1362——————==

Soul of the Evil God

Suddenly, I grabbed Zhuge Hyun by the collar. A flash of anger surged through my fingertips for a moment, but my now-calm mind quickly suppressed any further action. If it had been the old me, I would have shouted and made a big deal out of it, but now I was assessing the situation as if a clear stream was quietly flowing in my mind.

Nothing is certain yet.

And until I’m sure, I can’t afford to waste time on trivial matters when I haven’t even disposed of Hermes yet.

I’m still in a tense situation where I’m engaged in a life-or-death duel with a formidable opponent—there’s no time to squander on petty issues.

Crackling…

[Kraaah!]

From a distance, Hermes was still writhing in pain from Vajra, showing no signs of breaking free. Or rather, Vajra would probably hold him until I could land another blow. After confirming this with a sidelong glance, I relaxed my grip on Zhuge Hyun and said,

“We’ll discuss this later. What I need is for you to return Vajra, which I lent you.”

As I made my simple request, Zhuge Hyun hesitated, his face growing somewhat grim.

“…Vajra won’t return until I fulfill the contract.”

I scoffed.

“That’s a ridiculous thought. If you fulfill the contract to kill me, there’s no need for Vajra to come back at all.”

“……”

“Then, reasonably speaking, I should chop your head off right now.”

If Zhuge Hyun was to be believed, the only way to recover Vajra before carrying out the contract to ‘kill Baek Woong’ was to end him first. Once the contractor is dead, Vajra would have nowhere else to go and could return to the Four Great Spirit Deities’ seat.

Swiftly,

I pressed the blade of the Fire Spirit against Zhuge Hyun’s neck, causing him to flinch but then, seemingly resigned, he closed his eyes. He then stated,

“Rebels are punished more harshly than the worst of villains. You’ve betrayed a Reborn Person, so prepare yourself.”

“One last question: why did you betray me?”

It was Zhuge Hyun who persuaded me to let him have Vajra. And from the beginning, it was he who proposed the terms of that contract to Vajra. It was easy to imagine that Vajra, wanting me dead, eagerly accepted those terms.

In other words, from that point onwards, Zhuge Hyun had been harboring the intent to kill me, deceiving me with sweet words to carry out his plan.

But why did he harbor such treacherous intentions?

Zhuge Hyun answered my question clearly.

“This world will be abandoned once you return to your original realm.”

“What?”

“Isn’t it obvious…? You wish to save your homeland, but this place is just one of countless outer worlds, so it won’t be saved until the very end. To put it bluntly, the moment you return to your original world, this outer realm will perish.”

“……”

“I was thankful to you for saving my life and humanity from aliens, but I believed that just following you would not be enough to save this world’s fate. I intended to use Vajra to defy fate and open up a closed ending, even if it meant killing you.”

It sounded lengthy, but he expressed his thoughts so clearly that it was easy to comprehend. I sighed after hearing Zhuge Hyun’s words.

“Hoo. After parting with you, I realized that Nailatop mentioned this outer realm repetitively cycles within a predetermined ending. Did you catch on to that as well?”

“As I expected. I sensed that Nailatop was going to betray you, which made me think the reason for that was because this world is a [Closed World].”

Indeed, Zhuge Hyun was a genius even in this world.

After a moment’s silence, I infused intent into the razor-sharp blade as I spoke.

“Zhuge Hyun. I saved your life once. That’s why it’s my turn to take it.”

“That’s true.”

“…Hoo.”

But for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to kill him, and I sighed again. No matter how much of a namesake he was, it felt burdensome to chop down someone who looked just like Mangnyang. Sensing my unease, Zhuge Hyun opened his mouth.

“The loser heads into silence, but please allow me one last word.”

“Go ahead.”

What followed was unexpected advice.

“Go to South America.”

I was bewildered by his words and asked back, “South America…? Why?”

“I was a graduate student with a wealth of knowledge. And when I heard about Tezcatlipoca, it all clicked. You need to go to South America to find his clue…”

“……!!”

“Only then can you uncover the secret of obsidian.”

Tezcatlipoca!

Upon hearing that unexpected name, I flinched.

“Thank you for allowing me to leave a last wish, Baek Woong.”

