Chapter 174

“Yes, that’s correct,” Gwanmokyeong, the top supervisor, replied kindly. “Your mercenary registration is complete.”

Normally, becoming a registered mercenary required numerous steps and proofs. They needed to assess your combat strength, equipment, achievements so far—everything about you! While Gigas weren’t essential for space mercenaries, over 99% of Earth-34’s space mercenaries owned their own Gigas. That’s why people across the cosmos would nod at the mention of an Earth-34 mercenary—it wasn’t just hearsay.

Not everyone could join the ranks of these famous mercenaries from Earth-34.

Well, it doesn’t matter now.

Even though joining those elite ranks was no easy feat…

A Transcendent can never be just anybody. The moment they’re officially recognized as such, all previous steps and proofs are skipped. Being a Transcendent is proof enough; no further validation is needed.

In less advanced civilizations, Transcendents are worshipped as gods. Their very existence is a monumental event that can change the fate of a civilization.

A Transcendent can save a culture on the brink of destruction or spark a world war against those in power who try to reject them.

Even on Earth-34, where Transcendents are common, this still generates more buzz than when I became an apostle of the Game God. After all, reaching the Transcendent realm means you’re beyond having to bow to anyone.

“So should we go now?”

“We could leave right away if you want.”

“Let’s do it.”

“I’ve sent the necessary spells through Smart Pet.”

After a moment, Cheddar’s eyes sparkled with magic power. I changed clothes quickly and entered the gate that appeared in mid-air, following the instructions.

Whoosh!

A strong wind hit me. Suddenly, I found myself standing in the middle of a vast mountain range without a single tree. In the heart of this desolate land stood a skyscraper that looked like a castle.

So these are the famous Mountains of Struggle.

As I looked around, a man approached me.

“Welcome to the Mercenary Command Center, Mr. Han Jaeyeon.”

“Yes, nice to meet you. Mr. Gwanmokyeong.”

The one who greeted me was a man who seemed to be in his early thirties. He had a tall stature and well-trained body. His subtle presence made it clear that he was quite powerful.

If he’s a top-class supervisor, he must be just below an apostle in rank… And he seems quite powerful himself.

With these thoughts swirling in my head, I stepped inside the building.

“Is that guy the new Transcendent?”

“He’s young. Young… No way! A Transcendent in their twenties!”

“The Slayer of Thousands reached Transcendent level as a high school student.”

“Ah… So only certain people can become Transcendents? I train hard too, you know.”

“Yeah right! You haven’t even seen the wall yet, let alone climbed it!”

As I entered, I overheard some old men chatting in the lobby of the Mercenary Management Office. Their white hair and wrinkled faces were rare sights on Earth-34. I was secretly amazed.

Wow. This is the first time I’ve seen so many elderly people gathered together.

They were heroes who had turned back the crisis of destruction, renowned mercenaries whose fame echoed throughout the entire macrocosm.

With an average age of over a hundred years!

Every one of them was both a Gigas Rider and a high-ranking ability user. If only the people gathered in this lobby acted alone, they could destroy a moderately advanced civilization within a week.

“I’ll guide you to the director.”

“Is there any special process?”

“In reality, there are just two things you need to do. First, recite the mercenary code under the supervision of priests from the gods of Justice and Truth. And then…”

Mok Yeong hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“And then?”

“And then, you’ll have to spar with the director. But since you’re a Transcendent, we can’t do it like usual. In fact, this is the first time someone like you has applied at the Mercenary Management Agency…”

It made perfect sense. Why would a Transcendent come all the way to Earth-34 if he wanted to earn money by fighting?

While space mercenaries can make a lot of money, they earn less than gangsters operating in the macrocosm. On Earth-34, the gods of truth and justice intervene, making it impossible to freely rob or plunder others’ property.

Ding!

I take an elevator to the top floor. A huge door—probably about 11 feet tall—opens, revealing the figure inside.

“Oh, you’re the rookie I’ve heard so much about. Nice to meet you.”

This creature is even bigger than me now that I’m six feet tall. Its body is covered with pure white fur. Its eyes shine with a silvery light.

It has a long snout. Pointed ears. Sharp claws…

That’s right. He wasn’t human at all.

He was what we commonly call a polar bear.

