]

[What…?!!]

In between conversations, the cow glanced at Taehyun as if looking at a strange creature.

[Huh… What kind of universe did you guys create to produce another constellation?]

[We don't have time. The controlled universe will realize it soon. I want to meet the 'Revealer' before that.]

The cow shook its head.

[He's not here right now. He said he's touring a few small universes. Has it been about two hundred years since he left…?]

[That's troublesome… I wanted to talk about this guy's alias.]

[Just rest for now. Demon. If you brought him, there's no need for a separate verification, right?]

The cow said that and extended its hand to Taehyun.

[Nice to meet you. This body is the Zodiac Walking Through the Timeline, an upper constellation. There's no need to reveal the true name. That's the rule.]

'It's amazing that a cow is talking.'

Taehyun thought that as he held the cow's dainty hand, which was different from its size.

[It's not uncommon for constellations to choose the form of a beast in the form of a transcendent.]

'Can you read my mind?'

[Hahaha. It's easy to read the mind of a guy who hasn't even been given an alias yet.]

[Zodiac. Stop playing around. First of all, it's urgent to find this guy's alias.]

The king pointed to Taehyun's mask.

[The fact that a name has power is no different outside than in the Three Thousand Worlds. Rather, it is even more strongly influenced. The mask will hide its presence for the time being, but it won't last long.]

It seemed that the status window system was not the only thing that was similar.

“How does that alias come about?”

[It can be created in the controlled universe, or it can be created by an event.]

Alias. Controlled universe. Event.

It was when Taehyun was unable to come to his senses due to the unfamiliar words.

[There's no need to think hard. Fortunately, you are the third constellation produced by the Three Thousand Worlds.]

A red flame flickered from the king's body.

[You'll find out when you bump into it.]

The cow, who was watching from the side, sighed.

[Hey, Demon. If you make a mess here, my position….]

[There's nothing to worry about. I know more about this guy's power than anyone else.]

The Demon King smiled slyly. The Zodiac shook its head and stepped back.

[Magic power is good, divine power is good too. The divine magic power from before wouldn't be bad either.]

“I don’t need to control my power, right?”

[Of course.]

"I see."

Tsuzzz.

A dark crimson magic power bloomed from Taehyun's body.

Following that.

Crack. Crack.

The power that made Taehyun a constellation.

The jaws of predation revealed themselves.

The jaws, which had not lost their wickedness even after coming outside, surrounded the king.

[Just with magic power alone… That's more than I expected.]

The king, who had confirmed the growth of the power he had handed over, wore a satisfied smile.

[Excellent.]

Separate from the praise.

“Bite and swallow it, Predation.”

At Taehyun's command.

Crunch!!

The jaws swallowed the king.

Part 2, Episode 9

Magic (魔力).

The power Taehyun awakened for the first time, and the power created by the Lord of the Demonic Realm of the Three Thousand Worlds, who became the Underworld King.

Crunch.

The jaws of gluttony, made of magic, devoured the Lord of the Demonic Realm.

"Chew him thoroughly."

Taehyun strengthened the magic he was injecting into Gluttony.

He knew that this alone would not reach the Lord of the Demonic Realm.

Crunch. Crunch, crunch.

The magic-fueled jaws moved tirelessly, grinding their teeth.

[Gluttony, huh...]

The Zodiac, seated far away, stroked his chin.

[A peculiar power indeed. A combat species (戰鬪種)?]

Whether born with it or acquired later,

Constellations each possess powers that symbolize them.

Among them, powers related to combat are the most common and numerous.

Of course, things would be different if the power was on a different level.

Crunch, crunch, crunch.

The ferocious jaws chewed and ground their teeth repeatedly.

[To have such spirit against a Demonic Being. Quite impressive for someone who hasn't even earned a proper Constellation name yet, eh?]

Even in a microcosm, there are differences in level, but this is a power that could be called the strongest among most living beings.

Still.

That level of power alone cannot completely swallow a Demonic Being who is a renowned combat species even among the lower-ranking Constellations.

Then, a bluish haze began to rise around the jaws.

[Hmm?]

Swish, swish, swish.

The Zodiac channeled astral energy into his eyes.

It was to properly confirm the power.

[Oh ho.]

A small exclamation escaped his lips.

Two heterogeneous powers were harmonizing and expanding their momentum.

[Come to think of it, 'Demonic Beings' also initially handled multiple powers.]

The Zodiac recalled his first encounter with the Lord of the Demonic Realm.

In his own universe, they were called magic (魔力) and divine power (神力).

[He combined the two powers and called it divine demonic power (神魔力), wasn't it?]

The Zodiac was reminiscing about the early days of the Demonic Being.

Tzzzzzzz.

Swish, swish, swish.

The magic and divine power that made up the jaws. The two powers fused to become divine demonic power.

[This is… the Demonic Being's….]

The Zodiac was bewildered by the familiar power.

Crunch. Crunch, crunch.

Crack.

The jaws, now strengthened, expanded their range within the fusion world.

That appearance reminded him of the Demonic Being from their first encounter.

The one who wouldn't back down even against higher-ranking Constellations.

[This is truly... what kind of universe is the Three Thousand Worlds...]

An universe that produced three Constellations postnatally.

Without regression....

The Zodiac was coming up with a plausible conjecture.

Whirr, whirr, whirr.

Flames soared from the jaws that were expanding in range.

Fwoosh.

The Lord of the Demonic Realm, covered in divine demonic power, revealed himself from the center of Gluttony.

[I've come to fully control the divine demonic power.]

The voice of the Lord of the Demonic Realm echoed in the fusion universe. His mouth, exposed without a mask, was smiling.

And.

[Excellent.]

It was instantaneous.

Whirr, whirr, whirr.

"...!!"

The flames of divine demonic power began to suck in the jaws of Gluttony.

Whirr, whirr, whirr.

The flames that took the form of Gluttony burned.

Taehyun recognized that the jaws in front of him had the same origin as his own.

'This is the power of the king I possessed as the Underworld King.'

A power that was perfectly sufficient to become the Unified King of the Three Thousand Worlds.

[But.]

Swish.

The jaws of Gluttony vanished, leaving behind a wisp of smoke.

[You'll need a different power outside.]

Kwaaaaaaaa.

"...!!"

Taehyun's eyes turned crimson. It was to understand the flames happening before his eyes.

One blink.

Behind it was the Lord of the Demonic Realm, who had become a Transcendent Being, just like when he had faced the Constellations earlier.

[Astral energy (星力).]

Flicker.

A small flame flickered on the Lord of the Demonic Realm's index finger.

[It's a power only given to those who have become Constellations.]

Whirr.

It was just a tiny flame.

But within it existed a universe.

The Upper Realm and the Lower Realm, and countless intermediate realms, were lending their power to the flame.

[Welcome to the world of the Constellations.]

Swish.

The Lord of the Demonic Realm smiled and extended his hand.

The moment Taehyun grasped that hand.

Ting.

[The world of the Lower Constellation, 'The Demonic Being King Who Defies Fate,' is shared.]

The meaning of the constellation began to be understood.

[Attempting to connect with 'The Great Being'.]

[Failed to connect with 'The Great Being'.]

All that was visible before his eyes was a pure white ceiling.

He turned his head.

"......"

Not only the ceiling, but the surroundings were all pure white.

It felt as if he was confined in a mental hospital.

That was no illusion.

'Did I faint...'

Brushing aside the dreamlike memories, he recalled the battle with Dokgo Young.

The Blood Demon Church (血魔神敎).

They had unexpectedly powerful forces, and he had made a choice similar to a mutual destruction.

It was an unsightly sight, considering the title of 'Ruler of the Three Thousand Worlds'.

'There's no pain...'

Taehyun tried to move his arm to properly check his physical condition.

And.

Clatter.

"......"

Taehyun noticed the existence of chains binding his body.

Four chains were fastened to his arms and legs.

They were ordinary chains on the surface, but magic could be felt from them.

They were acting as magical tools that interfered with magic.

'Chains of binding, huh.'

A skill that could become the ultimate restraint, depending on the user's level.

Taehyun had also used it effectively against archdukes and absolutes.

The ones binding him were probably made with the limit set for players of around S rank.

Of course, the alchemist's guild mark was stamped on the end of the chains.

'I'm starting to want to meet Guild Leader Seo Sang-ik more and more.'

Taehyun was thinking that when.

[So, you're awake now.]

Beyond the chains, a familiar voice was heard from a miniature speaker attached to the wall.

[Nice to meet you, Kim Taehyun.]

It was a voice that couldn't be forgotten even if he tried.

"Go Taewook... Team Leader?"

[Amazing. You even know my name?]

Crackle.

Suddenly, noise appeared before Taehyun's eyes.

And.

Beep-.

A square hologram appeared before his eyes.

Go Taewook's face emerged from it.

It was the same face Taehyun knew, with no difference.

[I'm not a team leader, but a division head.]

It seemed his promotion speed was different.

[You know why you're in that state, right?]

"Because I entered the tower without permission."

[You know it well. Attacking players affiliated with the Association is a serious crime. There are no exceptions for being a minor.]

Of course.

Even in the era Taehyun lived in, the minor protection laws were trending towards being amended for Awakeners.

Even during the license test, it was allowed to inflict harm on the bodies of participants who did not follow instructions.

The current world didn't seem much different.

[Surely, you didn't do it without even knowing that much, right?]

"I know."

[You knew, and yet you did it?]

"Yes."

[Why?]

"I can't say."

[Your jokes are too much.]

Go Taewook's voice became chilly.

He was originally a man who became cold-blooded towards those who harmed the nation and the Association.

'This is bad. I never thought Team Leader Go would recognize me as an enemy.'

However, Taehyun couldn't tell everything as it was.

He still hadn't grasped what messages like 'connection with The Great Being' meant.

The timeline had already been twisted, so it wouldn't hurt to be careful.

'There might be avatars of constellations again...'

He needed more information about the current world.

Judging that, Taehyun met Go Taewook's gaze.

[Kim Taehyun. What is your relationship with the Blood Demon Church?]

"That's what I want to ask. They suddenly attacked me."

Taehyun answered nonchalantly.

[I'm the one asking the questions. Get your bearings.]

"Why did I enter the tower?"

"Every player dreams of exploration, right?"

[You're not a player. If you wanted to be a player, you should have obtained a license.]

That wasn't wrong.

"What does it say in Division Head Go Taewook's skill?"

[......]

"Observer's Eye. Is it still A rank?"

A moment of silence fell.

He hadn't expected that a minor who had entered the tower without permission would be able to grasp even his skills.

Go Taewook's twitching eyebrows trembled slightly.

It was Go Taewook who opened his mouth after the silence.

[The rank at the time of awakening was E. The rank registered with the entrance to the tower is D. If that's true, that's an incredible growth rate.]

"Can you see my skill?"

[I'll say it again, I'm the one asking the questions. Try to understand the situation.]

"I guess you can't see it."

From the beginning, Gluttony wasn't detected by typical skills.

Unless it was someone like Ricky Hallis, it wouldn't be easily detected, and it was sealed, so it would be even more impossible to confirm now.

Information asymmetry.

Taehyun was able to objectively grasp his situation with a brief conversation.

'I need to throw a suitable bait and sit at the negotiating table.'

He must be curious why Taehyun, who was only a D-rank Awakener, was able to handle players and martial artists at the B~A rank level.

"Dokgo Young. Is the martial artist who attacked me still alive?"

[Kim Taehyun. I said that questions are not allowed, right?]

"Why are you being so harsh? I don't want to do anything that harms New Korea either."

[How can I believe that? This situation is your fault.]

"Is Association President Ji Jinhui doing well? If you connect me to Association President..."

[I wonder how long you can keep running your mouth like that.]

It was the moment Go Taewook was about to take some action.

[Oh ho. You're still the same, aren't you. Step aside, I'll talk to him.]

