전생검신 Volume 92 Chapter 09

When I regained consciousness, I immediately sensed that the scenery around me was completely bizarre.

‘Hmmm…? What is this place?’

I’ve encountered plenty of strange timelines before, but this felt distinctly different. It wasn’t the chaotic mess of the [Cycle of Reincarnation], nor was it the usual place I was familiar with. As I glanced around and quickly realized where I was, I muttered to myself.

“Ark…?”

This was the Yi Seong-gye Ark!

Yes, I was standing in the corridor of the Yi Seong-gye Ark, made from advanced future technology. The corridor was strange, crafted entirely from unidentifiable metal, and I was right in the center of it.

Bzzz Bzzz

Flashing red lights were twinkling everywhere, accompanied by an incessant warning sound.

Rumbling!

Simultaneously, a massive external vibration surged through me! I looked out the window of the ark and finally grasped the situation.

“…!”

It was a sign that the World Tree was about to collapse!

The World Tree trembled, and a thunderous echo resonated as if the sky itself were about to fall. Standing in this chaotic moment, I tried to piece together my memories and realized what time it was.

“The 29th life… It’s the end!”

29th life!

In this penultimate 30th life, I had gathered allies like the Zhuge Clan and Asura, along with the Subjugation Squad, to challenge the World Tree. I recalled that this ark, originally called Yi Seong-gye Ark, was created during the Era of the Masters of the Twelve Joules, harnessing the wonders of the National Seal and various powerful artifacts to operate.

“…”

I had no fond memories of this life. I had tried this and that, but it all culminated in a rather unfortunate end. Still, I brushed away those thoughts and focused.

‘…For now, let’s meet with the Zhuge Clan!’

This situation was undoubtedly during the moment when everyone boarded the ark in a frantic bid to escape the collapsing World Tree. I likely intended to meet with the Zhuge Clan in the control room. With my memories stirring, I made my way with purpose.

Bzzz

As the automatic doors slid open, I could see the Zhuge Clan already there, apparently having arrived before me, staring intently at the control room’s screen. She glanced at me and said,

“Hey, you made it, Baek Woong.”

“…”

Seeing the Zhuge Clan again was a surreal experience. In my 30th life, Zhuge had fought alongside me against Fuxi, but in this 29th life, she was in an entirely different circumstance.

“What’s going on?”

Lost in thought, I gazed at the Zhuge Clan and asked, “Zhuge, our current situation is… We’re trying to rescue Seo Mun-hye who was captured in the Evil God’s Sacred Ground, while Jeogok fell to the Hat Warrior, and now the World Tree is on the verge of collapse?”

Boom!

The outside world erupted with another loud vibration, and I glimpsed a massive branch of the World Tree breaking away from the ark. Zhuge replied with a hint of skepticism, “Is now really the time to sort out the situation with the World Tree collapsing? Although I suppose calmness is crucial amidst a crisis. So you really think we have a problem?”

“…Also, the Subjugation Squad, including you, came here to defeat the Nine Lotus Sect in the Western Regions under Jeon Wook’s command. You also fought against the Evil God’s priest during that time…”

“Right. What’s your point?”

As I heard Zhuge’s words, I confirmed that we truly were at the end of the 29th life with a heavy sigh.

“Zhuge, unbelievable as it sounds, I am in a reincarnation state.”

“A reincarnation state?”

“…Yeah. I’m currently playing Go with the Outer God. And I’m Baek Woong from the 30th life.”

“…”

Zhuge looked at me with a stunned expression, and for a moment, a flicker of dark light crossed her eyes as she began to chant a magic spell, her gaze intensifying.

“…?! What in the world is going on?”

Even the Zhuge Clan, renowned for their intellect, must find this bizarre twist disconcerting.

Just when I thought everything had gone awry and I had to urgently retreat from our failed plan, suddenly transforming into my future self during my game with the Outer God—what a ridiculous situation!

But being Zhuge, she quickly collected her thoughts and replied.

“Baek Woong, using the Soul Exchange Technique bound to the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique, I have managed to ascertain the situation. However, for some reason, I only have vague memories due to a thick barrier, and I can’t grasp the details of your current memories. I don’t know how you fared in your 30th life or why you’ve become this reincarnation state.”

“Hmm.”

“It’s likely the Outer God did this deliberately… Thus, I am unaware of future developments. What should we do now, Baek Woong?”

I nodded at Zhuge’s question and replied, “The spirit controlling this ark, the National Seal, is already under the control of the Evil God. No matter what orders I give, they won’t obey, and the ark will soon crash.”

“Is that so? That’s quite valuable information.”

Zhuge’s eyes sparkled with a sinister glimmer.

“In that case, Baek Woong, use the Soul Exchange Technique to eliminate the spirit of the National Seal. I’ll assist you!”

Chzzzz!

