전생검신 91권 02화

Zhuge Sa’s words couldn’t be brushed off lightly. Why? Because when I wore the mask of Nan Gu Xianong, my ego was completely consumed, and I had zero recollection of being ‘Baek Woong.’ I only regained my identity because Tai Gong-mang kept prying with questions. Without that, I would’ve probably lived and died thinking I was Nan Gu Xianong.

‘… If Tsukuyomi were to eat my ego, the same situation wouldn’t occur. Tai Gong-mang wanted to see my true identity so he pressed me, but Fuxi already knows the setup, so there’s really no need for him to see.’

If there’s no help from the opponent, could I really awaken my own ego?

Honestly, I had no guarantees or certainties at all.

Zhuge Sa pointed that out, reminding me that wearing Tsukuyomi’s mask was a real gamble.

“…”

But it was already spilled water. Since conventional methods wouldn’t work on Fuxi anymore, I had to do something instead of passively waiting for defeat. In other contexts, I might’ve evaded by dying, but now, given that the Outer God Pangu was blocking my past life, avoidance was impossible.

‘Let’s brace ourselves!’

With that resolution, I spoke to Zhuge Sa.

[Let’s do this! Whatever happens, I’ll take it!]

[Good determination! But there’s at least some safety net, so don’t worry.]

[Oh? So is there a way for me to reclaim my ego after being consumed by the mask?]

[… I can’t say for sure.]

Zhuge Sa then explained that ‘method’ to me, and I realized why he hesitated. Regardless, it was plausible but involved a series of risky moves. Even though Zhuge Sa is a genius strategist, it wasn’t appealing to rely solely on risky moves when everything was at stake.

‘But trusting the strategist is my role…’

Is there any way a guy who can’t trust his strategist has the right to win?

I decided to stop pondering and told Zhuge Sa.

[Don’t worry. It’ll work out!]

[Hehe… I hope so.]

[Let’s go!]

A moment later, I glared at Fuxi as I slowly reached into my pocket to pull out the mask.

Zing… Zing…

Fuxi flinched upon seeing the black-and-white Tsukuyomi mask emitting an eerie glow.

[… No… Is that the Tsukuyomi mask? Are you really planning to wear that?]

“…”

[That in itself is also an eternity of annihilation. Do you believe you can withstand the overwhelming burdens of the past life?]

Seemingly, Fuxi understood instantly what choice we had made. But I had already made up my mind, so I steeled my resolve and said.

“When a mouse is cornered, it bites the cat. You’ve shown off your strength up until now; it’s time for you to realize how painful it is when a mouse bites back!”

Fuxi genuinely looked distressed.

[Is it really necessary…? If you abandon your past life ability, I could ensure maximum happiness for you and your companions.]

“I can’t make compromises…”

[Why not? Even if you have the determination of a reborn person, is the dream of becoming a sword god worth the gamble?]

“…”

A dream, huh…

I briefly echoed that word in my mind. In truth, according to Fuxi, the goal of becoming a sword god was more a direction I had only recently decided on than a desperate ambition. I wasn’t sure if it was a dream worth wagering everything on. However, after some consideration, I replied.

“How many people out there have a clearly defined dream…? Everyone is just meandering through an uncertain present while vaguely dreaming of a future, and I can’t be all that different. I’m also still tormented by what my true desires really are…”

[…….]

“But even so… I can’t give up the chance to dream. Just like how I started thinking about the sword god dream instead of True Martial Home… I might find another dream one day. What you’re suggesting is that I forfeit all my chances.”

Fuxi’s following words jolted my heart.

[What if the destination of that dream ultimately leads to despair? You’d regret not just giving me your powers right now.]

“…”

[Not all dreams end well. Nightmares always make people regret.]

That hit a nerve. Fuxi’s words made my heart skip a beat, strengthening the feeling that such a scenario could very well come true.

But I desperately denied my intuition, slowly lifting the hand that held the mask.

“Even that regret is part of my life…!!”

Clang!!

And I wore the Tsukuyomi mask.

*

I had a very long dream.

That dream was not a beginning but an end and simply a never-ending regret.

‘Whose dream is this?’

