Chapter 73

I ate tofu stew with rice, accompanied by fragrant fried offal, crispy pancakes, boiled pork slices, kimchi, and fresh vegetables. It was a pleasant meal but I put down my spoon at an appropriate time. Unlike me who enjoyed eating, Scarlet was barely touching her food while watching for my reaction.

“So, what exactly is this movie?”

“The title is ‘Professor Aspirant’.”

”…The title seems…”

Did she think it was a sitcom? My expression must’ve shown doubt as Scarlet relaxed slightly before explaining further.

“It’s about aspiring to be a professor at Ouroboros.”

“Ah…that changes things.”

Ouroboros, the highest academic institution in the macrocosm.

This organization, known as Ouroboros, was referred to variously as a school, academy, or university depending on who you asked. It was renowned for being home to “Seekers of Truth,” encompassing knowledge from all fields, including mysticism, magic, science, and philosophy. Naturally, many coveted its resources, yet no one dared openly challenge Ouroboros. At its peak, it boasted over a hundred great magicians and several dozen transcendental beings. Most significantly, the enigmatic headmaster of Ouroboros was the universe’s sole practitioner of the elusive 11th class. Even within the vast macrocosm, none surpassed their mastery of magic except perhaps the God of Magic himself.

“Is the movie protagonist a great magician?”

“No, actually. The character is an 8th-class mage, played by a 7th-class actor. And the title itself suggests he’s an aspiring student.”

“He is probably set up as a genius mage.”

“Yes, it’s about the character Lee Byungmu, who dreams of becoming a professor at Ouroboros. While moving to Ouroboros for admission, he gets sucked into a black hole and various incidents occur. There will be scenes involving battles with unidentified alien races and pirates driven by desire.”

”…Wait, a blockbuster?” I interrupted but Scarlet didn’t seem displeased. On the contrary, she spoke confidently.

“Yes.”

“It might be rude to ask…but what role do you play?”

“Jung Hyesun, a palace maid. She appears ordinary but is actually the sword guarding Byungmu from the shadows.”

Her words raised doubts in my mind.

“You seem almost like a lead character.”

“It is an important role.”

That was intriguing. Of course, Scarlet’s beauty could rival most actresses, but she was still a newcomer without any notable filmography. How did this former failed idol and club DJ suddenly secure a lead role in a blockbuster movie?

‘Is that even possible?’

Creating a blockbuster movie on Earth-34, where 99% of humanity possessed superpowers, was no easy feat.

‘It’s because superhumans perceive computer-generated imagery (CG) as unnatural.’

They found grandiose CGI backgrounds to be cheap-looking, and animating living creatures with CGI elicited discomfort, making it akin to shouting “A monster appeared!” while holding up a crudely carved wooden puppet. It broke immersion for viewers.

As such, movies on Earth-34 had evolved with minimal reliance on CGI. Drama, comedy, action, etc., all focused strictly on human-to-human stories.

“It must have been challenging to land that lead role. Did someone help you along the way?”

Depending on how one interpreted it, this question could be perceived as offensive: How did a nobody like you get cast for such a prestigious part? Did you pull some strings?

However, Scarlet calmly answered, seemingly accustomed to such inquiries. “Although I was born into a good family, they offered no assistance. All the elders were against my acting career. The 20 million won fee was money I earned myself.”

“So then…”

“It’s due to my abilities. Among movie actors—”

Fwip!

In an instant, Scarlet disappeared and reappeared walking out from the shadow of a large potted plant.

“It’s because users of completed chakras aren’t common.”

‘Chakra Master!’

It meant someone who had realized the essence of a specific element and opened the gate to enlightenment. Once they reached this level of understanding, their mastery over chakra deepened, allowing them access to the fifth floor of the Immeasurable Storehouse. Such individuals could perform feats unimaginable by ordinary humans.

“It seems like there will be many battle scenes. What about the filming location?”

“That’s exactly why I needed your help, Jae-yeon-nim. The filming location is the Dreamworld.”

“Oh.”

Now that he mentioned it, I seemed to have heard about it before. The Dreamworld was a subsidiary dimension connected to the dreams of all living beings. Within it, one could encounter dream-like entities without needing CGI, creating truly fantastical scenes.

However, there was an issue.

“It’s dangerous. It is also considered a restricted area…”

The Dreamworld was an unpredictable realm due to its constant creation and destruction.

“Moreover, it would require a significant budget.”

“Yes, we need Alex’s Breath, an ultimate spell.”

If they had a ninth-class mage involved with their film studio, there wouldn’t be any concerns, but that was wishful thinking. Transcendent Beings, especially great magicians, were not entities a corporation could employ easily. Among the two great magicians on Earth-34, neither needed money.

“For an ultimate dimensional magic…we’d require over ten thousand third-class mages. We’ll also need several high-ranking mages…and it should take at least half a year.”

“It would require a massive project.”

The Super-Highrise Building technique, named after its resemblance to constructing skyscrapers, involved breaking down complex spells into simpler components that could be crafted by lower-level mages. These parts were then assembled together using another spell. This method, along with specialized equipment, was the pride of District 34, enabling them to mass-produce high-tier magical items.

Thanks to this process developed by a Mago princess ranked as class ten, District 34 could manufacture second-grade enchanted magic tools for just a few million won each. They reaped enormous profits selling these products across the macrocosm, including within the Leonhardt Empire.

This was why even third-class mages from Earth-34 didn’t have to worry about making a living. The demand for mages in joint construction projects was immense, and despite most existing ability users being mages, there still wasn’t enough supply to meet the demand.

“It seems like you got a good sponsor.”

