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The moment Jinseong’s invocation flowed, an unusual atmosphere enveloped the tree.

It appeared as if the darkness, settled by night, was twisting and slowly seeping into the tree, showing a peculiar movement, and although the ground was not trembling, the roots of the tree began to sway. Despite being a gentle breeze, it swayed as if a storm was passing, and soon, the roots began to emerge from the ground.

The roots that revealed themselves outside the ground moved like spider legs, playing the role of a support to prevent the tree from falling over.

The roots stood upright, embedded in the earth like stakes, steadily holding the tree while it wriggled around, until eventually, all the roots were exposed and began to twist and clump together.

It seemed as if they were trying to form a rope, tightly intertwining, and it looked just like human muscles.

Feeling insufficient with just that, the clumped roots began to scrape up the surrounding soil and coat themselves, but as the earth didn’t adhere properly, they twisted around to create bulges, fashioning hollow spots capable of holding soil.

As these bulges absorbed earth, they gradually increased in size, spreading out flat until the skin of the roots became that of a tree.

The roots, divided into two, took on a thicker appearance resembling human legs.

And the trunk transformed as well.

Creeeak.

Crackle.

The cracked bark began to bend oddly, and in multiple places, it split with an ominous sound, as if it would soon shatter into pieces. From the cracks, thick red liquid oozed out, flowing a bit before stopping and seeping back into the wood.

As this seeped in, something like tiny veins started to emerge from the cracks, clustering together to form something resembling an eyeball.

There were four of them.

And the branches extending above began to clump together.

However, unlike the roots, the clumped branches swam around the trunk like liquid, finally settling in suitable spots.

With five ends branching out, they resembled a human hand, almost reaching the upper thighs of the roots, showing a similar proportion to human arms, and with a total of six, they took on a shape reminiscent of a monster.

Cawwwk.

The tree finally formed a mouth.

With the six arms moving about, it elongated the upper part, picking up gravel and wood shards from the ground and sticking them into the torn gaps. It resembled a beast with terrifyingly elongated teeth, making an appearance that could chill someone to the bone just by looking at it.

“The Wood Energy has increased over time, fueled by blood, thus it has transformed into a Yokai. Four bulges, six arms, and two legs; with all nutrients exhausted, it is wrapped in leaves of a color resembling gold. Walking on two legs, wielding an unparalleled power to traverse the world, where else can one find such a monstrosity?”

But even with that horrific appearance, Jinseong only smiled.

“However, for having a semblance of affection for human form, it must be given a name for the ritual, and I shall name it Seonja.”

Creeeek.

Creeeak.

Jinseong completed the magic with the naming of the Yokai.

What he performed was the Ritual of Magic for creating a Yokai Mimicry.

Like Lee Jae-soon’s Fairy Mimicry ritual, it was a spell to derive and control a non-human entity.

But there was a difference from what Lee Jae-soon had done; while Lee focused on creating a divine object, Jinseong concentrated on producing and commanding a Yokai mimic.

And there was another crucial difference.

A very important one for Jinseong.

“Heh. It has turned out splendidly.”

This was the ‘Seonja Mimicry Creation Ritual,’ the very first magic that Jinseong had cast since his return, spanning both before and after his return.

Before his return, he’d been unable to use such magic due to Japan’s downfall.

Now he had safely grasped it and successfully activated it!

“Excellent, excellent. It’s quite a good spell….”

Jinseong gazed at the wooden Yokai he had created, overwhelmed with emotion.

Four eyes brimming with murderous intent.

A mouth that seemed ready to munch on a human neck at any moment.

Six arms said to possess “immense strength” according to texts.

Two sturdy legs capable of effortlessly carrying immense rocks.

It was truly a sight that inspired confidence just by looking at it.

“In close combat, it might prove useful. Tsk, how unfortunate that such magic was only implemented in ancient times.”

Jinseong mumbled as he levitated the belongings he was carrying.

Then he unleashed the cargo toward Seonja.

Kyaaaah-!

At that, Seonja seemed to understand Jinseong’s intent as it moved its arms.

With five weapons in its grasp.

One unimpressive halberd.

One sword that looked like it was fished out of a junkyard.

One katana seemingly rusted and difficult to use.

One massive club resembling a crudely carved log.

And finally, a chainsaw.

Seonja, loaded with five weapons, looked truly fearsome.

Perhaps that’s what a boss monster from a game would look like if it jumped into reality?

“Seonja, Seonja.”

Before Seonja, Jinseong stirred the Qi within him.

He slowly gathered the cold air dwelling inside his body and moved it to his fingertips, merging the frozen air gathered there. The condensed chill began to emit an incredibly cold aura unsuited for the season, gradually spreading and lowering the surrounding temperature.

Haa-

So much so that white breath escaped from Jinseong’s mouth.

“In the name of the benefactor who birthed you, you shall rightfully heed my words. You are bound to ensure that this mountain flourishes for the rituals of spring and autumn, and to guard against those who seek to rob its bounty, you must erect a door at the start of the path and, like a fortress, turn away anyone attempting to enter. Thus, allow the new sprouts of spring to flourish safely, so they can gather strength even through winter.”

With that, Jinseong moved his cold-laden hand.

Slowly, as if stretching a fist underwater, and with great slowness.

And as he moved his hand, it struck the empty air.

Bang-!

Upon reaching the void, distortions spread forth.

It sounded like smacking an invisible water balloon.

With that sound, the cold air amassed in his hand dispersed, freezing plants and causing sounds to erupt around him.

Seeing this, Seonja jolted up and began to move its hefty body slowly towards somewhere.

That somewhere was the base of the mountain.

At the starting point of the hiking trail.

“Let’s see. According to records, the cost of creating that is related to Wood Energy, which burdens the liver….”

Jinseong smiled, contemplating the impending cost.

“The liver recovers quickly, so I could probably create several more.”

Jinseong envisioned numerous spells that sprang to mind.

The spells collected by RISE in Japan.

SEVVQVHg3SGdDVZQlhfZ Thus, a variety of wood-related spells existed.

Wood is linked to growth, and for humans, the organ corresponding to wood is relatively quick to heal, with a relentless life force.

Plus, with his youth, it seemed he could test a few more without overdoing it.

“Now then. Which spells are worth testing next?”

 

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