“Behold, I am the greatest in the martial world, unmatched through ancient and modern times, supreme under the heavens! With no equals left in this realm, your assistance has become unnecessary. My power has surpassed even the legendary martial gods. I have no desire for your pitiful strength.”
Heaven’s Horse replied.
Despite his makeup-covered face resembling that of a cross-dressing man, his expression brimmed with self-assurance. This was no liar.
Lying, surprisingly, is tough work. One must grasp reality, predict the future, then fabricate imaginary events to deceive.
Thus, crafting the perfect lie is incredibly difficult.
Rather, burying harsh truths is far simpler.
Though… it’s amusing how many choose sinking over apologizing.
No, the critical point isn’t that Heaven’s Horse’s reply was truthful.
“Why did you summon me?”
He had lived well before dying as a harvester. In a world dominated by power, unlike others, brute strength alone allowed him to overcome his challenges.
He believed this world wouldn’t see his return until someone forced him back.
Thus, it was unlikely related to Eunjai. The techniques surrounding him bore no resemblance to Yasley’s methods he knew.
Perhaps he’d been deliberately summoned.
Compared to that witch, did anyone here possess the skill to call him?
Hi hi.
If so, it’d be worth the effort. Definitely worth flexing my brainpower.
I looked at Heaven’s Horse. He stared right back, then slowly began speaking.
“Is the Rebirth and Power Transfer you supposedly granted to the Martial God something you can offer to just anyone?”
Rebirth? After Eunjai became a harvester, he muttered something similar while examining his body. Digging into Faded Man’s memories revealed such terms exist within wuxia fiction.
Obtaining a new body. Power Transfer involves qi infusion. Despite Faded Man’s tantrums, those details matter little to me.
In short, those two words refer to harvesters.
“Yes, correct. Last time, following the request of whoever summoned me, I blessed three people in one day.”
Uncertain if the contract remains usable, recklessly deploying it again like last time could cause problems.
This time, I’ll control the numbers while expanding gradually.
Back in my previous life, I claimed this ability as my own. Though technically unlimited, using it in wide-open spaces to transform ten thousand people into harvesters taught me otherwise.
But limited resources create desire, don’t they?
And greater desire means I can make demands – like learning how exactly I was summoned here.
Hi hi.
“I have but one thing to say.”
Spreading my hands to show harmlessness, I mentioned the contract.
“I shall give myself to you now. In return, after you’ve completed everything, all that remains will be mine. How does that sound?”
Upon hearing my words, Heaven’s Horse stared at me for quite some time.
“Is there a price?”
Oh-ho. So there is. This is a trade, isn’t it? You’re sharp.
But I have no intention of accepting offerings. Managing uncontrollable monsters only causes headaches.
“I’ve already said everything.”
The contract clearly states I’ll claim everything later.
Of course, I’m merely absorbing warmth for now.
However, I’ll continue using the contract since I’m unsure what might happen next.
No sense taking risks when my assets remain insufficient.
Safety first. Always safety.
While contemplating, Heaven’s Horse turned away.
Facing his gaze stood many individuals, their varied attire suggesting they lacked the technique used to summon me.
Ordinary subordinates, perhaps?
“Who will contract with this thing?”
Thing, not person. Fair enough given my nature.
Let you decide how to address me.
Then someone from afar rushed forward.
Up close, differences became apparent. Unlike the others dressed uniformly in black hoods, this individual appeared more… human.
“Only one enforcer?”
At Heaven’s Horse’s question, two more figures emerged from behind, responding eagerly like juniors called by their superior.
After surveying them, Heaven’s Horse pointed at me.
“Contract with him.”
With loud affirmations, the trio approached me, their faces filled with anxiety, fear, and faint hope.
Hope is always a good sign.
So I joyfully recited the contract, gaining their consent.
No need for violet-black fog anymore.
Imagine a 2D figure who perceives only up, down, left, right. If stabbed by a pencil from above, he’d suddenly feel pierced despite lacking comprehension of the third dimension.
Similar principle applies.
Accessing 3D space from a 4th dimensional perspective makes detection impossible. Not time travel though – just another axis.
