Chapter 340: The Absolute (3)
Energy—
The source of life which existed in the natural world, and at the same time, it comprised all things in the heavens and the lands, it was the source of strength which allowed things to move.
In other words, the source of nature.
Over a long period of time, martial artists began to create techniques to accumulate this natural energy in their bodies through cultivation or to manipulate it in various ways.
The energy which originally had no form was expressed as a destructive force in the form of sword energy and blade energy.
Some people go one step further, they engrave the energy of nature into their bodies. It went beyond simply accumulating or condensing the energy and went beyond the level of being able to radiate and use natural energy as desired.
If they went one step further, they could radiate energy in an intangible form rather than a tangible form, similar to what the fake sect leader did.
So what next?
A person who had mastered the energy of the natural world to limit — How much strength do they possess?
Seol-Hwi could now clearly see with his own eyes how this would unfold.
<[Interference of the Absolute] After five seconds, the abilities of the target of the attribute within the system will be reduced by 99%.>
This is insane!
The strongest of the Absolute, which destroyed common sense. There was no such thing as being the same. No, there was no need for it.
The ability to plan and run the world — Rather than having anything special or visible abilities, it was all about manipulating the systems that made the world.
"Ah..."
The time given to the Earth Demon was just five seconds.
Just five seconds, and so Seol-Hwi was shocked.
Babababang!
The Absolute, who was seated in his chair with those dozens of shields around him — The moment the Earth Demon unleashed his attack, a scene was created which made it hard to believe his eyes.
Bang!
The ice wall created from the first fist strike created a huge tsunami and covered the Absolute.
Bang!
When he struck his fist again, the two mountains which appeared to be ice-covered mountains blew up and collapsed at the same time, causing an ice-like landslide.
Tuk
As a result, a crack came in the place around the Absolute.
Kwang!
The third punch felt the most shocking.
Even though it was only hitting the air, part of the ground had collapsed on its own, and it did not end there. What followed was a stream of lava that came out of the ground. The lava rushed into the crack in the Absolute's armor and shattered part of it.
Kwaaang!
And the last of the four attacks—
The Earth Demon's fist hit the air and shook most of the ground. Some areas sank in completely and dozens of lava pits were created.
"Oh my..."
Seol-Hwi was shocked at this. Above was a tsunami and landslide of ice—
And below was a volcanic eruption.
The most powerful strength which could be drawn from the forces of nature was being used.
Shhhhh
Ah!
And finally, the final blow of the Earth Demon was truly amazing.
This ink-colored energy rose i[ high, and Seol-Hwi realized what it was at the sight of it.
This isn't the energy of nature.
Like the hellfire brought out by Shin Yaja before, like the eternal ice wall which Cheon Miryo used—
It was energy which was not of this world. And if the previous two contained odd energy, then what Earth Demon had, was pure otherworldly energy.
The first wave of it gave the impression of pushing the darkness away.
But there—
<The target is the Earth Demon.>
The moment this appeared in front of Seol-Hwi, the face of the Earth Demon changed.
Puak!
And the power of light which felt odd vanished from his hand.
"H-how did this...?"
The Earth Demon looked down in a fluster. He turned back to Seol-Hwi and said,
"Seol-Hwi... kuak!"
Thud
The Earth Demon fell to the ground, unable to finish what he was saying. He had been hit with something and was pushed down to the ground.
He could not get up.
"Earth Demon!"
Seol-Hwi rushed over to check his condition.
Chiik...
The Earth Demon with this odd steam rising from the body.
What kind of strength was this?
Clearly the last one was not the energy of nature...
"He... he took control of my strength and stopped it."
The Earth Demon groaned as he fell down.
It certainly seemed like the strength the Heavenly Killing Star had was not normal. When one saw that happen they would immediately understand the situation — it was not normal.
"It seemed that way."
"Ugh... sorry, Seol-Hwi. I really tried to help."
"Earth Demon, you already helped me a lot. Because I was able to see how great the strength you displayed was. And..."
Seol-Hwi smiled.
"Actually, more than that, I was concerned about what it would be like to see the horrible sight of someone unable to overcome his strength and have his entire body explode and die."
"...Cough."
The Earth Demon managed to smile even in his dying state.
He felt grateful for that. Because he was able to confirm at the last moment just how strong the Earth Demon's strength was and how that power could be controlled.
"Can... you win over him?"
The Earth Demon asked.
Since he experienced it, he probably knew it better than anyone else. The opponent was someone who could not be defeated in a fight.
"Earth Demon. Do you know what I promised countless times when coming here?"
"...?"
"No matter how strong the enemy was, I would not give up or be afraid. Rather than not knowing that rocks cannot be broken by eggs, it is better to move when we realize... that life is more valuable."
"...Ugh. That is our romance."
For some reason Seol-Hwi felt touched by those words, and the Earth Demon nodded.
Crack
And then he checked his physical condition. The side effects arose due to the hasty rush. Normally, no pain should be felt due to the overwhelming power, but this happened when the opponent blocked the strength from the source.
Three hundred, no, it was around two hundred...
A rough estimation of his pulse.
It felt irregular and was beating fast, but now it was a value calculated after his usual condition. It felt like his life would end within half an hour even with a breath.
But before that—
Just once... just once I might get a chance to stick my fist in that face...
The Earth Demon thought.
If the chance came, he would never let it pass. Even if it did not come, he would not be giving up and would wait for it with his eyes open wide.
Thud. Crack
"As expected, I created it, but when I look back on it, it is surprising."
The Absolute slowly came down from the air. He glanced at the Earth Demon, who was on the ground, and then back at Seol-Hwi.
"Right. You must have clearly seen this situation with your own eyes, right?"
"...Yes."
"Can you feel the difference in the strength?"