With that, Zhuge Hyun closed his eyes and quietly bowed his head, clearly signifying he was ready for me to end him. Watching him devoid of cowardice until the last moment filled me with gratitude, and after a moment’s hesitation, I swung the Fire Spirit.

“Go.”

Swish

In an instant, my blade severed his neck with the Sword Thunder’s strike. The Fire Spirit’s power quickly cauterized the wound, preventing any blood from spilling. I muttered as I believed I had sent him off painlessly.

“I won’t curse you, Zhuge Hyun.”

I understood the reason why the Zhuge Hyun from the outer realm betrayed me. From his perspective, the sense of duty to save this doomed world must have outweighed the gratitude for having his life saved. I would have felt the same way.

In the fateful moment of choosing, he acted according to his intentions, so how could I blame him? However, from my standpoint, I couldn’t compliment him. Plus, I had my own burdens to bear, so I couldn’t spare my life for anyone.

The moment Zhuge Hyun’s life was taken, I suddenly felt a resonance echoing from the seat of the Four Great Spirit Deities.

Ooooooo—

And from the vacant seat of Vajra, I sensed a tremendous suction force. It was as if something was violently calling me, and as that resonance seemingly reached the outer world, a cry from Vajra echoed from afar.

[Kraaaah!! Was it really that hard to deliver a blow to that punk’s head?! I can’t believe you hesitated that much!!]

It was undoubtedly a complaint directed at Zhuge Hyun.

Swish!

A moment later, Vajra appeared before my eyes. A blinding white light enveloped him along with an electric charge, and it definitely exuded deathly intent toward me. The thought of being electrocuted upon grabbing him crossed my mind, but I smiled instead and grabbed Vajra tightly, shouting.

“Welcome back, you little punk!”

Crackle!!

I felt electricity coursing through my teeth as my entire body trembled. However, since I had expected this response, I suffered through it even if it made my nose bleed. By the time my temple turned red, I managed to catch Vajra and place him back in his seat.

Woooom!

It felt as though a missing piece finally fell into place as Vajra returned to its designated location among the Four Great Spirit Deities. I let out a sigh of relief as I retrieved Vajra, but just then, Lee Kwang, who was right next to me, spoke up.

“Master. I have something to say.”

Startled by Lee Kwang’s serious tone, I replied.

“What is it?”

“Just what in the world are you doing that every person you encounter wants to stab you in the back?”

“…….”

Oh for crying out loud….

I had nothing to say, and Lee Kwang’s words irritated me!

“Ugh, you….”

As I was on the verge of losing my cool, Lee Kwang feigned innocence.

“To be honest, that last bit was just lucky. If you fight against a divine sorcerer without any countermeasures, you’ll probably die for sure from now on. If you’re fighting, I’ll provide support from afar.”

“What?”

“Then I’ll wish you good luck in battle.”

Bang!

With a sound like the air bursting, Lee Kwang vanished from the spot at a tremendous speed. He didn’t even look back as he fled the battlefield!

“Ah… damn it….”

Lee Kwang’s judgment was indeed correct. Thanks to his rapid growth, I could manage to pull off a surprise attack on Hermes, who was off guard, once or twice, but now a huge gap in strength would definitely come into play. Facing Hermes head-on, Lee Kwang would undoubtedly die like a bug, and he determined there was no way to endure that.

Yet, I felt a mix of annoyance and resentment, even though it was the right thing to do and a convenient situation for me. I sat there blankly for a moment before shaking my head and summoned the Spirit Energy of the Six Needs again.

Woooom!

‘Lee Kwang has done all he can.’

From this point on, it will be my responsibility to win the fight!

I steeled myself and called out to Gong Gong, who was still conscious a considerable distance away.

“Gong Gong! I’m sorry, but please maintain your consciousness a little longer. I beg of you.”

Gong Gong had consumed all his magic to maintain his consciousness and couldn’t intervene even when Hermes appeared and threw the place into chaos. While he had raised both hands and was focused on maintaining consciousness, Gong Gong spoke to me with a spiritual language.

