Chapter 144

“Sigh…” I took a deep breath. My chakra ability had reached the ninth stage but there wasn’t any visible change on the surface. It didn’t increase my stats or give off some terrible momentum. Nevertheless…

It was different.

“It is unbelievable.”

When I closed my eyes, a vast inner world unfolded.

“I can’t comprehend it. This doesn’t make sense even though it’s my power.”

The shape of the room that formed my inner world had become a wide plain stretching to the horizon. Considering all this was symbolic, it meant that my limit for chakra and mental energy had increased dramatically. The layers of chakra were like the foundation of martial arts’ Inner Force or magic’s Magic Power. Even without enlightenment, my current strength was incomparable with before.

I thought about the battle against Demonic Sword King Hyperion.

‘The easiest path right now is… summoning the landworm.’

However, it couldn’t be done. Wasn’t this situation where game monsters were invading reality? If I summoned him amidst numerous eyes and cameras, who knows what people would say? In the worst case, there was the risk of being lumped together with three transcendental grade monsters. Even if I could avoid capture by appealing to the Disciple of Truth, it would become troublesome in many ways.

“Krrr… kong! Kong!”

At that moment, hundreds of bipedal dog-headed monsters, Desert Nolls (High~Hero), rushed through the wide-open west gate. The creatures seemed focused on mobility, wearing light armour. They hesitated momentarily at the sight of the empty castle but soon began running towards its center driven by instinct.

“They continue to attack with the same pattern. No matter how their memories are erased when they die, there is no change…” Monsters instinctively wanted to expand their territory and could apply for sieges without anyone teaching them. They sent forces to seize each other’s territories. The main target that attracted them more than any usual starting point was the flower shop. This was evidenced by the Nol units entering through the west gate at almost the same time as the sand golems (advanced ~ hero) coming through the south gate. It wasn’t just this. There was also the end of it:

Kakagak! Kakak!

Large scorpions over 1.5 metres tall scratched loudly across the stone floor as they entered through the north gate. They were giant scorpions (advanced ~ hero).

It was Giant Scorpions (high~hero). “They are swarming like they have been drawn to honey.” I sat on the roof of the feudal lord’s castle and looked down at them. The excited nolis suddenly stopped their steps and hesitated. They lifted their noses into the air, sniffing. However, it was already too late.

Kwagwang!

“Yip!” With a dog-like bark, the giant scorpion covered one of them.

Despite being the same high~hero grade monsters, the giant scorpions were positioned one space deeper inside on the go board. This meant that their average level was higher, so despite some damage, it was obvious that they would annihilate the nolis and secure victory. Yet, they couldn’t end the battle with this win alone.

Chwarook!

A sandstorm arose as the sand golems attacked the giant scorpion. The monsters on both the northern and southern sides of Left Conversion Shop were of the same rank. Despite being at the same level, the battle was one-sided.

‘The attribute isn’t good.’

The giant scorpion’s greatest weapon, its venomous sting, had no effect on the sand golem. It was obvious that poison wouldn’t work against a non-living sand giant. This is why monsters in the mainland couldn’t easily be unified, as victories and defeats could occur based on attributes regardless of their rank or even if they were higher ranked.

“This is already the 14th time I’ve seen this…” After capturing the land worm, I remained at Left Conversion Shop. There was nobody else here. I wasn’t upgrading the castle but guarding it alone.

‘It can’t be helped.’

The Human Empire’s resources had limits. The Flame Castle managed somewhat by accepting one million refugees from the fallen Holy Empire, but the other castles were draining the empire’s capabilities. As the rank of invading monsters steadily increased, it became necessary to operate at least one castle like this to minimize damage. Of course, there was a specific reason why this particular castle bore the brunt of the burden.

“Kraaaah!”

“Well, here you come.”

The final intruder arrived at Left Flower Shop, vastly different from the three types of monsters currently remaining within the castle walls.

A drake (Drake) - the highest-ranking lesser dragon species, possessing both extraordinary magic power affinity and the formidable physical abilities unique to dragons. These creatures were a massive headache, with eleven spawning points scattered across Ardenia’s mainland.

