novelraw Chapter 160: Dimension Gate (5)
Chapter 160: Dimension Gate (5)
Translator: Dreamscribe
The Ohsung Tower was the tallest building in Korea.
It was tall enough to rank 4th among the tallest buildings in the world, and its size was grand. Its sleek design had made it a landmark representing Seoul.
The Tower of Erosion had spread across the entire city of Seoul, centered around the Ohsung Tower. It looked as if the Erosion was being concentrated there. In fact, the Erosion from the Great Rift had fallen toward the Ohsung Tower, forming a gray pillar connected to the Great Rift.
The appearance of the Ohsung Tower was grotesque.
Countless eyes and tentacles jutted out from its surface like protrusions, and horrifying noises continually emanated from it. It looked as if all the most dreadful things in the world had been condensed into one place. It could have harmed the company’s image, but since it was owned by the Ohsung Group anyway, there was no issue.
When the Tower of Erosion completely collapsed, changes began to appear in the Ohsung Tower.
[The Great Rift is beginning to close.]
Everyone thought everything would be over when the Great Rift that had tainted the skies of Seoul began to slowly close. Some Heroes even felt a sense of regret. There were still many Quests they had yet to complete.
What would happen to the reverse world if the Great Rift closed?
What about the countless Quests that still remained?
Surely the Creator God must have a plan.
Thinking that, the Heroes gazed at the Great Rift as it fully closed. The Rift gradually narrowed, becoming a thick line. Just as the skies of Seoul were about to return to normal,
[The reverse world is disappea..., zzzt!]
The Status Window that appeared before everyone suddenly melted away, as if it had been corrupted by the Erosion.
Swoosh!
A giant finger pushed through the crack of the Great Rift. Forcing the rift open wider and wider, a massive eyeball appeared through the gap. The eyeball was so large that the landscape of Seoul was reflected in its murky cornea.
The Eye of Erosion gazed upon everything in Seoul.
That alone exerted tremendous pressure on the Legion of Light. Compared to this, the Lord of Greed was nothing. A monster incomparable in scale was targeting Seoul.
“Uh, hmm....”
“It really is dark fantasy.”
“I was healing in Seoul, but....”
The Heroes stared blankly up at the sky. Then they let out dry chuckles and nodded.
Seoul looked like it was on the verge of destruction.
They had been enjoying Quests and content, but looking only at the backdrop, it was clearly dark fantasy.
This is what Arsilan Saga was meant to be.
It looked insurmountable, but they would overcome it in the end.
“Erosion....”
“It’s enormous.”
Those who had overcome the past in Arsilan did not feel despair. They laughed fiercely alongside the Heroes, raising their fighting spirit.
As the forcibly opened Great Rift began to close again, bubbles started to form on the surface of the massive eye. The bubbles that started in the pupil quickly spread across the entire eye and began to boil violently.
Pusususu!
The eyeball burst like a crushed fruit, and a foul liquid flowed down onto the Ohsung Tower. It was a revolting sight, enough to make even the most experienced Heroes grimace.
Covered in the liquid, the appearance of the Ohsung Tower began to change. Veins emerged to cover its surface, and it began to throb like a beating heart.
Thump! Thump!
With those heartbeats, the entirety of Seoul shook as if struck by an earthquake.
Crack crack crack!
The surface of the Ohsung Tower cracked like an eggshell, and before the fallen pieces could hit the ground, they turned to ash and vanished.
As the Ohsung Tower collapsed, something began to reveal itself. It was curled up, as if just born from an egg. It was large enough to completely fill the Ohsung Tower. No, it was far larger than the Ohsung Tower.
When the curled-up body straightened, its bony frame swelled, revealing a massive form.
“Holy shit....”
“That’s the boss...?”
“It’s way bigger than a world boss.”
The Heroes were frozen in place.
It was a monster straight out of a nightmare.
A giant in ash-gray. Its body was covered with eyes both large and small, and its enormous head was composed of a giant eyeball. Its torso was split open from chest to groin, forming a mouth. Sharp teeth jutted out, and a sticky liquid formed of Erosion continuously flowed out of it.
[The Embodiment of Despair has descended upon Seoul.]
The tallest Ohsung Tower in Korea.
A monstrous being twice the size of even that tower.
