전생검신 Volume 92 Chapter 07

Contract? Tsukuyomi?

“If it’s Tsukuyomi, you’re talking about the reincarnator I know… Yuso, right?”

I couldn’t quite grasp what [Brain] was saying at first, but ‘Tsukuyomi’ was definitely a name I recognized. Understandably so, as it was the real identity of [Yuso], who had completely messed up my 30th life and currently reigned as the Moon God in this world! I also had no way of forgetting that I had just gambled on donning Tsukuyomi’s mask right before the reincarnation with Al Karda.

Then, [Brain] replied.

[Correct.]

“What kind of contract did you make with that guy…?”

[A contract that transcends the Law of Cause and Effect.]

“…!”

Transcending the law of causality?!

Just hearing that felt monumental, and I couldn’t help but be astonished. [Brain] seemed to enjoy my shocked expression as it continued.

[You can do it like Tsukuyomi, you know.]

“……”

[Are you intrigued? Then, would you like to hear the details of the contract from me?]

There was a persistent air to the offer, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

‘Ever since you showed up, you’ve been toying with my mind, making me hold this clump of cells…’

Somehow, pushing away that confusion brought my senses back, but I realized if I had stood still, I would have unwittingly entered into a [contract] with an entity. And thinking about it, complying with someone’s intentions would most certainly land me in a trap.

However, since the other party was an Outer God, I couldn’t afford to provoke them carelessly, so I cautiously said.

“I’m sorry, but… I can’t just arbitrarily make a promise that I don’t understand. It’s not just my fate at stake; it’s also the fates of my companions.”

[Companions, huh. You refer to them as companions! Hahaha.]

Suddenly, [Brain] burst into laughter. I sensed a clear mockery in that laughter, and I felt a bit offended.

“What’s so funny about it?”

[After reincarnation, everything becomes tidy, yet here you are, clinging to the most tenacious and irritating ties of fate. Isn’t that utterly pointless?]

“…!”

[Of course, there are times when one strategically makes companions suited to their level during the extremely late stages. I can’t deny that. But you, alas, are accumulating foolish regrets without even knowing what actions you’re taking.]

I was taken aback by how [Brain] was simultaneously mocking my companions. More than that, it was strange how this being spoke about reincarnators as if they were an expert on the topic. Why is this [Brain] entity so interested in reincarnators?

‘Has there ever been an Outer God this fixated on reincarnators…?’

No matter how I looked at it, this was vastly different from all the indifferent Outer Gods I had encountered before.

Calming my anger, I pondered for a moment before speaking up.

“I can’t surpass you, Outer God. So I concede you might have a point. However, that doesn’t change the fact that I still can’t enter into a contract. Managing what I already have is overwhelming enough.”

[Hmm. You’ve got a good grasp on your situation, so I have no real rebuttal.]

“……”

[Then let’s talk about something else. Why do you think I want to contract with your reincarnators?]

“Uh… why is that?”

I reflexively answered, but I was genuinely curious. Why was this Outer God so intent on forming contracts with reincarnators? Having witnessed Al Karda’s overwhelming power, I painfully realized how absolute beings beyond the Great Cycle could be, making this Outer God’s fixation on reincarnators even more perplexing. Not to mention, this Outer God, [Brain], seemed to exist at a level that even the Observer treated with respect.

Then [Brain] spoke in a suddenly severe tone.

[You, little one… what do you think I am?]

“Huh?”

[I asked who I am.]

“Uh… well, you’re [Brain], right?”

[That’s right. I am [Brain]!]

Whoosh

Suddenly [Brain] began to rotate slowly, causing my mental image of the surroundings to twist and blur in a dangerous way. Would anyone consider the undulating muscles on that grayish-white cortex beautiful?

‘Oh come on… I wish I could look at something pretty and cute instead of this…’

My head was spinning.

As I wore a dazed expression like I was under some kind of mental pollution again, [Brain] continued.

[What is it that I do?]

“……? That is… I think, I guess?”

[Exactly! I think! Moreover, I am a being that imagines!]

With a commanding tone, [Brain] stretched out thin tentacles and pointed towards the void.

[To keep on imagining in this infinite chaos is the very reason for my existence! I desire to contract with you reincarnators to facilitate that imagination.]

“……What?”

What nonsense is this? Contracting to facilitate imagination?

“I’m not quite sure I understand…”

[You fool! Have you never dreamt?]

“I have…”

[When you dream, do the events you’ve experienced not appear in your dreams?]

“That’s true.”

