episode_0075

*****

Although there was a rift due to the difference in each other’s positions, both Seol-ah and Kang Seo-yoon had the same mindset as professionals. Once cooperation was decided, the two people started talking naturally as if they had never had a fight.

… It would have been even better if it hadn’t come at the great cost of my social life.

“I have to open this door first. Princess, is there a better way?”

“The easiest way would be to wait for about 2 hours while taking out the monsters around you.”

“That’s not worth considering.”

Systematically, after about two hours, the team with the most points can pass through this door. Of course, as Kang Seo-yoon said, since the system has been hijacked, there is no choice.

I don’t want to give more space to something or someone inside here.

“This temple was also made by your company, right? Is there such a thing as a back door?”

“Structurally, not at all. If there are multiple entrances, it is perfect for cheating on exams. I didn’t create something like that from the beginning.”

“Then there really is no other way than to attack head on.”

I asked the question just in case, and the answer came back as expected. If there was a back door, Kang Seo-yoon wouldn’t have insisted on first place, so it was only natural.

I lightly attacked the door, but it didn’t move. Judging by the feeling of the shock spreading forcefully, it seemed like the door was still under the protection of the system.

Fortunately, even if it is a system, its level is different in each subspace. If this is simply an artificial subspace, it would be possible to somehow break through by applying a strong shock without using concept manipulation.

“Okay, I’ll try my best here──”

“No, I will do it. Ami, your physical condition is not normal right now, right?”

There are also useful sayings. Seol-ah said that and confidently stepped forward.

Should we say that the ability to detect the effects of a curse is really good? There was no need to refuse if I could do the hard work for you, so I took a step back. If it’s Seol-ah, I can trust her and leave it to her.

“Phew… .”

A movement to catch your breath. What that meant flashed through my mind. Attracted by this, surprise and information come to mind at the same time.

Just like the scene in my memory, the ‘area’ expanded around Eonryeongsa Temple. It was large enough to cover most of this huge island, easily exceeding the central area.

Probably very few people have noticed this area. Kang Seo-yoon, who was right next to her, just watched Seol-ah doing something. If it were her personality, she wouldn’t have been able to help but say something upon seeing this.

I try not to show my surprise. In front of him, Seol-ah recited a word that seemed to be covered with magical power.

[Open, Sesame.]

Eonryeongsa, the original potential of Seol-ah, is to embody the meaning of her words into reality. It has the potential to be considered a fraud, but it also has the disadvantage of increasing magical power consumption depending on the difficulty of the phenomenon it causes.

This is because the perception that causes the phenomenon is Seol-ah’s personal. So what would happen if the world were twisted by the perceptions of countless people?

The answer was a phenomenon happening right before my eyes.

Kugugugugugung. The temple door opens slowly. The size of the door is huge, so it has its own power, but to the general public, it would be a boring scene compared to the fuss.

“Wow… .”

However, if you know how to see even a little bit of magic, a completely different scene unfolds. An overwhelming storm of magical power was literally tearing apart the system’s walls.

Certainly, ‘Open Sesame’ is the perfect spell to open a door. There would be very few students within this range who would not know that the spell has the effect of opening a door.

As a result of the majority’s perception becoming fact, the temple’s doors were opened wide as if to welcome visitors.

“Whew, as expected, this method is a bit tiring. Can I take a break for a moment?”

“Isn’t it okay if I just rest here all the time?”

“I don’t like people being left out.”

“No, that’s not what I’m talking about… .”

Kang Seo-yoon, who had been talking with a tired expression, closed her mouth before speaking. Perhaps it was not a check that was just mentioned, but a compliment with the nuance of ‘you did everything you had to do just by opening this door.’

“Don’t worry, Seol. That wasn’t bullying──”

“5 minutes! Because I won’t wait any longer!”

If you use your mouth, I will kill you. I shrugged my shoulders at Kang Seo-yoon, who declared that with her eyes.

He’s a dishonest guy, really.

***

After thinking for a moment, the five minutes passed by in an instant. Seol-ah looked a little tired, but she seemed to have regained quite a bit of her magic power.

