1250——————==

Soul of the Evil God

It was like a blue flame being swept away by the wind. A sacred current flowed from the shoulder of the Hat Warrior, trickling down his fingers and accumulating into a silvery energy at the tip of the blade, visibly growing larger. It was a fleeting change, but my heightened senses in the Absolute Realm caught every little nuance.

‘Is it Intent?’

I couldn’t be sure. Just from the images reflected in the sky, it seemed like a mere visual trick, and I had no choice but to engage directly to grasp the essence of that energy. In that moment, I pondered why I was even having such doubts.

Of course, if there were a master surpassing the Absolute Realm, wouldn’t they use Intent to manifest such an extraordinary phenomenon?

Why was I doubting that it was a result of Intent?

As I was caught in a fleeting distraction, the characteristic sound of a sword slicing through the air rang out, and I saw the Hat Warrior’s blade sweeping forward.

It was a classic sword-drawing technique.

In the realm of martial artists, it was perfectly normal for a sword draw to burst forth, but I felt a little let down by its ordinariness. In fact, I had seen many prodigies and masters of sword-drawing in my life, so the Hat Warrior’s technique didn’t seem special at all. Sword-drawing itself was just one of the various techniques for initiating a quick attack.

‘Not fast… not powerful… not precise… doesn’t even contain any energy.’

To the point where I thought the swordplay of the Twelve Joules sect leaders was better—a painfully mundane technique.

I could probably pull off something like that too—just as that thought crossed my mind.

Evil

A very subtle and tiny sound tickled my ear, like the rustle of a thin sheet of paper. It swirled around like pine needles in the wind.

At the same moment, a delicate arc appeared in the middle of Jeogok’s white body. I couldn’t understand why it appeared, but as Jeogok glanced slightly towards that arc, something happened.

BANG

[……!!]

Jeogok’s body swayed violently as white blood leaked out from that arc. I thought he would just use [Small Cycle] to return to form like he had when he’d lost his head moments ago, so I watched numbly, but soon realized that something was off.

[…You… You dare…?]

Jeogok’s newly transformed state struggled to regain composure, swaying like a drunken beggar. I was puzzled, wondering if this was his way of playing with me, but I overheard Asura next to me gasping in shock.

“Th- that’s not a trick!”

“What?!”

Of course, I and most of the Subjugation Squad watching alongside me looked at Asura in astonishment. Asura, trembling from fear, continued to speak with great effort.

“It’s a serious injury!! That white blood can’t be anything but the destruction of the Sacred!”

And just as Asura finished speaking, Jeogok’s body began to swell, transforming into a giant ten times its original size, a towering white behemoth.

WWWHHHOOO

Once the transformation was complete, Jeogok stretched out one arm toward the Hat Warrior, a blood-red eye glowing ominously in the center of his palm.

[I will see you.]

The Hat Warrior seemed to try to assume a sword-drawing stance once more to block that attack. But perhaps it was already too late—before he could clutch his sword, the entirety of the Hat Warrior became paralyzed, while Jeogok’s crimson eye began to emit a blinding light.

‘That technique is…!!’

The same technique Jeogok had used to overwhelm the Eight Parts of the Divine in one blow when he appeared before Chi You! Whatever was targeted by Jeogok’s crimson gaze could not use any ability and was bound to come to a standstill—this was something even demon lords had fallen victim to.

FZZT…

The Hat Warrior was engulfed by the afterimage of Jeogok’s red gaze, making it clear he could no longer resist. After overpowering the Hat Warrior in a single strike, Jeogok spoke.

[What the hell are you? What is it that prevents you from recovering with [Small Cycle]? What is that sword technique!!]

The moment that roar landed, I could see the entirety of the Hat Warrior trembling. Asura, having witnessed that, mumbled.

“…It’s over. Jeogok of the Three Sovereigns is trying to suppress the guy’s mind and soul with his [eyes].”

“Then what happens?”

When I asked, Asura’s expression turned complicated.

“You’re in a good spot. You can sit here calmly and watch as the Hat Warrior’s true identity unfolds.”

“Ah!”

Did I just become a fence-sitter by accident?

As I felt a surge of happiness, staring intently upon the images reflected in the sky, things started to twist a little bizarrely.

SQUEEEEEK…

It felt like a metal chunk was being scratched. As the Hat Warrior stood frozen, red eyes erupted from his body, exuding a savage crimson aura, while Jeogok let out an unimpressed sound.

[What… I can’t invade your mind with my authority…?!]

The Hat Warrior didn’t respond. No, he was in a situation where he couldn’t respond, merely writhing. I saw Jeogok’s red eye consuming the Hat Warrior’s upper half, seemingly enjoying the insurmountable agony.

