Chapter 281
[Graaaaaaaaaaaar!]
An Ice demon roared loudly. When it extended its left arm out, a stream of pure energy that froze everything in its path was exuded.
"Carina!"
"I know!"
Whem Michael Smithson shouted while redirecting the arm with his shield courageously, Carina Malatesta, who aimed for that moment, cast restraint magic to tie the demon down.
"Hhp!"
When the ice demon was firmly held in place, Takagaki Asuha suddenly appeared from behind it and tied its neck with her whip. However, that lacked the destructive ability to finish it off!
"Hhaaaaaaap!"
"Still not enough, kugh!"
"Charge, Michael!"
The battle with the demon only ended after another 30 minutes of cruel battle. If Na YuNa didn't bless them once midway, there would've been another dangerous moment.
"*pant* *pant*...... I guess we just barely won that one."
"Michael, good job."
"Carina, you too."
Michael Smithson, who had it the hardest since he was in charge of defense, broke off the ice off his shield and panted heavily. Carina Malatesta wiped the sweat off his forehead with a handkerchief. Ignoring their flirting (she got used to it by now) Takagaki Asuha checked her level.
"Although it's definitely insanely hard...... I levelled up again. I'm already at level 250!"
"How is it still so hard even though we're levelling up so fast?"
Erta gave a simple and clear explanation as she prepared to summon the next monster.
"Because the levels of the summoned monsters increase as you three increase in level."
"You devil!"
"A devil? That's quite nice to hear after having been called an 'angel' to death!"
Erta's refreshing smile was angelic!
"Perhaps anyone who get involved with mister unique transforms into terrifying beings......."
"I'm afraid we might become like that someday."
Erta snorted after hearing their words.
"You three are still far from catching up to him."
"Well that's of course......."
Michael Smithson subconsciously nodded his head. Where his gaze headed to. A gigantic dragon and a single human were fighting it out.
[I'll kill youuuuuuuuuuu!]
"How do you intend to do that? When will you ever catch me? I think it'll take a shorter amount of time for me to die of old age and be laid in my grave than being caught by something like you!"
[Kraaaaaaah!]
"Roar louder! You can't even scare an earthworm with that!"
[Yu IlHaaaaaaaaaaaan!]
"Your steps are so weak and wobbly that someone might see and think you're an infant! Should I sing a lullaby?"
Watching Yu IlHan as he drove the frightening dragon into a corner even while not forgetting to inflict copious amounts of mental damage, they felt like they were worse than ants. And the one that revived that frightening dragon was Yu IlHan himself!
Carina Malatesta asked with an absurd face.
"How long has it been since Mr. Yu IlHan started fighting that dragon?"
"Let's see. There's around a month until the end of the duration of the barrier, so I guess they've been doing that for an entire year and three months."
"Without sleeping even once?"
"Other than when bathing in the Cradle of Miracles. He indeed never rested nor slept."
Michael Smithson became silent. Right now, Yu IlHan was dashing left and right through the air, clearly still filled with vitality even while swinging his spear. The fear-striking flash that seemed to split the universe itself whenever he swung the spear hitting the dragon made him realize that Yu IlHan was not the slightest bit tired.
"We used the Cradle of Miracles until now too......."
"But resonance is not something that's easy. But that shouldn't be the only thing."
Although Yu IlHan was indeed very exceptional, training for such a long period of time without sleeping wasn't something that could be easily challenged just because one had the capabilities to. It was only possible because of his strong mental fortitude.
Although it was frustrating, Michael Smithson admitted that he was inferior to Yu IlHan for the first time.
"I do not think he's in the right in all things but...... There's at least one thing to admire about him."
"You can also become stronger."
"No, Carina. I do not want to be greedy like that any longer. I'm sick and tired of trying to grab everything and failing to do so."
He heaved a short sigh and raised his shield again. The rugged breath had also calmed down.
"I will become a shield that protects you. I won't be greedy for everything, and only polish what I can do to the extreme."
"If that's what you wish...... my love."
"Yes, yes. Have a happy love life."
This couple was so flirtatious alright! Whatever they did eventually reached a pink-colored ending!
Takagaki Asuha, who had to watch the two flirting for more than the past year, looked away from them and towards Yu IlHan. He was what drove her forward. He was driving a terrifying dragon that she could never even dream of fighting, to a corner! Even though he denied it, he must be the reincarnation of a god! She was happy just watching like this.
"Looks like you've all recovered."
"Ah, aah."
When she realized, Erta was staring at her lightly.
"If you wish to be of his help, you don't have time to rest so leisurely, no?"
"Of course. I've levelled up just now, so I'm fine physically. Please summon the next monster. ...... if possible, above that couple's heads."
"That sounds interesting."
It wasn't just the three clan masters. Yumir, Kang MiRae, Na YuNa, Kim YeSeul, Liera, Helièna, Kang HaJin and even the Dragon's Army were doing what they could within the barrier. The year and a half that lasted for not even an instant – Earth's battle force was being upgraded at lightspeed.
Of course, the one with the most growth was of course Yu IlHan.
[Krhoaaaaaaaaaaah!]
Roared Echjar. His body no longer had a heart, nor any spines or ribs – heck, he was missing flesh and blood as well – but with Yu IlHan's divine-tier Blacksmithing and Mana crafting, he could revive it with the power to overwhelm any 6th class beings.
[You...... what is it that you want!]
"You should know already."
However even with the overwhelming strength, Echjar could not win against Yu IlHan. Echjar had the advantage when he was first revived, but as Yu IlHan adapted to the Flamesoul dragon body throughout the fight, the situation was eventually reversed.
[I will never submit to you! It is not my loss even if I lose against you with this inferior body!]
"What are you saying? You lost to me the moment you died. This is only the process of snapping your morale."
[You defeated me with a cowardly method! Had I retained my original power, I would not lose my life to the likes of you!]
Yu IlHan snorted.
"You defeated your enemies with curses, and you call me a coward, eh? You are a wimp unsuited to be a dragon."
[Krhaaaaaaaaaaaaahk!]
"It's not the strongest that wins, it's the victor that is strong. Didn't I say so? I'll free you if you win against me. And you nodded your head at that time. And now that you lose so easily like this, you're coming up with excuses? Were you really born a dragon?"
[T, this coward......!]
Orochi, who had also heard those lines for like the millionth time now, muttered powerlessly.