The Embodiment of Despair, born from the Eye of Erosion, descended upon Seoul.
The Embodiment of Despair stood still.
It didn’t move at all. It looked like a statue.
“It’s not moving?”
“Let’s watch for now.”
Should they attack it?
How were they supposed to strategize against it?
The Heroes had no idea how to respond and could only stand there and watch.
The Hell Party observed the Embodiment of Despair from the rooftop of a half-collapsed building.
“Wow! That’s huge!”
“It looks strong. But why an eyeball? Is there a specific reason for that?”
Ella and Helby admired the Embodiment of Despair, designed by FS Games.
In response to Helby’s question, Jinwoo grinned.
“Of course, there’s a reason for everything.”
As Jinwoo snapped his fingers, the Embodiment of Despair began to move. More precisely, hundreds of eyeballs quickly shifted as if detecting movement around them.
At that moment.
Zeeeeing!
The eyeballs flared red.
Every eyeball across its entire body was emitting a blazing red light. The people of Arsilan tilted their heads in confusion, but the Heroes knew exactly what it meant.
“Holy shit...!”
“T-That, that thing....”
“Take cover!”The Heroes’ suspicions proved correct.
Zeeeeeeeeing!
Red beams of overwhelming energy erupted from every eyeball and swept across Seoul. Buildings and structures struck by the beams were either sliced in half or melted straight through, leaving behind long, straight scars.
Hundreds of beams swept through everything around them in a single wave.
Ella and Helby stood dumbfounded at the sight.
City and monster.
It was pure romance!
It was a design packed full of Jinwoo’s personal touch. Originally, it was meant to be a beam-shooting monster from its eyes, but that concept didn’t fit dark fantasy, so the design was changed to the current form.
-That’s scary as hell.
-We almost died.
-Our party got wiped.
-Beams, seriously....
-Did you see the Han River evaporating?
-The head is literally glowing, guys.
-Wait, what?
The Heroes’ reactions were also satisfying.
A red glow began to gather in the massive eyeball acting as the head. Just the act of gathering energy dyed the surroundings red. It was like watching a giant lighthouse standing in the middle of the city.
Lighthouses guided the way, but this thing was a monster that led all who saw it into despair.
KWAGAGAGAGAGAGA!
A beam far beyond anything so far blasted out, sweeping across the surroundings. Just the width of it stretched hundreds of meters, melting the ground as it extended through Seoul and reached the mountains.
Mountains, buildings, the earth, everything it touched was cleanly severed. The scar left by the beam across Seoul sizzled with searing heat.
BOOM! BOOM!
The Embodiment of Despair began to move in earnest.
It slowly stepped forward, its countless eyeballs scanning for movement around it.
Zeeeeing! BOOM!
As soon as any movement was detected, hundreds of beams were fired. Hundreds of thousands of Heroes and Arsilan people nearby were vaporized without a single trace.
[Seoul is being destroyed! More precisely, the reverse world of Seoul is....]
[As more voices emerge saying they wish to see the same scene in Paris....]
[Next is New York? Speculation is growing that the next target will be the first overseas launch city of Arsilan Saga! The promotional effect alone is astronomical....]
Multiple international news outlets broadcast the scene live. Reporters with Soul Glasses and special cameras were vividly relaying the on-site situation.
This unbelievable spectacle was being broadcast all over the world!
Many verification photos were being uploaded online. Seoul citizens from various professions were snapping photos of the ruined city with their phones while enjoying the peace.
‘Watching from the police station. That thing can’t be arrested.’
‘The fire station is quiet for once.’
‘Message from Army HQ. We don’t think we can stop that either.’
Through the Reverse World app, if you took a picture, you could project another person’s image into the Reverse World. A photo of firefighters blankly staring at the Embodiment of Despair was going massively viral!
-Retreat to the base camp immediately!
-Run!
-How are we supposed to kill that thing?
The Legion of Light retreated and regrouped at the base camp.
Jinwoo looked at Ella and Helby.
It was time to mark the finale. Unfortunately, the Hell Party would disband here.
“Let’s go.”
At Jinwoo’s words, Ella gave a bright smile, and Helby furrowed her brows slightly before nodding. Though Ella and Helby shed their Hero bodies, they didn’t leave the party, contrary to Jinwoo’s expectations.