"Well. Isn't it a bit embarrassing for someone who is called the Absolute in name and strength to rely on a system and call it a difference of power?"
"Ha. Ultimately, operating this system is also my skill. But well... I guess you have no intention of giving up despite seeing this?"
"..."
Instead of speaking, Seol-Hwi just calmly glared at the man.
And the Absolute broke into sudden laughter.
"Hehehe, hahaha."
As if it was childish or insane.
Even though the laugh was one of ridicule, Seol-Hwi waited and watched him.
"Kukuk. Hahahaha Kuakakak!"
His laughter went on for a while and after a long wait, Seol-Hwi asked quietly,
"All done?"
"..."
"I am just asking."
"Huh."
The Absolute, who was looking at Seol-Hwi, tilted his head. The change in power must have been clearly demonstrated, but the opponent did not change his choice.
And looking at the momentum right now, it did not feel like it would be some desperate attempt either.
"Let me ask you one thing."
"Oh. You have questions?"
The Absolute put his lips out like he was interested and smiled. Seol-Hwi ignored it all.
"The reward you offered me. What happens if I take it?"
"Reward? Didn't you say you wouldn't take it?"
"I think I can take it, as long as it doesn't harm me."
"Ohoo, look at this intellectual one."
The Absolute spoke with his gaze on Seol-Hwi.
"If you receive it, well, obviously..."
"Obviously?"
"Die, what else could it be? Generously so that you can fight with it when you take the challenge the next time in the future. Of course, I will rise higher than now."
"Haha. Hahahaha!"
Seol-Hwi laughed at this sarcasm thrown at him, and then he went wide-eyed.
"And so... since we came this far, we should get your reward and try again? All paths blocked to reach Profound Demon? This bastard is for real, what is wrong with your head?"
"What...?"
"I don't know how amazing your abilities are, but have some shame, a guy who doesn't have the courage to fight outside the system is being called as the strongest?!"
"Hoh."
Was the provocation working well?
The Absolute being's eyes turned a little firm and he fell into the words of Seol-Hwi.
"Seol-Hwi. From what you say, it sounds like you could beat me if I get out of the system."
"Of course I can win."
"How? Are you the only one who has risen above other Profound Demon?"
"I think it is possible with just energy. If one cannot use the system, they are of the same strength."
"..."
Gulp
He rubbed the chin like he enjoyed this. But this time, there was this change in the smile.
"The intention is so obvious. Do you think I would agree with this? Even without using the system, the difference in power between you and me is clear. Still, there is no need to take the fight outside the..."
"Idiot."
The eyes of Seol-Hwi, lit up.
"...?"
The Absolute frowned, wondering if this was another provocation.
"Right, I knew you were a coward. But you have already made this big mistake. You said it with your mouth. You cannot get out of the system."
"...So what about it? You cannot get away either."
"I know. But... if what you said is true. Doesn't it mean that there will be a space outside the system where you can avoid its eyes? Cheon Miryo had done it."
"..."
The Absolute frowned, and seeing him like that, Seol-Hwi calmed down.
"That fact alone is enough, because from now on, my thought of the world you created has completely changed. Thank you for giving me this little clue to the challenge. You idiot."
"Sigh..."
Slowly-
The Absolute being's face went stiff.
Was it because of the continued provocation, or some unknown unpleasantness?
"Now that I think about it, you are so annoying."
The reaction also turned a bit harsh. He, who had never lost his calm till now, made the first move.
Pit. Pit.
His feet did not even move.
He moved through space and stood right ahead of Seol-Hwi in an instant.
"You speak too much."
With just that one word, he raised the sword, and swung it.
Pi...
Seol-Hwi felt this strange sound in the ears. The type of time control. He could not move, only the opponent moved.
"See you next time, Seol-Hwi."
Unable to control his emotions, the Absolute one struggled and slowly raised the sword diagonally.
And it moved as if cutting down lightly. However, it did not happen.
Piiit—
For some reason, the ink-colored arrows had been flying towards him. The gaze of the Absolute, noticing this, was shocked.
"What is this..."
He could not understand it.
The arrows flew in, breaking the time bond.
Not just that, it easily pierced several layers of his defense, and the moment it touched the body of the Absolute—
"AHH!"
It broke at the end. In the nick of time, the sword of the Absolute cut off the narrow arrow.
Thuddd!!
When the broken ink arrow hit the ground, it caused an enormous explosion.
"Euk...!"
In the aftermath of the shock, Seol-Hwi was pushed back. And he did not even come back to the senses.
"Take this. Seol-Hwi."
Wheik
Suddenly something was in his hand, a weapon which was given to him by energy. It was beyond the Void Movement.
This...
<Illusion Sword.>
"Nice. Seol-Hwi."
"..."
Although he could see him—
Although his face was not clear, Seol-Hwi could tell.
Kwaaaa!
The final fourth stage of it, it was the strength of that where the Earth Demon's white hair was losing its shine. The moment when thousands of ink-colored arrows wrapped around his body, suddenly he pointed to a place far away, over several mountains.
Paak!
Seol-Hwi's sword suddenly flew.
Its speed was as swift as lightning.
It was a bit more than a hundred times the amount of arrows fired.
In an instant, the sword flew beyond their vision and turned invisible.
"Get out Seol-Hwi. With the strength of the sword..."
Rumble!
Nothing could be heard beyond that. At first glance, there was a moment where the angry face of Absolute could be seen.
"Hurry!"
"Ah..."
Right away, he demonstrated the ability of the Illusion Sword.
The ability to transport the body to the space where the sword was.
Swish
The last thing which caught his eyes was the third force. It was the scene where the Earth Demon, whose body was covered in hundreds of layers of ink-colored energy, was rushing in.