Author: Renegade

  • About a Dating Sim Where Dating Is Impossible Chapter 50

    Anything becomes difficult to manage after a war.

    Especially since central Greece, comparable in size to Morea, was reclaimed all at once, the confusion and backlash were even greater.

    Among these issues, two stood out: the restoration of the Parthenon church and the lack of control over newly emerging local powers in central Greece, along with the shortage of talented individuals. Establishing an academy emerged as a way to address both issues simultaneously.

    However, even this establishment could not proceed immediately, as the obstacles lay not only in finances but also in disputes over who would be appointed as teachers.

    When the suggestion to invite Plethon, who had recently begun to gain attention, was made, a loud outcry echoed. The anger behind the voice filled Mistra’s court with a chilling atmosphere.

    The one voicing his anger was none other than Bishop Nikephoros. Known for his gentle nature and frequent role as a mediator in disputes, the bishop’s rare display of passion was notable.

    Although the reactions of the retainers weren’t as intense, they were not exactly welcoming either. Their eyes, filled with doubt and suspicion, conveyed subtle reproach. This attitude from the retainers only bolstered the bishop’s position, making his voice rise even more.

    “Your Highness, why would you choose such a man? Is he not someone even His Majesty, Emperor Manuel, was wary of?”

    “I read the reform proposals he submitted and found them reasonable.

    Upon realizing that the tax system, designed to prevent even a single penny from being lost, had instead become a harsh chain oppressing the free farmers, I resolved to abolish unnecessary and redundant taxes.

    I discovered that I wasn’t alone in this opinion and recognized his ability and determination to carry out such reforms. With his reputation, there is no one more suited for the position of the academy’s teacher.”

    As the empire’s decline became inevitable, class conflicts reached their peak. The reason this is spoken of in the past tense is that the overly strong ruling class had already suppressed all opposition. The people of the capital dismissed these as mere peasant revolts, failing to grasp the underlying message.

    Those who sold their land to become tenant farmers to escape harsh taxes. Priest whose repeated acts of donation and funds had swollen their ranks. The excessive expansion of these two classes left no place for free farmers.

    The peasant revolts that occurred during the empire’s collapse were the last uprisings of those enraged by this society and simultaneously a sign that they no longer had the strength to resist.

    At least, that’s how it’s viewed.

    The powerful local nobility in Morea alone reveals much. The empire’s failure was that all its rulers came from the same influential families. The former emperor, John Kantakouzenos, who had the ability and decisiveness to change this abnormal economic structure, failed to recognize the situation due to his aristocratic background.

    In contrast, Plethon’s reform proposals accurately pinpointed this issue.

    He also argued that the excessive centralization of power and administrative burden in the central government were causing a loss of administrative efficiency. Whether this opinion was true or not, the empire no longer had the strength to maintain absolute imperial rule.

    Even in Morea, to quell the backlash from local powers and reorganize the state with new governance structures, town councils were being established. This alignment in reform direction between Plethon and myself is another reason for choosing him.

    However, these rational reasons are blocked by a single point of dispute.

    “But he is a heretic!”

    The reason for the argument with Bishop Nikephoros.

    The bishop’s intense anger stemmed from the actions of Plethon, the most renowned scholar of the Balkans, known as a pinnacle of Greek and Roman culture and a revivalist of ancient philosophy. This elderly scholar revered Plato so deeply that he even changed his name to Plethon, a homage to Plato. The reason why such a famous figure remained in enigma was due to the shocking claims he made.

    He argued that the church was no longer necessary. When rumors spread that he even adhered to ancient paganism, the church began to monitor Plethon’s every move. As a result, Plethon had been living in seclusion, isolated from the world.

    Bishop Nikephoros pointed this out precisely, raising his momentum.

    “Not only did he make the outrageous claim that the church is unnecessary, but there are even rumors that he is a follower of paganism. How can Your Highness pretend not to know that merely bringing such a man into court would cast doubt on your faith? Have you not managed well enough against the Muslims until now?

    Your Highness, please do not make a choice that would tarnish your honor and faith. I beg you not to ignore my plea, sincerely hoping that Your Highness will be the protector of the church.”

    This is why the bishop’s words couldn’t be dismissed outright. Bringing or supporting someone suspected of heresy into the court would be an act condemned by the church. A compromise that would somewhat satisfy both the church and Plethon had to be found.

    Judging by the current reactions, however, Bishop Nikephoros, as the church’s representative, would not easily back down.

    In any case, persuading the church was necessary before meeting with Plethon.

    Thus, it was time to play the largest card prepared in anticipation of opposition.

    “While it’s true that Plethon’s heretical actions are suspicious, there is no definitive evidence yet. I will personally interrogate him on this matter, and if he has been misled by false knowledge of heresy, I will guide him back to the right path. However, it is natural that some will distrust him because of a momentary lapse.”

    Although it seemed like a risky gamble, it wasn’t an entirely unreasonable one. After skillfully seizing the opportunity to reclaim central Greece and extend the empire’s influence into Epirus, the recent restoration of the Parthenon’s Church had also intensified the church’s support. Such an enormous gamble could be dangerous.

    This wasn’t merely to appease the church’s power in Morea. The card to be played was also meant to check the political forces in the capital. Given that a long-term strategy was already in sight, it was inevitable that the central government of the empire and Morea would counterbalance each other.

    This was because the central government, which preserved the glory and tradition of the thousand-year empire, viewed Morea, which had independently set out to reclaim the Balkans without its control, unfavorably.

    The representative figure turning into an opponent was likely John. Although the number of those supporting this side had recently increased, many still sided with John. Therefore, this decision was necessary.

    For the empire and the church, survival was as crucial as continuity.

    “I intend to announce to the world the innocence and faith of Morea, including myself, through the establishment of a metropolitan seat.”

    The atmosphere, which had grown cold, became heavy in a different sense. Bishop Nikephoros, unable to speak, simply stared, while only the tax collector, Adrianos, managed to stammer out a single word.

    “Me-metropolitan seat…”

    Adrianos had every reason to be shocked. The central government would do everything in its power to prevent this. The only way the capital governed Morea was through the religious fervor of the Bishopric. The establishment of a metropolitan seat would tip the scales of power in favor of Morea. However, this was a double-edged sword that could accelerate the empire’s division in the distant future.

    Thus, Plethon was necessary.

    A philosopher who would ensure that the church’s division did not lead to the empire’s fragmentation. A thinker who would propose a new ideology to bind the empire together for another millennium, replacing the church that had held the thousand-year empire together.


    TL : Wow, this chapter is confusing as hell if you’re not familiar with politics. Best of luck!

    If you like this Novel please leaves us a review at Novel Updates

  • About a Dating Sim Where Dating Is Impossible Chapter 49

    While everyone was joyfully toasting and chatting, the prince was deeply engrossed in preparations to repel another Ottoman invasion.

    The most pressing issue, undoubtedly, was figuring out how to retain the reclaimed cities. The local rulers, who had pledged their fragile oaths under threat, would likely cast them aside at the next Ottoman threat. Steps needed to be taken to prevent them from wavering.

    Even though the new governing body called the “people’s assembly” had been introduced, most of the city’s old elite remained in place.

    Until they fully settled in and developed loyalty to the empire, expecting these recently conquered cities to transform rapidly was overly optimistic. And this wasn’t the only problem; others loomed as well.

    The resentment of Morea’s citizens towards Venetian merchants was intensifying by the day.

    The joy of victory still suppressed this sentiment, but for how long? It was only natural to view Venice, enriched by its control of the Aegean Sea, with envious eyes—especially when the wealth they now enjoyed was seen as something rightfully belonging to Morea’s citizens.

    Even though it was understood that the territories were yielded through agreements or transactions, controlling emotional resentment was another matter. From the prince’s perspective, who needed to maintain the alliance with Venice, this growing discontent was troubling. After all, he had introduced a duty-free policy to attract military action against the Ottomans.

    At the time, it was an urgent necessity, but as time passed, it left a bitter taste. Venetian goods now dominated Morea’s streets, deepening economic dependency.

    No doubt Venice had considered this as well, moving with the shrewd judgment typical of a nation driven by national interest. The prince, too, wished to rid Morea of Venetian influence, but…

    If they were expelled, who would stand against the Ottomans?

    Knowing that the empire desperately needed Venice, the Venetians could afford to be unyielding. Resolving the issue with Venice would only be possible when the empire became more self-reliant and Venice itself fell into crisis—a future still far off.

    The final challenge was the shortage of bureaucrats and legal experts brought on by the rapid territorial expansion.

    Despite the primacy of imperial authority, the empire had never abandoned its tradition of the rule of law. This tradition, stretching back to the days of the ancient republic, was seen as the foundation of the empire’s stability.

    While the empire’s decline had led to a surge in private lawyers due to the inability to support all legal professionals, the collapse of organized educational institutions made it difficult to guarantee both the quality and supply of these professionals.

    “Establishing an academy seems like the best solution…”

    A comprehensive plan emerged in the prince’s mind: the creation of a specialized academy that could even accommodate foreigners. By encouraging the rulers of recently recaptured cities to send their children to study there, the academy could serve as both an educational institution and a means of securing hostages.

    Through this education, these future leaders would naturally develop a fondness for Morea and loyalty to the prince, ultimately alleviating the shortage of bureaucrats and other skilled personnel.

    If the academy were successfully established and attracted numerous foreigners, improving relations with Venice would become easier, as the plan was to entrust a sort of passenger service to Venice.

    While it would be ideal to accommodate commoners as well, the academy would require operational funds, so it would likely have to select only the children of influential families. It was certain that these aristocrats, accustomed to luxury, would demand various entertainments for the long and tedious voyages.

    However, hoping for such an outcome might be too much to ask.

    Even if the latter goal wasn’t achieved, fulfilling the primary objective of securing hostages and future bureaucrats to strengthen control over the cities would be a significant accomplishment. With this thought, the prince leaned towards establishing the academy.

    If it were any other ruler besides Konstantinos, the idea of an academy might never have been considered. Most would have focused all efforts on hastily raising an army to expel the Ottomans.

    But the prince had never entertained such reckless thoughts from the beginning.

    The Ottomans, having long since rooted themselves in the Balkans, had shifted their base from Asia Minor (Turkey) to the Balkans. If they sought the glorious throne of the millennium-old empire, it was certain they would also aim to seize Constantinople.

    Would the Ottomans easily abandon the Balkans? Their resistance would undoubtedly be fierce. Two nations were locked in a struggle for the throne of the thousand-year empire; neither would concede.

    Thus, the prince believed the struggle between the Ottomans and the empire would not end quickly.

    Realistically, the empire had long been too weakened to drive out the Ottomans. More time was needed to restore the empire’s strength to the point where it could expel the Ottomans.

    At the same time, the post-expulsion scenario also demanded attention. To revive a nation devastated by various calamities and civil wars, a sufficient pool of talents was essential.

    The establishment of the academy would provide the strength to prevent the empire from collapsing in the long war. Just as the Ottomans had their elite Janissaries trained from a young age, the empire needed a comparable force.

    The prince firmly believed that the foundation to reverse the imbalance in military power could stem from education. However, upon reaching this conclusion, he encountered the most significant obstacle in establishing the academy.

    After much deliberation on how to overcome this challenge, the prince lowered his head with a somber expression.

    “I have no idea which scholars to invite as teachers.”

    The prince, who had fallen into this world—a visual novel world or perhaps the past—due to an unknown phenomenon, rarely leveraged the advantages of his origin. After all, most people only knew about the Hundred Years’ War when it came to the 15th century, and interest in Eastern Europe was unusual.

    Even the prince himself was beginning to forget if he had ever lived in the future. His vast but shallow knowledge of the future had allowed him to accumulate cultural knowledge at an astonishing rate, and he was superior to present day scholars in many ways, but that was all. Knowledge that was too advanced often went uncomprehended.

    One reason was that the prince had no time to apply his vast learning. Where was the time to write books when he was busy seeking alliances to confront the Ottomans?

    Thus, a scholar who could best understand his current knowledge was needed.