As he said that, Ji Jinhui appeared in the hologram.

[Kim Taehyun. This gentleman is a scary person, unlike what you see. Don't provoke him any further.]

He laughed heartily, but there was an undeniable sense of pressure.

Taehyun's lips curved upwards at the sight of Ji Jinhui, who looked more energetic than ever.

"It's been a while, Association President."

[Hmm? Have we met before?]

"Yes."

[Heeum. This is strange. Even though I'm proud of my good memory. Ah, I was the one who found you collapsed. You don't have to say thank you.]

Ji Jinhui burst into hearty laughter again.

It was fortunate.

If others had found him, there was no telling what situation Taehyun would have been in by now.

[Since you attacked the Association's players, you should be severely punished, but if you cooperate with us, things will be different. I like talent.]

"I should cooperate as much as possible, right?"

Taehyun showed an obedient side, unlike with Go Taewook.

Ji Jinhui smiled with satisfaction and continued his questions.

[The martial artists were attacked by something called ancient martial arts. The Chinese ancient martial art, Sanxia, and New Korea's ancient martial art, Baeklang. We believe that at least two or more individuals have been in contact with martial artists. Have you ever seen who defeated them?]

"It's me."

[......?]

"I defeated them. Those guys called the Blood Demon Church."

[Eeeum.... Kim Taehyun. I don't like jokes. That means you know how to use ancient martial arts?]

Hahahahaha.

There was a will to stop joking around in the laughter.

Taehyun smiled back.

"Association President. Would you like to make a bet with me?"

[That's rude. Association President, I'll take care of it...]

[No. Tell me, Kim Taehyun.]

"If you fight me and win, I'll tell you all the answers you want. If I win, I want the Association President to grant me two requests."

The atmosphere beyond the hologram quieted down.

Bewilderment and absurdity crossed Ji Jinhui and Go Taewook's faces.

"Is that not possible?"

[Kim Taehyun. You just clearly crossed the line. I was being nice to you...]

Before Go Taewook's chilling warning could finish, Ji Jinhui interrupted.

[Eeeum.... Even though I'm a S-rank player.]

"I'm a D-rank Awakener."

[......]

[It seems like I'll only make a fool of myself if I beat you?]

He had a troubled face, but his lips were smiling.

"Isn't that if the Association President wins?"

[What...?]

[Hahahaha.]

Ji Jinhui laughed once again, and the hologram disappeared for a moment.

Soon.

Ji Jinhui appeared alone on the hologram that was turned on again.

[How about this? If you hit my face even once, I'll consider Kim Taehyun to have won.]

"Are you sure? I'm still going to stick to my two requests."

[Of course. I need that much of a handicap so I'm less embarrassed. However, you must promise with the oath of an Awakener. That's possible, right?]

"Okay."

Unlike his answer.

'I caught a sucker.'

A kind smile appeared on Taehyun's face.

Part 2, Episode 10

Ding

[Awakened One Ji Jin-hee (S) and Awakened One Kim Tae-hyun (D) have been identified.]

[The Covenant of the Awakened is established.]

[The conditions of the covenant have been agreed upon.]

[The conditions of the covenant are activated.]

[Failure to fulfill the conditions will result in penalties.]

[The Administrator of the Tower is pleased.]

The method of forming a Covenant of the Awakened is different from the world Tae-hyun lived in (Tae-hyun decided to perceive the current universe as a completely different world).

Also, what is the message, "The Administrator of the Tower is pleased," at the end?

"Don't make too much of it. The Administrator of the Tower sometimes acts on a whim," said Ji Jin-hee, who directly made the contract with Tae-hyun, with a gentle smile.

'The Administrator of the Tower? Is it an avatar, by any chance?'

It seemed necessary to check separately later.

'Anyway...'

Tae-hyun checked Ji Jin-hee's stable aura.

As the message that popped up a little while ago said, Ji Jin-hee's Awakened rank is S.

Of course, his player license would also be S.

In Tae-hyun's world, the S-rank was divided into Lower, Low-Mid, Mid, Mid-High, and High.

The current timeline would not be much different.

'If the Association President's skill is only mid-level among the S-ranks, there's no hope.'

The difference between A-rank and S-rank is on a different level than the gap between other ranks.

An ordinary D-rank Awakened would not even be able to stand in the aura that an S-rank emits, and a B-rank Awakened would not even be able to approach.

And...

If Ji Jin-hee set his mind to it, even an A-rank player would not be able to land a blow on him.

Especially if he had trained in S-rank physical enhancement skills and ancient martial arts.

'Does the Association have a fairly skilled healer?'

Tae-hyun, whose chains of bondage had been released, touched his limbs, which felt lighter than before facing the Blood Demon Sect.

While Tae-hyun was checking his condition, Go Tae-wook was having some kind of conversation with Ji Jin-hee.

From now on, Ji Jin-hee would directly confront him and check his abilities.

'He's a total stranger...'

Go Tae-wook glanced at Tae-hyun once and then retreated to the end of the training ground.

"Kim Tae-hyun, you've made the Covenant of the Awakened, so there's no turning back now."

He hadn't been awakened for long.

Ji Jin-hee, thinking that he had started a game like this due to youthful bravado, reiterated once more.

Tae-hyun nodded and fiddled with the Dragonslayer Sword on his waist.

"Two promises. You must keep them."

"Haha. You speak as if you're sure to win? That's the audacity that only comes with your age."

"You said it only takes one hit, right?"

"That's right. If you can get close, that is."

At the same moment.

Koo-oong.

The air in the training ground grew heavy.

He emitted his aura and dominated the surrounding space.

There was no killing intent mixed in, and it couldn't even be called fighting spirit.

Nevertheless, it felt like it was hard to breathe.

Tae-hyun stepped back and enveloped his body with mana.

Ji Jin-hee, checking the evenly distributed mana, was slightly impressed.

"Oh? Your skill in handling mana is quite good."

The total amount was not much, but he was achieving the best efficiency with a tiny amount of mana.

It was like looking at a veteran player.

'He was awakened not long ago. Did he train separately? No, there was no report like that... Hmm...'

'He's still the same.'

Tae-hyun subtly avoided Ji Jin-hee's gaze as he looked him over and smiled.

Ji Jin-hee was a man with a great sense of duty.

Unlike what was expected of the president of the association, he cared about the field and did not neglect his own training.

Before being the president, he had a sense of responsibility as a player.

Tae-hyun respected such a Ji Jin-hee, but now he had to exploit even that character trait as a weakness.

'The Association President likes talent.'

Unless they were as evil as a demon.

Ji Jin-hee was an idealist who believed that people could be rehabilitated.

And now that interest was directed towards Tae-hyun.

He had knocked out two players using B-rank magic tools and entered the Tower.

In less than a day, he was involved with martial artists of B to A-rank level and managed to survive.

He also claimed to have subdued them all by himself.

The courage to propose a bet to the Association President, an S-rank player.

Whether he was a growing Awakened with great potential, or just an empty cart making noise with only a little power.

Ji Jin-hee was going to judge through this bet.

The part that Tae-hyun, who was at an absolute disadvantage, had to exploit was exactly that.

"I'll concede the first move. Come at me."

Ji Jin-hee, standing with his hands behind his back, said with a hearty laugh.

The solid muscles hidden beneath his suit were clearly visible.

'The Association President, really...'

Even just approaching Ji Jin-hee would mean he wouldn't be able to use even half of his true abilities, yet he was conceding the first move.

Wasn't this the same as telling him to come and die on his own feet?

Swish.

Tae-hyun took his left foot back, lowered his center of gravity, and beckoned with his right hand.

"I will concede the first move. Come at me."

"This is... quite a challenging friend."

"Perhaps, are you nervous?"

"Hahaha... Your level of provocation is not befitting of your age? If you say so, then I won't release my aura in this bet."

With those words, Ji Jin-hee took a step forward.

Swish swish swish.

Even though he had withdrawn the release of his aura.

Thud.

Koo-oong.

Just one step.

Just by approaching, the pressure became even stronger.

Thud.

Koo-oong.

'At this rate, my body won't be able to withstand it.'

It was different from when he faced Dokgo Young.

Tae-hyun channeled mana into the Dragonslayer Sword he had placed on his waist.

It was an item that Tae-hyun had claimed ownership of before making the Covenant of the Awakened.

If he won this bet, his ownership would be solidified, but if he lost, he would have to return it cleanly.

Swish swish swish.

Crimson mana rose from the Dragonslayer Sword.

"So it's a weapon of the Demonic Path. The stench is strong."

Ji Jin-hee, who was already ten steps away from Tae-hyun, smiled and reached out his hand.

It was like an adult trying to snatch something from a child's hand.

"……!!"

Tae-hyun hurriedly twisted his body.

The safe distance of ten steps had been narrowed in the blink of an eye.

Whoosh.

Tae-hyun's hand, gripping the Dragonslayer Sword, swung from bottom to top.

Thud.

Ji Jin-hee's palm pressed down on the blade of the Dragonslayer Sword.

Grip.

Just as he gripped the blade of the Dragonslayer Sword and tried to grab Tae-hyun's shoulder with his other hand.

Bang.

Tae-hyun rolled forward and kicked Ji Jin-hee in the face.

No, the kick he was about to deliver was blocked by Ji Jin-hee's raised finger.

"Good footwork. But this is not enough."

In that instant, Ji Jin-hee's palm aimed for Tae-hyun's abdomen.

It was obvious that his body would not be able to withstand it just by touching it.

Tzzzzz.

Tae-hyun temporarily enhanced the mana in his legs and quickly moved to the side.

"Good reaction. At this level, I understand why the guard of the Tower fell."

His physical stats were poor, but his skill in handling mana was quite good.

He was making up for his lacking physical abilities with mana.

With this level of efficiency, he seemed to be around a B-rank Awakened.

'If skills are added to this... Hmm... Exciting.'

If he had awakened, he should have at least one low-grade skill.

However, even Go Tae-wook's skill couldn't detect it.

Ji Jin-hee was going to use this bet to confirm all of Tae-hyun's potential.

Even though he could inflict fatal injuries immediately if he wanted to, he was giving him room to counterattack for that reason.

"Are you still not going to show me the ancient martial arts and skills you mentioned?"

"You're impatient."

Tae-hyun returned to his initial stance.

'The Association President's intentions are obvious.'

In a situation where the difference in skill was clear, Tae-hyun would have to prepare accordingly in order to land even one blow on his face.

Tae-hyun put mana into his legs and steadied his posture.

'Enhance my whole body.'

Swish swish swish.

As he spread 10% of his mana throughout his body, Ji Jin-hee approached.

First Form of the Ancient Korean Martial Arts, Tae Baek.

Whoosh.

The hand holding the Dragonslayer Sword swung with the essence of Tae Baek.

It was as if he intended to split his opponent apart rather than cut them.

But even that.

Clang.

It was blocked by Ji Jin-hee's thumb and index finger infused with mana.

There was no need to stop just because it was blocked.

Second Form of the Ancient Korean Martial Arts, San Gyeong.

A technique to strike by infusing qi into a fist. Its characteristic is that it cannot be defended even if it is blocked.

Ka-ga-ga-gak.

It was a sound that was hard to believe that a sword and flesh had collided.

San Gyeong, used with the Dragonslayer Sword, broke free from Ji Jin-hee's thumb and index finger.

He unleashed a fist imbued with mana.

First Form of the Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Pal Gyeong.

Clang.

Even though it landed squarely on Ji Jin-hee's abdomen, it was followed by pain as if he had struck a rock with his bare hand.

Tae-hyun continued his techniques without care.

Second Form of the Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Chon Gyeong.

A technique to twist Pal Gyeong and thrust it in deeper.

Kwagak.

Third Form of the Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Cheok Gyeong.

A technique to infuse Pal Gyeong with qi and plant it from a greater distance.