Seeing that, the thoughts I had during my break came back to me.

Increase potential efficiency by using words that are commonly recognized within the area. It was certainly one of the skills acquired during the growth process of Eonryeongsa in the original work.

The problem is the timing. Originally, that skill was a skill learned only in the part before the Eonryeongsa awakened to S-class. It was not something that could be used during school days, which is classified as the beginning of the work.

It wasn’t difficult to guess why. Unlike Eonryeongsa in the original, where she was living a difficult life supporting a fallen family, Seol-ah here receives the highest level of support.

It may be that this or that opportunity is a necessary awakening, but even though it is difficult, it is not strange if the learning time is accelerated if the environment is good as it is in the field of technology.

What tickled my nerves was that that skill was something I learned while working with Hwain. Should we say that Seol-ah’s heroine route has been completely cut off, including her position at school and events like this?

Seol-Ah seems to be living a happy life in her own way, so it’s okay, but Seol-Ah’s events also have a huge impact on Hwain’s growth. Here, it is important to find another means to replace Seol-ah’s event──

“Ami Kim, are you listening!?”

“Wow, surprise. What, suddenly?”

“Suddenly, we’ve been talking for a while now. Let’s go in quickly.”

Come to think of it, 5 minutes have passed. It seems he was too deeply immersed in other thoughts.

I stood up, sorting out my complicated thoughts.

Grumbling.

“It’s a plausible production.”

“… I-I didn’t design it, right?”

As I entered the temple with two people, fire pits lit up on both sides of the hallway. It was a cool production that could have appeared in a game, but considering it was a school exam, it was definitely a bit noisy. I don’t think it’s something to be embarrassed about, though.

As we went further inside, a large space appeared. Since the dungeon core had been stolen, I was prepared to find myself in a maze-like mess, so I breathed a sigh of relief.

The reason I stopped thinking about it was because there was something quite annoying inside.

“What on earth is that?”

“It looks quite disgusting.”

“It’s called ‘dimension’.”

On top of the altar where the boss monster was probably located, there was a bizarre monster whose entire body seemed to be melting. If I were to force it, would it be possible to say that it looks like a combination of a chameleon and a scorpion?

A variant form different from the usual monsters that resemble monsters from Earth’s myths and stories. By nature, they are things that only wander between dimensions and cannot appear in a specific dimension.

Normally, he wouldn’t have been able to show himself unless an accident caused the dimension to split. But even when I looked around with my eyes closed, I couldn’t see any cracks of that size.

“I’ll explain the details later. First, let’s deal with that guy first.”

“I understand. Then, can you tell me some information about that monster?”

As I spoke, I checked Seol-ah’s appearance, but there was no unusual reaction. I lowered my suspicions about Seol-ah one level. If there is a dark side to this incident, it would be difficult to deal with the dimensional water at this stage.

Going back to the story, the reason the dimension trees have an abnormal appearance is because there is no basis for their existence in this world. Therefore, if they enter a certain dimension, they cling to something that can serve as a foundation.

There are various things such as human souls and high-ranking artifacts, but the best of them is the dungeon core.

“So you’re saying that all I have to do is destroy the dungeon core visible inside that dimensional tree?”

“That’s one of the solutions, though.”

The dimension tree was already taking shape, albeit clumsily. This is probably overwriting the boss monster information registered in the dungeon core.

If you lose the dungeon core that is now the foundation, the dimensional water will not last long and will scatter into the air. It was hard to think that Dimensional would easily give up something that was like a lifeline.

Cough, clap.

Watching us discussing some measures, Dimensionsoo made a strange sound. Perhaps because it was bigger than Bokdori, the unpleasant sound echoed throughout the temple.

Is it because of my mood that the sound sounds like laughter?

“It’s coming. Pay attention to what I said!”

“The most dangerous one is you, idiot. Who are you worried about?”

“I’ll leave the vanguard to you.”

I ran forward, carrying the familiar criticism and calm voice of trust behind me. Numerous tentacles extending from a bizarre body that changed color every moment blocked its path.

As I just said, the absolute proposition of the number of dimensions is to secure the foundation for existence in this world. So, the main body is stuck to the dungeon core and only attacks from a distance using the tentacles.