    Inevitably, the prince’s attention turned to the most renowned scholar in the Balkans of this era. Ironically, the scholar the prince focused on also regarded the prince as a worthy lord to serve due to his affection for the empire.

  • A doomsday-level returnee devours calamities Chapter 19

    As Taeseong stood up, the towering woman hastily stepped back.

    “You’re not human. What are you?”

    “…Po. Po. Po.”

    When Taeseong took a single step forward, the massive woman immediately ducked behind a nearby stone wall. However, her towering height left her head fully visible above it.

    Realizing at once that she was a “monster,” Taeseong thought briefly.

    ‘Should I kill it?’

    Though it didn’t seem particularly threatening, there was no reason to leave unnecessary risks behind when he had no idea where he was.

    As their eyes met, the massive woman blushed and hurriedly pulled down her hat.

    “Po. Po. Po. Po!”

    Taeseong made up his mind. Rather than killing her, he decided to first assess the situation.

    The area was overgrown with grass and trees. Nearby stood a few stone statues resembling Jizo Bodhisattvas, and a long stone wall stretched in one direction.

    ‘The team…’

    Not far away, he spotted his teammates unconscious on the ground. It seemed he was the first to wake.

    Taeseong approached them and began slapping their cheeks, one by one.

    The first to wake was Yu Gi-jun.

    “Captain…?”

    Next was Oh Haeyoung.

    “Mm… Taeseong? Did we arrive safely?”

    Lastly, Eunha opened her eyes.

    “Ugh, my head… Judging by the surroundings, we made it. But why do my cheeks hurt so much?”

    “Oh, me too. My cheeks feel so sore.”

    “Do the rest of you feel the same? I thought it was just me…”

    Ignoring their complaints, Taeseong shifted his gaze toward the stone wall.

    The massive woman had disappeared.

    Even as he expanded his senses, there was no sign of her.

    ‘Did she run away after seeing the others wake up?’

    Taeseong asked Eunha.

    “Did you see a massive woman watching us from behind that stone wall?”

    “A massive woman? No, I didn’t.”

    At that, Haeyoung asked with a curious expression.

    “A massive woman? How big are we talking?”

    “Judging by her height, well over two meters.”

    “What!? Over two meters? Are there even women that tall? And you’re saying she’s not human?”

    “I never said she was human.”

    “T-Then… Could it be a monster?”

    “Most likely.”

    Gi-jun, who had been listening intently, suddenly interjected.

    “Captain, could it be the Palecheok Ghost?”

    “Palecheok Ghost? What’s that?”

    “It’s a ghost from Japanese urban legends that once set the internet abuzz. She’s said to wear a hat and stand at an imposing height of eight cheok (about 2.4 meters). Apparently, she makes a ‘Po. Po. Po.’ sound and lures people, especially men. The legend also says she can perfectly mimic human voices.”

    “What you’re describing matches what I saw.”

    The description, from her appearance to her behaviour, aligned almost perfectly with the legend Gi-jun had mentioned.

    “How… how did she look? Was she really over eight cheok tall? They say she’s supposed to be beautiful for a ghost. Was she really that pretty?”

    Haeyoung and Eunha turned to Gi-jun with disdainful glares.

    “Gi-jun, are you seriously lusting after a ghost?”

    “Wow, men really are something else.”

    Flustered, Gi-jun hastily held up his ringed finger as he defended himself.

    “L-Lust? No, it’s not like that! I was just curious! I’m married, you know!”

    “Wow, hitting on a ghost even though you’re married…”

    “Unbelievable. Men.”

    Realizing nothing he said would help, Gi-jun turned his pleading eyes to Taeseong.

    “Captain, you understand, don’t you?”

    Of course, Taeseong ignored him and turned to Eunha.

    “So, where exactly are we?”

    This was the question that had been on his mind ever since their arrival.

    “Where? We’re in Nagoya, Japan.”

    “The place you drew in your sketch—is this it? You pulled us into the scene you created?”

    Eunha nodded.

    “Exactly. It’s one of the abilities I gained as a host. I’ve been to Nagoya before, and what I drew on the paper was a landscape from my memory. That’s why I was an essential part of this mission.”

    Taeseong finally understood why the team had been so focused on her involvement.

    ‘This power is remarkably useful. Depending on how it’s applied, the possibilities are endless.’

    “I can guess what you’re thinking, Taeseong, but this ability isn’t something I can abuse. Especially moving entire spaces like this—it drains me terribly. If I use it repeatedly, I won’t survive. Great power always comes with great limitations.”

    “I see. Still, it’s impressive to travel such a great distance in one go.”

    “It’s thanks to this.”

    Eunha held up the brush she had used to draw.

    “What’s that?”

    “You’ve probably guessed, but this is another artifact. Its grade is Delta. I brought it back from the world where I became a host.”

    To Taeseong, it looked like an ordinary brush.

    “Alright, let’s move. We need to find lodging before dark. There’s an inn nearby.”

    Haeyoung asked, “When will the Japanese team arrive?”

    “They should be here by the end of the day. Since Team Leader Choi Harin herself coordinated with them, we don’t need to worry. She’s very thorough.”

    “Understood!”

    “Oh, and everyone, put these on. No need to ask what they’re for.”

    Taeseong, who genuinely didn’t know, asked without hesitation.

    “What are these for?”

    “Haeyoung, explain.”

    “Yes!”

    Eunha handed each of them what appeared to be ordinary earplugs, except for one unusual detail—a tiny mouth was attached to each one.

    They were officially called “The King’s Ears Are Donkey Ears.” Classified as an Epsilon-grade artifact, their ability to repeat whatever they heard made them a useful makeshift translator. However, they had a few quirks, such as exaggerating what they heard or spouting random, dubious rumors.

    As Taeseong and his group approached the village, their path was interrupted by an ominous presence—an unsettling forest filled with repetitive paths and an eerie atmosphere. Despite their attempts to escape, they found themselves continually looping back to the same spot, marked by Taeseong’s deliberate carvings.

    Their confusion deepened when they stumbled upon a grim altar, decorated with human remains in various states of decay and flanked by pillars seemingly constructed from bones. The air grew heavy, reeking of death and malevolence.

    At the center of the ominous scene stood a man kneeling, surrounded by followers dressed in stark white robes. His unsettling black eyes—lacking any visible whites—fixed on the group.

    “Are you the master of this forest?” Taeseong demanded, his tone sharp with suspicion.

    The kneeling man rose slowly, his gaze unwavering. “And you, are you the administrators sent from Korea?”

    His voice dripped with disdain as he continued, “How amusing that the worms from your uncultured land would walk willingly into this place. You must understand—everything here is a blessing granted to us by Orochi-sama.”

    The man introduced himself as Abeno Takehashi, a former Japanese administrator turned devotee of an ancient, malevolent deity due to contact with a Beta-grade entity. His dark transformation had turned him into an unhinged shaman who worshipped chaos and detested Koreans.

    Recognizing the escalating threat, Taeseong swiftly issued an order: “Unidentified entities ahead. Prepare for combat!”

    Tension rippled through the group as they readied themselves for a confrontation against an unpredictable foe, the forest’s malevolent influence pressing down like a suffocating shroud.

  • The Regressed Extra Becomes a Genius Chapter 19

    [You have entered the hidden floor of the Tower of Proof, ‘Imaginary World.’]

    [The Tower of Proof is observing you.]

    [Mystical mana envelops you.]

    As I climbed the stairs, I heard the will of the tower echoing in my mind.

    A mysterious power settled within me, and I could feel the mana inside my body surging.

    I lifted my head and looked around.

    In the blink of an eye, the space had changed.

    Unlike the previous floor, which was shrouded in darkness, this place was dazzlingly bright.

    When I looked down, even the staircase I had climbed had vanished.

    [Achievement unlocked: ‘Mystical Explorer.’]

    [You have earned 5,000 points as a reward.]

    “…This is definitely different.”

    The floor of the expansive space was covered with vibrant, colorful flowers.

    From the ceiling, small birds flitted among nests, chirping merrily.

    Though the ceiling was pure white, intricate golden patterns gave it an air of sophistication.

    It was a space I had only read about in the novel’s descriptions.

    Now that I was seeing it for myself, I was overwhelmed with emotion.

    “Wow. This is truly beautiful.”

    As I admired the flowers on the ground, I walked slowly, eventually stopping in my tracks.

    In front of me stood a statue of a beautiful goddess, holding a sword pointed downward.

    At that moment, the will of the tower echoed once more.

    [Climber of the Tower of Proof.]

    [Can you prove yourself?]

    The statue’s eyes began to glow.

    Powerful magic radiated from around the statue, causing the flower petals on the floor to sway as if caught in the wind.

    Moments later, five luminous figures appeared around the statue.

    ―Kikikikiki.
    ―Kikiki.

    The glowing entities laughed.

    Flower fairies.

    Despite their beautiful name, they were savage monsters that attacked humans on sight.

    The flower fairies were ranked as C-class monsters.

    While they weren’t particularly strong, their small, nimble bodies made them difficult to hit, even for B-class mages.

    So, the trial of the hidden floor begins.

    I conjured two spells above my hands.

    Flower fairies were agile and small, but their attack and defense were relatively weak.

    The key was to minimize the size of my spells and release them quickly to ensure a hit.

    “Ha!”

    I released the condensed magic toward the flower fairies.

    Since I used minimal mana, I unleashed the spells at maximum speed.

    However, the small size of the magic projectiles made them narrowly miss their targets.

    “Tch.”

    ―Kikikiki.
    ―Kikikikiki.

    Once more!

    I began conjuring and releasing spells again.

    This time, I didn’t stop at one or two spells.

    I kept unleashing a barrage of magic projectiles, determined that at least one would hit.

    The flower fairies twisted and turned, dodging each projectile.

    But they couldn’t avoid the relentless storm of spells entirely.

    ―Kyaaaa!

    One by one, the flower fairies fell.

    After continuously bombarding them with spells, all the flower fairies eventually vanished with a shriek.

    “Whew. Barely made it.”

    I wiped the sweat from my forehead and let out a deep breath.

    Though my method was somewhat crude, it was a necessary choice given my limited mana reserves.

    Increasing the size of my spells would have been too risky if they missed.

    Thankfully, I succeeded before running out of mana.

    “Now, do I just wait?”

    According to the novel, defeating all the flower fairies on the hidden floor would trigger a special reward.

    Since I had eliminated every last one, the reward should be coming soon.

    I swallowed nervously and waited for the reward to appear.

    Then, the statue’s eyes glowed once more.

    [You have failed to prove yourself.]

    “What?”

    My mind went blank with disbelief.

    Failed to prove myself?

    But that wasn’t in the original story!

    [Climber of the Tower of Proof.]

    [Can you prove yourself?]

    “What do you mean? I just proved it! I defeated all the flower fairies!”

    As I shouted, powerful magic radiated around the statue once more.

    Whoosh!

    The sound of flames igniting came from somewhere.

    I turned toward the source of the sound.

    “…What?”

    Flames erupted, consuming the beautiful field of flowers in an instant.

    The birds that had been peacefully flying through the ceiling fell to the ground, suffocating.

    “Cough! Cough! What is happening?”

    I was thrown into confusion by the unexpected turn of events.

    Why was this happening?

    The thick smoke choked me, and I covered my nose and mouth with my sleeve as I quickly scanned my surroundings.

    ‘Do I need to get out of here?’

    Looking for an escape route…

    There wasn’t one.

    The staircase that had brought me to the hidden floor had disappeared long ago.

    What now? What should I do?

    As my thoughts raced, I recalled the tower’s earlier question.

    ‘Can you prove yourself?’

    Prove…

    Why had I failed?

    “Ah…”

    It finally dawned on me.

    The proof the Tower of Proof sought was unique skills or talents that only I could possess.

    In other words, it was about demonstrating individuality that no one else could replicate.

    But when I faced the flower fairies, I hadn’t shown any unique quality.

    Unlike the original story, I had crudely bombarded them with magic to brute-force my way through.

    That wasn’t my individuality.

    The tower had recognized this and declared my failure.

    The tower’s difficulty was typically determined by the strength of its monsters and the traps it employed.