“It’s an honor to meet you too, Director Chen Xianyi.”

Chen Xianyi was a Transcendent who had become a citizen of Earth-34 about fifty years ago. Unlike other spiritual or transcendent beings, he was just an ordinary polar bear with a unique background.

This is really rare, I thought.

Take Na Taesuk, for example. Even though he looked like a cat, he wasn’t a real cat. He belonged to the Prayana race, which fought against dragons for power and influence!

On the other hand, Director Chen was simply an animal. Of course, considering he’d reached the Transcendent realm, he must have been a genius among bears. But even then, wasn’t he still a wild animal?

He was different from other spiritual beings who had climbed the ranks after thousands of years of training. He’d achieved enlightenment through his own efforts and reached a transcendent state—a feat that made him something of a celebrity. Despite all the media attention, though, some people still refused to believe he existed.

I guess I succeeded then, Chen Xianyi thought. I even impressed Director Cheong.

His unique character—and his high level of combat ability for a Transcendent—had given him cult-like popularity among public servants. His image and name were even used on merchandise and logos.

“So you’re a bio-energy Transcendent?” Xianyi asked, puzzled. “Last I heard, you were supposed to be a chakra Transcendent.”

Mok Yeong looked flustered at Xianyi’s confusion.

“Huh? But according to the reports, he clearly…”

I raised my hand before they could misunderstand further.

“Ah, both.”

At my words, a bear and a human paused.

“Two abilities… at a transcendental level?”

“At twenty years old?”

“It’s not that each ability is at the Transcendent level… They’re intertwined organically. For reference, I’ve also unlocked martial arts elements beyond the Xian Monastery’s teachings.”

“No, you mean you awakened other abilities with those elements? That would be too much for your initial resources to handle…”

“You’re right, it’s quite unique in many ways.”

That was as far as I could explain it. My current abilities were the result of multiple complex factors intertwining, so since I couldn’t cover everything, I had to gloss over some details.

Understanding the situation, Xianyi nodded.

“Well, you don’t need to know all the details. Here, take this and read it. Since I’m a priest of justice and she’s a priestess of truth, we can issue you a mercenary license.”

I took the paper from Xianyi. The contents were nothing too problematic.

“One. Within the scope of universal justice… Two. In accordance with standard mercenary laws… Three. While performing this commission…”

I read through the approximately three-page-long mercenary code. Throughout this process, Xianyi and Mokyeong watched me, exuding divine grace of Justice and Truth.

Once everything was done, Mokyeong handed me a single card.

“This is your elite mercenary registration card. It’s made with Galterian technology, so you don’t need to carry it around. As long as you own this card, you’ll have access to top-secret information and special diplomatic powers. It also works like a bank account for money and stocks. The one hundred million won deposited every month is to help maintain your dignity.”

They’re giving us a hundred million won just to keep up appearances!

It was truly an amazing item, but there was more:

“Additionally, six ultimate spells are built into the card. There’s also a thirty-cubic-meter inventory and a device that can translate any language, so it should be helpful no matter what civilization or dimension you find yourself in.”

“Oh…”

I couldn’t help but marvel at its existence. To think such a small ID could have that much power.

I took the mercenary registration card and channeled mana into it.

Pop!

As the card transformed into spiritual energy and settled onto my soul, Xianyi observed and remarked:

“Next on the agenda is our sparring match… Will you be riding Gigas?”

“That won’t happen this time.”

Although I’d healed my Class-D mana aptitude, I had no intention of using Gigas. In the past, I needed it because I couldn’t leave the Palace, but now there was simply no need.

I might check out its abilities someday, but since my body is tougher than Gigas, I don’t really need it.

The moment I mounted Gigas, both my physical strength and vitality became meaningless. They only mattered again after Gigas got destroyed!

“Hmm, that’s too bad. I was looking forward to fighting on Gigas for the first time in ages.”

Director Chen Xianyi had an exceptional aptitude for Gigas, having previously served as captain of a Terra-class warship—a position typically reserved for Star Rank or even God Rank Gigas pilots.

“You can still fight while riding Gigas, you know.”

“What? Ha ha ha ha!”

Xianyi laughed at my enthusiastic words. His laughter didn’t bother me at all. Despite being several heads taller than me, resembling a polar bear, he looked at me with twinkling silver eyes.

