1066——————==

Soul of the Evil God

The battlefield was gradually settling down.

Creeeek

The breath of the bomb king, filled with calamity, vibrated through time and space like a boiling sound. [Old Rulers], in their deadly duel, caused the laws of time and space to ripple with every clash of power, and the bomb king’s breath surged stronger amidst the swirling chaos. His breath wasn’t a physical phenomenon but rather a manifestation of the metaphysical essence symbolizing his power, which seemed avoidable at first glance, yet was truly impossible to evade.

Swaaaak

[Oooo….]

An [Old Ruler], resembling a twisted blend of an otherworldly being and an elephant, shuddered from the pain inflicted by the bomb king’s breath. It wasn’t exactly pain; it was more of an unpleasant sensation as the rival’s power invaded its very essence, and soon it realized it could no longer endure, its eyes flashing with desperation.

[As the one watching the Harmonious Strife, I shall cast upon you the curse of utter destruction!!]

Paaaat!!

As the words wrapped up, the ruler disintegrated. At the same instant, a curse mark imprinted itself onto the bomb king’s brow, who rapidly activated a command as soon as the mark was etched.

[Curse of complete destruction, transfer to Simon Magus.]

Once the command was cast, the mark shifted onto the body of Simon Magus, who, for a brief moment, twisted in agony, letting out a scream due to the immense pressure.

[Graaaaargh…!!]

No matter how proficient Simon Magus was in law magic, he couldn’t handle the vicious curse hurled at him by the [Old Ruler] while experiencing bodily death. Being crushed under the weight of magical power, Simon cried out to his companion Sagong Lin, who had rushed to his side.

[According to the contract… I shall transfer the mark onto you!]

Tsuwaaat…!!

The moment Simon Magus recited his incantation, the mark appeared on Sagong Lin’s forehead. Simon chuckled, watching her.

[Human, hold on as best you can… The more your existence is crushed, the weaker the curse will become.]

With no hint of remorse, Simon Magus used Sagong Lin as a sacrificial pawn. However, he suddenly felt something was off.

[…What’s this?]

Sagong Lin didn’t scream at all. In fact, she seemed almost expressionless, appearing to feel barely any pain. Furthermore, the mark imprinted on her forehead looked entirely different from the ones just placed on the bomb king and Simon Magus. Knowing that even a slight variation could drastically change its magical significance, Simon couldn’t help but feel a sense of unease.

Concentrating, Simon attempted to discern the meaning behind the transformation of the mark on Sagong Lin. Yet, he soon realized he simply couldn’t comprehend it. It was a change so unprecedented that not even the vast knowledge amassed from thousands of years studying landlord doctrines could make it clear. Instead of simply being unfamiliar, it was something unprecedented beyond any records.

And there was a faint smile lingering on Sagong Lin’s lips.

Feeling suspicion and anxiety from that smile, Simon Magus questioned her.

[Are you not… in pain from that mark?]

You can’t not be in pain. No, if that curse left by an [Old Ruler] was as powerful as it contained cosmic strength, any mortal would normally be reduced to nothingness. The fact that he was even asking such a question felt absurd.

Even so, Sagong Lin remained silent. Instead, she gazed at the battlefield where the bomb king was fighting and murmured.

“It’ll be over soon.”

And she was right.

Having already eliminated three rulers, the bomb king began to rampage with newfound confidence. His victory was already assured; the remaining matter was merely when it would reach conclusion. Yet, the [Old Rulers], despite their inevitable defeat, refused to give up and continued to fight.

Kwahhwaang!!

As the bomb king swiped his front paw, the body of ‘the One Crawling in Despair’ was torn apart, resulting in an explosion. However, the light shot from ‘the One Crawling in Despair’ struck the bomb king’s wing, causing it to tear. Staggering, the bomb king exclaimed in disbelief.

[Why are you guys putting in so much effort fighting? What is this law of Dharma? Everything will end when the apocalypse arrives; what does a trifling 300 years mean?]

It made no sense.

The [Old Rulers] claimed true death did not exist for them; they said they would be reborn post-mortem, yet this level of determination confused him. How could these selfish and cruel avatars of the [Old Rulers] even display such willpower to protect something? If they had reached such a gap of power, they would have fled long ago instead of enduring years of humiliating rebirth and fighting to their deaths.

In response to the bomb king’s sincere question, ‘the One Crawling in Despair’ replied.