    Having failed the trial using monsters, I was now facing a trap-based trial.

    So, this blazing inferno wasn’t real.

    It was a magical trap. To prove myself, I needed to break it.

    [Activating unique trait, ‘Outsider’s Privilege.’]

    [Deciphering the magical formula.]

    As I activated Outsider’s Privilege, the complex magical formations creating this space became visible to me.

    Just as I had suspected, this was an illusory world conjured by magic.

    I placed my hand on the burning floor.

    The intense heat burned my palm, and I gritted my teeth in pain.

    “Urgh!”

    It hurt.

    But I had to endure.

    I had to dispel the trap entirely to prove myself.

    The blazing floor began to emit a blue light.

    [Prove yourself.]

    ‘Fine, I’ll prove it.’

    My uniqueness.

    I might not be able to create magical formulas like other support mages, but when it came to deciphering them, no one was better than me.

    ―Crackle, sizzle…

    As I continued to pour mana into the floor, I altered the magical formula. The radiance spread from the floor to the ceiling and walls, bathing the entire area in light.

    Shortly after, a notification window appeared before my eyes.

    Ding!

    [You have achieved the achievement: “Recognized by the Tower of Proof.”]

    [You have received 10,000 points as a reward.]

    …Did I succeed?

    “Hah… hah…”

    Catching my breath, I surveyed my surroundings. The raging flames had vanished without a trace, and the once-charred flower field had reverted to its original beauty.

    [You have proven yourself.]

    Once again, the voice of the tower’s will echoed in my mind.

    [Congratulations!]

    [You have successfully cleared the hidden floor, “The Imaginary world.”]

    [The Tower of Proof bestows its blessings upon you.]

    [Adaptive Trait, “Proof of the Tower (D),” has been added.]

    [+5 to Mana.]

    [+20% Mana Recovery Speed.]

    [+10% Magic Power.]

    [The Reward Room has been opened.]

    “It’s done!”

    Relief washed over me, and I collapsed onto the ground, sprawled out. Although the scenario deviated slightly from the novel’s original storyline, I was satisfied with the successful completion of the floor.


    After a brief rest, I stood before an fancy door that floated mid-air in the hidden floor. It was the only object present, standing alone in the void.

    “This must be the Reward Room.”

    I admired the detailed patterns on the grand door and slowly pushed it open.

    Creak…

    As the door swung open, a lavish interior reminiscent of a mythical temple came into view. Massive statues of twin goddesses holding swords in both hands dominated the space, enhancing the temple’s divine atmosphere.

    “Wow…”

    Awestruck by the sheer grandeur, I stepped into the Reward Room.

    Though I had visited several reward rooms in other towers, none had exuded such majesty. This hidden floor’s reward room was in a league of its own.

    I walked along the path that led to a massive altar at the end.

    “Is that it?”

    Approaching the altar, I saw three items resting upon it, just as described in the novel.

    The first was a long spear glowing with a crimson hue. I picked it up and used The Outsider’s Privilege to examine its properties.

    ━━
    [Soul of the Crimson Dragon (B)]

    Type: Spear
    Description: A spear crafted from the bones of a crimson dragon, imbued with its fiery essence.

    [Passive Effect]
    Blazing Aura

    • Fire Attribute.
    • Increases Health and Strength by 5.
    • Deals 30% additional damage to water-attributed monsters.

    Durability: B
    Destructive Power: B
    ━━

    “Hmm.”

    The main reward was indeed the spear described in the novel. Its performance wasn’t exceptional but had no detrimental effects, only beneficial enhancements. It would likely fetch a good price at auction—around 30 million won, perhaps?

    “At least I’ve secured some starting capital.”

    Next, I picked up a magic scroll inscribed with mysterious symbols.

    ━━
    [Magic Enchantment: Spell Shield (B)]

    Type: Magic Enchantment
    Description: Adds a magical effect to a designated tool.

    [Effect Upon Use]
    Spell Shield

    • Deploys a shield that blocks one magic attack.
    • Cooldown: 12 hours.
      ━━

    Magic enchantments were always valuable since they could enhance tools with specific effects. This one, offering a spell-blocking shield, was particularly useful.

    “I’ll keep this for myself.”

    Finally, I turned to the third item: five crimson flowers with a small pouch of seeds beside them.

    ━━
    [Sacred Bloom (C)]

    Type: Material
    Description: A plant imbued with mysterious power. With proper preparation, it could create a special elixir.
    ━━

    The Sacred Bloom.

    This bonus item was unique to the hidden floor. While its grade was only C, its rarity made it incredibly valuable.

    The Sacred Bloom served as a catalyst in potion-making, amplifying the effects of other ingredients. Alone, it was useless, but when combined with other materials, it could produce potent potions or elixirs.

    However, creating such items required a skilled alchemist. Thankfully, I knew of an organization capable of handling this material.

    I carefully stored the Sacred Blooms and seeds in my bag, ensuring they were well-protected.

    “What time is it?”

    I glanced at my watch.

    8:29 p.m.

    Roughly an hour remained until the rampage began.

    It was time to move.

  • I Have Descended as the Iron-Blooded All-Master Chapter 6

    “In the end, all I’ve given to Father is just a drop of blood, isn’t it?”

    “No, your blood has been incredibly helpful to me. So hold your head high, Damian.”

    “The next time you visit the temple… I’ll prepare an even greater gift than today, Father.”

    Even until the final moments when I exited the sanctuary, Damian seemed reluctant to let go.

    Did he assume my comment about being helpful was just a consideration to make him feel better?

    Damian kept emphasizing that he’d prepare something better for the next time we met.

    So, I found his persistently apologetic attitude both touching and frustrating.

    Authority of Growth

    The talk of being helpful wasn’t just consideration—it was 200% genuine.

    The Authority of Growth is, as the name suggests, a broken trait that exponentially increases the owner’s combat power.


    • Status attributes are unified under ‘Rank.’
    • ‘Rank’ increases all status performance threefold and enhances growth by threefold.

    I can’t believe I’ve gotten this already. Insane.

    ‘Rank’ contains all attributes like strength, agility, and stamina.

    Not only that, but as the system explains, its performance is vastly superior.

    Compared to a user of the same level, someone with the Authority of Growth is three times stronger.

    And with a growth rate increased by 300%, the gap with someone without it would only grow wider.

    What could be a better gift than this? Damian Abel, you infuriatingly sincere fool.

    This was originally a lucky opportunity only available in the later stages of the game.

    Damian, upon reaching the verge of becoming a Sword Master, earns the Authority of Growth as a reward for completing a task for a top-tier constellation.

    But I obtained it just by draining a single drop of Damian’s blood.

    Though, of course, enduring the excruciating pain while absorbing his vitality wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.

    Compared to the task Damian had to handle in the game, this was SSS-tier cost efficiency.

    Look at this:


    [You have defeated a ‘Night Troll!’]
    [Your level has increased!]
    [Your level has…]


    A Night Troll, which would normally require at least level 15 to take down, was something I had just effortlessly defeated.

    Killing something far above my level had resulted in gaining two levels at once.

    Even I was astonished by the result.

    “H-Hiiik…”

    Let alone this guy, who had nearly lost his life.

    I reached out my hand to the middle-aged adventurer who still looked dazed and asked:

    “Are you alright?”

    “Y-Yes…”

    Even as he hesitantly grabbed my hand and got up, his soul seemed half out of his body.

    I couldn’t blame him. If I saw some pale stranger twist off a troll’s massive head in one motion, I’d be stunned too.

    The adventurer, who had been looking at me like I was an even bigger monster than the troll, finally snapped out of it and bowed deeply.

    “Thanks to you, my lord, I managed to save my life. My name is Hans. May I know your name, my lord?”

    “Ruth.”

    “Ah, yes, Ruth…! If you hadn’t saved me, I’d have surely perished alongside my companions over there. And, um, this is…”

    Hans hastily rummaged through his belongings and pulled out a pouch of coins.

    “This is all I have saved from my time as an adventurer. Please accept it—it’s meager, but it’s the least I can offer.”

    “If you give me your entire savings, what will you do in the future?”

    “Well, I suppose I’ll return to my hometown and help my father with his farm work.”

    “Are you saying you’re quitting adventuring?”

    “Yes, I’ve grown weary of this aimless wandering, and after what happened today, I’ve made up my mind.”

    So he was already at his limit, and this incident pushed him to a decision.

    With him declaring his retirement from adventuring first, things became much easier.

    “…”

    I shifted my gaze from the money pouch to the badge pinned to Hans’ armor.

    On his left chest was a bronze badge, shaped like an insignia.

    The adventurer’s badge, divided into gold, silver, and bronze, represents rank.

    However, not everyone who declares themselves an adventurer automatically receives one from the guild.

    Even the lowest bronze badge requires a certain level of skill and achievement to earn.

    In other words, obtaining a bronze badge involves a tedious process.

    At least, through conventional methods.

    “I don’t need your money.”

    “What? Oh… Please don’t worry about it. Accepting this will ease my conscience.”

    “No, I mean it. I don’t want money—I’d prefer a different kind of compensation.”

    “Is that so?”

    Perhaps thinking I was offering a favor without asking for anything in return, Hans scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

    It’s not like I was strapped for cash, either. The gold I’d extracted from the cathedral’s treasury yesterday would last me half a year without lifting a finger.

    “Well, then, what should I…”

    Before Hans could finish his sentence, I pointed at the badge on his chest.

    “If you’re retiring from adventuring, you won’t need the badge anymore, will you?”

    “Oh, um, yes… I suppose so.”

    “Then I’ll take that as payment. Use this money as allowance for your farm work.”

    The first step in my plan to resolve the penalties for draining vitality was:


    The Predator’s Labyrinth

    To conquer this place.

    According to imperial regulations, only adventurers ranked bronze or higher are permitted entry into the Predator’s Labyrinth.


    I went to the “Tailve Forest” right after leaving the Temple.

    It wasn’t just to test how much stronger I had grown through the <Authority of Growth>. The primary reason was to confirm whether the <Predator’s Labyrinth> still existed in the exact location I knew.

    It did exist.

    Somewhere in the eastern part of the “Tailve Forest,” nestled between rocky cracks.

    When I checked the spot, thankfully, it was there—a stone gate marking the labyrinth’s entrance.

    However, there was something else, an unexpected factor.

    A barrier.

    A barrier at the entrance of a labyrinth or ruin meant one thing—that somebody has already claimed it.

    When a labyrinth has a claimant, priests dispatched by the Church preemptively erect barriers around its entrance.

    It’s a type of warning:

    Unless you are a party with the rightful claim, you cannot step into this labyrinth.

    I could destroy the barrier using ‘that skill’ under the <Blood Link Skill>, but…

    Doing so would leave traces.

    The moment you tamper with a barrier, it transmits something akin to a magical code or personal details to the priest in real-time.

    Snatching away a labyrinth that someone else holds the rights to is a severe crime.

    While I didn’t particularly care about any moral guilt, I had no intention of becoming a fugitive from the start.

    Guess I have no choice.

    Still, I could take comfort in knowing the labyrinth hadn’t been cleared yet.

    To obtain “that item” necessary to resolve my penalty, I must gain access to the <Predator’s Labyrinth>, no matter what.

    Even if it means enduring some humiliation.


    With a click, my steps led me to a tavern in .

    Inside, travelers and adventurers chattered loudly around tables laden with food and drink, while a musician played piano in a corner of the room.

    The scene of revelry greeted me as I pushed through the swinging doors. Calmly, I scanned the room for a particular figure.

    Before long, I spotted her.

    There she is.

    A large, red-haired woman, with a scar running down her cheek and a build rivaling an ox’s.

    Glenda, leader of the Glenda Adventurer Party.

    According to the records at the adventurer’s guild, she was the one who had purchased the rights to clear the labyrinth.

    By offering a bribe on top of the usual fee, I managed to get a tavern worker to disclose additional details about her—things like the planned clearing date and her routine of partying here every night with her comrades.

    Having confirmed her identity, I approached the bartender.


    Moments later:

    “Leader, aren’t you drinking a bit too much? Tomorrow’s the clearing day.”

