Chương 185: The Tribe of the Earth (5)

My head is numb.

I can't make sense of anything at all.

It feels like the heavens and the earth are turning upside down.

It feels like my brain is being crushed.

I can't endure it.

A cacophony of tinnitus rings from all directions, blurring my vision with its intensity.

I can't regain my senses.

But I'm not even allowed to go mad.

[Let's stop now.] Suddenly!

Upon hearing those words, my mind is forcibly pulled together.

Just as I'm about to fall under the cliff's edge, it feels like someone is forcefully grabbing my hair and pulling me up.

Naturally, it brings a pain that feels as though my neck is being ripped out.

Likewise, I had to forcibly escape from the chaos with a pain that felt like my soul was being torn apart.

"Haah...! Huh...!"

[I sought you out because I'm curious about three things. Answer these three questions, and I'll leave.] Even though my mind was forcibly calmed, it's still incredibly hard to endure.

'Endure it, endure...!'

But I must endure.

If I don't, even if I regress, I might waste countless lives over thousands, tens of thousands of years, lost in madness.

I must endure!

"Ghh…aaaaaaah!"

Crunch!

I raise my arm, open my mouth, and bite into my wrist.

The sharp pain and metallic taste of blood cuts through the fog of confusion, anchoring me back to sanity.

Pain neutralizes the confusion, allowing me to regain a bit of sanity.

'I must, regain my composure.'

"Ask... your question."

With a trembling voice, I speak to the entity before me.

The entity in front of me smiles, as if pleased.

[Your mental strength is strong. Even for an Ender, at the beginning of their story, they are no different from insects, yet you regained your senses so quickly.]

"..."

[Very well, it seems you're ready, so I'll proceed with the questions. First question, what is the fate you received?]

"...!?"

I mustn't reveal it!

I clench my teeth.

But suddenly, such a thought passes through my confused mind.

'I mustn't reveal it, but what if I don't even know what it is?'

How should I respond?

As I stupidly stand still, Bong Myeong speaks.

[Hm, you still don't know?]

"..."

[Hm, curious. How can an Ender who doesn't even know their own fate endure ten years in the darkness of the Serving Command Ark and regain consciousness so quickly before me?] Bong Myeong muses, seemingly puzzled, and then continues with the next question.

[Second question, do you know where the being that brought you here is located?]

"…?"

What does that mean?

The entity that brought me here?

You're saying that us falling into this world wasn't just an accident but someone's deliberate actions?

Just when I'm puzzled.

[It seems you don't know this either. Well, I can't expect much from an Ender who hasn't even realized their fate. You'll remember eventually as the story progresses.]

"…"

What is he talking about?

As I listen to him perplexedly, [Last question, have you ever met a Supreme Deity or a Heavenly Venerable? Even if you haven't met them directly, have you ever heard stories about such beings from someone?]

"Uh…?"

Simultaneously.

Pudduddudduk!

"Aaaaaaaah!"

I scream in agony, feeling as though my head will explode.

Bong Myeong's voice drills into my mind.

Unlike the first and second questions, which elicited no reaction, the third question made me feel like my head would explode immediately.

"Haaaaaak! Aaaaak! Uaaaaak!"

IfIexplodemyheadrightnowandkillmyselfImightfeelabitmoreconfortablemaybeI'mtryingtoremembersomethingIshouldn'tthattimeinthatvillageIdefinitely…

[Calm down.] Thud―

"…?"

'What was it?'

It felt like something tremendously terrifying had happened just now.

I sense Bong Myeong looking at me.

[I see, you've already had two encounters. That's a sufficient answer. Thank you for responding.]

"…??"

I'm confused.

I kept my mouth shut throughout, yet this entity seemed to have gleaned something from my silence.

As I struggle to understand, Bong Myeong speaks to me.

[I've resolved my curiosity, so now you may ask whatever you're curious about. Six seconds have already passed, so you'll need to ask everything within the next four seconds.]

"Four seconds…?"

I momentarily wonder why, then remember that in the presence of an entity like Bong Myeong, the concept of time is meaningless.

"If it's not too impolite to ask, if you're capable of warping time, why didn't you extend the ten seconds to about ten days instead?"

I ask, trying to steady my trembling voice.