[The ‘end’ is predetermined. However, depending on the nature of that conclusion, the fate of all of us will differ. To blindly seek power and come this far is simply foolish.]

[The nature of the conclusion? Can there truly be a situation more catastrophic than the destruction of the universe?]

[Oh bomb king, there exists such a scenario… Think about it!]

[…….]

As if having understood something, the bomb king paused.

Then he growled more ferociously.

[Don’t be ridiculous. You’re merely deceived by delusions!]

[Why can’t you believe it?]

[If that’s true, then gods can no longer exist as gods. What meaning is there in that? I’d rather do as I please until the end!]

Kuwaah!

[Graaargh….]

‘The One Crawling in Despair’ was torn to shreds. The bomb king overpowered it in the assault. With a sneer, ‘the One Crawling in Despair’ spat out a curse.

[Kukukuku!! How pitiful. Your pain shall only increase!]

Swaak

Another curse transferred to the bomb king and then through Simon Magus, into Sagong Lin. Simon glanced at Sagong Lin, who still appeared unfazed. This peculiar mismatch made Simon hesitate.

How was it possible for a mortal to handle more than one curse from the [Old Rulers] without collapsing? He temporarily decided to bear the curse himself, fearing if he transferred all the curses to Sagong Lin, she would receive four burdens. Observing her so nonchalantly enduring, it seemed feasible, but something felt off.

Why was Sagong Lin so composed?

Would it truly be the right choice to transfer the curse to her?

As Simon hesitated, Sagong Lin finally uttered, gasping slightly.

“Don’t transfer any more curses. I can’t hold on…”

[…Is that so? I must see if you can endure!]

Upon her words, Simon resolved to follow the practical reasoning trumping his ambiguous suspicions.

A mortal could not remain calm while bearing the curses of [Old Rulers].

It was possible she had inherited some mythic power, providing her resistance, but that was likely her limit!

Given other circumstances, that was irrational — Simon Magus dismissed the ludicrous possibilities.

Kuwahh!

Finally, the two curses Simon Magus held transferred to Sagong Lin, granting her four of them. He jeered mockingly.

[Your sacrifice for the Great Bear Empire is quite precious…. Hold on as long as you can. Hahaha….]

“…….”

Simon Magus dismissed her without any regard as Sagong Lin clumsily wrapped her head, swaying slightly. He recognized that this dreadful battle would soon come to an end.

Kuwahh!

After half a jiff passed, the last [Old Ruler] fell to the bomb king. As the bomb king transferred that ruler’s curse, he muttered in exhaustion.

[…It’s hard….]

Even though he was a nightmare of an [Old Ruler] capable of obliterating constellations, facing six of them was a genuine life-and-death duel. If it weren’t for taking advantage of a spell called [Union of the Demiurge], allowing him to fight under favorable circumstances, he surely would not have survived normally, let alone hope to dispatch them all. The [Old Rulers] were also constrained by the law of causal relation; in a spiritual state, they were limited, but if their restrictions were lifted by time, they could have easily slain the bomb king.

Nonetheless, the victor stood as the bomb king. Despite realizing that over forty percent of his strength had been depleted and that he risked severe injury, he knew those wounds would soon replenish with the magic of his Dharma. Furthermore, if the laws of the White Lotus Sect were rightfully bestowed upon him—

[Kukukuku. Am I soon to obtain power rivaling Chi You or even the Emperor….]

The bomb king cackled manically. For having endured a tough fight, a massive reward was set to follow. If he could obtain all the remaining magic, he could reign supreme as the mightiest of beings in the universe!

And then it happened.

Wuuuuuuh

When the last of the [Old Rulers] disintegrated, six gleaming seals materialized in the void. The six seals slowly moved, flying toward and embedding themselves in an engravement at the center. As the seals lodged in place, the central circular corridor erupted with sound and began radiating light.

Paah—

Above the corridor, a tiny piece of paper was enveloped in a translucent sphere. The moment the bomb king saw that paper, he staggered back in shock.

[……!!]

Incredible magical power!

Even in his injured state, it was nearly impossible for the bomb king, who was among the stronger [Old Rulers], to handle the magnitude of this power momentarily. Sensing the potential within the spell, he involuntarily murmured.

[Is that the Dharma of the Non-Birth Mother…?]

Simultaneously, he instinctively understood that acquiring it would confirm his status as the ruler of the cosmos!

