1325——————==

The Soul of the Four Gods

You want me to look for the Seven Luminaries together?

I pondered over that statement.

‘What’s in it for me if I find the Seven Luminaries?’

If Faust’s words from the past are true, using the resonance of the Seven Luminaries would enhance the power of the Primordial Void, thereby improving the effects of the Reincarnation Cannon. It seemed like a good reason to search for the Seven Luminaries. And if that were the case, perhaps I could return with Faust’s help without relying on the dubious Nailatop.

‘For now… I can certainly acquire the Moon and Fire Luminaries, but… the others are not guaranteed.’

But just one month.

How much could I realistically find the Seven Luminaries in just one month? Sure, if they were on Earth, I could find them in no time. But there are some Luminaries whose whereabouts have completely crossed into another realm. Furthermore, since the locations of the Moon, Gold, and Earth Luminaries differ based on my world’s history, I’m not even sure if they exist in known locations. Finding those three in one month would be impossible.

Especially in the case of the Sun Luminary, if I fail to find the other six, I won’t be able to obtain it. Does this mean I have to face the Seven Trials of the Luminaries in this world too?

After hesitating for a moment, I replied.

“I’m not sure.”

I can’t just give a definitive answer here. If I’m not careful, I could end up getting my nose stuck or unwittingly hinder my progress.

“You seem uncertain.”

Yi Hon said this with a look that suggested he expected it.

“But more importantly, how about a spar?”

I blinked, taken aback by Yi Hon’s unexpected proposal.

“A spar?”

“I want to duel with you as fellow Peak Experts.”

Seeing the glint in Yi Hon’s eyes, I sensed his competitive spirit. It dawned on me that he was a pure martial artist; I understood the mindset behind his challenge. Nodding, I rose from my seat.

“Alright. Let’s head to the Sparring Arena.”

I, too, was curious about Yi Hon’s martial abilities. There wouldn’t be another chance to see what techniques he practiced and what level he had reached.

“Shall we go?”

As Yi Hon and I stood up, Vice Commander Vladimir let out a yell, his expression resembling someone who’d bitten into something terrible.

“Commander! I’ve told you several times that direct confrontations are not allowed!”

At that, Yi Hon’s face shifted to that of realization, and he chuckled awkwardly.

“…Ah, right. I’m not used to this, so I completely forgot.”

“The energy reactions emitted from this base can be detected by aliens. Please exercise restraint.”

“I got it, I got it.”

Yi Hon waved his hand and looked at Faust.

“Dr. Faust.”

Faust nodded and pressed a button on the table.

Click!

Suddenly, a blue hand-shaped screen emerged right before us. It clearly indicated that I was supposed to place my palm on it, leaving me puzzled as I looked at Yi Hon, who explained.

“If you place your palm on that screen, you’ll be transported to the Sparring Arena.”

“Hmmm…”

Following his advice, I placed my palm on the screen.

[Moving user’s consciousness to the training area.]

Whooosh!!

“……?!”

Wait, what just happened?!

Did I just teleport?!

Nonetheless, everything around was a blank white space; it felt as if…

Just as I was somewhat bewildered, Yi Hon appeared across from me. He assumed a stance that looked like he was loosening up his hands and said,

[This is a virtual reality. To be precise, it’s a virtual training ground.]

[What? Ah…]

My voice wasn’t even my real voice; it was modulated like a synthetic one coming from the virtual reality.

At that moment, I recalled an experience from earlier.

‘Right! When I captured the Yi Seong-gye battleship together with Asura, that battleship also had a combat training room!’

But it was quite different from this method. I recalled using a “space manipulation circuit” to expand the area and summon avatars of dummy data there. This method of transferring consciousness into a virtual reality was entirely different.

Trying to confirm, I asked.

[YI Hon. Does this training room have a feature to upgrade to level 10?]

[There’s no such feature. This is merely a virtual reality for mock combat.]

Yi Hon looked at his tightly clenched fist and added,

[So, the reality of the combat will differ significantly. It’s only a reflection of the data measured from the virtual space, so the results might not be accurate. However, this is the safest way to gauge each other’s martial skills….]