[To dream more diversely and gain a broader imagination, I wish to obtain your lives! In return, I offer you [transcendence of causality] that cannot be gained merely through being a reincarnator. Do you now understand?]

“……”

What sort of gibberish is this…

I couldn’t make heads or tails of [Brain]’s speech. But one thing I was sure of was that I needed to tread carefully.

“So… if I enter into this contract, you’ll obtain all the lives of the reincarnators as payment?”

[Yes!]

“That’s insane! That’s no different from sacrificing my soul! That’s just too risky!”

I couldn’t believe how [Brain] was so nonchalantly proposing such a thing. Having vividly witnessed the old rulers toy with human souls after death, I figured that getting absorbed by an Outer God would bring similar suffering. No one in their right mind would enter into such contracts!

Suddenly, [Brain] retorted in a tone that seemed unjustly hurt.

[Risk? Who’s the one at risk here? I’m the one taking a massive hit by contracting with reincarnators!]

“What do you mean? Who would want to suffer endlessly under an Outer God’s absorption…?”

[Before I had even finished my sentence, [Brain] burst into laughter.]

[Laughing madly! Pain? Do you think pain exists for you reincarnators? You’re all such insignificant beings, worth less than a fleeting breath!]

“……?!”

They boldly declared with an arrogance that was palpable.

[Still not getting it? The very act of you joining me in a contract is a tremendous privilege!]

“What do you mean… what kind of unreasonable nonsense is this! Just explain it clearly!”

As I exploded in frustration, [Brain] seemed taken aback.

[What…? You didn’t understand?]

“Yes! Please explain!”

[You are merely a cog in this great universe. And a cog that gets consumed in an endless fight by all means to boot… insignificant pieces on the chessboard! Did you know how rare it is for any reincarnator to have made a contract like this with me?]

“……What does that have to do with anything? Just tell me what makes this a privilege!”

[Huh…….]

For a moment, [Brain] seemed at a loss for words, grumbling.

[Because you’re a mere 30th reincarnation, it’s no wonder we can’t communicate! Once you surpass 100 lives, it’ll make sense! Hmph. Since Al Karda seemed to take an interest, I can’t just cast you aside.]

Murmuring as if lamenting, [Brain] finally spoke.

[I might as well make an exception today, as there’s a need to let you experience my greatness!]

“Excuse me?”

[Feel for yourself what it means to transcend causality!]

With that single line, my vision suddenly went dark.

*

“Hmm.”

At last, I had become the Supreme Martial Artist (武林至尊)…!

Over a decade had passed since I founded the Heavenly Brave Alliance (天熊盟), and it had been even longer since I defeated the seven great martial artists with the world’s best martial arts to stand at the pinnacle. Sitting leisurely in the highest tier of the towering shrine symbolizing the authority of the Heavenly Brave Alliance, I gazed down at the hall below while enjoying fruit.

“Hahaha, the world lies beneath my feet!”

Little did I know my childhood dream of becoming a martial artist could be achieved so effortlessly!

I turned to Mangnyang next to me.

“Zhuge Military Commander. How are preparations for the world’s best martial arts competition coming along?”

“It’s proceeding as you commanded.”

“Ha. There’s nothing to fear in this world, so life has become exceedingly dull.”

As I spoke with confidence, Mangnyang simply smiled.

“Being bored can be good too. Living without remembering anything can be quite nice.”

*

“…?!”

W-What was that? That memory from just a moment ago?!

I was suddenly shocked by the fleeting memory that had just swept past, and upon once again gazing at the giant brain floating in front of me, I finally understood what situation I had experienced.

‘No way… I didn’t even suspect that world or think it was strange!’

If it hadn’t been for Mangnyang’s unexpected comments, I might have never returned ‘here’!

I guardedly addressed [Brain].

“What did you do to me? Did you send me to the past of the [Great Cycle], just like the reincarnation plays?”

[Did what you experienced just now happen to you before?]

“……”

Ah… no…

When I hesitated, [Brain] continued on as if amused.

[Wasn’t that world of martial arts split into realms of human, earth, and sky? And yet you transcended sky to become Baek Woong of the holy realm while the martial techniques you learned were neither of the Thunder God Lineage but the supreme secret technique of the ancient Blood Lotus Sect…?]

“……!”

What the hell?!

This isn’t possible…!

‘Out of my mind!’

Though I judged [Brain]’s words to be absurd lies, I knew better. Just a moment ago, I had indeed experienced the full 50 years of the life of [Baek Woong, the Heavenly Brave Alliance Leader]. I also recalled actually practicing the supreme secret technique known as the Everlasting Blood Sect.

