Chapter 210

〈 Chapter 210 〉 Part 1, Chapter 10, Section 13

Monsters showed no signs of decreasing, and the cities where people had once lived were gradually becoming desolate.

People searched for new places to settle, areas they hadn’t inhabited before. The power of special abilities became the driving force that allowed human civilization to take root even in harsh natural environments.

The Underground Kingdom.

The Floating Garden.

The Antarctic Fortress.

The Desert Palace.

Just as an Architect had created underground caves in Dongjak to hide from monsters, individuals with similar special abilities found ways to create safe havens for humanity.

If there was an issue with property rights in Seoul, it would be simple enough to create a separate world for its residents and the Blue Wind Sect.

Creating a new open space within Seoul’s area at a depth of one kilometer underground.

Or floating an island in Seoul’s airspace.

Though these methods defied human common sense, they were the most appropriate solutions to current problems. Either above or below Seoul, there’d be no need to travel far, and it would be much easier for the Blue Wind Sect to manage.

A city exclusive to the Blue Wind Sect, either above or below Seoul, would be the best solution under worst-case scenarios—concepts I borrowed from the original work to avoid conflict with New Seoul.

“First question.”

Representing the officers, Cheon Gaeul raised her hand to ask.

“Is this actually feasible?”

“Of course.”

I drew a square with my finger.

“All we need is a Cube. Though there are certain conditions…”

Seeing the conversation might drag on, I glanced at the officers. Ironically, as their leader, I had to consider their states while speaking—but thankfully, no one interrupted or spoke out of turn this time.

“Explain first.”

“Let’s start with feasibility.”

The officers seemed genuinely intrigued by the concept I’d brought up. After clearing my throat and taking a sip of my drink, I began explaining as briefly and clearly as possible.

“Do you remember how Seok Harang froze Busan’s seas and freely manipulated the Yangtze River?”

“That’s SS Rank power, right?”

“More precisely, it’s the power of Spirits. Myself, Seok Harang, and two others belong to the ‘Earth-Water-Fire-Wind’ category, which has a close relationship with nature.”

I wanted to delve deeper into the theory of attributes but stopped when I noticed Deokbae’s expression darkening.

“So each Spirit can manipulate its corresponding element at will. For example, if the Hydra of Durability awakens as a Spirit, creating an island the size of Yeouido would be effortless.”

“Conversely, it could also carve out the same amount of space underground, right?”

“Correct,” I said with a nod. “Architect.”

Magic Power and special abilities have limitless possibilities, and at their pinnacle are the Spirits. The Hydra possesses the ability to overturn entire lands or cultivate them anew.

“Since we’re using Yeouido as an example, let’s continue with that. Next step: assuming we’ve secured land for a floating island or an underground complex, how do we build structures?”

At my question, the officers fell into deep thought.

“Isn’t Architect’s ability restoration? Would buildings naturally appear on the ground or underground?”

“No. That’s impossible. It would take a lot of effort to create something entirely new.”

“So what do we do? Lift the land with existing buildings intact?”

“In that case, Heaven would probably come down demanding we return the buildings.”

“…Are you guys idiots?”

Deokbae slammed his hand on the table.

“Aren’t we talking about Spirits of Durability? So, if you and Architect reach S Rank, it should work, right?”

“…Can it?”

“Of course. It’s possible.”

Deokbae subtly hinted at his desire to reach S Rank. Normally, I’d embarrass him, but he had hit the nail on the head. Turning to Architect, whose jaw had dropped, I added:

“If your ability reaches S Rank, you’ll likely be able to handle buildings like clay. You’d create new structures in your mind at a speed similar to your current restoration rate. Naturally, it would consume a significant amount of Magic Power.”

“We have the Core capacity for that in the Blue Wind Sect.”

Restoring Seoul alone had already proven the effectiveness of Architect’s abilities and the Sect’s Core supply.

“It’ll be even easier. Frankly, all we need is a city for 60,000 Seoul residents and the Blue Wind Sect.”

“……”

Architect looked dazed, lost in imagining himself achieving S Rank and building an entire city.

“Aha. So that’s why the Boss mentioned needing time—to awaken the Spirit of Durability?”

“Yes. We’ll likely start full-scale operations in two years, so this thing will probably show up then at the earliest.”

“Can’t we catch it sooner?”

“Impossible. We don’t know where it is. We’d have to search the whole world thoroughly.”

The only Spirit whose location I know isn’t the Spirit of Durability. Though Deokbae seemed quite disappointed, there was nothing to be done.

“No, even two years won’t be enough.”

Architect shook his head firmly after regaining his senses.

“You can’t rush constructing a city! We’re not replicating Seoul exactly as it is! Boss, when’s the deadline?”

“…As I’ve said, it’s five years and six months from now. By then, whether it’s a Maginot Line or anything else, the world might end.”

“Well, that gives us enough time. I’ll start working on the new city tomorrow.”

“It’s not set in stone yet.”

Gaeul calmed Architect down.

“Assume we’ve built a city underground or on the surface. How do we handle transportation? Water supply? Are you going to personally fly everyone back and forth?”

“We need elevators. Connecting the old Seoul with the new city via elevators. Isn’t building a new city harder than that?”

“The Burj Khalifa’s elevators only reach up to 500 meters at most. With Core technology, making something twice that length should be easy.”

“A cutting-edge Core city, huh? …That sounds appealing.”

“Hold on, hold on.”

Sky Castle poured cold water on the excited officers.

“What about water? Air? Sunlight? Even if the Cube is omnipotent with Cores, if these aren’t properly handled, the city’s functionality will collapse, won’t it?”

“…Ryu Cheonseong.”