The Soul Exchange Technique

With his hands on the control panel, Zhuge suddenly unleashed a torrent of magical power. At the same time, the energy that had gathered in his hands reverberated through the control room, and with a crackle, I saw a bluish spirit materialize before me.

[Aaaahhhh!]

The spirit shrieked as if it were being torn apart! Instinctively realizing this was the spirit of the National Seal, I dove right into it, thrusting my hand deep within and shouted, “Seize the Soul!”

It was a technique previously exhibited by Heuk Woong during his battle with Yu Mang!

Invoking the death powers of the King of Hell and using the Soul Exchange technique allowed me to easily extract even the mightiest spirit’s essence.

Swoosh

[What the….]

The spirit appeared to dim significantly, as if the light had been snuffed out from its eyes, indicating it was losing its strength. I could sense a massive surge of magical energy lurking in the background. Indeed, the Evil God was already attempting to control the spirit of the National Seal.

I then infused my divine power into the spirit to weaken it while bellowing, “From now on, I shall control you!”

Kaboom!

The spirit of the National Seal, infused with my powers, seemed to dissolve into ethereal mist as its form broke apart. In essence, this act was akin to obliterating the spirit, but instead, I was changing its internal structure by meddling with its divine essence. While this would drastically weaken it, it meant I could now control the spirit directly and shake off the influence of the Evil God.

Flash!

Reformed entirely by my power, the spirit of the National Seal opened its eyes moments later, albeit much smaller now. Once it regained its senses, it spoke in a mechanical voice.

[Successfully recognized user Baek Woong.]

Awesome…!

I had successfully restored the spirit of the National Seal to normal! Though now weakened into a mere puppet under my control, it would no longer fall under the sway of the Evil God! I commanded the spirit, “Ark! Find a way out of this World Tree’s dimension!”

[As you command.]

Zzzzt!

A moment later, a dimensional rift opened in front of the Yi Seong-gye Ark, and the ark began to enter it. Just then—

Ding!

A sudden notification appeared before me.

And upon seeing the words on the screen, my eyes widened in shock.

[If you do not rescue Seo Mun-hye, she will perish forever from your cycle. Will you not save her?]

What… what the hell?!

W-what is this?!

In a panic, I immediately ordered the ark, “Cancel… Cancel that! Stop!”

Vwoom!

The ark halted in mid-dimension as if it were stuck in the void.

Crash!

Just as a massive branch of the World Tree struck, there was an incredible explosion, causing the Yi Seong-gye Ark to lurch violently. The branch, with its immense mass, struck the hull despite the protective barrier. Zhuge scowled and declared, “Baek Woong! What’s going on all of a sudden?”

“…”

“Baek Woong! Snap out of it!”

I stammered, bewildered, “Z-Zhuge, what do I do?”

“…It seems there’s some urgency. For now, let’s retreat away from the World Tree. As long as we avoid a direct hit, we should be fine.”

“Got it…”

Vwoom

I directed the ark as far away as possible. If the World Tree were to collapse, the entire dimension would follow suit, so distancing ourselves was the best bet, even if it wasn’t entirely safe. Upon reaching an adequate distance, I addressed Zhuge,

“Then I should create some Obsidian to pass on memories…”

“No, just talk to me.”

“Uh?”

“It seems the Outer God intentionally locked the memory share from the Nine Chambers of Thunder Technique. He doesn’t seem to favor using Obsidian.”

“…Understood.”

Given Zhuge’s rationale, I proceeded to explain the entire backstory.

My 30th life, the reincarnation state, and the message I just received about Seo Mun-hye. Zhuge plunged deep into thought after hearing it all.

Then she finally spoke, “The Outer God is attempting to play by his own rules. Given the unfavorable circumstances on the board, changing the past is no longer a choice but rather an [obligation].”

I blinked in disbelief, questioning, “What… what did you just say?”

“Up until now, it was optional—whether or not to change history. But now that you’ve lost the Go match, it means you must fight tooth and nail to alter the past! If you save Seo Mun-hye, that’s great; if not, she’ll be erased from your cycle forever.”

“…!”

I was flabbergasted, my mouth agape.

Isn’t this too much?!

The situation was worlds apart from moments ago!

In a panic, I exclaimed, “W-Wait a second. Doesn’t Al Karda contradict himself here? Regardless of whether I succeed in saving Seo Mun-hye, the [Great Cycle]’s past would change anyway! If it changes, it alters the history I’ve been living—how can that be alright?!”

“…”

Zhuge’s eyes sparkled as she pondered before opening her mouth, “That, too, is a choice!”

“What?”

“From now on, the Outer God will force increasingly demanding choices upon you, each time altering the [Great Cycle]! Enduring during these distortions is essential; if you avoid a definite defeat, the Outer God may whimsically revoke all prior distortions.”

I gulped nervously at Zhuge’s explanation.

“…So the entire history of the distorted [Great Cycle] from this reincarnation will be reflected in my 30th life at once?”

“That’s highly likely.”

