1306——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Ten days later, I received a call from Saint Germain through Mangnyang. I swiftly dashed over to the area near Songshan and entered the interior of the Ark, where I was faced with Saint Germain standing in front of a [wall].

Ugh, ugh.

“Whoa… it’s broken through.”

I could see a whole new space beyond the wall.

Creak…

“Is that a machine made by alchemy?”

Hanging from the torn steel wall were numerous spider-like machines with eyes, ripping apart the steel wall as if they were tearing through human flesh. From the ripped spots, silver circuits twitched as if alive. Just as I was pondering how strange it was to see these floating silver circuits, Saint Germain spoke up.

“I’ve already ripped down the wall as requested; we just need to go in. But I have something to ask you, Baek Woong.”

“What is it?”

“This silver circuit… it’s genuinely bizarre. Do you have any solid leads on the entity that created it?”

Saint Germain’s voice sounded almost obsessively earnest. I tilted my head slightly in thought.

“Hmm. While I don’t have memories to share, since Saint Germain has done me a good turn, I guess I can tell him a bit…”

I slowly opened my mouth.

“The one who crafted this Ark is a guy called Master of the Twelve Joules, who dedicated it as an offering to the divine being known as Master Mangnyang…”

I recounted all the information I had gathered about the Master of the Twelve Joules. Saint Germain listened seriously, and once I finished, he pondered before speaking.

“A being that escaped destruction from another universe, possessing the technology of the future world…”

“The silver circuit must act like the blood vessels responsible for the security of that steel wall. What an impressive feat of science.”

“Not just blood vessels; it’s more like a living being.”

“…Huh?”

When I was taken aback by the unexpected statement, Saint Germain reached out his hand toward the silver circuit and suddenly sprayed a mysterious reagent from the glass he was holding.

Swoosh!

The silver circuit flinched and dodged the reagent!

“……!!”

“Did you see that?”

“What, what do you mean? It’s alive? I’ll crush that hideous thing!”

As soon as I raised the sword energy from my sword, Saint Germain stopped me.

“Calm down. Let me explain what it is.”

“You’re saying that living means it’s some kind of parasite?”

“Hmmm. Well, not exactly… so how should I put it…”

Saint Germain faltered for a moment before continuing.

“It’s an extremely sophisticated circuit that imitates the form of living beings as closely as possible. Although it lacks sentience or consciousness, it emits a special wavelength from tubes filled with quantum particles, copying the behaviors of living beings to seem alive. It even possesses a level of processing that could deceive you into thinking it has sentience…”

“……?”

“In order to create a security system using quantum itself embedded in the wall, this method might be the only way. If I had to give it a name, I’d say it’s a quantum compression tube-like pseudo life form.”

I stared blankly and replied.

“Could you explain that more simply?”

“It’s science that borrowed the form of life to manipulate powerful energy known as quantum. Genetic engineering is also involved. However, it’s only pseudo-life; not a true living being.”

I frowned.

“That still sounds complicated. I don’t understand.”

“Uh… you find this difficult?”

“Stop talking nonsense and explain it more simply!”

“……..”

Feeling pressured, Saint Germain pondered for a moment before mumbling as if chewing on something.

“…It’s incredibly magnificent science!”

“Oh, really…!! Is that so?”

“……..”

As I was astonished, he briefly wore a look of resignation before finally speaking.

“Anyway, the amazing thing is that there’s absolutely no transcendent power or ability here; it’s all built on scientific principles. And fundamentally, it differs from the science of this world.”

“What do you mean by differences?”

“With my experience as an alchemist, I can assert it confidently. I’ve seen the legacies of the founder civilization Memphis and Atlantis, and they qualitatively differ from those! This scientific prowess hasn’t been built over thousands or tens of thousands of years of civilization. It’s overwhelmingly gratuitous.”

“Gratuitous? You mean someone bestowed it?”

“Indeed.”

Saint Germain nodded and reached out to touch the silver circuit, which this time did not avoid his touch. He continued softly.

“The method of copying the form of life to entrap quantum particles isn’t something even a genius could achieve. It’s not a concept of humans… it’s the realm of a demon… because both require significant scientific advancement, and even the greatest geniuses in their respective fields would take an immense amount of time to complete even one of those technologies. The problem is that considering the time for civilization to accumulate this degree of scientific prowess, it’s incredibly strange that the design of this Ark is so primitive and clunky.”

“……?”

As Saint Germain spoke with a rather agitated tone, veins bulged from his neck.

“I’ll explain it more simply. This silver circuit is a crystallization of the scientific development that humanity would need to undergo for at least another fifteen hundred… no, five thousand years to even hope to produce. It might only be possible after the advent of quantum computers and advanced AI, a long time spent accumulating data after venturing to other planets. This is a miraculous technology, almost bordering on divine. Even interstellar teleportation seems trivial compared to it. However, this Ark, as you said, is merely a product that could be constructed within about five hundred years.”