Gradually, the bomb king extended his hand toward the spell. Just as he reached the edge of the translucent sphere, a figure appeared before him.

An odd entity from another realm, adorned with three horns. When the bomb king’s eyes met the projection of this being, he murmured.

[Are you the ‘Elder’ who sealed this spell?]

The elder’s projection answered him.

[Indeed.]

[I have passed the trial. I demand the spell immediately, so step aside.]

[What I made is not a trial, but a seal. I have no intention of testing intruders and will not yield the spell to anyone.]

[Kukukuku… Foolish. You believe you can stop me now?]

As the bomb king reached out to pierce through the projection, seizing the spell’s sphere, he applied force, shattering the translucent orb.

Kwahh!!

The bomb king scoffed.

[It must have had some strong magic, but it won’t work against me.]

[…….]

[The last barrier is gone. The spell is now mine.]

[Is this the end….]

The elder remarked sorrowfully.

[I hoped this reality would be the last…. Is the ascendant still far away?]

While his words held no meaning, the bomb king didn’t pay it any mind, approaching the spell to absorb it within himself.

Kuwuuuu—

A gigantic shadow of darkness materialized behind the bomb king’s head in an instant. The moment he sensed that presence, he stiffened, unable to react, for it was an entity far exceeding his own stature.

A mere avatar, yet it possessed overwhelming power, surpassing the bomb king.

Could this being be—

[Oh, deities…!! Are you going to condone such a fraudulent contract? I never received a forewarning regarding a debt!]

Protesting to the avatar of the external source Simon Magus contracted, the bomb king recalled the words of the Great Being.

Even so, they already stated one must repay what they borrowed.

Shuaaaaaaah

In the next moment, the avatar behind the bomb king’s head glowed brightly, and all the chaos magic he held started flowing into Simon Magus. The bomb king struggled desperately, not wanting to lose his power, but there was no way to resist the forces of the external source.

[These…. Such nonsense… Am I being… Graaaaargh!!]

[Hahaha!! I shall enjoy the spell.]

[Uuuurgh!!]

As his power was being siphoned at such a tremendous rate, the bomb king hurriedly tried to detach the spell from himself. The skin on his chest tore as the absorbed spell began to emerge again. Seeing this, Simon Magus was thoroughly astonished.

[You can still act differently, even after causality has been established for the spell? How absurd….]

Puwhak!

As the bomb king’s chest gaped open and the spell flung out, he roared.

[Just you wait!]

Then, he swiftly opened a rift in space and fled.

Kughugugu….

A short silence followed.

[Hmph, so he ran. But running from this time and space doesn’t mean bomb king, your debt is absolved. First, let me claim the spell, and I shall later feast off your remaining magical power….]

Simon Magus grumbled, chuckling with satisfaction.

[Kukuku!! As anticipated. Thus, I have acquired more than seventy percent of the magic from the [Old Rulers] and obtained the spell. How can this not be considered a victory?]

Then it happened.

“Are you planning to elevate from Demon King to [Old Ruler] using that magic?”

When Simon turned around, Sagong Lin stood there, expressionless. He had completely forgotten she was there. Nonetheless, feeling assured of his complete victory, he didn’t think of Sagong Lin as particularly significant, so he replied casually.

[Well, there’s no particular reason to tell you…. I’m holding enough power for elevation. But I don’t intend to evolve.]

“Why not?”

[Even if I were to elevate, I would still only reach the level of those old five emperors. That kind of power is not sufficient to achieve victory during the coming apocalypse. Therefore, I will strategically wield this power to aim for the genuine position of the Demiurge.]

Sagong Lin closed her eyes, taking a moment to reflect before posing her next question.

“What is the Demiurge?”

[Kukuku…. I have no reason to tell you. Now, die, pitiful sacrifice!]

Bam!

As Simon Magus’s eyes lit up fiercely, he attacked Sagong Lin. She had served her purpose, and he no longer needed her. With seventy percent of a ruler’s magic achieved and the spell in his possession, the curse Simon held was beyond comprehension.

Gwang—

Simply the aftermath of his curse caused a substantial distortion in time and space, causing Sagong Lin’s locale to transform into a vivid chaos of colors. Even for a Demon King-level existence, the curse could inflict physical disintegration. Confident that this strike would end Sagong Lin’s life, Simon Magus felt certain of his task.

Zchzz…

[……?]