Naturally, the goal is also to aim for the one with a large base–the one with a large soul. I was a little worried because Seol-ah was stronger than I thought, but fortunately, Ji Won-su seemed to have decided that I was a more attractive target.

“Okay, this way!”

Getting caught is out of the question. If you are not engulfed in magic, as soon as that tentacle touches your body, the dimensional water will erode your body and soul.

However, if it is too far away, it is meaningless as bait. I don’t think I’ll get caught. While keeping that tight line, I maintained my distance from Dimensional Water.

Destroy the dungeon core. If that doesn’t work, separate the dungeon core and the dimensional water. Considering my current physical condition, Seol-ah will be able to achieve her goal more easily.

[Diamond Canon, Taiwan.]

“Amplification technique, unfold!”

The silver magic that bloomed from Seol-ah embroidered countless lotus flowers in the air. It was quite a spectacle to see Kang Seo-yoon’s strengthening magic attach to each of those lotus flowers.

It seems that Dimensionsoo only then sensed that something was wrong, but he swung his tentacles towards the lotus flowers in the air, not towards Seol-ah. Perhaps because it was an entity that had just appeared in this world, it seemed to lack the concept of how to utilize magical power.

Still, since there were more than one or two tentacles, there was a possibility that it could affect the completion of the magic. That’s only if I just sit back and watch it happen.

“Seok Pa Cheon Kyeong Kwon!”

It’s been a while since I brought up one of the techniques that utilizes my knowledge of comics from my past life. A huge magical palm appeared in the air, hitting all the tentacles that were reaching towards the lotus flower and blowing them away.

I debated for a moment whether I should go with the energy wave or that, but the best taste is when you hit the flying bugs with your palm.

[Condemnation.]

“Fire!”

The magic of two people was completed with good timing. Magic cannons rained down on the dimensional water from 360 degrees without stopping.

This is an attack that two highly capable people worked together to prepare for a considerable amount of time. Even the boss monsters that were originally here would not have lasted long and would have become nothing more than rags.

“Did you get rid of it!?”

“No matter how dimensional it was, it wouldn’t have been able to withstand that attack.”

“You guys are doing that on purpose!?”

Kang Seo-yoon jumped up at the words of me and Seol-ah stacking the flags. In reality, I already knew it had failed, so it wasn’t a flag or anything.

I, who had trained my magic poetry to the limit, and Seol-ah, who accepted the sound as a word, realized that the attack just now had been completely blocked. Sure enough, when the dust cleared, the water appeared to be quite intact, although it had holes here and there.

“… princess? I don’t really like your condescending attitude, but this time, ‘I just didn’t use my full power, ohhoho~.’ Even if you say that, I will happily respond.”

“Unfortunately, I’m out of power.”

Seol-ah coolly chewed Kang Seo-yoon’s fuming and touched her neck a few times. That’s a habit I have when using words too much, so it was probably an attack that really went all out.

It’s not that the attack doesn’t work because the dimension tree has some kind of invincible property. It was simply the result of losing power vs. power, and the cause was relatively clear.

“How much magic did you pour into the dungeon core…? .”

“Considering the size of subspace, wouldn’t it be at the level of causing dozens of nuclear explosions?”

“Don’t compare the essence of our company’s technology like that! The image is falling!”

Well, playing around with energy units doesn’t have much meaning. The actual horsepower resources would be going into maintaining space and components.

The problem is that the dimensional beast just now turned the magic power used in subspace towards itself. It was easy to predict that part of the outer island would now be gone, as if it had been eaten by rats.

“First of all, how many more attacks can you make?”

“About three or four times? In any case, you can pour all that magical power into one attack. After doing that, you won’t be able to move even a fingertip.”

Of course, that is out of the question. Attacking with all your might is not synonymous with thoughtless self-destruction.

Simply increase your strength and hit. It’s good if it works, but the risk if it fails is too great. If those tentacles are heading towards Seol or Kang Seo-yoon, who cannot move, it would be impossible for me to protect them all.