    “Hah! Pete, you worry too much for your own good. Do you think this Glenda would let something as trivial as a hangover stop her from dealing with some damn monsters?”

    Clink.

    A sudden sound interrupted Glenda’s words as a whiskey glass slid onto the table in front of her.

    It was the drink I had offered.

    “Surely, with someone of Glenda’s caliber, a few more drinks wouldn’t hurt,” I said smoothly.

    “Huh…?”

    Glenda looked up at me, puzzled.

    She scanned me from head to toe, scratched her cheek, and asked, “Uh, kid… do we know each other?”

    “No, this is our first meeting. And the drink is my treat.”

    “You’re buying me a drink out of nowhere? What, is my name already that famous in the big cities? No, that’s unlikely…”

    The relaxed atmosphere shifted abruptly as Glenda’s demeanor grew sharp.

    Her comrades, seated around her, all turned their wary gazes toward me.

    It was only natural for them to be suspicious—after all, an unknown stranger had just mentioned their leader’s name without preamble.

    Before their suspicions could deepen further, I got straight to the point.

    “I heard you’re planning to clear the <Predator’s Labyrinth>.”

    “And where did you hear that from…?”

    “I’d like to join your expedition.”

    Silence fell the moment I finished speaking.

    Then…

    Snicker.

    The adventurers began chuckling, one by one, before breaking into open laughter.

    Glenda, staring at me in disbelief, eventually burst out laughing, clutching her stomach.

    “Pfft! And here I thought you might be someone impressive—turns out you’re just a clueless brat. Kid, do you even hear yourself?”

    “…”

    “You said it yourself—we’ve never met before. What on earth would make us trust a total stranger to join us in clearing a labyrinth? Honestly, if you thought a glass of whiskey could buy you in, you’d better run back to your mama—”

    Glenda stopped mid-sentence.

    The cause?

    Jingle. Jingle.

    The faint chime of gold coins as I placed a pile of them on the table.

    A total of 50 gold.

    Enough to change the expressions of even low-tier adventurers.

    “I understand my request is unreasonable. Please consider this a gesture of sincerity.”

    “S-Sincerity…?”

    “Yes. All I ask in exchange for this money is to join the labyrinth expedition. You’re free to distribute the clearing rewards as you see fit, Glenda.”

    The reward was meaningless to me. Compared to the value of “that item” I intended to obtain, it might as well have been pocket change.

    Of course, I avoided saying as much—better to keep suspicions low.

    “…”

    The golden gleam illuminated Glenda and her comrades’ faces.

    Several of them swallowed hard, visibly tempted.

    Fifty gold was worth more than the rewards from clearing several labyrinths combined.

    It was an offer too good to resist.

    Yet—

    “Damn it… I almost fell for it.” Glenda shut her eyes tight and slapped her own cheeks before looking back at me.

    “A kid with this much money… you must be some rich young master playing at being an adventurer. Let me give you a piece of advice: life is worth more than gold.”

    “…”

    “Whether it’s fifty gold or five hundred, it’s useless if you’re dead. No one wants to die in a labyrinth because they dragged dead weight along.”

    In short, she wasn’t willing to bring someone untested into her team.

    Her gaze shifted to the badge pinned on my chest—a bronze adventurer’s badge.

    “To be honest, I’m even suspicious of that badge. You probably bought it or got it through some shady means.”

    She wasn’t wrong.

    But I didn’t flinch, keeping a composed expression.

    “I earned this badge with my own skills.”

    “Really? Then explain why your hands are so soft and why I can’t sense a shred of magic from you. Do we look drunk and stupid enough to believe that?”

    Glenda downed her whiskey in one go and pushed the pile of gold back toward me. She waved her hand dismissively.

    “I’ll let this slide because of the drink. Now scram, kid.”

    “At the very least,” I interrupted, ignoring her growing irritation, “if I could prove I took down a Night Troll alone, would that satisfy you?”

    A heavy silence fell over the tavern.

    Then—

    “Pfft! Hahaha! Did you hear that? He says he killed a Night Troll by himself!”

    “Not even a team of three silver-ranked adventurers could handle a Night Troll, and this scrawny kid did it solo? Go fatten up before trying that line, twig!”

    “You’ve got guts to spout such nonsense with a straight face, kid.”

    The room exploded with laughter and jeers.

    However, Glenda and her team’s expressions darkened with irritation.

    “Kid, you’re really trying my patience—”

    “Enough, leader. Brats like this need a good beating to learn their place,” said Pete, the muscular man seated opposite Glenda, as he rose to his feet.

    Pete’s massive frame rivaled hers in size, making him an imposing sight.

    “If you want to join us, prove it. Not with words, but with your skills.”

    “…”

    “Come outside, you cocky little punk.”

    He grabbed my collar roughly, ready to drag me outside if I didn’t comply.

    Now this is annoying.

    I grabbed his wrist in return.

    And then—

    Crunch.

    “…?!”

    With just a squeeze of my hand, Pete collapsed to the floor, drooling as if he’d forgotten how to stand.

     

  • I Have Descended as the Iron-Blooded All-Master Chapter 5

    The constellation contract is a balance game.

    Living as I am now vs. growing stronger at the cost of becoming a clown.

    Of course, based on the common sense of  Stellar of Dungeon, the answer was obviously the latter.

    On this dangerous continent, surviving without a constellation contract wasn’t an option but nearly a necessity.

    Even if it meant becoming someone’s plaything, the power borrowed from a deity could make one stronger.

    But then…

    「This time, I want to become my father’s constellation.」

    A constellation expressing boundless affection toward me was proposing a contract.

    Unlike most constellations who treated humans like toys, Damian considered me his father…

    He’ll definitely spoil me.

    With items, skills—constant support without end.

    It was a situation where I should shout “Deal!” without hesitation.

    After deciding, I gave my answer to Damian, who was looking at me with hopeful eyes.

    “I’ll decline.”

    「I expected as much… Wait, what?」

    Damian’s eyes widened in disbelief, clearly expecting me to accept.

    Right. If I weren’t transmigrated into this game and was still outside the monitor, I would have taken the offer without question.

    But Stellar of Dungeon was no longer a game for me—it was reality.

    「Is it… is it because you feel uncomfortable forming a master-servant relationship with me? B-but that’s just a formality!」

    “……”

    「Even if we make a contract, it won’t change the fact that I’m your child! I swear on my soul and divinity—if you accept me as your constellation, I will grant any wish you desire-.」

    “I’d lose my freedom.”

    I knew Damian was sincere, but I had no choice.

    “If I make a constellation contract, my private life would be completely exposed to you, 24/7.”

    「Ah, that…」

    While the contractor couldn’t observe the constellation, the constellation could monitor the contractor.

    In other words, someone could be watching me every moment—whether I was sleeping, sitting on the toilet, or doing other things. Like a constant CCTV.

    That’s a one-way ticket to insanity.

    「I-I could take your privacy into consideration and be… reasonable?」

    “Reasonable in what way? Regardless, I’m not like others.”

    People willing to give up their privacy for mysterious powers, strength, or fame.

    As a 21st-century modern person, I had no intention of walking that path.

    Of course, that was only the official reason.

    There are hidden quests that can only be activated without a constellation contract.

    Trials reserved for those who advance solely with human strength, unassisted by divine power.

    The rewards were extraordinary, fitting for such trials.

    They were on my checklist of must-obtain items.

    Moreover, entering a contract restricts the skills to those tied to the specific constellation. That’s the biggest drawback.

    This meant abandoning all my blood mage skills.

    The penalty would outweigh the benefits, even though the blood mage’s skill set was unmatched among all classes.

    Not to mention, I already had access to Damian’s skills through the system.

    The more I analyzed it, the less reason there was to enter a contract with Damian.

    Sure, the supply of decent items or potions might improve… but still.

    「Father…」

    “I appreciate the thought, but my answer won’t change.”

    「…….」

    When I shook my head and rejected him, Damian’s expression turned as dejected as a drenched puppy.

    Maybe I’d been too blunt, considering it was a proposal made with my best interest in mind.

    Feeling a little guilty, I tried to change the subject to lighten the mood.

    “By the way, I’d like to see the others.”

    「The others…?」

    “I mean your companions—Ray, Sylvia, and the rest.”

    「…….」

    “Damian?”

    At the mention of his companions, Demian’s expression darkened even further.

    As if recalling an unpleasant memory.

    「I feel the same, Father. Not a single day has passed since that day when I’ve forgotten their faces.」

    “…What?”

    What’s wrong with you?

    Why do you sound like something happened to them?

    Weren’t the others like Demian, having ascended as constellations?

    Damian’s fists trembled on the round table, as though I’d triggered some trauma.

    「If only we hadn’t defeated the Demon King and caused the dimension to collapse… their souls wouldn’t have been scattered across the continent.」

    “…Ah, I see.”

    …Shit, really?

    I didn’t know.

    In the game, defeating the Demon King immediately faded to black, followed by credits rolling.

    That’s how Suoden’s story ended—without any proper epilogue.

    It’s like The Lord of the Rings ending as soon as the ring melts in Mount Doom.

    Thanks to this comically abrupt ending, I had no idea what happened after the Demon kings death.

    What fate had befallen Damian and his companions in the story.

    But now I think I understand.

    Their souls had scattered due to the dimension’s collapse. It wasn’t a happy ending, clearly.

    「Sometimes, the fact that I alone was guided to the Celestial Temple and ascended as a constellation feels like a cruel curse.」

    “…Damian.”

    「I’d love to descend to the continent myself and gather their souls, but…」

    His sorrowful purple eyes glanced around at the empty chairs at the round table.

    「For a constellation to directly interfere in the mortal world violates the Celestial Temple’s rules. All I can do is trust and wait.」

    “……”

    So that’s how it was.

    The six chairs weren’t for his companions who’d also become constellations.

    They were left empty, waiting for their souls to return.

    In the heavy silence, I let out a faint sigh.

    Getting sentimental wasn’t really my style, but I couldn’t help feeling pity for Demian.

    Call it overattachment to a fictional character if you want, but Demian was my main character—my favorite.

    So, it felt right to offer him some words of comfort.

    “You said their souls are scattered across the continent. I’ll send them all back to the Celestial Temple.”

    「What?」

    “If I find them, that is.”

    Even as I said it, I questioned my own confidence.

    But as they say, love is blind.

    Damian’s teary eyes filled with emotion at my outrageous promise.

    「Father… I always end up receiving your help.」

    “Well…”

    「Yet I still have nothing to offer you. You even refused to form a constellation contract with me…」

    “It’s not like you have nothing.”

    Damian, who had been disheartened, looked up at me.

    I’d never make a constellation contract with him.

    But giving up his support entirely? Absolutely not.

    Even the smallest opportunity must be seized and turned into a stepping stone for growth.

    Otherwise, the future in this cursed game world would be anything but smooth.

    “Your blood.”

    I pointed at Demian.

    “I want you to share a little of your divine blood with me.”

    「…What?」

    If I’d been reborn as a blood mage, I had to take full advantage of it.

    I already knew through the skill that drinking the blood of constellations granted rare powers.

    If even a minor deity provided a broken passive like “Resistance Power,” then what about Demian?

    「May I ask… why you want my blood?」

    “I grow stronger by absorbing the blood of others.”

    「…Like a vampire, then?」

    “Something like that. Except vampires serve the Demon King, while I don’t. Damian, this is the only way you can help me.”

    「…….」

    A moment of silence passed.

    Offering one’s blood wasn’t easy, no matter the relationship.

    But Damian Abel was sharper than I’d thought.

    「Understood.」

    When Damian nodded decisively, I felt relief and was about to thank him—

    Swoosh!

    Until he suddenly stood, drew his sword, and extended his left arm with a resolute expression.

    「For the peace of the continent and my father, my blood is yours!」

    “…A little is enough. I don’t need a chunk of your arm like vampires.”

    「Ah.」

    “Sit down.”

    Damian obediently took a seat.

    The amount of blood is important, but it’s not as if I need to absorb enough to sever an arm for it.

