전생검신 87권 03화

I was completely baffled by Even Sinha’s words and said,

[Is catching that dragon really such an important thing? The world is on the brink of destruction anyway…]

There was something I didn’t quite understand about Even Sinha’s request. Currently, due to Tsukuyomi’s [Night], a great flood was occurring, and the entire world was rapidly being polluted by magical power, leading humanity toward extinction. The demon beasts and monsters were rampaging even more as they found themselves in a better environment, and all over, the [Old Rulers] and Apostles were mobilizing. In such a chaotic situation, I couldn’t understand why capturing a single dragon was deemed so important.

Then Even Sinha looked at me with a somewhat uncomfortable expression and said,

“Can you really catch Anatolia’s Dragon King? That guy is both a demon king and a dragon king.”

[If that’s the case, he must be quite strong. So, you made this request knowing that a mortal wouldn’t be able to handle him?]

“You’re not even a mortal, are you? Why would a guy using divine power while possessing a steel body be afraid of a mere dragon…?”

[It’s not fear; it’s that I don’t understand or accept why we need to catch it. Just tell me why I should do it.]

Even Sinha cleared his throat and said,

“Well, the Dragon King, also known as the Death Dragon King… is an unparalleled ingredient for alchemy in the world. I intend to kill him and use his corpse to complete Frankenstein.”

[Frankenstein? What’s that?]

“Don’t you know? You’re close to Saint Germain, right? He’s making an alchemical masterpiece to overcome the failure of the homunculus.”

[Ah… I think I’ve heard something like that.]

Once Saint Germain’s name came up, memories flickered back.

[Don’t do it!!! Don’t, don’t do it!!! Hey! Help me!! I absolutely won’t be a part of ‘it’…]

[Perfecker Prototyp! You are now the heart of Frankenstein.]

[AAAAHHH – !!]

[The alchemical masterpiece I’m creating has the name Frankenstein. It’s a chimera; I had been researching how to overcome the failures of the homunculus. I used parts of existing failures as the heart of Frankenstein.]

[Huh? Is that also something like a homunculus?]

[… No. It’s a completely different category. It’s a product of pursuing eternal life and powerful strength in a different sense. I’ve felt there were limits to using humans as a base… so I didn’t intend it to be for offerings.]

[Combat… it is.]

The true Saint Germain, upon finding the fake alchemist and failed homunculus lurking in the imperial palace, had said that he didn’t just kill him but made him part of a new being called Frankenstein. It was a distant memory, but I recalled it and opened my mouth.

[As far as I know, Frankenstein is a combat-type homunculus, right… are you also involved in the making of Frankenstein, Even Sinha?]

“That’s right. Although we’re not in close contact, he requested materials from me for several years now. But no matter how I think about it, the only materials suitable for Frankenstein would be a demon king-level body… and with my skills, I can’t handle capturing one.”

[So, you’re asking me to catch Anatolia’s Dragon King.]

“Well, it’s not just a bothersome task for you. If you catch the Dragon King and bring his corpse back, I can enhance your physical parts even further. How about that?”

[…….]

I glanced at Miho next to me. Upon receiving my gaze, Miho casually said,

“Baek Woong, don’t worry. I’ll catch that dragon for you!”

[Hmm, I don’t want to put you in danger though…]

“Ahaha. If this maiden can’t catch a dragon, everyone will just laugh at us. Don’t worry.”

[Still…]

“Hmph. Are you so worried about me? Because I’m your future wife?”

Miho wore a peculiar smile. I gazed at Miho lost in thought and scratched my temple.

[Quit joking. You know that as the world approaches chaos, stronger monsters appear. There’s a chance it could go wrong, so I want to be a bit careful.]

It was likely true that Miho was stronger than that Dragon King. But powerful monsters, especially those at the level of demon kings, possess their own trump cards, so it’s easy to get pulled into a trap. After all, if something’s called a demon king, it’s a powerful existence that far surpasses regular demon beasts, so it shouldn’t be underestimated. In fact, during my multiple rebirths, even human allies struggled to take down a single demon king without the Seven Luminaries.

“Can’t you just help me out instead?”

[Still, I want to win easily without any injuries.]

“Hmph… then we just need to bring along more helpers.”

[Helpers?]

Miho nodded.

“Wait a moment. I’ll go fetch a few.”

Swish!

Soon, Miho disappeared somewhere and reappeared shortly after. And when I saw who Miho had brought, I was taken aback.

[W-What in the world…?]

“Is this enough for you?”