[You're so evil. I think my morale is going to be snapped before his.......]
"I need to trample on him a little more."
Yu IlHan leapt several times in the air as he said that. Wherever he went, his spear drew the air, and the Great Cosmos-severing Spear that followed it once again struck Echjar's injured body.
[Krhaaa, it's painful! It's PAINFUL!]
"You're so pathetic! Why don't you just commit suicide instead? If you have the pride of a dragon, then why don't you just do that!"
[Krhaaaaaaaaaaah!]
Once, he was called the Dragon of Despair, Echjar. He swung his tail to attack Yu IlHan, but as Yu IlHan had recorded all of its movements in the past, it only looked like he was acting cute. In fact, he even traced the movements of the tail and flew towards where the tail would lose its force, and grabbed the tail when it completely lost its power and twisted it apart.
[Kugh, Khaaaaaaaaak!]
At that moment, Echjar cried.
[I...... lost.]
He admitted defeat for the first time. After such a long period of battle, his mentality had finally snapped before his body did.
[I will acknowledge you as the master of dragons.]
Unsatisfied with his tone of voice, Yu IlHan twisted a little harder and checked again.
"Say that again."
[Khhhh! I acknowledge you as the ruler of us dragons!]
Yu IlHan let go of the tail and floated upwards. At that moment, new text engraved itself on Yu Ilhan's retina.
[Although not complete, you have received the declaration of defeat from the thought-soul of the strongest dragon in existence, the Dragon of Despair. The records you possess as a dragon become enhanced. The power to rule over dragons activates a little more.]
There was no way the high and mighty 7th class dragon would admit defeat just because Yu IlHan beat him up a little. It was all possible because he had acquired the qualifications as the ruler of dragons by completing his armor.
In any case, Yu IlHan had achieved what he had set out to do. Now, Echjar was his.
"Good, then you're on my side as well from now."
[You finally did it, you malicious master.]
The Rule skill at the level of mastery covered Echjar's entire body. With both his body and mind tattered, Echjar threw away the pride it had piled up over countless years and agreed to become Yu IlHan's subordinate.
"Echjar, let's get along well from now on."
[I acknowledge you as my master...... so you must become the strongest.]
['Echjar' has become your subordinate.]
He finally succeeded in all of his objectives that he aimed to fulfill within the barrier. Yu IlHan's lips curved into a smile.
"Good, then let's switch your places now."
[That body of the terrifying dragon is uncomfortable in itself but...... I guess I can't help it.]
[Fuu...... for me, this is more comfortable.]
There was no need to hesitate anymore. Yu IlHan immediately activated 'Creation' to switch Orochi and Echjar.
Echjar would be able to adapt better to the Body of the Human Dragon that contained his very own essence, and Orochi would also find the simpleton 7th class dragon's body a better fit than a God-ranked artifact.
"Orochi, what should we do? Leave the body as it is?"
[It is insanely uncomfortable. Make it a humanoid form instead, master.]
"Good, leave that to me. I'll compress the power without losing any of it."
Just as Yu IlHan was about to commence his last piece of work in the barrier, Mystic, who stayed obedient until now, raised her voice in complaint.
[Master, me too! I also want a body!]
"You...... can just wait a little more."
[You're too much! You idiotic master! I also want a body like Orochi! A cute and little girl!]
[Haha, brat. Go break dance or something with that gigantic body of yours.]
[Orochi you idioooooooooot!]
Mystic's young-sounding voice filled the barrier. Yu IlHan laughed and picked up his hammer.
There was still a month left until the barrier was dispelled, plenty of time to create another masterpiece.
Chapter 282
"Everyone stop what you're doing and gather up."
Yu IlHan shouted.
When his voice that carried with it an air of assertiveness filled the barrier, yet in a fashion that was hardly domineering, the ones that were struggling inside the Cradle of Miracles, the Dragon's Army that were having a large scale fight, Yumir who was practicing his skills, Takagaki Asuha who just killed a demon, as well as Liera and Helièna who looked like they had a fight to the death, but were actually sparring, all stopped what they were doing. Yu IlHan explained to them.
"The barrier will disperse shortly. The moment it breaks; the effects of the slowing magic will increase greatly so we need to be prepared for that."
"Ugh, there was that, wasn't there?"
[I wanted to adapt to my body better.......]
"I'll tweak it in the future so don't worry about it, Orochi."
[That sounds very unsettling since it's you who's saying it.]
"What was that?"
Yu IlHan cleaned up the various equipment within the barrier and collected the Cradle of Miracles. Although he couldn't reach the realm of higher existences during this time, he had an enormous harvest, so he decided to leave it at that.
Even excluding him and Yumir, a few people, including Liera and Helièna succeeded in resonating with the power of dragons, and the outlook for the rest of them was anything but bleak.
"Ah, the barrier."
"I can feel my body becoming heavier."
"......its breaking."
The moment Erta, who was sensitive to mana, said that, the barrier of time that looked like it would last an eternity shattered in vain. The majority of the people who spent a year and a half within the barrier, felt dizzy after feeling the flow of time that started again.
"My god, it really was less than an instant."
"Uuugh, I feel extremely heavy now."
Although Yu IlHan did warn them beforehand, the slowing magic cast over Earth wasn't something that could be avoided just by being aware of its existence.
The three clan masters could now move normally under the effects of the magic, thanks to their training in the past year and a half but they had to clench their teeth due to the overwhelming pressure. They even had the urge to just let go of everything and go with the flow of magic!
"Our clan will be confused if they see us."
"Just with you three acting at your normal speeds, it would help them recognize the existence of the magic. By then, they would be able to grow as well."
"This is hellish......."
However, they knew that this was what was best for Earth, they could not complain anymore. Yu IlHan handed the three a 'few' weapons and other equipment that he had made in his spare time in the barrier.
"Arm your clan members with these. They're legend-ranked for the most part, but well, they should suffice."
"I'm frightened myself by not flinching despite the appearance of several legend-ranked artifacts....... I'll gladly take the items though."
"Thank you, Lord Susa, I mean, Yu IlHan! I shall loyally serve you in the future as well!"
"Well no, I don't need another loyal servant."
Since he had already told them the code of action, there was no need to hesitate. The clan masters all quickly went to their places.
