Chapter 1117

〈 Chapter 1117 〉 1117. Extreme Resolve

[System: Ending the game.]

Returning from the [Dark Moon] World, I lay sprawled on the floor, staring blankly at the ceiling.

My mind was a chaotic mess—but not because of overwhelming memories or experiences from [Dark Moon]. Those had settled in naturally, with no side effects whatsoever.

It was just… this faint sense of emptiness. Like that post-coital cooldown period after sex when your stamina’s low, but it wasn’t about sexual desire at all.

“Talent….”

That one word sent my thoughts spiraling into overdrive.

“Before awakening my Leisure Life skill, talent used to feel like garbage.”

In the [Dark Moon] world, my talent is absolutely overwhelming. Just by observing and feeling magic, I can understand it and cast spells effortlessly. Modifying magic exactly as I wish is child’s play too. Within [Dark Moon], I’ve been growing stronger without needing guidance from anyone.

“My mana control has already surpassed what my real-world self could ever achieve.”

The realization hit me hard, dragging my mood down.

I didn’t want to move. Everything felt annoyingly burdensome.

“But then again… now that I’ve awakened Leisure Life, maybe it’s weird for me to still dwell on talent…”

Despite myself, I thought about it.

If I’d had more talent, how much stronger could I have become compared to now?

“…Ultimately, meaningless daydreams.”

Dragging myself up lazily, I stood from my spot. Back in the days before awakening Leisure Life, I often dealt with these kinds of feelings by eating delicious food or just passing out.

“I’ll eat the bento Yuria made and go to sleep. This mood will probably pass once I wake up.”

Sitting at the dining table, I pulled out the bento stored in my inventory. As soon as I opened the lid, a steaming-hot steak greeted me. Preparing my fork and knife, I turned on the TV to break the silence before diving into my meal.

Entertainment news was playing.

– Actress Kang Nam-i announced she’ll be tying the knot with a man in three months, smiling brightly!

“…What?”

Startled mid-bite, I shoved my chair back and leaped to my feet.

Kang Nam-i. The actress I’d admired since high school. Her stunning looks, incredible acting skills, and her elegant charm in hanbok once set my heart ablaze. I even created some合成 (photoshop) images of her as my daughter-in-law back in the day.

On the screen, Kang Nam-i continued her interview with reporters, beaming happily.

– Tell us about your partner, Miss Kang.

“He’s very kind. He always takes care of me.”

– There are rumors he comes from a wealthy family. Is that true?

“I’m sorry, but I don’t want to reveal personal details about him.”

– But everyone will know in three months anyway.

“Yes, there’s a lot to prepare until then. It’s tiring, but this is such a precious, happy time that I wouldn’t let anyone disturb it.”

– Well, marriage isn’t always sunshine and roses…

“But I am happy.”

– People vary, of course. Regardless, many male fans must be disappointed.

“I’m in my thirties now. Marriage is something I need to do. I don’t want to grow old alone as a spinster.”

The reporter smoothly transitioned topics, discussing her current projects and updates.

I stared at the TV until my steak grew cold.

Kang Nam-i looked as beautiful as ever today, her vanilla-colored elegant dress suiting her perfectly.

– And who might Kang Nam-i’s companion be?


WHO in the world is the lucky guy?! TO BE REVEALED… IN THREE MONTHS!

Kang Namii disappeared from the screen.

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!”

Letting out a blood-curdling scream, I instinctively raised my smartphone.

[Absolute Hypnosis Sticker.

Write hypnosis content on the sticker and apply it to someone’s skin to put them under absolute hypnosis.

Price: 3,000 points

※Caution

May not work depending on the target’s spirit power. Once under hypnosis, there’s no way to break it except with an ‘Absolute Hypnosis Removal Sticker.’

Writing multiple commands isn’t prohibited, but contradictory ones will both fail.]

[Would you like to purchase an Absolute Hypnosis Sticker?]

‘Should I… Shouldn’t I… Should I just do it?!’

My finger twitched.

Using Absolute Hypnosis would let me claim Kang Namii without any consequences. But at the same time, it felt… too easy.

‘Raping her and then using the hypnosis sticker could work… not a bad plan.’

There was another option—watching dramas she starred in before joining her world. No consequences, saves points, though it takes more time to enter a new creation.

-Exciting newcomer actress! Here we have Oh Aram!

-Hi everyone! It’s me, Oh Aram!

As I wrestled with my thoughts, I turned my gaze to the TV. A young, vibrant actress smiled brightly. Though I’d never seen her before, she was definitely eye-catching.

‘…Kang Namii’s got that washed-up vibe. In her 30s, getting married in three months… Her goods are probably worn out by now. Not that I’m giving up on her. Just putting her on the back burner for now…’

My mind grew increasingly cluttered.

-Next up, idols! The girl group that shook last week’s charts! Capitalist Idol!! ATM!!

-Hey there! We’re ATM! Money rules!

Five stunning beauties in sexy outfits flashed their smiles. I focused intently on the TV.

An hour had somehow passed.

‘…While I was distracted, new talent has been popping up left and right.’

They were beautiful…

But something felt lacking.

‘Han Harin is still better.’

Even in this cutthroat entertainment industry, beauties on Han Harin’s level were incredibly rare.

‘I should go see Harin.’

•••

After a long absence, I returned to Yeongcheon Sword Hall.

In the past, I frequented it for physical training. But as Jin Se-young got busier and I realized leisure point usage was more efficient than mundane exercise, I stopped coming.

‘Today’s one of her days off anyway.’

To be honest, I came here to get reacquainted with Se-young… sexually.

‘Might as well check my own skills while I’m at it.’

