전생검신 97권 19화

I hopped onto a carriage heading to Tenochitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, which, by the way, also had the nifty Tezcatlipoca around!

Clack clack clack!

Normally, I would’ve thought about flying straight there just by hearing the directions, but the priest made it clear that monsters pop up along the way, so I figured I might as well catch a glimpse of these critters myself.

While riding in this massive carriage, the priest whipped out a map and gave me the full rundown.

“See here? If you follow this path all the way to the southeast end, you’ll get to Tenochitlan. But as you can see, there are a few forks along the way, and each one leads to a territory ruled by an Aztec lord.”

“Lords? I thought this place was an empire, but they’ve got lords, too?”

“Hehe… I have a vague understanding of what you refer to as the Central Plains, but this Aztec Empire and continent are not too shabby either.”

“Yeah, but what’s the use of size?”

I muttered while glancing at the horsemen accompanying our carriage.

“Why are you guys using obsidian instead of metal for weapons? That’s gotta be weak.”

Yep, unlike the Central Plains or the Western lands, these warriors were rocking spears made of obsidian instead of metal. Sure, they might be lethal enough against unarmed folks, but they were on a whole different level compared to finely made iron weapons.

‘Those obsidian spears wouldn’t last a second against the elite warriors of the Imperial Palace… their armor is made of sleekly refined iron, after all.’

And that’s just if we sparred with basic weapons.

If they started using martial arts or firearms, that’d be a whole different ball game. If General Hwang Yeon and his elite North Dragon Troops showed up, these guys wouldn’t even be an afterthought. The fact that the guards escorting this carriage were supposedly the best trained militia from the northern Aztec autonomous region made things even more interesting.

Then the priest smirked.

“We aren’t entirely clueless about making steel, you know… We just don’t produce it on a large scale like other continents.”

The more we talked, the more I could tell that this priest was a wise and knowledgeable dude—far from your average human. He had read grimoires, knew magic, and was something of a sage who understood various knowledge from other continents.

“Why’s that? From what you’ve said, this continent seems to be full of war and slaughter. Shouldn’t there be a normal drive for stronger weapons?”

“…”

The priest glanced outside at the scenery and, after moving his wrinkled lips, spoke softly.

“…In my personal opinion, it’s due to the human sacrifice rituals.”

“Human sacrifice, you say?”

“For many years, this continent has seen war not so much as a battlefield, but rather as a ritual to harvest offerings for the gods. The Aztec ancestors, holding onto that belief, established the empire, which stunted the progress of weaponry and metallurgy. Truth be told, there seem to be plenty of iron mines on this continent, but that ideology holds strong.”

I tilted my head, puzzled by his words.

“What are you talking about? So you’re saying they capture humans for sacrifices? Wouldn’t that just lead to the complete butchering of the defeated? If that’s the case, wouldn’t the opposition crave more powerful weapons?”

His reasoning was puzzling. Given that they don’t usually annihilate the losing side in wars on the Central Plains, I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. If they treated all soldiers as sacrifice material, wouldn’t that just fuel greater resistance?

Then, the priest pointed at the obsidian spear held by the guards using his finger.

“That obsidian is the root of the problem.”

“What? The obsidian? What do you mean?”

“Since you’re curious, let me show you. Halt the horses!”

At the priest’s command, the carriage train and guards temporarily stopped. As I stepped out, the priest commanded a tough-looking warrior, presumably the captain of the guard.

“Captain, activate your法器.”

“Understood.”

Immediately, the captain seemed to concentrate, and a shimmering bluish energy started coalescing at the tip of the obsidian spear.

Sss!

I was taken aback by this energy forming.

“Wait… can you really condense energy without any enlightenment!”

“You really know your martial arts.”

“Is this even possible? That guy clearly doesn’t even have the knack for sword qi, and yet he’s pulling off energy condensation?”

It was utterly absurd!