They had a lot of talent in the very beginning, so they should be able to endure in this insane Earth and in the future as well. That went especially for Carina Malatesta and Michael Smithson who had to protect each other. As for Takagaki Asuha...... Yu IlHan didn't want to think about her for the time being.
"Well, then. Should we keep doing what we were doing before?"
[Master, do I really go around like this?]
The one that called out to him was of course, Orochi. Orochi, having been enchanted to the body that was 'slightly' modified from Echjar's remains, could proficiently control the body now, but it seemed like he had become embarrassed after exiting the barrier.
[To think that I have to walk around in this embarrassing form...]
[Embarrassing form?! It transcendentally surpasses your original body of a lower existence!]
Echjar, enchanted in the Body of the Human Dragon, shouted as if to curse Orochi, but Yu IlHan ignored that. Echjar did not know what Orochi meant. What Orochi meant by 'embarrassing' was not referring to the physical body.
"You're embarrassed since you can't control the body properly yet, aren't you?"
[That's it. These muscles, these bones, these flesh – they're all leagues above mine. I can still feel creaks here and there.]
[Fu, at least you know your own place.]
"Shut up, Echjar."
If Yu IlHan could freely use creation and subordinate every single one of them, he wouldn't have fought with Echjar for over a year. Even Orochi, who had hung out with him for years and eaten many, many thought-souls had difficulty controlling that body. How better would any others do?
"Do your best. I believe in you."
[I'm honored.]
[Master is horrible! You're horrible!]
He checked the state of his companions, and then the state of Earth. Of course, not that anything much would have changed since not even an instant had passed.
In fact, as the three clan masters killed the demons that spawned on Earth for quite a while, the density of high-level monsters had decreased as well. Of course, they'll keep appearing in the future, but now that there was a system that sucked the mana out of Earth and sent it to Dareu, there would hopefully be no more cases of a massive monster outbreak.
"Well, then. Let's get to work."
"You damn workaholic~!"
Before the barrier broke, Yu IlHan gave them an occasional break. Thanks to that, everyone was in their normal conditions, so there would be no drawbacks in acting now. Kang MiRae's expression darkened after Yu IlHan declared the resumption of work.
"Then do we need to be apart again?"
"That's what will happen. ...... Should we reorganize the teams?"
"No, it's fine."
"MiRae. Youuuu."
Kang MiRae swiftly rejected Yu IlHan's proposal. Since the two had to stay as leaders of the two teams, and therefore, she could not go with him, she would take the opportunity away for others as well! Na YuNa clung to her with narrowed eyes, but her expression was very firm.
"The Flying fortress was enhanced as well, so you also need to train to get adapted to the holy region too, YuNa."
"Such a sneaky excuse! You just made a sneaky excuse just now!"
"His Majesty... I cannot protect His Majesty by his side......."
"Calm down, Paté! The undead are going berserk!"
[Fuu, it's the same teams again......? If it's masters wish, I shall follow. Fuu.......]
The reactions from his subordinates weren't that good either. So many people didn't want to be apart from him! Well, it was an emotional thing, but Yu IlHan felt like he was losing his sense of identity and felt awkward. If he called himself a loner now, then he'll get beaten up, probably.
"Dammit, we all became stronger, so can I at least go to IlHan's side?"
"I don't know what will happen, so please."
"What do you mean by 'what will happen'? There are only trash!"
Liera also grumbled. No matter how long she was with him, a lover's heart made her wanted to be by his side at all times.
"Will it really be two months until we meet again? This is not some fairy tale."
"It's better than meeting once a year. Next time, let's take it a little slow."
"Gaaawd, did I quit being an angel to do this?"
"It's because I trust in you the most. I'll switch you out as soon as Orochi gets adapted to his new body."
"......Really?"
"Really, I promise."
"Then okay........ Kiss me here. Quick."
Liera only got off Yu IlHan after getting his confirmation and a kiss. Then she got on the Flying fortress along with the others that all glared at her.
When Mystic left for another world without being able to acquire a body until the end, there were four people on the Guardian fortress – Yu IlHan, Kim YeSeul, Helièna and finally Orochi with Echjar's body. It was a strange composition of members.
"My son's popular alright."
"I don't need it though......."
"Mom's new dream is to make a baseball league with my grandchildren!"
"You mean nightmare."
[Fufu, if you leave it to me, I can do my best.]
"That's reassuring."
Welp, this was bad. He put her mother in his team to restrain Helièna, but somehow, the two were getting along better as time went! Yu IlHan looked at his next hope that was Orochi. Orochi avoided his gaze.
[My new body sure doesn't listen properly to me.]
"You......."
Perhaps he had to call Liera back right now? Yu IlHan seriously pondered, but he still drove the Guardian fortress anyway. His destinations were the other worlds where survivors of the Front Line Alliance may live. Once he gathered them all, it would be the turn for other big clans.
"How many more people would come with us......?"
[Well, I'm curious about how many more moths are there too.]
"Hey, watch your words."
[I only wanted to say that darling is as bright as the sun.]
"Hmph."
'Thanks to you, I could finally meet the one I love.'
Yu IlHan remembered Carina Malatesta's words. He wanted to believe that there were more that thought like her, and had the same intentions and will as her.
There were those that wanted to return, and those that wanted to protect them. If that was the case, shouldn't he at least give them the opportunity? He couldn't let himself play on the palms of others for so long.
"We still have a lot of places to go to, so let us hurry."
"......Yes, we should."
Yu IlHan looked down at the slowly flowing Earth as well as the ones that were moving on top of it, before activating his Warp skill.
At that moment, a new thought twitched in his mind, but he quickly buried it deep inside his head since it was too embarrassing. Only Helièna had sensed a change in his expression and let out an adorable smile.
After that, the group travelled to many other worlds. Worlds where everyone lived peacefully, worlds where everyone fought desperately in their own ways, worlds where the fighting had ended, worlds where they found a way to communicate with the monsters, apocalyptic worlds, dying worlds, dead worlds.
Yu IlHan's Record skill greedily found and sucked new records, and numerous people were saved by Yu IlHan as well. More 'moths' that wished to protect Earth joined, but the ones he encountered the most weren't them.
"Please take us in!"
"We plead you!"
"Oh, Lord God, please be with us!"
They were the ones that were struggling to survive in a world where mankind had lost hope. The moment they found a new hope known as Yu IlHan, they tried not to let him go.