I was walking through a hazy illusion, maintaining a faint sense of rationality. And within that fog-drenched mirage, I realized I was walking on the surface of water.

Splash…

With every step I took, round ripples spread across the water’s surface. As the ripples expanded, an unknown voice echoed in my head.

[Did I… die and come back? And did I return to the past?]

That voice sounded very unfamiliar. It was the first time I’d ever heard it.

[I see… is it because blood stained this book?]

[Starting life anew…!! Hahaha. This is really great.]

Splash…

Splash…

[Are we starting again? Then it’s the third time… Could it be that I can return to this book an unlimited number of times?]

[This time, I won’t make mistakes.]

[Faster than the last time… build up power for me.]

Splash…

Splash…

[So divine beings actually exist in this world… I can’t believe it.]

[Then, is this book created by a god?]

[… I don’t really care. I just need to get stronger.]

Splash…

[Now I can defeat at least a demon king, but…]

[…]

[My power is lacking. Those ‘Old Rulers’ are too strong.]

[I need to ask for the book’s help. I need to obtain the power that can utilize my strengths.]

[O book, let’s make a pact.]

As I continued to step forward, I halted at the voice that echoed out.

[If the number of reincarnations is important, then use that number.]

At that moment, I realized whose memory I was viewing.

Tsukuyomi.

I was witnessing the memories of the reborn Tsukuyomi.

‘So this water I stand in is Tsukuyomi’s memory…?’

I struggled to grasp my current situation rationally, but my brain was not cooperating. No wonder—I felt dazed as if I were still wandering through a dream. It felt as though I had gotten so muddled I couldn’t muster my clarity, as if I had been struck down a hundred thousand times.

‘I need to… focus… if I get swept up in this guy’s memories, I’ll disappear…’

I gritted my teeth and tried to hold on. If I couldn’t make it through here, I’d lose everything and suffer defeat.

However, soon, a pillar of water shot up in front of me, and something strange started to appear.

Swoosh!!

The entity that appeared with the column of water took shape moments later.

The instant I saw that shape, I couldn’t help but widen my eyes.

“…!!”

What the hell… where am I right now?

Just as I was lost in confusion, the being that appeared in front of me softly spoke.

[In the end, you’ve come this far… ]

“…”

[For our clan to remain as mere observers, it seems you’ve dipped your feet a little too far into the depths.]

I felt sleepy. It was like I couldn’t think rationally at all.

Overwhelmed by an incredible aura, I barely managed to utter, “Seer… why are you here…”

It was none other than the Demon King Seer.

I was wearing the Tsukuyomi mask and peering into his memories, so why the heck did he suddenly show up?!

[…….]

The Seer fell silent before finally speaking up.

[Don’t say another word. You have already entered the archive, and every action of yours is being recorded.]

“What…?”

[Please… don’t say anything more. That damned necklace… what a cruel twist of fate…]

A necklace?

As the Seer spoke with a spit, he looked at me, so I glanced down at my chest, where a dark glowing necklace had somehow appeared.

‘Ah, this is…?’

Obsidian Necklace?

The Seer stared fixedly at some empty void with fearful eyes.

Then, with an unusually heavy tone, he said.

[Don’t let him… gaze at this place any longer…]

I followed the direction the Seer’s gaze had turned.

And there, in the distance—

A gigantic white hand loomed.

*

…

Ha… haha…

Is it really possible for such a miracle to happen?

I couldn’t believe it and burst out laughing.

“Ahahaha… hahahaha!!”

Just when I thought it was all over.

I was merely despairing at the thought of going through an eternity of suffering once more in chaos.

But here I was, regaining my life like this!!

While I was laughing, Fuxi said.

[Tsukuyomi…]

I wiped the smile off my face at Fuxi’s words.

“Good to see you again, Fuxi. Truly delighted.”

[…….]

“Why do you look so sour? Haha… I’m thrilled, but it seems you’re not.”

Fuxi remained silent.

It seemed he disapproved of me taking over Baek Woong’s body.

I watched him for a moment, then showed my teeth in a grin.

“Well, technically, you broke the promise first, didn’t you? Originally, you planned to perform the summon after I subdued Baek Woong, yet you went ahead and performed it during the fight. It seems regardless of who wins, you planned to suppress the victor with Pangu’s powers.”