[Are you really okay? Even though I took a hit, that one surely possesses divine status worthy of standing against the Three Sovereigns. It seems the previous attack you saw was also not the main body, hence it avoided critical damage. If that being starts using its full power, it will be hard for you to withstand it with your strength….]

Seeing Gong Gong worry made it seem like Hermes hadn’t yet fought with all his might. It felt like this battle was going to be tougher than expected, but I replied to Gong Gong.

“I don’t believe I can face someone of that magnitude alone using orthodox methods either. But changing the battlefield changes everything.”

[……!! It’s true! But if you enter, your chances of death will dramatically increase. It’s like entering the tiger’s den to avoid the wolves.]

“Don’t worry. It’s a tiger’s den I intended to enter from the start.”

[I understand. Before the passage of consciousness appears, I will signal you.]

“Thank you.”

Tydaht

I immediately summoned the Six Needs, using my spirit energy to lift myself and soar into the air. Once you learn to handle spirit energy a bit, flying using the powerful energy of the Six Needs becomes as easy as breathing. Soon after, I arrived at the scene where Hermes was still struggling against Vajra’s Lightning Energy.

Crackle

[Ugh… Breck….]

And Hermes was surrounded by four unconscious Eight Parts of the Divine, guarding him like wall fortifications. Reflexively, it seemed he was using his magic to control the Eight Parts of the Divine for protection.

‘But now that his main artifact, the Crystal Staff, is broken, he can’t command the demon kings freely. He has to sacrifice his own movements for the sake of defense.’

It was safe to say that the possibility of Hermes attacking while controlling the Eight Parts of the Divine had been nullified. Feeling more at ease with this realization, I spoke to Hermes.

“Hermes. If you surrender now, I will forgive you. I won’t make you a companion, but I won’t cause you any trouble throughout your rebirth.”

In response to my offer of compromise, Hermes replied in a chilling tone.

[Ha… I know far more about the Reborn than you ever will. In the end, don’t you understand that everything becomes meaningless in the face of ascension? Do you think I’m foolish enough to oppose you now?]

Sensing an unsettling hint in Hermes’s words, I tensed up.

“What do you mean?”

[You have no idea… how frightening a wicked god truly is…. And a new [rule] that can prevent even such a wicked god from gaining the upper hand in this game….]

“…….”

Hermes roared, emanating bloodlust.

[Not yet… you have not fully been recognized by the Manuscript…. Don’t you understand? I, the Master Sorcerer Hermes, still have ample opportunity for ascension!!]

Kwahhh!!

At that moment, a loud explosion erupted from the heart of Hermes. With that explosion, his body suddenly began to grow, and a swirling chaos expanded throughout the scene like a massive tree.

Crackling –

Crazily

[Uooh….]

[Ughh.]

Simultaneously, the Eight Parts of the Divine, pierced through by Hermes’s ‘trunk’, uttered painful cries in their unconsciousness. They flailed around momentarily but soon became limp, as it appeared they were being drained of power by the now-enlarging Hermes.

‘What the hell….?’

Is he absorbing the power of the Eight Parts of the Divine?

As I frowned, the chaotic mass continued to swell, morphing into a colossal form that might strike through heaven and earth. Yet it wasn’t a tree trunk; it felt more alive, like an animal.

The Black Serpent – that has to be a black snake.

Hermes, having morphed into something enormous enough to dwarf even the Five Great Mountains, began wriggling its massive form, sprouting hundreds of eyes from his body.

As Hermes unleashed a sinister spiritual language, he shouted.

[If you recklessly use power in an outer world, you never know how the law of causality will react, so I played it safe, but now it’s time… with no way back for me, taste the true power of a Demon God, Reborn!!]

Crackle

Alongside that proclamation, symbols representing fire, ice, acid, darkness, light, wind, and earth began to hover around Hermes like runes. Having studied magic under Zhuge Sa, I recognized them immediately.

‘Runes!’

A form of magic not normally usable by sorcerers, only those who had made contracts with spirits could wield it! Someone known as a Rune Master was among the members of the Zodiac, and I’d heard the power of runes was extraordinarily vast and strong.

Yet even with runes, I still thought Hermes lacked the power to match the Three Sovereigns.

‘No matter how powerful it is, magic is still magic…. It can’t compare to the divine power that manipulates chaos, can it? If this is his full strength…’

Something was off.

