전생검신 80권 7화

[The Mask] that had been on Subori spoke to me.

[Interesting. I never thought this was possible.]

“Subori, since it’s all powered by my strength, using more clone techniques won’t really make a big difference, right?”

[You have a point. Against a truly powerful being, it doesn’t matter much. But… for mortals, it could be a significant advantage.]

Swish.

Subori reverted from the mask back into human form and then spoke to me.

“One more thing. If copying the mask is possible, then you should find as many masks as you can.”

“Hmm? Why suddenly search for those guys?”

“Honestly speaking, when I’m in mask form, I’m like a weapon and equipment to you. It’s somewhat similar to a sword or spear. But each mask has its own unique characteristics and abilities.”

“……!!”

Oh, I see?!

“It seems you understood. When I wear the [Subori] mask, I can use Subori’s exclusive technique, the Moso Clone Technique. So…”

“When you use a different [mask], you’ll be able to use another special ability.”

“Exactly.”

Another special ability!

The Moso Clone Technique alone takes centuries to master! To use it freely without restrictions and produce clones is a tremendous advantage. If I can also use special abilities from other masks, I’ll definitely gain a lot.

But Shim Su-ryeok, who had been quietly listening, chimed in.

“Subori, aren’t you quite formidable among the masks? Considering that masks typically can’t exceed their original race’s limitations and just have genius-level talent, there likely aren’t many masks stronger than you. So, maybe Baek Woong doesn’t need to expend time and effort collecting masks.”

“Uh….”

“Maybe someone like Nailatop may be an exception. But such strong masks are hard to find and even harder to recruit.”

Shim Su-ryeok had a point. According to the Celestial Sage, Subori could even slay the Jade Emperor if he went all out. Masks like Subori, who have demon king or apostle-level capabilities, aren’t that common. Besides, Subori himself, having realized emptiness, is already a special existence.

Then, Subori chuckled.

“You’re right. While it might sound boastful, there probably aren’t masks stronger than me in this universe. If masks were that powerful, gods would’ve already targeted and eliminated us, but that isn’t the case. We’re merely actors, not beings made to disrupt the balance of cosmic power.”

“Nailatop definitely seems to be a class above the rest. Are there any others like him?”

“No. He is surely one of the strongest masks in the universe. In my view, it’s his ability to handle [science] that makes him particularly favored by the Coming Chaos.”

Subori continued firmly.

“However, even if a mask’s base power isn’t strong, its special ability when masked can be extraordinarily powerful. That’s why I say you should collect more masks.”

“……? What do you mean? Are you saying the original power and the special ability while masked don’t correlate?”

“Exactly. I’ve seen direct examples of that.”

“You’ve seen them?”

After nodding, Subori said.

“I mentioned earlier that three phenomena occur when you wear a mask. What were they again?”

“Um….”

“Looks like you forgot. Domination, destruction, coexistence.”

“Oh, right.”

“Then, when I borrow power by turning into a mask for you, which category does that fall into?”

“Of course, it’s coexistence, right? Since we’re neither dominating each other nor destroyed….”

“Nope. It’s domination.”

“……?!”

What kind of nonsense is this?

When I looked at Subori, bewildered, he quietly explained.

“More precisely, you can say it’s mutual domination. You dominate me as a mask, and I dominate your mind in return… basically, we’re in a 50-50 contract. Sure, you lead the way, but I can also move your body whenever I want.”

“Eh?! Is that true?!”

“Yep. But since you’re a reborn person in an absolute dominant position, I just refrain from exercising my share. You got that?”

“I get it, but that feels really unsettling….”

I thought Subori was only a tool who acts when I want him to, but he can actually control me if he feels like it?!

Subori continued.

“Sorry to make you feel uneasy. If we chose coexistence, this wouldn’t have happened…”

“Why didn’t you choose coexistence?”

“It’s not that I didn’t want to. It’s more that I can’t choose.”

“Why can’t we choose coexistence?”

“Because coexistence means mixing our souls into a completely different being. It’s not just mutual domination; it’s unity.”

“……!!”

“You probably wouldn’t want to go that far. It would mean losing your essence.”

“Well, obviously….”

Unity of souls?!

With a mask?!

That’s unthinkable! Just as I was stunned by this thought, Subori spoke.

“However, the way of coexistence carries immense potential, but also the burden of potentially obliterating our existences. On the other hand, if mutual domination is mastered over a significant period by mutual agreement, unexpected special abilities might manifest. The power of those abilities isn’t necessarily tied to the mask’s original strength.”

“Hmmm… Really?”

“If you don’t feel like it, we can postpone this matter for now. It’s not urgent anyway.”

“Got it.”

Just then, my clone, who had been eavesdropping, barked out.

“Damn! Is collecting masks really that important right now? Can we talk about what truly matters?”

Everyone’s attention turned to my clone.

The clone slightly lifted his mask to illuminate Fuxi’s face and said, “Hey! Are you just gonna give up on the Six Heaven Unity Spear again because it’s too tough? Just throw in the towel already because it’s hard?!”

