전생검신 92권 06화

I had come to realize that my match against Al Karda had entered its mid-game phase. The essential formations were set, and the shape of a large house was established. In other words, for an expert, it meant that the win or loss on the board was somewhat visible at this point.

‘I don’t get it.’

Even while staring intensely at the Go board, I couldn’t quite grasp it. I knew I was in a disadvantageous position, but I couldn’t determine how significant that disadvantage was.

‘The battle in the center… is unreadable.’

The stakes at the corners were very precise and mechanical. While getting to that point was challenging, the answers were likely already predetermined. However, I had no way of anticipating the steps leading to the central area that had yet to be filled. The possibilities for reaching a conclusion were simply too numerous to predict.

In that sense, my next move was incredibly crucial. I had realized during my game with Ha Eun-cheon that there exists a stage in Go where no matter how big the skill gap is, a reversal is not possible once a certain step has been passed. If I didn’t take action now, while we were still in this mid-game phase, a situation would soon arise where winning was absolutely impossible.

‘But it’s entirely plausible for a novice to recklessly create variables and end up with an even worse defeat…’

This didn’t just apply to Go; it was a principle that applied to all of life, even martial arts. For a novice to beat an expert, they often had to push it too far, but that recklessness usually led to a more miserable defeat. So what should I do?

‘Find the pulse… I have to find the pulse.’

The pulse of Go aligned with the ‘flow’ of martial arts.

Ultimately, it’s about finding the ‘grounds on which you can win’ and doing what you need to do ‘without wasting’ any efforts!

To read the pulse is to perceive that rational process and outcome.

With a fierce gaze

I opened my eyes wide and stared intently at the Go board. Then, I realized one crucial fact.

‘I can create a variable. Let’s go with this!’

Clack!

I boldly made three decisive moves. Al Karda, who calmly accepted my move, quietly uttered,

“It’s a ko.”

Clack

I captured one of Al Karda’s stones by placing my stone on the board and responded.

“Yes. It’s a ko.”

A ko occurs in Go when each player can capture the other’s stones indefinitely. Since it’s not possible to continue capturing beyond a certain point, you either leave it as is or make a move elsewhere to compel your opponent to respond, allowing you to then reclaim your stone in the next turn.

Typically, a ko doesn’t hold much significance. A few points in the entirety of the game won’t drastically change the flow, and often it’s better to forego it to gain advantages in larger areas. Thus, ko is frequently used towards the end when tidying up minor territories.

However, sometimes a ko plays a critical role at pivotal moments.

‘And that’s exactly now.’

The three moves I just made and this ko—this decision could determine the fate of stones worth over 15 points. Literally, a colossal ko that could decide life and death in the game! Winning or losing this ko would likely determine the overall outcome of the game.

Al Karda, who was silently observing my moves, finally spoke.

“This is a gamble of all or nothing. Have you accurately read the situation?”

“If I knew that, would I have been trailing this long?”

“Then what is it?”

“I just felt that if it gets too late, there won’t even be an opportunity to make a gamble. That’s all.”

“……”

Clatter….

Al Karda fiddled with the stones in the Go bowl and muttered,

“Are you saying you complete knowledge through ignorance? Are you implying that the non-self completes the self in front of our Outer God Observer…?”

Then, he suddenly smirked.

“Truly, you are the most rebellious among rebels in the entire universe.”

“Eh?”

What does that even mean?

I hadn’t thought that deeply before!

With a puzzled expression, I blinked at Al Karda, who continued to mess with the stones before slowly making his move.

“This time, I’ll show you how spicy it can be.”

“Wait? No…”

Smack

As I panicked, Al Karda’s grave voice echoed alongside the sound of his move.

“Remember, nothing has begun yet, and nothing has ended…”

*

“……”

Hmm… What moment am I in now?

I opened my eyes and slowly got up from my seat. I needed to figure out where I was.

And as soon as I opened my eyes, I was left agape.

“…… Huh?”

Everything was pure white. No, everything was distorted in this chaos.

In this chaotic stew, which could be described as having nothing or, conversely, everything, I felt a sense of déjà vu.

What on earth is this situation?

‘This… This place isn’t the material world…’

Could it be….

Could it be….

No, it can’t be…

And while I was engulfed in shock and fear, I felt my whole body’s nerves twisting, distorting my sense of direction and essence.

Buzz buzz buzz

I couldn’t even scream. The instincts of all living beings dismantled, and I felt a terrifying sensation as chaos seized everything in this space. I was so panicked by this dreadful feeling that I never expected to feel again that I eventually managed to calm down and adapt to the surroundings.

“Hah… Hah… Hah!”

This is insane…

Once I recognized where I was, my mind felt blank.

‘Y… The realm of reincarnation…!’

The absolute chaos space you traverse before going beyond the universe! A place so indescribably horrific that even an entity like Nailatop had to watch their step! Just being here for a short time made me feel as if I might die, twisting my stomach in knots.

“This is absurd… Why am I even here…”

In a way, I was beyond the world!

I never imagined I’d end up here while undergoing reincarnation.