‘From the perspective of the defenders, they are the worst monsters.’

The strength of drakes was problematic, but their mobility was even more significant. Unlike other monsters that had to walk hundreds or thousands of kilometers after being annihilated once, these kings of the sky could immediately fly back upon regeneration! For the soldiers of the Human Empire, who relied solely on castle walls for defense against monsters, drakes were truly a disaster.

Puhk!

The first arriving drake sprayed its breath. Compared to Kasim’s divine roar, it was a low-grade breath, yet it still swept away all three groups of monsters battling near the castle. I quietly observed this scene before…

Stomp.

I jumped.

[Critical Hit!]

The drake’s head bounced up as if hit by a rabbit-foot hammer, its neck bending unnaturally. It plummeted helplessly, unconscious, but what mattered was that it wasn’t dead yet.

“Ah, they are tough since they are legendary.”

However, there was no need to pursue and deliver additional blows. The falling drake’s head suddenly exploded due to the power of Legendary Passive Skill: Shadow Twice.

Hwoosh!

Wind chakra arose, catching my body mid-fall. As I stabilized, the drake charged towards me once again, only to meet my counterattack.

[Critical Hit!]

[Critical Hit!]

[Critical Hit!]

Soaring through the sky, I relentlessly shattered the heads of the invading drakes.

The battle ended after approximately two hours with the complete annihilation of the drakes. It would have been much faster if I had used Thane or Ten Directions, but those techniques were reserved for use on Earth.

“I’m gradually getting the hang of it.”

By actively employing various elements, I reached the ninth floor and assessed my chakra abilities. The improvement was truly dramatic.

“To achieve this level even without full enlightenment…”

Ideally, I wanted to train for several months, continuously enhancing my chakra proficiency while deepening my understanding of combat skills like striking, throwing, and physical movements. Additionally, I desired to expand my repertoire of elemental combinations to develop more magic spells.

‘But that’s not possible.’

This situation felt like a time attack challenge. Occupying eight flower shops exceeded the capabilities of the Human Empire.

At this moment, monsters were flocking to the flower shops, causing irreversible damage. I needed to sort out the current situation, earn money, and upgrade the castles of the flower shops at least to legendary rank if not myth.

“Songpyeon…”

I looked at the remaining Songpyeon and shook my head. “If it can’t withstand one blow after reaching Immeasurable Storehouse, then it is just suicide.”

Sitting on the roof of the feudal lord’s castle amidst piles of items, I formed hand seals. It took 98 moves, which equated to 17 minutes and 28 seconds. Despite achieving the boundary of Immeasurable Storehouse, my proficiency in magic spells was severely lacking, leading to this disaster. With such lengthy casting time, even without being a sustained barrier spell, using it in actual combat becomes impossible!

“Log out.”

Well, that’s what others might say.

[Heavenly Sword - Gwanmongga]

[Sword Splitting Heaven and Earth]

Clang!

The swords collided. It was Hyperion who was pushed back. Our boundaries were truly different dimensions, but with the power of the myth-grade skill ‘Heaven and Earth Sword’ replacing my sword glare, the difference in strength couldn’t be ignored when our swords clashed. Then as he attacked again,

“Out of the question!”

Boram stepped forward to block him. The barrier shattered amidst an explosion, yet she perfectly blocked his attack. Hyperion’s face distorted like a demonic fiend.

“You bastards…!”

Combat Premonition activated. Unlike the sword glare which became less visible after reaching transcendence, I clearly saw my death.

‘I will stop it!’

Cold. Light. Wood. Wind. Fire. Earth. Poison. Thunder.

Hyonmun (Wise Gate), Open. Attribute Barrier, Eightfold Overlap. The completed magic spell blocked me directly.

Kakagak!

Hyperion’s sword glare shattered the barrier instantly. Despite his ferocious momentum, Hyperion’s face was as pale as a corpse.

“What is this?”

Unlike before, this sword strike didn’t even scratch me. At the same time, I spotted an opening!

“Log in.”

…Even if it was visible, my priority was to return to Ardenia.

