Chapter 165

〈Chapter 165〉 Part 1, Chapter 8, Section 25

Military God Xiao Lin.

Having shed the guise of Unjang, she has truly become a Military God, an SS Rank special ability user. At this level, one awakens their true talent.

Sword Qi.

Starting with the stage of loading magic power into a sword and eventually materializing one’s own magic power into a sword—Xiao Lin’s talent embodies this classic fantasy trope at the SS Rank.

From weapon enhancement to weapon manifestation.

It’s not about enhancing weapons with magic power but creating the weapon itself and continuously wielding it. Of course, since the weapon is made of magic power, it naturally carries an attribute. However, Xiao Lin cruelly utilizes the characteristic of being a Chaos Dragon monster as well.

Spiritual Weaponization. By overlaying the attributes of a spirit onto a weapon created from magic power, she creates a weapon without physical substance that attempts to sever magic power itself. And my body is made of magic power. I’ve inadvertently met my hard counter.

* * *

Snap!

The back of my gauntlet summoned through partial monster transformation was severed. The cut surface revealed my reddened hand beneath. I slapped the presumed location of the weapon with my other palm.

Kaaang!

Magic powers collide, sparks flying. It seemed like the long shaft of a weapon, but I couldn’t be sure. I had to observe Xiao Lin’s stance rather than her weapon.

“Can’t you see what it is? Troublesome, isn’t it?”

“I still win even with my eyes closed, so shut up and keep fighting.”

We’ve already exchanged over thirty blows. Every time I attack, I must focus entirely on Xiao Lin’s ever-changing weapon.

Pae-ang!

I swiftly turned my head. Something grazed past my earlobe. Judging by the lack of drawn bowstring, it seemed like a crossbow, though her stance suggested otherwise. Xiao Lin readied herself with what appeared to be a staff.

“Haaaat!”

She steps forward. Is she going to thrust or slash? An axe? A spear? A polearm? It’s difficult to predict, and suppressing her with pure magic power proves challenging.

“To where!?”

So, I instead closed the distance by stepping forward. Xiao Lin momentarily furrowed her brow, and I didn’t miss that sign of discomfort.

‘Could it be a spear with blades?’

With no way to confirm the weapon, I decided to attack the wielder instead. Xiao Lin retracted what seemed to be a staff-like weapon and aimed for my feet.

“Hmph!”

I pushed off the ground and jumped. Even though it’s a spirit weapon, if infused with magic power, it can support my weight. Xiao Lin gritted her teeth at my action of using her weapon as a stepping stone.

Tada-dak.

I ran along the length of the weapon. To guard against any sudden deactivation, I unfurled wings as backup insurance. Xiao Lin feigned releasing the weapon, and I immediately leaped, spinning mid-air.

Sewoog!

Xiao Lin’s strike barely grazed my earlobe. Was it a dagger? Triple-edged blade? Or perhaps a crescent blade? She held something small in her hand, and after landing behind her, I extended my fist.

Kaaang!

Xiao Lin swung what seemed to be a dagger in reverse grip. Living up to her reputation as a master of special abilities, she accurately detected the position of my surprise attack.

Phoo-k!

The dagger pierced through my gauntlet and stabbed my hand. Xiao Lin, seemingly surprised that I’d allow such an easy attack, widened her eyes.

“Hmph.”

It hurts, but it won’t kill me. Just like with the Light Blade technique, martial artists from this world tend to falter when faced with someone who disregards their own body in close combat.

Especially effective against those who avoid killing. When a human performs actions typically associated with monsters or dragon beasts…

Kaawwwaaak!

Red blood splattered, and the severed finger of my gauntlet burst into blue flames. Though disconnected from me, the flesh burned away until it disappeared, leaving a visually stunning effect that caused Xiao Lin to squint.

“This…!”

I extended my still functional fist. Rolling forward on my foot, twisting my waist, I jabbed straight like a cavalry spear.

Puuhhh-eek!

My fist struck Xiao Lin’s side. Her thin waist, indented in the shape of my fist, looked like it might split open at any moment, but she successfully protected herself with magic power before that happened.

“Grrk!”

I quickly stomped my foot to retreat. Already, Xiao Lin was swinging some kind of long weapon toward me.

Sewoog!

My arm was severed. Xiao Lin mercilessly slashed the arm that had struck her side. Observing her posture and the trajectory of the blade, I confidently identified her weapon.