‘Sword Qi symbolizes peak expertise. Sure, what he’s channeling isn’t true sword qi, but rather a preliminary stage a step or two below it. Still… that’s more than enough to rank him as a first-class expert on the Central Plains!’

Though the captain appeared physically trained, there was no way he qualified as an elite. It looked like he had some basic internal energy, but it seemed like that was only natural from practicing external skills alongside it. Seeing him exhibit something right before sword qi was beyond my comprehension.

That energy must have significantly boosted the durability and lethality of that obsidian spear, maybe even rivaling finely tempered iron or more!

The priest then said, “That’s the power of obsidian. In fact, it’s essentially how the Aztec Empire was founded.”

“Obsidian power?”

“That’s right. After refining obsidian and undergoing special ritualistic practices, it becomes a weapon known as a法器. How effective it is depends on how much care you put into crafting it. The Aztecs succeeded in mass-producing these法器, which is how they became an empire.”

“…!”

“With法器, no matter how strong the armor, it can be torn apart, which explains why weapon skills and armor forging haven’t developed much. We were only able to become an autonomous region thanks to the divine grace that allowed us to learn法器 crafting.”

“That’s absolutely ridiculous…”

I sighed.

‘If they could mass produce things like that, it totally makes sense why they wouldn’t be bothered to develop metallurgy.’

Metalworking was something humanity had to painstakingly progress over hundreds of years for necessity. But if one could easily wield weapons with powers that eclipsed several levels above just through ritual magic, why would they ever need to improve?

I pondered and turned to the priest.

“So I guess法器 can only be made from obsidian?”

“Correct. That’s why obsidian mines are valued more here than iron or gold.”

“Could it be… that the one possessing that technique is the Aztec priest known as the Black Sun?”

At my question, the priest nodded.

“Indeed. He’s the first creator of法器 and successfully mass-produced them.”

“……This isn’t human craftsmanship.”

“You echo our gods’ sentiments.”

“…….”

I fell silent. It was because this法器 technique, at first glance, appeared to be some sort of sorcery performed by humans, but after years of exposure to various magics and arts, I realized something felt off.

‘This法器 technique transcends common sense. Even with the restriction of needing to be made solely from obsidian, for it to grant such immense power and retain it semi-permanently…? Even a Great Immortal would struggle with that.’

If such法器 existed in the Central Plains, metallurgy would have never evolved. That suggests overwhelming sorcery capable of stunting the development of civilization; it was possible because the magic itself transcended normative rules.

I smirked.

“This is entertaining. I can’t wait to meet this Black Sun character.”

“…Huh! M-Master! That monster…”

Just then, the priest looked pale as he pointed to the distance, where a bizarre otherworldly creature was appearing, as big as a small mountain.

Grrrrrr…

That was the kind of thing you’d expect to see in the Death Sea of Aokigahara, so my curiosity was officially piqued.

“What the heck? We’re in the real world, not some other realm. How’s a critter like that wandering around?”

There was no way such a monster could exist in nature. So why was it visible in reality?

“Th-that’s also due to the Black Sun… Legend has it that such monsters didn’t exist until the Aztec Empire ruled this continent. Since then, they’ve been popping up more frequently…”

“Hmm. Whatever.”

Tada!

I flew straight over to the creature and yelled, “Hey! Where’d you come from, buddy?”

Kugugugu!

Simultaneous to that, I raised a bit of energy to exert pressure on the monster. Powerful energy surged from my body and solidified around me.

[Khrrrgh…!]

The monster flinched and responded in an otherworldly tongue.

[I am… Ravitas, from the southern cave of Kheladu.]

“What? You’ve got a name too? But where’s this Kheladu?”

[It’s… in the Dream World… I was summoned here on the promise of food…]

“….”

In that moment, I finally understood this guy’s origins.

‘An otherworldly race from the Dark Heaven Village!’

So, this beast wasn’t just wandering about randomly.

Someone intentionally summoned it to this land. I asked Ravitas, “Who summoned you?”

[The Apostle of the Black Sun…]

“Hmm. Can’t you just return home on your own?”

