Chapter 515
Seong Jihan stared at the display Idra had shown.
Since the disconnection from BattleNet, humanity had been reduced to the lowest tier species.
All the benefits enjoyed through species evolution were now revoked.
Especially for players, as their levels had been reset to zero, massive confusion ensued.
The world was in extreme chaos, and the screen was split, showing only the most extreme situations.
'Trapping me here, and pulling that stunt on Earth...'
To think they deactivated the connection with a BattleNet invitation.
The Red Administrator was really good at everything except fighting.
Speaking of which,
"Why is the Black doing nothing about this... open and outright maneuver?"
On Seong Jihan's questioning,
[If you expect his help, you might need to rethink that.]
Idra's voice resonated from within the screen.
[Given that humanity and BattleNet's link have been severed, Black cannot interfere directly here.]
"Compared to you, Black really has a lot more restrictions."
[Though, he does possess strength...]
Between White and Black, it seemed Black would have the upper hand in a direct confrontation based on what he inferred from Idra's words, plunging Seong Jihan into deep thought.
'Having the top hat with Seah is better for now, but if we're stuck here much longer, we'll inevitably end up in a worse situation.'
He had entered with the intent to finish off the Martial God and the Red Administrator, but with White Administrator's intervention, he was truly tethered.
Seong Jihan turned his gaze away from the screen and looked at the light barrier that completely sealed Tuseong.
'No matter how I look at it, that's impenetrable.'
Idra had said he was part of and also the instinct of the White, yet the power of a permanent administrator was evident.
[The confusion is ultimately what you have caused. If only one sacrifices, everyone else could be happy... Do you not see the pained state of humanity?]
"Hmm. No, I don't see it."
Idra was using humanity as an excuse to push a contract on him, but Seong Jihan ignored it completely.
Instead,
"But it's weird? Isn't this situation going according to your plans? I don't see why you keep pushing the contracts, even giving up your own share in this."
Seong Jihan even questioned what Idra was thinking.
[True. Though continuing this way, Hell will still be established. However, I am looking beyond that.]
"Beyond?"
[The Red Administrator is not easy to control. He requires a check mechanism, someone like you who is diametrically opposed to him.]
"...So, you want to use me as his counterweight?"
[Exactly.]
It was all about waiting for the right moment to backstab.
Did becoming part of the administrators change them all like this?
White, Red, Green—all utterly abnormal.
"Hey, but can't we just work with Seah keeping her top hat on?"
[That cannot happen.]
"So? There's a reason why the hat must be taken off then."
[.......]
Idra did not respond to Seong Jihan's deduction, which essentially confirmed it.
'It seems they also have their reasons for needing Seah.'
If he really had the advantage, he wouldn't be pushing contracts to remove that accursed hat.
Seong Jihan steeled his gaze.
He guessed it meant he had to go back to Earth after all.
'Is there no other variable here that could bolster my strength?'
Swoosh.
Seong Jihan dismissed the screen right before him and approached the snake being sucked into the Taiji.
'Hey, can't you just hurry up and die already?'
The snake, still not fully extinguished and clearly holding onto the title of 'Martial God,' responded to Seong Jihan's urging.
A portion of the snake's body where nothing remained suddenly sprouted a head.
[...My death seems to amplify your power. Are you seeking the title of 'Martial God' then?]
"You catch on quick."
[Contrary to your expectations, that title is merely a symbol of honor... if you expected power, you'll be disappointed.]
As the snake said this, its eyes flashed brightly.
[There's a better way...]
"What is it?"
[Allow me to enter your body.]
* * *
"...You mean to parasitize me?"
Seong Jihan asked in disbelief.
[Yes. Just a small space will do. About the size of an insect... As long as it can contain my consciousness.]
The snake boldly claimed its willingness to become a parasite.
"Nevermind that..."
[If you agree, I will transfer the ownership of all remaining relics to you.]
"...How many are there?"
[I can transfer 51.]
Was that all that remained of the numerous constellation relics after being destroyed?
'Still, acquiring them would definitely enhance my power.'
With no way to break through the barrier of light right now, the snake's proposal was quite appealing.
However, since this was the entity that even Dongbang Sak couldn't escape the golden shackles from, it was too risky to casually accept its offer.
As Seong Jihan continued to ponder in silence,
Ssssss...
The Martial God said in desperation,
[No other conditions for the parasitism. Just let me bite you once.]
"Just a bite?"
[Yes. I'll even transfer some of the relics beforehand.]
Given that the main body continued to be absorbed into the Taiji, the Martial God, the once noble guardian, now offered to hand over the relics first.
"Alright. Give me the relics first."
As Seong Jihan nodded,
[The Wandering Martial God transfers 'Relic of the Constellation #174'. Do you accept?]
[The Wandering Martial God transfers 'Relic of the Constellation #2217'. Do you accept?]
Multiple message windows appeared before his eyes.
Seong Jihan pressed 'Yes.'
Ziiiiing...
The floating fragments of the destroyed Constellation relics began to gravitate towards him.
"They were just floating around, broken."
[It's not the shape that matters, but the power contained within. There is still quite a significant amount of energy left... isn't there?]
"Hmm."
Indeed, the Constellation relics that the Martial God had passed on contained immense power.
Before the transfer, no such power could be felt from the fragments.
It seemed the power could truly be used only after the ownership was transferred.