And then…

SPLAT!!

Once again Jeogok’s head cracked off. Simultaneously, one of the Hat Warrior’s arms turned to mist and vanished, leaving him permanently one-armed. I balled my fists in shock at the sight, but moments later, I witnessed Jeogok’s body restoring itself to normal.

[What a rebellious little one. Was that last strike just luck?]

Muttering those words, Jeogok now approached openly, seemingly ready to squash the Hat Warrior with his gigantic finger. Jeogok was in a position to crush the Hat Warrior like an ant and threatened with a whisper.

[I recognize your skills. If you accept defeat here and become my subordinate, I will grant you the title of my second Absolute Being to enjoy eternal power… ]

[……]

[So tell me your true name and identity.]

Silence followed.

However, for some reason, I could sense the Hat Warrior smirking behind his hat.

You think that’ll work?

It sounded like a figment of my imagination. Even though such a sound was never uttered, I somehow felt the Hat Warrior’s inner thoughts resonate within me. As that inner sound faded like a ringing in my ears, I witnessed the Hat Warrior swing what remained of his arm to cut at Jeogok.

SHZZZ

This time, Jeogok genuinely seemed furious, instantly reverting his body back to [Small Cycle] and roaring.

[Now it’s done! I will devour you whole!!]

At the moment Jeogok’s hand clasped tightly, a colossal force erupted from thin air. Hundreds of those crimson eyes consumed the Hat Warrior completely, and in an instant, he was utterly obliterated, his remnants scattering into the air like mist. There was undeniably no chance of survival.

Even his screams couldn’t escape as he vanished into oblivion.

‘…So the Hat Warrior still can’t surpass the Three Sovereigns, huh?’

As I mused over this, a scream pierced my thoughts.

[Uaaah, Aaaahhh!!]

Jeogok’s agonizing wail echoed, and as he developed numerous minor wounds, white blood gushed out like he had been whipped hundreds of times, and Jeogok’s pristine body appeared torn and shredded.

ZZZTT!! ZZZTT!!

Standing there, radiant Jeogok unleashed a scream of the unknown madness.

[It’s not the soul! What the hell are you!! What poison have you unleashed upon me!!]

…What?!

[Ugh, Hahaha!! Evil God! I will borrow your power!]

Jeogok extended his hand toward the void. At that moment, I witnessed the giant stars in the dark sky above the World Tree emitting mysterious light. I saw those colossal bodies, as large as moons, directing multicolored beams toward Jeogok, who began to be absorbed into the shining light.

WHOOSH…

Jeogok’s form was completely extinguished after about a second, leaving no trace behind. Just as everyone present stood dumbfounded, the cold voice of Zhuge Sa awoke us from our trance.

“Jeogok has received the power from the Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Emperor and has entered recovery. It seems he suffered a critical blow just now, but he will likely recover shortly.”

“Zhuge Sa!! The Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Emperor?!”

RUMBLE…

As I questioned back, seismic vibrations erupted from the entire World Tree. Clearly, something was on the verge of collapsing, startling everyone. I quickly summoned the Ark and shouted.

“Everyone, get on the Ark!”

Once the Subjugation Squad was on board, I hurried to the command room and commanded.

“Ark! Find a breach and escape this World Tree dimension!”

[It’s impossible.]

“Why?! Is there a barrier blocking…?”

The next voice from the Ark was entirely unexpected.

[The Great One wishes for the user’s demise. This vessel, Yi Seong-gye, will do its utmost to serve you, Baek Woong, for your death.]

“……!!”

No?!

“Hey, National Seal!! What nonsense is this?!”

The one piloting this ship was the soul of the National Seal, merged with an AI. There’s no way the spirit would arbitrarily say such a ludicrous thing.

While I stood dumbfounded at the unexpected remark, Zhuge Sa chuckled and said.

“Indeed… In that short time that the Ark descended upon the corrupt World Tree, the Evil God has taken control of this vessel. It seems it has gathered information that this level of power cannot resist divine authority.”

“Damn it!!”

I felt the Ark sway violently. Simultaneously, the AI of the Ark, as if it were about to crumble, spoke in a distorted voice.

[Great… calling… die… die…. opening the seal….]

BOOM

BANG

Somewhere on the Ark exploded, and I felt flames shooting up fiercely. It was undoubtedly self-destructing.

In that instant, I glimpsed a vision on the front screen.

The spirit of the National Seal was being consumed by unseen dark tentacles.

And behind those tentacles sprawled endless darkness…

The presence of [someone] lurking behind that darkness became apparent.