Simon Magus felt bewildered. Instead, flames erupted from his eyes and began to burn. While Sagong Lin remained unharmed, he found it absurd that his own eyeballs were incinerating. In a panic, Simon unleashed magic to extinguish the flames, but they would not fade easily and continued burning his flesh.

Zchz!

[What the hell is this!! Why is this happening….]

Sagong Lin remained silent. Flustered, Simon babbled.

[You didn’t perhaps reflect my powers, did you? No… you didn’t seem to be incanting any spells. If you reflected, I would have detected it. If such an anomaly exists, it must be….]

“…….”

[A power gap? Reverse harm phenomenon!]

Simon couldn’t believe what he suddenly recognized.

Indeed.

The current situation could be explained by the reverse harm phenomenon.

In the clash of chaotic beings holding magic, if there existed a considerable difference in their powers, there would be cases when attacks were automatically nullified without using separate defensive techniques or charms. Additionally, failed attacks could return harm to the caster due to causality. This was also the reason why a human magician struggles against powerful chaotic beings.

To Simon Magus, this was basic common sense, but ironically, this understanding was what caused him to overlook the possibility.

Was this even viable?

Was the powerful Demon King Simon Magus, who had far exceeded the realm of lesser gods, truly capable of surpassing his power now, having acquired the bomb king’s magic and spell? Furthermore, achieving power nullification and reverse harm required an insurmountable power gap, suggesting they shouldn’t even be able to engage in combat.

Zheok

Sagong Lin gradually advanced forward. Then, she murmured slowly.

“I feel no fear at all.”

[……? What are you saying….]

“No, perhaps it has been since before. It felt like swimming in water, being immersed in chaos as if I were traversing effortlessly. Compared to handling intent, it was like swimming through land.”

Swoosh

Sagong Lin extended one arm outward. Immediately, the Wuwei’s hook displayed by Cheon Woo-jin wrapped around her arm as she summoned it and without hesitation swung it. The dark threads of causality waved violently.

Puhak!!

[Guuhk.]

Out of nowhere, Simon Magus was struck by Sagong Lin, landing hard on the ground. He howled in a panic and recited a spell.

[Essence of darkness, great star’s destruction! Tear apart the time and split open that one’s heart.]

The external spell

One Word of Heartbreak!

Paah

Normally, Simon Magus would need a lengthy chant time and hefty sacrifice to cast an external spell, but in his current state, having absorbed overwhelming magical power, he was able to activate it instantly. The powerful external spell capable of obliterating even an [Old Ruler] was unleashed, racing toward Sagong Lin.

If she was hit by the One Word of Heartbreak, even an [Old Ruler] would have their power split, enduring unfathomable agony. Convinced this attack would terminate her, Simon Magus was startled when Sagong Lin’s eyes began to glimmer with golden light.

Sssssssss

In an instant, Sagong Lin’s mind expanded infinitely, progressing into the divine realm. While her consciousness drifted through the void in the spiritual world, she heard a [Voice] speak to her.

[You eventually accepted my proposal, Sagong Lin.]

A voice echoing from a faraway place.

Before her, the figure of its owner began to materialize faintly.

Sagong Lin could identify this existence as one sitting on a large golden throne, crowned with a ritual object, and flanked by a dragon and an immortal. The presence of those beings exuded immense power.

[I have not been defeated.]

[Not defeated? One cracking of an egg means it can never return to its original form.]

[Don’t make hasty conclusions.]

Sagong Lin maintained her resolve. While she had no choice but to accept the opponent’s proposal, the sturdy mental strength of her absolute realm was still alive. The [Voice] seemed intrigued by Sagong Lin’s determination.

[Interesting. Do you truly still retain your reason? Then, having the desire to protect your comrades in the Great Bear Empire led you to forsake your humanity…? Hehehe.]

[…….]

At that vague insight into her heart, Sagong Lin hesitated. In truth, her immersion in this high-stakes gamble stemmed from Simon Magus’s one statement threatening the Great Bear Empire. The illusionist Cheon Woo-jin thought little of such martial threats, but Sagong Lin truly felt a dire need to repel any further danger to their empire.

[Anyway, good. Unlike with failed products like Chi You, you will truly become the true Mage among Mages.]

The [Voice], filled with mad laughter, spoke.

[Welcome to becoming a Heavenly Demon, Sagong Lin.]

Then, in the next moment, a true celestial demon descended upon the world.

