전생검신 84권 6화

I looked at the spot on my chest that Lee Hwan-woong pointed to and mumbled.

“Heart… You inserted a strong AI into it?”

“Yeah.”

“Is that even possible?”

I didn’t know much about that field, but having known Cheon Woo-jin for a long time, I was aware that a strong AI was definitely not just a simple machine. It was more like a living being and had immense computing power, akin to a divine being in a different context. The idea of putting such a strong AI into a living body just didn’t quite make sense to me.

Lee Hwan-woong spoke.

“As I mentioned before, I was the one who originally moved this Chrono Quartz.”

With a jingle, a golden pocket watch appeared in the palm of Lee Hwan-woong’s hand. He grabbed the Chrono Quartz again and continued.

“My master contained Mephistopheles within this Chrono Quartz and passed it onto me. I thought that moving the Chrono Quartz made time stop, so I assumed it was a time-space ability, but that’s not it. What I actually do is manipulate the ‘Mephistopheles’ inside the Chrono Quartz.”

“…What does that mean?”

“It means exactly that. The ability to possess and control a strong AI is my supernatural ability.”

“…!!”

Wait, is there even a separate supernatural power for that?

I, unable to believe it, exclaimed.

“Isn’t it just that Nailatop gave you Mephisto through this watch? It doesn’t seem like that grand of a deal to be classified as a supernatural power!”

“Ha ha. I thought so at first too, but there’s a difference. I can dominate and wield my ability regardless of the strong AI’s will.”

“…?!”

“Thanks to Mephisto’s obedience, it certainly makes it easier to pull out my powers, but even without obedience, there’s no issue using Mephisto’s computing power.”

“Umm!”

“When I paused time back then, it wasn’t me pausing it; Mephisto activated his computing power to pause it for me.”

Only then did I grasp what Lee Hwan-woong’s supernatural ability really meant.

‘This guy has the ability to dominate a strong AI!’

He could, without someone else transferring ownership of the strong AI to him, seize it for himself!

That mysterious evasion technique he just showed must have been an act using Mephistopheles’ power too.

While I was in awe of this unexpected ability, Lee Hwan-woong continued speaking.

“And actually, I was able to grow stronger thanks to you back then.”

“Huh? Thanks to me?”

“…We’ll talk about that later; for now, I need to finish explaining things to Yu Mang.”

Lee Hwan-woong staggered and walked awkwardly over to Yu Mang and made an investment pitch.

“Thank you for signing. Now, let me explain the business.”

“What?”

“It’s what you’d call an investment proposal.”

Yu Mang scoffed at Lee Hwan-woong’s pitch.

“You’re just a one-man band. If you weren’t Baek Woong, I’d have split you in half and tossed you aside.”

“Would you listen?”

“Well, go ahead.”

“Thank you.”

Lee Hwan-woong took a deep breath and began to articulate his words clearly.

“Once we’ve gathered ten shareholders and established a corporation, we’ll set out to persuade the [Old Rulers] scattered around the world. With bait they can’t resist, we’ll secure investments from everyone and then reallocate them all into the forces under the Wheel King.”

“…”

Yu Mang listened and then frowned.

“So you’re saying I’ll end up under the Wheel King too?”

Lee Hwan-woong shook his head.

“No. Shareholders simply own one-tenth ownership of the company! They are merely investors and have no bearing on your position, Yu Mang. This is merely a commercial relationship and does not violate the principles of the ruling powers.”

“Funny stuff. I get the concept, but do you think that’ll hold in this era? A weakling gets eaten while the strong dominate—it’s a world where your business concept is bound to fail.”

“It’ll work. Because it’s connected to the Void Record.”

Lee Hwan-woong asserted confidently.

“Even if it’s just a power imitating basic human transactions, this entire commercial structure is guaranteed by the second-ranked entity in the universe, the Void Record. Is there a being out there with more credibility than that?”

“…There isn’t.”

“Commercial transactions start from trust. With absolute credibility involved, all these abilities and dealings can only be acknowledged by the deities themselves.”

“That sounds plausible…”

Yu Mang responded thoughtfully as he digested Lee Hwan-woong’s words.

“So what’s the bait that can entice everyone? Countless deities currently in this world must have their own distinct thoughts and personalities, so what bait could possibly work?”

Inspired by Yu Mang’s prodding, Lee Hwan-woong paused for a moment before speaking in a hushed tone.

“That would be… a guaranteed way to attend the [Revelation] and meet the Void Record.”

“…?!”

In that moment, Yu Mang appeared taken aback, and I, who had been quietly listening, was no different.

‘Huh?!’