Fourth Form of the Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Seon Gyeong.

The emission of qi that tears apart the opponent's insides after blocking the attack.

Following that.

Tat. Tat-tat.

Tae-hyun, who had retreated twenty steps, lowered his stance like a beast.

He reinforced the mana in his legs, abdomen, and arms, and performed Jin Gak.

Fifth Form of the Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Chim Tu Gyeong.

Combining the essences of the previous four ancient martial arts at once using acceleration.

Jjeo-eong!!

"……!!"

Ji Jin-hee's eyes wavered as he blocked all of those attacks with one hand.

The first ones used were Baek Lang's first form, Tae Baek, and second form, San Gyeong.

From then on, what he had used in a barrage was undoubtedly the Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, San Xia.

The skill level was that of a legitimate successor, not just a mere imitation.

'The instantaneous power using ancient martial arts surpasses B-rank...'

Is it a physical enhancement skill?

No, if that were the case, Go Tae-wook wouldn't have failed to detect it.

That's because he also leaves a unique afterimage when using the skill 'Physical Enhancement'.

In other words, Tae-hyun is purely strengthening his body with mana and showing this level of skill with only ancient martial arts.

'Unbelievable...'

Is it possible for a child who has awakened for less than a week, and who had been living a normal school life until recently, to show this level of skill?

'Could it be... that what this child is saying is true...?'

Ji Jin-hee's eyes became even more intense.

He wanted to confirm Tae-hyun's true abilities.

His mana and stamina couldn't be hidden, as he was already catching his breath as if exhausted.

In proportion to that, Ji Jin-hee's lips curled up.

'An unexpected talent.'

Either way, if he wins this bet, he will be able to hear how he can use ancient martial arts and how he is skilled in using mana.

Hehehe.

Ji Jin-hee smiled and beckoned.

Just like Tae-hyun had done, it was an obvious provocation.

He had completely released his aura in order to reduce the burden of attack even a little.

"You will regret it."

Tae-hyun, who had guessed Ji Jin-hee's intentions, once again performed Jin Gak.

With his left hand, he would use Ancient Chinese Martial Arts. With his right hand, holding the Dragonslayer Sword, he would use Ancient Korean Martial Arts.

Mixing the two ancient martial arts, he unleashed a flurry of attacks, looking for an opportunity.

Fourth Form of the Ancient Korean Martial Arts, Pal Gwae.

Originally, it was a technique to strike the opponent's body with an outstretched hand and shake their internal organs, but...

Kwajik.

The Dragonslayer Sword, held in reverse grip, was embedded in Ji Jin-hee's palm.

For Tae-hyun, who had already completely understood the essence of ancient martial arts, this level of application was not difficult.

It was a depth that did not draw a single drop of blood.

Swish.

As Tae-hyun infused mana, Ji Jin-hee's complexion changed.

Part 2 Episode 11

Blood Demon Church (血魔神敎).

One of the groups classified as evil sects even in the Murim, another dimension of the Jungwon.

The dagger called Dragon Slayer Sword was Dokgo-young's weapon, who was in custody, and it was an object with a thick evil energy flowing from its blade.

Even at the lowest estimate, it was an A-rank magical tool.

According to the association's artisan, it was a magical tool that could exert S-rank performance depending on the user's level.

In less than a day, his awakening level grew from E to D, and the awakening skill could not be identified even with Go Tae-wook's skill.

Therefore, Ji Jin-hee only vaguely guessed that he had awakened an A to S-rank skill.

A growing awakener.

A high-level skill.

It is not unreasonable to feel as if he has become the protagonist of the world.

However.

As the bet progressed, Ji Jin-hee began to feel beyond admiration and started to feel bewildered.

Baek-lang and San-sha.

The first form, which can be called the basic form, can be found with a little search on the internet.

The second form, which can be called the advanced form, allows you to learn the training method by paying a large sum to the information guild.

The third form, which can be called the transformation form, can be learned illegally by enticing the successor.

Even if you are not the rightful successor, you can somehow imitate it if you have time, money, and connections.

But the level of proficiency cannot be the same as that of the rightful successor.

The inheritance of ancient martial arts is carried out thoroughly only within the clan, and one must understand and train only the principles of Qi for a few years to decades.

The principle of handling Qi is similar to magic, so the transmitters of ancient martial arts often make a name for themselves as players as well.

'What is this….'

Ji Jin-hee let out a hollow laugh while defending against the magic injected through the Dragon Slayer Sword.

Originally, ancient martial arts are killing techniques (殺人技) performed using the body.

Not only is he implementing such things with edged weapons, but he is also applying them.

Even Ji Jin-hee, a representative rightful successor and an S-rank player who has trained for decades, finds it difficult to attempt such a groundbreaking usage.

At this point, he became more curious about Tae-hyun's identity than about the Murim people.

"Brilliant!! Inducing reverse flow in the application of ancient martial arts is a skill I haven't even tried yet!!"

Unlike asking, Ji Jin-hee was smiling and did not counterattack.

He was confident that he could control this level of reverse flow induction simply by circulating magic.

Tae-hyun, who failed to induce reverse flow, hovered around Ji Jin-hee.

He doesn't dwell on one attack and immediately thinks about and moves to the next move.

'Huh... isn't this the movement of an experienced player!!'

Ji Jin-hee watched the movement that was aiming for another opportunity and repeatedly admired it.

Tae-hyun rotated his body without a word.

Following the spinning kick.

The 5th form of Shinhanguk Ancient Martial Arts, Goryeo.

A form created in response to the 5th form of San-sha, Penetration Strength.

He unfolds it twice in a row with the spinning body and the Dragon Slayer Sword.

Crack. Crack.

Ji Jin-hee has already dismantled all the magic and is only using basic martial arts to counter it.

"Very good!!"

He doesn't know how the child named Kim Tae-hyun uses two ancient martial arts.

But why does that matter so much now?

Is it because he is facing the unknown?

His heart is pounding.

At this moment, Ji Jin-hee was feeling excited as if he were sparring with a national-level player, or an S-rank player equal to himself.

"How long are you going to just wait for an opportunity? Come on in!!"

He shouted happily and raised his fist as if to say, "Do more."

No sooner said than done.

Whoosh.

He lightly dodged the slash aimed at his face, and he took a few steps back.

"You're already showing the limits of your stamina! Stamina is the most important thing for a martial artist!!"

He even gave advice that didn't suit him.

Unlike his words, he had a satisfied expression.

It was praiseworthy enough that he made his heart pound against him.

'Judging by his stamina alone, he's definitely a D-rank awakener… I should find out if he has any contact with the successors.'

In the first identity check, he is an ordinary student living with his aunt and uncle, but if he expands his relationships and investigates, he may discover unexpected connections.

Since it was a bet where the outcome was already decided, it was a profitable deal for him as he had only confirmed the talent of Kim Tae-hyun.

'Shall we end it now?'

Ji Jin-hee looked at Tae-hyun approaching staggeringly and smiled kindly.

He was planning to take the sword away first, lightly dislocate one of his arms and legs, and then recommend surrender.

Whoosh.

Using only his thumb and index finger, he grabbed the Dragon Slayer Sword that Tae-hyun swung weakly.

At the moment he was about to dislocate his shoulder by hitting him with another index finger.

Tae-hyun's body, which had been staggering as if his feet had lost strength, fell forward.

Thud.

Ji Jin-hee grabbed his shoulder with one hand to prevent him from falling.

"Tsk tsk. You're showing a weak heart at the very end…"

Before Ji Jin-hee could finish his words, whoosh.

'Whoosh?'

A tightly clenched fist was already touching Ji Jin-hee's heart.

The other hand is touching Tae-hyun's own heart.

The 6th form of Chinese Ancient Martial Arts, Shinhwa-gyeong.

An upward attack that amplifies the collision of Qi and Qi.

The price of carelessness was great.

Clang!!

"Hiss…"

Ji Jin-hee staggered from the impact that shook the inside.

By directly attacking the heart, he shook the flow of magic.

'Reverse flow….'

Ji Jin-hee instinctively swung the Dragon Slayer Sword he was holding.

Whoosh.

Tae-hyun was no longer there.

Boom. A refreshing breeze was heard.

The 6th form of Shinhanguk Ancient Martial Arts, Sipjin.

Smash!!

Tae-hyun's leg, which had spun once in the air, kicked Ji Jin-hee's face as if to crush it.

Ji Jin-hee staggered and stepped back.

Thud.

Tae-hyun, who had landed, raised the corner of his mouth.

The leg, which was reinforced with magic that was running out, was throbbing.

He had allowed an attack.

Ji Jin-hee was visibly embarrassed by the unexpected situation.

'Anyway, as soon as he sees talent, he loses his mind….'

The match was already decided.

But Tae-hyun wanted to end it more definitively.

Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoooosh.

Ji Jin-hee, who still hadn't sorted out how to accept the current absurd situation, narrowly avoided the blind Dragon Slayer Sword that he was swinging.

Tae-hyun dug into Ji Jin-hee's chest.

'Association President. It's going to hurt a little.'

Thud. Thud.

Tae-hyun's tightly clenched fist and straightened palm touched Ji Jin-hee's abdomen.

"……!!"

The fist is the principle of Gyeong, and the palm is the principle of Palgwae.

If he just put magic into it like this, he could induce a reverse flow phenomenon.

The final technique of Baeklang that Ji Jin-hee directly taught Tae-hyun.

The 7th form of Shinhanguk Ancient Martial Arts, Pyeongwon.

If Pyeongwon is allowed after Shinhwa-gyeong, the reverse flow will rage like an unstoppable wave.

It was the moment Tae-hyun was pouring out all his remaining magic.

Suddenly.

Hwaaaak!!

A huge fighting spirit was emitted from Ji Jin-hee's body.

Clang.

"Cough…!!"

Tae-hyun's body, which had been hit by a counterattack, was helplessly bounced away.

He rolled on the floor several times.

Bang!!

Tae-hyun's body stopped only after crashing into the wall of the training hall.

Gush.

Tae-hyun trembled as he spat out blood.

Ji Jin-hee was equally embarrassed.

He had a blank expression on his face at the energy he had unknowingly emitted.

"What is this…."

Skilled fighting spirit. It was a technique called Hoshinkanggi that was used only against S-rank demons or players.

To use it on a mere D-rank child?

Even more surprising was that before his energy reached him, Tae-hyun had used Geumgang to minimize the damage.

If not, Tae-hyun's body would have been torn to pieces by now.

"Cough…."

Tae-hyun, who was getting up, spat out blood.

Go Tae-wook's voice calling for healers echoed in the training hall.

"…I did."

"Oh… Tae-hyun…"

Ji Jin-hee hesitated, not knowing what to say.

"I… won…."

Unlike his appearance of spitting out blood.

"You must keep. Your promise…."

Tae-hyun's face was smiling.

In the center of the training hall.

Ji Jin-hee, who had controlled the reverse flow, took a deep breath.

Tae-hyun, who had also received treatment from the healers, got up.

"You. What is your real identity?"

"It's as it appears in Section Chief Go Tae-wook's skill."

"……."

Ji Jin-hee looked at Go Tae-wook.

He shook his head.

It meant that nothing had been identified yet.

Now all that was left was the conditions of the bet.

Ji Jin-hee slyly avoided Tae-hyun's gaze.

"Um… even if your skill in martial arts is like that… it was a dirty method."

"Deceiving an S-rank player, it seems like you've achieved your goal sufficiently."

"……."

"The two conditions. May I tell you now?"

"As I said before, I can't grant anything that is harmful to Shinhanguk and the Association."

That was what they had already agreed upon when they made the awakener's oath.

"It's okay. I'm a Shinhanguk citizen anyway."

"Haha. You're good at talking, even though you've knocked down two players from the Association. Well, tell me anyway. A bet is a bet."

There was no need to hesitate.

He had already decided what conditions to make.