[…….]

Ravitas hesitated, glancing at me before saying,

[Got it… I’ll return on my own. Just don’t kill me…]

Zzzzz…

A moment later, Ravitas opened a dimension door and vanished. Watching him disappear, I murmured,

“This Black Sun guy is definitely odd. Why would he summon some exotic creature from another realm to run wild in the real world?”

There’s no doubt that Ravitas was summoned by the Black Sun.

But wouldn’t this just turn everything into a living hell?

If he truly wanted his continent and power to grow, this kind of action makes no logical sense. I tilted my head back towards the priest, who was now listening to me.

“You mean to say that the Black Sun unleashed those monsters?”

“That’s how it seems to me.”

“Oh… In that case… it must be aimed at acquiring the souls of those killed by the monsters.”

“What? What do you mean by that?”

“Our deity has purportedly said that the souls of the dead on this continent don’t head to the underworld but instead go to a certain specific location. I wasn’t clear about the meaning behind those words, but…”

After contemplating the priest’s words, I finally replied.

“So then, the souls of those killed by the monsters belong to the Black Sun due to the contract he made?”

“Most likely.”

“…….”

What a twisted character. He’s already established an empire while receiving offerings from all over, and yet, on top of that, he’s meticulously collecting the souls of the dead?

I could hardly keep it together when I said to the priest,

“Hey. Let me take care of those creatures up ahead while you guys go on your way. I’ll be heading to see this Black Sun.”

“Thank you.”

Ta-da!

Boom!

A bit later, recalling the map I’d seen earlier, I proceeded to flatten every massive otherworldly creature in my path with a single Thunder God Fist. I let the one named Ravitas go since he provided me with intel in return, but I couldn’t possibly excuse the other monsters who had undoubtedly engaged in cannibalism.

[Guargg!]

[Kiieeek!]

Boom!

After taking care of about five of them, I spotted the city in the distance and promptly took to the skies.

‘The Aztec capital should be right under that enormous pyramid over there.’

As I soared through the sky, I quickly located the exact area that matched the direction and terrain I’d seen in the map. Almost as soon as I spotted the red pyramid, I landed squarely at the top.

Ta-da!

“&#%*&%!”

“%&#&%!”

Upon landing on the top of the pyramid, I noticed elite warriors yelling up from below in confusion. I ignored them and seated myself in a lotus position on the pyramid to meditate.

‘Where are you?’

I heightened my Qi sense, seeking out an especially potent energy signal. But then, I felt something unexpected that made me twitch.

‘What the…!’

I was overwhelmed!

So many souls had perished!

Moments later, I sensed a powerful energy opening a dimension door and teleporting towards me, so I quietly opened my eyes and turned my head in that direction.

Ooooh!

Before I knew it, an oddly dressed sorcerer from a foreign land appeared, and as soon as I laid eyes on him, I couldn’t help but frown.

‘Just how many sacrifices has he made?’

As a soul exchange practitioner, I could instantly feel the density of vengeful spirits clinging to him!

He had performed so many sacrifices that it could easily exceed hundreds of thousands of spirits’ worth of power clinging to him, proving he was indeed the embodiment of evil itself.

‘No wonder the Great Bear Empire’s Cheon Woo-jin would be unnerved by this guy…!’

Even among the Central Plains, I’d never encountered such a wicked sorcerer before!

Noticing my frown, he spoke up.

“What a strikingly powerful being! You don’t seem quite human. What brings you here?”

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out right now.”

I replied, rising to my feet.

“You are the Black Sun, right?”

“Indeed.”

Standing in front of me was the Black Sun!

The legendary sorcerer who effectively made the Aztec Empire into an empire by utilizing countless human sacrifices to reach the level of a wicked apostle. His strength could rival a Demon King, making it difficult for even the most adept fighters to confront him.

The Black Sun smirked at me.

“You seem like you have something to say. But won’t you first reveal your name?”

“Well, do you really deserve to hear my name?”

