전생검신 90권 18화

I kicked off my attack without hesitation, thinking that once I dealt with Golden Moon, I’d be able to reincarnate into my next life.

Four Great Spirit Deities, Agni!

In an instant, Agni materialized in the form of a firearm in my other hand, swiftly aiming at Golden Moon. I quickly observed how Golden Moon would respond to this aim. As one becomes more adept, reading the opponent’s psyche through the very act of attacking becomes crucial; this skill applies not only to martial arts but also to the realm of divine powers.

‘So, what bizarre trick will you pull when I attack with my powerful ability?’

No matter what he does, I can see it first and respond!

‘……Is he doing nothing?’

That was my first thought, colored by psychology, but to my surprise, Golden Moon showed no discernible reaction and didn’t even seem ready to unleash any abilities. He felt entirely devoid of fighting spirit, but I couldn’t relax just yet, so I immediately fired Agni.

Let’s make it clear this is an attack, not just a threat!

Ting!

In the next moment, Agni’s bullet wedged into Golden Moon’s torso with a loud blast. It was as expected; as a divine being, Agni has a nature that ignores defenses and penetrates right through them, rendering any prior preparations pointless.

Creeeek…

“……!!”

Though Agni’s bullet left a small whirlpool-like wound visibly on his chest, not a single droplet of blood emerged, and it seemed the bullet simply lost its spinning power and stopped. I was genuinely shocked; it was clear I hadn’t inflicted any real damage when Golden Moon spoke.

[This fight is meaningless… you currently lack the power to obliterate me.]

“Ha!”

Swish, swish!

Thunder God Lineage

Secret Technique

Thousand Kills Slash

I snickered as I quickly dispelled Agni and charged forward, hacking Golden Moon’s entire body into countless pieces with my sword. It might have seemed like simple martial art, but unlike before, each slash of the Thousand Kills Slash was imbued with intense intent, and I was confident that even against techniques like Absolute Realm or Overlay Technique, it wouldn’t be easy for him to withstand this attack.

As the technique was cast, Golden Moon’s body appeared to be shredded to bits, but immediately transformed into a fluttering paper-like substance, quickly restoring itself as if it had suffered no damage at all. Even the harm caused by Agni moments ago seemed to vanish, leaving me dizzy with disbelief.

‘This guy… standard attacks have zero effect!’

Not only did Agni’s destructive divine technique fail, but even strikes fueled by martial intent didn’t land!

Sure, I still had a slew of attack methods remaining, but being an expert meant I had an instinct that none of those would work against my opponent right in front of me. My numerous experiences battling divine beings reminded me of how overwhelmingly resilient and vital he was. While trying each technique was a different problem, it was undeniable that the results were visible without testing them all out.

‘Should I push with divine power? Maybe use Infinite Slash or invoke the Divine Realm’s technique? Awaken my ability for Isolation? Wheel King’s powers? The powers of the Three Great Gods of Tianzhu? Should I cast a blessing on myself? Summon someone as before using [Name]? Try the mask of the Three Sovereigns again? Sephiroth? Immortal Sword Technique? Technique of All Things? Launch a destructive beam from my eyes? Should I ask Indra to borrow Vajra again? Or perhaps something like Trimurti….’

As I rapidly fell back while devising hundreds of attack methods in my mind, Golden Moon, sounding rather annoyed, spoke up.

[This is mere waste of time… I’ll tell you why you can’t kill me.]

“What?”

[You’re not the only one who can use divine artifacts.]

Swoosh!

Suddenly, Golden Moon put his hand to his face. Then, as a chilling light emanated from Tsukuyomi’s beautiful yet pale visage, he triggered an unknown ability.

Outer God Artifact

[Home of the Faceless Ones]!

Cheech, cheeching!

In an instant, along with a bizarre sound, countless white things appeared nearby Golden Moon. I was on high alert, thinking it was some wicked magic or attack, but when I saw what it was, I was utterly astonished.

[Masks]!

Every single one of those countless floating objects was indeed [masks]. While the sudden summoning of so many masks was strange enough, the fact that each of them exuded a different presence was hard to wrap my head around.

‘What the heck? I can feel different kinds of [power] from each of those masks…!!’

Crash!

As he summoned tens of thousands of masks, the ones behind Golden Moon shattered into pieces all at once. There were so many broken that I could see empty space behind him. Turning back to glance at the mass of broken masks, Golden Moon remarked in surprise.

[The destructive power of Four Great Spirit Deities Agni is indeed impressive… I hadn’t anticipated taking hundreds of times more damage than I expected. If you didn’t burn through Vajra, it could’ve been a real hassle.]

Swish!

But regardless of his words, as he waved his hand again, the masks that had disappeared were recreated, filling the space once more.

“……”

Hearing his words, something clicked in my head.

Then I voiced my realization.

“You… you didn’t just shift the damage you were going to take… did you?”

[Correct. It’s just that I’ve shifted the burden of damage onto all the masks belonging to the kin of [Coming Chaos].]

“……”

[Your expression tells me you figured it out.]