I gave a definitive answer to him, who still judged things with human logic.

“If the Earth Spirit creates an island, the Wind Spirit circulates the atmosphere, and the Water Spirit forms rivers, isn’t that enough?”

“…That does make sense.”

Ryu Cheonseong nodded hesitantly despite looking confused. Judging by his reaction, he didn’t fully understand but pretended to.

“Hmm…”

“This talk doesn’t seem to resonate with you.”

It was clear the officers weren’t convinced by my words. Having no choice, I stood up from the sofa and transformed into a grotesque form.

[Hmm. Just wait a moment.]

Standing a few steps away from the officers, I grabbed the air as if holding a ball with both hands.

Fwoosh, fwoosh.

A blue flame gathered and coalesced in the center of my hands, mesmerizing the officers with its warm glow. I tossed and caught the tennis-sized blue orb, showing it off to them.

[Does this give you a rough idea?]

“What is that?”

“Isn’t it just a Flame Sphere?”

The officers didn’t seem to grasp its significance. Even S Rank Gaeul appeared clueless about the true nature of the blue flame sphere in my hand.

[It’s not just any Flame Sphere; it’s my ultimate technique.]

“…What?”

All the officers froze. I spun the spherical mass of Chang-yeom’s flames on my index finger like a basketball.

[Like the arena of Light Blade techniques, SS Rank individuals possess signature ultimate moves. Don’t S Ranks have their own signature skills too? When you reach SS Rank, these techniques evolve into true ultimate arts.]

“That… Can such an ultimate art really be that small sphere…?”

[Yes. I’ve made it smaller just to show you.]

I gently rolled the sphere across the table.

[The Solar Core. An infinitely fusing sun. Right now, I’ve reduced its size to demonstrate, but if it detonates, it’ll unleash power comparable to a decent atomic bomb—]

“KYAAAH?!?!”

The officers screamed and hid behind the sofas. I felt somewhat embarrassed.

[Why are you so terrified?]

“You’re insane! What if it explodes?”

Gaeul yelled furiously.

[I wouldn’t let it explode.]

“Crazy bastard!”

The officers fled the lounge in a panic. The Solar Core dissipated into the Blaze of Creation in my hand, and I casually brushed my hands before sitting back on the sofa.

[Hmph.]

Switching back to human form, I called the fleeing officers back to their seats.

“Well… Sorry for scaring you, but I showed you this to demonstrate what a Fire Attribute Spirit can achieve. I didn’t expect you all to react so strongly.”

“D, Director. Is it really on the level of an atomic bomb?”

Ji Hwa adjusted his glasses, slightly bent from being stepped on during the chaos.

“There’s no way.”

“Right?”

“It surpasses atomic bombs. This is an ultimate technique; would it end at the power of an atomic bomb? It’s far stronger.”

When reaching Mythic levels, it could become even more powerful, though this was my current limit.

“D, Director. Then may I ask…”

Yu I-shin trembled as she asked me.

“The reason you usually fight with martial arts is…?”

“Oh. That.”

I chuckled sheepishly.

“Anyway, since we’re protecting the Earth, it wouldn’t do for someone claiming to safeguard world peace to destroy the planet, would it?”

“……”

The officers remained silent. Their silence made me feel as if sitting on pins and needles.

“Ah, anyway, what I’m trying to say is this. Using my abilities, it’s possible to create a sun underground. Not exactly real, but almost identical. So don’t worry. Whether it’s a floating continent or an underground kingdom, it’s truly feasible, which is why I’m discussing it.”

“Heh, heh, heh…”

The officers exchanged glances, letting out nervous laughter. As the absurd story became reality through the synergy of Magic Power, Special Abilities, and Spirits, they needed time to process it.

“…This is just a contingency plan based on the worst-case scenario. If the residents of Seoul and New Seoul reconcile dramatically, this would just be useless speculation. I’m just saying it’s possible, so don’t take it too seriously—”

“I’m in.”

“I agree.”

“I concur.”

“I think it’s a good idea.”

“Alright.”

“There’s no way we can pass on this.”

“…?”

All the officers unanimously adopted my proposal.

“What, what is this? Are you pitying me? When have I ever seen you all collude like this to approve my near-Maginot Line opinions?”

“Director, even Black Flame Dragon would agree. Shall I check?”

“Y, yes.”

Yu I-shin quickly returned with video footage confirming the Black Flame Dragon’s consent. Flaring its wings dramatically, the dragon vigorously nodded.

[If it’s the Utopia created by the Divine, it is certainly welcome.]

“What… did you say…?”

“Okay. All seven officers agree. What will you do, Leader?”

Representing everyone, Gaeul pressured me. They all seemed ready to stage a mutiny if I didn’t make a decision.

“…Well, if you guys are okay with it, let’s go ahead.”

I was bewildered by how easily the meeting concluded. Who would’ve thought the problem of Seoul could be resolved so lightly? Now, I could focus on hunting the Spirits—

“It’s definitely the Floating Garden. A city floating in the sky, how romantic is that?”

“Romance? Please. Of course, it’s the Underground Kingdom. Descending via elevator into a fantastical otherworldly space…”

“My name foretells destiny. It must be the sky. Building a castle in the heavens…”

“Stop with the old man’s whims. Aren’t you the one building it? We should also consider expanding the land later, right?”

The meeting showed no signs of ending.

Regretting having brought it up, I watched as the officers passionately debated, logically persuading each other. It was like watching philosophers gathered in the Athenian Academy.

“Phew.”

Their fervent discussions moved me.

‘Thank goodness I didn’t bring up terraforming.’

I sincerely felt lucky that I hadn’t mentioned terraforming.