"First, I would like to receive support to climb the tower."

"……."

"……."

Ji Jin-hee and Go Tae-wook were both silent.

"Kim Tae-hyun. Do you know that you need a player license to climb the tower?"

"Yes. It's also a condition that is not harmful to Shinhanguk or the Association."

"You are currently an illegal entrant to the tower."

"You're not going to try to settle one wish with the condition of issuing a license, are you?"

"Oh my. How can you look at me like that and say such a thing. Of course, if you want to use one of your wishes, I can issue you an honorary license."

Hahahaha.

Apart from laughing heartily, it was difficult to erase the thought that he was like a slippery snake.

"Originally, there is a procedure, but since there are many things I'm curious about you, I'll compromise."

'His personality is still the same.'

Unlike his outwardly embarrassed expression, Tae-hyun was secretly smiling.

Ji Jin-hee is also a person who has spent a long time in international relations.

If he didn't have the appearance of a fox, Shinhanguk would have been crushed among the powerful countries.

'I should postpone being introduced to Ricky Harris.'

Go Tae-wook is still looking at Tae-hyun with suspicion.

A little slower. It seemed like he needed time to build a bond.

"Okay. I'll use both conditions to issue an honorary license and support tower climbing."

"Hahaha. Good thinking."

Ji Jin-hee looked satisfied, thinking he had returned the favor to Tae-hyun.

By issuing an honorary license, he had placed Tae-hyun under the management of the Association, and by making him climb the tower, he had naturally drawn him into the world of players.

'Good fortune came rolling in on its own.'

"Kim Tae-hyun. I know you're living with your aunt and uncle. Is that okay?"

Go Tae-wook, who had been watching quietly, asked.

"Yes. I told my younger sibling, so it'll be okay. Well, I'd appreciate it if the section chief could contact them separately."

Go Tae-wook nodded.

"Even if it's an honorary license… since you've become the youngest player in the Association, reporters will be all over you. Take care of things outside on your own."

"Thank you."

Tae-hyun respectfully bowed his head to express his gratitude.

Immediately, he made eye contact with Ji Jin-hee.

"When will I be able to climb the tower?"

"Why are you in such a hurry? You haven't even been an awakener for long."

"There's no point in delaying it."

"Hmm…. It just so happens that there's a party that the Association has prepared separately for tower climbing…."

If it's a party directly organized by the Association, the members will be solid.

'There must be a clue to the release of the seal in the tower.'

For Tae-hyun, who had been reduced, it was a good opportunity to climb the tower safely.

"I'll go there. Who is the party leader?"

Ji Jin-hee let out a brief groan at Tae-hyun's straightforward acceptance.

And.

"The head of Night Walker. Guild leader Yoo Ah-young."

At the unexpected name.

"……."

Tae-hyun lost his words.

Part 2, Episode 12

Yoo Ah-young.

Right now, she's just one of many S-rank players, but in Tae-hyun's world, she's an outstanding player who rose to the top of the world rankings.

The problem was the initial relationship with her.

Her unique obsession.

Those who run large guilds have a strong desire for talent.

Ji Jin-hee, the chairman of the association, was like that, and Kwon Kang-hyuk, the guild leader of Onsemiro, was also the same.

And.

'Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young was the type to show an obsession bordering on madness.'

It was only after knowing her for quite a long time that they developed a partner relationship.

'It's impossible to overwhelm her with predation right now.'

Given Yoo Ah-young's personality, she would likely try to subdue Tae-hyun at all costs and make him a member of her guild.

'Considering the danger of the relationship, it's best to avoid her for now, but…'

The best party that the association has put together directly.

In a situation where an avatar of a constellation could attack at any time, Yoo Ah-young would be the best escort.

'I have to climb the tower again…'

Whether to participate in the party or not.

It was when Tae-hyun was in such 고민 that.

"Besides, there are no parties that the association is planning right now."

"……."

The 고민 didn't last long.

"Okay…. I will join Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young's party."

Tae-hyun exhaled as if making a big decision.

Ji Jin-hee showed a surprising reaction.

"I don't think you don't know Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young…. I thought you would agree quickly because you wanted the Tower of Trials? Have you ever met Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young before?"

Even in this world, Yoo Ah-young seemed to be a star player with both literary and military skills.

'The Saintess and Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. If I find out their true colors, there will be a big ripple.'

Madness.

Tae-hyun smiled bitterly as he recalled the common point of the two women.

When he thought about it now, Rikki Halis, who was rational, might be the safest to have by his side.

'Now is not the time to be picky about that.'

Tae-hyun shook his head.

"I've never met her. What contact would I, who just awakened recently, have with the head of Night Walker?"

"That's strange. But the feeling is that you've met several times. That's what I think, and so does Chief Director Go Tae-wook."

Haha. Hahaha.

Ji Jin-hee laughed again.

He had a habit of bursting into laughter like this when he was in an awkward situation.

"You don't have to worry so much. Would she try to flirt with me?"

"……!!"

Ji Jin-hee's face hardened at Tae-hyun's calm words.

It was as if he was saying, 'How did you know that?'

'Association President, really. How are you going to catch someone with that skill?'

"Hmm…. There was no information that she met with you separately?"

"I'm not that easy."

"Did you judge based on the image shown on TV…? Your insight is amazing…."

It was when Tae-hyun and Ji Jin-hee were joking around.

Go Tae-wook, who was listening to a report through an earpiece, had a serious expression on his face.

"Association President. A moment…."

"Hmm…."

Ji Jin-hee lightly sighed at Go Tae-wook's report.

"This has become difficult."

"Is something wrong?"

Go Tae-wook shook his head at Tae-hyun's question.

It was a silent protest that information should not be shared.

"No. Either way, he's going to be a member of the association in the future. It's better to tell the truth and ask for help."

"……."

Go Tae-wook's distrustful gaze briefly scanned Tae-hyun.

"The Murim people who were being held committed suicide. They used a potent poison."

He said that sufficient research had not been done on the martial arts and internal energy used by the Murim people.

The association's medical experts are currently investigating the cause.

"Does that include a guy named Dokgo Young?"

"Yes."

'Suicide, huh.'

It was a disappointing situation for Tae-hyun as well.

'I thought the association would be able to find out information about the Blood Demon.'

The Blood Demon is a guy suspected of being an avatar of the constellation.

Since he's targeting Tae-hyun's life, it was necessary for the association, which could be considered an ally, to know something about him.

"I will tell you everything I know."

"Really?!!"

Unlike Ji Jin-hee, who welcomed him with a bright face.

"Why are you suddenly showing such an attitude?"

Go Tae-wook did not let go of his suspicious eyes.

"Whatever the process. I am now a player affiliated with the association. I never intended to do anything harmful to Shinhan Korea from the beginning."

Even a honorary license has the same effect as a general license in Korea.

Besides, he returned to prevent the destruction of the Three Thousand Worlds in the first place, so it wasn't wrong.

"You came into the tower without permission. You don't think that's harmful either?"

"That's right."

"……."

Go Tae-wook's eyebrows furrowed at the firm answer.

At that time, Ji Jin-hee intervened.

"Hahaha. Tae-hyun is finally understanding our hearts. Chief Director, isn't it a priority to confirm the information first? How long are you going to embarrass me for losing the bet?"

Ji Jin-hee glanced at Tae-hyun.

The meaning of the action was clear.

"I apologize for my rude behavior."

Tae-hyun deeply bowed to show his sincerity.

Even if it's a formal apology, there's a big difference between doing it and not doing it.

Go Tae-wook, who made eye contact with Tae-hyun who raised his head again, sighed.

"Okay. Then let's talk for a while. Either way, Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young hasn't entered the tower yet. That much is okay, right?"

"Of course. I will tell you everything I know."

"Chief Director Go. Gently… gently…."

Ji Jin-hee emphasized, pressing both hands down.

"You don't have to worry. Follow me."

"Hmm… hmm…."

Unlike Ji Jin-hee's worries, it was a trivial interrogation.

In fact, Go Tae-wook knew more about the Blood Demon Sect than Tae-hyun did.

The story progressed so smoothly that it was more like an interview.

"So you awakened as an E-rank less than a week ago, and your skills are sealed so you can't check them?"

"Yes."

The reason for entering the tower without permission was to unlock the seal on his skills, and he grew into a D-rank the moment he entered.

"Guys who claimed to be from the Blood Demon Sect suddenly attacked me."

Tae-hyun acted as a high school student who had just awakened.

"This is… okay, so what about ancient martial arts? Surely you didn't suddenly become able to use that too, right?"

It was a question that he had been preparing.

"There was a slight change after awakening."

"Change?"

"Yes. What should I say… It's like I know how to move my body…."

Go Tae-wook's expression became strange at Tae-hyun's words of evasion.

It was an illogical answer.

But.

A dull person who was below average suddenly enters the realm of genius.

It's a small number worldwide, but it happens very rarely.

'Is Kim Tae-hyun that type?'

He actually has the physical abilities and magic power of a D-rank.

If it weren't for the singularity of ancient martial arts, he would have been a typical growth-type awakener.

"It's likely that the skill you awakened is related to martial bones."

"……?"

"Well, it may not be a skill… Either way, it's a great talent. We classify Cody Cruz of America as a player born with the talent of martial bones."

Cody Cruz.

Tae-hyun's heart became strange at the unexpected name.

Certainly. He, who performed great swordsmanship and martial arts without learning them separately, would be more suitable for the expression martial bones than anyone else.

Tae-hyun, who couldn't open the eyes of the devil, wouldn't have the talent called martial bones, but it seemed convenient to know that now.

"The investigation is over. I'll look into the sealing of the skill."

"Thank you."

Tae-hyun bowed his head once again.

"It's a strange feeling. Until a little while ago, he was acting like a demon, but now he's showing a more cooperative attitude than anyone else."

"He's only nineteen years old."

"...That's creepy in its own way. I'll send someone to deliver the Tower of Trials briefing. Then."

Go Tae-wook got up from his seat and held out his hand.

"Please take care of me in the future. Player Kim Tae-hyun."

The previous process is different, but.

Tight.

"I look forward to working with you too."

Tae-hyun smiled and shook Go Tae-wook's hand.

He spent a day in the association building in the tower.

It was because there was a hassle of having to use the gates on each floor to enter once and then leave again.

It didn't matter to Tae-hyun.

Rather, he could ask the staff about things he was curious about, so the day he stayed at the association was a fulfilling time to fill in basic common sense.

And.

"You're that Kim Tae-hyun? Nice to meet you!!"

Ahahahaha.

A woman with long green hair. Yoo Ah-young smiled and held out her hand.

"I've heard a lot about you. I'm Kim Tae-hyun."

As he did with Go Tae-wook, Tae-hyun politely shook her hand.

"What, you look like a kid, but your tone is completely that of an old man?"

Tight.

Yoo Ah-young's grip became even stronger as she said that.

'This is…'

Swish.

Tae-hyun protected his hand by covering it with magic power.

"Your magic control is also natural. You haven't been awakened for even a week?"

She, who had already grasped the basic information about Tae-hyun, tilted her head.

"You flatter me. It's thanks to the magic tool provided by the association."

Tae-hyun shrugged his shoulders as he pulled out his hand.

The cross pendant and earrings he was wearing shook.

A-rank magic tool, Saint's Blessing.

It was a magic tool specially provided by the association to fill in the lacking physical abilities.

In addition, Ji Jin-hee personally spent his own money to give him shoes suitable for using ancient martial arts and a stretchy robe.

With the Dragon Slayer Sword added to that.

'At least it's enough to be called an A-rank awakener.'

Tae-hyun's purpose for climbing the Tower of Trials is publicly known to be to find clues to unlock the seal on his skills.

If he combines ancient martial arts and magic power, he will be able to more stably maintain the level of an A-rank player.

"You said your awakened skills are sealed? Seriously… I wonder where the association president prepared such a cute excuse."

