전생검신 96권 06화

I already knew what the shining being before me was from Solomon’s intel.

Northern Star Leader.

Commonly referred to in the universe as the master of the North among the four dominant factions.

A being who commands the constellations of the universe, also known as the Constellation King.

Recalling the information Solomon shared, I addressed my opponent.

“Are you planning to kill me if I go to the Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Path? Is that really what the Constellation’s master means?”

At that, the Northern Star Leader intensified the glow of his radiant form and replied.

[If you refuse to accept, it will immediately lead to war. There’s no more to discuss.]

‘…….’

Now that’s some serious confidence.

But he had every reason to be confident. After all, the Northern Star Leader had a backing that rivaled that of the Tao King Prophet. It was entirely plausible that even Solomon’s forces, referred to as the Evil King, would have to concede to the Northern Star. I couldn’t help but be cautious.

Behind the Northern Star Leader lies an Outer God.

Moreover, Solomon had mentioned that the constellations under the Northern Star’s command constituted almost all of the universe, with the number of stars linked to those constellations being incalculably vast. Claiming dominion over the northern parts of the universe meant it was truly on a cosmic level. Even considerable divine beings wouldn’t dare to challenge the Northern Star’s leader.

After a moment of contemplation, I spoke to the Northern Star Leader.

“Fine. I’ll go.”

Things have already gotten quite tangled; I don’t want to complicate matters further.

Since we’ve come this far, it’s better to confront it directly and settle this myself.

[Hmm… Are you preparing for death?]

At that, the Northern Star Leader seemed slightly taken aback. Being a being made of light, it seemed like they should be devoid of emotions, yet I could somehow sense that look. I felt as if I could read beyond mere words to grasp even unspoken signs.

“I’m just willing to take responsibility myself.”

The Northern Star Leader reached out a hand to me.

[Then I will send you the gateway for dimensional travel. Accepting it will transport you straight to the Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Path.]

“I understand.”

Wiiing!

A complex, alien magic circle appeared near my body. Realizing this was the dimensional travel array the Northern Star Leader spoke of, I placed my hand on the magic circle without resistance.

Pa-at!

I felt myself being transported somewhere. I passed through countless massive distortions in an instant, witnessing the spectacle of light and darkness parting on the horizon. It was a cosmic sight that could make anyone dizzy, but perhaps because I had accepted the World Tree, I felt no mental strain.

Sssss…

I soon realized I had arrived in a crimson-yellow star realm filled with darkness. I couldn’t help but murmur at the bizarre atmosphere of this realm.

“Hmmm…!”

I thought I’d seen all sorts of strange cosmic phenomena, but this place was on another level of peculiarity.

It was dark.

While the universe is shrouded in dark skies, this star realm felt like a chilling atmosphere where even a faint light was engulfed by black fog. I could hear the sound of waves lapping in the dark, and within those waves, it was as if the stars were floating like bubbles on the water. Here and there, a soft crimson-yellow glow shone faintly, revealing a massive shadow of darkness lurking beyond that light.

“I feel a sense of déjà vu… Hmm…”

I had experienced this kind of atmosphere somewhere before, which made me ponder for a moment.

Then it hit me where I had felt a similar atmosphere.

“…Ah!”

When I ventured into the world of the Evil God, it was that ocean of the universe I had seen!

The ambiance was strikingly similar!

Having fought against the Evil God alongside Heuk Woong, there was no way I would forget it after almost dying there.

But why does the hideaway of the Evil God bear such a resemblance to the Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Path?

Just as I was pondering that question…

[So, you’ve really come…]

Swoosh swoosh

I felt powerful divine beings summoning themselves one by one around me. I realized their number was twelve, and I couldn’t help but feel a slight chill.

They were strong.

The essence of the power they wield did not stem from divine might but from the primal magical power unique to constellations. Depending on how it was wielded, the power of the constellations could surpass divine power, indicating these beings had probably reached the pinnacle of that capability.

I spoke to the blurry, intense masses of power surrounding me.

“Are you the constellations of the Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Path?”

Boom!

In front of me, the Northern Star Leader reappeared. This being seemed to represent them all, as they spoke to me.

[That’s correct. You, the Great Evil King.]

It seems the Northern Star Leader was both the leader and the Constellation King, as well as a member of the Twelve Palaces of the Yellow Path.

I let out a bitter smile.

“So you think I’m the Great Evil King… I’ve merely communicated with the stars, yet I’m treated like a great villain. Just so you know, I came to clarify.”

