1009——————==

Soul of the Evil God

I returned with the Tactical Forces Agents through the Transference Gate. Then, I went to the Royal Court where Sagong Lin was.

“Did you find the items?”

“Of course.”

I held up the wooden armor to show Sagong Lin.

“That’s great.”

“…I’m sorry. I should have left some treasures for my companions.”

I mumbled bitterly. I had already checked that none of the contents of the wooden armor were lost back when I was at the seabed. If I had left even half of the treasures here for my companions, they could have endured for 500 years much easier. Hearing that all my companions had perished or been killed over the years didn’t sit well with me.

Sagong Lin shook her head.

“You shouldn’t think that way. It was an unavoidable situation, and nobody blames you. And…”

“And?”

“There have been countless interlopers and infiltrations in the heart of the Great Bear Empire over those long years. If someone had stolen the treasures you left in the chaos, it might have made things even harder. Some kinds of treasures could have likely done that.”

“Hmm…”

“We did our best. We know you did your best as well.”

With that firm statement, Sagong Lin continued.

“Baek Woong, I want to ask what you want to do now, but you don’t know much about this era. Without knowledge, you can’t direct the future. So, I want to provide you with information and knowledge about this era first and then hear your intentions.”

“That makes sense.”

“Please follow Mu Cheon-ryong. He will guide you.”

I nodded and followed Zhu Xian.

Step by step.

Zhu Xian, walking ahead of me, suddenly spoke.

“The place I will guide you to now is where the Thunder God is located. Originally, there was a Thunder God in the Inner Palace as well, but it got destroyed after the invasion of the Eight Parts of the Divine, so I will show you the initial model in the Nine Dragon Palace.”

“Thunder God? What’s that?”

“I heard you traveled to the distant future, so I thought you might know. It’s artificial intelligence. You can think of it as a self-thinking machine created by compressing human knowledge and wisdom.”

“Hmm. I see.”

Artificial intelligence!

I remembered hearing about that concept from the future Dr. Faust. It was a cutting-edge machine designed to reach limits unattainable by the human brain, using all mechanical and engineering knowledge. And I knew that when that artificial intelligence reached its peak, the ultimate strong AI, Mephistopheles, would be born.

“Why the Thunder God to guide me?”

“I heard you possess the spell for memory transmission. But currently, humanity doesn’t have such a convenient spell, so we can only mimic it using the power of science. And the one that can mimic it is the artificial intelligence Thunder God. The Thunder God will transmit the knowledge necessary for you in this era in a short time.”

“Oh! So it can transmit memories?”

“According to the monarch’s words, compared to the spell of that obsidian, it would be crude and inferior… but I hope it can be of some help. Our Tactical Forces Agents are receiving considerable assistance from that device too.”

“That’s good.”

As I listened to the story, I felt happy but suddenly thought something else.

“I guess I didn’t manage to get the Mirror of Clarity.”

The Mirror of Clarity, a treasure located in the depths of the Underworld, also had the ability to transmit memories. However, considering that there was not a single treasure from the Underworld in the current Great Bear Empire, it looked like my companions hadn’t challenged the Underworld for 500 years.

“Then I must get it. I’ll have to find a chance to go to the Underworld.”

Zoom!

I entered the room where the electronic door opened, following Zhu Xian. Inside that room, filled only with cold blue machines, I could see a round blue jade floating in the air. Zhu Xian looked at the jade and said.

“Come out, Thunder God.”

Chirping!

“…!!”

As soon as that word finished, an apparition appeared near the jade, resembling Zhuge Bu. Seeing a figure identical to Zhuge Bu made me jump, and the apparition spoke.

[How can I assist you?]

“Gather all information regarding the history, culture, economy, science, artificial treasures, alchemy, and the global situation of the Great Bear Empire, and turn it into data. And please transmit the data to this person.”

[Understood. Time taken to complete the task: 14 minutes and 25 seconds. Please wait a moment.]

The Thunder God replied to Zhu Xian’s command. Unable to hold back my curiosity, I asked a question.

“Wait! Your appearance is that of Zhuge Bu. Why are you taking that form?”

[Task halted. I will answer.]