“Yes, Nemesis signed on! As expected of one with deep pockets, they agreed to fully sponsor it at 100%. There was some controversy initially, but we’re set to depart for the Dreamworld tomorrow.”

”…Tomorrow?”

I was taken aback by the abrupt schedule, but Scarlet responded matter-of-factly:

“I’ve already completed all contracts and thoroughly studied the script. Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t need your help, Jae-yeon.” With that, she sighed deeply.

“Yet now you’re telling me it’s dangerous to enter and not to go ahead with this role. You know how much effort I’ve put into securing this position…”

“In that case…” Scarlet looked at me, her eyes sparkling.

“She said she would allow it if there is sufficient protection. He might be a rookie, but due to his reputation, he couldn’t officially serve as your bodyguard. Instead, he’ll pose as a stunt actor. I heard from the broadcasting station that his experience on home shopping channels counts towards his credentials, and his performance was highly regarded.”

”…”

I pondered her words.

‘Wait… This could be risky.’

Scarlet mistakenly perceives me as an Elder or someone of similar stature. Despite being a Chakra Master herself, capable of matching my level, her deferential attitude clearly indicates this misconception.

The reason for this misconception was due to the transcendent element within me—Ardenia. As a chakra master, she detected my small universe with open Astronomy. Of course, she couldn’t fully detect everything… but it was inevitable that she would consider me as an unidentified recluse master.

‘Of course, there isn’t any guarantee that it is dangerous. The place we are going isn’t a battlefield but a movie set, so most likely, I will just be wasting 20 million won per day.’

However, what if there was an unexpected situation? If a situation arose where the power of an ‘Elder’ was truly needed? In that case, I…would die.

“Please, I beg you. This is an opportunity I don’t want to miss. I…”

“Yes.”

“Ah…”

I watched Scarlet’s face brighten before getting up from my seat. Scarlet suggested having tea, but I shook my head and left the restaurant.

‘I am curious.’

I could feel my heart racing.

‘I want to know…how far can the me on Earth go?’

The ‘me’ in Ardenia was constantly fighting, but the ‘me’ on Earth was different. This place was peaceful, with no need for individuals to strive for anything through force unless it was extraordinary circumstances. The ‘me’ on Earth was still Citizen 1, neither strong nor special.

“Of course, this is considered abandoning duty. Cheeda.”

“Mew!”

Fixing Cheeda in mid-air, I launched a stock program. Then…

I sold all Nemesis stocks except for six shares.

“Before tomorrow… I will eat at the flower shop.”

It was time to aim for a myth.

The probability of obtaining a high-grade card with Summoning Rights was nine percent. The rarity rate stood at 0.9%, and the hero rate was 0.1%.

In theory, one should receive a hero card for every ten million won spent, but that wasn’t always the case due to the Synthesis function’s existence.

‘Nevertheless, these odds are insane.’

There was a reason why people streamed their attempts to draw legendary cards live before an audience. Millions could vanish into thin air, or worse, result in nothing despite spending such vast sums!

Yet even amidst these odds…

-The armor of God shall be stripped away.

-You will sing salvation amidst your soldiers.

[Crusader (Legendary)]

-Only death is inevitable here.

-No one knew of his presence.

[Abyssal Sniper (Legendary)]

-The world is doomed, and all hope is futile.

-I shall now wield magic against magic itself.

[Jian Changjianma (Legend)]

There was no endurance against endless attempts.

“Seven legendary cards. I guess my luck isn’t bad.”

I had secured 140 million won from selling stocks, along with an additional balance of 70 million won from sponsorships. Using all 20 million won received from Scarlet, I purchased class cards.

‘And I also synthesized the rare and hero cards that I couldn’t give to anyone.’

Three new cards were added to my collection, giving me four cards available for synthesis. It was obvious that I shouldn’t attempt synthesis right now since Mythical cards only opened up to those who conquered flower shops as castle lords.

Moreover, there was something more important at this moment.

[Jian Changjianma (Legendary Sword Demon)]

Strength +180, Agility +100, Stamina +100, Health +60, Mana +60

Attack speed increased by 50%.

[Kwai Jianshen]

[Sa Yi]

Among them, Jian Changjianma was enough to rival Sword Saint. It was natural since it was a legendary rank cleric like him. Moreover, I liked that the main stat wasn’t agility but strength.

“Good, just like this.”

At the moment of my satisfied smile…

Kuwakwa-kwakwang!

There was an enormous explosion and the castle collapsed.

Crash!

The collapsing castle burst out onto the ground. Broken fragments of the destroyed castle poured down, but for me with monstrous strength surpassing humans, it was no different from polystyrene foam.

“Ugh… Ah… S-Save me…”

“Crazy! People are trapped under the rubble!”

“Ice spears! Ice spears are falling!”

“Healers! Where are the healers?!”

Screams erupted from all around me as I spotted crushed and mangled bodies strewn everywhere. However, there was no time to look at them.

High up in the sky, I saw the Ice Queen, beautiful yet unmistakably not alive, creating dozens of ice spears.

“What is this…?”

Krrrakkkkboom!

Shhhhk!

Ice projectiles rained down like bombs. My soldiers scattered with screams but were unable to avoid the onslaught.

“Everyone, spread out!”

“Find cover!”

I gritted my teeth amidst the cries.

“She’s dropping ice spears from that altitude…?”

This was an unprecedented attack pattern. I had planned to fight near the castle walls, but this type of assault caught me completely off guard.

That wasn’t the only problem.

“I thought something like this might happen since there was no boss inside the dungeon, but…”

Despite the distance, my eyesight surpassed that of any human, allowing me to read the words hovering above her head and comprehend the gravity of the situation.

The text displayed:

Awakened Ice Queen (Legendary)

Elisa