“Hmm…”

I strained my brain trying to understand his words. Then after a moment, I said.

“So this Ark, which soars through the sky and fires laser beams, is primitive compared to the technological prowess of this silver circuit?”

“That’s exactly it! The flashiness of this Ark as a battleship is obviously better, but in actual technological capability, it pales in comparison to the silver circuit. The problem is, how can such a massive disparity in technology coexist in the same space…”

Saint Germain snapped his fingers, as if he had struck upon a good analogy.

“I see. If the Ark operates with stone tools from the primitive era, then this silver circuit would be akin to a high-density integrated circuit capable of implementing augmented reality.”

“……”

“Isn’t that just ridiculous?”

If I went by what Professor Sima Ling taught me, it’s a massive difference, isn’t it?

As I finally grasped Saint Germain’s analogy, my face stiffened, prompting him to continue.

“For this to be possible, there’s only one scenario. As I mentioned before, overwhelming gratuity. It’s not science developed by humanity autonomously, but science passed down from someone. What that implies…”

I picked up on Saint Germain’s words.

“Is that a transcendent being with absolute scientific prowess passed the knowledge of science to humanity in the Master of the Twelve Joules world?”

“That’s the only explanation.”

“Could it be that a remarkably advanced alien delivered this technology? Those reptilian folks had some scientific skill too.”

At my retort, Saint Germain shook his head.

“I know about the reptilians. But they could never have created this silver circuit. Absolutely not.”

“…Even those who build bases on the dark side of the moon and can blow up volcanoes worldwide?”

“That’s the kind of thing a somewhat skilled otherworldly race could do. Humanity is just too pathetic. But this silver circuit is an ultra-high-level scientific technology that even those otherworldly beings could never pull off… it’s the realm of gods.”

“What about prophets?”

“Prophets?”

After I explained about the race of prophets, Saint Germain’s eyes widened.

“Those great beings I’ve only heard of in rumors! That race could manage it! But I know nothing about them, so I’ll keep my mouth shut. Anyway, what I want to say is, this silver circuit is among the highest level of technology in the entire universe. It’s a distance too far for humanity to touch…”

“……”

“If that Master of the Twelve Joules is, by any chance, the owner of this technology, it’s best not to engage at all. He would be a transcendent being with utterly ridiculous intelligence.”

“Hmph!”

As Saint Germain gushed, I huffed back, displeased.

“What do you mean engage or not? Anyway, that guy has to be defeated sooner or later. Whether he has amazing technology or not, it doesn’t change the fact that he’s a target!”

I had to resolve my feud with the Three Sovereigns and deal with foreign media, so there’s no reason to be intimidated just because Master of the Twelve Joules looks stronger! No matter how many times I reincarnate, I will surpass and kill him!

“Hmm. I was just offering some advice.”

Saint Germain glanced at my murderous intent and turned his head.

“However, if a third party besides the Master of the Twelve Joules transmitted the scientific knowledge, the situation might be easier. That’s what I wanted to convey.”

“Anyway, thanks for breaking through the door. Are you gonna check out the Ark with me?”

“Now that we’ve come this far, I definitely want to see it.”

“Let’s go.”

With that, I entered the interior of the Ark alongside Saint Germain and found the familiar small, round machines floating in the air.

[Welcome aboard the Ark.]

“I’ll record the purpose of the visit and sign the guestbook.”

[Thank you.]

After scribbling something hastily in the guestbook, I continued.

“Then I’m off.”

Saint Germain and I walked toward the control room. Upon reaching it, I placed my finger on the password input pad and entered the code 0000.

Creeeak!

As the control room opened, I placed my hand on the control sphere, and a familiar mechanical voice echoed.

[Rebooting the operating system of the Human Alliance’s 72nd combat ship, Yi Seong-gye. Confirming support power…]

[Remaining power at 6 percent confirmed. Minimum auxiliary power required for reboot is 12.5 percent. Reboot cannot continue due to insufficient support power. Would you like to terminate?]

I took out the item I had prepared in advance. Opening my mouth, I said, “This is the remains of the jade that trapped Lü Buwei. Will this work?”

[Energy confirmed. Please make contact with the energy impulser in the control room.]

“Here.”

[Absorbing ether… 1 minute 23 seconds remaining until energy recovery is complete. Would you like to reboot once recovery is achieved?]

“Yes.”

[Rebooting will start soon.]

“Oh, and if there’s an error with the beacon sealer during the process, re-seal it.”

I had saved the remains of the jade just in case Lü Buwei died, and it’s working out great!

“So, a jewel that could trap Lü Buwei for so long must possess the level of spiritual power of a treasure.”

While I was inwardly satisfied with this thought, Saint Germain watching me had a puzzled expression.

“…Isn’t this the first time you’ve been in the Ark? You understand it too well, almost as if you knew the control room was critical and rushed over without a map, plus you guessed the four-digit password immediately, predicting the need for a power source as well…”

Clang!