[I am but a fragment, and the Serving Command Ark I influence is a discarded Immortal Treasure. Therefore, the extent of distortion can only be so much.]

"Can True Immortals distort time… no…"

I quickly move past the unnecessary question.

Now is the chance to ask something far more important than the abilities of True Immortal.

"What exactly is an Ender? Are there others like us?"

[What Enders are, only the Enders themselves know. That's why I asked you earlier if you had realized your fate. Enders have been around far longer than even I have.]

"Is Yang Su-jin… the previous Ender…? Did he also reach the state of True Immortal?"

[Correct. He was as weak as you at the beginning of his story but managed to reach the limits of a True Immortal by its end.]

"What is a story?"

[Fate.]

"…"

Fate...

"By any chance, the [it] searching for Enders… is it you…?"

[Shh.] Pop!

Suddenly, my mouth disappears.

Literally.

My [mouth] is gone!

[It seems you have received a message left by a previous Ender. But be careful with your words. Be careful with your thoughts. Be cautious even with what you bring to your mind. My encounter with you is the result of preparations before the Immortal Treasure, laid out through countless histories and arrangements, as well as a form of attraction, but the method your predecessor used is a miracle of improbable odds. My method is not as safe as the miracle of the Ender..] Somehow, if Bong Myeong were an entity in human form.

It's as if he is now placing his index finger to his lips, signaling me to keep quiet.

Of course, I can't see him clearly since I can't look directly at him, but if this entity had a human-like appearance, I felt like that's what he would be doing.

[If you try to look at something, that something will also look closely back at you. Do not think. Do not recall. Do not speak carelessly. I've left this primordial darkness in the lowest floor specifically for safe conversation with an Ender, so please do not open your mouth and invite calamity.]

"…"

Suddenly, my mouth is back.

"…I haven't been reckless with my words outside."

[Good. Always be on guard, as the [light] in the Three Thousand Worlds is a minion of [that thing]. In places where light shines, always keep your lips sealed.] Light?

"You mean to keep my mouth shut forever."

[That might be wise in the early part of the story.] I am astonished.

Light?

To be cautious of the light?

The way he speaks as if the light is a living being.

All the moments I had peacefully basked in the sunlight, bathed in the moonlight, and embraced the starlight suddenly became terrifying.

'So, is that why there is no [light] in this space?'

"…Why are you helping me, Your Eminence?"

[Because Enders bring about miracles.]

"…?"

A vague answer.

But from Bong Myeong's tone, I sense that he is not permitting any further questions.

No, rather than sensing, it's more like he shows it.

"If you're willing to help, couldn't you assist directly?"

[For example?]

"Granting a wish…"

[A True Immortal cannot directly give anything to an Ender, except for misfortune. I can bestow as much calamity as you wish.]

"…"

[Conveying information is the extent of the help I can offer. And even this is reaching its time limit.] Bong Myeong speaks.

[Choose your last question.]

"... Can you beings know all the abilities of Enders?"

[It's not impossible.]

"…!"

Just when I'm startled, my vision suddenly distorts.

At the same time, I realize my body is melting away.

'Ah, I see.'

The reason I could have this conversation with this entity was because he 'permitted' it.

Originally, even facing a fragment rather than the main body should have resulted in immediate dissolution.

As soon as our meeting ended, as soon as he diverted his attention, my body and soul themselves began to disintegrate like this.

And as I melt into the surroundings, [I'll return you to your original time.] Hearing Bong Myeong's voice, I lose consciousness.

It's cold.

"…!!!"

I open my eyes wide and look around.

"Huk…hah…!"

As soon as I open my mouth, the glow of life flows out.

I look at my forearm.

The number one hundred (百) is inscribed.

It's still cold, but somehow I feel warm.

Despite the deathly darkness and cold, it feels quite bright and warm for some reason.

Why is that?

'Maybe it's because I've seen an even deeper and vast darkness.'

I think of the entity I just met.

'Wait, who did I meet?'

I can't remember [his name], the [name] of that being.

I remember everything about meeting him.

But who he is seems to be erased from my mind.

Shiver, shiver….

It's terrifying.

No, perhaps it's a relief that I've forgotten his name.

'If you look at something, that something will also look at you.'

If I keep remembering his name and keep thinking about it.

He, too, will continue to look at me.