Patzik!!

Sagong Lin’s hand grasped something before her heart. An incorporeal something squirmed and thrashed, but Sagong Lin merely looked down upon this intangible entity coldly, her golden eyes shining.

Seeing this, Simon Magus gasped in disbelief.

[Are you… are you truly manifesting an external spell and grasping it?! Impossible!!]

Visualization of spells!

Perhaps realizable only under overwhelming magical power; yet what Sagong Lin grasped was the external spell regarded as the utmost curse in the universe, One Word of Heartbreak. Even Simon Magus, devoted to landlord doctrines, had never once entertained the notion that such monstrous deeds were possible. Moments later, Sagong Lin raised the hand holding the spell and began to slowly devour it.

Crunch crunch

[…You’re eating it?!]

A truly unforeseen action!! Watching Sagong Lin devour the manifested spell left Simon Magus in a frenzy. He realized he had come face to face with a horror that transcended all imagination.

Sagong Lin wore a dazed expression.

After finishing the spell, she shut her mouth and murmured. Hunger gleamed in her gaze.

“I’m quite hungry now…”

Soon after, Sagong Lin’s golden eyes glittered as she reached forward.

Thwump!

Simon Magus’s body was inevitably snagged by her. There was not even time to establish a magical defense; he couldn’t even figure out the principle behind it.

[Kuh… What the hell….]

And they locked eyes for a moment. At that instance, the Demon King Simon Magus realized Sagong Lin’s gaze whispered of predation. Also, the shocking moment as he witnessed her slowly parting her lips.

Chomp!!

Crunch!!

Crunch!!

The sensation of his body growing lighter dawned upon Simon Magus. His body made of magical power began to bleed blue blood, and even that blood seemed to be greedily gulped down by the one in front of him.

[Give… Give me a break…!!]

Sagong Lin’s golden eyes flashed increasingly bright, and with every flicker of pain, Simon felt himself becoming lighter.

Indeed. He was currently being consumed alive.

Facing a situation he had never imagined, Simon Magus trembled like a scared mouse. Suddenly, he glanced at her forehead and realized something.

[The… the marks… Why aren’t there any?!!]

The six marks of curses left behind by the [Old Rulers] after being vanquished by the bomb king.

Each mark held immense curses, which would ordinarily weigh down even the bomb king, thus temporarily thrusting them onto Sagong Lin. This way, the curses would not cause harm to the [Old Rulers]. However, strangely, Sagong Lin’s forehead was devoid of any of those six marks, appearing pristine.

Sagong Lin offered no response.

Instantly, Simon Magus’s quick-thinking mind concocted a single, fraught possibility.

Could she have consumed even the curses of the [Old Rulers]?

Was this the reason for her rapid bolstering?

Sagong Lin slowly wiped her mouth of the blue blood.

“It was delicious.”

Now, only the head of Simon Magus remained, his body having vanished completely.

Such a feat seemed impossible for a human, yet Simon Magus discerned that the golden energy surging from Sagong Lin functioned in place of her mouth, allowing her to devour the magic itself without physical consumption.

[Just… Just a moment. Please… Please.]

Trembling, Simon Magus felt a terror uncommon in his life. No matter how adept he was as a magician contracted with an external source, he had never once envisioned being consumed alive.

And then he begged Sagong Lin.

[Please save me. If you do, I’ll become your servant and do anything until the end. Just let me live….]

“…….”

[Please! Save me.]

“It’s no use.”

Sagong Lin’s golden eyes glimmered coldly.

“You’re too dangerous.”

[No…!!]

Crunch!

Crunch!

……

A brief silence ensued. Sagong Lin finally sighed, standing up.

“I’m feeling full now….”

Wuuuuuuh

The fragment of the Non-Birth Mother’s spell on the ground began to tremor. Glancing at the trembling spell, Sagong Lin reached out and held it for a moment before saying.

“Cheon Woo-jin. Why are you shaking?”

“…….”

Cheon Woo-jin watched the entire scene unfold. If there was a chance Sagong Lin might die, he was prepared to risk everything to save her. Yet unexpectedly witnessing Sagong Lin consume Simon Magus alive sent tremors coursing through him against his will.

‘What in the world…?’

Cheon Woo-jin felt an unsettling madness encroaching upon him. And after mastering his fear with mental fortitude, he turned to Sagong Lin.

“Sagong Lin, are you human right now?”