Whoooo

From a distance, a smoky mist drifted by, and beyond it, a silhouette emerged. As soon as I saw that ominous shape of an indescribable monster, I gulped hard.

Is there really a chance to discover ‘something’ in the realm of reincarnation?

What am I even seeing right now?

As I nervously observed the silhouette, it began to slowly approach me. I was transfixed, unsure how to escape, just blankly watching it come closer.

Soon, the cloud-like energy faded, revealing the outline of the silhouette, and its true form became visible to the naked eye.

The moment I laid eyes on its true form, I was frozen in shock.

“……!”

A brain?!

It was a colossal brain! The size of that brain seemed as enormous as Fuxi’s true form from the past, so immense that I could barely fathom it in my line of sight. And the way that brain pulsated with its complex cellular mass left me feeling completely overwhelmed.

Buzz buzz

‘I’m going to lose it… Ugh…’

I couldn’t comprehend it. I had seen countless horrifying entities, but I hadn’t encountered anything that could drive me so close to madness. Yet the moment I looked at that brain, I felt my sanity wane as if it was being contaminated in real-time. This wasn’t just about its presence; that brain itself radiated an immeasurable sense of rejection.

After a moment, the [brain], which had come closer, spoke to me as if it wanted to convey something.

[Are you a Reborn Person? I sense the scent of the one who made a contract with me. What’s the deal?]

“……”

[It doesn’t matter. Let’s make a contract, you and I.]

Bam

Out of nowhere, the [brain] forcefully pushed forth an unsettling mass of cells as if it were a matter of fact. That writhing, eye-studded mass looked revolting, and against my better judgment, I found myself placing it on both my hands.

“Yikes!”

This isn’t good!

Suddenly regaining my senses, I panicked and hurled the mass away.

“How disgusting!”

[……]

Upon that, the [brain] looked at me, seemingly in disbelief. Then it uttered,

[How could this be! Who are you? A novice Reborn Person defeated the power of my being?]

I hastily rubbed my hands on my pants and spoke.

“W-Who are you exactly?!”

[You can talk back?]

Taken aback, the [brain] continued after a moment.

[I am a brain!]

“……”

Well, I can see that…

I couldn’t help but feel incredulous.

“I get that you’re a brain… but whose brain are you?”

[The creator of all! I am its brain.]

“……?!”

[Now it’s your turn to speak. Who are you?]

I looked at the mysterious [brain] and cautiously responded.

“I’m Baek Woong. If you don’t need me, please let me go…”

[…… Baek Woong?]

At the mention of my name, the [brain]’s reaction changed abruptly.

It suddenly burst into laughter.

[Hahaha… Hahaha! Now I realize, you are that guy!]

“Eh?”

[Al Karda sent me a delightful gift.]

Just then, as the brain was speaking some nonsensical words,

[So you were here!]

Bam

Another presence suddenly materialized in the midst.

It was [an eye].

I recognized that being all too well and let out a low hiss.

“[Observer]…!”

That eye-like entity was undoubtedly the Outer God Observer! I couldn’t forget the horrific experience I had when I met it previously. I had even worked hard to avoid it, fearing what might happen if I crossed paths with it in other moments beyond the universe.

To my surprise, the Observer didn’t even glance at me and spoke to the [brain].

[The cause and effect of the Great Journey are entangled… Do not involve this person and just pass by.]

Unexpectedly, the Observer spoke to the [brain] in respectful terms. Upon hearing the Observer’s words, the [brain] replied with a somewhat arrogant tone.

[Hey, [Eye]! If everything is going to be integrated into one flow at the end of infinite chaos, does it even matter?]

[You should know that even that is what the Librarian desires… ]

[A being that tricks while being tricked… We always harbor thirst for meaning while loathing returning to the cycle. However, I am a being with no such possibilities. It seems the Librarian is working hard for his master, so I suppose I should play along.]

[……]

The Observer spoke somewhat reluctantly.

[Do as you wish… Great Being!]

Bam

The Observer suddenly vanished as quickly as it had appeared. I stared in shock, unable to comprehend.

‘What on earth is that brain’s identity?!’

That all-powerful Outer God Observer using respectful language!

Moreover, treating it as if it’s untouchable!

What on earth is that terrifying brain floating in chaos?

After a moment, the brain addressed me.

[You said Baek Woong, Reborn Person.]

“…… Yes. Could you be an Outer God too?”

I carefully inquired, to which the brain responded nonchalantly.

[By your standards, I could be termed an Outer God.]

“Does that mean you might not be one…?”

[As I said earlier, I am a brain!]

“……”

[Whatever you call me, I will always be a brain.]

Why is it so obsessed with being a brain?

Curious, I cautiously proposed.

“Ah… Alright. Then can I just call you Brain-sama?”

[Call me whatever you like.]

“Brain-sama. So, may I take my leave now?”

I had an instinct that there was nothing beneficial in becoming entangled. At the same time, I sensed this was something nobody could control.

However, the brain seemed to be enjoying itself as it said,

[No. You, like Tsukuyomi, should make a contract with me.]