"It's not an excuse."

"Yeah, well, that's all good. But."

Swish.

Yoo Ah-young lowered her body and whispered in Tae-hyun's ear.

"I'm not the type to be fooled so easily, you know?"

"……."

A chilling goosebump rises.

Soon, she smiled again as if nothing had happened.

"Don't worry. I heard the news that you slapped a hypocrite on the first day you awakened."

'Are you talking about Im Ah-young? It seems that the relationship hasn't recovered yet.'

In the second round, both of them become players representing Shinhan Korea, and the 쌓여 있던 앙금 is also resolved.

Here, it will be a thing of the distant future.

"Okay, then. Shall we talk briefly? The purpose of our party is the 4th floor. We only allow you to accompany us up to the 3rd floor."

Towers rising all over the world.

Currently, humans have only conquered and reclaimed the 1st floor. The 1st floor itself has a scale equivalent to one world, and the 2nd floor is connected to the Abyss.

In other words.

'This is the boundary between Earth and the entrance to the Abyss.'

Currently, humans have explored up to the middle layer of the Abyss, the 3rd floor.

'I'll have to be around the 5th floor to meet the Archdukes.'

The 4th floor is the deep layer. The 5th floor is the deepest layer.

Tae-hyun organized it that way on his own.

At the same time, he thought of a demon who lives in the deepest part of the Abyss.

No, not just a simple demon.

The first contractor who made him the Underworld King.

The being who became the strongest Archduke in the Underworld through the territory wars and the racial wars.

'Rosaria.'

He recalled the name of a precious friend who risked his life with him.

Part 2, Episode 13

Somewhere on the 5th floor, presumed to be the deepest level.

Rosaria and the Archdukes were on his mind only for a moment.

'Then there's a high probability that the 6th floor onwards will be the Upper Realm.'

Since no one has ever seen the end of the tower, it was just a vague guess by Taehyun.

"You've prepared quite diligently, haven't you?"

Yoo Ah-young scanned Taehyun's equipment and said that.

"Yes. It's my first time climbing the tower, after all."

He could probably manage up to rank A in his current state, but it would be impossible to face monsters of rank S or higher alone.

He had armed himself with magical tools to compensate for his lack of physical stats, and his backpack was stocked with simple food and all sorts of potions.

Since it was his first time climbing the Abyss transformed into a tower, he had prepared as thoroughly as he could, drawing on his memories as a porter.

"Kim Taehyun, have you ever thought about joining our guild?"

"No."

Yoo Ah-young giggled at the firm refusal.

"You're a unique kid, really. Usually, people are desperate to get in."

Yoo Ah-young seemed to like Taehyun since the incident with Yim Ah-young, and she kept rambling on.

They were pointless stories that he had heard before, back when they used to party together, unrelated to climbing the tower.

Taehyun tuned her out as he checked Yoo Ah-young's gear.

Leather light armor and low-heeled boots that accentuated her figure.

And gauntlets with embedded magic stones and an endless backpack slung over her shoulder.

She was dressed like a quintessential explorer.

'Not much different from what I expected.'

In other words, her skills probably hadn't deviated much from her past level either.

"Should we set off this evening?"

Taehyun asked nonchalantly.

His rank had changed from E to D immediately after entering the tower.

The concentration of mana was different inside and outside the tower.

'The higher the concentration of mana, the higher the probability of growth.'

Jijinhee and Go Taewook agreed on this point as well.

The habitat of the monsters that people in the world call Abyssus is actually called the Lower Realm (下界) in the Three Thousand Worlds.

They just call it Abyssus now because they don't know about the existence of the Upper Realm.

Just like they started interacting with other dimensions of the Middle Realm, someday they'll find out about the existence of the Upper Realm.

Considering the laws of the world, the Seal of Devouring might be lifted around then.

That's all he could think now.

He wanted to climb the tower and find out as soon as possible.

That's what he was thinking when he said it.

Yoo Ah-young's reaction was strange.

"Right away, today...?"

"I heard the porters will be done preparing by today. I believe the players who are going to climb with us are already inside the tower."

"Hmm.... Yeah, well, I guess so...."

Yoo Ah-young kept rubbing her chin as if she felt something was missing.

"Not bad. Still, it's better to prepare a little more thoroughly, right?"

"......?"

There was no guarantee that something like what happened when they were attacked by the Blood Demon Sect wouldn't happen again.

'It's better to listen to Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young until I regain my strength.'

"Is there something missing?"

"Um... Right, that's it! Did you update your status window?"

Status window update.

He had received a message about it before.

Tuning or upgrading.

Depending on the caster's ability, it simplifies the visibility of the status window and speeds up skill usage during high-speed combat.

However.

The status window system was something that Noname, who was a constellation, had spread the possibility of, and the Demon King had systematized it.

Taehyun, who had already reached the constellation level once, had no need to follow that format.

'Updating probably won't change much.'

It would be better to raise his awakening rank as soon as possible to increase his available mana and stats.

"It's okay. Nothing bad will happen if I do that kind of thing a little later."

"Hmph~ You're surprisingly old-fashioned, aren't you?"

He could feel a deep regret in her tone.

Taehyun recalled her personality once again.

'Come to think of it, she really hated working.'

He had forgotten because she was an excellent player who was called upon here and there, but the head of the information guild was originally someone who hid in the shadows.

On the other hand, her personality was closer to cheerful.

That was why she had so much gossip surrounding her, even among the heads of the four major guilds.

'I can only imagine how much Vice Guild Leader Jung Hansoo is suffering in this world.'

Taehyun wasn't the only one thinking that.

[Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. Vice Guild Leader Jung Hansoo would be very upset if he heard you saying that.]

Swish-.

Go Taewook's hologram appeared between the two of them.

He was still inside the association building.

Naturally, Taehyun and Yoo Ah-young's appearance was being monitored and their voices were being recorded.

"Oh my, Chief Go. Is the association president there too?"

[Did you two greet each other well?]

Jijinhee in the hologram received Yoo Ah-young's greeting with a look as if he were looking at his granddaughter.

[Well, I'm curious about the evaluation of the association's talent.]

"He's a bold kid. I can definitely feel that he's just awakened, but what should I say... he's got a relaxed attitude. It's something only veteran players who have been through thick and thin can have."

Yoo Ah-young, who met Taehyun's gaze, smiled slyly.

She had the face of a warrior, as if her previous appearance had been a joke.

[Haha. Not different from what I saw. Teach him a lot during this expedition. More than that, Taehyun.]

"Yes, Association President."

[Do you perhaps have no intention of updating your status window?]

It was a suggestion that wasn't in the original plan.

"Is there a particular reason you're recommending it?"

[I'm sorry to say this to you, but I've already called in an artisan.]

If he does well, he might even be able to find the awakening requirements for non-awakened people.

He said he had experience awakening non-awakened people several times already.

'Such a method has emerged as well.'

In many ways, technology and skills are more advanced in this world than in the world Taehyun lived in.

'Not bad.'

Whatever the other person's intentions were, even the slightest hope was welcome if it was an attempt to lift the seal.

The only problem was who the caster was.

[We have an S-rank artisan in the association. He's someone who's not known externally.]

[What do you think? It seems like a good proposal for Taehyun as well. If the seal is lifted with just that, Taehyun won't have to climb the tower, will he?]

There was no need to hesitate.

"Okay."

[Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. Is that alright?]

"I don't mind. We have plenty of time."

Yoo Ah-young gave her permission in a cheerful voice.

Her eyes were sparkling as if something interesting had happened, which was almost burdensome.

It seemed she was thinking of this party as some kind of vacation.

[...Thank you. I'll talk to Vice Guild Leader Jung Hansoo separately.]

"Hehe. I'm looking forward to it."

[I agree.]

Jijinhee and Yoo Ah-young's gazes turned to Taehyun.

[Someone will be going soon. If you go to the room you're guided to, the association's artisan will be waiting for you.]

"Can I know who this artisan is?"

To Taehyun's polite question.

[Bang Chaesu.]

"......"

[He's our association's hidden card.]

Jijinhee smiled contentedly as he answered.

Taehyun was guided to a place filled with numerous mechanical devices.

An old man was waiting there.

Bang Chaesu.

He was the first in Shinhan Korea to awaken a skill related to fusion, and a person with deep ties to Taehyun.

'I thought there was nothing left to be surprised about. So this is how it turns out.'

Taehyun bowed his head in greeting.

"I am Kim Taehyun."

"You're the Awakened who had his skill sealed, huh?"

"Yes."

"To have a skill sealed at the same time as awakening... that's a case I've never heard of before. Sit cross-legged over there."

Taehyun sat in front of Bang Chaesu.

"Fragment of the World."

"......"

"That's the name of the skill I'll be using."

'There's no way I wouldn't know.'

Because Taehyun was the one who used that skill to fuse countless skills.

But in this world, it would be right to show a surprised reaction.

"Is it okay to tell me that? What if I'm a demon?"

"There are three S-rank players in this tower, including me. If you were a demon, you wouldn't be talking to me right now, you'd be in a meeting with Chief Go Taewook."

'His personality is still the same.'

At this point, I don't have to worry about figuring out the personalities of people I know.

Taehyun sat where Bang Chaesu guided him and sat cross-legged.

"Try drawing out your mana."

"But Elder. Won't it be dangerous if the skill really activates?"

'Devouring' is a skill that reached its peak in the Three Thousand Worlds.

Even Devouring at D-rank is likely to be difficult for Bang Chaesu to handle alone.

"Don't worry. I'm a valued member of the association, even if I look like this."

Bang Chaesu held up his hands.

He had ten rings on each finger.

They were probably magical tools with defensive skills engraved on them.

"Even if you go berserk, I've taken measures so there's nothing to worry about. Surely the S-rank players Shinhan Korea is so proud of can stop a D-rank player from going berserk."

That meant that Jijinhee and Yoo Ah-young would be watching the process.

'Well, I guess that's not wrong either.'

Five magical tools should be able to hold on for a while.

"Then, I'll trust you."

He lightly drew out his mana and tried to use his skill.

Tring.

[Unique skill Devouring (D) has been activated.]

[Unique skill Devouring (D) cannot be used.]

[An error has been detected in the status window system.]

It was the message he expected.

"Not even a trace of mana is blooming?"

Bang Chaesu, who had been watching the series of events, nodded.

"Relax."

From his hand, sitting opposite him, a colorless mana bloomed.

Tring.

[Skill Fragment of the World (S) has been detected.]

[Skill Fragment of the World (S) is infiltrating.]

Colorless mana seeped into his body, which Devouring could not protect.

After a few minutes of that.

"Ugh..."

Bang Chaesu groaned.

It didn't seem to be working out as he thought.

"It'll be a little... tingling."

Swish. Swish.

One by one, the rings on Bang Chaesu's other fingers began to glow.

It was proof that he was strengthening his mana.

Tring.

[Skill Fragment of the World (S) has been strengthened.]

[Skill Fragment of the World (S) is infiltrating.]

[Touching a fragment of 'Great Power'.]

Up to this point, it was a normal message.

['The Tower's Administrator' is flustered.]

['The Tower's Administrator' immediately requests that you stop.]

This was something he hadn't expected.

'The Tower's Administrator.'

According to the association staff, it's a person whose identity hasn't been revealed yet.

For such a person to be flustered and send a message?

'This is getting interesting.'

Taehyun relaxed.

He completely disarmed himself so that Bang Chaesu's mana could reach his source.

['The Tower's Administrator' is dumbfounded.]

['The Tower's Administrator' is angry and asks what this is.]

['The Tower's Administrator' immediately requests that you stop.]

'Don't give me orders, you guy I don't even know.'

Taehyun focused on accepting Bang Chaesu's mana.

How many more times had the message passed like that?

The message he had been waiting for came.

Tring.

[Unique skill Devouring (D) has been activated.]