The Thunder God pointed to itself with a finger and continued speaking.

[The original developer of the Great Bear Empire’s Thunder God was Zhuge Bu. From then on, all Thunder Gods are set in the initial configuration to project a hologram resembling Zhuge Bu to honor the achievements of the original developer. Does this answer your question?]

“…Zhuge Bu developed artificial intelligence? All by himself?!”

[No. The estimated contribution of developer Zhuge Bu is 69.6 percent. The remaining contribution came from western scientist Faust, who cooperated in the development of artificial intelligence.]

“Faust…!!”

I flinched when I heard the familiar name. Zhu Xian, who was watching from the side, spoke to me.

“I must not have mentioned this. The technology of artificial intelligence was so ahead of its time that it couldn’t be developed alone with the technology of the Great Bear Empire. It was said that after receiving the core technology from the greatest western scientist, Dr. Faust, Zhuge Bu redeveloped it.”

“When was that?”

“Before the war with the Third Empire, back in the 19th century… I think it’s been well over a century since then.”

“I heard Zhuge Bu died in that war. How did he die?”

“That’s something I’m not too clear on either…”

As Zhu Xian hesitated, I turned to the Thunder God and inquired about Zhuge Bu’s death. The Thunder God responded.

[Zhuge Bu was killed by the Apostle of the Old Ruler, the ‘Pilgrim of the Rotten Planet,’ Halchi Olleifra during the battle to reclaim the Mirror of Clarity from Nazi Germany in 1884.]

“Reclaiming the Mirror of Clarity?! An Apostle?! What on earth happened…?”

[It was an operation where Nazi Germany stole the Mirror of Clarity, leading to a large-scale assault on the Great Bear Empire. The operation resulted in 78,852 allied deaths, including 75 commanding officers, but it was successful in reclaiming the Mirror of Clarity, which significantly impacted the victory of the war.]

“……”

I could roughly understand the situation. The demon forces had somehow stolen the Mirror of Clarity, which was as precious as the foundation of the Great Bear Empire, so they tried all means to retrieve it. It seemed Zhuge Bu had ultimately perished while fighting the apostle of the ruler summoned by the enemy in such a fierce battle.

‘Damn…’

Would anything have changed if I had been there?

I knew Zhuge Bu was already dead, but hearing it like this made me feel even more miserable. I felt a sense of guilt for not being able to do anything while my companions were being killed. As I bit my lip in silence, Zhu Xian asked.

“Should I resume the task?”

“No. I have one more question.”

I turned to the Thunder God and asked.

“What is the relationship between Dr. Faust and the Great Bear Empire? And is Dr. Faust still alive?”

[They have a traditional cooperative relationship and are allies. He is also still alive.]

“Where is Faust?”

[Location unknown.]

“Hmm…”

I pondered deeply.

“I had delegated matters concerning cooperation with Faust solely to the Zhuge Clan and strategists. The Zhuge Clan had successfully obtained a lot of technology from Faust in the West. But I’ve hardly talked with Faust at all…”

Wouldn’t it be better to engage him more actively instead of treating him just as a western scientist? Hadn’t I viewed the power of science as a mere secondary element simply because it hadn’t proven effective against the apocalypse? In fact, I had regarded artificial intelligence as nothing more than a convenient machine until now.

‘This won’t do. If I get a second chance at life, I need to learn more from Dr. Faust. Not only the potential of science and technology but also, I could share the technology I’ve gained in this world with him to accelerate scientific advancements.’

Realizing how significant Dr. Faust’s influence had grown in the future world, I felt the need to revise my entire strategy for my next life.

“Resume the task.”

[Understood.]

Zhu Xian pressed the Thunder God’s task to resume, and after a bit of time, the Thunder God spoke with a ding.

[Task completed. Please wear the Thunder Device on your head for data transmission.]

“The Thunder Device?”

“Oh, Lord Baek Woong. This is what I’m talking about.”

Zhu Xian held up a round, cap-like device that was nearby. It had long mechanical tubes that connected to the main device.

“Am I supposed to wear this?”

“Yes. It’s used for augmented reality and knowledge transmission. It is about 30 years ahead of civilian technology.”