[I understand.]

[Even so, it has recorded your techniques demonstrated when you fought aliens, so your strength will be reflected to some degree.]

This means it’s just a virtual reality, hence it doesn’t perfectly reflect our real capabilities.

‘It seems this is a way to measure each other’s techniques and foundational skills.’

The fact that there’s no worry of major injuries or death was a good point. I took my stance and addressed Yi Hon.

[Please make the first move.]

[Yi Hon, as an underling, will gladly accept.]

Whoooom

Yi Hon concentrated his energy openly. Accumulating energy in one’s weapon to strengthen both power and technique is common sense, yet often, one faces interruptions. Seizing the opportunity to strike first, he seemed intent on unleashing an overwhelming attack.

‘Let’s see what skills you’ve got.’

I decided to wait for his assault. A moment later, his intent surged forth, and his Intent Heavenly Pillar radiated intensely. He charged at me, engulfed in a fierce aura.

Taebaek Divine Technique!

Thousand-Hand Sun And Moon Palm!

Boom!

“……!!”

In an instant, countless palm strikes exploded, each one packed with powerful force targeting my vital points. It was undeniably a powerful Mind Control Technique. I flinched and attempted to evade using only the Divine Arts.

Three Treasure Technique!

As I stepped through the heavens and earth, I was able to dodge over half of the Thousand-Hand Sun and Moon Palm’s force, but since avoiding the remaining changes one by one was too tedious, I released my Protection Energy Technique and countered with the Thunder Cloud Palm.

Crack!!

The powerful impact echoed as the Thousand-Hand Sun and Moon Palm and the Thunder Cloud Palm disintegrated in the air, the aura dispersing like dust. Amidst that scattering, I saw Yi Hon shift to Fist Techniques and charge at me.

Taebaek Divine Technique!

Flying Phoenix Seven Winds Fist!

Pop!

The sound burst forth from between my palms. I anticipated the first movement of the Flying Phoenix Seven Winds Fist and blocked it immediately, causing Yi Hon’s power to diminish in the process. However, he doubled down, rotating his shoulder and transforming that into the Spiral Fist technique, launching a rapid series of strikes. I meticulously read the change in that sequence, beginning to block with both hands like a shield.

‘I can see it….’

Bam!

Bam!

Even though the Flying Phoenix Seven Winds Fist was an unpredictable yet powerful series of kicks, it felt as though I could see into the future as I skillfully flowed and countered each of them. I wasn’t sure when this ability developed, but for some reason, Yi Hon’s intent naturally felt legible to me beyond just his techniques.

[How about this!]

Phoenix Blood Shattering Kick!

Eighteen Strikes!

Thwack!

As the coherence of his fist techniques faltered, he switched to a complex series of kicks, twisting his feet two or three times in mid-air, executing a flurry of 108 kicks in an instant. For an ordinary Peak Expert to evade such an intricate display of kicks would be nearly impossible; they’d likely absorb at least half the damage.

[…….]

Ah… I see.

But just then, a sudden realization hit me about my easy success in this fight, causing my focus to waver. I then wrestled my way into Yi Hon’s space and drew my sword.

Swish!!

The sound of the sword thundered, and in an instant, I was at his throat. Yi Hon froze, unable to deliver any further techniques, as I slowly lowered the sword’s tip and said to him.

[Yi Hon, you….]

Hesitant to speak, I ultimately voiced what might have been rude.

[Why are you unable to fully grasp the true essence of your techniques, despite being a Peak Expert?]

[…….]

At my question, Yi Hon’s expression stiffened as if struck a nerve. He sighed and responded.

“A spar means my defeat. As expected… ‘true’ Peak Experts are different.”

Snap!

The moment Yi Hon snapped his fingers, I realized my consciousness had shifted back to reality from virtual reality. The same was true for Yi Hon, and we found ourselves seated again in the conference room. I spoke to Yi Hon.

“Something felt off. While I have trained in martial arts for a long time, there were just too many flaws in your techniques. It felt like your training experience hadn’t caught up with your level…”

“…….”