“Ugh!”

I coughed up blood. My injuries occurred when the meticulously crafted magic spell was destroyed at once. It wasn’t a minor wound, but considering the current situation, I couldn’t help laughing.

[You have consumed Rainbow Songpyeon (Hero)! For four hours, your recovery and mana recovery will increase by 300 points! Special resource recovery will be increased fivefold!]

“Sigh…”

After eating the songpyeon and resting for about an hour, I was fully recovered. There was no need to Heal.

“Good.”

My understanding of elements hadn’t deepened at all. Just like with martial arts where inner force quantity and proficiency were separate, Immeasurable Storehouse and Revolving Eight Trigrams dealt with different areas. However, I didn’t think there was any need to delve deeply into elements. I judged that it would suffice just to strike everything head-on.

And my thoughts were correct.

“Then it’s time to stack again. Kasim!”

I flew on a white drake that was twice as large as those who had attacked the castle. Looking down from the sky, fortunately, there were no groups of monsters nearby. After one big sweep, it would take at least a day or two before another attack could occur.

“I’m sorry, Kasim. I have to kill you now.”

I entered my inner world and checked the chessboard. After locating the base of the drakes, I immediately stormed in and defeated the dungeon boss, ‘Roaring Drake Kasim (Legendary)’. With his 11 occupied points reset, he wouldn’t be able to cause harm by flying around for some time. Perhaps other monster attacks might even lead to the extinction of the drake species.

“Good. The preparations are complete.” I gathered all the items and threw them along the underground path where the drakes were landing. Later, the collection team would recover them.

“Log out.”

Completing my calm spellcasting, I returned to Earth while swinging my sword. Hyperion’s posture was unstable as he tried to block with Purest Sword Force.

[Gwanmongga (Piercing Moonlight)] [Sword that Splits Heaven and Earth]

With a loud noise, Purest Sword Force broke…

Cold, Light, Wood, Wind, Fire, Earth, Poison, Lightning.

Hyonmun (Wise Gate), Open.

Attribute Attack, Eightfold Overlap.

Zing! Puk!

”…”

”…”

”…”

In an instant, silence descended on the noisy battlefield. I laughed as I looked at the black sword that had penetrated halfway through my shoulder.

“End.”

Unlike me with my shattered shoulder, Hyperion’s heart was split open.

”…What…the hell?”

Hyperion stared at me with disbelief. Indeed, it was absurd. He never imagined he would die when one strike should’ve been enough to kill me.

“[You stupid Hyperion…] But it doesn’t matter! Once these dragon bastards are dealt with, it will be over! Three Rosters!” The Dark Messiah cursed and stabbed himself in the neck with his dagger.

‘No, did you let him go for another 10 turns?’

The moment of shock arrived.

[Puppet Show Behind the Curtain.]

A small stage appeared in the air. There were originally 12 puppets on it, but two more puppets shaped like green and white dragons were added, making a total of 14 puppets lined up.

Shwip!

The curtain closed over the stage,

Slash.

And three heads fell to the ground. Fortunately, when the curtain opened again, the dragon puppets remained intact.

“I don’t know what law you are moving by.” The White Dragon Snow spoke with a cold voice, “But I can’t believe you thought we would fall for this again.”

“Th-This…” Ultimately, Dark Messiah committed suicide alone.

“You…have become ridiculous.”

Hyperion also breathed his last breath.

Thud!

I collapsed on the ground as well. This time, I didn’t bother logging out. Hyperion was already dead and there were no doctors in Ardenia who could treat me.

Kwakwang!

Kugugu…!

In the distance, two dragons were beating up the Phantom Dragon. Then at that moment:

Porong.

A faintly visible crow sat down on the sword embedded in my body.

“Wow, this guy is still alive…”

It was the rare pet Shadow Crow ‘Shashasha’. It seemed safe from the aftermath of the battle since it had been picking up items at a suitable distance.

“No wait. Shouldn’t you sit on my shoulder? Why on the sword…” In the moment I wondered,

Pop!

Hyperion’s sword disappeared.

”…?”