novelraw Chapter 27 : Chapter 27
Chapter 27 : Chapter 27
Chapter 27: Unexpected Development (5)
The Reverse Heaven Sect.
It was a villain group founded on the premise that the appearance of gates signified the end of the world, and their goal was to defy that fate. Looking at it from that perspective alone, it seemed like a rational mindset. After all, the meaning of "Reverse Heaven" was essentially equivalent to the desire to protect the world.
However, there was a clear reason why they were branded as villains. They did not treat anyone who was not a player as a human being. Their doctrine stated that only the players, the "New Humanity," could protect the world, and that those who were left behind should naturally be sacrificed for them. That warped sense of justice was more than enough to label the Reverse Heaven Sect a villain organization.
Yet, at the same time, they were a group that moved with the goal of protecting the world. Because of this, even in the novel, the Reverse Heaven Sect was depicted as a presence that was impossible to predict.
“You are staring quite intensely. Is there something on my face, Brother?”
Currently, that member of the Reverse Heaven Sect was speaking to me with a smiling face. I had once thought he was the type of person who would be hugely successful if he ran a cult, but it turned out he was something even worse. Because of that, I could not help but be extremely tense.
But I could not just stay intimidated. I tried my best not to show how nervous I was as I opened my mouth.
“Your way of speaking is a bit revolting.”
“Haha. This is my natural way of speaking, so please be generous and overlook it.”
I supposed that made sense. Since he had revealed his true colors, his way of speaking as an instructor could not have been his real self. Of course, that was none of my business. However, continuing to nitpick about useless things would not benefit me either. Therefore, I immediately changed the subject.
“Setting that aside, why did you suddenly pull a stunt like this?”
“You speak as if you already know everything.”
“I do. The Reverse Heaven Sect.”
Yu-hyeon’s eyes widened. It was a natural reaction, as the name of the Reverse Heaven Sect would not have been known to the public at this time.
“Oh. You know about the Reverse Heaven Sect. That is quite surprising.”
“…….”
“Brother, what is your identity?”
Although he was still using the polite speech I could not get used to, Yu-hyeon’s voice was filled with wariness. It was an expected outcome. There was no way he would not be cautious after I mentioned the Reverse Heaven Sect before it was even known to the public. Even so, there was one reason I brought up the name of the sect.
‘I have to prove my value.’
As I said before, the members of the Reverse Heaven Sect are unpredictable. Therefore, even I did not know what Yu-hyeon’s true goal was. In this situation, there was only one way to ensure I survived. I had no choice but to prove my value as an individual.
“I am just someone who knows a bit more than others.”
“That is not the kind of answer I was looking for.”
“I would prefer it if you answered my question first.”
At my words, the atmosphere turned cold once more. Even though it felt like my entire body might freeze, cold sweat trickled down my back. The one who finally broke the tension and spoke first was Yu-hyeon.
“Phew, you are a stubborn one, Brother. I lose.”
Hearing those words, I barely swallowed the sigh of relief that almost escaped and focused on what Yu-hyeon was saying.
“It is nothing major; it is just that you, Brother, have been interfering with our work.”
“I interfered?”
“Yes. Do you not remember the item you took, Brother?”
An item I took? What was that? I had no memory of doing anything that would interfere with the Reverse Heaven Sect. When I wore a look of complete confusion, Yu-hyeon added another comment.
“The Suppressing Blade. Do you know what kind of item that is? I came here knowing for a fact that you have it, so do not pretend to be ignorant.”
“What?”
The Suppressing Blade. I could not help but be flustered by those words. It was not the kind of flustered reaction that came from forgetting the incident at the exhibition hall.
‘That was the work of the Reverse Heaven Sect?’
This was unexpected. In the novel, the ones who used that blade were other villains, not the Reverse Heaven Sect. So, naturally, I had assumed that the scheme had been orchestrated by a different group.
‘Does that mean the Reverse Heaven Sect was behind everything?’
No, that could not be. It might be true for others, but certainly not for the Reverse Heaven Sect. For these people, Ha Eun-ha was someone who had to be protected. Therefore, I felt the need to clarify this point.
“Then, do you even know what kind of item that is?”
“Brother. I do not really like it when a conversation drags on—”
“It is an item that can put the Saintess in danger. Correct?”
“…Who exactly are you?”
Yu-hyeon showed an even more intense reaction than when I first brought up the Reverse Heaven Sect. It was a natural response. What I had just said was classified information known only to internal members of the Reverse Heaven Sect. However, I did not intend to just provoke him and leave it at that. I looked back at the unconscious Ha Eun-ha and spoke in a calm voice.