Golden Moon muttered in a tone of sheer boredom.

[The ability of this Outer God Artifact I possess is singular in nature: to prevent myself, a direct descendant of [Coming Chaos], from being obliterated, I cause all the [masks] of the entire universe to take the damage instead. However, it’s reasonable to conclude that there’s no way for you to kill me through this ability.]

“……!!”

[If you knew how many masks existed in this universe, you’d probably be surprised.]

“What the hell…”

I realized how spectacularly simple but powerful Golden Moon’s ability was.

Transferring damage to his minions!

It was just that, but based on what I’ve gathered so far about the kin of [Coming Chaos], the sheer number of those masks was unfathomable. They must be scattered throughout the vast Great Universe, likely numbering in the millions at the very least. The masks Golden Moon summoned here were merely a show of force and should be classified as intrinsically [undead].

‘Damn it…!! I could eventually kill Golden Moon if I killed enough of them, but…’

Whether he would sit back and allow that was doubtful. Until now, he had merely stood there and taken it, but if he decided to counterattack, with each one, I would inevitably be worn down in some manner. No matter how much power I’d gained this time around, there were clear limits, and dragging this tedious long battle out could lead to who knows what. Not to mention, with a direct kin of the Outer God [Coming Chaos], there could be hidden capabilities I was totally unaware of.

With Golden Moon’s unexpected resilience making me hesitate, he spoke up again.

[I really shouldn’t be standing in front of you. However, as Tsukuyomi, using the ability called the Cycle Law, forcibly summoned me, I have no choice but to be dragged into this situation, so I want to withdraw from this game.]

“What? You were forcibly summoned?”

[If you think Tsukuyomi would have me sign a summoning contract with him, you’re gravely mistaken. I wish to move away from Dark Heaven Village on account of the orders from my master, [Coming Chaos].]

“……”

I glanced over at the Tsukuyomi mask I had tucked away.

‘So if that’s true, does it mean Tsukuyomi has the unique ability to summon even beings that shouldn’t be able to be summoned…?’

Thinking that Tsukuyomi might be a stronger opponent than I initially thought, I was lost in thought when Golden Moon continued.

[Why are you trying to deprive yourself of life? If you can live, why not just live? I’ve directly consumed my Law of Cause and Effect to summon your body into this world, so be satisfied with that.]

Now that I think about it, it seemed Golden Moon had spent the Law of Cause and Effect to create my physical form.

‘……Something feels off; he genuinely doesn’t seem like my enemy…’

From the circumstances alone, he seemed like he was severely inconvenienced, being drawn into this. However, my skepticism lingered too strong to take his words at face value, so I curtly replied.

“Don’t talk about satisfaction; just hand over Zhuge Sa! You kidnapped Zhuge Sa, so do you plan on giving up on this battle?”

[Here you go.]

Whoosh!

With a strange sound, a dimension opened in the air and thudded down Zhuge Sa, who was knocked out. I rushed over to support him and shouted.

“Zhuge Sa!! Are you okay?”

I checked to see if he had any parasites or strange sorcery on him, but I couldn’t make sense of it. As Zhuge Sa still didn’t awaken, I glared at Golden Moon.

“You bastard!! What have you done to Zhuge Sa?”

[[One of the masks’ unique abilities cast a spell causing eternal sleep. Of course, I’m the only one who can lift it.]]

“You filthy bastard… what’s your game?!”

As I lunged for my sword again, Golden Moon sounded annoyed.

[It’s annoying if he interferes in this conversation. He’s just asleep and not doing anything else.]

“What’s your scheme?!”

[I want to conclude our one-on-one conversation.]

With that, Golden Moon continued.

[As you have formed a contract with the Four Great Spirits to utilize their divine artifacts, I too have formed a contract with [Coming Chaos] to use this Outer God Artifact. So, stop and give up on perpetually trying to kill me.]

“What do you want to say?”

[Just live.]

“……”

[That’s all I ask. I don’t want to die, and I don’t want you, linked to my life, to die either.]

“So how long should I live? When I die of old age, will you give up peacefully?”

As I retorted curtly, Golden Moon said.

[Not my concern. But if you choose to die of old age, I shall grant the lifespan of all the masks to you.]

“……Are you saying you’ll make sure I can never die?”

[Isn’t that only natural? Think about it from my perspective. You would go to any lengths to prolong your life too, right?]

“……”

Well, this guy is a real pain…

I furrowed my brow, realizing the situation was getting more and more tangled. He’d go to any means to make sure I couldn’t die! Just when I was considering how to handle this pesky issue, I recalled what Zhuge Sa once said.

‘A reincarnator who wants to die and can’t die is essentially weakened as a reincarnator…’

At that time, Zhuge Sa’s words hadn’t clicked, but now I got it. If I wanted to reincarnate but was blocked by someone, it’d not only be extremely unpleasant but could ultimately lead to disadvantages for me.

‘As Zhuge Sa said, there could be traps set by Tsukuyomi in this world. If I recklessly try to escape this reincarnation as he suggested, it’s possible I could end up in an even more annoying situation…’

Zhuge Sa’s earlier suggestion that committing suicide here might be the best move wasn’t wrong. However, with the interference of Golden Moon, what on earth was I supposed to do?

