episode_0118

“Got it! Form the hex! Quickly!”

“Like this?”

“It’s complete! Triple digit system! This guy learns fast!”

“Hehe.”

A magnificent scene of Giant Ant and Fox happily embracing each other and jumping around.

On the open field made by cutting down trees, a beautiful digit system unfolds, emitting a vibrant color.

The Giant Ant girl, who sucked up my energy, completed the triple digit system under Gwiho’s guidance.

It’s a multi-digit system.

“Impressive. Is that the realm of high-level sorcerers?”

The 0th level digit system I unlocked as my trait is nothing but a blank canvas.

I just declared this space as my domain.

The effects of the digit system are non-existent.

Moving on to the 1st level digit system, where it starts to have an influence within the system.

With detection abilities attached, it can be used like a CCTV.

And the 2nd level digit system is where sorcery can be applied within the system.

After attaching desired sorceries like sleep spells or weakening spells to the digit system.

Using detection abilities, curses can be applied to those who enter the system.

However, the 2nd level digit system had a limitation of only being able to equip one type of sorcery.

To overcome that limitation, the 3rd level digit system, the multi-digit system, was developed.

It can spread multiple curses to the targets within the system, causing calamity from their perspective.

“Sorcerers… They are to be persecuted.”

Unlike spells that gradually dissipate over time, the digit system remains permanent.

Moreover, magic is harder to detect than mana, so a hidden digit system engraved in space is difficult even for skilled sorcerers to find.

Since the Giant Ant girl can create clones, she can install such multi-digit systems in multiple places simultaneously.

Once mastered, it can lay a vast minefield that is impossible to find.

No wonder sorcerers label it as evil and impure magic.

There’s no way to counter it, and it’s too powerful.

“Well done, Sokong! You did great! Hahaha! I’ve decided! Sokong will now be my direct disciple! With this guy, we can aim beyond the 2nd level digit system, maybe even 3rd level and beyond!”

“Thank you, Master!”

“Sokong?”

“I’ve given him a name. I can’t call my disciple a bug.”

I wondered who Sokong was referring to.

It seems Gwiho has named the Giant Ant girl.

Sokong, Sokong, Sokong…

Well, the name doesn’t sound too bad.

It’s not as good as my naming sense, but it’s decent.

But why Sokong?

“Why Sokong? Shouldn’t it be Daegong or Geogong since it’s a Giant Ant?”

“Because of its small size and narrow vision, I named it Sokong, meaning a small ant.”

“Oh, it does suit it well. Nicely done.”

“Taesu! Was that the intention?!”

“Do you have a problem with the divine decision of your master?”

“Yes! Of course! Please give it a prettier name! Elizabeth or Christina! Why, there are so many!”

“Ugh… Do you think those southern vulgar names are better… In the north, there’s a custom of giving humble names to avoid the wrath of spirits, but this master doesn’t know that. Tsk.”

“That, that’s the meaning…! Your humble disciple! I will gratefully accept the name Sokong given by my master and cherish it!”

The Giant Ant girl bows, accepting the name.

It seems Gwiho’s persuasion worked well.

If she’s being accepted as a direct disciple, it seems Gwiho has taken a liking to her.

She was disgusted by her at first, calling her a monster.

Now, with a body overflowing with magic, it’s no wonder he’s pleased.

[Since you’ve completed the advanced method for your former lover, my disciple and I are planning to go into seclusion for training. Would you like to join us until you reach the first level of the method?]

“Alright. It’ll probably take me another hundred years to do it on my own. Go ahead and leave with your disciple.”

[Oh, suddenly being so formal, huh? Acting all casual and then turning proper when it’s time to part ways. You sly one. They say a good ending leaves a good impression, is that what you’re aiming for?]

“Think whatever you want.”

Just a change of heart, that’s all.

At first, he seemed as carefree as a young fox when he first appeared.

But as time passed, Gwiho showed a mature side, reflecting on his past and showing remorse.