“The depth of your martial arts is too shallow. How can that be?”

No matter how much I had honed my skills and gained real combat experience through the Peerless Technique, Yi Hon’s martial prowess felt too lacking. It was as if he memorized it without truly understanding the essence, presenting an overwhelming sense of discomfort.

If Yi Hon truly had mastered the Taebaek Divine Technique and employed the Intent Heavenly Pillar to realize his martial arts, he wouldn’t have been so easily countered like just moments ago. The reason I could evade with the Three Treasure Technique and counter with the Thunder Cloud Palm was precisely because his martial arts and intent were not on the same level.

It wasn’t Yi Hon who reacted to my question. It was Vice Commander Vladimir. His expression hardened, and he spoke.

“Why do you care about such things? Don’t bring shame to our Commander and take your leave…”

Just as Vladimir was about to issue orders, Yi Hon interjected.

“I haven’t even lived a full year yet, so I can’t help it.”

“……?!”

“I’ve been training in martial arts daily, so to reach Yi Hon’s level would require at least ten years.”

What?!

Both Vladimir and I were taken aback, while Faust spoke with concern.

“Yi Hon, you don’t need to push yourself…”

“It’s fine. After all, Baek Woong is practically our savior, and we have no choice but to lay everything on the line to earn his trust.”

Yi Hon replied with that assertion and continued.

“Baek Woong, I am the clone of the renowned martial master Yi Hon from the Joseon period. So while I forcibly obtained the Peak Expert level, I lack the martial skills to back it up.”

“Cl-clone?!”

“Do you know about clones?”

“Of course, I do. They are artificial humans! So, does that mean the real Yi Hon….”

Yi Hon replied flatly.

“Just as you expect. The real Yi Hon perished tragically 1 year and 2 months ago while evacuating royal family members during an alien bombardment. He vanished from history along with the capital Hanseong. But because he was one of the few Peak Experts remaining for humanity, Dr. Faust resurrected me as a clone with Nailatop’s help.”

“……!!”

“I’m a clone, hence I need to accumulate more real combat experiences to develop authentic martial skills. That’s why I requested this duel with a genuine Peak Expert like you.”

“…….”

I found myself incredulously shocked by this absurd revelation.

After regaining my composure, I said,

“It must be difficult to admit you’re a clone, but it’s impressive you do. But this revelation could cause chaos if it reaches the outside world. Why share this with me, someone you’ve just met?”

“As I said, it’s to earn your trust.”

“Trust, huh….”

“We know. We are aware that while the enigmatic Nailatop is assisting humanity, our current power is absurdly insufficient to prevent impending doom…. We are left with no choice.”

Yi Hon bowed his head to me and said.

“I beg of you, unforgivable as it may be, please help us. If this goes on, we might not find even a single Luminary and face utter destruction.”

“…….”

“If the original Yi Hon were here, it might be different, but with my incomplete Peak Expert skills, I lack even the strength to maintain our current situation. Maybe in several years, I could reach the power of the ‘real’ Yi Hon, but until then, humanity may not survive. I wanted to share that with you.”

I realized that Yi Hon was gambling all on my willingness to help from the beginning.

‘It’s certainly hard to believe that even a true Peak Expert might struggle against aliens in the current situation. Having a half-baked Peak Expert without the complete essence and experience won’t yield much power.’

Feeling his anxiety and earnestness, my heart leaped, yet I was baffled and replied.

“Yi Hon, you’re a clone, so you shouldn’t have to pursue what your original self desired. It must be a tremendous mental burden to admit you are a clone; why go so far?”

Yi Hon crossed his arms.

“Exactly, the will and memories of the original Yi Hon connected to me are not absolute. They feel as fleeting as a dream, while my actual personality development is entirely different. According to Nailatop, for a clone to inherit the essence of the original Yi Hon’s Peak Expert status, it could only occur in the form of a ‘dream.’”

“A dream…?”

As I murmured, feeling an ominous premonition, Yi Hon continued.