[Unique skill Devouring (D) defies the laws of the world.]

['A Great Being' recognizes 'Kim Taehyun'.]

[The connection with 'A Great Being' is temporarily restored.]

[The Tower's Administrator is shocked.]

Ending with the message that the Tower's Administrator was shocked.

Swish. Swish. Swish.

Crimson mana spread out under Taehyun, who was sitting cross-legged.

'Fortunately, it wasn't completely sealed.'

It wasn't taking the form of a jaw yet, but it was definitely the mana of Devouring.

'Then, where...'

Taehyun closed his eyes, entrusting himself to Bang Chaesu.

He falls into a mental image and recalls the mental landscape.

And.

When he opened his eyes again.

[What an absurd guy.]

A man with crimson eyes looked down at him.

The corners of Taehyun's mouth went up.

"It's been a while."

Part 2, Episode 14

When I opened my eyes, all I saw was a vast space.

Filling that space were countless grains of sand.

The Inner World (心想世界).

A space that exists within every living being, and where no one exists except the owner of the body.

Since becoming a constellation, it was a place I hadn't looked into even once.

But in that place.

Another Taehyun with awakened crimson eyes was waiting.

[What a ridiculous fellow.]

"Long time no see, Doppel."

Taehyun greeted the man looking down at him.

Doppelganger.

The source of predation that the Demon King had implanted in Taehyun.

The one who had plunged Taehyun into countless crises, and also the benefactor who had saved his life in countless crises.

And now.

Taehyun was encountering the guy who had disappeared in the Race War for the first time.

'So you were resurrected too.'

In the past, we were always bickering because he was trying to kill me.

"Hahahaha."

I couldn't help but laugh.

The laughter that suddenly started to erupt continued for quite a while.

[......]

Surprisingly, the Doppelganger just stared at Taehyun until he stopped laughing, without making any move.

"To think the day would come when I'd be happy to see your face."

Taehyun wiped the tears from his eyes and stood up.

The reason I can laugh even after seeing the Doppelganger is probably because the Constellation War outside wasn't easy.

'I wonder where I should start explaining.'

The Doppelganger possesses power comparable to the Lower Realm King or the Upper Realm King just by himself.

If he hadn't been bound to Taehyun's body, he would have become an integrated king long ago.

It would be reassuring if the Doppelganger helped while the constellation's avatar was trying to kill me.

'But there's no way this guy would help willingly.'

This was something I did in a situation where it was difficult to even confirm that the Doppelganger was alive in the Inner World.

'First, I need to check if we can communicate.'

Anyway, now that I've confirmed that he's alive, I need to make a deal to borrow his power as much as possible.

My thoughts didn't last long.

'I'll use my body as bait.'

The Doppelganger had wanted to get his hands on Taehyun's body before.

In order to challenge the Demon King who had abandoned him.

If he hadn't sacrificed himself with Michael, that's what would have actually happened.

I additionally thought of other proposals that the Doppelganger might find interesting.

'Still, nothing beats my body. But why is this guy just staring at me since a while ago?'

Normally, we would have exchanged attacks several times by now, but strangely, he hasn't shown any action yet.

Just.

[Pathetic.]

He said something unfamiliar as a first greeting.

[I went through the trouble of making you the winner. And you're back to that state again?]

Taehyun's face hardened at the unexpected words.

"You... you remember...."

[A predator of the Three Thousand Worlds, huh.]

"......!!"

[You've earned quite a plausible title.]

The corners of the Doppelganger's mouth, seeing Taehyun's flustered expression.

Grinned.

Curled up slyly.

The first emotion that came to mind was bewilderment.

Bewilderment at how he has memories from outside.

The next emotion that came was relief.

The weak side that I had been enduring and suppressing all along, that I was not alone in remembering everything in this distorted timeline.

'I dropped in rank, so my emotional control is a mess.'

Taehyun struggled to calm his boiling emotions.

I faced the crimson eyes that seemed to be watching me.

Only then could I grasp the reality.

"You didn't regress together, you were reading my memories."

The Doppelganger's crimson eyes curved.

[You're not a complete moron.]

Snap.

As the Doppelganger snapped his fingers, a huge tree began to grow in the space that was like a desert.

The Divine Tree (神樹).

The source of divine power and demonic power.

The form was clearly a divine tree, but the presence felt was insignificant.

Snap. Snap. Snap.

The Doppelganger snapped his fingers additionally.

The Dragon Race's Lair. The Fallen Angel's Sky Castle. The Giants' Maze. The Vampire Clan's Temple. The Succubus's Ancient Castle. The Beast Race's Field. The Demon Race's Demon World. The Sea Serpent Race's Demon Sea.

The domains of the past Archdukes in Taehyun's memories.

The power symbolizing the Archdukes' power was shaped by the Doppelganger's demonic power.

Similarly, the presence felt was insignificant.

And.

Crack.

A mouth that appeared in the sky devoured the symbols of the nine Archdukes.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

The mouth, which was much weaker than in Taehyun's memories, ruthlessly chewed on them.

[So all of these were my powers.]

The corners of the Doppelganger's mouth twisted.

A pair of crimson eyes filled with greed were facing Taehyun.

[So this body disappeared for the likes of you.]

Unbelievable.

The murmur was too small to be heard.

"Did you finish reading all my memories?"

Swish.

Crimson demonic power rose from Taehyun's body.

The demonic power soon took the shape of a small mouth.

I succeeded in using Predation again, which had been sealed outside.

It was a miserable level compared to the original, but even this was a remarkable achievement.

'Has the seal weakened? No, it's likely a temporary phenomenon.'

The Doppelganger's cooperation is essential to understand the exact cause.

[So, constellations outside... they're really interesting guys. They're all monsters.]

Contrary to his words, the Doppelganger didn't seem to be in a good mood.

Taehyun soon understood why.

[The guy who finished the Race War is just a low-ranking constellation?]

"......"

[You went out there all cocky, floundered, and ended up like this. It's not even funny.]

He asserted that he would have been different.

That he would have eaten the other guys and reached the top.

'The guy who disappeared in the Race War has such pride... Oh, wait....'

The gap between Taehyun and the Doppelganger in the Inner World is clear.

Until Taehyun regains his power, he will probably continue to have his memories read.

Taehyun shrugged his shoulders while receiving his murderous gaze.

"So. I was thinking of borrowing some power."

There was nothing to hide when my thoughts were already being read.

[You want to protect your body from the constellation's avatars?]

"Yeah. In this state, I can't even get close to the Archdukes."

The reason Taehyun regressed was to find a way to win the Constellation War.

Originally, I would have regressed normally and found a clue to raise my rank as a constellation, but first, I need to release the seal and regain the minimum necessary power.

Releasing Predation and awakening as the Lower Realm King.

These were Taehyun's top priorities.

'If I could only get Doppel's support, it would be possible soon.'

[Shameless. How can you say that after seeing this state?]

The Doppelganger clicked his tongue and spread his hands.

The demonic power rising from his body is decreasing more and more.

'At best, S-rank? Is that all this guy is?'

He was a guy who had far surpassed the level of mortals from the first time we met.

A guy who handled demonic power like the great sea within the Inner World.

"Don't tell me you... dropped in rank too?"

Swish. Swish.

Two thrones were created behind Taehyun and the Doppelganger.

[I know what you're thinking, but I'll listen.]

"......"

Thud.

The Doppelganger, who sat down, pointed to the chair behind Taehyun.

[Sit down. I want to devour you right now, but if I do, this body will disappear too.]

The Doppelganger made a cold judgment.

'He's thinking of having a conversation... Has this guy come to his senses?'

Thud.

Taehyun sat down on the chair assigned to him.

"I'll guarantee you an independent body, so help me willingly. Once I regain the constellation's power, separating you into a transcendent being will be a piece of cake."

This is not a lie.

In the past, it was impossible because his existence had disappeared, but this time, I was thinking of keeping my promise no matter what.

[You didn't forget my existence before either.]

He pointed out that he had caught Michael, who could be said to be the biggest variable, but had not received any compensation.

He said that it wouldn't be bad to become the owner of the body, replacing the fallen Taehyun, at this opportunity.

Of course, it's a lie.

"How can I revive someone who disappeared? That's why I came here like this."

[Not without something in return.]

The Doppelganger smiled bitterly.

"Is this how we are between us?"

[Predator of the Three Thousand Worlds. Who does that name suit?]

Demonic power rises from the throne where the Doppelganger is sitting.

[You, who uses this body's power? Or.]

Swish. Swish.

Chains bind the throne where Taehyun is sitting.

[Show me. Brat chosen by the Demon King.]

Late, fighting spirit soared from the Doppelganger's body.

"In the end, it's going to be like this."

Demonic power rose from Taehyun's body.

The chains that were binding him along with the throne shook.

The strength of the demonic power is different from outside because it's the Inner World.

[Yeah. Struggle is our reason for existence.]

Snap.

The Doppelganger snapped his fingers as if satisfied.

Crack. Crack.

Countless mouths rose and surrounded the throne where Taehyun was sitting.

[Relying on affection. Aren't you sloppy for someone who became a constellation?]

The Doppelganger mumbled that.

"You're naive too?"

Crack.

Suddenly, an unidentified mouth rose behind the Doppelganger.

[......]

"Did you think I came without any confidence?"

No less than the Doppelganger's.

Taehyun's lips twisted.

"Dream Eater (夢食)."

The ultimate skill created by the Succubus Queen, who was the strongest being in the Lower World.

That power is by no means inferior to Predation.

The Doppelganger quickly scanned his past memories.

"Now, shall we start negotiating again?"

Swish.

Taehyun's eyes turned crimson.

And without either one being first.

Crunch.

The two mouths devoured the two thrones.

'Wh, what on earth is this....'

Bang Chaesu was losing his composure at the situation unfolding before his eyes.

At first, he thought his skill had succeeded.

It was a misunderstanding.

The demonic power that began to leak from Taehyun's body became stronger every moment, and soon reached S-rank.

He had once looked at the status window of an S-rank Awakened person at the request of Ji Jinhee.

Even then, he had been able to control the rampage.

'This... this isn't like S-rank... It's not at a level I can handle....'

Bang Chaesu hurriedly stood up and was about to leave the lab.

Crack. Crack.

Two of the five rings worn on his hand shattered in an instant.

"......!!"

He belatedly confirmed the mouths surrounding him.

'S-rank magic tools can't withstand it...!!'

The ten rings worn on his hand were magic tools specially requested by Chairman Ji Jinhee from the Alchemist.

Five of the rings had skills to enhance magic power, and the remaining five rings had S-rank barrier skills engraved.

But.

Crack. Crack.

Two barriers were canceled in succession and the rings broke.

Now only one barrier with cracks remained.

'Ah... How could this happen....'

Crrrck.

Bang Chaesu closed his eyes as he watched the collapsing barrier.

At that time.

Bang!!

A loud noise was heard, and the moment he felt a sense of floating.

Ji Jinhee was in front of him.

"This could have carelessly lost important personnel of the association."

Hahahaha.

Ji Jinhee, covered in demonic power, laughed heartily.

"Ch, Chairman Ji Jinhee. Just what is that child...."

"I'll make a path for you, so retreat."

'Uh, when?'

Yoo Ah-young had already arrived next to Bang Chaesu.

Explosions occurred wherever the green demonic power that leaked from her body touched.

She was making an escape route using the S-rank skill 'Amazoness's Ferocity.'

Bang Chaesu ran towards Go Tae-wook, who was waving at him from afar.

Only then did Ji Jinhee and Yoo Ah-young reveal their full power.

Tzzzzzz.

Swish.

"This is fun."

The 1st Form of the Ancient Korean Martial Art, Taebaek.

Crack!!

Ji Jinhee's hand blade struck the mouth.

"I agree. It's fun."

Boom!!

Yoo Ah-young's fist exploded the mouth.