And most importantly, Gwiho is a trustworthy being because we have shared the same goal for a long time.

[I never knew you were aware of the monsters in the other world and preparing to fight them. 200 years ago, I was ambushed by the four apostles sent by that guy and suffered fatal wounds. Since then, I’ve been determined to seek revenge. Even though I’ve lost the power of the Taesu now, my responsibility to protect the North has not disappeared. I am determined to seek revenge on him.]

Gwiho, revealing his scars with a fierce expression.

It was none other than Sachenwang who weakened Gwiho to this extent.

Therefore, Gwiho and I share a common enemy in the final boss, Draken.

‘The power of the Taesu is formidable. They were Sachenwang and Hokak 200 years ago.’

If it was 200 years ago, the current Sachenwang must have been a different member.

The current Sachenwang are just inexperienced youngsters, but the members back then were the dream team of the strongest.

Surviving against all four of them at once is impressive.

If Gwiho regains his prime strength, there will be nothing more reliable.

[Especially that damn bloodsucker or whatever she is! I hate her the most! She showed interest in my spells and then quickly copied them! There was nothing difficult about her magic or swordsmanship! And she was the one who dealt the final blow to my scars! Ugh! Just thinking about her pale face raises my blood pressure!]

“······.”

If the bloodsucker among the Sachenwang 200 years ago was… Oh? That would be Transylvania, right?

‘They must never meet.’

They must not meet by mistake.

It should not be known that I am close enough to touch Transylvania’s chest.

I decided to keep this in mind.

“Then I will train Sogong to be useful in the upcoming battle!”

“Master? What are you talking about? Are you telling me to betray Draken······?”

[Haven’t you already betrayed him? You’ve been hanging out with humans all this time.]

“That’s not betrayal, I just cooperated a little because they offered to share their energy!”

[The world sees that as betrayal. You foolish disciple.]

“I, I can’t believe it…”

Sogong, with a bewildered expression, shoulders drooping.

Will he grow up under his master’s teachings and become the decisive weapon against Draken?

Or will he spend his life being chased by the Sachenwang?

The choice is obvious.

‘I’ve gained a strong ally unexpectedly.’

Though weakened now, the former North Taesu’s alliance is invaluable.

And with the promise of turning a genius sorcerer into a decisive weapon, there is hope.

Sogong will be dedicated to Gwiho in the future.

“Even though this body used to be Taesoo’s! If I have the same amount of energy, I can cultivate by eating my own! Let’s go! Let’s close the gates!”

“Ah! Master, you said my food looks unappetizing! Yujin! I want to eat Yujin’s food······!”

Sogong, being dragged along while Griho bites his back.

However, Sogong’s expression is strangely smiling, which is quite suspicious.

[Yonseok.]

“······!”

At that moment.

Griho releases the back he was biting and jumps, flying behind me.

“You think I wouldn’t know if you create a doppelganger?”

“Ah?! How did you know?! I never said I can create a doppelganger!”

“I see the essence of life in my eyes. You are far from fooling me for another 1000 years.”

“That’s impossible!”

And Griho, dragging the giant spider hidden behind me, can distinguish between Sogong’s doppelganger and main body, which is not a good match.

“Ah! Parting with that delicious energy pouch like this! I don’t want to close the gates! I don’t want to!”

“Even though that essence looks delicious, it’s just a temptation. Endure it a bit. We’ll meet again someday.”

“Okay······. Next time, when we meet again, be prepared to suck up energy until you become a mira!”

“Alright. Farewell.”

Sogong soon gave in and absorbed all the doppelgangers into his main body, being dragged away by Griho.

It feels refreshing, like sending off a daughter who was causing trouble.

As I was relieved and wiping my chest.

Mijeong suddenly turned her head and opened her eyes wide.

“Why?”

“······Detection, someone. Has entered. The, forest.”

Mijeong set up a 1st level barrier at the entrance of the forest.