I replied curtly, causing his face to twist in disbelief.

“What did you just say?”

“I thought about charming you for some intel, but the thought makes my stomach churn.”

I spat, feeling genuine revulsion as I looked down at the blood-red pyramid beneath my feet.

“You lunatic! Just how many people have you killed here?”

As a practitioner of the Soul Exchange, I could feel it.

The souls of countless revenge-filled spirits were swirling within this pyramid!

They were even reliving their deaths, showing scenes of themselves being ripped from their mother’s womb alive or having their hearts pulled out. Despite all the cruel things I’d seen in life, just the thought of that made me feel sick; these horrors had been occurring in that pyramid for centuries!

In response, the Black Sun cackled.

“Hehehe! An impressive knowledge of spirits, I see! So, you must understand the kind of power I’ve garnered from these sacrifices! Do you really believe you can defeat me?”

“…Confident, are we?”

“Behold my power!”

Koooom!

Suddenly, his human form became enveloped in dark energy, turning him completely black. His body swelled and morphed into something immense, presenting a truly formidable display of wicked might before me.

“HAAA!”

“KYAAK!”

As the elite warriors previously rushing up the pyramid were hit by that energy, they screamed in shock and instantly withered away as if their life forces had been drained. It didn’t just end there; hundreds more nearby were annihilated by the darkness!

To think he could kill hundreds simply with his magical energy—it meant this guy’s powers were undeniably on par with the Eight Parts of the Divine!

As I glared at him, the Black Sun, now transformed into his true demonic form, extended a fiery claw toward me.

[You have no idea how strong I am, but this Tenochitlan is filled with my barriers. Once I activate the weakening barrier eightfold, you won’t be able to breathe!]

Kugugugu…

Simultaneously, I felt a massive force constricting my body. It felt as if giant weights were attached to my limbs. The mention of “eightfold” didn’t sound exaggerated; even seasoned experts would struggle to move here.

As he activated his weakening barrier, the Black Sun bellowed with laughter.

[Ha ha ha! You’ve foolishly trespassed into the enemy’s stronghold and now find yourself trapped! I’ll rip your heart out and feast upon it to enhance my power further!]

“Trapped? Is that so?”

[Huh?]

“I can’t believe that this could be considered a trap.”

I said quietly, my eyes glimmering with thunder.

“Having experienced the traps of reincarnation, there’s no way I’d consider this a trap.”

Thunder Soul Activation!

In that instant, I let loose a Thunder Soul with the same intensity I’d used to obliterate Aokigahara’s Death Sea, dispelling all the oppressive weight bearing down on me. Instead, I could hear explosions occurring all around me.

Koooom!

Perhaps the structures creating those weakening barriers were crumbling, producing a chaotic noise, and the Black Sun’s eyes widened in shock. As I fixed him with a blank stare, I extended my finger forward.

“Here it comes.”

Seven Star Thunderbolt Technique!

Boooooom!

As the first technique flew toward the Black Sun, piercing through him, he wore an expression like he was about to die. Then as the second and third techniques detonated in succession, he screamed.

[AHHHHHH!]

KAAA BOOM!

With that last scream, the Black Sun was blown to pieces, scattering his remains into the sky. I took a moment to glance at what remained of him.

“I had high hopes for you, but to fall without even facing four moves? What a letdown.”

The sensation was just… off, you know?

No response came, but I coldly continued.

“I know you’re not done yet. If you want a final chance, kneel before me this instant.”

Swish!

In a hurry, the Black Sun, who had transformed into smoke, reverted to his human form and knelt before me. Although he had changed back, he looked so beaten and drenched in blood that he seemed on the brink of death.

“P-please… just spare my life.”

“…….”

I looked down at him and said, “Tell me everything you know about Tezcatlipoca.”

“A-alright…!”

The Black Sun lowered his head, trembling as he accepted his fate, but I remained unswayed.

He was far too disgusting for me to ever forgive.

Whether he divulged information or not, I planned to have him killed.