Even so.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

Those mouths, big enough to be twice their size, were appearing everywhere.

"S-rank."

"It's S-rank."

Simultaneously with the two people's evaluations.

Taehyun stood up.

Part 2, Episode 15

In the modern era, a nation's military power is assessed by including the strength of its Players.

Though regulations prohibit murder except for those of the Maimed, no nation in a state of war is lenient enough to abide by such rules.

If nuclear weapons were symbolic deterrents for past superpowers, the number of S-rank Players a nation possesses is crucial now.

The three dragons of Asia: New Korea, Japan, and China.

Unlike China, which issues its own licenses, the New Korean and Japanese associations consistently produce S-rank Players according to international standards.

Japan has two.

China has four national-level powerhouses.

However.

New Korea has yet to have a single national-level powerhouse.

Player Association President, Ji Jin-hee.

Nightwalker Guild Leader, Yoo Ah-young.

Their status wasn't limited to New Korea alone.

Ji Jin-hee was a legend, known as a veteran warrior dispatched to many nations, while Yoo Ah-young was a minority who actively participated in tower raids while being linked to many celebrities.

With the backing of other giant guilds, there was hope that New Korea could produce a national-level Player within ten years.

And now.

"It never ends."

Ji Jin-hee muttered, crushing the head of an Agari trying to bite his hand.

He took a deep breath to calm himself.

How many Agari had he subdued already?

Yet, the dark crimson mana emanating from Tae-hyun's body showed no sign of diminishing.

"We might be the ones to go down first at this rate."

Yoo Ah-young said, taking out a potion from her waist and drinking it.

Poong. Poong.

The Agari approaching her exploded.

Despite her relaxed appearance, she remained vigilant.

"At this point, he's definitely an S-rank, right?"

Yoo Ah-young approached and handed Ji Jin-hee two potions.

"Yes. It was decided the moment Elder Bang's life was threatened."

Ji Jin-hee said, looking at Tae-hyun, who was standing still.

Judging by his closed eyes, he was clearly unconscious.

'And yet, this level of ominous energy...'

Ji Jin-hee looked around Bang Chae-soo's half-destroyed lab.

This was the result, even with two S-rank Players suppressing it.

'If a child with this much potential becomes an enemy...'

Gulp.

He swallowed dryly without realizing it.

It was because he was reminded of a child he had missed in the past.

Min Ji-hong.

An S-rank Maimed who earned the alias "Black Hole" in international society.

A child who could have been New Korea's first national-level Player.

Ji Jin-hee wasn't the only one who thought of Min Ji-hong when looking at Tae-hyun.

"I heard he also uses ancient martial arts. Is he perhaps your hidden child, Association President?"

Yoo Ah-young asked, deploying her aura around her.

She already knew that Tae-hyun was involved with the Murim of the Blood Demon Church and had won a bet against Ji Jin-hee.

Her question was merely to prevent Ji Jin-hee from dwelling on unnecessary trauma.

Ji Jin-hee was aware of her intentions.

"Haha. I wish he were."

Kwajik.

Ji Jin-hee kicked away an approaching Agari and replied.

"If not, then so be it."

Yoo Ah-young grinned and examined Tae-hyun again.

When she first saw him, his mana was at the D-rank level, but now he was emitting S-rank mana.

'It's neither magic nor physical enhancement... I wonder what kind of skill it is.'

She observed the Agari formed from mana.

Even after being destroyed repeatedly, they relentlessly targeted her and Ji Jin-hee as if they had intelligence.

Their power, as well as their rapid regeneration, was not to be underestimated.

If they were A-rank, they would have undoubtedly lost a limb.

'A skill that deflects fragments of the world... How interesting, really.'

A strange smile appeared on Yoo Ah-young's face.

Kim Tae-hyun awakened as an E-rank and became a D-rank within days.

In other words.

'He's definitely a growth-type Awakened.'

Now, he was demonstrating S-rank power, going beyond mere potential.

Unlike New Korea's other S-ranks, who had been unable to break through the wall for years.

Given enough support and time, he had a high chance of growing into a national-level powerhouse.

'Alright, I've decided.'

Haltjak.

As Ji Jin-hee had, Yoo Ah-young instinctively licked her lips.

'Kim Tae-hyun. I must have you.'

Her eyes looked at Tae-hyun as if he were a delicious prey.

Since they were forming a party together, she would have plenty of time to seduce him.

The fact that he was the same age as her insincere stepbrother was a concern, but what did age matter in the professional world?

'I need to coordinate with the Association President to subdue him without permanent damage.'

The easiest way to suppress a rampage was to sever bones and muscles, but that could potentially damage the gem.

'Hmm... Would it be better to cause a backflow?'

She wondered if she should create a path for him, recalling Ji Jin-hee's ancient martial arts.

It was then.

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. I had my fortune told recently."

Ji Jin-hee, who was also watching Tae-hyun's movements, opened his mouth.

"It said I would meet a benefactor."

"You haven't changed, Association President."

Fortune-telling.

Who relies on such superstitions these days?

But Ji Jin-hee's expression was serious.

His eyes were fixed on the unconscious Tae-hyun, but his lips were smiling.

"It said it would be a great being capable of changing my fate and New Korea's fate."

"......"

"Now that I think about it, could that be Tae-hyun?"

Kwajik.

Ji Jin-hee's fist struck down an Agari that had approached unexpectedly.

He turned his head to meet Yoo Ah-young's eyes.

"Isn't it time New Korea produced a national-level powerhouse?"

"Hmm.... You know that all Players are free to join a guild, right?"

"Of course. I'll be sure to tell Tae-hyun."

Seeuk.

Ji Jin-hee smiled and took a step forward.

"Is it easy to produce a national-level powerhouse? I just hope Tae-hyun can regain his skills unharmed."

Ji Jin-hee strengthened his skill and ruthlessly destroyed the approaching Agari.

He wasn't retreating but advancing.

To deplete the rampaging Tae-hyun's mana more quickly.

"This is..."

Yoo Ah-young also raised her mana to support Ji Jin-hee.

"I'll remember this debt."

"Thank you."

Ssssk.

Tsszzz.

Ji Jin-hee's fighting spirit and Yoo Ah-young's aura ensnared Tae-hyun.

The Agari began to shrink under their combined mana.

They had gained a favorable position in spatial control.

'One step further.'

Ji Jin-hee narrowed the distance with Tae-hyun.

Kuoong.

The pressure of the emanating fighting spirit intensified, causing Tae-hyun's body to falter.

'If he reaches full bloom, he'll definitely become a national-level powerhouse.'

Even though sweat was pouring down his face, he couldn't help but smile.

He was happy to have obtained the treasure called Kim Tae-hyun.

At that moment.

"Association President!!"

Yoo Ah-young's shout from behind and.

Kwaang!!

Ji Jin-hee swinging his hand occurred simultaneously.

"Keup..."

Ji Jin-hee groaned.

Blood was flowing from the fist that had blocked the attack moments ago.

If he hadn't been fully unleashing his skill, it would have been broken or torn off.

'Did he still have this much power left?'

He ignored the throbbing pain and looked at Tae-hyun.

Heejuk.

Tae-hyun's lips, with his crimson eyes open, were twisted.

"Tae-hyun...?"

[How pathetic.]

What came back was the monster's reply.

Ttak.

He merely flicked his hand once.

And just with that.

Jjeoeooeok!!

An unprecedentedly huge Agari emerged beneath their feet.

"......!!"

The Agari opened its mouth, following Ji Jin-hee as he jumped up.

'This is!!'

It was the moment Ji Jin-hee was about to unleash ancient martial arts, accepting some damage.

Poong!!

Green mana repelled the Agari.

Ji Jin-hee didn't miss the opportunity and retreated to where Yoo Ah-young was.

"I tried to detonate it, but it bounced off."

She said with a hardened face.

An S-rank Player.

Among them, Tae-hyun's mana, which had remained at the lower ranks, was rising.

From lower to mid-lower.

From mid-lower to mid-rank.

The rise in mana didn't stop.

"This...!! We have to stop him!!"

Tae-hyun's body had not yet reached S-rank.

If the mana was not depleted and continued to be maintained, it could cause permanent damage.

Contrary to those worries.

Once again.

[So, it's you guys.]

The monster's language came from Tae-hyun's mouth.

'A human using the language of a monster... What is this...'

The more they learned, the more incomprehensible he became.

"Association President. Let's go with my plan now."

Pajeujeujeu-.

Yoo Ah-young focused her mana, which had been solely used for her aura, into her body.

Another form of the S-rank skill 'Amazon's Aura'.

She was going to use Rampage.

"I understand..."

Ji Jin-hee blocked her path with a dismal face.

He intended to buy her time until she could fully control Rampage.

Ttak.

Tae-hyun flicked his finger once more.

Just with that, a strong attractive force was exerted.

"......!!"

New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, Form 3: Geumgang.

Kuoong.

Ji Jin-hee dug his feet into the ground.

Following that.

New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, Form 5: Goryeo.

Adding to the acceleration of the pulling force, Ji Jin-hee's knee.

Kwaang!!

Struck Tae-hyun's abdomen.

It was an attempt to restrict his movements by breaking his ribs.

However.

Jjeojeok.

The barrier created in that short moment blocked Ji Jin-hee's attack.

Agari emerged once again from the cracked barrier.

Ji Jin-hee rotated his body without delay.

New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, Form 1: Taebaek.

Kwajik.

He struck the Agari with a hand blade.

New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, Form 6: Sipjin.

Kwaang.

Ji Jin-hee's foot, loaded with the recoil of a roundhouse kick, struck Tae-hyun's head.

Jjeojeojeok.

Another barrier.

Kwang. Kwang. Kwang. Kwang.

It was when Ji Jin-hee was relentlessly striking Tae-hyun's body.

Hooong.

In an instant, a huge wind swept past.

It wasn't wind.

Kwaang!!

Yoo Ah-young's rampaging giant body directly rammed into Tae-hyun.

Tae-hyun, who had been pathetically smashed into the lab wall, staggered and rose.

Toward that Tae-hyun.

Kwaang!!

New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, Form 5: Goryeo.

Ji Jin-hee's ancient martial arts hit its mark.

Annoying.

After taking over a body, not being able to exert its original power.

That wasn't the only thing that was bothering him.

The message that appeared before his eyes.

Tting.

[‘The Tower’s Administrator’ demands that you stop your actions immediately.]

[‘The Tower’s Administrator’ says that this is troublesome.]

Messages from the guy called the Tower's Administrator were constantly flooding in.

On top of that.

"Heueup!!"

"......!!"

Those who would normally be toys were constantly trying to suppress him.

The problem was that their power wasn't significantly different from his current state.

If he had taken over the body in his proper condition, he could have given them terror akin to death with just a flick of his finger.

[Insignificant things don't know their place.]

He knew that they were Kim Tae-hyun's comrades.

Should he kill them?

No.

Doing so would likely make it difficult to undo the seal placed on Kim Tae-hyun, and on himself.

He was being threatened by the avatar of a constellation in a lowly state.

If Kim Tae-hyun disappeared, he would also disappear.

[After all the opportunity I had to gain.]

Hoohk.

The Doppelganger exhaled.

Dream Consumption (夢食).

A secret technique that the current him couldn't emulate, comparable to Predation (捕食).

The aftereffects were beginning to set in.

The amount of time he could occupy Kim Tae-hyun's body was limited.

Hwaaaaak.

As he unleashed the remaining mana, Ji Jin-hee and Yoo Ah-young's bodies froze.

Keureureureu.

The even more hideous Agari opened its mouth toward the top.

He was thinking of collapsing the Tower's boundaries with one Predation.

But.

Tting.

[‘The Tower’s Administrator’ says the conditions for imposing a penalty have been met.]

[‘The Tower’s Administrator’ warns you not to resent them.]