“Ack…”

In the face of such betrayal, I had no choice but to accept the reality. It was clear that someone behind the scenes was directly using power to manipulate the spirit of the National Seal. A being of that level could not possibly be opposed by a mere spirit.

As I surmised, that being was probably one of the strongest Old Rulers currently absent from the Emperor.

However, regardless, betrayal was still betrayal. As I was stuck in a daze, Zhuge Sa spoke in a devilish tone.

“Baek Woong. This level of crisis is actually something you could survive with your current capabilities. It feels like a petty prank I’m offering you. Either survive or don’t, it’s up to you.”

“…Alright. Even if Heuk Woong is asleep, I’ll somehow give it a shot with divine power.”

“No. No need to do that. You’ve been given a chance, so just escape this life.”

“What?”

Escape? In what way?

When I turned to Zhuge Sa, baffled, he grinned with a devilish smile.

“Keheh… Even if you give your all trying to escape, you won’t win against the Demon General lurking in the highest floor with our Subjugation Squad’s current strength. You’ll just get caught and end up facing the Evil God unprepared. The wisest choice is already laid out.”

“……”

“Baek Woong. Now that the Hat Warrior has been devoured by Jeogok, this is your chance. Will you choose yourself, or should I even ask for you?”

Zhuge Sa’s meaning was crystal clear. Realizing this fact, I hesitated, and the next moment, I found my whole body tightly bound, unable to move at all.

‘Telekinesis?!’

Was it Zhuge Sa’s doing?

“Ugh. Just a moment… it doesn’t feel right yet!”

I couldn’t so easily give up this life!

I still wanted to see what the peak was like at least once!

“No, it’s too late. You can’t refuse the strategist’s judgment any longer.”

“What?!”

“I can’t govern the board aimlessly and risk flipping the whole game.”

I was taken aback because I never expected Zhuge Sa to refuse so firmly.

CRUNCH

“Ugh….”

Zhuge Sa’s bizarre demonic eyes burst forth with amethyst spirit energy, and instantly, the pressure of the telekinesis intensified several-fold. If I hadn’t been in the Absolute Realm, my entire body would have turned to mush, like a pile of flesh, by now.

‘W-What kind of telekinesis is this…?’

I hadn’t realized it before, but Zhuge Sa, now the demon of the Landlord Doctrines, wielded incredible telekinetic force. As the powerful telekinesis from the artificial demon rushed toward me, I desperately grasped for the Intent Heavenly Pillar from the Absolute Realm, trying to break free.

“Haaah!!”

However, due to Zhuge Sa’s unexpectedly stronger telekinesis, despite exerting all my strength, I could only loosen my bindings by half. In that time, Zhuge Sa swung a bone he pulled from his body and smashed it into my solar plexus.

THWACK

“Gah… ugh….”

I felt overwhelming pain as my vision blurred rapidly. And to me, Zhuge Sa whispered.

“It’s fortunate that Heuk Woong is using all his strength to sleep. It makes it easy to kill you.”

“Cough…”

“Do you feel it? I am inserting my telekinesis, making your body and mind irreparably damaged. Unless you wake Heuk Woong and revert to [Small Cycle], it’s hopeless.”

“Z- Zhuge Sa… is this really… the best…”

“…Keh keh….”

Zhuge Sa smirked.

“My lord, thinking that I, as your strategist, can’t be the main player in the Reborn Person’s victory in this life is a far more pitiful feeling than you might think…”

“……”

“As for my hubris, I also bear responsibility for Baek Woong’s failures…”

Cool and composed, Asura’s voice lingered faintly in my fading vision.

“If I could have stopped you from dying this time, I should have.”

“Ah…”

As I heard that voice, I suddenly realized.

‘So that’s it.’

The turmoil I had endured throughout this life—signified that new connections must be forged, and I needed to brace myself moving forward. With that epiphany, I slowly spoke.

“…Zhuge Sa… I’m sorry…”

If I didn’t make the decision to die quickly, those around me would suffer even more.

Zhuge Sa rapidly grasped this, preparing a launchpad for my restart instead. But this was certainly no comfort to a strategist, especially in such a dire situation.

The world faded to black, and I heard Zhuge Sa’s laughter.

“Kuheh… Farewell, my foolish lord.”

That was the end of my twenty-ninth life.

A girl holding a raccoon doll appeared before me.

It felt like that strange space in the [Knot] where I had once sat with Hang-a.

In silence, we sat facing each other on chairs, nothing else around.

[Do you hear the call of the Book?]

The girl slowly closed the dark book she was holding in her hands as she rose. As she walked into the darkness, she said.

[…I hope you stop dying so pathetically.]

A brief glimpse of a fleeting dream passed through my consciousness.