전생검신 Volume 90, Chapter 13

Yuso was definitely right. Though she had a bit more of an androgynous appearance than a typical woman, her stunning features were unmistakable.

‘No way, that’s just impossible.’

I had confirmed that Yuso wasn’t in the Takrok Era and had instead moved to another era, and I had even predicted that she would appear before me as a foe using her omniscience one day. But to think that Tsukuyomi could actually be Yuso? That was something I never saw coming.

[How can a mere human become the divine Tsukuyomi?]

That was my biggest question!

Becoming a god, let alone a powerful one called a divine substitute, wasn’t something easy. Just joining the ranks of gods was already a matter of fierce competition, with all sorts of demon lords hanging around. Even if you became a divine being, the ranks varied significantly, requiring tremendous time and efforts just to step up. So how could a mere human like Yuso become the divine Tsukuyomi?

Then Yuso—no, Tsukuyomi spoke.

“Is that really so strange? I possess omniscience, so I ‘knew’ how to become a divine substitute. It was that simple.”

[…….]

“Honestly, you should know the method too. Simply claim the divine seat and obtain the divine body and powers. It’s just the process that’s a hassle; the principle is extremely simple.”

Tsukuyomi said it as if it were no big deal. Seeing that made me feel a strange dissonance.

‘…Something’s different.’

It was indeed Yuso’s personality from the past, but there was a subtle difference.

Wait, is this really the Yuso I knew standing right in front of me?

I needed to talk a bit more to figure things out.

I looked at Tsukuyomi and said.

[You’re Yuso… that’s just absurd.]

“Why?”

[Tsukuyomi has existed since the distant ancient times as one of the Three Divine Characters of Dongyoung. The Three Divine Characters existed billions of years before humanity, how can you be one of them? Even if you crossed time from the Takrok Era, it doesn’t make sense!]

My questions were perfectly reasonable.

Amaterasu, Susanoo, Tsukuyomi.

These three great gods of Dongyoung had separated from Izanagi and had been in existence for billions of years. Even if the Takrok Era was considered ancient, it was still modern in comparison to the birth of the Three Divine Characters. So logically, Yuso crossing into the future of the [Great Cycle] to become Tsukuyomi was just nonsensical.

‘Of course, it never crossed my mind that Yuso could be Tsukuyomi…’

How could this guy, defying all logic, actually be Tsukuyomi?

Could it be that Tsukuyomi was deceiving me while pretending to be Yuso?

As I glared at Tsukuyomi, they faced me and replied.

“Baek Woong, are you really that curious about such trivial things?”

[What?]

“I abandoned even the power of omniscience and plunged into chaos. All to settle the score with you.”

Swish.

With a chilling aura emanating from both hands, Tsukuyomi raised a white orb in one hand and a black orb in the other. When I glanced with unease at the energies contained within those orbs, I felt momentarily dizzy.

‘What, what on earth is that…?’

What lay within wasn’t divine power.

Something… [other].

Tsukuyomi said with a chillingly calm voice.

“A fight between [us] will inevitably become a mudslinging match devoid of loyalty and justice. There’s no longer any reason to consider causes and consequences. If you’re too ignorant to realize that, then there’s no need to waste words.”

[……!!]

In that moment, I understood what Tsukuyomi was trying to say.

‘Right… That bastard has come here, betting everything like me!’

The one who survives this fight will gain everything, while the one who loses will lose it all.

In such a situation, ‘why’ we are fighting is no longer important. In fact, questioning it could be the most foolish thing to do.

All the savage experiences I’ve had until now!

But I still couldn’t wrap my head around it and grit my teeth in frustration.

[Damn it!! So why not know more! The one who survives has to remember the fallen!]

“……”

At my words, Tsukuyomi hesitated, stopping mid-attack. The reaction of surprise on their face was quite evident.

“Remember? Why do you think that?”

[Because it’s not over!!]

I shouted out, trusting my instincts.

[Even if you defeat me, or I defeat you, nothing will end! No matter who orchestrated this, I’ll need anything to settle it with the one who will exist last!]

“……”

[If you really want to settle it, tell me your identity! You must already know who I am with your omniscience anyway.]

“What if I don’t want to tell you?”

