전생검신 95권 15화

At my words, the sorcerer seemed taken aback and didn’t speak for a while. Then, he threw himself on the ground like he was prostrating and shouted.

[What you just had is a treasure we’ve collected over countless years of enduring hardships! Even if you test our sincerity further, we truly have nothing left!]

‘Um…?’

[Please understand! Uaaah…!]

‘…….’

Wait, it seems he mistook my intent to mean testing him as something else…

‘Oh!’

It suddenly struck me how my actions might appear to him.

Of course, whatever divine being receives an offering during a ceremony is bound to grant wishes!

While there have been cases of rulers who caused massacres after receiving offerings, there was [a cause] for that too—an excuse that the offering was inappropriate for them.

But without such an excuse, any deity, regardless, must fulfill the other’s requests.

That’s the Law of Cause and Effect!

So if I openly say I intend to violate cause and effect, it’s reasonable for him to think I’m just testing him.

… Well, upon reflection, I might have acted quite selfishly…

But really, what can I give when I truly have nothing?

‘Ugh… If I give any more divine power, my strength will drop below that of a demon king for sure…’

That said, I’m clueless on how to use divine abilities like blessings.

After pondering for a while, I spoke to the sorcerer.

‘Hey… how about this?’

[Please, do tell.]

‘I’ll teach you martial arts. If that works for you, I’ll share my knowledge.’

For now, I’ll have to try something I am familiar with.

I’ve taught martial arts to others several times, so maybe I can do it for an alien race too.

[Martial arts…? What is that?]

‘Well, it’s like…’

I explained the definition and structure of martial arts. After listening, the sorcerer pondered and replied.

[I’ve never heard of such a skill… If it’s bestowed by a great being, I’d be honored to accept it!]

‘Oh? You really haven’t heard of it? You don’t even know about Qi (气)?’

[Sounds like some peculiar magic….]

‘…….’

At that moment, the mockery of the Necronomicon flashed through my mind.

[If you were to survey across the universe, magic would be considered righteous law—so who do you think the minority might be, kukukuku.]

…….

Seems like that statement was surprisingly true!

Still, looking at the sorcerer before me, who seems to represent an entire species and has lived for over a million years, to know nothing about martial arts… I might really have a good chance with my offer.

‘Tch….’

I couldn’t help but feel that martial arts are indeed a terrible power of the minority, and it left a bitter taste in my mouth. To shake off that bitterness, I asked again.

‘Alright. Bring the ones I should teach martial arts later. And you mentioned your clan has allies on Earth, right? They’re working on the summoning circle?’

[That’s correct.]

‘How long will it take to draw the summoning circle?’

[Please wait just a moment.]

The sorcerer seemed to concentrate hard on some calculations and then finally said.

[It would take about 2500 years!]

‘……?’

What? Did I hear that wrong?

But thanks to my trusty persuasion skills, I soon realized I had heard it right, and I couldn’t hold back my anger.

‘You gotta be kidding me! 2500 years is short?! Are you joking?!’

Kuwahh!

The moment I got angry, a powerful wave burst forth from my spirit, sweeping the surroundings like a flash of light. It seemed my gathered Power of Waves reacted emotionally and unfolded itself. At that, the sorcerer, touched by my wave, gasped in shock.

[Kurak! My magic is suddenly vanishing…?! What in the world?!]

The sorcerer flailed around in panic and finally got a grip on himself, speaking.

[Th-the great one! I can’t help it!]

‘Can’t help it, huh?’

[To bypass the barrier already takes ten times the usual time, and preparing the summoning offerings will take about 200 years. Plus, they say there are many ongoing battles among the great [rulers] on this planet called Earth, so if we don’t tread carefully, there’s a risk of extinction. Also, we would need permission from the gods of various races to cross coordinates… ]

‘…….’

[Kuhuk… But if we try our best, we can manage something within 2500 years, so… I ask for your understanding!]

The sorcerer sounded inexplicably aggrieved. In that tone, I instantly realized that my notion of time as a human does not align with that of this demon race.

… Ugh. For me, 2500 years is an incredibly long time, but maybe to an alien race, it’s not quite the same…

Moreover, to the divine beings that surpass even alien races, it might just be a blink of an eye… So I must appear strange as a god for getting impatient over this…

No, but even so, 2500 years is too long!

No matter what trials come, I don’t want to linger on some alien planet without a body for that long!

I’ve got to find a way to shorten that time…

Forget it, I bet this guy knows something!

I stopped pondering and crossed my arms.