[…… This seems like overkill rather than just enough.]

“You said you wanted to catch it easily, right? I thought we’d be just fine like this.”

[Alright then. It’ll probably work out somehow.]

As Even Sinha watched our conversation with a dumbfounded expression, he suddenly gasped in surprise.

“M-M-Madness… how can you command such beings, Baek Woong?”

[What can I say? It just happened that way.]

“This makes me feel terribly sorry for putting you through such a troublesome task. But I’ll inform you of the location of Anatolia’s Dragon King, so go ahead and take care of it.”

[Got it.]

“Oh, but first I need to weld Oreycalcos’s arms and legs for you…”

Whirring…

Chiiiiing!

After fitting my limbs with new ones, I felt that my reaction speed and basic durability were entirely different from before. Being mechanical, it felt strangely easy to become stronger just by replacing my body. As I checked my senses, Even Sinha spoke up.

“Using just one arm’s magic is on a different level. Just be careful not to use too much magic at once.”

[Understood.]

Bang!!

Moments later, I traveled through the dimensional door opened by Miho into a dark and ominous massive cave. Even Sinha had already located and explored the enormous cave that the Dragon King resided in, so getting here was a breeze.

‘The cave of the Evil Dragon, called the worst forbidden ground of Anatolia… as expected, it’s turned into a different realm.’

All over the cave were otherworldly tentacles, along with monsters whose forms were unrecognizable. It was because the demonic power possessed by the demon king had polluted reality’s laws. If an ordinary human were to step into such a demon realm, they would immediately get contaminated by magical power and turn into a monster, or succumb to madness.

Miho seemed to sense the cave’s magical energy and took a moment to breathe before letting out a subtle smile.

“For being a king of demons and a dragon king, he possesses pretty strong magical energy. At this level, he could indeed be called a calamity for mankind.”

[You don’t seem nervous at all about it.]

“Would you be nervous?”

[Fair point.]

As I chatted with Miho, we ventured deeper into the cave. Soon, a giant chasm that seemed endless appeared before us, from which a terrifying dragon’s roar emanated.

Rooooooar –

The bone-chilling roar carried a force capable of driving most living beings straight to madness. If I’d come here with just one of the Seven Luminaries, not having reached the Absolute Realm would have left me floundering and instantly dead. While contemplating how overwhelmingly powerful this creature was, I heard the Dragon King’s inner voice resonate through the area.

[Who are you? Especially you, the silver fox… You seem to be a remarkably powerful being…]

The fact that the Dragon King was attempting to converse means he didn’t easily dismiss Miho’s aura. It made sense, seeing as Miho, with eight golden tails, wasn’t hiding her power at all.

‘She initially had enough influence to wipe out all the immortals in the Celestial Realm… That’s why Miho intended to suppress her power using the Killing Bead when staying in Nanjing… but now, she isn’t hiding her magic one bit.’

The fox goddess had already defeated the demon king Daji and absorbed her power, evolving multiple times!

That meant she had the power of Nüwa, one of the Three Sovereigns, making her an existence far beyond your typical demon king. That’s why Miho is recognized as one of the strongest among my past comrades.

Miho crossed her arms and spoke in an arrogant tone.

“It makes sense, for someone capable of building such an enormous otherworldly realm, that they’ve caused quite a ruckus in the human world. You must have taken thousands of lives and burned countless bodies, right? You attending my hand today will be a punishment from the heavens.”

Grrrraahr!

Whether angered by Miho’s provocation, the Dragon King growled.

[… How dare you… I know you’re a highly esteemed demon king, but do you dare provoke me knowing my true master is a demon god and [Ruler]?]

“Haha! If you’re afraid of just one demon god in this absurd age, how will you fight the Three Sovereigns?”

Instead of being intimidated, Miho laughed, catching the Dragon King a bit off-guard.

[What… the Three Sovereigns? Who on earth are you?]

“Hmph. Do you wish to know? Then stop hiding in the dark and show yourself.”

[… Very well…!!]

Kugugugugu!!

Khaaaaah – !!

Moments later, a giant, dark storm swirled out from the abyss, manifesting into a colossal figure. The creature’s form was so massive it seemed to stretch for dozens of meters, and even without fully unfurling its wings, it filled the heavens. Moreover, the dense magical energy permeating its body evidenced that this being, while appearing dragon-like, was undoubtedly a figure of demon king status.

A true Evil Dragon!

After exposing its hefty body, the Dragon King soared into the sky, landing on a massive pillar. Its reptilian gaze bore down on us with a murderous glint and demanded,

[Reveal your identities. Now!]