'This could definitely be used to amplify my strength.'
Seeing the five Constellation relics linked to him by a red light, Seong Jihan appraised their power.
Although continuously leaking energy due to being broken, they seemed useful for one-time use.
[How about it?]
"...Not bad."
[Then, may I bite you?]
Swoosh...
The suddently protruding head from the snake's torso distraughtly spoke, witnessing its body almost fully sucked into the Taiji.
It was a truly desperate situation, the end was near for it.
Yet,
"No."
[...Why not?! You needed power, didn't you?!]
"Yes, I need power, but."
Seong Jihan handled the red light with his hand.
"I think I can make use of this without having to accept your transfer."
[What...]
"Like this."
Whooosh!
From Seong Jihan's body, the red light blazed forth, starting to connect to the remnants of the Constellation relics.
"This, simply put, is a modification of the red's capabilities."
The light linked to the Constellation's relics.
Being diametrically opposed by nature, Seong Jihan quickly discerned its properties.
'Good that I left some stat red around.'
Just in case, he had left some stat red around, which he now decided to use.
As Seong Jihan made this connection, the Constellation relics shifted.
[Ah red... this too?]
Hearing this, the snake let out an exasperated sigh.
With this, the last means it had to negotiate was gone.
"Thanks, pal. I never thought there was still power in those remnants, but you gave a good hint."
[...Is there truly no chance you might spare me?]
"Of course not."
Ssh. Ssh.
Seong Jihan gestured towards the Taiji.
"Stop resisting. Now go."
[No, wait... listen to me!]
Despite having nothing left to negotiate, the Martial God struggled until the last moment.
Shooosh...
The Taiji, rotating properly, sucked in the tail of the snake.
['The Wandering Martial God' has been extinguished.]
[You have defeated the Martial God, thus inheriting the title 'Martial God'.]
System messages popped up for Seong Jihan indicating the extinction of the Martial God.
And following this,
['Martial God' title equipped. Do you wish to activate it now?]
Note - Once equipped, the title 'Martial God' cannot be removed.
A warning message appeared due to the title's single-slot occupancy.
"Equip it right away."
Upon Seong Jihan's command,
[The title 'Martial God' is being equipped.]
[Skill 'Infinite Annihilation God' amplified.]
[The realization of 'Martial Soul' is enhanced.]
The Martial Soul of Dongbang Sak, which Infinite Annihilation God couldn't fully contain, began to manifest more distinctly within Seong Jihan.
'...This.'
Swoosh.
Seong Jihan looked around.
With the title 'Martial God,' his martial talent had evolved further.
The world as perceived now, was conspicuously different from just moments before.
'Was the world he saw really so different from mine...'
Even the Constellation relics, which he had felt no power from before their transfer, now revealed hidden energies just by sight.
Up until a moment ago, the barrier of light seemed absolutely impenetrable,
But now, he could spot several weak points in it.
Especially,
'The barriers clogging both ends of the Galactic Sword Scar are clearly weaker.'
The Galactic Sword Scar had once completely bisected Tuseong,
Its remnants were sealed by the barrier of light, but that sealing was far from perfect.
'Good. I'll break through there.'
Whooooosh!
Red light emanated in all directions from Seong Jihan's body,
And the floating Constellation relics began to connect all at once.
[Blue Administrator, you... are actually thinking of breaking through?]
Seeing this, Idra, who reappeared after turning off the screen, moved his lips busily.
[Even as a temporary administrator, can't you see the difference in strength? That isn't 'Idra' but rather a barrier erected by the White Administrator himself. Only the Black Administrator can penetrate it.]
It seemed the barrier of light was indeed too robust because it was constructed with a permanent administrator's full strength.
'Certainly, if it wasnî't for the parts touched by the Galactic Sword Scar, it might have been difficult to break through...
The discrete power of a permanent administrator.
But now, with the ability to draw power from the Constellation relics,
He could well penetrate that barrier.
'Not just breaking through, but I need to return to Earth in one go.'
To do so,
He would need to employ the same method he used when he arrived here.
Sssss...
Behind Seong Jihan, the Taiji emerged,
And within it, the appearance of the Black Sword was revealed.
[Good. Give it a try. That should let you truly understand the disparity.]
Idra, seemingly pleased by this development, watched on.
He thought that once Seong Jihan felt despair against the wall erected by a permanent administrator, he would realize his place.
However, initially though he watched Seong Jihan's actions leisurely, he changed his tune once he saw the power contained in the Taiji Sword connected to the Constellation's relics.
[...Indeed, you're quite capable.]
The energy contained within the Taiji Sword.
Even for him, who knew the absolute power of light, it was quite threatening.
Yet, despite this, Idra ultimately believed that the sword would not be able to penetrate the barrier.
Until Seong Jihan's flesh was sucked into the sword,
He thought so.
Infinite Annihilation God
Heart Method
Mind Creates All
Whoooosh!
Seong Jihan vanished.
The sword, following the trajectory of the Galactic Sword Scar,
Rushed towards the remnants of light.
The dark sword, once it reached the barrier of light,
[No...!]
Pierced it in one fell swoop.
Then, the barrier that enveloped Tuseong seemed to twinkle for a moment,
Before gradually crumbling.
[Stop, stop...!]
Idra hurriedly sought the dark sword, but by then it had already disappeared.