“Damn it…! How can it suddenly become this cruel?!”

Frustration welled up within me as I felt trapped. Until now, everything had been relatively smooth, almost nurturing—but this choice was no joke! Not only was saving Seo Mun-hye a daunting task, but irrespective of success or failure, history was guaranteed to change!

Yet, Zhuge spoke as if it were obvious, “What did you think it meant to wield the destiny you’re entangled with a being like the Outer God? Even though they seem favorable, they are the chaos of chaos—a terror beyond comprehension. Honestly, it seems they are being quite lenient with you so far…”

“…”

“Baek Woong, you need to choose—a strategic choice.”

“A strategic choice? What do you mean?”

“There are blind spots in this choice.”

With those words, I suddenly felt at a loss for words.

“You don’t have to strive to change this cycle. You can solidify everything poorly. As long as you escape a definitive defeat, you may appeal for everything to be revoked.”

“What… what?!”

“The Outer God stated that if you evade a definite defeat, they’ll pardon all breaches of [records]. So such a request stands a strong chance of acceptance! Even the act of changing history would surely fall under supplanting the sacred reverence, leaving no choice for the Void Record to reject it.”

Calmly, Zhuge continued, “However, this strategy does carry risks. You must endure all those traumatizing historical distortions until the end… But that’s far more feasible than strenuously engaging in every futile task that would exhaust you mentally and physically.”

I gritted my teeth at Zhuge’s words.

“That’s absurd! What do you want me to do if Seo Mun-hye gets permanently erased from the cycle?”

“Yet, the Outer God’s demands will only grow stronger, and there may be impossible requests that you simply can’t fulfill. You’ll likely fail to clear all reincarnations against the Outer God’s games.”

“…!”

“As long as your capacity has limitations, that means you’ll need to make creating harsh selections.”

Zhuge wasn’t being simply negative. In truth, given the Outer God’s origin, she was probably right in her assumptions. While my tasks so far were manageable, what if they surpassed my capabilities? The chances of defeat would surge.

I pondered deeply, agonizing.

‘It’s tough to think everything has suddenly escalated… Did I underestimate the Outer God?’

What do I even do…?

Just then, Zhuge uttered, “First things first, we’ll think through the complex stuff later. Right now, it’s time to decide whether to attempt rescuing Seo Mun-hye or not.”

“Ah… right!”

“Baek Woong. What do you wish to do? Will you remain focused on surviving without taking reckless actions? Or will you initially attempt to rescue Seo Mun-hye?”

“…”

Silence enveloped me for a moment before I clenched my fist and declared, “Don’t talk crazy! No matter what, I won’t give up or compromise when it comes to rescuing my comrade!”

“In that case… you’re saying you will rescue her.”

“Yeah! I’m going to save Seo Mun-hye! That’s all I’m thinking about now—so help me, Zhuge!”

“Heh. Quite the change in resolve. To think you’d turn things around so quickly after just one try!”

Zhuge wore a smile that seemed to delight in my determination.

“Alright. We’ll aim to rescue Seo Mun-hye in this dire battle, where it’d usually be considered wise to retreat.”

“Thanks!”

“The first thing you need to do is to empower your subordinates.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Seo Mun-hye, as you know, resides at the highest point of that World Tree. And while we bested the Sovereign Jeogok, the unknown forces known as the Demon Generals under the Evil God are fortified within. Cracking that defense is arguably beyond our current strength, so nobody would fault us if we considered it impossible.”

Zhuge grinned wickedly.

“Back during your 29th lives… perhaps. But the you of the 30th life possesses a strength akin to that of an upper deity, doesn’t it?”

“A deity?”

“Precisely… As a being endowed with significant divine power, there are feats you can accomplish.”

“What strategy are you proposing?”

Zhuge nodded in response.

“Designate the comrades aboard this ark as your apostles! If they fight as subordinates of the God Baek Woong, you’ll stand a chance in this impossible battle.”

“Apostles?!”

“Yes. Once designated as apostles, they will directly receive your divine abilities, multiplying their original strength by several times. Depending on their affinity, it could even be dozens of times.”

“…!”

Th-That kind of power?

Surprised at this unexpected solution, I felt a tremor run through me. Could it really be this simple to bolster our strength?

However, Zhuge continued, pouring cold water on my excitement.

“But if you use those apostles, you as the main body won’t be able to move.”

“What?!”

“It’s unavoidable. While it doesn’t mean you can’t move at all, using the apostles will drain your powers drastically, and if you engage alongside them, no matter how potent your divine power, you’ll easily exhaust your reserves. Additionally, appointing apostles likely comes with constraints from the law of cause and effect.”

“…”

“Do you understand what I’m saying?”

From Zhuge’s continued words, I sensed the game would diverge from what I’d experienced thus far.

“In this rescue attempt for Seo Mun-hye, you’re not just engaging in a battle (戰鬪); it’s a war (戰爭). Act as a King and command the troops!”