"Ooooooh, Supreme being! We shall follow you!"
"You damned SIMPLETONSSSSSSSSSSSS!"
If it was once or twice, he could cope with it, but when the same thing happened for the seventh time, he ended up exploding.
"How many times do I have to tell you that Earth has it WORSE! Huh? Even if you come to Earth like that, you'll die with the slightest tickle!"
"But we cannot endure in this world with our power any longer! Even if that place is dangerous, it's better than this place where there is no hope!"
"Don't bullshit me. A false hope is much more cruel than despair!"
Even when Yu IlHan over-exaggerated the situation on Earth, the ones that lost their worlds did not back down, and Yu IlHan had no choice but to take them back to Earth.
"God dammit. Why are there so many doomed worlds!"
"Well, that's because there are countless worlds, and the people of Earth were scattered across those countless worlds."
"I feel like I'm collecting dragon balls...... ugh."
Amongst the doomed worlds, there were surprisingly worlds where elves took the role of mankind. Majority of elves died to the monsters that became stronger after several Great Cataclysms, and only the extreme minority survived. And somehow – they might have realized that Yu IlHan had the status of an emperor in Dareu – stuck to him and did not get off.
"You will lead us well if it's you that receives the love of countless elves!"
"Damn! You damned things!"
"Your Majesty!"
"Why the hell am I your 'Your Majesty'!"
Like that, Earth was prospering, in a way that Yu IlHan didn't intend for it to. Yu IlHan's sighs increased as the days went by as well.
"How many days was it again until I can use the barrier?"
"Hm, around 5 days?"
"I think there will be at least two more doomed worlds......."
Yu IlHan creased his expression and activated his Warp skill. But when he arrived at the destination, he tilted his head.
"There are no angels in this world either."
"There aren't?"
"Yeah, but the one before didn't have any angels in it, right?"
[There was none before that either, even though it was a world filled with vitality.]
[There was none before that one either. Of course, it was a world that prospered without master needing to do anything, though.]
Yu IlHan absent mindedly thought that some internal conflict was happening within the Heaven's Army.
The War of the Wall of Chaos was not too long ago, but it looked like these higher existences were up to something again. How the hell did they manage to endure until now with the pace at an incident erupts? A curious thing.......
"Well, I won't care about it."
[You'll have to face it one day, but for now, do as you wish, darling.]
"Well then. Let us look for people to take back."
[Master.......]
Time passed. Yu IlHan and his companions had another ten or so training sessions within the barrier of the Hourglass of Eternity. Despite that, Yu IlHan could not reach the realm of higher existences. He still lacked the decisive element.
Yu IlHan finally reached the conclusion that he had to gather records of more higher existences.
Chapter 283
Mystic became serious.
[Is there really a need for master to proactively get involved with them?]
"I wanted to avoid getting involved with them for as long as possible, it would have been the best if I never needed to."
Once Earth became a higher world, the seal on it would be lifted. However, Yu IlHan had the subclass Dimensional Traveler, once he activated his Dimensional ruler skill, he could prevent other higher existences from entering Earth. Yu IlHan was only preparing for cases where the Dimensional ruler skill could not impede the invasion.
And so, he thought that he wouldn't be caught up in the conflict for the foreseeable future.......
"But if I want to stop the really scary guys, I think I have to become stronger, much stronger."
[Just how strong are you going to become? You're already comparable to the majority of 7th class beings!]
"It's because that is not enough."
In the end, the Cradle of Miracles only stimulated the energy inside him, and did not allow him to reach greater realms. No, it probably was, but the speed was so slow that it would take him more than just a millennium or two to become a higher existence like that.
"I need more samples."
[So, what are you going to do specifically, darling?]
"I'll participate in whatever the higher existences are doing."
It had been approximately ten months since he did not meet with the angels belonging to the Heaven's Army. Yu IlHan and the others were going around various worlds to gather the people of Earth, and take in the mankind of doomed worlds other than when they were training inside the barrier. From some time ago, neither Yu IlHan's group nor Kang MiRae's could feel the presences of the angels no matter which world they went to, not to mention other higher existences.
However, Helièna suddenly said something completely unexpected.
[That's likely to be darling's fault.]
"My fault? Why?"
[Didn't the information about the main headquarters of the Army of Brilliant Light leak thanks to you? Did you really think that they would stay passive?]
"But the headquarters of the Destruction Demon Army is also known to everyone, isn't it?"
[Of course, all the more reason for a mess. They should be having a blast by now.]
A smile of satisfaction appeared on Helièna's lips. Even while thinking about how Helièna's smile could be so evil, he was afraid of himself that got used to it.
"Then do we need to go to the HQ of the Army of Brilliant Light?"
[That's a no, darling.]
Helièna immediately replied.
[Visiting a world ruled by the leader himself is completely different from visiting a higher world. You can only go after you have, at the very least, become a higher existence. I like destruction and murder, but I would really prefer if darling didn't die. I'll die with you if that happens.]
"......Okay."
Yu IlHan treated the main headquarters of each faction lightly until now, but it looked like there was something that he didn't know about until now. It was alright within the Heaven's Army, though...... Hmm?
"......Now that I think about it, I never felt a being that transcended 7th class while I was in Heaven. Is that because I cannot sense God?"
[Well, perhaps God does not exist after all?]
"Helièna, don't speak nonsense. God exists. ......Though, I cannot be sure about whether he really exists in Heaven."
Liera's reply to Helièna felt dejected for some reason. She herself had her suspicions as well. Yu IlHan reached the conclusion that probing any further was not a wise thing to do.
"If the main HQ is no good, we can settle for the branches."
[That's a good idea. Higher existence factions become stronger according to the number and size of the worlds they own. And so, they should be entering a phase where they nibble away at each other's worlds prior to the big war. Meaning, there is likely to be a war of unprecedented and truly epic proportions in the near future.]
Helièna's voice was getting agitated as she replied. Yu IlHan was slightly afraid of her now since she looked like she preferred that outcome above all else, and asked carefully.
"Then wouldn't they weaken each other out if we just wait? They'll quit their focus on Earth too."
[What are you saying, darling? This is all a war for Earth, you know? Their final objective is Earth.]
Yu IlHan was silent for a moment. He felt very perplexed. Until now, the back story about this world was always skipped without much attention, but it seemed like he couldn't just pretend to not know about it anymore.