    「W-Will this much suffice?」

    Trying to ease the awkward tension, Damian quickly nicked his fingertip with the edge of the sword, producing a small drop of blood.

    Closing my eyes, I activated .

    The droplet of blood perched on Damian’s finger floated upward, and a fine mist of blood seeped into my body.

    At that moment—

    [You have absorbed special blood energy!] [This is the blood of someone with a prior soul bond with you!] [Memories stored within the blood are being retrieved!]

    A system message containing startling information appeared.

    Reading the memories stored within holy blood? I didn’t know had such a function.

    This works in my favor.

    If I can directly read memories, there’s no need to ask Damian about the reasons behind the absence of the Kanreon Order or why the Six Heroes were suddenly redefined as an expedition from 500 years ago.

    There’s also no need to reveal my cards to Damian, who treats me as some kind of omnipotent savior.

    [Failure. Your rank is significantly lower than the owner of the holy blood. Memory retrieval is not possible.]

    Damn.

    I thought things might go smoothly for once, but of course, they wouldn’t.

    To read Damian’s memories, I need to become a much higher-ranking being than I am now.

    Meanwhile, Damian was looking at me with a worried expression.

    「Are you alright? Could there be any side effects…?」

    “Damian, will I be able to visit you again in the Great Temple?”

    「Huh? Oh, of course! I, Damian, will always be ready to welcome Father with open doors! But why do you ask…?」

    “Nothing. I just wanted to hear that answer.”

    Yeah, as long as this isn’t our final meeting, there’s no need to rush.

    I’ll focus on raising my rank and return to the Great Temple later to read Damian’s memories.

    For now, there’s a more pressing matter than memories.

    I felt the flow of blood energy that had been infusing into me suddenly come to a halt and turned my attention to the new system messages that appeared.

    [Warning: Absorbing more of the high-ranking celestial’s ‘holy blood’ will place an immense burden on your soul and body!]

    [If you endure, you will gain an Authority, but failure will result in soul destruction and death.]

    [Do you wish to proceed with Blood Qi Absorption?]

    Now they’re introducing penalties?

    When I absorbed the holy blood of the guy I faced at the cathedral yesterday, there was no warning message.

    His blood must’ve been so low-grade that it wasn’t even worth the risk.

    But Damian is different. He’s the owner of a title like Constellation of the Great Sword, after all.

    It comes down to a choice.

    Do I stay put? Or do I push forward?

    There’s nothing to hesitate about.

    [Proceed with Blood Qi Absorption!]

    Warnings about burdens or soul destruction are meaningless.

    I’m rational to the extreme right now.

    Saaaak—

    A crimson stream flowed from the blood mist and began to envelop me.

    As a formidable power forced its way into my body—

    Thud!

    “…!”

    A wave of excruciating pain struck me.

    It felt as if every bone in my body and every strand of muscle was being torn apart.

    Beyond the crimson-tinted vision that blurred like a red filter, system messages appeared.

    […You have absorbed Authority… endure… overcome…]

    The text was faint, with some letters unclear due to my lack of focus.

    But even amidst the haze, I could clearly make out one word attached to ‘Authority.’

    They’re… granting me that…?

    If the reward for enduring this agony is that Authority, then I have no choice.

    I’ll endure it, no matter what.

    「Father!」

    Damian cried out in alarm and rushed toward me, but I waved him off.

    “Don’t… come….”

    「But…!」

    “Just… watch….”

    What kind of lunatic blood mage is this that I’ve inherited their persona?

    Even as my body is wracked with unbearable pain, I tell him to watch while smirking.

    「…!」

    Damian’s eyes widened before he nodded firlmy.

    The pain only grew more intense over time, not less.

    I could feel it instinctively.

    I was breaking apart.

    It was as if the ‘me’ that existed was being dismantled, piece by piece, like an old tree being torn apart and rebuilt into a new form.

    Endure.

    If I crumble under such a minor trial, I’m not worthy of handling the Demon Emperor or anything else.

    I will survive. I will grow stronger to survive.

    I don’t know how long this ordeal will last, but I’ll see it through to the end.


    “D-Damn it…”

    The forest near the city of Roadale.

    Adventurer Hans could feel it in his bones—this forest would be his grave.

    Krrrr…

    A gray-skinned giant clad in wolf skin, a <Night Troll>, loomed over him, gripping a bloodied and gore-stained club.

    Hans’s companions had already been slaughtered by that club, their heads smashed.

    Now it was Hans’s turn.

    Damn it. I shouldn’t have come here…!

    Despite hearing the rumors that gathering all the humans killed by Night Trolls could build a hill, he had been blinded by the bounty and courted death.

    His legs wouldn’t budge, frozen in fear. The smell of urine rising from his pants went unnoticed.

    Graaah!!

    With an earth-shaking roar, the troll raised its club high.

    Hans let out a short, bitter sigh, resigning himself to his fate.

    Kwachik!

    Suddenly, a crimson spear pierced through the troll’s thick arm from the side.

    Gaaaah!

    The troll shrieked in pain and turned toward the source of the attack.

    Swish!

    A figure burst from the shadows of the bushes like a beam of light, wrapping their arms and legs around the troll’s neck in a flash.

    As the moonlight broke through the clouds, the figure’s identity was revealed.

    “A…”

    A lean man in ragged clothes, looking too young to be a man but too old to be a boy.

    His physique seemed frail—he didn’t look like he could even take on Hans.

    And yet—

    Grrrk…!

    My God.

    What insane strength.

    With twig-thin arms and legs, the man pinned the troll in place, immobilizing it.

    Hans stood there, dumbfounded, his jaw fully open.

    Crack!

    In an instant, the man’s hands, now engulfed in crimson energy, twisted the troll’s neck more than halfway.

    Boom!

    As the giant creature’s massive body fell, the man landed lightly from its corpse.

    Hans stared at him as if he were a ghost.

    He killed it so easily? A Night Troll? And by snapping its neck with his bare hands?

    Hans, who knew better than anyone how strong the troll was, was too shocked to utter a proper thank-you.

    “Thanks, Damian.”

    The man, Ruth Fried, muttered casually, casting a satisfied glance at his status window.


    =====

    <Player Information>

    Name: Ruth Freid
    Level: 7
    Class: Blood Mage
    Rank: 29/100 (2-Star)

    • <Growth Authority> effect is active.
    • Status attributes are unified under ‘Rank.’
    • ‘Rank’ increases all status performance threefold and enhances growth by threefold.

    =====

  • A doomsday-level returnee devours calamities Chapter 18

    The man’s eyes were a whirlwind of emotions, as though he had just seen a ghost.

    “C-Captain Lee Taeseong? Is it really you!?”

    His voice trembled uncontrollably.

    Who is this? Someone who knows the old me? Judging by his attire, he seems to be an administrator under the tree’s organization.

    Taeseong observed the man closely.

    A sturdy build, neat appearance.

    Short-cropped hair, rigid speech.

    His age appeared to be around Taeseong’s, or slightly younger.

    Judging from the way he addressed him as “Captain,” it was likely this man had served with him during his military days.

    “I’m Lee Taeseong. Who are you? Do you know me?”

    Of course, there wasn’t a single trace of recognition in Taeseong’s mind.

    “Captain!”

    Before Taeseong could react, the man lunged forward and embraced him roughly.

    Even Taeseong, who rarely displayed his emotions, was startled by the man’s sudden action.

    Normally, his reflexes would have pushed the man away before he even made contact, but the warmth and familiarity in the man’s tone and gaze gave him pause.

    “Is it truly you, Captain Lee Taeseong? It’s me, Yu Gi-jun! Sergeant Yu! Y-u G-i-j-u-n! Don’t you recognize me?”

    “……”

    For Taeseong, it was as if a complete stranger was clinging to him as though they were long-lost family.

    He didn’t know how to respond.

    Moreover, the man might indeed be connected to his past—a potential lead to the memories he had lost.

    “Let go, and let’s talk.”

    “Ah, yes, of course!”

    Taeseong wasn’t the only one taken aback.

    Eunha, observing the situation from the side, turned her gaze to Taeseong, her expression questioning without words.

    Her eyes seemed to ask, Do you know this man?

    Taeseong shook his head with a bewildered expression, and Eunha decided to simply watch how the scene unfolded.

    This is getting interesting.

    Yu Gi-jun, who looked as though he had just been reunited with a missing family member, continued with an excited voice.

    “When I first got transferred to the unit as a newly-commissioned officer, you guided me so much, Captain.

    The military combat skills and survival techniques you taught me back then have saved my life countless times.”

    “……”

    “The Salamanca operation—the mission to assassinate ‘Don Salamanca,’ the leader of that cartel.

    Do you remember it? I still can’t forget that day.

    Some intel leaked, and we were stranded deep in enemy territory.

    The second team, who infiltrated ahead of us, was wiped out while helping disguised local operatives.

    On top of that, our communications with HQ were cut, and everyone had lost hope.

    But you, Captain, went alone and brought back that bastard’s head.”

    While Gi-jun reminisced fondly about the past, Taeseong was utterly blank.

    The more he listened, the harder it was to believe he had done such things.

    “I still remember the stunned faces of the DEVGRU guys when they heard about it.

    ( TL : DEVGRU is also knows as SEAL Team Six, one of the U.S. military’s most elite and secretive units )

    I mean, who would’ve thought anyone could survive and return from that hellhole?

    Even we had given up on ourselves.

    When you came back, even the seemingly unshakeable commander cried tears of gratitude.

    It was unreal.”

    As he had suspected, this man had served in the same unit, enduring life-or-death operations together.

    “After you were discharged, I tried to keep in touch, asking around about you, but no one knew where you were.

    It was like you’d vanished into thin air.

    I never expected to find you here.

    What brought you to this place—”

    “I’m sorry, but I have no memories of that time.”

    Gi-jun’s eyes wavered.

    “No memories…? Are you saying you have amnesia?”

    “That’s right. To you, I might be your former comrade, but to me, the past is a blank slate. I don’t remember who I was, what I did, or even how I lived.”

    Gi-jun’s face shifted between disbelief and shock before he stammered out a question.

    “Captain, what happened to you?”

    Taeseong briefly explained his situation.

    Listening intently, Gi-jun’s expression changed multiple times as he processed the story.

    After hearing it all, Gi-jun muttered bitterly, “A dimensional war… Well, I guess that’s not so surprising in this world.”

    Before the conversation could spiral further, Eunha intervened.

    “Alright, alright, let’s pause this touching reunion and head inside, shall we?

    Didn’t you come here for business with our team, too?”

    “Oh, right!

    Yes, of course.

    Please, after you, Captain.”

    Taeseong and his group entered the office.

    Inside, Team Leader Taesan and Harin, engrossed in a discussion, turned their attention to the newcomers.

    “Lee Taeseong?”

    “Team Leader Harin?”

    Taesan walked over, his large hand landing on Taeseong’s shoulder as he laughed heartily.

    “Perfect timing, Lee Taeseong. We were just talking about you. You really can’t sit still, can you? Ha ha ha! Oh, I heard about your flawless handling of the Epsilon-level entity, the Mangtae Harabeom. I knew it when you didn’t hesitate to cut my arm. You’re something else, truly outstanding!”

    “Team Leader Taesan, are you bullying another rookie again? How many times must I remind you? You’re practically a walking weapon. If you’re a Gamma-level manager, act like one! What if it had been another rookie instead of Lee Taeseong? It’s fortunate he could handle it.”

    “Regardless, everyone’s fine now, aren’t they? Results are what matter in the end. You still talk too much, Harin. No wonder you’re still single.”

    “……”

    Harin’s sharp gaze bore into Taesan, who gulped and muttered, “… Ahem. That was a slip of the tongue.”

    “Watch yourself. Invulnerable doesn’t mean immortal.”

    Taesan, clearly uncomfortable under her glare, shifted his attention to Yu Gi-jun.

    “And you are?”

    Straightening up, Gi-jun saluted sharply.

    “Hello, sir! I’m Yu Gi-jun, an administrator from Team 3. I’m here regarding the Japan dispatch operation.”

    Taesan studied Gi-jun’s physique with a pleased expression.