[Skill ‘Pandora’s Box(?)’ has been registered.]

[Skill ‘Pandora’s Box(?)’ is activated.]

'What nonsense is this...'

Ttszzzjjjj.

Contrary to his thoughts, the boiling mana began to subside.

The Agari of Predation that he had managed to create was disappearing.

[......]

He looked up at the ceiling.

Beyond that, the top of the Tower.

The constellations and avatars that might be there.

Kadeuk.

The Doppelganger, in Tae-hyun's body, gritted his teeth.

[Just you wait.]

I will personally.

Climb to the top of this Tower.

Tting.

[Unique Skill Predation(?) has been activated.]

[‘The Tower’s Administrator’ is in shock.]

[Skill ‘Pandora’s Box(?)’ has been enhanced.]

[Warning. A penalty will be imposed.]

[The Awakening rank is...]

[I'll chew you all up and swallow you.]

Jjeoeooo-.

The teeth of the Agari that couldn't be fully created.

Kwaduk.

Bit into the air.

Part 2, Episode 16

"You ungrateful wretch."

Taehyun grumbled, looking at his legs and arms that wouldn't regenerate.

Predation and Dream Eating.

It was the result of the collision of two secret arts.

He would never have used them so crudely, still a violent way of using magic.

"Still, well. I'm glad I'm alive."

A smile touched Taehyun's lips.

Even though degraded, the doppelganger in the mindscape was frighteningly strong.

The operation of magic was unrestrained, and the overwhelming predation stemming from arrogance was just as he remembered.

If Taehyun hadn't had the Dream Eating card, he would have been completely taken over.

'Thanks for staying alive, Doppl.'

A faint smile touched his lips.

Just as he hadn't had a proper showdown with the doppelganger until right before becoming the Unified King, they would stimulate each other and grow together this time as well.

"Anyway..."

He looked around.

In the vast desert, he was the only living thing.

The body, now owned by the doppelganger, was likely wreaking havoc.

'Even so, he won't be able to use proper power.'

He could only use Predation in the mindscape; the moment he went outside, he would be restricted like Taehyun.

He must know that overdoing it in that state would cause permanent damage to his body.

'Surely he wouldn't do something so foolish.'

He belatedly remembered Bang Chaesu saying he could handle his rampage.

The magical tools he possessed wouldn't be able to handle the remnants of Predation.

'Well... Association President and Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young will stop him.'

No matter how the doppelganger acted in Taehyun's body, he was still mortal.

If Ji Jinhee and Yoo Ah-young revealed their full power, they could somehow buy time.

Of course, this was on the premise that the doppelganger wouldn't overdo it, but he didn't think there would be any reason to.

He left the situation outside to the two of them.

"Then. Shall we start working on this side too?"

Taehyun struggled to his feet and sat cross-legged in the middle of the desert.

Dream Eating had the effect of invading the opponent's mindscape.

Just as the doppelganger's Predation had taken Taehyun's arms and legs, Taehyun had also regained some of the dominion over his mindscape.

'Doppl. You're not there yet.'

The mindscape was a place where existence could be maximized not with the body, but with mental strength.

It was a good training ground for Taehyun, who had become mortal and degraded.

His arms and legs were empty, making it hard to balance.

But after rolling around a few times, he managed to achieve something similar to a cross-legged position.

He circulated magic in that state.

Tzzzzz.

A small amount of magic gathered.

It absorbed even the afterglow scattered by the collision of Predation and Dream Eating, leaving nothing behind.

Next.

He worked on condensing magic in his chest.

Whoosh-.

He heard the sound of wind.

It was because magic was swirling around Taehyun.

How much longer did he concentrate like that?

Right next to his heart.

Kiii-

A fingernail-sized magic stone was created.

It was small and had negligible durability, but.

"Not bad."

He shouldn't expect too much from the start.

If his magic increased and his body became more trained.

'I can use magic stones to imitate the authority of the archdukes.'

The authority of the nine archdukes, the pinnacle of all skills except Predation.

Kiii- Kiii-.

The sound of the fingernail-sized magic stone rotating rang in his head.

As the magic stone accelerated, the blood and magic in his whole body seethed and his heart pounded.

"Hoo..."

Taehyun exhaled and felt the magic circulating through his body.

Based on human standards, it was a B-grade.

His physical abilities, which had been D-grade when he entered the mindscape, had risen to a fairly high level.

'This is the limit for now.'

If he was any greedier, the magic stone he had painstakingly created would not be able to withstand it and would crack.

'Shall we change it soon?'

Sss. Ssss.

Taehyun's eyes turned red.

Just by that, the doppelganger's vision was shared, and he could see the outside world.

Yoo Ah-young and Ji Jinhee were panting.

'Indeed. They have potential.'

They had reached the level of past archduke contractors, even if Taehyun had helped.

They were putting up a plausible fight against the doppelganger, who was using a degraded maw that could no longer be called Predation.

Whenever Yoo Ah-young's giant body, having unleashed her skills, crashed into the doppelganger, and Ji Jinhee's ancient martial arts hit their mark, Taehyun's body rolled.

More precisely, the doppelganger inside Taehyun's body was rolling.

"Oh dear, Doppl."

Taehyun clucked his tongue and shook his head.

Still, he was quite proud of the way he was minimizing the impact using the barrier.

He was irritably handling magic, annoyed by the lower-than-expected output.

In a body state that couldn't be compared to the second round, he could practically see him trembling.

'The two of them are doing what I couldn't do.'

If it weren't for his body, he would have applauded.

Just then.

Ting.

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ demands that you stop your actions immediately.]

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ says that this is troublesome.]

Taehyun saw a message that he was now used to.

The message floating above the doppelganger was being shared.

The Administrator of the Tower.

A being whose identity even the players of the current world didn't know.

'I need to meet this guy as soon as possible.'

If Taehyun's thoughts were correct, the tower was made with the divine tree of the Middle Realm as its pillar.

If one managed such a divine tree, it would be safe to say that they were at least on par with the Elven of the past.

To be on bad terms with them would make preparing the Tower of Trials troublesome in many ways.

'The Tower is said to be built the same all over the world... maybe I can get an answer to the twisted timeline.'

If he could just return the twisted timeline to its original state, he could aim for the elevation to constellation status he had originally aimed for.

'Zodiac. If I meet them again, it won't end with just a few beatings.'

The reason for using the power of the Zodiac to regress.

That was to regain control of the Star Cluster War by achieving a rank of at least an upper-class constellation.

Taehyun's goal was also to achieve a rank above an upper-class constellation and return to the Star Cluster War.

For some reason, the Demon King had failed, but the Dragon, who shared the same universe, had succeeded, so it wouldn't be impossible for Taehyun.

'Wait for it, Dragon. I'll kill you half to death when I get back.'

Taehyun gnashed his teeth, recalling the arrogant face of the Dragon who betrayed his comrades.

If he could just survive in the current timeline, and thus be able to contact the Zodiac.

'I can revive the extinct constellations.'

He would regain his original power, no matter what.

It was when Taehyun was steeling his resolve on his own.

The doppelganger, as if displeased, began to forcefully create the maw of Predation in his vision.

Not a degraded, simple imitation like before.

'That crazy bastard...!!'

Taehyun's vision turned red.

It was because the body outside was shedding tears of blood.

'If I leave him any longer, he'll cause an accident.'

Taehyun focused his mind to regain control of his body.

He planned to regain ownership of his body the moment the doppelganger was exhausted and his mental strength weakened.

However.

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ says that the conditions for imposing a penalty have been met.]

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ warns you not to resent them.]

[The skill ‘Pandora's Box(?)’ has been registered.]

[The skill ‘Pandora's Box(?)’ is activated.]

An unexpected message popped up in the shared vision.

What was a penalty, and what was Pandora's Box?

Not only he was flustered; the doppelganger's emotion mixed with anger was shared.

Changes also occurred in the mindscape.

A box emitting radiance was created before Taehyun's eyes.

"What is this..."

The radiance emanating from the box was rapidly absorbing the magic of the mindscape.

Along with that, the magic stored in the magic stone was rapidly draining.

How much did he struggle to achieve his existence.

Taehyun reached out his hand towards the radiance.

He intended to devour it with Dream Eating.

At the same time.

[Unique skill Predation(?) has been activated.]

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ is horrified.]

[The skill ‘Pandora's Box(?)’ has been enhanced.]

[Warning. Penalties are being imposed.]

[The Awakening Grade is...]

A new message appeared in the shared vision.

'He used... Predation?'

The sealed Predation was activated in the form of a skill, and its maw opened its mouth.

Warning messages from the Administrator of the Tower appeared one after another.

Crack.

Beyond the maw that bit into the air, he saw a 'boundary'.

'This is...'

The boundary of the Three Thousand Worlds.

A place only those who controlled the divine tree could reach.

'Why is this...'

[Get yourself together, Kim Taehyun.]

The doppelganger's voice echoed in his head.

[The peak of the Three Thousand Worlds, the constellations.]

It's 'me'.

With those words, his vision darkened.

His consciousness blurred.

The last thing Taehyun saw in his vision was the faces of Ji Jinhee and Yoo Ah-young, astonished as they looked at the split space.

He woke up with a splitting headache.

He recalled the last memory before losing consciousness.

The doppelganger had shown him the boundary of the Three Thousand Worlds by activating Predation, ignoring the messages sent by the Administrator of the Tower.

His intention was clear.

It meant not to return like a fool.

'That Doppl bastard... Even so, using Predation so forcefully...'

Thinking such thoughts, he tried to move his body.

Rattle.

'Rattle...?'

He turned his head, feeling a heavy sensation on his limbs.

"......"

Taehyun was at a loss for words, confirming the reason.

Chains of binding were wrapped around his body in multiple layers.

It wasn't difficult to guess the cause of the current situation.

It must be because the doppelganger's rampage had gone too far, and the Association had taken action.

'This is driving me crazy.'

Just when he thought he had built a relationship of trust, he was in this state again.

It was difficult to circulate magic due to the influence of the chains.

Even if he put aside the possibility of releasing the chains.

'If I forcefully break these chains here, I'll be even more suspected.'

He might really be tortured by Go Tae-wook this time.

Haa.

Taehyun, who took a small breath, opened his status window.

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: ???

Grade: B

Title: Degraded One of the Three Thousand Worlds

[Unique Skills]

Predation(?) - Unavailable

Dream Eating(?) - Unavailable

Pandora's Box(?) - Unavailable

'What an absurd status window. Does it not indicate physical abilities separately?'

It was a lackluster result, considering that he had lost the trust he had built up and updated it.

The only encouraging thing was that his Awakening Grade had grown to B.

In addition, he gained a title, and 'Dream Eating' and 'Pandora's Box' were registered as skills.

'Degraded One of the Three Thousand Worlds... The others would love to make fun of me if they saw it.'

The extinct constellation comrades.

It was when Taehyun was thinking of them, who had diverse personalities.

Ting.

A new message appeared in his mind.

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ proposes a quest to the ‘Degraded One of the Three Thousand Worlds’.]

The Administrator of the Tower.

It's that guy again.

'What trick are you trying to pull this time?'

Taehyun silently closed his mouth and waited for the guy's next reaction.

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ complains that they cannot help if you continue to act like this.]

"What...?"

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ pleads for you to please trust them.]

'......'

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ bursts into tears.]

The Administrator of the Tower.

This bastard.

'What is this...?'

For a long time. A mysterious being whose identity no one had ever discovered.

Such a guy was not only begging him to trust them... but also bursting into tears?

He was at a loss for what kind of reaction to show to the unexpected message.

[‘The Administrator of the Tower’ sobs that they have never forgotten their ‘sibling’ for a single day.]

"......!!"

He felt like he had been hit in the head with a hammer at the word 'sibling'.

A name flashed through Taehyun's head.

"You... could it be..."

| Prev | Indx | Next |