I didn’t let my guard down and immediately consumed the magic I’ve been accumulating from absorbing the Thief Gang to summon Varuna.

“Varuna! Create a protective barrier for me against Hermes!”

The moment Varuna’s water barrier wrapped around my entire body, seven runes summoned around Hermes began to spin in a circular motion. In the middle of those spinning runes, an eye that emitted a blood-red light was summoned, and it stared right at me.

Kablam!!

“……!!”

I got hit!

With a thunderous explosion, I was thrown backward out of the blue. My body had been shredded apart, essentially turning me into a bloodied mess, and yet somehow, I was still alive—barely.

‘What?! Even Vajra’s protective barrier couldn’t withstand that single hit?!’

Such a thing was unprecedented, and while I was still in shock, I heard Hermes mockingly boasting in my ear.

[No matter how great the Four Great Spirit Deities may be, they can’t protect against the outer god’s spell of [Mind Break] with pitiful sacrifices! Did you think I wouldn’t realize you’re plotting rebellion, Reborn?]

“Khh….”

Outer god’s spell?

Zing

Hermes expanded his dark tentacles, making them grow like mountains and unexpectedly flailing them toward me. I braced myself and unleashed the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique in front of me to block.

Boom!!

Thanks to the tips I received from Lee Kwang earlier, I quickly created a triple point to enhance my power, successfully blocking a strike. However, I felt blood burst from the seven points in my body in the process.

Gulp

“Ugh.”

This is madness. I can already feel my stamina and strength depleting.

I hate to admit it, but without the Four Great Spirit Deities, the gap in power against Hermes felt astronomical.

Crash!

Crash!

[Here’s another for you!]

At that moment, I noticed Hermes preparing yet another unknown darkness spell in the air, raising additional runes. A wave of despair washed over me as I realized what was happening.

‘That must be another outer god’s spell…. Damn it…. How could he launch two at once so swiftly…’

A monster.

Rumored to be the god of magic, is it true that Simon Magus could only use the outer god’s spell after making exhaustive preparations?!

I realized that if I took that head-on, I would surely end up dead, regardless of the Four Great Spirit Deities! I swiftly extended my hands and unleashed the Apostle’s Power.

“[Small Cycle] of this world, return!”

With the sound of crackling, the space in front of me began to warp, and I saw the magic power of the spell Hermes had prepared revert to its origin. I thought I had thwarted Hermes’s move, but just then, I heard him laughing condescendingly.

[Hoohoo, I had a feeling, but you haven’t experienced many lives, have you? To use such a predictable tactic while facing a higher divine status in battle… I had no idea you were lacking in experience. Thank you so much!]

What?

[Did you find it strange that I didn’t revert the Crystal with the Small Cycle?]

Woooom!!

Just as I was taken aback, the giant black snake twisted its massive body. The moment the space returned from my [Small Cycle], I saw hundreds of eyes that had been raised along the snake’s body suddenly spring open simultaneously.

Uwaaagh

‘What the heck?!’

Simultaneously, I felt an unimaginable reverse wind gust, and my neck suddenly grew cold. I couldn’t find the words to express it, but it felt like the scythe of death was poised right on my neck—an exceedingly ominous feeling. Instinctively realizing the dire situation, I quickly summoned Agni.

The best defense is a good offense!

With the clanking sound of a firearm being summoned into my hand, I gripped Agni tightly and fired a blast toward him.

Bang!!

Agni’s shot cleanly pierced through the enormous body of the snake, and the chaos, as massive as a mountain, staggered a bit as if it was in pain. Surely, Agni’s power was still intact.

But soon after, I could see Hermes roaring with laughter.

[Hahahaha…. I, Hermes, command you through the tattoo of the outer god to declare [Reversal of Causality]!]

Huh?!

Bang!!

“……”

I suddenly realized that the massive wound I inflicted upon the snake had vanished, and instead, a new fatal wound had formed, piercing deeply into my left shoulder and chest. It felt like our damages had somehow been entirely reversed, leaving me in utter chaos, and that chaos, paired with the pain, tore a scream from my throat.

“Graaaah!!”

