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Upon realizing the true identity of the being before me, understanding began to dawn.

So that’s why it suddenly appeared.

And that’s why I was unable to use my fire technique after encountering it.

‘So it was you.’

The Technique of the Flame Wheel. The Gu Clan’s heart technique that allows me to wield fire.

That was what this being was.

I didn’t understand why it appeared in the form of my past life or why it was making such a fuss now, but the important thing was that I had figured out its identity.

“…Cough…”

I grabbed the arm of the creature that had my neck in its grip.

It had unleashed vast energy several times, yet I felt no sign of fatigue from it.

Of course. If it was energy itself, it wouldn’t wear out.

“…You were just fine normally, so why the fuss now?”

I spoke as I searched for any way out.

“Did I do something wrong? I treated you well.”

While I may not have cherished it, I had treated it as something essential. Now, to come back and stab me in the back like this, it was infuriating.

In response to my annoyed protest, the creature spoke.

[I must have mentioned it.]

Gurgle.

“Ugh.”

The pressure on my neck intensified.

[This is a proof of qualification.]

What qualification needed proving? What on earth could it be?

And so.

“…If you can’t prove it, does that mean you will take my body?”

As I pouted and spoke, it mirrored my expression.

[If you lack the qualification, it is only natural to take what is yours.]

“Are you just a plain old thief?”

How could it think it could take what I had after all I had been through? It was ridiculously unfair.

[If you dislike that, then prove it. Prove whether you possess the qualification to ignite fire.]

What should I do? I rolled my eyes while listening to its words. My strength was already nearly depleted.

With my neck held tightly, it was hard to exert any power.

Proving my qualification—it was too pathetic a situation to even attempt that.

‘How can you even think of proving anything when you’ve taken away my ability to use fire?’

If you want proof, we should be on equal footing. To demand I prove I can ignite fire while preventing me from doing so?

It was absurd.

Flame Burst—!! I felt heat in front of me.

The creature had fire swirling in its hand.

Just like last time. It had pierced my heart with that hand.

I had nearly lost my sanity alongside my life then.

But what would happen this time?

It had said there wouldn’t be a second chance.

If I was going to lose my body this time for real, the probability felt considerable. I could feel it in my body. This might truly be my final opportunity.

‘I need to find a way out.’

I had to escape somehow. This wasn’t the time to be caught up in qualifications or proofs.

Strength alone wouldn’t work; I needed cunning.

‘…I can’t see it.’

No matter how I looked, a method didn’t present itself. If I continued like this, I would genuinely be in danger.

Flame Burst! The heat in its hands intensified, and while my energy remained, even being able to unleash a strong counter wouldn’t stop it.

‘Damn it.’

My expression naturally twisted in frustration. Before I could give up, my mind continued to churn.

[…]

The creature that had been quietly observing me continued.

[In the end, your vessel could only reach this far. I hoped for a little, but you are truly insignificant.]

I didn’t respond to its words. I was drawing energy from my heart bit by bit.

I awaited an opening when it would strike. That was the only method I had at the moment.

Just as I focused all my senses on the fleeting moment.

[Blame your inadequacy and fade away.]

Swish. My shoulder moved. I narrowed my eyes. Is this the moment? I concentrated my energy on a single point.

Yet.

[Once I gain your body, I will take care of the useless women around you first.]

Thud.

The words I heard dulled my senses.

“…What?”

I couldn’t have misheard, but I asked again, my mind growing cold.

“What did you just say?”

The pain that had been at my throat vanished. My stiffening joints returned to normal. With a fierce strain, I tried to rip apart the hand holding my arm.

“Just now. What did you say, you bastard?”

Fwaaa–!!!

The killing intent I had unleashed expanded in all directions. Amid the fog of deadly intent, it looked at me and spoke.

[Do you not understand, or do you wish to deny it?]

As my killing intent grew stronger, its purple eyes became increasingly vivid.

[There is no meaning in keeping the women around you. They are only there to alleviate your useless guilt. It’s just meaningless atonement. You can’t be unaware of that, can you?]

“…So? You’re saying everyone will die if you take my body?”

[Hahaha.]

It laughed, and it was a bright, light-hearted laugh at that.

[There’s no need for that.]

“What?”

[It’s already in progress.]

“…!”

My eyes widened at the words. In progress already?