“Alright then. Let’s do it twice—once barehanded and once on Gigas. When is convenient for you?”

“I have some commitments this week, so let’s aim for next week.”

I could do it right away, but I’ve been too busy lately. I’m not yet used to fighting as a Transcendent. It was time for a battle against an opponent that matched my level.

Normally, it wouldn’t be easy for a Transcendent to find someone suitable… But I’m different.

Right, I should start visiting Heavenly Yuan soon.

To be honest, I’d put it off for a long time. Now that I have enough power, it’s time to figure out why the Mangling Dragon Replica has been staying still all this time.

“Yes, then I’ll look forward to that time.” Xianyi smiled.

I bowed to him and went down to the lobby.

“I’m back! Did you succeed?”

“Let me see… You did it! Wow! Your chakra and bio-energy are beyond normal!”

“Hey, becoming a Transcendent makes you a top-tier mercenary from the start. When will your missions begin? I want to try working with you.”

The old men in the lobby were excited like children.

I looked at them honestly. There was no one among them who could match my strength. After all, Director Chen Xianyi was the only Transcendent in the Mercenary Command Center.

But does having skill mean you can be rude? Especially to elders over a hundred years old?

That’s not how adults should behave in society.

“Hello everyone! I’m Han Jaeyeon, newly registered! Looking forward to working with you!”

“Ohhh! Our new member is full of energy!”

“Welcome, Transcendent!”

“I’ll treat dinner tonight! Let’s eat until we burst!”

“Ohhhh---!”

The elders cheered.

And that evening…

We spent 46 million won on dinner. Even though there were fewer than a hundred people, they had such expensive tastes that they wouldn’t even look at cheaper menu items.

“Sigh…”

Tears came, but it was an investment I needed to make. These were the people who would be my colleagues when I went on missions as a mercenary.

Click.

I returned to my one-room apartment. I should find a new place soon, but I couldn’t bear to spend the money.

Whirr!

I turned on my computer. After connecting to Magic Tower Net, the largest magic community online, I activated my mercenary registration card.

“Great.”

I smiled at the message I’d been waiting for. Then I opened up two browser windows: one for the Great Library tab and one for Knowledge Hall.

“Login.”

I entered Ardenia. Following the ushers’ directions, I walked down the hallway.

“The Emperor…!”

“The Emperor has arrived!”

“Everyone, quiet down! Don’t make any noise!”

I stepped onto the stage.

Yes, a stage. I was standing on the stage of a rare architectural wonder—a concert hall that could seat ten thousand people. Behind the stage loomed an enormous display screen, with input pads lined up below it.

“Nice to meet you all. My name is Han Jaeyeon.”

As I spoke, everyone stared blankly at the stage. The seats were packed—ten thousand people, shoulder to shoulder.

Every single one of these people is a mage, I thought, looking out over the crowd.

“I’ll be taking questions about magic for the next week,” I announced. “Remember, irrelevant questions or nonsense will be punished. So ask only about things you really need help with or problems you’re stuck on.”

”…”

”…”

”…”

Even when I spoke, all the mages just stared up at me with blank looks. They seemed lost; they thought this was going to be a lecture where they’d sit quietly and listen.

That’s when it happened.

“I have a question!”

The girl standing in the corner, her hair as red as flames, suddenly raised her hand.

All eyes—those of every mage—were now fixed on me alone.

I couldn’t help but smile.

“Yes, go ahead.”

“I’m training with the elemental school circles! I’m trying to learn Fire Spear, but the spell keeps canceling out before I can use more than 30 percent of my magic power! The spell formula is…”

As Red continued asking questions, everyone looked astonished.

“W-What kind of crazy question is that?”

“No, it’s too direct. It doesn’t follow the flow at all. Why ask such a personal question?”

“If you can’t cast a spell properly, just keep trying instead of asking…!”

Seeing how shocked the mages were, I realized how lucky we were to have her here. Without her, we would’ve been stuck with pointless questions for ages.

“That’s an excellent question. Your name?”

“Red, Your Highness!”

“Yes… Log out.”

I returned to Earth and logged onto Magic Tower Net to write:

This incident later became known as the Demonology Dialogue.