Perhaps it's a form of mercy from such an incomprehensible entity towards a mortal like me.

As I calmed my heart, a familiar golden light spread from above.

Flash!

"The Immortal Beast Blood Fusion has ended. To the last remaining 100, the True Blood of Immortal Beasts will be bestowed!"

It's Gyu Ryeon.

Seeing her, I finally feel I have returned to reality.

I hurriedly shout to her.

"How long has it been? How much time has passed since we were trapped here?"

"Hmm? It's been exactly 4 months and 12 days. It seems your sense of time has dulled from being trapped in the darkness."

"…4 months…"

Gyu Ryeon is not lying.

That meant, during these 4 months, I experienced a decade.

Within my veins, the Azure Spirit Starlight Quintessence Great Method that I had evolved over ten years flows distinctly.

And whether it was his consideration or not, the life force from the Canvas of Myriad Forms and Connections that I had consumed over the ten years is only depleted for exactly 4 months' worth.

It seems True Immortals can't give something directly to me, but they can give such indirect gifts.

"True Immortals are truly, terrifying entities."

I tremble, recalling the terrifying years spent in darkness without a single ray of light.

[He] had said he prepared about ten seconds because I had endured ten years.

That meant, if I could endure it, [He] could distort time for 100 years or even 1000 years.

'No, let's not think any further.'

Even if I can't remember the name, if I keep thinking about [Him], [He] might look at me too.

Although that entity was friendly to me, the mere fact that such an entity is looking at me is terrifying.

'Don't think, don't think about anything, for now… just be grateful to be alive.'

With a sigh of relief, I follow Gyu Ryeon out of the lowest floor of Serving Command Ark.

"... thus, these promising members of the Earth Tribe have proven capable of carrying on the lineage of the Immortal Beasts. Therefore, the highest council of the True Dragon Alliance has decided to award the participants of this Immortal Beast Blood Fusion…"

After the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion ended.

Being among the surviving 100, I silently recover my vital energy on the second floor of the Serving Command Ark, listening to Gyu Ryeon's speech.

But honestly, it doesn't feel very real.

'Maybe I've gone mad in the cold and darkness, and everything I'm seeing now could just be an illusion.'

The presence of [Him] was too overwhelming to bear with a sane mind.

'I can understand why Jeon Myeong-hoon went mad.'

Such a [being], not with kindness but deliberately spreading malice and inflicting divine punishment.

It would be enough to drive someone like Jeon Myeong-hoon completely insane.

Suddenly, thinking of [Their] presence, the goal of stealing the Heavenly Lightning Banner feels unspeakably terrifying.

'What if, while trying to steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner, I end up directly facing [such] an entity?'

Can I really remain unbroken?

Is it really right to pursue this goal?

'Can I, even after seeing a True Immortal...'

That's when.

Thud....

Seo Hweol places his hand on my shoulder.

With a gentle smile, he praised me.

"Congratulations. Now that you can receive the true blood of an Immortal Beast, you will truly become a member of our Earth Tribe."

His smile is still unpleasant.

"After choosing and accepting the true blood, I will give you the Summoning Wind, Sacred Blood Transformation, the superior version of the Summoning Wind, True Blood Transformation you were given last time. Mastering the Summoning Wind, Sacred Blood Transformation will allow you to quickly assimilate the true blood of Immortal Beasts into your body and elevate your realm."

"... Haha, I'm grateful for your grace."

I force a smile.

Summoning Wind, Sacred Blood Transformation.

Just hearing the name made it clear Seo Hweol prepared a nasty surprise for me. Suggesting the Summoning Wind, Sacred Blood Transformation, his intentions are filled with vile schemes.

"Your colleague, Oh Hye-seo, is also excellently practicing the Summoning Wind, Sacred Blood Transformation I taught. If you learn the same technique, you will be able to grow quickly just like her."

'Ah…'

I realize something.

"... With gratitude as vast as the sea, I am forever thankful."

I can tell.

Oh Hye-seo is definitely not in a normal state, and if I were to learn the technique called Summoning Wind, Sacred Blood Transformation that she is practicing, that would mark the start of my slavery under Seo Hweol.

'... That's how it is.'

"Participant Seo Eun-hyun, come forward!"

Gyu Ryeon calls my name among the survivors.