The barrier’s reaction means someone has come.

And at this timing, there is only one person who would come to the Sanchung Forest.

“Hide.”

“······Okay.”

Be sharp.

.

.

.

It’s dangerous.

Very dangerous.

Despite being ignorant of magic and not being able to sense mana well, I immediately noticed that this barrier was not ordinary.

“Ugh!”

“······!”

Inside the giant glowing red barrier.

Alicia groaned with her hands and feet tied.

Seeing her like that, I lost my composure.

“Alicia!”

Not knowing what device or curse might be inside, I still entered the barrier without hesitation.

Even though I knew it was a trap, I couldn’t bear to see Alicia suffering in pain right in front of me.

If I hesitated and lost Alicia, it would be an unbearable pain.

A few curses, this strong body can handle them.

“Just a little······! Wait!”

The moment I entered the barrier, my body suddenly felt heavy.

As if carrying a huge rock, I felt like I would collapse at any moment.

But this is nothing.

I can move forward with a little difficulty.

The problem is the ambush when I am defenseless······.

“Transylvia is guarding. It’s okay.”

Then, outside the barrier, Transylvia looked at me with a sword in hand.

Although not very reliable, as long as the slave contract is valid, she will do her best to protect me.

Unless dozens of archmages rush in, it’s impossible to break through Transylvia’s guard.

So I have to quickly save Alicia and get out of here!

“Cough!”

“Sister, no. Don’t come here!”

“Be quiet, you troublemaker! If you hadn’t been caught by some strange sorcerer, this wouldn’t have happened!”

With a burst of words I didn’t mean, I vent my anger.

Instead of keeping it deep inside.

I commit evil against my most cherished subject.

My only friend.

My precious sister.

However, at the same time.

It is also anger that I pour out on myself.

“Why do you foolishly hold on and make people suffer!”

I almost doubted Alicia.

I almost firmly believed that Alicia had betrayed me, that she coveted my man.

I am so angry at myself for thinking like that.

Is there anyone who gives as much for me as Alicia does?

Is there anyone who follows me sincerely like Alicia does?

Besides Alicia, is there anyone who sees me as a person, not as a warlord?

There is only one person like that, Eugene.

I almost gave in to a momentary emotion, unable to control myself.

It’s fortunate that I was given another chance.

If I had made an irreversible decision at that time…

It’s dizzying.

Just imagining rejecting Alicia and regretting it is painful enough.

That’s why.

I am even more angry now.

“Because of the magic, it’s dangerous!”

“If I reveal everything, it will be over!”

I draw my sword and swing it.

But the blade, instead of cutting through the red flash that appeared in the air, simply passes through.

There is no change at all.

And right after that.

“Huh?!”

A counterattack comes flying.

An attack that perfectly mirrors the one I made.

I quickly twist the sword to block it, but the impact pushes me back beyond the defensive line.

“A reflection?!”

Have you seen such a childish magic!

What if there is a magic that reflects attacks!

She must be determined not to give up Alicia easily…

“Sister, I’m fine! Don’t get hurt for no reason…”

“Be quiet, you fool! How can I give up on you! I won’t give up even if I die! I’m thinking hard about how to get out from the inside! Shut up with your nonsense!”

Clang.

After wrapping bandages around my hand, I grip the sword again.

And I push my foot back into the defensive line.

With great effort, I step forward towards Alicia.

‘A magic that reflects all attacks…’

Swish.

With a light stroke of the sword, another slashing attack comes flying towards me.

The sword blade suddenly flies from the air to strike me, but I easily block it.

‘The time difference is about 0.3 seconds.’

There is a time difference.

Once you know this, the way to break through is simple.

In fact, it doesn’t differ much from the initial strategy.

“Bend.”

There is nothing in this world that cannot be cut.

It’s a lesson I learned from my father, and I realized that it is truly true.

Whether it has substance or not.

If you can touch it.