“A Crescent Blade, huh?”

Even after deciding to abandon the role of Unjang, old habits die hard. My certainty caused Xiao Lin to frown, but further combat was meaningless.

“It’s over.”

I ruthlessly discarded my severed arm. Extending the remaining hand, blue crystal-like nails replaced missing fingers.

Kwad.

I pierced her heart.

Xiao Lin’s heart was in my grasp.

Monster Xiao Lin’s life core, the Core, had been struck. The tip of my nail touched the Core.

“…Did you think it was alright to treat a woman so carelessly?”

Xiao Lin spat out a mouthful of blood and laughed. Perhaps relaxed from another defeat, her tone reverted to that of a child her age. I too laughed while bleeding.

“Regardless of gender, you’re a strong individual worth respecting. I couldn’t let that slide.”

“That said, you’ve given me quite a bit of leeway, haven’t you?”

Xiao Lin pointed at my body. Having fought her in human form instead of monster form, after exchanging dozens of blows, I claimed victory.

“What leeway? I fought at full strength.”

“You didn’t fight in monster form, though.”

“What’s the point of comparing specs with you?”

I withdrew my hand from Xiao Lin’s heart. Despite a gaping hole in her chest and blood streaming down, she seemed unconcerned.

“Do you know me better than I know myself?”

“I do. That’s why I’m not taking it easy.”

I placed my hand on the severed end of my arm. Magic power spread, reconstructing the limb, which I flexed to check its condition.

“It’s because you accept your clean defeat that I’m relaxing now. Otherwise, I would have impaled you on the spot.”

“Guess I should have lived up to your expectations more, huh?”

Xiao Lin covered her exposed chest with her jacket. Though she won’t die as a monster, the sight was quite gruesome.

“I’ve wanted to ask since I first saw you near Xian.”

“Yes?”

“Who came up with the swimsuit and jacket combo?”

I couldn’t help but comment on Xiao Lin’s behavior. The high-cut swimsuit reminiscent of school idols was strange enough, but adding the Blue Wind Sect jacket on top was absurd.

“The swimsuit was Bonghyo-nim’s idea, and the jacket was a gift from Seoul.”

“…”

I pulled out a Core stored in my pocket. Since she’s a monster created by the Chaos Dragon, reviving her could be interesting, but we definitely need a sincere conversation.

“Cough. Let’s start with healing.”

I filled Xiao Lin’s damaged chest with magic power. This wasn’t proper healing but a temporary measure to cover her appearance, fortunately stopping the bleeding.

“Thank you.”

“And one more thing.”

I squeezed magic power into creating clothing—a white-and-blue full robe similar to Guan Yu’s cosplay design.

“What is this…?”

“It’s the 2P color.”

“Excuse me?”

“Just something I tried out. Put it on. Don’t forget the mask.”

“Are you telling me to go back to being Unjang?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

I playfully tapped Xiao Lin’s forehead with my index finger, pretending to be annoyed.

“Don’t you have to unmask in front of the public to prove you’re Unjang?”

“…Oh ho.”

Xiao Lin seemed intrigued, clearly excited by the spotlight. Being someone who craves public attention and cameras, she was thrilled at the prospect.

[Can you hear me?]

The white butterfly badge buzzed. Seok Harang was calling. While Xiao Lin changed into the outfit I prepared, I responded by placing my finger on the badge.

“What is it?”

“The Spirit Dragon awakened. Um… Cheon Gaeul-sshi is with her, right?”

“Yes, I sent them. Good news.”

Seok Harang contacted me as soon as the Spirit Dragon awakened. Finally, I could sense the direct emergence of the Spirit Dragon’s energy, free from confusion.

“Bring Cheon Gaeul and the Spirit Dragon to Beijing. I’ll join soon.”

“Got it. Should I head to the Association?”

“Yes. Also, contact Yun Yuhwa. I’ll reimburse the flight fare, so send a puppet to China. I’ll deliver it personally.”

“Why are you always giving me orders? Hey! Am I your subordinate?”

“No, you’re not. …Ah, I made a mistake.”

I cleared my throat and corrected myself.

“Please contact Yun Yuhwa. I beg of you.”

“…You could’ve said that earlier. Alright! Since you’re asking nicely, I can’t refuse. See you in Beijing soon!”

Click. Seok Harang ended the call. I swiped the badge with my thumb.