“Hmm…”

I skeptically placed the Thunder Device on my head. It pressed down so far it covered my eyes, and Zhu Xian standing nearby remarked.

“Lord Baek Woong. I’ve heard that while the obsidian spell has no remarkable side effects and can transmit massive amounts of information safely in a short time… transmitting knowledge through the Thunder Device is not so safe. The method involves rearranging the bio signals of the subject, so basic quantum brain models have limitations in processing power.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“…Actually, there have been cases where someone went insane or their brain burned out while transmitting knowledge through the Thunder Device. After experiencing such mishaps, we’ve managed to implement safety measures, but that greatly reduces efficiency.”

“……”

“If the knowledge volume transferable by obsidian is 10, then the Thunder Device may not even be 1. Plus, the transmission speed is also slow, so please keep that in mind.”

“Are you sure my brain won’t burn out?”

“Yes. But there might be a headache. You might even throw up.”

“Fine. Then let’s start.”

I accepted it nonchalantly. After all, I’d died so many times that I wasn’t afraid of death per se; I had come to terms with the fact that dying without achieving my goal was disappointing, but I no longer felt the urge to panic just because my brain might burn out.

Wheeeeee!

[Data transmission starting… … ]

Hoooow! Hoooow!

‘Ugh… this really…’

It felt like I was doing five somersaults in a row; not only did I intermittently feel that sensation wash over me, but I also had a pounding headache pressing down on my temple. It’s normal for anyone to feel like throwing up here.

‘And the speed at which the knowledge is coming in… it’s so slow!!’

Having been accustomed to memory transmission via obsidian, I was taken aback. Zhu Xian had compared the capacity to 10 and 1, but the actual experience of the difference in speed was dozens of times greater. Trying to absorb it while feeling dizzy and dealing with a headache was pure torture.

Then suddenly, I heard a thud followed by a heavy impact hitting my head.

Crackle!!

Click!

I suddenly found myself freed from the Thunder Device. Feeling slightly dizzy, I pressed my temples with my fingers, frowning.

“What happened?”

“Are you okay?!”

“What’s going on?!”

Zhu Xian looked baffled.

“This has never happened before… why did it suddenly… Thunder God!”

[Did you call for me?]

“Why did an accident occur while transmitting memories?”

[It is presumed that there is a barrier at a level beyond scientific definition in the subject’s mind. An overload occurred while trying to break through the barrier.]

“……?”

Zhu Xian had a dazed expression. I waved my hand.

“Forget it. I’ll just read a book later.”

Clearly, this was a problem Zhu Xian couldn’t resolve on the spot. Rather than waste my time, it would be better to just leave.

“Are you really okay?”

“Yeah.”

Zhu Xian let out a sigh of relief.

“I will now guide you to Captain Cheon Woo-jin. He has requested you be brought immediately.”

I followed Zhu Xian to Cheon Woo-jin. Cheon Woo-jin was puffing on a liquid electronic cigarette in a corner of the construction site rebuilding the destroyed Inner Palace, emitting white smoke as he spoke.

“You’re here?”

“Even after all that chaos, that ice where Seo Mun-hye is trapped still hasn’t broken.”

As I looked at the sight before me, Cheon Woo-jin replied.

“That won’t break with physical force.”

“…Cheon Woo-jin. Now tell me.”

“What am I supposed to say?”

“You said the brand on your neck was put there by the Zhuge Clan. What does it mean that the Zhuge Clan is the Demon King from the Ten Thousand Demons War?”

“You received the information from the Thunder God, didn’t you? All the atrocities committed by the Zhuge Clan are recorded.”

“The Thunder God overloaded, and the device exploded while dodging barriers that can’t be defined. I can’t explain it…”

“……”

Cheon Woo-jin’s face contorted in fear.

“…It exploded?”

“Anyway, what the hell happened? Why did he become the Demon King? Why did he mark you?”

Phew.

Cheon Woo-jin exhaled a puff of white smoke. He muttered.

“I have nothing to say. It’s too late to reflect on the past now, and I’ve gone too far. Besides, there’s a high likelihood you’ll just develop a bias against him. It’s better for you to meet Zhuge Sha yourself and hear it from him.”