An eerie feeling filled my chest, and my breath quickened.

Whoooooo–!!!

A massive white orb hovering in the void started to tremble.

It had refused to move with discontent until now, but I didn’t question it.

[Now, die.]

The flames moved. They flew toward me to pierce my heart.

Thump-!

Just before its fingertips reached my chest, I grabbed its arm.

[Hmm?]

It tilted its head in confusion at the unexpected turn of events.

I did the same.

I had caught it.

The flames felt scorching as they threatened to burn my hand but were still manageable. Holding it back wasn’t that difficult either.

What was happening? I didn’t understand.

Rather than figuring it out, I simply exerted my strength.

Crack–!!!

I twisted the arm entwined in the flames.

It bent and was flung away. At the same time, I tore away the arm that had been holding my neck.

Sizzle.

Though its strength was considerable, I managed to rip it off without much strain.

[…]

One hand was twisted, and the other was torn away.

Seeing this, the creature glanced at me with a strange expression.

[…What a wasteful act.]

It quietly whispered as it looked elsewhere.

What was it looking at? Although I was curious, it didn’t concern me.

“Hah…”

Strangely, strength surged within me.

Where was my center? It felt like both my lower dantian and my lower abdomen were active.

Or perhaps even higher?

My perception was hazy.

The pain had faded long ago.

What on earth was happening?

Whooo–!!!!

I looked at the orb trembling in the void. The orb that had been floating since earlier was now vibrating rapidly.

And as that trembling intensified,

Hoooom–!!!

I felt the surge of power rising in my body.

‘So that’s it.’

That’s the source of this mysterious strength. It must be flowing in from there.

But then, what is that?

What could possibly be giving me strength? Beyond that, the entire situation was filled with questions.

So many unknowns, but the only thing I understood was.

“I promise.”

I bent my upper body toward the creature.

“I will definitely kill you.”

Rather than solving the mystery of the source of power, using this power took priority.

Thud-!! I leapt forward, shattering the ground beneath me.

I dashed forward. In an instant, I closed the distance between us.

I twisted my waist, exerting force into every joint.

With both arms broken, it wouldn’t be able to defend properly. That’s what I thought as I aimed for its chest immediately.

Flame–!!

Flames erupted from its arms, and instantly its damaged arms were restored.

It raised its arms to block.

Koooom–!!!

A blow was delivered. The impact pushed it back.

This was different from before. The creature that had never budged now was pushed back.

Thus, I thought.

‘Is that smoke? Or is it genuine?’

I didn’t dismiss the possibility of it being smoke. But.

‘Regardless, the answer remains the same.’

Whether it was a mere illusion or not, retreating wasn’t an option. I continued to close the distance.

My strength had undoubtedly increased. My speed had doubled, and my strength was also substantial.

Koooom–!!

The flames flickered. The being, while airborne, gathered its hands into a circle, constructing flames.

Seeing that, I charged in even faster.

I aimed my fist, imbued with the Flame Jade, toward it. It was the Heart’s Authority.

Crack-!

The strike hit the incomplete Flame Jade, and in that instant.

Kwaaa–!!!

An enormous explosion erupted, flames soared in all directions. It was hot. The heat was intense, but it was manageable.

[Ha.]

The creature let out a breath of surprise at the somewhat foolish method I employed.

[You dare to use that disgusting energy? Aren’t you embarrassed?]

Disgusting energy. It seemed this creature was aware of the nature of my current power.

It raised its lips into a smile.

“I’ve seen it all.”

[What?]

“If you’ve seen everything so far, then you’d know.”

I turned my waist and launched my leg strongly.

It crossed its arms in an X-pattern to defend.

“I don’t care about that.”

I didn’t care whether it was filthy power or whatever else. I didn’t care at all.

What mattered was whether it helped me right now or not. That was all.

The Righteous Faction and Demonic Faction fighting to the death were ultimately the same to me.

‘As long as it helps me, that’s justice.’

Is there really a separate definition for justice? That is how I defined it.

Kwaa–!! The Black Flame burst forth. Instead of dodging into the air, I leapt aside with difficulty.

Aerial combat was dangerous. I had to fight on the ground as much as possible.

The problem was that it seemed the creature knew that as well.

Flame–!!

Sure enough, it soared into the air.