[Do as you please! It’s your choice anyways. But if by any chance I win, you’ll regret it.]

The reason for the regret is simple.

In the end, the only thing a loser can leave behind is memories.

After my words, Tsukuyomi fell into a deep silence. Then suddenly, they burst into laughter ringing out melodiously.

“Hahaha… By what you’re saying, it seems you’ve been to the true gate existing in the abyss. Can you really do that at the 30th cycle? Truly, you are an oddly swift being.”

[……]

“Alright. Even though it’s not in my nature to ramble about explanations now that everything is settled, I’ll share some details about myself.”

After that, Tsukuyomi slowly continued.

“I mentioned it back in Takrok Village, right? You would soon face a significant choice, and depending on your will to connect or not connect the cause and effect, you’ll see how my fate changes…”

I recalled Tsukuyomi’s words from when I first met Yuso in Takrok Village. I definitely remembered what Yuso said, so I glared at Tsukuyomi.

[You said that. What about it?]

“At that time, I asked another question. Why would a prophet predict their own past…”

[……]

“I’ll ask again. Why does a prophet predict their own past?”

Hearing Tsukuyomi’s question again, after countless years from Takrok, I felt a rush of emotions. In fact, to me, it felt like it happened a mere few hundred years ago.

‘Hmm… What is it… I’ve never thought deeply about it…’

I figured Yuso was just showing off, so I hadn’t thought much of it. But with Tsukuyomi—now Yuso—posing the question again, it was clear that there had to be some significant meaning behind it. I pondered deeply, trying to unravel Tsukuyomi’s statement based on my past experiences.

Why does a prophet predict their own past?

‘Maybe it’s because it benefits the prophet?’

Here, the prophet is Yuso and Tsukuyomi. That guy must have been talking about himself under the guise of someone else’s narrative.

If so, the reason Yuso, as Tsukuyomi, predicted the past was…

[……]

Ah damn… This is too difficult… I have no idea…

I couldn’t find my way through Tsukuyomi’s words. In fact, it was already a difficult riddle I couldn’t solve back then, so there was no way I could resolve it now!

[I have no idea…!]

When I honestly admitted that, Tsukuyomi smirked and lifted the black and white orbs they were holding.

“Really? You spoke with such confidence, yet now you seem so dull… then die.”

[Wait…!!]

No, this isn’t happening!!

I thought today might go smoothly, but suddenly why is everything falling apart?!

“Goodbye, Baek Woong.”

Just as I was about to say something, Tsukuyomi was already launching their attack.

Circular Reincarnation Technique

Yin-Yang Dual Divine Seat

Flash…!!

As the black and white orbs merged and emitted a blinding flash, I could feel chaos within this chaotic space abruptly vanquishing, revealing enormous explosive heat spreading through the space like ink. The speed appeared slow, but as it engulfed the endless chaos and rushed toward me, I realized how tremendous its power was.

‘What… kind of attack is this?’

This was a martial arts technique I had never seen even once in all my reincarnations!

Could there really be techniques usable even amidst the chaos of the Outer Universe?!

[Urgh.]

Just as I was agog, the energy from the Yin-Yang Dual Divine Seat surrounded me. Gripped by an overpowering force, my limbs found themselves utterly immobilized as gray energy began to disassemble my body, slowly revealing the sensation of my mechanical form catching fire.

Tzuiiiing

Is this… it?

If I die here, can I be reborn? No… when I fought Nailatop, I was equally terrified of dying in this chaotic realm! What happens when you die here for real?!

Could it be that all of this was calculated, leading me here?

As I neared death, my mind raced at a tremendous speed. Suddenly, fragments of my past memories flashed through my mind.

[If there’s someone who foresees everything, is it the same as acting after hearing from them, or acting after hearing the future…?]

[Is it truly the same…?]

[In the end, didn’t I foresaw the future because I was personally the prophet? Isn’t there a contradiction in the future that the prophet has interfered with? And don’t you think that the future changed by the prophet’s interference wouldn’t show a difference from the original?]

In that moment, a familiar voice echoed in my head.

[The observation comes to an end here.]

Flash!!