If it’s Hwa-in’s flame, it’s a problem that can be solved surprisingly easily, but Hwa-in is still unable to extinguish the flame of the apocalypse without causing damage. It could be said that it was already too much, so I didn’t want to let Hwa-in extinguish the flame for a while.

So, in the end, there is only one means left.

“This time, two people will keep it in check. I will try to do something on my side.”

The dimensional water had not yet come out from inside the transparent membrane. I left behind the two people who nodded and walked closer to Jiwonsu.

When it comes to concept manipulation, a simple difference in magical power is nothing. If I could use it, it would be a surefire way to end this situation.

The reason I didn’t use it right away was because it was affected by the curse and couldn’t be used in its current state. Is it because the strength is too much for my current body? I had a hunch that it should at least be in the same state it was in when I fought Cheongun.

I can tell. Perhaps, if I wanted, I could go back to that state—with my hands and feet covered in scales.

And it also brought me some anxiety.

I don’t know when I started paying attention to the opinions and reputation of those around me. However, it was clear that at least it was only recently that I became aware of it.

Couldn’t that have been a partial dragon transformation? If I use the power of dragons to manipulate concepts, wouldn’t I change even more?

Anxiety soon turns into hesitation and whispers. ‘There is no need for me to overdo it here. ‘Let’s stay back and wait for the teachers’ support,’ he said. Coincidentally, Jun-seok is also outside. Leave it to him and everything will be fine.

“… It would have been nice if I could think comfortably with the same feeling.”

The chances of teachers making it on time are not low. However, the dimensional water is eroding the dungeon core by the minute. The possibility of completely taking over the dungeon core and causing casualties is also not small.

In the end, I am a human being who cannot ignore such ‘possible bad endings’.

I shouted out loud, gathered my weakening heart, and walked forward again.

Ah, but I really don’t want to do this. Is there any way to eat me in moderation? Suddenly, a miracle occurs and the dimensional tree flies to the other side of the dimension, or the dungeon core explodes… .

… huh?

“Wait! Cancel, cancel!”

“Aaaah! What, you were surprised!”

“I thought of an amazing method!”

Eureka now! I think I can understand the feelings of the philosopher who streaked naked while shouting, No, that doesn’t mean I have a hobby for exposure, but it does mean that it’s a groundbreaking idea.

There wasn’t much time given. Because much of the transparent membrane surrounding the dimensional tree was disappearing. I explained the strategy I came up with as quickly as possible.

“Are you really going to do that? I think if we fail, we’ll all be finished… .”

“I will do it. If you’re friends, you trust each other in a crisis, right?”

“Princess, do you know that? If you keep appealing to your friends like that, on the contrary, it seems like you have a shabby relationship.”

“!?”

Violence in the name of fact was briefly inflicted on Seol-ah, but the entire operation was told anyway. In principle, it’s not that difficult, so you can do it right away without practice.

The tentacles leaked out again. Perhaps because he had tasted spicy food just now, his movements were much more passive.

Of course, even if he cowered like that, it would only be welcomed by our attackers. Countless lotus flowers were once again drawn in the air.

Grumble!

After seeing this, Ji Won-su ran wild on the altar as if he had a fit. However, this is an enclosed space with a guarantee from the manufacturer. There is no place to run to.

[Condemnation.]

The same scene came into my eyes as if I was watching it again. The only difference is that Kang Seo-yoon’s strengthening magic is not applied. The difference was resolved by Seol-ah applying even more magic power.

Unlike just before, when it was swinging its tentacles wildly in all directions, the Dimensional Beast was leisurely gaining strength again from the dungeon core. Although he did not understand magic, he at least learned that he would not be hurt if he used that power.

It’s not a wrong choice, but then how about this!

“Kang Seo-yoon, now is the time!”

“────.”

The strengthening magic circle containing all of Kang Seo-yoon’s magical power shines brightly. However, the person covered by that magic circle is neither me nor Seol-ah.

The dungeon core itself embraced by the dimensional tree!

[Even if there are only five loaves and two fish──]

Seol-ah also maintained her attack and assisted Kang Seo-yoon in strengthening as much as she could. At least in terms of reinforcement, Kang Seo-yoon, who had exclusive potential, was more efficient.