But…

‘What are these realms of human, earth, and sky? And what in the world is this supreme technique of the Everlasting Blood Sect?’

I simply couldn’t believe it. I had memories of having become a martial arts master in a world where concepts like [intent] did not exist. Furthermore, the martial arts in that world operated on principles entirely different from those I applied in my current reality, sharing only the use of Qi as a common point.

“Ugh!”

As something entirely foreign was injected into my existing martial arts knowledge, I became dizzy. The intense sense of alienation forced me to yell out.

“You’re mocking me with illusions! There’s no way that world could exist!”

[You know everything you just experienced is real, right? You personally witnessed the 50 years of [Baek Woong, the Heavenly Brave Alliance Leader] and now you want to deny it?]

“……!”

[Hoohoho. I didn’t show you an illusion. I simply dipped you into the world I created.]

“What do you mean by that?”

When I asked back, [Brain] simply replied.

[I imagined the world where the Heavenly Brave Alliance exists.]

“Imagined it?”

[Correct. Unlike other Outer Gods, I have the privilege to create futures under the guise of [dreams]. And infinitely!]

“……!”

[Moreover, I am not bound by the Great Cycle you are familiar with. I am imagining and creating a world completely different from your Great Cycle, the Three Thousand Worlds (三千世界) in which you reside.]

“What… what do you mean…?”

[It should go without saying…but everything you saw just now truly existed. I could have made it a reality if you wished it to be.]

A reality?

That bizarre world of the Heavenly Brave Alliance actually existed?

I shook my head vigorously.

“No way! If you can create an entirely different world where all the laws are different, you’re basically saying you could toy with all the other Outer Gods and deities!”

[Toying with them? That’s not the concept here.]

“What the…?”

[You foolish reincarnator. Do you not know that time does not exist in this universe? Everything is predetermined, yet simultaneously ‘states’ swallowed by the Chaos of the Father persist. Thus, I am both the beginning and the end, the form of a great being who merely changed its name. That’s why I yearn for freedom but cannot attain it.]

“……?”

[Enough. Even other Outer Gods struggle to understand me; what hope do you think you have to comprehend the truths of all creation? Still, I’d better explain it in simpler terms for you… ]

Muttering in disappointment, [Brain] began to elaborate.

[The worldview of the Heavenly Brave Alliance you saw was at [some point] [somewhere] in the past. I’ve merely simplified that worldview through deals with previous reincarnators.]

“……!”

[Using your lives as material for my imagination. Countless reincarnators have lived these lives, so there’s no shortage of spectacular tales to derive from.]

Upon [Brain]’s words, I found myself baffled, unable to comprehend.

Are you telling me that the bizarre world I just felt had once existed?

Stunned, I replied.

“That’s nonsense… Even if that world existed in the past, there’s no way it could be this different from the one I live in now! From start to finish, everything is dissimilar!”

[That too seems too early for you to grasp, foolish reincarnator. What I can tell you is that the world you just saw was an existence that some reincarnator experienced.]

“…….”

[Of course, it won’t bleed over into your world, so there’s no need for worry—as long as the [book] is activated, that is… ]

“……”

[Thus, while I could easily send you to the world I created and drive you mad, that wouldn’t be any fun. Do you wish to experience your worldview as a [dream]?]

I pondered over that statement for a moment before responding.

“That seems like something Emperor Gong Sun Xuanwen would have pulled.”

[That’s not the ability of the mask. What you felt in your 28th life was the power borrowed from the Void Records. Though it’s somewhat different from the powers I use.]

“……?”

[I am a being that creates numerous worlds and dreams. Unlike merely summoning bookmarks, I am the only one who can create the essence of dreams.]

While [Brain] spoke obscurely, it felt as though it had suddenly focused its gaze on me.

After subtly observing me, [Brain] said.

[Do you get it now? I, who shall not be constrained by causality, continue to create new worlds while generating causality. If granted the privilege to transcend causality from me, you might obtain abilities beyond imagination!]

“……!”

[Are you aware of the reincarnator’s unique ability called the Cycle Law that Tsukuyomi possessed? That mighty ability is possible solely because I granted permission for it.]

Now, I felt I could finally begin to understand [Brain]’s explanation.

‘If what they say is true, then entering into a contract with the Outer God [Brain] to obtain [transcendence of causality] means… I could create absurd techniques that should be impossible due to causality!’

Naturally, from [Brain]’s perspective, proceeding with this contract was indeed a privilege. No matter how many reincarnations a reincarnator endured, as long as they were trapped within the Great Cycle, it was nearly impossible to create techniques surpassing the constraints of causality. If I were to gain unlimited causality from this so-called Outer God [Brain] and develop invincible abilities, I could become the strongest in a flash.