‘I can’t wait that long. If there’s a way to shorten the time, you need to tell me beforehand.’

[Hmm… Such a method… Ah!]

The sorcerer, while thinking hard, spoke.

[If we receive the cooperation of the Eastern Evil Alliance, it can be done in 3 years…!]

‘……?’

Huh? What did you say?

I was taken aback by his words I had never heard before. Then I asked.

‘Eastern Evil Alliance? What’s that?’

That had to be some kind of alien name, not originally written in Chinese characters. [The tongue that persuades the great ones] must have translated it into the best possible wording for me. Thus, that strange phrase piqued my curiosity about its meaning.

[Great one! Would it be okay if I explain the situation of mortals in this universe?]

‘Huh? Uh… sure. Go ahead.’

As I unwittingly responded, the sorcerer began seriously explaining.

[Currently, the universe is divided into four major powers: Southeast, Northeast, Southwest, and Northwest! Knowing this first would be beneficial.]

‘Huh? Not North, South, East, and West? Why Southeast and Northeast?’

[They are lined up by strength!]

‘Oh, I see.’

[These four powers are referred to as the Four Major Powers of the Universe, each ruling their own territories with the support of strong [Old Rulers] or constellations (星座). Among them, the strongest is known to be the Southern King (南王), which is the [Great Race] of the [Demon King]!]

‘…….’

Wait… are you saying the Southern King is… the prophet I know?

‘Um, so you mean the Demon King Prophet is the strongest, huh?’

[That’s right! The Southern King’s Great Race has maintained its position as the strongest in the universe!]

I doubted my ears, but this didn’t seem to be something to doubt. That was clearly the very tone used to express this fact.

The Prophet!

That guy belonged to the Southern King party, known to be the strongest among the Four Major Powers across the universe!

In a way, it made perfect sense. After all, he’s got Al Karda, the librarian of the Necronomicon, backing him!

It makes sense that even the Three Sovereigns, higher gods of the righteous path, honored the Demon King Prophet!

As the sorcerer recounted, he continued.

[The second strongest power is none other than the Eastern Evil Alliance.]

‘And who are they?’

[Several tens of trillions of years ago, during the early days of the universe, the first Magic Empire dominated most of it. However, legends say that the empire perished after provoking the anger of the Outer Gods while challenging another world beyond the [Great Cycle]. The Eastern Evil Alliance is a successor of that empire, with a gigantic federation of a whopping 1000 emperors!]

‘…….’

I was utterly dumbfounded.

‘Wait, how can there be 1000 emperors? Is that why it’s called a Thousand Emperors (千帝)?’

[That’s correct. Each one claims to be a descendant of the old Magic Empire! But even so, in terms of numbers and military strength, they rank among the strongest powers in the universe.]

‘Hmm…’

[I’ve heard that the headquarters of the Eastern Evil Alliance has a Door of the Demon Gods (魔神之門), allowing travel to any part of the universe. If you could use that door, the great one could easily travel to Earth!]

‘Is that so?’

As I listened to the sorcerer, I began to contemplate and asked.

‘So, the 3 years you mentioned is for negotiating with the Eastern Evil Alliance to use the Door of the Demon Gods?’

[That’s right!]

‘They won’t just let me use the Door for free, so what’s the plan to convince them?’

[…….]

At that, the sorcerer seemed to flinch, as if I had hit the nail on the head, and replied.

[Well… I thought if the great one helped, there might be a way… but… ]

‘…….’

So, I’ve got to help them, huh?

I felt a bit annoyed and bluntly told the sorcerer.

‘You’ve got some ulterior motive. Are you trying to use me?’

[No, not at all! The great one asked about methods, so I merely relayed information… Of course, our race alone cannot contend with the Eastern Evil Alliance, so I’m saying it’s practically impossible.]

‘Hmph.’

I chuckled mockingly. Though he spoke like that, I could sense his hidden intentions. My instincts, honed from countless negotiations, told me he was scheming to make me oppose the Eastern Evil Alliance for his benefit. He probably crafted some petty plan to take advantage of me.

What to do? Ignoring this petty scheme and leaving would be simple…

However, if what he said was true, it might be worth a try. Additionally, making contact with this alien force known as the Eastern Evil Alliance, which I’d never encountered before, could aid my goals later.

After some contemplation, I finally asked.

‘By the way, why do they call the Eastern Evil Alliance… eastern evil?’

[That name was given due to opposing forces in the west. They are beings that primarily venerate power and exhibit strong desires to dominate everything, so they’re referred to as the malevolent spirits of the eastern universe.]