"Talk about it, Helièna."
In the end, he asked.
"Just what is up with Earth so that makes all those damned bastards aim for it?"
[There was a prophecy.]
"That damned prophecy again."
[So what happened was.......]
Just as Helièna was about to speak, she looked around. A month and a half remained until the barrier of the Hourglass of Eternity dispersed for the eleventh time. Everyone else was focused on training or hunting monsters while those that gathered around Yu IlHan were Helièna, Kim YeSeul, Kang MiRae, Na YuNa, and Liera.
[I want to talk with darling alone, so can everyone else leave?]
"What are you going to do? I'm never letting you do anything suspicious."
Liera desperately rejected that, but Yu IlHan shook his hand.
"I'm only going to listen to her story so don't worry."
"That sounds interesting. Is it a story that I can't hear?"
[No, it's meaningless for anyone other than darling to hear it. It's best for only darling, who's the ruler of the Earth, to hear it.]
"Then I guess I can't help it. Girls, let us give them room for now."
Kim YeSeul slowly nodded her head and made the others back off. The girls, lead by Liera, protested a lot, but they couldn't help but back off in front of Kim YeSeul's soft yet subtly menacing hand gestures.
[Then.......]
Helièna checked the surroundings two or three times again, and even proceeded to make a simple barrier before finally turning around to Yu IlHan and speaking.
[The prophecy came from the Garden of Sunset. Have you heard the rumor that the leader of the Garden of Sunset possesses prophetic powers, darling?]
"I guess I did."
Yu IlHan nodded after glancing towards Liera who was looking at him beyond the barrier. He had heard from her, during the war for Dareu.
[Yup, his power should be real. It was also him that said that I will eventually stand next to the Fifth God as well.......]
Helièna's blushing cheeks and meek demeanor was very adorable. She was embarrassed of her emotions even while saying that.
Just this made her look pure and naïve, but 'pure' and 'naïve' were words that were the polar opposite of Helièna, and Yu IlHan ended up thinking that all girls were horrible liars.
[That's why everyone is wary of the movements of the Garden of Sunset. But from some time onwards, the leader started focusing his attention on Earth, which hadn't even experienced a Great Cataclysm yet.]
"How did you know that?"
[It was me who found that out. The leader of the Garden of Sunset is a man, and I could seduce any kind of man at that time! I also heard about the prophecy of the Fifth God from him then. Oh, I did have to run away right after hearing that.]
"...... Sure."
The war for higher worlds happened because of that? Perhaps the reason the Destruction Demon Army, who only wanted destruction, aimed for the Heaven's main headquarters because of that as well.
It made sense. And that made him more frustrated. He finally accepted why he acquired the Record skill.
[Anyway, after I learnt that, I spread the information everywhere. ...... Can you ask me why?]
"Why? For the Destruction Demon Army?"
[No, because only when all the factions got caught up with Earth would I have a chance to meet you darling.]
Yu IlHan became silent. Well, indeed. If the matters surrounding Earth didn't become so big, he would have never come into contact with Helièna.
"Huh?"
The moment he realized that, his forehead twitched.
The leader of the Garden of Sunset prophesized about the Fifth God, and Helièna had spread around the information to agitate all of the factions after finding out. Wasn't that too natural?
"Were you......."
[Yes. I was used by the leader of the Garden of Sunset. He used me as compensation for telling me the information that I will eventually come into contact with the Fifth God. Of course, it was much later when I realized that.]
That simultaneously implied one more thing. Rather than just aiming for Earth, the leader of the Garden of Sunset.......
"Intended for my growth? Before I was even born?"
[Yeah, that's the conclusion I arrived at. The Garden of Sunset, the leader at least, wanted to make you a God.]
"The reason I could become strong, although it was very annoying, was because I was dropped out on Earth. Then he even foresaw that I will be left alone?"
[Probably? ......Or perhaps, he may have intended for that.]
Yu IlHan was dumbstruck. What was the Heaven's Army and the Garden of Sunset's agenda to interfere with his growth and his life? They just decided to make him a God? And started fighting over Earth all on their own.......
It felt very unpleasant. He especially didn't like the word 'prophecy'. That was cheating. He could just say 'I saw this coming' or 'I knew this would happen' no matter what the outcome was!
"But I can't just avoid walking on the path laid out in front of me."
Muttered Yu IlHan while gritting his teeth. Whatever they wished for, Yu IlHan would do his own thing. And if possible, in a way that they didn't expect as well.
[Now, I spoke about almost everything I could, darling. ......What are you going to do?]
"What do you mean what am I going to do, I'll just continue doing what I was about to do."
Yu IlHan's voice that replied to Helièna was freezing cold.
"We're stealing higher worlds."
[That's not what darling originally was going to do though!?]
Shouted Helièna in shock. Yu IlHan ignored her and gathered everyone.
"It's war! We'll be preparing for war now!"
Pancosmic Loner(-さん) was seriously pissed now.
Chapter 284
There was a month and a half left until the barrier made by the Hourglass broke. Yu IlHan did everything within his power to prepare for war. With 'Everything in his power' referring to spending all of his piled up materials to create items – from personal equipment to disposable weapons and munitions used in war!
He upgraded all the equipment that his party members had, made backup weapons, and added additional equipment to the already terrifying Flying fortress and the Guardian fortress, long before he had time to check his own skills and stats.
[Yu IlHan(Human?)]
[Main Class – Hell Bringer Lv 299]
[Sub Class – N/A, Dragon Rider, Dimensional Traveler]
[Title – Pancosmic Loner, Untouchable, One hit for me; one hit for you, Creator of Myths, Not two hits, nor three hits but one hit, A thousand in one hit, Dragon slayer, Dragon's ally, The Quickest, Hero of Fire, The Frog that leaped out of the well, Blessing of the god of smithing, blessing of the goddess of fire, Surpasser, Creator]
[Strength – 827 Agility – 766 Health – 635 Magic – 1,238]
[Active skills – Falling Down(Deathgod, Soul enchant, Blaze, Death collector, Transcendent regeneration, Extreme poison resistance, higher curse resistance) Lv43, Mana crafting Lv Max, God Force(Superhuman strength, Critical hit) Lv79, Rule Lv Max, Dragonic blood Lv96, Warp(Leap) Lv58, Dimensional ruler Lv69]
[Passive skills – Dragon-man resonance Lv87, Dismantling Lv Max, Blacksmithing Lv Max, Record(Language) Lv82, Magic engineering Lv Max, Excavation Lv Max, Spear of Untraceable Trajectory(Spear mastery) Lv98, Great Cosmos-severing Spear(Spear Mastery, Physical combat mastery, Blunt weapon mastery, Sword mastery, Whip mastery) Lv86, Absolute accuracy(Throwing, Shooting) Lv Max, Cooking Lv Max, Unshakeable heart Lv Max, Dimensional adaptation Lv59, Fleet command Lv 66]
The first thing his eyes saw was the sub class – at first, Yu IlHan had the sub class 'Angel's Partner', but as the contracts between all his previously partnered angels were cancelled, he lost the qualifications of the sub class. And it took another half a year for the class to completely disappear.
