Chapter 77 | Omni Tales

I carefully held onto the steel handcuffs that could break at any moment and looked around. In the meantime, unidentified gigas had gathered together the film crew.

“W-What do you think you’re doing? We have so many delayed schedules right now…”

“Who are you guys?! Several elders sponsored our movie studio, yet you dare to do this…!”

A few staff members protested.

‘They are angry even though they are completely overwhelmed. Indeed, it is peaceful in District 34… If this was Ardenia, none of them would’ve dared to raise their voices.’

As expected, the response to their defiance was ruthless violence.

Bam! Bam!

“Aaack!”

“T-This is un…gghh?!”

The atmosphere turned cold as the bloodied staff members rolled on the ground.

“The director, who is class 7, can’t use magic.”

“Does this make sense? Is it possible to neutralize mana at this level?”

“Is there an Elder among the enemies? Or did they bring something like a warship?”

“How could they bring a warship to Dreamworld unless they are crazy? It isn’t cheap to obtain one.”

While people were murmuring, I examined the gigas surrounding the staff members.

‘There are 10 energy-class and 1 water-class.’

The ranks of gigas were divided into five stages based on the Divine Human Beast Tool (神星人獸器).

The steel giants named after gods, stars, humans, beasts and machines had huge differences depending on their rank. It was said that divine-grade gigas possessed power comparable to Transcendent Beings, wielding near-authority level strength.

‘Fortunately…these aren’t genuine. They are counterfeits.’

At one time, I had a great interest in gigas and worked for Wongnyeo Steel, a company related to gigas production, so I could recognize them immediately. There were no certification marks or logos on their gauntlets. Naturally, it meant that instead of Iron Hearts, they would have Soul Hearts as cores.

‘Still, this doesn’t make them weak. I can’t let my guard down.’

There was almost a tenfold difference in price compared to genuine products, but their firepower, mobility, and output were almost equal.

There was only one difference—the unique cheating function of Iron Heart, ‘Superior Compatibility’, wasn’t present here. Of course, this made a huge difference but I needed to stay alert since I was practically unarmed.

“Grruk… My strength, my strength isn’t working. What is going on?” The stuntmen with Physique training were showing signs of confusion. It meant there was a problem with the factor that strengthened their bodies.

‘However, it will recover over time. Physique has the capabilities of Resistance and Adaptation.’

Indeed, the terrorists seemed aware of this fact as they moved systematically.

“Separate the Physique cultivators! Fill up the restraining devices!”

“If you suspect them even a little bit, shoot them! Physique cultivators don’t die easily!”

I mixed with the people and continued to observe the atmosphere. The number of terrorists was around 50, less than half the film crew but they were all armed with firearms. In this mana-nullifying space, it could be said that they were unstoppable enemies.

‘And there are gigas.’

Ten Giga-class units and one Gigas-class unit moved appropriately, solidifying the siege. They weren’t just standing still—they were pointing their weapons at people! Their momentum was so great that even the stunt actors trained for combat and security guards prepared for emergencies didn’t dare to resist.

“What is this guy? He has a good body but isn’t a Physique cultivator?” A woman in her late 30s, holding a machine gun aimed at my temple, asked while another nearby responded.

A woman in her late 30s holding a machine gun aimed it at my temple and asked someone nearby.

“Ah! There you are. Her name is Han Jae-yeon. Age 23, she is a sword master.”

“What? A Completed Swordmaster doing stunts? Hey. What are you? If you became a Completed Being at age 23, shouldn’t you be living comfortably? Why are you here?”

She tapped my temple with the muzzle of the gun while asking.

I shrugged my shoulders, “Just earning some pocket money. And I’m not from a wealthy family. I am also an immigrant.”

I could feel the terrorists surrounding me becoming agitated by my words.

“An immigrant?”

“An immigrant…a sword master at 23 years old?”

“Liar, is such a thing possible?”

Their reactions confirmed my suspicions.

‘Ah, as expected… They are immigrants.’

During my time working on home shopping channels, the hosts selling self-defense items always brought up ‘immigrants’. In District 34, where crime was certain to be arrested and corruption couldn’t exist, there weren’t many cases requiring self-defense products.

“An immigrant… at this age being a sword master…”

“Could it be…”

I could feel their gazes towards me changing. It wasn’t a welcome change.

‘Oh, don’t tell me these idiots expect something from me?’

It was an unwelcome attention for someone who had just sent the immigrant image plummeting. Even the woman tapping her gun against my temple now looked at me with anticipation.