On the stage where the survivors of the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion are being selected, drops of true blood are prepared, and I just have to go up and choose one to receive.

I smile at Seo Hweol, who is grinning behind me.

"... Truly, I'm sincerely grateful, Sir Seo Hweol."

"Haha, not at all. It's all due to your effort..."

I let all the sweet nothings Seo Hweol spouted go in one ear and out the other.

But at this moment, my gratitude towards Seo Hweol is genuine.

'Thank you, Seo Hweol.'

For a moment, I nearly forgot my purpose, being chased by the terrifying existence known as a True Immortal.

But seeing Seo Hweol's scheming brought me back to my senses, his unique brand of nastiness sobering me up.

Disgust overcame fear.

'I will steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner, no matter what.'

I don't have good feelings for Jeon Myeong-hoon.

But seeing him, who always thought he was better than everyone else, losing everything and crying pitifully, reminded me of myself in the past.

To bear such a painful heart essence should only be for the Mad Lord and Seo Hweol, And isn't it enough with just me?

If Jeon Myeong-hoon goes mad and rampages, countless humans and even devils will be slaughtered by the Lightning Harbinger Jeon Myeong-hoon.

I can prevent the tragedy that starts with Jeon Myeong-hoon.

'I'll steal the Heavenly Lightning Banner and…'

I've decided to firmly put it into Seo Hweol's pocket, who constantly engages in disgusting schemes.

The memory of my conversation with [Him] is terrifyingly horrific and dreadful.

Shouldn't such a wonderful experience be shared?

I will definitely let Seo Hweol know.

'Thank you, Seo Hweol.'

Thanks to you, I've regained my focus.

Leaving Seo Hweol behind, I step onto the stage and stand before Gyu Ryeon.

"As a survivor of the Immortal Beast Blood Fusion, you may choose one of the seven Immortal Beast True Bloods. Which one will you choose?"

Droplets of blood float before me.

Each droplet represents a different Immortal Beast: The Immortal Beast Black Dragon (黑龍).

The Immortal Beast Supreme Tiger (太虎).

The Immortal Beast Azure Peng (靑鵬).

The Immortal Beast Lustrous Glaze Peacock (琉璃孔雀).

The Immortal Beast Yin Ghost Black Turtle (陰鬼玄武).

The Immortal Beast Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape (破山魔猿).

The Immortal Beast White-Winged Heavenly Pegasus (白翼天馬).

"I will..."

Spiritual energy gathers on each droplet of blood, and the forms of Immortal Beasts flicker above them.

The shape of a dragon with black scales, the figure of a massive tiger, the appearance of an azure peng, The form of a peacock in seven colors, the figure of a black turtle commanding ghosts, the appearance of a monkey with mountains sprouting all over its body, and the shape of a horse with white wings pass over the droplets of blood.

"I will choose this."

I pointed at one of the droplets of blood.

Author's Note: A minor setting collection that does not have a significant impact on the plot.

The relationships between the Immortal Beasts appearing in the Regressor's Tale: The Black Dragon and the Supreme Tiger do not get along and fight whenever they meet. These two beasts generally do not get along with most other beasts and growl whenever they meet.

The Azure Peng tries to eat the offspring of the Black Dragon upon meeting and flees from the Supreme Tiger due to being overpowered. It gets along with all other Immortal Beasts except for the Lustrous Glaze Peacock.

The Azure Peng tries to kill the Lustrous Glaze Peacock upon meeting, while the Lustrous Glaze Peacock tries to lay its eggs when meeting the Azure Peng. Not just with the Azure Peng, but it also desires to mate with the Supreme Tiger, the Black Dragon, the Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape, and the White Winged Heavenly Pegasus, making it the most ill-reputed among the beasts. However, it avoids the Yin Ghost Black Turtle as its yin energy does not benefit its eggs.

The Yin Ghost Black Turtle, when meeting the Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape, brings ghosts to have a joyous time together. It is a welcomed figure among Immortal Beasts with strong yin energy but is shunned by those with strong yang energy.

The Mountain-Destroying Demon Ape and the White Winged Heavenly Pegasus, due to the nature of the powers they possess, inevitably cause natural disasters when they meet, regardless of whether their relationship is good or bad. These two Immortal Beasts always maintain a neutral relationship with other Immortal Beasts.