I couldn’t help but laugh at the sorcerer’s words.

‘Pfft… evil beings from the east, huh? You guys also use demonic magic and engage in human sacrifices, so who’s to say who’s worse?’

Exactly. Just using dark magic and conducting rituals in itself is something only a bad guy would do! Anyway, all alien users of demon path are bad guys, so it’s hilarious to think they’re judging who’s the worst among them.

The sorcerer then seemed to protest.

[There are indeed lines that shouldn’t be crossed in magic. And the races that heavily influence the west use demonic power while also maintaining a more restrained atmosphere regarding human sacrifices and ritual offerings. We have abstained from offering sacrifices as well.]

‘Hmm.’

Now that I think about it, it is quite surprising for a demonic race to not offer sacrifices to me. Could it be they intentionally avoided doing so?

It seems that the Eastern Evil bunch embrace sacrifices and human offerings, while the western races foster a different attitude.

‘Alright, if I can achieve my goal, I’ll lend a little aid. I’ll consider that payment for your offerings.’

[Thank you!]

‘What’s the plan to utilize the Door of the Demon Gods from the Eastern Evil Alliance?’

[Huh? That is… I thought maybe the great one could find some method of assistance… ]

‘…….’

Wow, so you really just want to theorize possible methods?

I was left speechless and muttered grumpily.

‘Sigh… let’s do it this way. Just tell me where the headquarters of the Eastern Evil Alliance is. You can do that, right?’

[I can provide that information immediately… What are you planning?]

‘I just want to have a chat with their representative.’

[…….]

‘What’s the hold-up? Hurry up and give me the coordinates.’

As I smirked, I coldly added.

‘Just so you know, if things go sideways, I’ll blame you guys, and I’ll be outta here.’

The sorcerer looked aghast.

[Ugh… No, please! If the Eastern Evil Alliance retaliates… our clan will…!]

‘If you can’t bear watching me create a ruckus, then tell me what schemes you’re up to right now. I can just leave without taking your offering.’

The sorcerer bowed his head in apparent resignation.

[… Ku… It’s just… the Eastern Evil Alliance has been invading our territory lately… We simply wanted to show them that we have a formidable god on our side… I hoped for your assistance… ]

‘Hmph. That’s a flimsy plot.’

[Please understand…!]

‘Alright, it seems our interests align. Just move according to what you want.’

[…….]

‘What’s with that look?’

I noticed the sorcerer’s odd gaze at me and felt puzzled. He quickly got himself together and spoke.

[Ex-excuse me, but… are you truly a divine being? You seem so familiar with worldly matters… ]

‘Why? Am I different from the [Old Rulers] you’ve seen before?’

[Indeed.]

I burst into laughter.

‘Hehe… like I said before, I’m no god. Just because you see my divine power doesn’t mean I’m a god, right?’

[…….]

‘What if I’m not a god? What matters is whether this helps us both, right?’

[That is true… ]

‘Oh, and tell me your name and the name of this planet. I’d like to remember it for future visits.’

[I am Skalt, the great sorcerer of the Night Moon Demon Clan! And the name of this planet is also Skalt.]

‘Easy to remember.’

The planet’s name is the same as yours?

That likely means Skalt holds the highest authority on this planet.

I turned to Skalt and said.

‘Skalt, give me the coordinates of the Eastern Evil Alliance. It’s time to move.’

[On this right away?]

‘No need to stall.’

[Understood.]

Whoosh!

Moments later, as Skalt cast his spell, an enormous orb appeared before me. From that orb, a section of light gleamed, and I instantly recognized that it served as a kind of cosmic map. The constellations were crudely etched all over the orb.

Skalt said.

[The headquarters of the Eastern Evil Alliance is Belial, the capital of the old Magic Empire. The huge star currently displayed is Belial.]

‘…… It seems enormous.’

It looks like a planet, but it must be at least a hundred times bigger than Earth.

Can a planet really be that large?

Of course, I’ve seen far larger stars, but seeing a planet that massive was astonishing. As I marveled, Skalt spoke again.

[The planet Belial was altered by ancient demon sorcery, and it is said to be sealing something.]

‘What’s being sealed there?’

[That I cannot know, but… it’s likely a god.]

‘…….’

Hmm… The dominant power in the east of the universe seems to be comprised of impressive beings…

I was in awe at the immensity of Belial when I finally commented.

[I’ll negotiate with them concerning the Door of the Demon Gods, and I’ll let them know to avoid disturbing me. Just be certain to keep them from interfering.]