“The person herself does not know, but the Reverse Heaven Sect reveres Ha Eun-ha as the Saintess.”
“…….”
“That is why you dragged me into this, assuming I would have the Suppressing Blade.”
“…You know everything. Could it be that you are a Brother of our sect whom I am unaware of?”
As if that would ever happen. The Reverse Heaven Sect was a group of crazy fanatics that I could not understand even if I tried.
‘The reason they revere Ha Eun-ha as the Saintess is absurd in the first place.’
There was no grand reason. It was simply because she was a woman and had healing abilities. They truly were difficult to understand. However, I had nothing to say since they protected Ha Eun-ha because of it.
‘So, I should try to persuade him as best as I can.’
If I established a decent relationship with the Reverse Heaven Sect here, it would be a great help later. Therefore, I spoke to Yu-hyeon in a calm voice.
“Unfortunately, I am not a member of the Reverse Heaven Sect.”
“I suppose so. If you were, there is no way I would not have known. Then, are you a prophet?”
“Well, think whatever you like.”
But he said he would have known for sure. It seemed this guy held a fairly high position within the Reverse Heaven Sect. It was not what I was aiming for, but it was good information. Still, thinking about the information I had gained could wait; the conversation came first.
“I have something important to say. I would like to negotiate.”
“Negotiate?”
“Yes.”
From here on, we were getting to the main point. My fate would depend on the words exchanged here. Therefore, I ignored the sweat pouring over my entire body and continued speaking.
“I believe I am a useful enough card. I am not a dangerous person to Ha Eun-ha, either. So, I would like you to let us go peacefully.”
“…How can I believe your words, Brother?”
“Why ask when you have already investigated everything?”
At my words, Yu-hyeon laughed as if he found it amusing. It was a laugh that sounded incredibly relaxed.
“Haha! You are right. Although I did not find out much other than the fact that you have no family.”
“I have no reason or intention to put Ha Eun-ha in danger. On the contrary, I only want to protect her.”
“Hmm, is it love or something like that?”
“Let us just call it admiration.”
Love, my foot. This world was far too desolate for such things. In the first place, I had no intention of viewing Ha Eun-ha as a romantic interest.
“Admiration, huh? Well, that is similar to us.”
“I would prefer it if you did not treat me like the same kind of madman.”
“Hahaha! Is it okay for someone who wants to negotiate to say such a thing?”
Despite his words, Yu-hyeon’s expression had brightened compared to before. Since this was a place filled only with lunatics, I did not know what specifically interested him, but it was a relief.
“Very well. As you said, you seem useful, so I shall spare you. In exchange, I must take back that item.”
“…I cannot do that.”
“Sigh, Brother. I dislike wordplay. If something is given, something must be received.”
Yu-hyeon’s face hardened instantly, as if his laughter from a moment ago had been a lie. However, no meant no.
“You will eventually lose that blade. That is why I cannot give it to you.”
“…Are you saying there is a spy within the Reverse Heaven Sect?”
“I do not know about that. All I know is that you will not be able to protect this blade.”
At my words, Yu-hyeon began to think deeply. In the middle of it, I heard him mutter, “Is his talent prophecy?” but I did not bother to answer. It was better for me if he stayed confused on his own. After a moment passed, it seemed he had finished his deliberations, judging by the change in his expression.
“Very well. Then let us put that matter on hold for now.”
“…On hold. Fine.”
“However, I have another condition in exchange.”
“What is it?”
Instead of answering my question, he pulled out the inverted cross hanging from his neck. Simultaneously, Yu-hyeon’s mana flowed into the inverted cross. The inverted cross soon transformed into a sword of light in the shape of a cross.
“If you are saying you will not give it to us, it means you can protect it yourself, Brother.”
“…….”
“Then, let us test whether you have enough power for that.”
Hearing those words, the corpse of the villain who had died earlier caught my eye. It was a headless corpse with a smooth cut, showing how cleanly it had been severed. Perhaps noticing my gaze, Yu-hyeon smiled brightly and reassured me.
“I have no intention of going that far. That man simply crossed a line that should not be crossed. If he is a bug, he should have done what he was told like a bug. Is that not so?”
“I agree with the 'bug' part.”
“Ahaha! Good. You are still young, Brother, and you are under the protection of Glory, so I shall adjust accordingly.”
He said that, but he likely had no intention of going easy on me. If it was the Reverse Heaven Sect, which prioritized Ha Eun-ha’s safety above all else, it was a hundred percent certainty. Therefore, I did not believe his words and maintained the maximum level of tension.