It scattered Black Flames as it took off, appearing utterly absurd.

Should I strike with Heart’s Authority? Logically, that would be the most efficient method.

But.

‘Just because my strength has increased doesn’t mean that it’s a solution.’

This unknown power wouldn’t solve everything.

Although my inherent strength seemed enhanced, my energy recovery rate wasn’t great either.

‘In this case.’

As always, I arrived at the same conclusion.

‘I need flames.’

If I had fire, I wouldn’t have to worry about any of this.

‘Tsk.’

I couldn’t kindle flames. Who knew it would be this troublesome?

‘What should I do?’

Just because I wanted to light a fire didn’t mean I could. If that creature truly had my fire technique, without its permission, I couldn’t—

“…Huh?”

I widened my eyes, pausing my thoughts.

A strange sensation swept through my mind.

It felt like a lightning bolt striking from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes.

[…Disgusting.]

It spoke.

[Your actions under the pretense of atonement. Struggling pitifully to not forget that time. That itself is disgusting.]

As I listened to its voice, I looked into its eyes.

In my current state, I couldn’t use fire. Why couldn’t I use it?

Because that creature wouldn’t allow me?

Thump—!

The more I added to that thought, the faster my heart raced.

Flame Burst–!!! A massive flame erupted from its body.

It felt far stronger and more intense than when I created dozens of Flame Jade.

[You desire to collapse yet force yourself to endure. Even as you think only of others rather than yourself, it’s all disgusting.]

The pitch-black flames enveloped me, and I took a breath.

Indeed. Why hadn’t I considered this sooner?

[Let it go. If you are to use it, then hand over that flesh of yours. I will set the world ablaze in your stead.]

Finishing its words, it lowered its hand.

And then.

Kwaaaa–!!!

The flames filling the sky poured down toward me.

“…”

It was as if the sky was collapsing.

It was intense. It was also vast.

At a glance, it seemed like a sight to fear, but strangely, it didn’t scare me.

Why would it?

If I feared my own flames, what would come of me?

“…”

I extended my hand toward the falling flames.

There was no change.

The fire continued to pour down, engulfing me whole.

Creeeak—! My body ignited.

The flames consumed me entirely, as if they would leave no bones behind.

Yet I didn’t perceive this as pure agony.

My skin was ablaze. Accepting that, I still played with the flames.

[…What is this?]

It seemed the creature couldn’t comprehend my actions, its expression twisted in confusion.

Yet, I wouldn’t stop.

‘This, too, is energy.’

The flames it unleashed were, indeed, energy.

Moreover, they were the fire technique I had originally wielded.

That meant.

‘It’s more familiar than any other energy.’

In other words, I was intimately aware of this power and, rephrased,

‘If I take it back, it’s mine again.’

Since it had once belonged to me, wielding it was a piece of cake.

Flame—!!!

Why did I believe I had no flames?

This, too, was fire.

Flame—!!!

As I manipulated the energy, it struggled against me, wanting to resist.

But I didn’t mind.

Clench-!

I grabbed hold of the energy and pulled it toward me.

“…If you want to avoid death.”

There’s an old saying: “A disobedient child needs to be taught a lesson.”

“Don’t resist, just obey.”

Whoooww.

As I lowered my voice, I began to gather the energy more steadily.

In the process, my body became a mess due to the heat.

I ignored the creeping pain.

Kiyahhh–!!!

I captured the last struggling flames.

In that moment.

Whoooom—!!! The surging black flames that had been trying to consume me suddenly changed direction.

Swoosh—!!!

According to my will, they gathered at my fingertips.

Compressing and rotating, the moment rushed by, and the shape formed.

It was the Flame Jade Sacred Spear.

Made from black flames, yet the one completed was Red Flame.

Transforming into Blue Flame, it was a color I hadn’t seen in a long time.

And moreover.

‘It wasn’t covered by Heart’s Authority.’

I hadn’t even needed the energy I normally would have had to secure the shape.

The flames moved precisely according to my will.

Yes, this was how my original flames felt.

Was it refreshing to remember? No, it wasn’t that.

It was simply warm.

[…]

The expression of the creature watching the sacred spear, created from its own flames, was oddly indifferent. What kind of expression was that? I couldn’t comprehend.

Without hesitation, I hurled the spear at it.

The spear pierced straight through its chest.

 

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