I snapped in frustration, “Who do you think I am, you punk?! I’m just considering what to do since practicing something way too tough without plans could lead to losing too much!”

“Face it! You’re just mad because I hit the nail on the head, huh?”

“You little brat….”

“Hey, I’m your clone, so I know your personality and feelings. But with everyone patting your back, aren’t you forgetting something?”

“Forgetting what?”

Suddenly, I had nothing to say.

“You can’t even use spear techniques, you idiot!!”

“…….”

I felt like I got splashed with cold water.

After a moment of being dazed, I finally snapped back and yelled out, “What nonsense are you spouting?! Just using spear techniques alone, I’m already a Peerless Master in Jianghu!!”

The clone crossed his arms with a smug expression.

“Are you really that confident? Without Intent Heavenly Pillar or Internal Power boost, do you really match the Absolute Realm when just considering your spear techniques?”

“……Umm….”

“Admit it, you know it’s ambiguous, right? You’ve just compensated all that with your mastery from swordplay. Has your spear technique really reached that level?”

“…….”

“When it comes purely to spear techniques, I’d say there are at least ten guys during the Ming Dynasty who could outdo you with a spear. That’s not some fantasy; that’s exactly what you’ve been unconsciously thinking.”

“Ugh….”

I smacked my lips. He wasn’t wrong. I had been self-comforting, thinking that I was strong enough to be comparable to a grandmaster and considering myself a top expert. But objectively speaking, my spear skills definitely left something to be desired. The time I spent honing the Thunder God Lineage spear techniques wasn’t long enough to achieve that level of mastery, and for a while now, I had mostly focused on swordplay instead of spear techniques.

It’s true I had been benefiting from the insights gained through swordplay. There were many times when practicing swordplay was essentially using spear techniques in disguise.

“The Thunder God Lineage spear technique is powerful enough for you to take pride in your skills, but compared to a master who has specialized in spear techniques for decades, you still fall short. Just because you know the basics of the Heavenly Thunder Infinite Spear doesn’t mean you grasp its essence!”

“……Alright, you’ve got a point…”

“Is your head actually working, or are you feigning ignorance? The standard for ‘being able to use it’ is obviously discussion of mastery level in Thunder God Lineage spear techniques!”

“…….”

“Are you going to keep comparing yourself to those pathetic guys in the Ming Dynasty? Haven’t you been fighting gods?”

My clone continued to rant.

“The Six Heaven Unity Spear is supposed to be the peak of Thunder God Lineage spear techniques, right? Then naturally, before reaching that peak, you need to observe the top-tier spear techniques, don’t you?”

“……!!”

“By master standards, it’s correct to say you can’t use spear techniques at all, idiot!”

Damn, that’s right!

Brainwashed by my clone’s incessant truths, my mental state went blank. It had been ages since I’d received such harsh feedback. Subori, watching from the side, commented in awe.

“Oooh… I’ve never seen a clone speak that much before.”

Why on earth are you impressed?!

I felt really offended. But since every single thing the clone said was true, I bit my lip and replied.

“Hey damn it… I can do it if I just put my mind to it!! I caught Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen; you think I can’t achieve that ‘ultimate spear technique’?”

“Impressive. But since you can’t even do that, why not focus on proper training instead?”

“…….”

“Don’t confuse an understanding of power with being a grand sage of the world….”

“Ugh!”

Puff.

I used Subori as a mask and dispelled it. I felt like I was going to throw up if I kept hearing more harsh truths. As soon as the clones disappeared, the place turned desolate, and Shim Su-ryeok scratched his head and said.

“Uh… Nothing wrong was said there, huh? Are you going to practice spear techniques?”

“……I will. Damn….”

“I wanted to learn that clone technique too, but after what just happened, I think I’ll pass. What a terrifying technique.”

“Shut up.”

Returning to human form, Subori spoke.

“I think I won’t be able to help you now. I’ll just go around checking this world a bit.”

“Are you going to Baekdu Mountain again?”

“No. There’s probably nothing of importance left there. I’ll be wandering around the various forbidden areas across the earth.”

“Got it.”

As the situation settled, I found myself alone in the training ground.

“Phew—”

Thwack.

I held the spear in my hand and gazed at its tip with a complicated expression.

“…….”

I had achieved certain accomplishments in swordplay, but did that mean I should start honing the basics of spear techniques again?

Or perhaps this was something I wanted to do ever since I first entered this world?

‘Yeah. Let’s think positively.’

The astonishing difficulty of the Six Heaven Unity Spear seems impossible at a glance for anyone to achieve.

But perhaps there’s a clue that only someone who has reached the peak of spear techniques can uncover?

Whether or not that clue exists might make an incredible difference when wielding the Six Heaven Unity Spear.

“I’m going for it!!”

Starting from the most lacking parts is the right approach.

During my three hundred years of training, I’ll pour all my time into practicing spear techniques!!

The goal is to become a Grand Master of Thunder God Lineage spear techniques!