[An error occurred during energy supply, causing the freezing in the sealing room to be lifted. The beacon sealer has been opened. Maximum alert level.]

[Following the prior command, resealing process initiated… freezing successful.]

Whoosh!

Clang!

A moment later, a mechanical sound resonated as something closed. After a long silence, Saint Germain spoke.

“How do you know about errors that might occur in the Ark’s future?”

“……”

“This Ark hasn’t likely been operational for hundreds of years, yet you pinpointed exactly where it could fail…”

Ah crap… Is it too suspicious?!

I cleared my throat and quickly made up a story.

“Ahem… actually, I occasionally have the ability to see the future…!!”

“You can see the future?”

“It activates irregularly, so I don’t make good use of it, but I dreamed that I would be here like this in the Ark later!”

“Hmmm. Quite impressive, indeed. If that’s the case, you’re on the same level as that Archbishop Behemoth…”

As Saint Germain seemed convinced, I inwardly sighed with relief.

“Well… it’s not entirely incorrect! Seeing the future isn’t that different!”

Justifying myself, I swiftly changed the subject of the conversation.

“I’m going to move the Ark and head back to Soeul Village.”

“Wait a moment. May I command the Ark?”

“Huh? Go ahead.”

Then Saint Germain placed his hand on the orb and said, “If there’s a non-visible function, activate it.”

[Recognizing command… activating stealth mode.]

Swoosh!

A strange sound filled the entire ship, and I felt baffled.

“What did you just command?”

“If I were to drag this outdated airborne ship to Soeul Village, wouldn’t all the humans be in awe, thinking a dragon appeared? I assume attracting all the world’s attention to Soeul Village isn’t what you want.”

“Ah…!!”

“Ordinarily, such ships are equipped with the ability to become invisible to living creatures. It would remain unnoticed even if we flew around in this ship.”

“It turned invisible?!”

“Verify it yourself.”

Thud!

Moments later, the Ark lifted and began to soar in the sky. I was able to verify the Ark’s current state through the display in front of me. The Ark was flying through the clouds, completely transparent, as if it blended with the sky.

I exclaimed in shock.

“A giant hunk of metal can become invisible! Unbelievable!”

“It’s entirely possible if you have the technology to manipulate photons.”

I stared blankly for a moment, then realized something and turned to Saint Germain.

“How did you know this function exists? No matter how much of an alchemist you are…”

“I mentioned earlier that the technology of this Ark isn’t remarkable. Back in the ancient civilizations of Memphis or Atlantis, they easily operated invisibility functions. I’ve often explored ancient ruins, so I’m just familiar with these advanced scientific artifacts.”

“Ooh….”

As he answered nonchalantly, Saint Germain’s face darkened slightly.

“However… that silver circuit is indeed a level of technology that Memphis or Atlantis couldn’t even begin to fathom. Who on Earth could have passed down such devilish technology…”

I didn’t appreciate Saint Germain’s tendency to overestimate my enemy, Master of the Twelve Joules. Out of frustration, I blurted out.

“Tch. Why are you worrying about something like this? In any case, that bastard will have to face me someday.”

My blunt remark caused Saint Germain’s eyes to widen.

“What do you mean?”

I smirked as I responded.

“Heh. He once threw me three days into the time axis. If I set my mind to it, I can toss him even further into the future next time.”

“……? You have the ability to throw others into the future?”

“That’s right.”

“The ability to manipulate the Small Cycle?”

“Well… it’s a bit different. While it’s not about cycle manipulation, I can still wield the wind to send people into the future.”

“Wait… just a moment…”

As Saint Germain seemed to grapple with something, he suddenly mumbled as if troubled.

“Uh, wait a minute… according to what you said earlier, Master of the Twelve Joules… if he can come back to life right away, does that imply… if it’s not just simple cloning technology but a transcendent science using quantum mechanics… along with the World Tree’s combination?”

“Huh? Why do you ask?”

“……”

Saint Germain’s face turned slightly pale. Then he said, “This… seems like it could be… quite the disaster… um…”

“……?”

“Ah, anyway, let’s hurry back to Soeul Village. Since that jade’s remains won’t replenish much energy anyway, it’d be best to return quickly.”

“Why the sudden rush? It’s like there’s a big problem…”

I tilted my head and continued.

“In the end, that Master of the Twelve Joules will just pop back to the same place three days later. What’s the issue with that?”

Isn’t it just about making him experience some agitation?

Why is he so shocked?

Though I found it puzzling, Saint Germain seemed flustered.

“It’s not that. There’s a worst-case scenario to consider…”

“So what’s that worst-case scenario?”

“Ugh…”

After a brief moment, Saint Germain squeezed his eyes shut in frustration and said.

“It’s possible that… there could be two of the Master of the Twelve Joules right now!”