“……”

[You’re hesitating. That’s understandable.]

In that moment, I felt a sharp sensation as if [Brain]’s tentacles were aiming sharply in all directions.

[So… is this the kind of world you desire?]

*

[Kraaaaaah!]

Bam!

With the last light of Ain Soph Aur, the monster in front of me flickers and fades away.

With the radiant sword impaling its heart, I shouted with all my fury.

“This ends… now, Evil God!”

There’s no way it could return.

Even though it is an Evil God, this Ain Soph Aur sword was forged from the World Tree— the ultimate sword of the universe! I had even defeated all its apostles and sealed every variable, completely incinerating Le Rue, its territory! In this scenario, I drew upon all its powers for a clash and, at last, managed to land the decisive blow, successfully sealing away its limbs one by one!

Zzzt

The body of the Evil God began to vanish completely. Watching the Evil God disintegrate along with my radiant sword, I took a deep breath.

“Hah… Hah…”

Behind me stood countless companions. Each one began to regain their vitality after being released from their seals as soon as the battle concluded, and the first to dash over was Miho.

“Baek Woong! You did it!”

“Yeah, Miho!”

I embraced Miho tightly while tears streamed down my face. Companions like Yeodong-bin, the Sword Demon, Zhuge Sa, and Master of the White Lotus Sect also approached, chuckling warmly.

“To overcome the countless trials and ultimately defeat the Evil God is indeed profoundly moving.”

“You truly are a genuine hero.”

“Haha, you really did it.”

[The true Master of the White Lotus Sect… I, Dokgo Uncheon, thank you for your accomplishments… ]

While receiving their applause, I couldn’t help but smile awkwardly.

“Haha! Don’t mention it… it’s all thanks to you supporting me!”

Then female companions like Seo Mun-hye and Sagong Lin came forward and hugged me.

“Just amazing, Baek Woong.”

“If not for you, this world would have perished…”

“Whoa.”

I glanced at Miho beside me. Unexpectedly, she wore a tranquil expression and said.

“As the savior of the world, I don’t mind being aloof about it. Am I not your first?”

“Ah… Haha.”

I laughed awkwardly. While it felt a bit different from the usual Miho, the good vibes rolling around left me feeling better. At that moment, Mangnyang approached and spoke to me.

“Baek Woong. With the doom of the Evil God, all deities have bowed before you. You are now the king of humanity and will become the absolute monarch who leads everyone towards prosperity!”

“Uh, that’s right…”

“I can’t believe it ended up this way. Haha…”

Seeing Mangnyang exude happiness only deepened my own.

‘This is sheer happiness.’

For whatever reason, I was in a state of blissful accomplishment.

I wonder, was this where my story comes to an end?

Even if it is, I suppose it doesn’t matter. I genuinely couldn’t be happier than this.

After going through all that suffering, obtaining the happiness of all was more than I could have wished for.

However… something felt missing.

I looked up at the sky with hollow eyes.

‘What’s lacking?’

While struggling to comprehend this indistinct feeling, a single line cut through my thoughts.

“Could it really be over like this?”

At that moment, a cold splash of water felt like it washed over me.

I suddenly turned to look, and standing there was a creature with dark eyes. The monster grinned, as if amused by something.

[Kahaha! It’s been a while since I visited the Outer God’s dream.]

And when I caught sight of the person standing next to that creature, I couldn’t help but mutter.

“Jin… So-cheong?”

It was definitely Jin So-cheong. Holding a spear and staring fixedly at me, Jin So-cheong clear-spokenly stated.

“Did you achieve your desires, traveler?”

At her words, I glanced down at the radiant sword in my hand. The light sword, still holding the essence of Ain Soph Aur, bore immense power, as though it could slaughter even a high-ranking deity in a single strike. However, the more I looked at this radiant sword, the more I sensed that something was off, leading me to murmur.

“No… it feels like I didn’t accomplish it…”

Really… why was that?

‘Even though I grew strong enough to defeat the Evil God…’

I felt a complicated mix of emotions upon hearing Jin So-cheong’s words. This was because just the moment the word “desire” crossed my mind, one question leaped into my head.

‘Why can’t I be the Sword God?’

The supreme sword of the universe, powerful enough to take down even the Evil God.

Yet, even though this sword is formidable, it stands far from the path of becoming the Sword God. Merely obtaining it didn’t fulfill my dream.

Then, Mangnyang next to me suddenly roared.