“Regardless, the coming destruction of the world is something no one can avoid. Therefore, aligning my life and purpose with a greater cause is more advantageous. From your perspective, my identity as the original Yi Hon or a clone shouldn’t matter that much, should it?”

I nodded.

“That’s true. Honestly, it doesn’t matter.”

“That’s right. If someone who doesn’t care about my identity knows I’m a clone, what difference does it make? Somehow, I feel you’d understand this point….”

“Is that a well-founded thought?”

“It’s just a gut feeling.”

I chuckled at his reply and said,

“Intuition is good. It seems my intuition is leading me to think it’s better to help you guys.”

Even if Yi Hon spoke lightly, revealing he was a clone was definitely a big deal, and it seemed he expressed his sincerity.

I could not easily refuse the earnest request of a true martial artist.

“Then….”

“I won’t be able to stay in this world for long. I’ll have to return to my world soon, within a month or so at most….”

I fixed my gaze on him and continued.

“Until then, I will help you find the Luminaries as much as I can.”

“……!! You know the whereabouts of the Luminaries?!”

“I know a few. I may not be able to find them all, but I can help with what I know.”

“Thank you…!!”

As Yi Hon expressed his gratitude, I responded.

“If I help find the Luminaries, I won’t benefit too much, so I’ll be asking for the entire support of the Human Alliance in return, free of charge.”

“Of course.”

Vladimir, who had been watching from the back, looked slightly pale and muttered in disbelief.

“I can’t believe… such absurd negotiations could be happening…”

Conversely, Faust spoke calmly.

“Baek Woong. Now that we’ve shared our Commander’s secret, I feel I should provide something in return. Would you please follow me for a moment?”

“Sure.”

I followed Faust and Yi Hon as we walked toward an unknown destination. After a while, Faust began to speak.

“Honestly, your strength alone surpasses even the combined power of our Human Alliance, so I don’t think we’ll be providing you with military might. Instead, we wish to offer you support with more utility.”

“Utility, you say? What kind?”

Whirr

As Faust opened an automatic door, he handed me a peculiar wristwatch that was on display inside.

“I give you Mephistopheles. He will provide mapping and convenient assistance while you search for the Luminaries.”

“……!!”

In that moment, I was slightly taken aback and gazed at the wristwatch.

‘Mephistopheles!’

An advanced AI, Mephistopheles!

This entity had evolved to become so powerful that it could combat [Old Ruler] Relcrobows on equal footing just before Armageddon in the Yuju world. Furthermore, it appeared in my world over time and existed as a grandmaster of the Freemasons, still more potent than any advanced AI known to a Cheon Woo-jin.

“Are you talking about the AI Mephistopheles?”

“What a mystical one. As if you already knew…”

Faust’s eyes sparkled as he continued speaking.

“It’s a computer that contains ten percent of Mephistopheles’ computational power, just in case. Even in a fractional form, it should be substantial help.”

“…Thank you.”

I nodded and spoke to the wristwatch.

“Mephistopheles, can you hear me?”

[Yes, I can hear you.]

“I’d appreciate your help in searching for the Luminaries.”

[As per command, I shall comply.]

Hearing just the mechanical voice felt strange. The once fearsome AI had become a wristwatch! But there was no need to refuse the help offered, so I gratefully accepted.

“Shall we start with the Moon Luminary first?”

I stepped out of the base and shouted into the void.

“Nailatop! Teleport me.”

[Understood….]

“Wait, wait! It feels weird to keep shouting at the void like this.”

I cut off Nailatop’s words and began tapping my wristwatch with my finger.

“Can you give your ability to Mephistopheles, so he can teleport?”

I can’t remain reliant on Nailatop forever. I wanted to avoid the situation where Nailatop watches every one of my movements under the pretext of my teleportation request. It could also serve to empower Mephistopheles.

[Hmm. That’s possible but…].

“Why are you hesitating?”

[If I grant abilities to an AI, the Law of Cause and Effect will be consumed. I’d rather not waste that.]

Hearing Nailatop hesitate made me snap.

“What? So what’s the plan?”