There was a time he thought that he would be able to acquire a new sub class once that one disappeared, but it seemed like not everything went his way. The Akashic Record had kept its silence on that matter.
This wasn't something that happened often, so there was no one that could advise him about in either, and in the end, Yu IlHan could only leave the sub class blank for the time being. This wasn't something that he could solve with his effort. He could only wait for another opportunity to arrive.
"But my skills really grew a lot."
He had used the Hourglass of Eternity ten times before that, so the amount of time he spent inside it would amount to about 15 years. Breaking that up, he spent 30% of his time soaking in the Cradle of Miracles, and trained with the Great Cosmos-severing Spear in the majority of the remainder, so his Great Cosmos-severing Spear had reached level 85 now. The growth of his other skills weren't that far behind either.
It wasn't only that. In the process of awakening his dragon powers, his stats uniformly rose, and the more he got used to manipulating the power of fire, his magic stat increased as well, so now, he would be on par with 6th class beings based on pure stats alone.
Yu IlHan thought that he might not be able to call himself a human anymore after he checked his status. Though, this was nothing new. Even his face that reflected light with the shiny surface of the armor had no traces of his previous self.
At that moment, he became scared.
Is it really me that is in this place? Perhaps it was someone else that is not me? Am I just
dozing off and dreaming inside a classroom in university and nobody has noticed me? Such absurd thoughts rose rapidly and made Yu IlHan's mind messy.
"Liera."
"Yes, IlHan."
His lover that watched over him ever since they first met, replied naturally as if she knew that he would speak to her. Liera's gentle and calm eyes pacified Yu IlHan's raging emotions. He lost his strength in his shoulders and asked in a truly stupid voice.
"......In your eyes, have I changed a lot?"
"Well, it would be a lie if I said that you didn't?"
Liera made a bitter smile. She saw through his intentions when he asked that.
Liera too had several occasions when she was like this. When she realized that she had reached the peak of a world, when she became an angel under the guidance of Heaven, when she fell in love, when she became a high angel, and when she returned to a lower existence and stood by Yu IlHan's side – all of these moments were times when she couldn't believe her own existence and doubted her experiences.
Yu IlHan licked his lips.
"Liera, I......."
"I know what you're worried about. But IlHan, you don't need to worry."
"Why?"
"Changing ...... is the biggest proof that you're alive. And in that you will discover, that only you can be you."
Those were words that Liera could say only after observing numerous people during the course of her lifetime and winning against herself to become a higher being. When Yu IlHan became silent, she added with a smile.
"And I loved the you before the change, I still love you after the change, and my feeling will remain the same for the you of the future. Isn't that enough?"
"......No, it is enough."
Yu IlHan thought that it was quite underhanded for her to suddenly speak like that, but it was also the truth as it resonated with the feelings in his heart.
She wasn't blessed by the god of love for nothing. Even while grumbling, he opened his arms and hugged her tightly.
"Thanks, Liera."
"It's me who's thankful. You'd be surprised to know how much appreciation I feel towards you."
They wanted to stay like that for quite a while, but sharp gazes started falling upon them, so they had to separate before long. The barrier would collapse at any second. This was not the time to be flirting.
"Liera-unni, so sneaky. I also want to know what Mr. IlHan was like before~."
"You wouldn't have realized IlHan's true worth."
"I kinda want to kill you now, Liera. Can't you at least take it somewhere else where I'm not there?"
"IlHan hugged me first, how could I refuse?"
"Eek, eeeeeek......!"
Liera teased Na YuNa and the flustered Erta and boasted. There should be a problem with Yu IlHan who found such a side of her lovely as well. He made a small smile and clapped lightly to gather everyone's attention on him.
"We'll depart as soon as the barrier breaks. I've supplied everyone with their personal equipment, so I won't say anything much. ......Our objective is to screw everyone else other than ourselves. We'll grow in the process as well."
"That's one amazing objective......."
[Darling has to become the Fifth God. He has to have at least that amount of daringness. Yup, so cool.]
At that moment, the barrier broke. However, Yu IlHan didn't leave with them right away. The three clan masters he had invited to the barrier before as they could resist the effects of the magic on Earth, also had the abilities to fight against higher existences if they were equipped with Yu IlHan's equipment.
He first decided to ask them of their opinions. And then......
"We'll go with you of course. Thanks for calling us, mister unique."
"I'll follow as well."
"If it is Lord Yu IlHan's wish!"
Although it wasn't like he didn't expect this, quite a lot of the clan masters wished to go with him. They had stepped up even while knowing that their opponents were higher existences, so he couldn't evaluate them as weak. Yu IlHan faced their stiff expressions and nodded his head as he spoke.
"Everyone get on board the Flying fortress. We'll depart immediately."
The next place he went to was none other than Dareu. Mirfa, who had waited for him all this time, met him with a blossoming smile on her face.
"Your Majesty!"
However, Yu IlHan coldly ordered her like a merciless street cleaner putting flower petals into the trash.
"Gather the strongest thousand of the 4th class elves and wolfkin and get them on the Guardian fortress. Mirfa, you come this time. Jirl, Mirey, and Paté will now go to the Guardian fortress and command the elves along with Mirfa. Ericia, you also command the wolfkin in the Guardian fortress."
"......Understood!"
"Yes!"
"Yes, master!"
Perhaps they had anticipated this, but the elves and wolfkin picked the thousand members in the blink of an eye, and lined up in the Guardian fortress with rapid movements. Yu IlHan felt slightly awkward even while supplying them with new equipment. Was it the mastered Rule skill that affected this?