“Will I be able to meet him?”

“Probably. He must certainly be aiming for the end times and revelations as well.”

With that, Cheon Woo-jin said.

“One thing is for sure. As long as Zhuge Sha is alive, this cursed brand won’t disappear.”

“…Does it hurt?”

“Is it just pain? If I don’t enter the barrier made by the talisman while sleeping, my body will rot on a daily basis. That’s the curse of the Demon King.”

I looked at Cheon Woo-jin with uneasy eyes. Given that I was already burdened with guilt towards my companions, seeing Cheon Woo-jin in such distress only made things worse.

Then I suddenly had a thought.

‘…Right!’

Flame!

I pulled out Agni, the fire spirit among the Four Great Spirit Deities. Vajra hadn’t recovered its light since I used it last, and Vayu was entirely unusable, while the Baruna spirit felt like it wouldn’t resonate with me for some reason.

Cheon Woo-jin, holding the electronic cigarette, looked dumbfounded and said.

“…You, you’re not thinking…?”

“That’s magic too, right? Then using the Four Great Spirit Deities should help.”

“Wait! Do you think I didn’t think of that…?”

Ignoring Cheon Woo-jin’s alarm, I raised Agni, which looked like a long, deadly weapon, with both hands. It was still heavy and hard to lift, but I managed to position Agni against the back of Cheon Woo-jin’s neck.

“Ugh, hey! Get that away…!! I was going to tell you later!”

“What?”

“If we can break the curse now, it’s not a good idea! We need to prepare properly…”

“Why not?”

Cheon Woo-jin yelled, panic setting in.

“The Transference Gate is also attached to this! You think I’ve been putting up with it this long without a way to close it? If we mess up, the powerful Apostle of the Old Ruler might invade this world…”

“Ah…”

I hesitated, but Agni was already touching him. The curse began to dissipate like ash blowing away.

Sizzle!

“Guhh.”

As Cheon Woo-jin groaned, I quickly withdrew Agni. The curse had vanished halfway, but suddenly, the sky turned pitch black.

Kurooong…

In the middle of the now dark sky, a massive eye peeked out. It seemed to scan this world slowly before it slowly closed its eyes and vanished.

Kuroooong…

I didn’t know what it was, but it was undoubtedly a powerful being of the otherworldly realm, an Apostle of the Old Ruler. The mana felt as immense as Oje.

‘Did I only cancel half of it, preventing me from fully gaining the Law of Cause and Effect?’

Cheon Woo-jin was drenched in cold sweat, trembling.

“……”

He brought the electronic cigarette to his mouth with shaky hands, then, apparently angered, threw it at me.

Clack!

“Damn!! Even what I was about to say cannot go smoothly because of you, you cocky bastard! You think you can fight an Apostle that showed up in the current world? Even if you win, it could lead to millions of casualties in this capital!”

“Ah, sorry!! I didn’t know.”

“Ugh… damn it… With the Transference Gate now partially opened, it’s going to be a hell of a ride to close it again.”

“The Transference Gate?”

“The whole area where that eye was summoned is a Transference Gate. Just like the Shangguan Family used the Fire Dragon Sword, we need to seal it.”

Grumbling, Cheon Woo-jin said.

“Still, since at least half of the curse was lifted, I guess I’ve regained some power…”

I felt that if I bragged about lifting the curse, I would definitely not be treated like a proper person. So, I quickly changed the subject.

“Well, anyway, the main thing I wanted to ask… Did you manage to gather any fragments of the Non-Birth Mother’s Dharma Technique?”

Fortunately, Cheon Woo-jin didn’t seem to find it a topic to get angry about, and he nodded.

“Of course. Over 500 years, we succeeded in tracing and gathering one piece of the Doctrine. Gathering more than that was not possible.”

“One piece, huh. Where is it?”

“Sagong Lin has it. The Great Bear Empire has a total of 2 pieces of the Dharma fragments.”

“…Is that so? That’s a relief. She can show it to me later, right?”

“No.”

“Excuse me?”

I couldn’t help but be flabbergasted at Zhu Xian’s next words.

“Sagong Lin has merged with the Dharma fragment. It won’t come out until she dies.”