[Hmph… Why would a clarification be necessary? You’re going to die here.]

As soon as the Northern Star Leader finished speaking, the powers of the Twelve Palaces began to intensify glaringly.

[You, an evil being bringing chaos to the constellations, prepare for your end.]

Goooonn

Each one of them felt like a being that could rival the [Old Ruler].

Typically, constellations are beneath the level of the [Old Ruler], but these primal constellations seemed plausible enough not to lag behind a divine status.

‘…….’

So they weren’t even going to bother with a conversation…

From the start, they brought me here just to eliminate me without the intent to communicate. Had I outright rejected them back there, it would have only led to full-scale war, so fighting was never off the table to begin with.

I hadn’t anticipated it would escalate to this point, but I had considered the possibility, so I clenched the fist of my spirit body.

Maybe it worked out for the best.

I’ll unravel everything tangled here and cleanly head back to Earth.

“Okay, let’s see what you can do.”

I’ve lived long enough not to be intimidated by these guys now.

I didn’t know if my power could match theirs, but I was going to give it my all.

[Let’s see how you handle the power of the great constellations.]

Wiiing—

In the next moment, a gigantic star bow appeared high above the Northern Star Leader’s head. It was referred to as a ‘star bow’ because the constellation symbols floating gently formed the shape of a bow. As soon as the semblance of the bow was established, the energies of the stars quickly gathered into it, and I felt a tremendous pressure.

Is this what it feels like to wield the power of those at the pinnacle of the constellations?

As I pondered this, the Northern Star Leader shot the bow towards me. It didn’t seem to bear a name, but its simplicity belied a strength that was already at cosmic levels. Saying it could obliterate a star wouldn’t be an exaggeration.

Boom!

In that instant, I activated my Thunder Soul.

Crackle!

Their attack seemed to distort time and space, flying toward me faster than light, yet my Thunder Soul sensed the attack even sooner than that, automatically blocking it. I was surprised that it was performing such a function without me consciously shaping my intentions.

Did the Thunder Soul have this property too?

The activated Thunder Soul moved in a way that countered the trajectory of the star bow, and I realized my own thoughts were moving slower than the Thunder Soul. I hadn’t imagined that my intent could lag behind, and I was startled, connecting with the moment my Thunder Soul collided with the energy of the star bow.

KUUWAAAAAA!

An explosion erupted, filling the orange star realm!

The Northern Star Leader staggered back from the heat wave, sounding vexed.

[You’re countering the strength pulled directly from the Star Sea with divine permission? How absurd…!]

At that, another constellation nearby chimed in.

[This person is dangerous. Let’s all attack together.]

[Agreed.]

… There was no hesitation in their agreement to unite their powers. So they have no sense of honor at all.

Could this truly be a battlefield where life and death are at stake?

“Works for me.”

The Thunder Soul I just manifested was purely my appetizer.

I hadn’t even unleashed the strength gained by being the World Tree, and now it seems I don’t need to hold back that wild energy boiling inside me!

Just as I came to this realization, the Northern Star Leader appeared utterly astonished.

[Prepare yourself…!]

It almost looked like he was about to charge at me, but I could see the surprise dawning on his face.

[… No?! H-how can this be…? Oh, great one… how can this happen…?]

‘……?’

[Yes, yes! We shall only follow the will of the great one…!]

Moments later, the Northern Star Leader spoke in a voice that was nothing short of flabbergasted.

[The great will has decided to let you go… This is not your domain… and only the beginning… We shall meet again!]

‘……’

[However, you must answer one question.]

Suddenly, their demeanor shifted dramatically, and this out-of-the-blue question struck.

It was something no common sense could easily make sense of, but I felt I knew the reason behind it. Knowing who the great being behind them was made it clear to me.

So, rather than being taken by surprise, I responded with composure.

“Speak.”

[… Can you meet our expectations?]

The Northern Star Leader likely asked this question without fully grasping its implications.

But I understood.

It was merely an extension of the question I faced with the Thunder Soul and the Dharma back when I was practicing True Martial Home.

‘……’

I stayed silent for a moment before replying.

“I will only walk my path.”

[How dare you speak such insolent words to the great one…!]

The Northern Star Leader displayed his fury again, but soon he hesitated in surprise.

Then, in a voice saturated with bewilderment, he spoke.

[… They say they are pleased with your answer.]

“Is that so.”

I responded emotionlessly, gazing at the Northern Star Leader.

“Then I have just one request. Send me back.”

They probably wouldn’t interfere again from next time.