Hermes’s sadistic laughter echoed all around.

[Hahaha… Hahaha!! While higher beings can play with Small Cycles, you can also induce damage through conditional attacks like this! Didn’t you ever have experiences of facing opponents of comparable strength?]

“……!!”

In that moment, I realized.

‘Could it be… that he didn’t revert the Crystal with the Small Cycle because he was afraid I might use a similar method to reverse it?’

Did he remain vigilant and observe my powers, then realize I had no experience and immediately tried to incite a reversal the moment he’d pinpointed that?!

[Khahaha! The injuries you sustained from the Thunder Spirit just got sent back! You’re making it look easy, Baek Woong.]

Gulp

I couldn’t retort to that, draining blood continuously from my mouth. The offense was so critical that I was nearly losing consciousness. Yet simultaneously, I could recognize precisely what I was lacking to contend against the Three Sovereigns.

‘Battle experience against Divine Beings…!! It’s not a lack of the Four Great Spirit Deities!’

I was unfamiliar with how divine beings utilized their powers in battle.

Up until now, the only combat experience I had was against Jeon Wook or Zhu Rong, and even that was based on their unique tactics, which I couldn’t replicate.

Moreover, a demon god like him, who unleashed outer god spells rampantly, was especially deceitful in strategic conflict, marking me as essentially a beginner who couldn’t contend against the likes of him!

But there was no other choice. I had been fighting with companions, merely smashing into deities as a common occurrence, with no real opportunity to experience a battle at the higher divine status. Most of my experiences involved merely wielding a sword while under the higher deity’s protection—how could I discern such intricate maneuvers?!

I can’t win.

The moment I clearly realized that, I knew what I had to do. Gritting my teeth, I forced out the magic necessary to summon the Four Great Spirit Deities.

‘C’mon… please…’

If this fails, it’s game over…!!

[How pitiful. But I won’t lose focus and will do my utmost to end you!]

With a rumbling sound, the seven runes lifted into the air, and I witnessed the manifestation of the outer god’s spell. I felt dread clench around me as I scrambled to remain composed.

‘Vajra, don’t fail me… I’ve got no other option!’

With sheer desperation, I summoned the Four Great Spirit Deities, and in response to my wish, they manifested before me.

Thunk

The familiar texture of a horned flute graced my hands. The moment I laid eyes on that flute, Hermes seemed to catch on and panicked.

[……?! No way! You wouldn’t be…!]

Without delay, I blew the horn.

Fwooosh!!

Like a miracle, the massive black serpent that was Hermes vanished from this world. But I knew that this wasn’t his true demise.

“Haah… Haah…”

The Wind Spirit, Vayu.

Its true power sends the opponent from the [Past] to the [Future].

It seems simple, but this ability is unaffected by the powers of other divine beings, allowing me to bypass the [Small Cycle] and send my foes straight into the future!

‘Damn it…. I intended to use Vayu from the get-go, but I was so wrapped up in figuring out who he was that I… it was just way too powerful…’

It was a blessing to perceive Hermes’ battle style, yet here I was, on the edge of death.

Feeling bitter, I made attempts to predict when he might return.

‘Having put a limited amount of magic into Vayu…. I’d say he’ll return in the least possible time…. I need to hurry and…’

I attempted to use the Apostle’s Power to hasten the healing of my wounds, but it was proving difficult.

Crackle

Pshhh

“Ugh…”

As my reality flickered between healing in the past and the present, it felt like a surreal dream. The injury I had sustained from Hermes’ Reversal of Causality was no joke, and I strived desperately, pouring magic into repairing my body, landing tiredly back onto the ground.

As soon as I settled onto the ground, I heard Gong Gong’s voice from afar.

[The consciousness of the Six Needs has completed. I will summon the passage of consciousness!]

Boom

Simultaneously, a dark door leading somewhere materialized before me. I squinted through my hazy vision toward the door and mustered my strength to pull it open.

Creak –

The moment I stepped inside, I could hear a stern voice ringing out.

[You continue to disappoint me, Baek Woong.]

I slowly knelt, lifting my gaze. I then smiled weakly and said,

“Why wouldn’t I?”

In the center of the Throne of Chaos stood Jeon Wook.