“No thanks.”

[What?!]

“I could easily crush someone like you, but what Baek Woong wants today is to eliminate the enemy comfortably without getting his hands dirty. You’ll have to defeat my subordinates before you can hear my identity.”

[Hmph… You’ve truly underestimated me. Let’s see what your subordinates can do.]

With a massive surge of malevolence, the Dragon King unleashed a roar.

[I’ll melt you all with my breath!]

Kugugugugu!

The entire cave, carved from the mountain, shook dramatically at the Dragon King’s might. Surely, showing arrogance in front of such a creature was something no human would dare.

“Do you think you can melt me?”

Miho grinned and extended one hand forward.

Treasure!

Hwanlongzhuohuan (Illusory Creation Net)

Kiiiiiing!

A silvery net flowed out from Miho’s palm. This Hwanlongzhuohuan, one of Peng Zuo’s ancient treasures, had the ability to sweep away whatever was in front of it and seal it within its palm. But the ability of the Hwanlongzhuohuan wasn’t just to absorb.

Miho swung her hand dramatically and declared,

“Come forth, Seven Stars of the Big Dipper!”

Swish –

Moments later, surrounded by divine clouds, seven celestial maidens burst forth from the Hwanlongzhuohuan and appeared in the hall. They were known to be disciples of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman in the Celestial Realm, but they weren’t particularly prominent figures there. In fact, as the spirit energy emitted by the seven maidens of the Big Dipper wasn’t that strong, the Dragon King scoffed.

“Hahaha. You’re relying on such subordinates to prance around in front of me? If that’s all you have, I’ll obliterate them immediately!!”

Boom!!

The Dragon King promptly unleashed his dark dragon breath toward us. I realized the breath contained intense acidity and richly condensed magical power, potent enough to eliminate even an ordinary immortal in one blow. It was an exceedingly vicious attack, and ordinarily, I would have been on high alert to prepare for a fight.

‘This is at least at the level of the Eight Parts of the Divine. Definitely several times stronger than a brain-type powerhouse like Gin Nara.’

But today, I decided to simply observe without any preparation. Today, there was no need to fight.

[How dare these wicked creatures.]

Flash!!

At that moment, the chair of the Seven Stars, Yu Hang, revealed her true body. In the blink of an eye, the appearance of a beautiful maiden transformed into a radiant being, emitting dazzling light from her eyes as she unleashed thunder from her palm.

Kwah-rrr!!

PFFF-!

[What?!]

The beam of thunder that erupted from Yu Hang obliterated the Dragon King’s breath and struck deeply into the membranes of its wings. This phenomenon was the result of pure strength disparity, and seeing his wings injured caused the Dragon King to flap in panic; but in the next moment, the other six maidens also returned to their true forms.

Flash!

Flash!

Flash!!

In an instant, seven radiant beings appeared! Though they wore celestial gowns, these radiant beings exuded an air of transcendence akin to beings from another realm. Recognizing that the Seven Stars were transcendent entities, the Dragon King landed in shock and shouted.

[T-the constellations!! Why are there seven constellations?!]

Yu Hang spoke in a calm tone, devoid of any emotion.

[We’ve come to assist in Miho’s hunt by the command of the Heavenly Mysterious Woman, Kim Manje. From now on, the Seven Stars shall obliterate the wicked.]

Swish!!

The celestial garments unfurl. Although they look like gowns, those were nothing more than blades of divine power capable of cutting through anything in this world. Sensing the power behind it, the Dragon King struggled.

[How could I lose like this?]

Moments later, the seven constellations of the Seven Stars charged simultaneously to attack the Dragon King. Initially, the Dragon King seemed to resist using various spells and sorceries, but once the Seven Stars began to unleash their powers, he started to falter.

Bam!

The Seven Stars simultaneously emitted divine power and surrounded the Dragon King, firing beams of light. Just like divine beings, the constellations had the ability to wield a considerable amount of divine power and could even alter the laws, making them quite formidable.

Boom!

The complex construct composed of intricate runes shattered like glass. Each beam of light pierced through every spell the Dragon King cast, its power overwhelming. As the Dragon King’s wings were shredded apart, he finally let out a scream.

[Uwaah. Save me! How could such powerful transcendents team up against me…!]

[Shut up!]

Bang!

BAM!!

Not long after, Tian Quan and Yao Guang grabbed the Dragon King’s arms, while Kai Yang and Tian Xuan sliced into his belly, and Tian Shu and Tian Ji crushed its leg bones. And to finish it off, Yu Hang delivered a colossal punch imbued with tremendous divine power, smashing the Dragon King’s head.