After all, they had only stepped back because of this reincarnation drama.

So it would be best for me to remain committed to my own matters.

[Understood.]

Chiiing!

The Northern Star Leader reweaved the gateway for dimensional travel to me. I accepted it, performing the dimensional shift again as I contemplated.

No doubt about it.

That Outer God backing the Northern Star is the Dark Sun!

Also referred to as the ‘Black Goat,’ it was that entity which just decided to send me away.

But who would have thought I’d hear the words from the Dharma and True Martial Home again?

The Outer God remembers all that.

Ultimately, unless I overcome them… the end of my past life is destined for destruction.

‘……’

At the very least… I need power that even they cannot touch within this cycle.

I’ve seen that having such strength is possible.

The Evil God and the Coming Chaos showed that.

I mulled as I relocated dimensions.

I need absolute [power].

Even if I transcend this cycle later, at the very least, I need power strong enough to avoid interference from the Outer God in this cycle!

Pa-aaaah!

“Hey. Wake up.”

I returned and shook the unconscious Solomon awake.

Solomon sat up and, after I explained the situation, he looked utterly dumbfounded.

“So, you mean to say that the Outer God, the Black Goat, gave you a break because you’re in reincarnation?”

“Probably.”

“Hoh… to think you’ve only reincarnated thirty times yet have arrived at this point… how lucky can one be?”

With a hollow laugh, Solomon stated.

“Anyway, congratulations on becoming the World Tree. I never thought the Sealed One would personally bless you with such a gift.”

“Solomon, does becoming the World Tree mean I’m going to turn into a tree too?”

“Well… I’m not sure if that’s ever been discussed… The prospect of evolving into the World Tree is something I’ve never encountered. It isn’t recorded in the Dead Sea Scrolls, so I’m at a loss here.”

Solomon appeared genuinely perplexed, as if the blessing based on the proxy of the World Tree exceeded common imagination.

……

That “system created after the Demiurge’s deliberation” Sophia mentioned…

Is that the reason current landlord wizards can’t grasp its concept…?

I pondered for a moment before speaking to Solomon.

“Solomon, I think it’s about time I head to Earth. I don’t want to postpone any longer.”

“Hmmm… If you go to Earth, you’ll have a direct clash with powerful divine beings, including the Three Sovereigns. Wouldn’t it be prudent to build up some power first?”

“No… I disagree.”

I spoke softly.

“When you released that kind of power which caused you to faint earlier, I could feel it. The strength of the Thunder Soul fusing with the World Tree is behaving like a wild stallion within me. I can control it while it’s still subdued, but if it grows stronger, I have no choice but to unleash that power uncontrollably.”

The reason I was willing to respond to the Northern Star Leader and not shy away from confronting the Twelve Palaces was not merely because of the current vexation. Ever since I met Sophia, I was overcome with an insatiable desire to unleash this immense strength brewing within me. I felt unprecedented power lying dormant inside, and once it started to awaken, I questioned whether I could still retain control.

If I’m destined to fight, it’s better to do so in the true battlefield and the goal of this reincarnation, Earth.

It’s better to unleash that energy than waste it elsewhere.

Having lost the prior battle, it was all for the better now.

Understanding my point, Solomon nodded.

“I see… then I’ll immediately open the Door of the Demon Gods. And I will convey orders to the forces under the Evil King for your escort.”

I felt a jolt of surprise at Solomon’s words.

“Huh? Isn’t the Evil King currently fractured and being attacked by different factions?”

“That’s just a claim. The 72 Demons are still under my control.”

Grinning, Solomon held up his scepter.

“They’ve been my slaves from start to finish. As long as there’s a binding contract governing the magic, no matter how wild they get on the surface, the 72 Demons have no choice but to heed my orders. With their subordinates and servitor races, the sheer number is vast, allowing them to stealthily assist you when you reach Earth.”

“Hmmm. I see…”

“Of course, you’ll need proper identification, so take the Dead Sea Scroll with you. Show this to anyone, and they’ll treat you as if they were treating me.”

I accepted the Dead Sea Scroll from Solomon.

After a moment, Solomon raised his scepter and struck the ground powerfully.

Boom!

The Door of the Demon Gods appeared before me, definitely leading to Earth, and as I stared at it for a moment, I turned to Solomon.

“What’s your angle here?”

“What do you mean?”

I shifted my gaze back to him.