I wanted to immediately ask Lee Hwan-woong what he meant by that, but at that moment, he shot me a significant glance, and I managed to catch on very briefly and began managing my expression. When I regained my calm demeanor, Lee Hwan-woong clenched his fist and proclaimed,

“I was shocked to hear that from Baek Woong! Who would have thought such a method actually existed? Truly, Baek Woong is incredible!”

Why is he suddenly painting my face gold?

I was dumbfounded, but still maintained my composure. Yu Mang observed me for a moment and then posed the question.

“Baek Woong… is that true? Does such a method really exist?”

In that split second, I hesitated over whether to speak the truth or not. I had a gut feeling that my answer would significantly alter our futures.

‘Shall I go along with Lee Hwan-woong’s intent…?’

And unlike other times, I suddenly felt saying something honest might not be wise and found myself instinctively lying.

“Yes. It does exist.”

I didn’t even fully know why, but I said that there’s definitely something!

“Umm!! What’s that?”

“That is…”

As I was about to conjure up anything, Lee Hwan-woong swiftly interjected.

“Oh… My lord! Didn’t we agree not to speak carelessly? If this method leaks, a great conflict would break out across the world, and you warned me about that!”

When did I say that?!

I almost chuckled inside, but I kept my serious expression and sighed.

“Fine. Just because you got a signature doesn’t mean you’re wholly on our side, so there’s nothing I can do, huh… The proud God of Agriculture, Shennong, seems nervous about ending up beneath the Wheel King, huh. What can I say?”

“…”

Yu Mang’s expression slightly twisted at that. Lee Hwan-woong accepted my words with nonchalance.

“That’s exactly it. I probably shouldn’t have revealed even that, but since you, Yu Mang, are special, I provided a substantial clue. For an investor, isn’t it enough to know just that?”

“Wow, that’s extraordinary.”

Yu Mang laughed wryly and then said.

“Understood. I won’t pry, so take care of it. You don’t need to fuss over details for the sake of gaining trust.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

I understood that the reason Lee Hwan-woong was convincing Yu Mang without revealing all our cards was to prevent him from doubting us further. Without this process, Yu Mang would likely grow even more suspicious, which would increase the chances of betrayal at a critical moment. Even though it was half-baked information, now I had something significant to explain, thus gaining some justification for not treating Yu Mang with disdain. He probably understood that fact.

“Oops.”

After a while, Yu Mang stood up and declared,

“Then enough with the investment explanation; shall we resolve matters between you and me, Baek Woong?”

“Matters between Yu Mang and me?”

“You clearly stated before our duel that if I could withstand ten sincere strikes by any means necessary, I would receive your martial arts.”

“…Ah!!”

I then recalled Yu Mang’s words. Hadn’t that been the case?!

Seeing my reaction made Yu Mang chuckle.

“Ha ha… So, from the start, you weren’t really interested in my techniques, were you? Just indulging your pride?”

“N-No, that’s not it…”

“That’s actually a relief. Though it feels odd to say this, it was a good thing we fought back then.”

Yu Mang continued with a smile on his face.

“I’m not sure you quite need it, but I have pride in my skills. Feel free to learn them now that we’ve made a promise.”

“Understood.”

As Yu Mang said, further honing my world-class martial skills might not hold much meaning. I had already learned so much and was still struggling to digest it all. But perhaps learning Yu Mang’s skills would provide a clue for moving on to the next stage, so I nodded eagerly.

Yu Mang then said.

“You saw some of my skills in our fight, but I know how to handle numerous weapons and have mastered each technique separately on my own. The number of weapon techniques and martial arts I know exceeds thousands, although I haven’t named them all. Some do have names though.”

“Umm.”

“However, if I were to refer to my martial arts collectively… you would call them the Giant’s Martial Arts.”

Giant’s Martial Arts.

I mulled over those words in my head as Yu Mang continued.

“The essence of the Giant’s Martial Arts relies on my powers. As you know, it’s the power to convert divine strength into intention.”

“Umm…!! That sounds like an incredible ability. I’ve never seen anyone with skills like yours, Yu Mang.”

“Heh. Your compliments, while appreciated, don’t evoke much reverence.”

“N-No…”

“It can’t be helped. Since it depends on my innate ability, anyone without that power will hardly benefit from learning my martial arts. I’ve created countless disciples over billions of years, yet none have truly grown powerful.”

“…”

“Likewise, teaching you the Giant’s Martial Arts would not provide you with much gain. Since you lack the power to convert divine strength into intention.”

That’s true.

The ability to convert divine strength into intention was something I’d covet even if I had to risk my life for it, but the martial arts beyond that were not inherently stronger than my already learned world-class martial arts. While they possessed remarkable proficiency, other martial skills compared favorably.