“Such an easygoing guy.”

“Uh… Excuse me…”

“What’s wrong?”

Fully dressed in the robe, Xiao Lin seemed quite flustered. I approached her to check for issues but found none.

“Is it the underwear? Should I make some? Your size is… 85B, right?”

“My size?! No, that’s not the issue! Cough.”

Xiao Lin coughed and covered my mouth.

“Why do you use honorifics with me but speak casually to others?”

“Oops.”

Didn’t expect the spirits’ chatter to be overheard. They must have only heard my voice due to proximity, specifically the resonance of magic power.

“Did you hear that?”

“Yes. Very clearly. Only your voice.”

[Can you hear this?]

“Eeep?”

Xiao Lin shrank back. I waved my hand to dispel the magical resonance.

“You changed your tone just now. Back to the Unjang cosplay.”

“Th-that’s just out of habit… Yes. Cough!”

“You can talk however you like. Either way, you’re cute.”

Personally, I prefer the formal tone, but occasionally seeing bursts of youthful girlishness isn’t bad. Besides, didn’t that lucky perverted event with the protagonist happen during the Unjang cosplay? The gap moe when the protagonist asked if she treats her beard with conditioner…

“C-cough.”

Xiao Lin blushed and bowed her head. I briefly reflected on my words and actions. Again, I fell into old habits. Time to repent.

“Well, talk however you like.”

“Why won’t you lower your guard with me?”

Deciding to maintain politeness, I didn’t understand why Xiao Lin wanted me to speak casually.

“Why should I lower my guard?”

Though a heroine, Xiao Lin hasn’t yet earned my trust. Since gaining autonomy in speech from Chang-yeom, I only show my true self to those I trust.

“Shouldn’t you be more casual after I lost twice?”

“Does losing twice mean I should lower my guard?”

Letting her use informal language doesn’t seem necessary.

“Maybe you could be a little more friendly.”

Xiao Lin grumbled while adjusting her robe. Though clearly intended for me to hear, I ignored it. There’s no real reason to treat Xiao Lin casually.

“Why bother being friendly to an SS-rank?”

“Eh?”

“Oh, you don’t know your own rank? You’re SS now. Moreover, you specialize in Illusion Magic.”

Originally an S-rank special ability user transformed by the Chaos Dragon into a monster, reaching the brink of SS and achieving enlightenment makes ascending to the next level inevitable. I gave a casual applause to congratulate Xiao Lin’s awakening.

“Wow, congratulations on reaching SS. That makes it the fourth SS.”

“Fourth?”

“Third: Seok Harang, Second: Guangjian. First.”

I pointed at a coffin floating in the river and jumped.

“War God. Hongwu.”

Creeeak. I slid the lid of the coffin to the side. Inside lay a pristine-looking young man who didn’t appear dead.

“The first-ever SS-rank human and the monster who struck Seongju. He lost his life in the process.”

I licked my lips observing Hongwu’s reincarnation. Xiao Lin seemed to catch my regret.

“Will you turn him into a monster?”

“He’s good material, but probably impossible due to this.”

Pook.

I drove my sharpened nail into the young man’s chest. Crimson blood trickled around my nail as I felt the heartbeat.

Thump. Thump.

“As expected.”

He’s not dead. He’s alive. Even twenty years after defeating Seongju, he’s still breathing.

“Thanks to the Cube.”

“So this is where Mo Taegyeong got the Cube.”

Kwad! I tore out his heart. The heartbeat ceased instantly, and his flesh rotted away, turning into bones within moments.

Thump. Thump.

A chilling heartbeat still pulsed in my palm. I set the heart ablaze.

“…This makes it the third.”

I clenched the Cube in my palm and motioned zipping my lips to Xiao Lin.

“This is a secret.”

“What is it?”

“It’s a secret.”

“Out loud?”

Xiao Lin negotiated a trade. Irritated, I still had to consider her request.

“What is it?”

“…I’ll tell you later.”

Xiao Lin grinned. Though feeling burdened as if securing collateral, I still needed to keep the existence of the Cube obtained secretly from Yun Yuhwa and Cheon Gaeul.

“Alright. Let’s finish up.”

“Finish up?”

I conjured a red mask with magic power and waved it at Xiao Lin.

“It’s time to reveal yourself, isn’t it?”

Xiao Lin chuckled sleepily.