Techniques like halting or progressing time likely stem from this. Could reversing time become possible with greater strength or knowledge?
Might as well file that thought away for now.
Thus, I contracted with them.
As usual, their skin split with a crackling sound, revealing pure white beneath. Black or brown hair transformed instantly into purple.
Touching light, I absorbed its violet hue while simultaneously obtaining their memories.
Enforcers are soldier-like ranks, highest being Jaje, followed by Eunchun and Byungil.
The Cult of Heaven’s Horse operates independently without association to other sects.
Surprisingly, Eunjai wasn’t the original Heaven’s Horse, but the third generation.
Their shared knowledge proved rather limited. Born within a village ruled by the cult, they strove hard hoping martial talent would elevate their status.
An interesting memory surfaced.
Upon becoming an enforcer, insects were implanted into their bodies. Strangely, none seemed bothered – likely due to some form of indoctrination.
Similar to how adults in Faded Man’s nation accepted fingerprint registration without question.
Blindly following the cult’s instructions, they eventually reached the rank of elder enforcer.
Until summoned by the Martial God to confront some chaotic monster.
Warmth is minuscule compared to light.
Yet upon transformation, warmth increased dramatically.
What’s the reason?
Well, originally it was almost negligible, now reaching a somewhat acceptable level. Perhaps due to the disappearance of bodily insects?
Light seems closely tied to the soul.
Warmth likely relates to humanity or desire.
Thus, desperate individuals possess minimal warmth. Considering my experience, prolonged lack of warmth may diminish light itself.
Gaining power expands capabilities, thereby increasing warmth.
A clear path emerges.
More contemplation required, but granting excessive freedom boosts light significantly.
Hehe. Warmth increases.
Smiling at Heaven’s Horse, I declared,
“I’ve fulfilled humanity’s wishes.”
Examining my body, there’s a chance the vessel I inhabit, like Rebecca, might survive.
If so, slight conveniences could be granted.
To ensure people remember, let her name live on.
“As you know, my name is Choseol. Call me that.”
Choseol represents the body I currently reside in, much like Rebecca Rolfe.
Tall stature, flat chest, and shapeless figure result from youthfulness. Both Rebecca Rolfe and this child serve as vessels.
Are children simply better suited?
Unlike Rebecca who lived normally before capture, this one was specifically raised for a purpose.
Most of her life revolved around strange training sessions involving heavy drug use, repeating spoken words while disoriented, followed by eye removal and binding spells.
Eventually, soaked cloths replaced drugs during the final summoning process.
Choseol appears bred as an offering.
Such elaborate preparation makes widespread application difficult.
Or perhaps this suits my needs perfectly. Continue seeking opportunities to acquire knowledge as before.
Upon stating my name, Heaven’s Horse scrutinized me intensely, attempting to discern hidden intentions.
But my true thoughts remain simple.
Just provide warmth.
Sharing this sentiment through a smile, Heaven’s Horse shouted,
“Seal this!”
Oops.
Is that how things will unfold?
Surrounding individuals began chanting. Jaje, Eunchun, Byungil, and Choseol – four names unfamiliar in language.
Meaning separate languages exist for utilizing magic. Learning these through ingesting practitioners’ light should suffice.
During this realization, hanging cloths descended, tightly wrapping around me.
Unlike Yasley’s observation method, this approach works too. Consider it a blessed cocoon.
Moreover, Heaven’s Horse’s true intentions remain unrevealed.
Hi hi.
Heaven’s Horse tested my abilities.
Meaning blessings are required. Not mindlessly sealing or destroying to prevent another Martial God.
For future use.
Before complete envelopment, I waved goodbye to Heaven’s Horse.
“See you next time, miss.”
Would’ve loved to see his facial expression, but cloth covered my face before completion.
Fortunately, I can perceive the world through the three enforcers’ perspectives.
Ah!
Their bowed heads prevent viewing Heaven’s Horse’s reaction.
Seeing his expression would’ve provided valuable insights.
But time remains abundant. This seal will inevitably be undone by them.
Patience comes easily.
Thus, let’s observe what Heaven’s Horse truly desires.
Certainly, he’ll reveal his wants while experimenting with these three.