Skalt looked crestfallen.

‘… Wouldn’t it be better to just stop now? It seems fine to end this with just the meal you took from us…’

[Don’t get so worked up! I’ll catch you later!]

‘Wait…!’

Whoosh!

In the next moment, I concentrated the intent of my waves on the orb and sensed the shining planet of Belial. I felt the vast waves I had spread across the universe focusing towards it, and soon I vividly sensed Belial in my sixth sense.

Boom!

As I recognized Belial, I moved into cosmic space and found myself looking at the planet from afar.

‘So it’s possible to move using waves.’

I must have teleported from talking with the stars onto the altar thanks to this property of waves.

I glanced at Belial when suddenly, a sound escaped my lips.

‘…… This is quite the unusual place. What are all those things surrounding the planet?’

Crummm…

Countless beads! To be precise, innumerable orbs circling Belial in the shape of a pearl necklace!

Moreover, a massive, unidentified creature seemed to be lingering in the cosmic space above Belial, its size being at least half that of the planet itself—it was absurdly gigantic!

Additionally, the magical power emanating from within Belial itself was immense. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a planet emitting dense magical energy.

As I continued observing Belial, a voice asked.

[Who are you?]

Flash!

With a flash of light, a divine entity appeared before me. Recognizing it as a divine being, I was momentarily stunned.

‘…… I’m Baek Woong. And you are…?’

[I am Eligor.]

The introductions were incredibly succinct, but I didn’t quite grasp it, so I inquired.

‘How can a divine being reveal themselves immediately upon arriving near the planet? Are you guarding this tiny planet? I mean, are divine beings really that free to do so?’

This agile response indicates that they were keeping an eye on this planet.

Yet, how is it that a divine being, no matter how exceptional among mortals, is left guarding just one planet?

Grasping the abnormal situation, Eligor clinked as he moved, clad in solid black armor, and spoke.

[I have no reason to explain my circumstances to you. If you don’t leave immediately, you’ll have to fight me.]

Intense divine power!

I knew Eligor was certainly among the ranks of the [Old Rulers]. I could feel considerable strength from him, though he was just the embodiment and not the true form.

‘To use the Door of the Demon Gods. I wish to speak with the leader of the Eastern Evil Alliance. Can I do so without fighting?’

[…… The Door of the Demon Gods?]

‘Yeah. Of course, I won’t be doing so empty-handed. There’s no need for conflict here.’

After a brief silence, the divine being Eligor finally replied.

[If you wish to see the leader, follow me.]

Tisus!

Then, the countless orbs orbiting the planet seemed to shift to create a [path]. Eligor mounted a strange beast and began to lead me towards Belial, and I followed closely behind him to enter the planet.

As I penetrated the planet’s atmosphere, I discovered an unimaginably massive floating continent shrouded in dense black smoke. The entire continent was essentially a single palace.

So this palace is the headquarters of the Eastern Evil Alliance?

Upon entering the palace, I felt dimensions opening and closing repeatedly. After what seemed like hundreds of shifts, I found myself naturally arriving in the depths of the palace, where the gentle glimmers of cold light began to illuminate the dim abyss.

When I arrived at a throne in that soft darkness, Eligor abruptly halted.

[You’re Baek Woong, right?]

‘And…?’

[You didn’t even consider the possibility of a trap before following me. Are you bold or just foolish?]

I casually replied.

‘A trap?’

[Cackles… You’re an interesting fellow.]

Without me expecting it, Eligor chuckled as he gazed at the throne.

[Now, behold. The distinguished leader we serve is King Solomon!]

Solomon?

At that proclamation, I looked upon the shadowed throne and found myself frozen in a horrifying sight.

Once a human, that king’s entire body had been reduced to ash, resting among the remains of what seemed like a burnt skull adorned in regal attire.

‘Is he dead?’

[There’s no way a being who descends from the divine seat can be dead. However, as you mentioned, our lord Solomon is essentially no different from being dead.]

‘What? Then how did he… who could have…?’

I was bewildered when suddenly I realized something.

‘The Outer Gods?!’

[Sharp as a tack, aren’t we?]

Eligor peered at Solomon’s remains and continued speaking.

[Indeed. He was sealed by the Outer Gods while trying to cross the boundaries of the Great Cycle.]

‘……!’

In an instant, I understood the situation.

The Giant God of the Beast Race once told of the ancient ultra-galactic magic civilization trying to breach the [Great Cycle].

The owner of such an endeavor is none other than the King Solomon right in front of me.

“`

 

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