Cough, clap, clap!

What the hell, I’m so happy. As the magical power of the dungeon core in its arms continued to increase, the dimension beast twisted its body while making strange noises. The transparent shield that barely covered the outside of the body was gradually increasing its range.

Perhaps because it was absorbing magical energy, the size of the dimension grew bigger and bigger. Sweat was pouring down Kang Seo-yoon’s cheeks as she continued to chant, but there was nothing I could do about this part other than telling her to cheer up.

Fortunately, Kang Seo-yoon’s efforts did not become useless.

Pajijijik.

Keruk?

This is a dungeon core that was already experiencing strain due to the magical power of its components being forced into it. No matter how state-of-the-art the technology is, it would be unconscionable to hope that it can withstand Kang Seo-yoon’s amplification.

Dimensions belatedly realizes the problem with the dungeon core and panics. Of course, it’s not clay, and there’s no way that something the size of a dungeon core can be repaired by forcing the cracked parts together.

KEEE!

As the base disappeared, the huge body of the dimensional beast rapidly melted like ice cream under the scorching sun. He desperately fired his tentacles at the three of us, the last remaining base, but

[You can’t reach it and you’re distracted.]

“Let’s go!”

“I can’t go any further than this… .”

It wasn’t enough to pierce the defenses of the two of us, except for Kang Seo-yoon, who was completely knocked down.

By the time I grabbed and crushed the squishy tentacle and it had reached nearly four digits, the dimension tree, which was larger than Bokdori, was now smaller than the palm of my hand.

“That thing doesn’t go away.”

“The main body of the dimensional water is condensed, so it will take some time for it to disappear.”

It’s also a matter of time. It would be much faster for the main body to disappear than for this subspace, which is only running on the auxiliary core, to collapse.

“In the end, the culprit did not come out until the end.”

Since the dungeon core was eroded by dimensional beasts, its destruction was inevitable. So, I wondered if something would be done when this subspace was about to disappear.

I don’t think there is any possibility that there is no darkness. In order for a dimensional beast capable of handling that much magical energy to emerge, there had to be a dimensional rift nearby. At least there must be someone who brought the dimensional water here.

It would be nice if the teachers could find some traces of subspace before it collapses… .

Still, it was undoubtedly true that it ended in a fairly ideal form. At least I felt quite happy that I didn’t have to use concept manipulation.

If it was carelessness, was it carelessness?

“It’s really small when you look at it like this.”

“… ? Hey, Kang Seo-yoon! What are you doing!”

“What are you doing, securing evidence──Kya!?”

Sigh! The small, shrinking dimensional water quickly spread and attached to Kang Seo-yoon’s arm.

Although embarrassed, Kang Seo-yoon wrapped her magic around the area where the dimension water was pushing in. It was proof that he had correctly remembered my words about it being dangerous to touch the bare body, but this time, that confidence turned into poison.

“What is this, it’s eating away at my magical power!”

“Release magical power! Enough to blow that guy away!”

“I don’t have that much magic right now!”

Magical power was coming out of Kang Seo-yoon’s arm, but it wasn’t enough.

I thought I would never come into contact with tentacles when I was low on magic power, but I guess that was a lax judgment.

“Wait, I’ll blow it right away──”

[May all things freeze.]

Seol-ah’s words stopped the movement of the dimension tree faster than I could do anything. However, I saw that it was moving little by little even in that state, so it may not have lasted very long.

“Calm down, Amiya. Kang Seo-yoon doesn’t have much magical power right now. If you forcibly rip off that dimensional tree, her arm might also be ripped off.”

“… That might be better.”

Kang Seo-yoon’s face turned pale at my words. But it was never meant as a joke or exaggeration.

If the words are released like this and Kang Seo-yoon’s magic power is penetrated, the dimensional water will erode Kang Seo-yoon’s body and eat up her soul. In that case, it would be much better to end with one arm.

Kang Seo-yoon opened her mouth to say something, but immediately lowered her head. Even if it is only to reduce the enormous damage suffered by the company, he must be aware that his actions were careless.