“You, by any chance, are you from…?”

“Wait! Personal matters later! Tie them up securely and keep a close watch! His Imperial Majesty is coming!”

The terrorists’ expressions turned serious at the sharp command.

Some of the detained staff members muttered frantically:

“No way, what… The emperor?”

“This nonsense happening right here in District 34…?”

Regardless of their disbelief, the terrorists solemnly paid their respects.

And then he appeared.

Stomp!

A handsome young man descended with a heavy thud. He was not particularly tall but had striking blond hair, being Caucasian. Dressed in elaborate ceremonial attire and a robe, he held a staff larger than his own height—more precisely, bigger than his entire frame.

“Well done on capturing them without casualties. Excellent work, everyone.”

“Long live His Majesty the Emperor!”

“Don’t emphasize a position that has already been lost. It is just embarrassing.” The man waved his hand with unusual attitude before sitting down in a pre-assigned seat.

The movie director, who was more firmly bound than anyone else, groaned as he watched this scene unfold. “Are you crazy? A leader of a school committing such crimes!”

‘A leader of a school?’

I moved my eyes again to look at the newly revealed man but didn’t recognize his face. Well, there were many schools so it was difficult to identify someone based solely on their appearance.

“I find it uncomfortable to hear ‘crime’. I have simply chosen the best option.”

“The best option? This crazy fool…”

Bam!

“Watch your mouth, impudent fellow!”

A fierce punch made Alan fall to the ground. He was undoubtedly a high-class mage of rank 7 but couldn’t use mana now, making him just an ordinary middle-aged man.

“Don’t handle him too roughly, Mac. We need this mouthpiece to convey our words to the world.”

“My apologies, Your Majesty. I couldn’t help it…”

I turned away from this obvious play and looked around me. The entire film crew, who were as big as a neighbourhood, had been completely subdued. It seemed that no one managed to escape. This time, I examined the terrorists surrounding us. Their expressions showed determination.

‘Determination.’

It was natural. In this world, actions like those in District 34 wouldn’t go unpunished. Their own sense of justice and righteousness would be crushed by humanity’s universal principles.

“Ah, don’t be too rough with me. I will follow you without any problems.”

“Let go of me! I can walk on my own!”

In the meantime, new figures were dragged over. They were two protagonists from our movie, aspiring professors.

‘Eh?’

I knew one of the female protagonists. It was obvious since the reason why I came here was due to the main protagonist Scarlet. However, I also recognized the male protagonist.

“Lee Seong-jae! As expected, he is as handsome as the rumours say. This might not be the best place but it’s nice to meet you.”

“Hahaha. You must be Wizard Bram. Likewise, it is good to meet you despite the circumstances.”

“What? Hahaha!” The man named Bram laughed heartily. Yet unlike his laughter, there was displeasure in his eyes.

“This cheeky bastard doesn’t know where he stands!”

Indeed, the bulky man standing next to Bram fiercely swung his fist. However, this situation was different from when Alan was present.

Pfft!

The fist moved through empty air. Sungjae bent at the waist and avoided the punch.

“T-this bastard?”

“Please behave yourself. If magic power wasn’t limited here, you would’ve died with just one breath from me. Aren’t you ashamed of using your puny physique for intimidation?”

“You…you son of a bitch…”

“That’s enough.”

When Bram raised his hand, the bulky man reluctantly stepped back. At that moment…

I met eyes with Scarlet.

”…”

We didn’t have any conversation. It wasn’t the situation for it. However, as I nodded appropriately, the anxiety in Scarlet’s eyes washed away.

‘Does she believe too much in me?’

While I was puzzled, Bram spoke, “Alan, prepare to communicate with the outside?”

“You want to report this to the police?” Alan laughed.

“No. Connect to the Steel Realm,” Bram replied.

”…What?” Alan looked like he doubted his own ears. Everyone around us couldn’t close their mouths.

“Are you crazy? Where?”

“Has he lost his mind?”

The Steel Realm… In terms of scale, it was quite large even compared to the Leonhardt Empire, which was revered throughout District 34. The great and renowned game master Guan Dahua resided in this unique world.

The actual population of this world was less than 100 million people, and its size was limited. However, it belonged to Guan Dahua, who could be considered as one of the top Connectors. It was rumored that the Steel Realm’s power exceeded several dozen times that of Earth-34.

If Gwanghwamun Plaza was called a holy ground, then the Steel Realm itself could be considered the realm of gods inhabited by modern sages!

Yet, a terrorist mentioned such a place.