The Yeongcheon Sword Hall hadn’t changed a bit since my last visit.

“You’re here?”

Neither had Jin Se-young. Her signature black ponytail, perky C-cup chest, and perfectly rounded butt remained unchanged. Her toned figure and face were just as striking. Her slightly slanted eyes gave her a strong presence, but her makeup-free complexion maintained a pure charm.

“Se-young…”

Her snug black tank top and leggings were as tantalizing as ever. I blatantly scanned her body, sending subtle signals.

“Long time no see, huh? I think we need to confirm something…”

“Still the same. Let’s save that for later… I’ve got something important today.”

Jin Se-young was dead serious. That seriousness rubbed off on me. When she’s this intense, it’s best not to mess around. You respect her intensity.

“Important?”

“Gyuk-gi (Ultimate Technique). Know what that is?”

“Yeah. Like ultimate moves in the Yeongcheon style, right?”

“It’s similar, but different. It’s a special, dangerous technique within the Yeongcheon school. Some call it Ui (Secret Technique) or Bi-gi (Hidden Skill). Basically, only those who’ve reached the pinnacle of the Yeongcheon style can use it, hence the name Gyuk-gi.”

“…Wait. Are you teaching me a Gyuk-gi?”

Jin Se-young nodded with a smile.

I felt both joy and confusion.

“But I haven’t even mastered the Yeongcheon style yet?”

“In exchange, your awakened ability is Brain Lightning. While you haven’t fully mastered the Yeongcheon style itself, your skill in handling Rai-kou (Lightning) is…


Na-na, Dad’s totally weird, right? Isn’t he?”

“It’s not exactly like that…”

“Anyway, neither me nor Dad can drop lightning from the heavens. But today, I’m absolutely sure of one thing: Your physical abilities and mana control are at an A-Rank level. You have the qualifications to learn the Ling Tian Style’s ultimate techniques.”

She shivered slightly. Being acknowledged by her was incredibly gratifying. Though she didn’t show it outwardly, she was practically his first teacher.

“Onee-san, show me the ultimate technique of the Ling Tian Style.”

“Before I do, don’t get fixated on the form of the ultimate techniques. They’re skills created through the essence of the Ling Tian style. In other words, you can create your own ultimate technique too.”

“My own ultimate technique… So Onee-san created her own ultimate technique?”

“That’s right. Creating a new ultimate technique is one of the qualifications for being the headmaster (宗主).”

After reaching A-Rank, Jin Se-yeong focused on hunting but seems to have ascended to a new level.

‘No matter how much stronger she’s gotten, she’s definitely stronger than me.’

Jin Se-yeong explained about the ultimate techniques.

The current headmaster of the Ling Tian Style, Jin Woo-seong, is the 11th generation. In other words, there are at least 11 ultimate techniques. However, some exist only in records as they’ve been lost over time, and the sword-related ultimate techniques cannot be used by either me or Jin Se-yeong since those are skills that require mastery in swordsmanship.

“I’ll show you three ultimate techniques: The 3rd Headmaster’s Explosive Thunder Shock (爆震雷), the 7th Headmaster’s Sealing Thunder (封雷), and my own creation, Scattering Thunder (散雷).”

“All lightning-based techniques, huh.”

“Because they suit you best with your ability to control lightning. Not that I have anything else to show you besides these three.”

She chuckled awkwardly and extended her palm toward me.

“Watch closely. First, the Explosive Thunder Shock (爆震雷).”

Zzzt.

A bright blue current appeared on Jin Se-yeong’s palm. It was a small electric discharge, akin to a taser. Then it exploded. It was a tiny explosion, not threatening at all, but it undeniably caused a physical explosion. The wind generated from the explosion brushed past my hair.

‘It’s just small now. If this were on the scale of actual lightning… it could easily blow away a building.’

Jin Se-yeong casually shook off her hand.

“Explosive Thunder Shock (爆震雷). Just as the name suggests, it’s thunder that explodes.”

“How did you do that?”

“You need to modify part of the Ling Tian Qi Gong mantra and infuse your will into the lightning. The latter part is tricky, but… you should be able to do it easily.”

Her gaze on me didn’t waver. She truly believed I could pull it off effortlessly. Guess she sees me as some kind of genius of the ages. Fair enough, though I myself haven’t even grasped the basics yet.

“Next is Sealing Thunder (封雷). Yoo-jin, focus mana into your left hand.”

“Like this?”

Zzt zzt.

Lightning crackled from my left hand.

“No. Just focus the mana. Like when you use it to enhance your body.”

“…Like this?”

“Yes, like that. …Wait a moment. Sealing Thunder requires preparation time.”

About 30 seconds passed. A streak of electricity shot out from her index finger, piercing the center of my left palm.

“Ugh!”

I involuntarily let out a groan. It wasn’t because of the stinging pain in my palm.

The mana enhancing my left hand no longer responded to my will. It felt suppressed. No, paralyzed.

‘…My hand itself can still move. I just can’t use mana.’

After 3 seconds, I regained the ability to use mana.

“Now you understand the effect of Sealing Thunder, right?”

“A temporary mana seal… That’s insane.”

3 seconds.

In the realm of A-Rank and above, even fractions of a second can decide life or death. 3 seconds is more than enough.

‘The problem is… Sealing Thunder takes preparation time to use.’

“I know what you’re thinking. You believe it takes too long to use Sealing Thunder, right? That’s a matter of proficiency. With enough practice, the preparation time can be reduced.”

I nodded and said,

“Onee-san, what about your created ultimate technique, Scattering Thunder? I want to see it already.”

“Just wait. Since Scattering Thunder is a relatively new technique, I need time to prepare.”