    “Well, well, a natural warrior, I see. Are you the one your team leader keeps praising? What’s your rank?”

    “Delta, sir!”

    Taesan nodded, seemingly impressed, but refrained from his usual antics, likely due to Harin’s presence.

    “I heard you volunteered for the Japan assignment. Do you know the risks? The Japan branch is a mess right now, with monstrous entities appearing all over the place. It was already a grim place, but now it’s worse.”

    “There’s someone I need to find there,” Gi-jun replied firmly.

    Recognizing the seriousness in his tone, Taesan decided not to press further.

    “Alright. If your team leader speaks so highly of you, I trust you’ll manage.”

    He turned back to Taeseong.

    “Lee Taeseong.”

    “Yes?”

    “Sorry to spring this on you, but I’ve got a new mission for you.”

    “Go ahead and speak.”

    “Do you remember when I mentioned a team member who was dispatched? Senior Manager Go Yeonghui.”

    “Yes.”

    “She’s currently dispatched to Tree’s Japan branch. As you might’ve heard, recently there’s been an endless surge of anomalies all over Japan. Due to that, the Japan branch is severely lacking in administrators. Though it’s a different branch, ‘Tree’ is ultimately one organization. When there’s a shortage of manpower in a certain area, they send support in the form of dispatches. Administrators are always in short supply, no matter where you go.”

    Taeseong nodded in understanding.

    “So, I’d like you and this colleague here to head to Japan and assist Senior Manager Go Yeonghui with her tasks. It seems the workload is far too much for her to handle alone.”

    As Taeseong looked at the smiling Taesan, his earlier words replayed in his mind.

    —“I am Taesan, the leader of Management Team 4. My rank is Gamma, and as you saw earlier, I’m a returnee from the Martial World. If you have any concerns, speak to me anytime. I’ll help as much as I can.”

    It was obvious, even to a fool.

    Taesan had made this decision for his sake.

    Taking Taeseong’s circumstances into consideration, he had personally created an opportunity for him to meet Sooah in Japan.

    “He really is a warm-hearted person.”

    Taeseong was someone who settled debts of gratitude and grudges with precision. He would never forget the kindness Taesan had shown him and Sooah.

    “This is unprecedented—a newly appointed administrator being dispatched to a foreign branch. But the higher-ups approved it. Thanks to Team Leader Taesan raising a ruckus, of course.”

    “Haha! Well, isn’t it all for the best?”

    Choi Harin’s grumbling was met with Taesan’s hearty laughter.

    “Lee Taeseong, remember this. This mission was made possible thanks to Team Leader Taesan and the upper management’s generosity. The higher-ups have acknowledged your capabilities and made this special decision, so don’t cause any trouble and come back safely. Understood?”

    “Yes.”

    Taeseong hadn’t forgotten.

    She had deliberately withheld some information related to his sister Sooah from him.

    “The mission is to assist Senior Manager Go Yeonghui and the administrators of the Japan branch in capturing or eliminating an unidentified entity that appeared in the Aokigahara Sea of Trees. However, the highest priority is the survival and safe return of Management Team 4.”

    “Understood. When should we leave?”

    Harin shrugged instead of answering.

    It didn’t take long for Taeseong to understand why.

    “Agent Eunha, have you been to Japan before?”

    “Ha… Yes.”

    Letting out a sigh, Eunha pulled a brush from her pocket. Taesan grinned with satisfaction.

    “As expected of Agent Eunha! You’re always one step ahead. Remember, if I’m not around, you’re the acting team leader. Bring the team back safely as the senior member.”

    “…So, you’re saying I’ll be leading this mission?”

    “Exactly. Refusal is not an option. The higher-ups have already signed off on it, and I have no authority to change it. Oh, by the way, you’ll be receiving dispatch allowances—double your base salary, I hear.”

    “…I’ll go.”

    “Take Senior Manager Oh Haeyoung with you. It’ll be a good experience for her.”

    Not long after, Oh Haeyoung and Yu Gi-jun returned from their tasks. Hearing about the dispatch mission, Haeyoung’s confusion quickly turned into enthusiasm as she cheerfully exclaimed, “Got it!”

    Originally, Team Leader Taesan was supposed to join the mission as well, but Choi Harin had strongly opposed it, citing the manpower shortage at the Korea branch.

    Considering that there were only about 300 Gamma-grade administrators in the Korea branch, Taesung figured it would be difficult for Taesan to leave his post.

    The Japan dispatch team was finalized.

    Eunha was appointed as the temporary team leader.

    Taeseong, Oh Hae-young, and Yu Gi-jun joined as team members.

    Taesan began explaining the key points and precautions for the mission. Given his personality, the explanation was short and to the point.

    “…If you have any questions, ask Agent Eunha. Now, get ready to leave immediately.”

    “They’re sending us off right after we return from work, and it’s even a same-day departure? Do they have a private jet ready or something?”

    Taeseong had always found Tree’s way of handling things hard to understand.

    Thinking it over only gave him a headache, so he gave up trying to make sense of it long ago.

    “Team Leader, I’ve only been to Nagoya before. Isn’t the Japan branch in Tokyo?”

    “Don’t worry. Team Leader Choi Harin has taken care of everything.”

    Choi Harin, who was standing nearby, habitually lit a cigarette and spoke.

    “You really are shameless… Anyway, I’ve already sent the documents. I’ve asked our dispatched administrator in the Nagoya area to hand you over. Just wait a bit, and someone will come to pick you up.”

    “As expected of Team Leader Choi! Your work is flawless. Safe travels, everyone. If anything comes up, contact me immediately.”

    “Yes, yes. We’ll be off now.”

    With that, Eunha suddenly took out a sheet of drawing paper and began sketching. While the others looked on in confusion, it became clear that this was not her first time doing something like this.

    Eunha’s serious expression as she sketched was unlike anything they had seen before.

    “Even an elementary school kid could draw better than that…”

    However, her drawing skills were astonishing in their own unique way.

    “Is that supposed to be a landscape?”

    After completing her sketch, Eunha beamed with pride.

    “It’s done.”

    Looking at her drawing, Oh Haeyoung asked innocently, “Wow, as expected, Agent Eunha! What’s this? It looks like a bug with lots of legs.”

    “…It’s the sun.”

    Eunha shot a sharp glare at Oh Haeyoung before turning to Taesan.

    “Team Leader, may I proceed?”

    Taesan nodded, and Eunha reached out toward the drawing.

    Moments later, something extraordinary happened—something unbelievable outside of Tree.

    Eunha was sucked into the drawing.

    Even Taeseong, usually calm, widened his eyes in shock.

    However, the others watched the scene as if it were routine.

    Oh Haeyoung and Yu Gi-jun also reached out and were pulled into the drawing.

    “What are you waiting for, Taeseong? Aren’t you coming?”

    “…”

    Finally, Taesung extended his hand, and his entire body was absorbed into the drawing.

  • The Regressed Extra Becomes a Genius Chapter 18

    “Hmm hmm. I’ve been told I look quite young.”

    I deepened my voice more than usual, speaking nervously.

    The staff member’s gaze fixed on me. My heart raced as if they had seen through my disguise.

    Could it be? Did they figure me out?

    “You do look young. The beard is nice, but it makes you seem a bit older. You might look even better without it.”

    The staff member handed me my mage certification with a polite smile after saying that.

    I took it with a grin.

    Looking older is a relief in this case.

    “I’ll give it some thought. Well, may I enter now?”

    “Yes, everything is confirmed. Mage Jinwoo Kim, you may proceed.”

    “Haha. Thank you.”

    Smiling, I stepped into the tower.

    “Whew.”

    The moment I entered, I let out a sigh of relief.

    “…I thought my heart was going to explode.”

    Even now, my chest thumped rapidly.

    If I’d been caught, I’d have been hunted by the association for the rest of my life.

    This wouldn’t be the last time something like this happened if I planned to keep working outside. I’d need to get used to it.

    The interior of the tower revealed a small space with a circular blue portal at its center.

    Portals were a convenient means of transportation present in all towers. Using this portal, you could quickly move to the desired floor.

    I slowly stepped into the portal.

    As soon as I entered, I felt my body lift. The tower’s mysterious magic enveloped me.

    Then, I heard a voice in my head.

    [Accessing the portal.]
    [Which floor would you like to travel to?]
    [You can currently access up to the 27th floor.]

    A peculiar, genderless voice.

    In this world, people called it the “Will of the Tower.”

    “Take me to the 10th floor.”

    [The 10th floor has already been cleared by ‘Jung Yoon-Seul.’ The rewards for revisiting will be diminished. Do you still wish to proceed?]

    A familiar name caught my attention—Jung Yoon-Seul.

    She was one of the few S-rank support mages in the world. Also, she was the mentor of Kim Yunjin, a support mage instructor at the academy.

    From what I remembered, she’d been attempting to conquer the 27th floor of the Tower of Proof for over a year without success.

    But that wasn’t relevant right now. I just needed to enter.

    “Proceed.”


    There were many types of towers in this world, each with unique settings, difficulties, and backgrounds.

    For example, the “Tower of Annihilation,” introduced later in the novel, was infamous for its extreme difficulty.

    The monsters were not only overwhelmingly powerful, but the traps, player debuffs, and other challenges made it nearly impossible to clear, even for S-rank mages.

    Conversely, there were easier towers, such as the “Tower of Trials” and the “Tower of Survival,” where most floors had already been conquered by the three great guilds.

    The monsters in these towers were weaker, their patterns simpler, and there were few traps. This made them a favourite for the guilds, as brute force was often enough to clear them.

    [You have entered the 10th floor of the Tower of Proof.]

    [The Tower of Proof remembers you.]

    “…Phew.”

    The Tower of Proof was harder to categorize.

    Its monsters were relatively weak—F to D-rank—and even boss monsters rarely exceeded B-rank.

    Yet, even the major guilds hesitated to challenge it. Why?

    The reason was simple. The Tower of Proof was full of traps, hidden monster patterns, and intricate magic formations that required meticulous effort and time to clear.

    The puzzles scattered throughout the tower also contributed to its notorious reputation.

    For me, these features made it the perfect choice.

    With my limited mana and inability to sustain prolonged battles, I needed a place that emphasized strategy over brute strength.

    Plus, I knew about the “hidden floor” of the Tower of Proof, mentioned only in the novel’s side story.

    “Well, this is spooky.”

    I scanned my surroundings. The floors were marble, giving the area a clean, almost pristine feel unlike typical dungeons.

    However, the lack of light made the atmosphere as dark as any dungeon.

    Towers usually required players to clear rooms one by one to progress.

    I advanced cautiously, keeping my guard up.

    —Grrrr…

    A growl echoed from the distance.

    I channelled mana into my body and focused on the darkness ahead.

    Soon, a large wolf-shaped figure emerged from the shadows.

    Its red, glowing eyes pierced through the gloom.

    Though it resembled a wolf, it wasn’t one. The four eyes on its face gave it away as a monster.

    I immediately conjured a spell. A glowing orb of light formed in my hand, illuminating the area.

    The wolf reacted instantly, leaping at me.

    —Raaawr!

    I released the orb, sending it flying toward the wolf at high speed.

    The fearless creature charged straight at it, only to have its head pierced through by the spell.

    —Awooo!

    The wolf let out a pained howl before collapsing.

    A message appeared in front of me.

    [You have achieved the ‘First Hunt’ achievement.]

    [Reward: 1,000 points.]

    The victory notification appeared.

    But it wasn’t over yet.

    —Raaawr!

    Another wolf lunged at me, its sharp teeth aimed at my neck.

    “Ugh!”

    I quickly reinforced my legs with mana and leapt backward to create distance.

    Yet, the wolf kept pursuing.

    It was challenging to focus on spellcasting in such close combat.

    “Tch!”

    I gathered mana into my entire body.

    Though I had basic training in physical enhancement, I wasn’t entirely helpless in melee combat.

    I deflected the wolf’s attack to the side and struck its head with a powerful punch.

    —Whimper!

    The wolf startled, hitting the ground hard.

    Seizing the moment, I cast a spell and fired it at its head.

    —Bang!