“You must be crazy. Even if I’m a successful movie director, I have no connections with the Steel Realm. I don’t know where you heard about me having ties with them.”

“All you need to do is make a request. Someone else has already paved the way for you.”

“…what?”

“Isn’t that right, young lady?”

Bram turned his head towards Scarlet.

Scarlet’s face hardened like stone.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Her voice sounded strained as she spoke those words. However, Bram continued to smile leisurely at her.

“It is quite interesting news that I heard recently. There is a brother to this great and mighty guild master…and his late born daughter insisted on leaving the Steel Realm. She wanted to become an actress. Isn’t it absurd?”

“…”

Scarlet didn’t answer him. Instead, the other people started becoming agitated.

“What do you mean by this…? Miss Hye-young is related to the guild master of the Steel Realm?”

“What does that mean…?”

Amidst the spreading shock, Bram continued to speak.

“When communication is established, send a signal to the Steel Realm. Of course, there must be some way of contacting them.”

“I-I don’t know how to do that! I’m just a washed up idol turned actor! What does this have to do with the Steel Realm?”

“Ahh. Of course, you can’t contact them normally. You should let them know what will happen if they pull any stunts. If they act recklessly, Sungyoon’s precious niece might die.”

As Bram spoke these words, he raised his right hand. The huge staff next to him started to emit a brilliant light.

“They need to understand our resolve!”

“W-Wait! Wait! I have a method…!”

Kwah-doooom!

The emitted light took on the form of a gigantic beast. It swept through the group of cultivators, who had been separated from everyone else.

In an instant, more than ten heads hit the ground.

Ssskrrt!

Blood spurted from their necks.

“Ahhhhh!”

“You killed them? You killed them? You killed them!”

“How…how could this happen…!”

There were screams everywhere. Everyone was horrified as fear gripped their hearts.

‘Even though they knew they were in a dangerous situation, these terrorists didn’t expect to be murdered.’

In the past, the God of Justice’s laws had been very strict. If one drove drunk even once, it would have been recorded. If a parent disciplined his child physically, it would have been recorded. If policemen, prosecutors, doctors and other professionals neglected their duties, everything would have been recorded against them.

Of course, things had changed now. Compared to the past, justice was laxer today. Unless someone lived like a degenerate, ordinary people didn’t need to worry about being punished by the God of Justice.

However…there was one rule that continued to be strictly enforced: murder.

“You’re insane! You want to commit murder? And not just any murder but a mass slaughter?”

“If you do this…!”

Everyone’s horrified gaze turned toward Bram as they anticipated what would happen next.

Shhhk!

A tattoo appeared on his right cheek with a loud screech. It depicted him swinging his hand and severing dozens of heads, rendered so intricately it seemed almost alive. The moving image captured the exact moment of his crime.

The mark of sin, the punishment from the God of Justice. Now that he bore the mark, priests of the God of Justice could detect his presence. A low-rank priest within fifteen kilometers, a mid-rank priest within one hundred fifty kilometers, and a high-rank priest within fifteen hundred kilometers could all sense him.

In essence, jae-yeon had nowhere to go on this planet. He was as good as dead.

“Connect the communication device, Alan.”

“O-okay, yessir…” The earlier bravado gone, Alan unlocked and connected the device.

Despite being a class 7 hunter, he was like a delicate flower grown in a greenhouse. Like most people, he couldn’t handle the bloody carnage unfolding before him.

It’s all about angles.

Of course, that’s what they say, but having lived twenty years in the Land of Midgard where nobles hunted peasants for sport gave me a different perspective.

I mean, it’s self-defense if you do it right!

Although I’m embarrassed by this memory now, there was a time when I was known as a troublemaker during my youth. Regardless of how one looks at it, what I employed back then was pure violence.

However, despite being dragged to numerous police stations, I have never been punished even once. In other words, it means that I had a good understanding of the rules set by the God of Justice.

“Hahaha! Stupid things! You should listen to the voice you have ignored until now! And you must answer! Your arrogance… huh?” Bram’s mad laughter stopped abruptly. It was because he detected the threat approaching him.

Chichiching!

The beast of light wrapped around Bram, creating eight protective barriers. Then the right handcuff struck over them.

Kwajjjjung!

With just one blow, six layers of protection were torn apart. Holding the left handcuff, I met his eyes.

“A-Ah.”

“No!”

Kwajjjjung!

The thrown left handcuff ripped through two more protective shields and then flew straight…

Bam!

It hit Bram squarely in the chest.