“Back off! You have no place here!”

Jin So-cheong didn’t respond to Mangnyang’s words. Instead, she swiftly raised her spear and calmly stated.

“Happiness has no existence at the end of martial arts. In truth, you would have known it, too.”

“Happiness does not exist?”

“That’s right. Whether one is formless or not, transcending the self. In an infinite cycle, all the emotions you perceive as happiness are illusions, and it is the very illusions that constitute life. Ultimately, isn’t all of this a play among those who have transcended the cycle?”

“……”

“Can you truly sever all that binds you to the divine?”

Boom!

At that moment, I felt my entire being tremble. It was like every ounce of me was overwhelmed with enlightenment!

Yet, I still didn’t quite understand what I had grasped.

I dazedly questioned Jin So-cheong.

“Can I… become the Sword God?”

Jin So-cheong slowly adopted a posture of spear techniques.

That stance was none other than the thrusting technique.

“Martial artists must communicate through their martial arts.”

In the next instant, Jin So-cheong’s eyes sparkled, and her shout burst forth.

“I shall fulfill the promise I made to you in the past… Grand Master!”

Time-Space Breaking Thunder!

Boom!

In that instant—along with Jin So-cheong’s strike, I felt every time and space around me being cleaved asunder!

Now, Jin So-cheong was not merely cutting through all the [time] and [space] I existed in! Simultaneously, everything in the dimension where I stood began to dissolve into a misty powder, and in that remnants, Jin So-cheong, performing the thrusting technique, and the monster with dark eyes stood tall.

Woooooosh

Then, alongside the Time-Space Breaking Thunder, the scenery around me suddenly transformed into utter darkness. While I stared blankly into the void, the figure of Mangnyang began to gradually fade, leaving only a soft outline. For an instant, Mangnyang’s apparition seemed to glare fiercely at Jin So-cheong.

In a void filled with nothing—yet where I felt a sense of calm— I recalled a memory.

[Grand Master, you are the finest martial artist I have seen. Baek Woong, disciple of the Thunder God Lineage Jin So-cheong will commit myself to training henceforth!]

[Oh, yes! Good thinking!]

[One day, I shall cleave through time!]

[Oh yes! Do your best!]

…….

At that moment, it was hard for me to believe what I was hearing.

“……Is this… really you, Jin So-cheong?”

Is it possible?

If what I was considering is correct, then the Jin So-cheong in front of me right now is…!

Sssssss

Jin So-cheong and the dark-eyed monster’s forms began to slowly dissipate. Just before they vanished, the dark-eyed monster chuckled mischievously.

[Kchh-kachh. Sorry, but I don’t want to be hated by Outer Gods any longer. This is where it ends.]

“Doesn’t matter to me.”

[You’re the only one willing to sacrifice your life. I’m curious about that reincarnator… ]

It seemed that Jin So-cheong had intervened with the help of the nearby dark-eyed monster.

With a slight smile, Jin So-cheong left one final word.

“I’ll be waiting for the Grand Master.”

Unknowingly, I nodded my head.

*

“…….”

I gradually regained consciousness. When I finally came to, the form of [Brain] was visible once more, and it disdainfully remarked.

[How dare a demoted being interfere with the [dream] I created! But it was fun too.]

“…….”

[Though different from what I expected, what are your thoughts? The world I created.]

I stood there momentarily, lost in thought before I replied to [Brain].

“……So you too, Outer God, turned the Great Cycle just like Al Karda…”

[Seemingly, you dislike worlds that feel random. I attempted to envision a [future] that could apply to you.]

“…….”

[At this point, it seems like a happy ending. If you wish, using [transcendence of causality], you could enjoy a profound power and acquire a conclusion similar to the one before!]

“With my own power…?”

[You’ve come to understand what it means to have defeated an Evil God, right? It’s through tempering the World Tree and offering a mighty tribute to Ain Soph Aur that you achieved that. You could even forge such monster-like weapons that are patently impossible under the Law of Causality.]

“Hmm…”

[Now, are you considering entering into a contract with me?]

I found myself intrigued.

Having felt perpetually powerless, this offer felt like a life-saving oasis in the desert.

Truthfully, rejecting such an exceptional opportunity wouldn’t be the most rational decision.

However…

I clenched my fist and said to [Brain].

“I’m still not going to negotiate a contract.”

[What? Is it because you’re still naive about the benefits of transcending causality? Even if you were to reincarnate a thousand times…]

I stubbornly interrupted the Outer God [Brain].

“No. I’m pretty aware of how remarkable it is. Still, I have to keep my promise to return.”