“I can’t last even 5 more minutes. If there is a way, please think of it quickly.”

“… It’s okay, even if you cut it. Because I was a fool. Rather, it worked out well. We can also test the prosthetic hand we made.”

The expression on his face was resolute, but his voice was shaking so he didn’t look very resolute. I think this kind of reaction after hearing that the arm is being cut off is great enough.

“But I said it might be better to cut it, I didn’t say it should be cut.”

“… ! Well, if there is a way, tell me sooner! fool! sea anemone! Die!”

Kang Seo-yoon’s face turns bright red and she pours out all kinds of criticism. But I didn’t mean to make fun of you this time. It really just occurred to me.

If Seol-ah hadn’t blocked the dimension with her words, I would have cut off her arm without hesitation. … I won’t tell you the truth because I think you’ll be scared.

“Listen carefully. I’m going to give you magic now. Concentrate all that magical energy into your arm and explode it.”

If you have enough magical power, there is a way to deal with the number of dimensions. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have baited him with close combat in the first place.

It’s not a strengthening potential, so if you use your magic that harshly, you’ll probably get injured, but it’s still much better than having your arm cut off. It’s also a range that can be sufficiently cured with recovery magic.

Kang Seo-yoon seemed to understand what I meant, nodded, then tilted her head again.

“But it gives you magical power, how?”

“Like this.”

It was time to transmit magical power through the mucous membrane, which was also done for Raon. I stretched out one arm and grabbed the back of Kang Seo-yoon’s neck beyond her short hair.

Unfortunately, Kang Seo-yoon is taller than me. So when we face each other, I naturally look up from below.

“What, wait, hey!?”

Kang Seo-yoon tried to push me away with her free arm, but my body didn’t budge. That’s only natural since you’re using magic power.

Is it something I do because I like it? Like CPR, this is a life-saving act that saves people in an emergency.

Kang Seo-yoon also seemed to realize this fact, and her resistance gradually disappeared.

With a face stained red, the two raised eyes gradually closed as if in resignation.

The moment when the small open mouth is about to meet mine.

“Ah. The painter has arrived.”

Whoosh, by a narrow margin, I got away from Kang Seo-yoon.

“Ami, are you okay!?’

As I sensed with my magic power, the first person to jump into the temple was a painter holding a flaming sword. Is it truly a talent worthy of a protagonist to be able to arrive at an important time without being late?

There wasn’t much time given. I conveyed the minimum necessary facts and let them know that only the monster that wrapped Kang Seo-yoon’s arm with the flame of the painter should be destroyed.

The current fire artist who can handle Sarah will only be able to burn the target he is aiming for. It may be a bit of a failure, but I mentioned just now that it’s better than cutting off your arm.

“I roughly understood the situation. But can I ask you one question?”

“Please keep it short.”

“So what is he doing now?”

What the painter was pointing at was Kang Seo-yoon, who was still standing there.

This is Kang Seo-yoon, who is stiff with all her might, with her bright red face and her eyes tightly closed.

Watching your lips twitch, I feel a little sorry.

“Hey, Seoyoon? Seo-yoon Kang? Since the method has changed, you don’t have to do that anymore.”

“… Oh, really? Fortunately──Aaaah!?”

Kang Seo-yoon opened her eyes with a trembling voice and let out a girlish scream as soon as she saw Hwa-in. People who jump in place when surprised are real.

“You, you, you… !”

” I understand what you want to say. But this is a really urgent and dangerous situation, so let’s talk about it later.”

Although the situation has been strangely twisted, it is a situation that could be truly dangerous. This may not be what I want to say after making this!

Fortunately, Kang Seo-yoon, who was expressing anger that could not even be verbalized, calmed down after seeing the situation. This is only when gritting one’s teeth and clenching one’s fists can be considered calm.

“This figure… , humiliation… ! I will definitely pay you back, so be prepared!”

“Could you please take into account the fact that the case was successfully resolved? ”

The answer was replaced by a look filled with intense resentment that was incomparable to anything seen before. It doesn’t work, I know.

Afterwards, the men’s school uniforms were confiscated for a week due to the mess.

*****