“One strike. If you block just one strike, I will let you go.”
“Swear it on the name of Reverse Heaven. I do not trust you either.”
“Oho, you knew about that too? Very well. I shall swear under the name of Reverse Heaven.”
The Oath of Reverse Heaven was a promise the Reverse Heaven Sect prioritized above any other. If I had secured this much, it would be fine. I activated my talent to face the cross-shaped sword aimed at my throat.
‘I did not expect to use it this soon.’
What I used was a new ability that had been unlocked recently through the talents of Shin Yu-hwan and Im Seong-cheol. I had not yet tried using two or more abilities at once, but in this situation, I had no choice. It was frustrating to use up the points I had just earned, but what else could I do? Therefore, I pushed the thought of saving points out of my head and activated the ability.
[Currently available points are 14,700 points.]
[The most efficient way to use points in the current situation is 9% for Shin Yu-hwan and 8% for Im Seong-cheol.]
[You can manifest 10% of Shin Yu-hwan’s ability and 10% of Im Seong-cheol’s ability by using a penalty.]
‘The system even finds the right ratio for me… should I be happy about this or not?’
I felt a bit annoyed, but I had no choice but to borrow power as the system recommended. Since I was not yet familiar with this talent, the system's judgment would be better than mine. The only difference from the system's recommendation was that I used a penalty to borrow even more power. I had promised myself not to use it unless it was an extraordinary situation, but this was exactly that, so it could not be helped. I never dreamed I would use a penalty again so quickly; life really is unpredictable.
‘The only disappointing thing is that the amount I am borrowing is small….’
Even after pouring in all the collected points and using a penalty, the amount of power was disappointing. It seemed the phrase "the amount of points used increases" in the talent description meant this. While it was disappointing, I recognized it was unavoidable. Since I could use the power of two heroes simultaneously, this much was only natural.
‘And it is fine because the amount of points I can earn will increase later anyway.’
Considering the amount of Influence Points I had earned so far, the more influence I wielded over the world, the more points I earned. If so, as my influence in the world accumulated, I would eventually be able to earn high amounts of points even from minor incidents. Therefore, for the sake of that future, I began to shroud myself in the heroes' power, determined to get through this moment.
‘First, from Shin Yu-hwan’s talent.’
Mana intertwined around me, and a pitch-black spear was summoned. Next, I used Im Seong-cheol’s talent. Then, following my will, a blue flame began to wrap around the spear, unleashing its aura. At that sight, Yu-hyeon gasped in admiration with a surprised face.
“Those are quite familiar talents. My estimation of your value, Brother, just went up significantly.”
“…Shut up and just come at me.”
I tried to maintain a calm appearance, but it was impossible. Simply maintaining the ability was exhausting me.
‘Is the way the penalty works also different?’
Normally, I did not feel tired while using it, but now it felt as if the penalty hit me the moment I used the talent. Whether it was because my inherent physical abilities were insufficient to withstand the power of two or more heroes, or if it was naturally like this, I did not know, but it was not a pleasant sensation.
‘Furthermore, physical abilities are only applied from one person.’
Unlike the unique talents of the heroes, physical abilities were only applied from one of them. Yes, this was just like my talent. A talent that always required a price was undeniably mine. It truly was difficult to use an ability with a relaxed mind.
“Then, for your sake, Brother, let us finish this quickly.”
He was coming. The moment he finished speaking, an immense amount of light filled the cave. He said he did not intend to act like a villain, but this looked several times stronger than that.
“Fine. Let us finish this quickly…!”
However, I had no intention of just taking it. Nor did I have any intention of simply blocking. He only told me to endure it; he never said I could not counterattack. I had to prove it, did I not? That I was more suitable to protect Ha Eun-ha than he was.
With only that thought in mind, I drew out every bit of mana I could.
“Ugh!!”
At that moment, my entire body trembled in pain. My mind went blank. This was a moment where I could clearly feel how dangerous a penalty hitting during combat could be. But even so, I did not stop.
BOOM!
Even before our strikes had met, a violent sound of air being torn apart echoed from the collision of mana alone. However, neither the loud noise nor the surrounding scenery reached me. All I could hear was the sound of Yu-hyeon moving. All I could see was the sword of light moving in Yu-hyeon’s hand.
And so, the single-minded determination to strike down the opponent in front of me moved my body.
BOOM!!!!
My black spear and Yu-hyeon’s white sword clashed, shaking the earth and the atmosphere. With that final moment, my consciousness flickered out.