Once again, a flash expanded before my eyes, and the grey energy that had been scorching my body abruptly vanished. Yet, I found myself staggering with a headache, only to spot a familiar figure standing before me.

‘Huh?’

No way… could it be that guy…?

‘I can’t believe this!!’

How can this be real?!

As I stood dazed, the newly emerged figure in the chamber turned to Tsukuyomi with astonishment.

“This possibility wasn’t predicted by omniscience… How could you come to this place?”

At Tsukuyomi’s question, the figure grinned wickedly in response.

“Kuh kuh… I utilized Amaterasu’s light and Susanoo’s shadow to completely disassemble the divine powers, but the principle ultimately touches upon the soul. I merely used the energy of the Soul of the Evil God within Baek Woong to nullify your techniques with the Soul Exchange Technique.”

“Oh, I see. However, judging by how you were flung away, it seems that it’s not a method you can use twice.”

He shrugged as if to say whatever.

“Is there even a need to use it twice? You’re going to end here.”

“……”

The figure’s words caused Tsukuyomi to frown in displeasure. It makes sense since Tsukuyomi was a divine substitute, and here was just a mere human downplaying them.

The figure glanced back at me, giggling.

“You did well, Baek Woong. It’s a pity that you couldn’t uncover Yuso’s treachery on your own, but given how sly it was, there’s not much you could do.”

Surprised by the unexpected appearance of this being, I managed to stammer out.

[How, how did you…?! Are we in a [dream] again like the 28th cycle?]

In response, Zhuge Sa merely laughed.

“Foolish boy. That cunning bastard wouldn’t leave you with any chance to shine, would he? He dragged you into this chaotic realm on purpose instead of a [dream] since you’d hold an advantage there.”

[Oh. So you really…!]

Unintentionally, my eyes glimmered with realization.

[Zhuge Sa!! You’re back!!]

Indeed.

Zhuge Sa appeared here in his living form!

He chuckled and said, “The expression ‘back’ isn’t quite accurate. After losing my physical body, I’ve been living off of your soul for quite a while.”

[Oh? So, what about all the things that happened…?]

“I’ve been watching everything through you. So there’s no need to explain the current situation.”

[…….]

How ridiculous. To think Zhuge Sa was recovering all along while pretending to be in a state of ‘rest’!

At that moment, I remembered something Zhuge Yulong said before.

[There are two interpretations. One is to allow you to act freely, gathering all the uncertain variables while simultaneously keeping an eye on whether you are the true Baek Woong. The other is to seek your growth alongside you.]

I hadn’t thought deeply about Zhuge Yulong’s words back then, but it turns out he was right all along.

Back when I spoke with Zhuge Yulong, Zhuge Sa must have already been conscious and watching over everything!

[Hey… if you’re alive, just tell me you’re alive!]

I exclaimed in disbelief, and Zhuge Sa chuckled.

“Ku ku… Knowing that Yuso, aka Tsukuyomi, blatantly exists made it impossible for me to show myself. I prepared to hide until the very end, even if you died and were reborn.”

[What?! Why would you…!]

“An omniscient figure can read every conceivable situation in the world. The moment I show a desire to help you by manifesting, that very intention is reflected in the future, and it would be read. So I chose to remain an observer until now. If I didn’t truly hold that belief, I would’ve been predicted by omniscience.”

[……!!]

“But this Outer Universe’s chaos is different. In this space where his omniscience is sealed, this is the only time I can appear.”

[So that’s how it is…!!]

I finally grasped the reason for Zhuge Sa’s prolonged concealment. He was already aware that all would be read by an omniscient figure! It was only now that it was possible for him to reveal himself as omniscience became useless!

Zhuge Sa watched me with a mysterious gaze.

“Even so, you’re quite something. Although I helped you from the unconscious state, to think you would get this far in unraveling omniscience… ku ku.”

[Hmm…!!]

“Since you’ve come this far, I’ll do my duty as your strategist.”

As I sighed in resignation, Zhuge Sa suddenly turned his gaze toward Tsukuyomi and said bluntly.

“Tsukuyomi, I’ll give you the answer to your riddle instead of Baek Woong.”

“Oh? You claim to know the answer?”

Tsukuyomi showed unexpected interest, and Zhuge Sa grinned, delivering a shocking line.