If you can see or feel it.

It means you can cut it.

So, bend.

Bend the magic.

Bend the defensive line.

But the problem is still.

‘How.’

“Reveal your true form!”

Crash!

I stomp my foot forward.

I activate Beast Mode and bring out the hidden savagery.

In an instant, my blood vessels expand, blood flow accelerates immensely.

I focus all that power into my eyes.

As a result, the blood vessels in my eyes swell and burst, tears of blood flow.

It’s only been four days since the duel with Transylvania, but activating Beast Mode inflicts severe damage on my body.

Focusing the power into my eyes takes only about a second.

One second is enough time to see things that are normally invisible.

“It’s revealed!”

And just before Beast Mode turns off.

I found it.

A faint bead shimmering at the center of the defensive line.

A strange structure made of magic that cannot be seen with normal vision.

My intuition tells me.

That’s the weakness of this defensive line.

The core of this defensive line.

If I cut that, it’s over.

That’s all I need as a swordsman if I’m given the opportunity to cut it.

Just cut it without asking or hesitating.

Although it’s not visible or felt now that Beast Mode is off.

The round bead is definitely there.

I memorized the location.

Now, I just need to take a deep breath.

Raise the sword, and swing it.

I don’t know if this strike will shatter the bead.

I will just give it all the power I have.

“If I fail, I’ll face the reflected counterattack and die.

If I succeed, I win.

That’s the simple bet.

“Venda!”

Crash!

The sound of something shattering echoes in the empty air.

The pressure that was weighing heavily on my body disappears.

The red flashes that were swirling around me also fade away.

The light reaches Alicia’s heart and disappears with a pop.

Only then does something imperfect inside Alicia’s chest reveal itself.

Was she under a spell all this time?

“Unnie…”

Alicia looks around as if she can’t believe it.

Not a scratch on Alicia.

She’s free from restraint.

Seeing her like that, I couldn’t help but cry.

I drop my sword and run towards Alicia.

“Whew! That was scary!”

Thank goodness.

It’s a relief that she’s unharmed.

I embrace Alicia.

And cry, and cry, and cry.

In the ruins of Jinbeop.

Tran Silvia watches as the people cry out in agony, entwined with each other.

‘Just bringing out that rabbit beastman would have lifted the spell, right?’

The slowing curse and the reflection curse.

It was a 3rd level multi-layered Jinbeop with two curses simultaneously.

The solution to this was very simple.

Just come out of the Jinbeop.

Don’t fight inside.

The blood pact on the rabbit beastman’s heart would also break as soon as it came out of the Jinbeop.

Perhaps the answer that Eugene, the designer of Jinbeop, anticipated was to ‘bring Alicia out’.

‘Breaking the Jinbeop that was made not to be broken…’

Is it because of a lack of understanding of magic or just plain ignorance?

Perhaps Palana King mistakenly thought that he couldn’t move Alicia without releasing the Jinbeop.

She perceived the Jinbeop as a simple ‘thing to break’.

She saw the core of the Jinbeop, which couldn’t be seen by non-mages, and destroyed it.

Was the core of the Jinbeop originally something that could be physically broken?

Even after living for hundreds of years, Tran Silvia was amazed at the sight she had never seen before.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“Uh, no. Unnie. But Eugene-”

“I know! Eugene was taken by that wicked mage! I’ll kill him… I’ll tear that bastard apart and devour him…”

Overwhelmed by Yerina’s intensity, Alicia’s ears drooped.

Alicia trembled in fear as she was embraced by Yerina, who couldn’t see her face and thought she was still trapped in the mage’s terror.

‘I’m sorry, Eugene. If caught, you’ll be taken to the Ice Cave without a chance.’

Tran Silvia decided to offer condolences to Eugene in advance.

I miscalculated.

I should have included this woman’s twisted affection and madness in the plan.

If she’s caught by Yerina and spills everything, Eugene won’t have a good ending.