As I fell silent, Yu Mang rephrased.

“However, the Giant’s Martial Arts has another ability, a pure technique weaved in.”

“What is that?”

“I mentioned it earlier. I can precisely gauge the nature and quantity of your divine strength.”

Yu Mang’s eyes sharpened for a fleeting moment.

“I couldn’t easily utilize this ability from the start. I had to experience countless divine powers to understand, alter, and absorb their essence in real combat. Through that process, I refined my ability to discern the divine power’s wave and developed a technique to imitate that wave.”

“Ah!!”

In that moment, I experienced an epiphany.

‘Right! What Yu Mang showed earlier wasn’t a power, but a technique!’

A technique capable of feeling another’s divine strength and imitating it!

From that realization, I deduced:

“This means techniques aren’t innate and can be learned through postnatal effort!”

“Yes, exactly.”

Yu Mang crossed his arms and said.

“I will teach you the technique to understand the waves of divine strength and alter them. This technique—though the universe is vast, it can solely be used by me and my sect—is called Power Field Style!”

“…!!”

Power Field Style!

I savored the resonance of the term for a moment before saying.

“But what can I do with Power Field Style? Merely imitating the waves of another god’s power doesn’t mean I can wield their divine strength.”

“Heh, you’re sharper than I expected.”

Yu Mang chuckled, then added.

“As you said, while I can imitate the divine strength waves of others, I can’t replicate the abilities themselves. Your borrowing the power of Heuk Woong and actually using various gods’ strengths is entirely different. One could say my Giant’s Martial Arts Power Field Style is a lower rendition of your Heuk Woong’s.”

“Hmm….”

“However, the essence of Power Field Style lies in utilizing the wave itself. If used well, it could be more powerful than drawing in other divine abilities like you. There are benefits to imitating the waves.”

“What do you mean?”

“Let me give you a taste.”

With that, Yu Mang suddenly stood up.

Boom…

As a naturally enormous giant, just shifting his lower body produced a sound that resonated through the terrain. Yu Mang assumed a martial stance, saying,

“Use the powers of the King of Hell to attack me, just as before.”

Just as before?

‘Oh!’

Is he referring to the time when Heuk Woong fought on my behalf? I glanced over at Heuk Woong, who was standing next to me, and he began to gradually merge into me, signaling his readiness.

Once Heuk Woong had taken control of my body, he said, his eyes sparkling.

[Your potential has greatly expanded since our last fight. Thanks to that, I’m stronger now and will hit harder than before; is that okay with you?]

Yu Mang simply chuckled.

“Go ahead.”

That was the kind of absolute confidence that implied he would brush off any of Heuk Woong’s attacks!

Reading that sentiment, Heuk Woong felt quite displeased for a moment, then summoned his power and executed his technique.

A sinister trinity of eyes opened wide, and with that, Heuk Woong assumed a pose reminiscent of drawing back a hand.

It was the moment when the power of death, rivaling even that of the King of Hell, was unleashed.

[Seize the Soul!]

Kudziiikk!!

In that instant, Yu Mang’s flesh and soul emitted a deafening sound of destruction as he seemed to be forcefully torn apart. It wasn’t a lie that Heuk Woong was stronger than before and meant to go harder.

However, the next moment, Yu Mang let out a loud roar.

“Huuh!!”

Bang!!

[…!!]

With that roar, Heuk Woong ricocheted back, flying several meters away.

What an astonishing contrast to the earlier helplessness he had exhibited against Yu Mang—it left me utterly amazed. Heuk Woong appeared equally speechless, while Yu Mang grinned widely.

“How about it? Power Field Style has quite the edge, doesn’t it?”

[W-How did you do that?]

“I had already experienced your attack and understood its wave, so I imitated it as closely as possible….”

Sssss…

Yu Mang radiated a deep blue energy around him. I realized that this blue aura was a manifestation of his divine strength, and Yu Mang began to wrap it around his arms.

“The moment the power hit me, I maximized its dispersal.”

[What?!]

“I’m not trying to just replicate your ability using Power Field Style. I’m using it to deflect your power without resistance!”

As I processed Yu Mang’s explanation, I could clearly see what his Power Field Style actually entailed.

‘This is… the art of transformation!’

The essence of transformation was the foundation of all martial arts, utilized seamlessly in internal and external techniques. In essence, it recognized the direction of the opponent’s force and either let it slip or reverse it. This had been my mainstay of practice, even after reaching an absolute realm.

Thus, a similar principle also applied to divine strength!

That was what Power Field Style was!

Heuk Woong’s expression changed as if he perceived this fact, letting out a whisper.

