Chapter 476

〈 Chapter 476 〉 Part 1, Chapter 20, Section 8

The descent of Pluto.

The world had fallen into utter chaos unlike ever before, and people were completely panicking. Following the “Pluto Countdown” program revealed by Hikari, everyone was accepting their fates in a situation where the end might be near.

Some people recklessly spent all their money, others prayed for heroes to save them, while some embraced crime or turned into monsters, thinking their lives were doomed anyway. It was truly the countdown to humanity’s destruction.

“It’s starting to come into view.”

In the clear blue sky hung a distorted asteroid like a moon. From afar, it looked small enough to be covered by a 500-won coin, but if Boatman expanded its size, it would nearly match the continent of Australia.

Meteor impact.

A staple scenario in human extinction stories—but with our current full strength, we could stop not just meteors but even moons—or even planets flying at us!

“If Earth-like rocky planets can be moved by Yuna stepping in, and gas giants blown away by Kim Penril creating wind… then a meteor is no problem. In the worst case, I or Karna can just destroy it outright.”

With six synchronized spirits at our disposal, there was no way something like this could be impossible. Many who couldn’t fight at full power due to the risk of destroying Earth itself were still more than capable of handling an incoming planet.

“The real problem lies in three things.”

I sent through my information via Magical Gear—data on enemies I’d compiled over time, adjusted to fit the present situation.

“First, monsters coming from Tera. They’re pretty much regular monsters, except Azidahaka Gates will also bring out drakes. Normal monsters too. This isn’t much different from usual, so let’s skip that.”

Though Azidahaka Gates would unleash an overwhelming number of monsters, compared to this, it was almost easy mode.

“And Seongju’s minions will spread corrupted Tera energy everywhere. Remember? The Terrasites and Terrarists. They latch onto beings with magic power, corrupt their energy, and turn them into rampaging beasts.”

I transmitted holographic data on the original parasites called ‘Nattles.’

“Creepy-looking, right? Yep. Though they vary individually, on average, they’re about as dangerous as lions. An ordinary human would probably go *pop* like that when attacked.”

These creatures, described as having bat wings, bee lower bodies, and reptilian upper torsos, were far uglier than any drake.

“You ask about Mosquito Wyverns? …Heh, somewhat similar. But watch out for their poisonous stingers on their tails—that’s how they corrupt magic power. Individually, they’re weak. Speed ranges from A to S rank, but actual strength is around C rank? Be careful.”

While Nattles are fast and tough, a well-timed B-rank hero could take one down without getting contaminated. To safely neutralize them, though, you’d need an S-rank hero.

“And lastly, Seongju. …This part’s off the record.”

As my contact adjusted settings, I cleared my throat.

“…The falling remains of Pluto? Just an empty shell. All key facilities have likely been relocated to the moon already. Curious what’s on the far side of the moon? Not rabbits—it’s Seongju’s vacation home. …Just kidding! He’s set up his base camp on the far side of the moon.”

According to Chang-yeom’s memories, during the invasion of Tera, Seongju used a similar tactic.

By crashing asteroids into planets, he wiped out most life, then infiltrated orbiting moons to claim the planet as his own. Later, he connected dimensional gates to previously conquered worlds, inciting survivors to destroy each other.

That was Seongju’s basic method of devouring planets.

“So I’ll handle the remnants of Pluto. While Seongju has established a base camp on the moon, he won’t be hiding there himself. Do you see anything on the satellite yet? Hmm…the lens quality isn’t good enough to make it out clearly. Can you spot a yellow-robed monster behind Pluto? That’s Seongju.”

Seongju would descend alone first, using the chaotic magical energies after the meteor strike to open countless dimensional gates. Therefore, stopping the meteor attack was priority.

“I know someone handling Russia, and India is on alert too… You tell the U.S. Nuclear missiles won’t help; they’ll just increase Earth’s radiation levels. Scan beneath where Pluto will fall. There should be an SS-rank barrier active right now.”

All nuclear powers who might blindly launch missiles toward Pluto have been dealt with, either kept alive or preemptively stopped.

Though the U.S. was less stable since I wasn’t there personally, luckily we had a pervert obsessed with观音(Guanyin) on our side.

“…Oh, they’ve already fired one? Good. Tell them to observe directly.”

Kwa-gwa-gwaang—!!

A nuclear missile soared beyond the atmosphere and struck Pluto. The explosion hit but was absorbed entirely by Boatman’s barrier.

“Sorry, Seongju stole some of my techniques.”

Chang-yeom’s Veil—a technique capable of absorbing even radioactive blasts—was integrated into Boatman’s shield. Not only that, but defenses from seven commanders like Rusalka’s ice walls and Karna’s reflective plates were all condensed within.