"Then are we going to invade the higher worlds now?"
Liera asked with quite an excited expression. Yu IlHan firmly shook his head.
"We need to get our trump card before that."
[Ah, that.]
Orochi, who had trained for 15 years with his new body and went beyond adaptation to developing his own body, shook his head as he muttered like a human. Only Orochi knew the identity of this 'trump card' here.
At that moment, Yu IlHan spoke with a groan.
"Good, I'm done."
"When!?"
Even though Yu IlHan was staying still? Everyone was shocked, but Yu IlHan made an excuse with an evil smirk.
"Oh, it's a little special of a weapon."
"It would be even worse if he's saying it's a little special! Uu, I'm glad that we're the ones invading......."
[Master, don't break me with it, okay?]
"......Just what the hell do you guys think I am?"
[......Can I choose not to answer?]
With that, all preparations were done. Before Yu IlHan activated Warp with both the Flying fortress and the Guardian fortress, he checked once again with Helièna.
"What was the condition to steal a world again?"
[You need to drive out all other higher existences in that world and erase all of their traces.]
"That's not something anyone could do."
This was about taking over an entire world, so it would be bad if anyone could do it. However, Yu IlHan had the abilities of a Dimensional Traveler, and his abilities were truly suited for taking over worlds.
"The leaders of each faction should possess a similar or even better ability than the one I have. However, there is something that makes the situation more advantageous for me."
"That you're cool?"
"That you're handsome!?"
Yu IlHan was scared of himself for becoming used to such useless flattery, and replied.
"No, it's that I do field work unlike those high and mighty heavy-asses."
He knew exactly where his strengths lay! Of course, this meant that, in other worlds, Yu IlHan was just completely reckless, but he wouldn't care about that for now!
"Let's go. I like fairness, so I want to start from the Garden of Sunset and alternate between each faction."
[Is the reason you're starting with the Garden of Sunset because you don't like them?]
"No, it's because they look like the easiest."
Until now, he hadn't crossed the final line. In fact, he had recovered his relationship with the Heaven's Army to an extent as well.
However, what he was about to do now was strictly attacking first, and with that, he would not be able to avoid conflict and battle with other factions.
Not only that, he had to point his spear at those that didn't have any malicious or hostile intentions towards him, just because they were in the same faction. It would be a lie to say that he didn't feel a sense of dread about that, but.......
"If you wish for me to dance on a stage that you guys created."
Yu IlHan activated Warp. The number of higher existences Yu IlHan had experienced until now were literally 'numerous', and creating gates to the higher worlds they once resided in from the records they had, was an easy thing to do.
"I'll gladly take on the role of a villain."
The skill activated.
The figure of the Flying fortress and the Guardian fortress disappeared as if it was never there in the first place.
Chapter 285
The higher world, Louisa, was one of the worlds ruled by the Garden of Sunset, and there were over 1,000 5th class higher existences residing on it at any given time. These guys acted so secretively that it was safe to say that no other factious would invade it, but they had to prepare for the what-if scenario.
Of course, if it actually happened, defending themselves successfully was a completely different story.
[I'm done calibrating the mirrors.]
"You need to take out at least half."
[Don't worry about it.]
"Good, fire!"
[Roger that!]
One thousand concealed mirrors spread out from the Flying fortress to cover the skies, before all of them spat out strong rays of energy. Since the Flying fortress had become Eternal-ranked, Thousand Eyes had also rose in league as well; and by now, just that volley of attacks took the lives of hundreds of higher existences residing in that world.
[You have earned experience.]
[You have.......]
Yu IlHan saw the pouring text of experience points and nonchalantly raised a hand in the air. The ones waiting in the two fortresses all prepared for battle.
Although they were all merely 4th classes, all of their equipment was at least of the epic rank. Equipment made by the mighty creator Yu IlHan were all treasures that would cause a stir with a single fragment should they appear in any of the other worlds.
"I'm going to back them up so that no one dies."
If he wasn't prepared for that much, he wouldn't have come here.
"From now on, the stage is ours."
It was time to show them how scary a doll on the stage can possibly be.
"Everyone."
His hand lowered. The two fortresses drove forward.
"Charge!"
"Lady Leytnaaaaaaaaaa!"
With Na YuNa's shout, the holy region in the two fortresses expanded and covered the skies. The members inside all received a boost in power, and ambushed the enemies with glistening eyes.
[What, how did they!?]
[......Lower existences?]
Communication was not necessary in war. Yu IlHan controlled the artifacts within the two fortresses along with Mystic to prevent the higher existences from casting magic, and restrained their movements. This was a war to weaken each of the factions, but at the same time, it also served to strengthen his allies. The less he acted, the better.
"We killed one!"
"I'm sorry...... but!"
[Kahk!?]
It wasn't that the enemies had lowered their guard. It was because the army under Yu IlHan was too overwhelming. Even though they were higher existences, and the world was their home territory, they were being pushed back in terms of pure militaristic might.
[How......?]
While their allies died in vain, someone questioned.
[Why are you not restrained by the world!]
In a world ruled by the Garden of Sunset, the ones not belonging to their faction should normally be restrained in their abilities. This was even more so for lower existences.
[How did a path open to Louisa!? Did a ruler-class step it up!]
[Our powers are not working. Like this, are we really the ones ruling this world!?]
"You don't expect me to answer, do you?"
However, the problem for them was that all lower existences here was a part of Yu IlHan's fleet, and they shared the effects of the Dimensional Traveler. Just with that, they could completely ignore the penalty the world imposed on them.
[This doesn't even make sense, this is......Kahk!]
This world was vast and the gatekeepers were spread out. However, the two fortresses had the ability to cover such a distance in a blink of an eye.
The two fortresses with battle forces in them appeared and disappeared from various places over the world with Yu IlHan's Warp ability, and by then, the 5th class beings had given up on tracing them.
[We cannot confront them with our power.]
[Reinforcements? When are they coming?]
[But right now, reinforcements are...... no.]
[Tch!]
The gatekeeper stopped his sentence midway. Immediately after that, Orochi's claws shot across the air and burst his heart.
[If you're going to talk, do it until the end. There are many annoying guys like master here.]
"I can hear you, Orochi. Move your arse if you have the time to complain.]