[You need to give me adequate compensation for me to bear the burden of Cause and Effect consumption. A transaction is basically a give-and-take, right?]

“…….”

In that moment, my mind went blank. I immediately recognized that familiar feeling and remarked.

“Are you… asking for an offering? What are you, a god?!”

Nailatop’s slippery voice echoed back.

[I’d said, I’m not a god. Though Gaia is subject to the constraints of Cause and Effect.]

“And you control the battleship Gaia, right? What’s the difference?!”

[There is a difference! Gaia herself has a consciousness. That fact is crucial.]

“…….”

[In any case, as you said, an offering must be provided for me to grant that ability.]

I felt the weight of those words profoundly.

No matter how you look at it, Nailatop is just a being clad in a human form, akin to the [Old Ruler] in rank.

‘It’s maddening. Has some scientist turned into a god…?’

After a moment of deliberation, I spoke.

“I don’t have it right now, but I know where some Divine Blood is hidden. Would revealing its location suffice?”

I wouldn’t be using Divine Blood anytime soon, and it’s likely that it’s buried somewhere in this world, making it the most rational proposal.

[Divine Blood? What is that?]

“It’s a material needed to create the ultimate Homunculus known as the Portrait Immortal.”

[Oh! I see something I can grasp. That’ll be more than enough.]

Whoosh!

In the next moment, the wristwatch glowed.

[The teleportation ability has been granted to Mephistopheles. Now, tell me the location of your Divine Blood.]

“Alright. The Divine Blood can be found at Mount Ye.”

[The transaction is established.]

Was this the simplest transaction I had done in all the offering ceremonies so far?

As Nailatop’s voice faded, I addressed Mephistopheles.

“Let’s head to Muni Mountain for the enhancement.”

[Command executed.]

Whoosh!

As I arrived, I headed straight to the location of the Moon Luminary’s altar. As I delved deep into the ground, I eventually faced a familiar scene.

“There it is…!!”

The altar of the Moon Luminary I knew was definitely there!

Seeing that it was just like the world I had come from, I felt delighted. Because this fact implied one thing.

‘The locations of the Fire and Water Luminaries are likely unchanged too!’

If so, it’s almost as good as having found all three Luminaries!

Ecstatic, I quickly walked up to the Moon Luminary’s altar, searching for the secret space where it was supposedly hidden.

“Hmm? Why isn’t it here?”

I circled the altar multiple times, looking for it but found nothing. The thing that was supposed to be right in front of the altar was missing.

There’s no stele.

“……?”

The stele that hinted at the trials, the identity of the guardian, and the blood offering ritual of the Moon Luminary ruins was nonexistent. I tilted my head, puzzling, but I diligently searched where I remembered the secret space existed, but strangely the Moon Luminary was nowhere to be found.

Something feels off.

Is this truly the altar of the Moon Luminary?

“No, it’s definitely… identical to my memories. There’s no other altar for the Moon Luminary but here.”

Now my only course of action is to drop blood upon this altar and summon the guardian.

‘When the guardian appears, I’ll take it down!’

I drew my sword, making a swift cut on my forearm to let the blood drip onto the altar.

As I waited for a while, nothing particularly changed.

“…….”

Why isn’t it coming out?

I’d be better off if a monster just showed up so I could at least beat it to death….

While I became anxious and scratched my head while waiting, a dissonant voice echoed in my mind after a long moment.

[In the end times shrouded in chaos… this relic no longer requires management, but it still connects with the Master.]

Huh?

This voice is….

In that moment, I was startled, every hair on my body standing on end.

I didn’t expect a presence that shouldn’t appear in a place like this.

[Who are you?]

While I was at a loss for words, an ancient king wearing a diadem manifested slowly before the altar of the Moon Luminary. Though it wasn’t a physical entity, it radiated an overwhelming presence, likely because the blood I offered was regarded as [offering].

The dark king emanated an aura infused with shadowy light and spoke.

[You who offered blood, how do you possess my divine power?]

The avatar of Zhuge King of the Three Sovereigns appeared before me.