“The reason a prophet predicts the past is that it’s actually not their real past.”

Suddenly, Tsukuyomi flinched. The expression of surprise was impossible to conceal.

“Can a mere human truly grasp the essence of omniscience?”

“Indeed.”

Zhuge Sa said with an evil grin.

“By predicting a past unrelated to oneself, one becomes incorporated into the realm of omniscience. And by changing the past, the future and present are unwittingly adjusted. That is the true essence of your omniscience…”

At Zhuge Sa’s resolute declaration, I was stunned.

“So the god Tsukuyomi doesn’t truly exist. You’ve abused omniscience to occupy the empty position of Tsukuyomi!”

[……?!]

Wha, what?!

Tsukuyomi doesn’t exist?!

That just sounds ridiculous…

I was about to protest, thinking Zhuge Sa was talking nonsense, but at that moment, Tsukuyomi burst into bright laughter.

“Haha. Looks like you’ve caught on rather late. If Baek Woong figured that out during the Takrok era, I wouldn’t even be here now.”

[……!!]

My fists clenched tightly as I trembled with rage.

‘Is… is this really true?’

Could Zhuge Sa’s words actually be true?

Such nonsense…

While I stood there in disbelief, Zhuge Sa looked at me calmly and said.

“Baek Woong, what do you think omniscience is?”

[It’s the ability to know everything…]

“It is not merely that. Simply knowing everything cannot indiscriminately change reality. Even if you gain immense knowledge during your reincarnation, without the power and ability, there are limits to change reality, correct?”

[That’s true.]

“Another hidden function of omniscience… is to ‘change reality according to one’s own predictions.’”

[……?!]

Wha, what?!

I cried out in disbelief.

[How could such a thing exist? If you merely know things, how can reality be changed?]

“Do you remember Yuso’s words? The one about whether a future altered by a prophet’s interference truly aligns with the original…”

[…Ah. I think I remember that.]

Recalling that triggered a moment of understanding. Zhuge Sa, not shifting his gaze from Tsukuyomi, continued.

“His omniscience allows him to foresee the future, which he can directly interfere with. By intervening, he links to entirely different realms unrelated to his original ‘great cycle’, thus leading to the desired future.”

[……!!]

In that moment, a thought lit up inside my mind, and I hurriedly spoke to Zhuge Sa.

[So, was Master Mangnyang helping me because… ?]

“Correct. The omniscient Yuso hurriedly intertwining the threads of fate between the future and the Takrok Era led to the creation of herself as the divine substitute Tsukuyomi. Consequently, the moment she disappeared from the Takrok Era, she acquired Tsukuyomi’s power. Due to the distortion in cause and effect, Master Mangnyang granted you the right to link fate between Takrok and reality.”

[……]

“You were used as a medium for Yuso to transcend the [Great Cycle] from the very beginning.”

To think such a thing existed…

Was that guy’s omniscience capable of reaching beyond the [great cycle] and distorting reality?

Stunned by Zhuge Sa’s explanation, I suddenly noticed a flaw in the logic and spoke.

[Hold on… even so, Tsukuyomi was a divine status that existed since ancient times. No matter how you warp reality, can she really take that place?]

“Baek Woong, do you remember what you heard from Susanoo? Tsukuyomi is bound to [someone], rarely existing anywhere in this universe and only manifesting using the power of dreams.”

[……Right, I remember that.]

“That ‘someone’… is Yuso.”

[Huh? Does that mean…?!]

As Zhuge Sa continued, I fell into a daze.

“Yuso’s existence in dreams is Tsukuyomi, and within Tsukuyomi, Yuso resides. It seems this was possible because Tsukuyomi has been a creature of the [dream] from the beginning.”

[…… A god is a [dream] being? How could something like that be possible?]

“Are you not seeing it with your own eyes?”

Zhuge Sa directed a sharp glance at Tsukuyomi.

“A being manipulating the world under the name of the Moon God…”

Just as Zhuge Sa finished speaking, Tsukuyomi stayed silent for a while.

Then, with a sly smile, they said.

“Zhuge Sa. I can’t believe you figured that much out without knowing the secrets of Izanagi no Mikoto… you’re unbelievable for a mere human.”