Kwah-BOOM!

KABOOM…

With that decisive blow from Yu Hang, the Dragon King, who had met his end, staggered momentarily before collapsing weakly. Yu Hang coldly reported in a devoid of emotion tone:

[Mission accomplished.]

[…….]

I stared at the scene, awestruck. It made sense, given that I had already seen how powerful the Seven Stars in the outer universe were. Three of them could slaughter the mountain-range level beings like it was nothing. Honestly, among the Seven Stars, there was no one weaker than the Dragon King. The Dragon King surely hadn’t expected to be attacked by cosmic-level beings stronger than himself, leading to his desperate cry.

Miho chuckled heartily.

“Oh ho ho. Isn’t it rather convenient that the Heavenly Mysterious Woman is on our side?”

[…… It is, but is it really fine to casually borrow the power of the constellations without regard for the law of cause and effect?]

“Who cares? I’m not the one accountable for the law of cause and effect; that’s Kim Manje’s responsibility.”

[…….]

Somehow, it felt like the Seven Stars shouldn’t be pulled out for such a minor fight…

As I pondered that absurdity, Miho laughed.

“Baek Woong. What do you think was the most absurd thing after receiving your obsidian?”

[What’s that?]

“That I managed to gather so much strength but ended up dying suddenly without ever being able to use any of it.”

[…….]

“Well, since life is so unpredictable, wouldn’t it be better to pursue all you can, like a reincarnator would? Ahaha.”

Miho’s words surprisingly hit the nail on the head, making me feel both ridiculous and amused.

[…… Hehe. Maybe you’re right.]

Indeed, how often had I worked hard, preparing for something only to suddenly die and never got to use the results of my hard work? Perhaps Miho was right; I had been too conservative with saving resources for the future. With life being what it is, wouldn’t it be best to freely use everything I had now?

‘Maybe I’ll just spend my strength and resources without holding back going forward…’

For now, that could be the way.

Moments later, using the absorption ability of the Hwanlongzhuohuan, Miho gathered the Dragon King’s corpse, and I returned alongside Miho to show Even Sinha the evidence of our hunt. Even Sinha seemed utterly astonished.

“Ah… no way! You killed the Dragon King in less than a moment? He terrorized the Western Continents for over a thousand years!”

[He wasn’t that strong.]

“… Are you really not overly strong?”

Even Sinha mumbled under his breath, looking quite stunned, before breaking into laughter.

“Ha ha ha. Now, as promised, I’ll strengthen your body parts using the Dragon King’s corpse! Get ready for it!”

[What do you mean strengthen? I thought the Oreycalcos alone was already enough…]

“Though you’ve changed your limbs, your torso is still the same, isn’t it?”

[Torso?]

At my question, Even Sinha grinned and replied,

“Exactly. I’ll absorb the Dragon King’s heart into the Oreycalcos and create a new torso for you.”

[A dragon’s heart… What’ll that change?]

“What’ll it change…?”

Bang, bang!

Even Sinha diligently hammered something in the workshop with a mischievous grin.

“I’ve heard you belittled my invention, calling it an Otherworldly Item.”

[It’s the truth.]

“Martial Artists can say that. But for an alchemist like me, that statement feels close to an insult.”

Then, with fiery determination, Even Sinha threw the Dragon King’s heart into the blazing furnace and declared,

“The torso I’m making this time… will be an unparalleled masterpiece that will make you forget the path of martial arts and rely on it instead! I’ll definitely give you that incredible ability!”

[…….]

Why on earth is he putting so much effort into this?

I was exasperated, but since I didn’t want to refuse a treasure, I waited half a day before receiving my new torso. Once it was fitted, I felt something strange, causing me to fidget uncomfortably due to a strange sense of dissonance.

[…… W-What is this? Is this truly a mechanical torso?]

This was a feeling I had never experienced before.

Since taking on this mechanical body, it was the most intense sense of dissonance I’d felt.

“Hehehe.”

[Stop laughing and tell me. What exactly did you do to this torso?]

“Hehehe…”

[Tell me!! What on earth……]

Seeing Even Sinha grinning weirdly, I couldn’t help but lose my temper.

[Am I seriously feeling both my Dantian and the Eight Extraordinary Vessels from this steel body!?]

It was absurd.

As ridiculous as it sounded – within this steel body, I could distinctly feel the presence of both the Dantian and the Qi channels.