[N-No way… Divine strength operates on laws differing greatly from this world. The divine will exists to manipulate those laws and change reality—it operates on a plane entirely different from physical force and qi. This time, you shaped your divine strength for an attack, but how would you even diffuse it in the form of magic, spell, or sorcery?]

“It’s more than possible. Why do you think it wouldn’t work?”

[Why not? Divine strength is absolute.]

“There’s no need to make such a definite claim. Ultimately, whether it’s divine strength or qi, it serves as power and leverage used to alter the world as you see fit, doesn’t it?”

Yu Mang said, his gaze fixed on me.

“Baek Woong, let me ask you something. What do you think qi is?”

“……”

He’s asking that here?!

I felt somewhat confused, but Yu Mang’s query was crucial. Recognizing it wasn’t a question posed without meaning, I managed to calm my surprise and thought it through.

After a moment, I spoke up.

“Qi is the energy that fills this world and serves as the foundation of internal power.”

“Exactly. Qi can be deemed the most neutral force in the universe, irrespective of chaos or order.”

Continuing, Yu Mang outlined.

“Then why isn’t divine strength dispersed throughout the world like qi?”

“Hmm… that’s unknown.”

Moreover, I had never considered such a thought.

With my silence, Yu Mang continued.

“If we designate this universe as a scale of 100, the existence of deities occupies at least 80 of that. And the source of that power is divine strength, which is concentrated among a minuscule number of gods while qi inundates the universe. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?”

“Of course! The gods possess divine strength and don’t share it with others.”

“Then, if godly figures were to spread their divine strength across the world, what would happen?”

“……”

“I suspect divine strength might soon blanket the world more densely than qi, with all beings able to wield their powers. However, that would be temporary, and the once mighty divine strength would gradually diminish, eventually becoming commonplace.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Through long study of divine strength waves, I’ve reached a particular intuition.”

Shocked by Yu Mang’s ongoing revelations, I exclaimed.

“Qi and divine strength are remarkably similar. You can’t imagine how, but as you reach a significant level, those similarities become apparent. This means that divine strength can be managed like qi!”

“Umm…?!”

“I’m the living proof of that, aren’t I? The ability to use transformation with divine strength serves as evidence.”

Qi is akin to divine strength?

I felt a rush of confusion at this unexpected assertion. In all my thirty lifetimes, I had scarcely heard such a thing. I gathered my thoughts and responded.

“Then what’s the reason behind this resemblance between qi and divine strength?”

Yu Mang smirked slightly.

“You’ll understand once you get a taste. Are you willing to learn?”

“……”

I suddenly felt a surge of curiosity regarding Power Field Style.

‘I’ve encountered many world-class experts, but I’ve yet to meet anyone who has studied [Divine Strength] deeply enough to earn a sect name.’

Had I not journeyed into the past of the Great Cycle, I might have never learned this skill. So, I was already nodding.

“I understand…”

“Wait!”

Just then, Lee Hwan-woong interjected between Yu Mang and me.

“Even if you’re learning, be sure to gather all the signatures first; you haven’t secured all ten yet.”

“Ah.”

“We don’t know how long the training might take, right? Let’s make sure everything is set first.”

“……”

Gazing at Yu Mang, he smiled and remarked.

“That’s fair. Learning Power Field Style will probably take a while, so finish your other tasks and come back leisurely.”

“Understood.”

With that, I left the abode of Yu Mang and re-entered the Heavenly Secret. As I stepped into the Training World, Lee Hwan-woong was already calling someone on his smartphone.

“They’ll be here shortly.”

Lee Hwan-woong hung up the phone, and I took the opportunity to ask him.

“Lee Hwan-woong, there’s something I’d like to ask.”

“What is it?”

I spoke cautiously.

“That… the method you mentioned for persuading the gods… is there really a way to guarantee attendance at the [Revelation] and see the Void Record?”

“……”

“I’m pretty sure there’s no such thing…”

“Then why did you play along with me?”

“I was just wondering if you had something planned…”

“Heh heh heh…”

Lee Hwan-woong let out a somewhat ominous chuckle before answering.

“That’s not real.”

“Eh?!”

“If I knew, I’d already be the supreme being of the world.”

W-What the heck is he saying?!

As I stared blankly, Lee Hwan-woong maintained his grin.

“But… didn’t you just feel it?”

“I felt what?”

“Even someone like you, a reincarnation that has faced countless experiences, couldn’t determine the truth of what I said and ended up confused—so how can we assume the gods would reject our offer?”

“……!!”

“When seeking investment from them, whether it’s true or not doesn’t really matter. We’re selling hope.”