    The wolf’s head was pierced, and it fell lifelessly to the floor.

    The whole encounter lasted barely two seconds.

    “…Phew.”

    That was close.

    I hadn’t expected there to be two of them.

    The wolf’s body slowly disintegrated into dust, leaving behind a glowing red stone.

    I approached the remnants and picked up the stone.

    It was a mana crystal, a valuable resource in magitech.

    I could sell this later at the mana crystal market for pocket money.

    With a stone this size, I’d make about ten thousand won. *6.8 USD*

    “Well, at least I’ve covered my travel expenses.”


    “Where is it?”

    I shone light into the darkness with my magic sphere, staring at the wall.

    My eyes were starting to ache from staring at walls for so long.

    “Hmm…”

    According to the description in the novel, there should be a special marking around here.

    “Ah, is this it?”

    Muttering to myself, I looked at a circular symbol etched into the wall.

    In any other dungeon, it would have been an unremarkable design I’d simply walk past.

    However, knowing the details from the novel, I couldn’t ignore it.

    Placing my hand against the wall, I sensed a faint flow of magic.

    The sensation reminded me of the barriers I had dismantled during past dungeon lessons.

    “This has to be it.”

    There was no way magic would be leaking from a wall without reason.

    I was confident that behind this wall lay the path to the hidden floor.

    With conviction, I immediately activated the Outsider’s Privilege.

    [Unique Trait, ‘Outsider’s Privilege,’ has been activated.]

    [Deciphering the magical formula…]

    “…”

    When I activated the trait, the flow of magic became visible to me.

    Intricate magical formulas woven with concealment spells appeared across the wall.

    Deciphering such a complex formula would normally be exhausting, but my unique trait made it manageable.

    “Alright, here we go.”

    I placed my hand on the wall and began altering the magical formula piece by piece.

    Though the barrier’s concealment made it hard to locate initially, dismantling the formula itself was surprisingly straightforward.

    Minutes passed as I worked meticulously.

    ―Thud, rumble…

    A bright white light emanated from the wall, and it slowly began to crumble away.

    [Achievement unlocked: ‘Barrier Expert.’]

    [You have earned 2,000 points as a reward.]

    “Got it!”

    Dismissing the achievement window, I looked beyond the crumbled wall.

    Behind it was a staircase, just as described in the side story of Modern Mage.

    The side story explored events occurring after the main story’s conclusion, detailing the discovery of this hidden floor ten years later.

    But now, it had revealed itself to me.

    “Time to head up.”

    Just as I was about to ascend the staircase, I remembered something.

    “Right, there was supposed to be a demon sighting tonight…”

    Focusing so much on finding the hidden floor had made me forget.

    I quickly checked the time using my student notebook.

    [6:20 PM]

    The demon sighting was set to occur at 9:30 PM.

    “Three hours left, huh.”

    That was more than enough time.

    Confident I had plenty of room to maneuver, I began climbing the stairs.


    The cheerful chatter of youth and the buzz of happiness filled the air.

    Despite the lingering chill of winter, a large crowd had gathered by the Han River under the night sky.

    They were here for one reason: to enjoy the Han River Fireworks Festival scheduled for 10 PM tonight.

    “Seo-jun, Young joon, come over here!”

    “Hm?”

    Lee Hyun-joo smiled as she called out to Lee Seo-jun and Shin Young joon, who stood in front of her.

    Behind them, a grand bridge bathed in radiant lights served as the perfect scenery.

    Taking a few steps back, Hyun-joo raised her student notebook and activated the camera function.

    Click!

    “Hey, what are you doing?”

    Young joon, who disliked having his picture taken, launched toward Hyun joo, who retreated with a smirk.

    “Relax, you guys look good together.”

    “Good together, my foot. Just give me the notebook, and I’ll take your picture.”

    “Really? You’re offering?”

    Hyun joo’s eyes lit up at Young joon’s unexpected generosity.

    “Yeah, hurry up and hand it over. You only called me here for this, didn’t you?”

    “Don’t be ridiculous.”

    “Obviously I’m joking. C’mon, pass it here.”

    Handing over her student notebook, Hyun joo smiled brightly.

    Seo-jun and Hyunjoo stood together, exuding a natural charm that caught the attention of passers by, who watched with envy and admiration.

    “Do we really need to take a picture?” Seo-jun asked with a faint frown.

    “Of course, it’s for memories,” Hyun joo replied, sidling closer to him.

    Reluctantly, Seo-jun gave the camera a smile.

    “Alright, here goes. One, two…”

    Click!

    As the shutter sounded, Hyun joo relaxed her pose.

    “How did it turn out?”

    “Not bad. You two look good no matter how the picture’s taken.”

    “Well, aren’t you the charmer,” Hyun joo chuckled, moving to check the picture.

    “Let’s see how good Young joon’s photography skills really are,” she teased.

    Seo-jun leaned over her shoulder to look.

    “Not bad, but… the skyline’s cut off on the side.”

    “Come on, it’s fine,” Young joon said, slightly annoyed.

    “Fine? Half the bridge is missing. Can you redo it?”

    Young joon, about to retort, suddenly froze as he noticed something in the photo.

    “Wait a second. What’s that?”

    Both Hyunjoo and Seojun turned to him.

    “What’s wrong?”

    “Look here,” he said, pointing at the corner of the photo.

    Zooming in, they saw a man in a black hat standing in the background behind Hyun joo and Seo-jun.

    “What about him?”

    “Look closely.”

    As the image expanded, details of the man became clearer.

    His hollowed cheeks and deep dark circles suggested a state of ill health.

    At first glance, he appeared to be an ordinary person.

    But then they saw his eyes.

    “…Oh no.”

    Seo-jun muttered under his breath.

    The man’s eyes lacked whites, entirely consumed by black—a characteristic trait of a demon.

    Although demons in human disguise were nearly indistinguishable, a demon’s true nature occasionally revealed itself through such anomalies, especially under stress or instability.

    Moments later, Seo-jun spun around.

    The man in the black hat was gone.

  • Gatekeeper Of The Boundless World Chapter 24

    Reception Room

    The conversation continued.

    Xiao Mengyu pondered briefly before asking,

    “You’re a disciple of the Shen family. Have you ever had conflicts with other family heirs in the past?”

    “No,” Shen Ye replied firmly.

    “I know your parents have distanced themselves from the Shen family’s core power, and I understand you rarely return. But in those few occasions when you spent time there, like during the New Year, did you offend anyone?”

    Xiao Mengyu pressed on.

    “I’ve never been one to fight over things, so I’m sure I didn’t offend anyone. Every time I went back, I got along with everyone,” Shen Ye said.

    Then he suddenly sighed.

    “What’s with the sigh? Did something occur to you?” Xiao Mengyu, ever perceptive, immediately asked.

    “Qian Rushan once told me something—‘Beware of those harboring ill intent; they’re far more dangerous than monsters.’

    “So, I was thinking, maybe I feel like I haven’t had conflicts with anyone, but that doesn’t mean others feel the same.”

    Shen Ye shared his thoughts openly.

    Xiao Mengyu thought for a moment and nodded.

    She noticed Shen Ye’s tension and glanced at the bartender watching them from afar.

    —It seemed she had inadvertently released a bit of killing intent.

    Recognizing her misstep, Xiao Mengyu relaxed her faintly arched brows, removed her hand from her sword’s hilt, and lightly folded her hands in front of her. Her tone softened,

    “Apologies, I got a little too emotional.”

    The killing intent dissipated completely.

    “What you said makes sense.”

    “Upon reflection, ordinary people wouldn’t be able to place a hit on the assassin guild’s commission platform.”

    “I’ll investigate those you’ve interacted with at the Shen family.”

    “If you learn anything, please contact me immediately.”

    “Understood,” Shen Ye replied.

    Xiao Mengyu took out her phone, and they exchanged contact information.

    The conversation concluded.

    Shen Ye stood and escorted Xiao Mengyu to the elevator.

    Suddenly, she stopped as if remembering something and said,

    “Oh, one more thing.”

    “Please go ahead,” Shen Ye responded.

    “If you discover who’s behind this, don’t give up just because they’re powerful or have vast influence.”

    “You can always rely on me.”

    With a flick of her sword, it emitted a resonant “clang” before being sheathed again.

    Shen Ye blinked, unable to grasp what had just happened.

    Ding!

    The elevator arrived.

    “Let’s stay in touch,” Xiao Mengyu said with a slight bow.

    “Ah, of course,” Shen Ye replied.

    The elevator doors closed, and she was gone.

    —But what exactly did she just cut?

    Shen Ye turned back to the reception room.

    Unbeknownst to him, the once-empty space was now crowded with people.

    Where had they all been hiding earlier?

    Everyone stood tightly packed near the floor-to-ceiling windows, gazing upward.

    What were they looking at?

    Curious, Shen Ye followed their gaze.

    In the brilliant blue sky above the city, a blurry sword shadow, stretching hundreds of meters long, had appeared.

    —Was that her doing?

    This was…

    “Terrifying,” someone behind him muttered.

    Shen Ye turned to see Qian Rushan standing there, arms crossed, a look of both envy and awe on his face.

    Minutes later.

    The professionals in the reception room had dispersed.

    “When she arrived, I specifically asked her something.”

    Qian Rushan sat across the table, speaking in the tone of a leader.

    “What did you ask?” Shen Ye inquired.

    “Whether she’d target you,” Qian Rushan replied.

    “What was her answer?”

    “She said that since her brother entrusted you with the code, it’s clear he wanted you to live. She intends to honor his wishes.”

    Qian Rushan shrugged. “She also said you’re a victim in this and wouldn’t make things difficult for you.”

    “Well, that’s reasonable,” Shen Ye sighed with relief.

    “She’s the most outstanding heir of the Luo family’s generation. Even among the major families, she’s considered exceptional,” Qian Rushan added.

    “Is she still studying? Or is she already working?” Shen Ye asked.

    Qian Rushan’s expression turned odd.

    “She’s in high school, same grade as you, actually.”

    “What?” Shen Ye exclaimed, stunned.

    “Yep. Family heirs often receive secret training from an early age, making their comprehension and resonance levels far beyond ordinary peers.

    “As for her, she just graduated middle school and is entering her first year of high school—same as you.”

    After finishing, Qian Rushan sneaked a glance at Shen Ye.

    The girl was simply too extraordinary.

    The disparity between people was staggering. Seeing that giant sword shadow had shaken even him, so he couldn’t imagine how Shen Ye, her peer, must feel.

    “Don’t get discouraged. There’s an inherent gap between heirs of prominent families and regular students,” Qian Rushan comforted.

    “I’m more relieved than anything,” Shen Ye shrugged. “With her on my side, if I uncover the mastermind, she’ll be a tremendous help.”

    “That’s true,” Qian Rushan agreed.

    “I didn’t sleep well last night. I’ll catch up on rest—talk later.” Shen Ye stretched and stood.

    “Go ahead. Tomorrow, I’ll arrange for some teachers to go over exam tips with you.”

    “Thanks.”

    Shen Ye returned to his dorm.

    He truly slept, waking only at midday.

    A cold shower washed away the exhaustion and fatigue of the sleepless night.

    Refreshed, Shen Ye sat on the sofa, focusing his mind to analyze the recent events.

    Xiao Mengyu’s arrival signaled that the situation had reached its most dangerous point.

    If the enemy was indeed a family heir—

    Shen Ye fully understood how lethal that would be.

    The noble families.

     

    This is the highest rank of human civilization.

    With a casual gesture, they can throw out enough money to hire someone from the Assassin’s League to take my life with ease.

    Who could it be?

    Could it really be someone I met when I was a kid?

    That’s just too far-fetched.

    But I still need to be cautious and investigate.

    Shen Ye closed his eyes, immersing himself in his memories, meticulously going through every event and person he had encountered over the past ten years.

    Unfortunately, there were no leads.

    The memories of childhood were vague.

    Looking back now, all he could recall was spending time at his grandfather’s house during Lunar New Year, playing with peers his age.

    The original Shen Ye was someone who was considerate of others’ feelings.

    He probably didn’t offend anyone, right?