“Did you think I couldn’t detect the ambition in your eyes? You, of all people, wouldn’t offer to help out of the kindness of your heart. You wouldn’t sacrifice everything just for your will to resist the Outer God. You’ve shown the capacity to become the most heinous of the Evil Kings after all.”

Solomon was undeniably not a good person.

If I were to classify him, he is undeniably evil, much closer to the definition of true malevolence!

He was notorious in the eastern part of the universe for committing countless evil acts, after all.

“…”

“I was waiting for the moment you’d stab me in the back for my body, but you don’t seem to show that tendency. In that case, I would find it troublesome to leave things unsettled. If you want to say something, now’s your chance.”

It isn’t wise to take advantage of such a vile fellow like Solomon and disappear without settling what’s owed to me.

If he’s unlike the rest and desires to repay his debt to the end, then it’s best to finalize this deal here. That intuition came from my past life experience.

After a moment, Solomon burst into hysterical laughter.

“Khaha… As expected… you too possess the capabilities of a king! To think you could see through me this far… I would’ve been disappointed had you left without figuring me out.”

“I didn’t want to; I just lived as an emperor for a few years. Stop with the small talk and get to the point.”

“It’s nothing deep. I want one simple favor.”

“What is it?”

In Solomon’s following words, I realized that his greed was no ordinary matter.

“Make me the terminal for the Heavenly Secret.”

“……”

“You mentioned that the Prophet is sealed, hence there’s an empty spot? Being a terminal means assisting the reincarnated Demiurge, and I believe I am sufficiently qualified for the role!”

He wants to be the terminal of the Heavenly Secret…!

I could tell Solomon’s ambition was practical and that he was thorough in his calculations. If becoming the Demiurge was out of his reach, he was thinking of half-immortally living alongside the one who could become Demiurge!

I replied to Solomon.

“The Prophet isn’t dead. They are merely waiting for me to rescue them from the deepest confines of the Heavenly Secret.”

“Regardless, they cannot act currently as the terminal. If that’s the case, I’ll also promise to return the terminal seat to them once they’re rescued.”

“……”

“Eventually, I’m destined to disappear into the void the moment your reincarnation ends. The only way to escape this cycle is to accompany you, hence if you send me to do so, I swear on my name, I’ll offer up every power and intelligence I possess to serve you.”

“That’s quite desperate… If you were to become a terminal, it could very well lead to even harsher hardships than simply vanishing. Yet still, are you willing to follow me?”

Solomon chuckled weirdly.

“Cough, cough. I’m well aware I cannot become the Demiurge. However, if I cannot be the Demiurge… then I wish to observe the path that lies next to them. The regret and regrets of countless years… please take that into account.”

“……”

I pondered.

After what felt like an eternity, I spoke.

“Fine. I shall appoint you as the terminal, but you must agree to a contract that states the moment you betray me, you will immediately perish, and should the Prophet return, you give up the terminal position.”

When I was brought before the Northern Star Leader earlier, I felt it.

If I wish to navigate this reincarnation thoroughly, I would need factors beyond my own inherent strength. If Solomon can aid me, then utilizing each other might be for the best.

I must succeed in this performance by any means necessary.

That’s the only way to return to my original world.

“Of course. I promise on my name.”

Pa-aaaah!

The moment Solomon and I established our pact, I noticed the Dead Sea Scroll he handed me started glowing, and I was taken aback.

“What the…?”

I looked at Solomon.

“Did you cast a spell on it?”

However, Solomon appeared even more bewildered, flailing his arms.

“No… not at all. I’ve already transferred ownership of the Dead Sea Scroll to you, and I have no idea what’s happening now.”

“Hmmm… then what’s this…?”

In that moment…

Zzzzzzz

The letters written on the surface of the Dead Sea Scroll slowly began to change.

And right when the text was almost completely altered, Solomon screamed.

“Kraaaack! I’m getting sucked in…!”

Shooooooosh!

The pages of the Dead Sea Scroll flipped open of their own accord, and Solomon’s body was completely absorbed into the book!

“Gah!”

I widened my eyes in shock at this bizarre phenomenon, but moments later, I heard a voice in my head.

[Is… is this what it means to become a terminal? It seems I’ve lost my body and become a terminal, Baek Woong.]

“Solomon…”

Did the book just absorb Solomon, who became a terminal by itself?

But the Dead Sea Scroll was Solomon’s spellbook; why would that…?

And I soon felt the strange notion that this mystery would resolve in an unexpected manner.

‘……!’

The changed cover of the Dead Sea Scroll.

It had now been renamed to Heavenly Secret!

“`

 

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