In response to my words, Fuxi retorted.

[You must have read my plans with your omniscient ability already. But the fact you didn’t even set any restrictions means you had something in mind to counter me.]

“Heh. Such an obvious tale…”

I chuckled as I continued.

“Fuxi, didn’t you hesitate to tell Baek Woong not to wear my mask because you were scared of facing me? I’ve already seen your play, but you still don’t know mine…”

[…….]

“Well, that’s fine. I’m feeling quite good right now, so I won’t sweat the small stuff.”

I said that and pointed at Fuxi with my index finger.

“Since I can use the calamity, I’ll definitely win.”

How many calamities can I use?

I pondered for a moment.

‘Baek Woong said he reincarnated thirty times.’

The Third Calamity needs twenty-seven reincarnations, so that fits perfectly. Of course, even if Baek Woong’s reincarnation count is insufficient, I could still utilize the power of the Fourth Calamity if I wanted. The advantage of the reincarnation technique I developed is the ability to tap into realms not normally accessible based on one’s capacity!

As I thought that, I focused my mind to bring forth the reincarnation technique.

Then I was taken aback.

‘…?!’

What’s this?

Why are all boundaries of the reincarnation technique opened up to the Twelfth Calamity?

‘This doesn’t make sense. I haven’t even reached the Twelfth Calamity…’

Did that Baek Woong trick me? Claiming he reincarnated thirty times, but in reality, he has multiplied that number?!

… No, my reincarnation count is over three thousand. Yet, I still haven’t achieved the Twelfth Calamity, because it required an immense amount of merit that was basically impossible.

“…”

Hmm, let’s not think too deeply… For now, should I knock down the Three Sovereigns right in front of me?

‘Let’s go for the Third Calamity as initially planned.’

Reincarnation Art

Third Calamity

Celestial Seal!

In the next moment, the power of the Third Calamity shot out from my index finger like a beam of light directly attacking Fuxi. And it felt as if Nüwa, standing beside him, used divine energy to conjure a protective barrier to shield Fuxi.

‘Heh.’

Nüwa’s attempts seemed laughable to me, and sure enough, just as I predicted, the moment the Celestial Seal collided with Nüwa’s barrier, she staggered.

[Guuh!!]

Crackle

Suddenly, magical patterns formed all over Nüwa’s body, and smoke began escaping from her divine form. Seeing this, Fuxi murmured.

[It’s a spell that ignores defenses and gnaws at the source of divine power. Quite tenacious and wicked…]

As expected, Fuxi had instantly grasped the true essence of my reincarnation technique. It was indeed true he is the strongest being in this universe.

Of course, that didn’t mean much in front of me.

“Can you undo it? I’d love to see the deep bond between siblings.”

[No need for that. Nüwa isn’t someone I should worry about.]

“Huh?”

Gulp… gulp…

Pow!!

In the next moment, Nüwa’s entire being suddenly morphed and she burst out from her own disguise. With the Celestial Seal’s magic spell negated in whole, I couldn’t help but be astonished.

“Oh, so this is something you can do. Truly the Three Sovereigns.”

[…….]

“You seem to have something on your mind; feel free to express it.”

[You’ve got a really annoying tone… ]

Even though I spoke politely, Fuxi snapped back angrily.

Then he said.

[What you’ve been saying is odd, Tsukuyomi.]

“What’s odd?”

[Baek Woong gathered a lot of information regarding us during his thirty reincarnations. Yet, considering you’ve reincarnated more than him by several folds, you act as if you’re seeing Nüwa’s techniques for the first time.]

“…”

[It was strange even when you were Tsukuyomi with a divine status. Instead of knowing everything about us, it seemed that you only relied on your omniscience. Could it be that you…?]

Heh… Fuxi really is sharp.

To realize that much from such a brief exchange?

But that wouldn’t change anything…

I thought to myself.

“That’s right, Fuxi. You’re absolutely correct.”

I smiled broadly, expressing what I considered a given.

“When I reincarnated, there were no Three Sovereigns around. What in the world are you?”

“`

 

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