    As for recent events, is there something I missed?

    That day, when I went to visit Chen Haoyu at the hospital, he was undergoing treatment, so I waited in his room.

    With the high school entrance exams approaching, I took out a book to review while waiting.

    The room suddenly dimmed.

    At the time, I thought it was a power outage or that Chen Haoyu’s treatment had ended, so I instinctively looked toward the door.

    The door opened.

    An empty hospital bed was gliding down the hallway.

    And that eerie woman with long hair crawled out from beneath the bed.

    Strange—

    When the curse activated, wasn’t there anyone else around?

    In such a large hospital, surely someone should have been on duty in the inpatient ward.

    Shen Ye suddenly opened his eyes.

    …Wait!

    In my memory, there was clearly a terrified scream echoing down the hallway!

    Who saw that scene?

    Over the past few days, I didn’t give it much thought because I was new to this world, unfamiliar with everything, physically weak, and the police were already investigating.

    But now, re-examining everything—

    That scream meant there was a witness.

    What does the witness know?

    Luo Feichuan is already dead, and the murderer has been brought to justice. The case has been officially closed.

    So no one else would investigate the witness, right?

    Shen Ye slowly stood up.

    No.

    This concerns my safety. I must investigate it myself.

    But on what grounds can I investigate?

    Even someone as brilliant as Luo Feichuan is dead.

    I haven’t even graduated middle school and can’t fully execute the “Moonlit Deer Step” movement technique of the elven soldiers.

    I don’t have any offensive skills.

    All I have is a gun.

    Am I supposed to engage in a shootout?

    Sorry, but I haven’t learned marksmanship either.

    Shen Ye slowly sat back down, regaining his composure.

    He picked up his phone, found Xiao Mengyu’s contact, and explained the situation regarding the witness.

    Xiao Mengyu quickly replied:

    “I’ll investigate immediately. Wait for my update.”

    —That’s more like it.

    Why risk my own neck when I can rely on a master swordswoman?

    But I do need to learn some offensive techniques as soon as possible.

    After all, I can’t always count on someone else to handle the fighting.

    In the end, people must rely on themselves!

    “Hey, Big Skeleton, do you have any more Nightmare Crystals—ones with skills?” Shen Ye asked.

    Sometimes, you can also rely on the undead!

    “I only have undead skills. You’re not an undead and don’t possess Soul Fire, so you can’t use them,” the Big Skeleton replied.

    “Didn’t you give me a ‘Moonlit Deer Walk’ before?”

    “That was something I stumbled upon by chance.”

    Shenye fell into thought.

    Do I really have to wait until I enter high school to learn offensive techniques?

    I can’t afford to wait.

    —I can’t keep running every time there’s an assassination attempt.

    In that case, I’ll have to venture into the Nightmare World to find some Nightmare Crystals.

    Nightmare World…

    Today, I’ve already received a trait, but I can still open the door and enter again.

    —Entering again on the same day won’t earn me any new traits, but I can accomplish other tasks.

    Like searching for Nightmare Crystals.

    Alright, let’s go again!

    Shen Ye made his decision.

  • Gatekeeper Of The Boundless World Chapter 23

    Shen Ye was dumbfounded.

    Three identical green entry—

    Could they activate a hidden ability?

    He had already obtained two “Comrades.”

    This meant that tomorrow, he would need to obtain the “Comrades” green entry one more time to unlock that hidden entry ability.

    A hidden entry.

    It sounded incredibly powerful.

    But he had no idea how the labels were triggered.

    It was sheer luck that he had managed to acquire “Comrades” twice in a row.

    Shen Ye looked down at the bloodstains on his body and fell into thought.

    —This was caused by the spear piercing through his tattered armor, leaving a minor wound.

    Whether it was the elven village or the undead battlefield, it seemed there was always a condition—

    He needed to be on someone else’s turf.

    Second.

    He had to be in a life-threatening situation.

    In the elven village, three undead had been watching him, and on the battlefield, he had been surrounded by human soldiers pointing weapons at him.

    Finally, he had to make others drop their hostility, perhaps even offer him help.

    In the elven village, Lannie had given him a bracelet and even called the patrolling elven guards.

    On the battlefield, Roman had provided him with a single combat pack.

    That was essentially the pattern.

    —The requirements were ridiculously high. It was like dancing on a knife’s edge just to scrape by and survive.

    Would he have to do the same tomorrow?

    That was asking for death.

    After pondering for a moment, Shen Ye couldn’t help but shake his head slightly.

    Thinking about the entry above the elven leader’s head still gave him chills.

    Why did he have to put himself in such danger?

    No!

    Walking the tightrope too often would inevitably lead to disaster.

    If things got too dangerous, he’d rather give up on the hidden ability!

    Survival was what mattered most!

    He silently made his decision.

    Suddenly, the telephone in the room rang with a sharp “ring-ring-ring.”

    “Hello?”

    “Mr. Shen, you have a visitor.” The receptionist’s voice was soft and gentle.

    “Who is it?” Shen Ye asked.

    “A relative of Luo Feichuan. Their identity has been verified by the group; there are no issues. Would you like to meet her?”

    “…Alright.” Shen Ye agreed.

    “Then please come to the reception room on the 50th floor. We have complete security measures here, and I’ll escort the guest to meet you.”

    “Thank you.”

    “You’re welcome.”

    The call ended.

    Shen Ye couldn’t help but recall the scene in the sheriff’s office, where Luo Feichuan’s body had been bound.

    Because of investigating him, Luo Feichuan had died a tragic death.

    Even after his death, he had revealed Kunlun’s password and saved Shen Ye’s life.

    If he could do something for Luo Feichuan’s family…

    He wouldn’t hesitate.

    Shen Ye dressed properly and left his room.

    On the 50th floor.

    Walking into the reception room, Shen Ye immediately spotted the girl.

    Her hair was tied with a black ribbon, cascading down to her waist. She wore a moon-white blouse paired with a sword at her waist and a green-black pleated skirt. Her posture was like a crane, otherworldly and poised.

    The girl was gazing out of the floor-to-ceiling window at the cityscape.

    There was no one else around.

    “Excuse me, are you the one looking for me?”

    Shen Ye asked.

    The girl turned around, her almond-shaped eyes as clear as autumn water meeting his gaze in the sunlight.

    She seemed to be about the same age as Shen Ye.

    “Shen Ye?” the girl asked.

    “Yes.”

    Shen Ye was about to speak further when he paused.

    Above the girl’s head appeared a small line of text—

    “Great Swordsman.”

    A entry!

    Shen Ye’s heart skipped a beat.

    It was actually a entry!

    With his “Door” ability, he could see other people’s entry.

    But after encountering so many people—

    He had only seen one person with a entry before!

    Qian Rushan, who had sliced through a wall and instantly killed an assassin, didn’t even have an evaluation entry.

    In the nightmare world, not a single human, undead, or elf had entries.

    Only the elven leader t had such a long string of entries!

    Who would have thought—

    This girl, seemingly his age, had a entry like “Great Swordsman”!

    How powerful must she be?

    Could she instantly kill him with a casual move?

    Countless thoughts flashed through Shen Ye’s mind.

    The girl, unaware of this, simply continued speaking:

    “Hello, I’m Xiao Mengyu, Luo Feichuan’s younger sister. I came here to learn more about my brother’s situation.”

    “Please, have a seat.” Shen Ye gestured.

    “Thank you.”

    The two of them sat on the sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window.

    “The person who killed my brother is already dead,” Xiao Mengyu said calmly.

    “What?” Shen Ye was startled.

    Hadn’t Qian Rushan said the culprit was captured alive?

    The girl continued nonchalantly, “I’ll let you in on a little secret—it was me who killed him.”

    Shen Ye looked around the room.

    The nearest attendant was at the bar twenty meters away, calmly brewing tea.

    No one else was present.

    But surely there were surveillance systems here, right?

    —How could she just say that so openly?

    “Don’t be nervous,” the girl said slowly. “My brother was a man of limited talents, so I recommended him to a decent school. My plan was for him to graduate, find a reasonably good job, marry a reasonably good woman, and continue the family line for the Luo family.”

    Shen Ye listened quietly.

    Something felt off—according to his impression and Qian Rushan’s introduction, Luo Feichuan was a prodigy. Yet in his sister’s words, he became “a man of limited talents.”

    The girl continued:
    “Everything was progressing as I planned. I wanted my brother to live under this kind of protection and lead a safe life.”

    “Who could have expected he’d be murdered, his body bound and hidden in a cabinet?”

    Dark currents swirled in the girl’s eyes.

    “—Oh, and by the way, two of his classmates, jealous of some of his awards, tampered with his weapon.”

    “I verified the truth and eradicated them as well.”

    Shen Ye was speechless.

    How much time had passed?

    In one night, you eliminated the assassin, tracked down your brother’s saboteurs, and dealt with them too?

    It’s no wonder you have a entry like Great Swordsman.

    The girl smiled faintly. “Why aren’t you saying anything? Do you think it’s unfair for me to avenge my brother while others were allowed to harm him?”

    “It’s not that,” Shen Ye replied. “I’m just wondering—killing so many people, wouldn’t someone come after you? And why does your brother’s surname differ from yours?”

    “Ah, I see. You, a Shen, didn’t grow up in your family estate, so this might seem strange to you.”

    Xiao Mengyu’s gaze softened as her enigmatic expression faded. She spoke softly:
    “My brother had little talent and was meant to live a peaceful life, but now he’s dead.”

    “He was a heir of a noble house, yet he died by an assassin’s hand.”

    “I’ve represented the Luo family to exact justice for him. No one would dare question that.”

    “As for our surnames—”

    “My mother’s surname is Xiao. I take after her.”

    “I see,” Shen Ye nodded. “Please, continue.”

    “I’ll make it brief,” Xiao Mengyu said. “The assassin who killed my brother accepted a contract from the Assassin’s League’s bounty platform to kill you.”

    “As a result, my brother tracked down the assassin’s hideout during his investigation. They fought in close quarters, but my brother’s weapon failed him, and he was killed by the assassin.”

    “The assassin didn’t know who wanted you dead, nor did he realize he’d killed a member of the Luo family.”

    “Did the trail go cold?” Shen Ye asked.

    “Yes,” Xiao Mengyu replied.

    “But you’ve already avenged Captain Luo,” Shen Ye said.

    “It’s not enough. I must find the one who hired the assassin to kill you—”

    She lightly caressed her sword’s hilt, her gaze lowering. Her tone became as light and faint as mist:
    “If the assassin killed my brother, then I will kill the assassin along with the mastermind behind them. Only then will my brother’s soul find peace.”

    “Shen Ye, will you help me?”

    “Of course,” Shen Ye answered immediately.

    “Really?” Xiao Mengyu lifted her eyes to meet his.

    “Your brother died because of me. If there’s anything I can do for him, I’ll do it,” Shen Ye said earnestly.

    “A gentleman’s word,” Xiao Mengyu said.

    “Is as good as his bond,” Shen Ye replied.

    “What does that mean?” Xiao Mengyu asked, curious.

    Shen Ye blinked, realizing his slip.

    This world’s history was different; some phrases existed, while others didn’t.

    “It means swift action and unwavering resolve,” Shen Ye explained.

    “Hmm,” Xiao Mengyu nodded slightly. “Do you have any leads on the person who wants you dead?”

    “The person trying to kill me…” Shen Ye sighed. “Honestly, I’ve been wondering that myself.”

    “Do you have any suspects? Even a vague guess would suffice. Just give me a few names—once I have names, leave the rest to me.”

    Xiao Mengyu’s voice dropped as her hand unconsciously pressed against her sword hilt.

    Shen Ye tensed up completely.

    He didn’t know why, but the girl’s presence alone made him instinctively nervous.

    “I’ve never made enemies of that caliber in my life. I genuinely have no idea who could want me dead,” Shen Ye admitted.

    Xiao Mengyu fell silent.

    In truth, she had already thoroughly investigated Shen Ye before coming here.

    This young man really hadn’t caused any major trouble.

    How strange.

    Who could possibly want to go to such lengths to kill him?