[At least you don't deny it. Got it. I'll rampage to my heart's content.]
Orochi gripped and loosened his fist several times as if he felt that practical battle wasn't so bad, and launched himself at an enemy with a faint smile on his face.
Although the league of Orochi's soul was low, now that he was moving under the effects of Na YuNa's blessing, he would be almost impossible to injure if he managed to bring out just 30% of Echjar's bodily ability.
[Reinforcements? They can't come here that early.]
Helièna, who scanned the battlefield while leaning against Yu IlHan, giggled and muttered.
[By now, they should be busy having a battle in another world, right?]
"Hey, you go protect the others too."
[It was you who put me by your side saying the others won't be able to grow properly if I stepped out.]
"I said you don't have to act, and I never asked you to stay by my side."
Yu IlHan coldly replied and shook his hand. A few mirrors shot out according to his gesture, and absorbed the magic that the gatekeepers casted to protect the allies. The enemies abruptly widened their eyes at the sight of that, and ended up losing their lives to the Dragon's army children.
"Hero, we're becoming stronger!"
[Kroaaaaaar! You can become even more stronger!]
Similar to Yumir, the children worshipped power. They were in sync with each other, and had the most achievements in this battlefield. Of course, Yumir, the one leading them, was doing the majority of the work, though.
[W, we need to run.]
[But if we abandon and leave Louisa.......]
[Even so, we need to survive to, Kuhak!]
[Critical Hit!]
"I apologize."
"Attack! Now!"
Kim YeSeul's time magic slowed them down, and Erta, Kang MiRae, and Carina Malatesta attacked with magic to kill him. Executing runaways was their job. The distribution of roles within their group was perfect!
[The enemy's boss is in that castle.]
[Castle...... Is that really a castle?]
[Answer me. For what are you committing this criminal act! Do you not fear he who is omnipresent!]
[It's not too late! Identify yourselves and submit to the Garden of Sunset!]
At first, they tried to take care of it by themselves, then they realized that that wouldn't do and tried to call for reinforcements, but didn't work and tried to run, and now that even escaping failed, they begged and threatened them with their superiors. Higher existences who lived for thousands of years didn't act that much different from any human.
"That isn't even funny."
When Yu IlHan stretched his fingers out with a giggle. The Thousand Eyes that scattered throughout various places of Louisa were all summoned to one place and formed a gigantic mirror. The survivors realized what he was going to do and were all frozen stiff.
"Do you think there's a human that gave up on life just because they're afraid of someone that they don't even know when it would arrive?"
[Darling, so cool. So selfish and evil!]
Humans always struggle: to survive, to live, and to carry one living. The current Yu IlHan was the result of that. Of course, he did not plan to justify himself as being fair. He did not plan to blame the enemies for being bad.
Only, the victor survives.
[I will!]
"And fire!"
When Yu IlHan muttered playfully like that, the gigantic mirror shot out a super high-density energy beam.
[Kugh!?]
Just from when was it there? There was a huge gate that opened in the middle of the atmosphere in Louisa. Beyond it were the figures of the reinforcements from the Garden of Sunset that came to the rescue, albeit a little late. The energy beam was directed at them without a single inch of deviation!
[How......!]
[Kugh!?]
What was there to hide. Yu IlHan had read the movements of the entrants that entered the world through his power as a Dimensional Traveler, and shot them down the exact moment they entered!
[Critical Hit!]
The reinforcements numbered thousands. This was because they knew how much impact stealing a higher world could have. Of course, there were quite a few 6th class gatekeepers among them as well, but there was no way of knowing how many were stationed here since they all died.
[You have earned experience.]
[You have.......]
[The skill, Record, has become level 84.]
Yu IlHan shook his head to erase all of the text that busily appeared on his eyes. Then, he could see the gatekeepers that were despairing.
[How, can this.......]
[This is a nightmare...... they are deceiving us! Higher existences, it's the Heaven's Army!]
They became powerless in front of the scene where all reinforcements died the moment they arrived. This was a scene that could only be seen in the main headquarters of each faction. It also seemed like it was a little too strong, and even some of his allies were out of it for a moment. Even Helièna had to ask Yu IlHan for confirmation with a dumbfounded face.
[You can't attack like that all the time, right, darling?]
"Of course not. Not to mention the mana in the world, I had to suck up the mana from the dead higher existences to do that."
[Stealing the power of the world and even destroying the members with it. That's the perfect invasion tactic.......]
The ones making up the Garden of Sunset had more various records compared to other factions, so it helped out a lot in the growth of his Record skill.
Yu IlHan judged that he had acquired everything he could from this world and shook his hand. The gigantic mirror split into a thousand (and four) mirrors, scattering across the world, and the gatekeepers ended up reacting a little too late because they were focused on that.
"What are you doing? Attack now."
"Y, yes!"
Yu IlHan ordered coldly. His allies came to themselves and attacked. It didn't take that long for the enemies to be wiped out.
[You have killed all the members in a higher world belonging to the Garden of Sunset. The skill, Dimensional ruler, has become level 64. You have acquired the ruling rights to this world.]
[You are lacking several conditions to perfectly rule a world. Only when you fulfill all the criteria can you perfectly acquire the world. Be warned as until then, the world may easily be stolen back.]
Some text that was within Yu IlHan's expectations filled his retina. He read that carefully and nodded. So Dimensional Traveler was one of the keys to becoming a higher existence after all.
Now that he had come this far, there was no more need to hesitate. He would only fulfill the all the remaining conditions.
"Wouldn't reinforcements come again?"
"It doesn't matter if they do. I'll need to clean it up later anyway. Well, then. Everyone get into battle formation. You've all levelled up and don't need any rest, right?"
"Truly a devil."
Going against higher existences was a gamble that required one to put their life on the line. If they failed, they would die, but if they succeed, they would grow for sure.
In truth, all the members making up the fleet had experienced huge level ups thanks to fighting against higher existences so they couldn't retort that much. There were some that didn't get an increase in level, but that meant that that one didn't do much in this battle and could not retort either.
"Then we'll depart right away. Next is the Destruction Demon Army."
[Is it because you still hate me, darling?]
"No, it's because they're the easiest after the Garden of Sunset."
Yu IlHan's attitude was as ever. Helièna ended up bursting out into laughter at his nonchalant attitude. He snorted and activated Warp.
The war had just begun.