Lee Hwan-woong pointed forward with an unyielding attitude.

“And that’s not just a blatant lie; that’s the crucial part.”

“Hey!! If there’s no method, why do you insist it’s not all a lie!!”

“Think carefully—doesn’t this situation feel strange? Before we debate the validity of our claims, isn’t the very existence of the [Revelation] odd?”

“What do you find strange about it?”

“The Void Record is said to know everything, right?”

Lee Hwan-woong leaned against a nearby utility pole.

“Then why does it bother showing up to deliver a [Revelation]? Whether it issues a prophecy or not, it knows all timelines, past, present, and future. Thus, it should already possess foresight of the consequences of its actions, right? If that’s the case, why does it even need to appear and inform lower beings?”

“……What are you trying to say?”

“As you put it, if the [Revelation] determines the ascendant figure, isn’t it trivial? After all, the Void Record already knows who’s likely to become the triumphant figure and possesses the power to meddle with all events.”

“Ah!”

That actually makes sense, doesn’t it?

As I pondered the unconsidered argument that sparked in my mind, Lee Hwan-woong rattled on.

“Sure, the Emperor and the Evil God might know other things. But in your context, even you—the reincarnated—are unsure of whether the Void Record will genuinely descend during the [Revelation] or what will happen if it does. I have some serious doubts.”

Lee Hwan-woong muttered curiously.

“I feel like there’s something being concealed. Going by my hunch, it seems a fraudulent play is in action!”

“Can you really assert that?”

“Why wouldn’t I? I’ve witnessed the fallen alternate universe with my own eyes. This absurd world keeps me questioning how much I should trust anything.”

“……”

“Honestly, I don’t even mind if it’s a fraud. I just want to obtain what I can rationally get.”

After saying that, Lee Hwan-woong grinned.

“So let’s sell hope to the new investors… for we might actually find the method we need… Do you get it?”

“……”

While I didn’t completely understand, I sighed and nodded.

“Understood.”

Just as Lee Hwan-woong said, whether it’s true or not isn’t what’s important.

What matters is that, by any means necessary, I return to Soeul Village and reunite with my companions.

And about an hour later, we were greeted by Shim Su-ryeok.

“Baek Woong! It’s been a while!”

“It truly has been a long time.”

Upon seeing Shim Su-ryeok after so long, I realized he hadn’t changed at all. Though I noticed a subtly flowing aura had completely vanished.

‘He’s reached an extraordinary level.’

I couldn’t pinpoint the specific realm he had achieved, but the ability to fully suppress one’s strength signified one of the highest tiers of martial arts. If it was unrecognizable from an absolute realm perspective, it was clear that Shim Su-ryeok had gained an even higher insight during his time in the absolute realm.

We entered a nearby cafe, and after taking our seats, Shim Su-ryeok spoke first.

“Lee Hwan-woong briefed us on all the circumstances in advance, so I don’t need to explain anything further.”

“Um? Is that so?”

“Yes. Just tell me what occurred after taking Lee Hwan-woong with you.”

I elaborated on the establishment of our corporation, and as Shim Su-ryeok pondered my words, a serving robot arrived with coffee, which Lee Hwan-woong distributed to the various seats.

“Shim Su-ryeok, you are the last person to sign. There’s no need to deliberate; just sign quickly.”

“Not so fast.”

Shim Su-ryeok replied, fixing his gaze intently on me.

“Baek Woong, do you really think I am fit to be the last of the ten?”

“Of course, there’s no reason why not!”

From Shim Su-ryeok’s following words, I felt momentarily stumped.

“What about Lee Kwang?”

“……”

“Surely he too would qualify as one of the ten shareholders.”

His words bewildered me.

“W-Why bring up that guy?!”

“Why shouldn’t I? It’s common sense that among comrades who have been through thick and thin, Lee Kwang has shared a deeper bond with us over the years than any of you. He has been a companion since before you crossed into this universe and was summoned here out of nowhere.”

“……”

“If I were to ask if he wants to become a shareholder, he’d surely agree, but I believe Lee Kwang also deserves that invitation.”

“But that’s…”

Just then, a voice interrupted.

“Am I not to be trusted after all, Master?”

I quickly turned around, startled by the sudden voice.

And there he was, Lee Kwang—but he wasn’t the Lee Kwang I remembered.

‘Younger…?!’

Though he retained his features, the evidence of age was nowhere; his skin was taut, and his hair glimmered with vitality, radiating a clear fighting spirit.

I stared at Lee Kwang, rendered speechless for a moment, as he strode toward me and plopped down across the table.

“Feel free to make whatever decisions you like. I know you’re scared of me.”