‘But then again, rushing into a compromise with him might not be wise. I need to find something that can turn this situation around…’

After thinking hard, I spoke up.

“Barehanded?”

[What do you mean?]

I put on a thick skin and confidently quipped.

“I want to die, but you’re blocking me, forcing me to live, right? Even if you gave me a body, I don’t feel any gratitude. I was planning to die anyway.”

[……]

“If you want me to live, then give me something in return! Then I might consider sticking around.”

[You’re ridiculous… you want a price to just stay alive?]

“If I die, then so be it. Living itself is torture; there’s no reason I can’t ask for payment to do that!”

[……]

My words were an exasperation, but in this scenario, Golden Moon couldn’t disregard them. The only ones who would rather die than live were the reincarnators, and he must be feeling rather stuck.

After a moment, Golden Moon responded.

[…… If you want any specific [mask], I’ll lend it to you. Any of them can be borrowed. How about that?]

Huh? He’s offering to lend me a mask?

Curious about that, I replied.

“Do you even have the authority to lend me a [mask]? How’s that work?”

At my question, Golden Moon hesitated, appearing troubled, and then said.

[I can… it’s not easy, though…but I can do it.]

“Hmm. So that’s the case.”

[Will you accept it?]

“I’m not accepting it.”

[Why not?…]

“I mean, what would I use a borrowed [mask] for? If I go out into the world, I’d still end up fighting the Three Sovereigns; is that even helpful? Moving on to the next life is a hundred times better!”

[Ugh… what an annoying guy… You’re the first to bother me this much since the dawn of creation!!]

Angered, Golden Moon spoke up after a moment.

[If that’s the case…… I’ll give you a certain badge so you’ll be treated well in the domain of [Coming Chaos]! How’s that sound?]

This too sounded slightly suspect, but I felt like compromising here wasn’t the right move either. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had stumbled upon an opening in the opponent’s weakness.

“Ah, enough about that; I just want to die! Just kill me already!”

[You insolent…!]

“But talking this through feels weird! If I can’t kill you anyway, why are you trying so hard to dissuade me from wanting to die while offering me prices to do it?”

[……]

“Could it be that your ability to stop my death has limits… is that what you’re saying?”

At my words, Golden Moon seemed visibly rattled. Then he growled.

[Now you’ve done it!! It might be better to summon [Coming Chaos] here and forcibly seal you for an eternity!]

“Huh?”

[If you had done what I said while I was being nice, it would have been mutually beneficial!]

Woosh!

Moments later, unknown and bizarre dark magic circles, layered hundreds of times, began to rise around Golden Moon’s body. Each of these magic circles pulsed with terrifying and malevolent magic and divine power, indicating that he was casting a spell with all his might.

I had no choice but to be alarmed at Golden Moon’s response.

‘Oh crap… is he seriously trying to summon [Coming Chaos]? But given that he’s being forced to do so now, there’s a high chance it might backfire…’

Should I wish for Golden Moon’s spell to fail, or try to disrupt his incantation?

While I was pondering this dilemma, suddenly a realization struck me.

‘Ah!’

Now that I think about it, how could I have forgotten that?

I shouted out to Golden Moon immediately.

“Hey! Don’t you have a gift for me?!”

Pause.

At that instant, the potent spell Golden Moon was casting came to a halt, his weary gaze locking onto me. Golden Moon replied.

[What do you mean?]

“You know… that gift you mentioned you would give me.”

[You just refused it moments ago.]

“No, not that one. Not the one you were being nice about.”

Golden Moon seemed startled by my following words.

“I heard the Outer Gods left a gift for me through Golden Moon!”

[……!!]

“Let’s talk about it after you give it to me, yes? If you don’t give it, isn’t that against the Law of Cause and Effect or something?”

[Ugh, ugh…!!]

From Golden Moon’s reaction, it was clear he wasn’t ignorant about this. It appeared he’d planned to just slyly get through our battle or negotiation without mentioning it.

He seemed to battle internally before saying.

[I’ll give it to you… but… I beg you to refrain from suicide… please.]

“Think about it.”

[If I give you this gift… there won’t be a being with greater blessings than you in all heaven and earth… So why would you want to give up your life?]

“Ah, just shut up!! Hurry up and give me the gift!!”

[……]

With a whiny tone, Golden Moon reluctantly clasped his hands together as if preparing to pour water. Soon, a floating, glowing orb materialized above his palms.

[Here, take it. A gift from the Outer Gods…]

Pahhh!

The softly glowing orb flew towards me and seemed to absorb right into my heart.

Puzzled, I realized there was no change after the ‘something’ was absorbed.

“What the hell? There’s no change at all?”

[……]

“What is the gift from the Outer Gods? Spill it.”

[Did you just ask for something without even knowing what it was…?]

Golden Moon uttered in disbelief, and after a pause, I was left stunned by his next words.

[You have the right to know the true name of any one Outer God, one time only.]