“So don’t waste precious taxpayer money. What? How do we stop Pluto? Just wrap it in a larger magical field and annihilate it.”

In the original story, Yuna synchronizes with her favorite spirit to dramatically push Pluto away with magic power, but that wasn’t necessary here.

“Hmm…I could erase everything with Blazing Phoenix Revival, or Seok Harang could guide it into the middle of the Pacific Ocean, Kim Penril could float it, Yuna could store it underground, Karna could use Brahmasutra, Ang could seal it in hyperspace…Hmm, no special method for Whanryong.”

There are already six potential solutions. For every physical attribute excluding Whanryong, there’s a corresponding countermeasure, meaning we can definitely prevent Pluto’s landing regardless of the method.

“So the sole issue is Seongju himself. If I don’t self-synchronize, I might get brainwashed by him.”

I handed over core structure data Hikari discovered after dissecting me.

From an outer E-rank layer to an SS+ level, past a corrupted Tera-magic circuit covering the surface, there existed a shell marked with interdimensional deity symbols. If Seongju fires his Brainwashing Beam, this shell triggers an immediate overload.

Right now, I’ve successfully created holes to burst the magic inside the shell, but the shell itself hasn’t disappeared.

“That was a long off-the-record explanation. Ah, but knowing you, you’ll edit appropriately starting from the middle. People deserve to know certain things to feel reassured. Afterward, my core dissection might remain as historical material for the advancement of magical engineering. Although…as a spirit maintaining form through magic, having MRI and CT scans exposed feels kinda embarrassing. But what can you do? Surely no one would lust after seeing a cross-section of my core…right? There are such people, but minor issues aside…”

Trying to cover various topics in a short time keeps leading to tangents. Despite being scattered, I couldn’t stop sharing knowledge for the sake of those who survive.

Even if I die…

Even if I return to the final moments of the 20th century…

I must leave as much knowledge as possible to ensure Chang-yeom lives comfortably, peacefully, abundantly, and happily in this world after I’m gone.

“Hope it’s getting across alright.”

Anxious, I briefly disconnected the Magical Gear link to ‘Studio’.

“Ah, is it being edited properly, Gaeul? You’re good at acting according to scripts, aren’t you?”

[Don’t interrupt suddenly! …I almost messed up!]

On-screen, Gaeul, transformed into Cheongnyeon, shouted angrily.

[Director, if you keep doing that, I’ll edit what you just said for broadcast.]

[Yoo, Kim Ji-Hwa. Try messing up your lines again. Aren’t you seeing my peak performance right now?]

Unable to sit idly by, Gaeul threw herself into playing an actor alongside the Blue Wind Sect for our grand final Earth-saving drama, flaunting her supernatural abilities. Her acting talent was questionable, to say the least.

“Sorry. …Let’s continue. Ah, humanity. Please don’t lose hope and survive until the very end.”

Never did I think I’d have to say these words again.

“Rest assured. Heroes will protect you.”

Since I’m a villain, once I break Seongju’s pot and the interdimensional gods’ helmets, I’ll immediately head to bed.

“Earth is safe.”

I’ll leave all the troublesome tasks to the heroes and honeymoon in Hawaii with Chang-yeom after manifesting physically.

* * *

[To all people of the world. Earth is currently in danger.]

Amid global chaos, a calm, clear voice echoed worldwide. Through radio waves for those in bunkers, TV screens for news-watchers, and smart devices or Magical Gear for tech users, the speaker was none other than Cheongnyeon.

[Many of you may feel anxious. Pluto is currently falling toward Earth, and if the asteroid collides, Earth’s destruction is inevitable. Thirty percent of the global population will perish instantly, and even survivors won’t be able to live on a devastated Earth.]

Cheongnyeon delivered bleak predictions. However, his face showed no despair—only confidence. A spark of hope began to ignite in the terrified hearts of listeners.

[But don’t worry. We have prepared and planned for this situation. Pluto will never reach Earth. I promise.]

Cheongnyeon raised his pinky finger meaningfully—a quick and simple gesture promising Earth’s safety to the frightened masses.

[Trust the heroes. Trust us. No matter what disasters or doom approach, Earth cannot be destroyed.]

Reassured by Cheongnyeon’s calm smile, people began listening attentively. Riots subsided, and Cheongnyeon’s gray eyes gleamed with determination.

[Earth is safe. We will make it safe. But if you’re still uneasy, please shout:]

Cheongnyeon stretched his arms skyward.

[Help us, heroes! The heroes will protect you. Believe in them.]

Everyone planning to chant “Blazing Phoenix Revival” sat quietly, and Cheongnyeon concluded his announcement with clasped hands.

[Blazing Phoenix Revival. …And now, a personal request…]

Cheongnyeon smiled sincerely.

[Please don’t die. It would hurt a lot.]