***
All the Heroes and people of Arsilan retreated to the base camp. Though the space wasn’t that wide, layered space allowed for everyone to be accommodated.
Zeeeeing! KWAGAGAGAGA!
The Embodiment of Despair was on a rampage, destroying indiscriminately. If it detected even the slightest movement, it fired a beam without hesitation. Like an eraser, it wiped out everything that moved as it swept through Seoul.
How could they possibly defeat that monstrous creature? The eyes of the world were focused here.
Heina received multiple reports.
Heroes with their own Domains, Guild Masters, and those with high Contribution Points were able to report directly to Heina.
“If you get within a 15km radius, it reacts immediately.”
“It’s impossible to even approach it.”
“If we charge like this, we’ll be wiped out in no time.”
Heina fell into deep thought.
The contents of the meeting could be viewed by all Heroes and Arsilan people via the Status Window.
-It really does detect immediately.
-You can’t even sneak up on it. I tried going through the subway and got my head blown off.
-It must have x-ray vision or something.
-That thing’s broken as hell.
Named Heroes had tried various strategies, but all ended in failure. The hundreds of eyeballs saw through everything. Even trying to approach via subway led to beams shooting through the ground, erasing everything that moved.
Then, Jinwoo appeared in front of the command post along with a beam of light. His clothes were burned in patches as if he had been hit by a beam, and the Holy Sword was glowing red. Ella and Helby appeared at Jinwoo’s sides.
All attention focused on Jinwoo.
“When it fires a beam and gathers energy, there’s a short delay.”
The problem was, it was difficult to approach even during that window.
“If we attack simultaneously from both air and ground, we might be able to maximize that gap.”
It was a solid suggestion, but the Legion of Light didn’t have the capability to do that. At Jinwoo’s words, Helby nodded as if something came to mind.
“That’s not even the main body that descended, just a fragment. No matter how powerful an existence it is, it shouldn’t be able to manifest like that.”
“Because this is the Reverse World, right?”
At Jinwoo’s response, Helby nodded.
“Yes. If something can exert massive influence over the Reverse World, then it can do things that would be impossible in reality.”
“The Erosion has covered the entire city....”
“That’s probably why such a monster can be sustained.”
Hearing the conversation between Jinwoo and Helby, Heina nodded as well.
“In that case..., we also exert a great influence over the Reverse World. Just like the Embodiment of Despair, it should be possible for us to use the Reverse World.”
“Correct.”
The Heroes still didn’t quite understand what they meant.
“Let me show you the power of your influence.”
As Ella stretched out her hand, the Contribution Points accumulated in Seoul appeared before everyone.
[Seoul Contribution Point Rankings]
NorthernGrandDuke 1,500P
LifeHunter 1,460P
Haebyul 1,320P
Hellhound 1,220P
GoldSilver 1,100P
.
..
...
They could even view the rankings.
The people of Arsilan were being ranked separately. Ella smiled warmly as she looked over everyone.
“Through the influence you’ve exerted on the Reverse World, we’ll manifest a miracle. We’ll be able to maintain it until the Reverse World is lifted.”
“It’s possible now.”
As Ella and Helby invoked their powers, a Status Window appeared before everyone.
[Manifesting a miracle based on Contribution Points.]
*[A] Starlight Wyvern
A wyvern imbued with starlight.
Able to fly freely through the sky, with sharp beak and talons powerful enough to tear through steel.
Requirement: Seoul Contribution 700P or higher
*[B] Golden Unicorn
Can run at high speed ignoring terrain obstacles and deploy a powerful shield.
Requirement: Seoul Contribution 500P or higher
*[B-] Horse of Light
A horse with speed as its main strength.
Capable of instant acceleration that breaks the sound barrier.
Requirement: Seoul Contribution 300P or higher
*[C] Soul Steed
A horse boasting a comfortable ride.
Faster than ordinary mounts.
Requirement: Seoul Contribution 100P or higher
Mounts could be manifested through Contribution Points.
If you had steadily completed Quests, it was possible to accumulate over 500P. Over 700P required serious effort to achieve.
Even after summoning a mount, the points were not consumed and remained intact.
“Flying mounts! Uwaaaah!”
“Wow! So this is the reward.”
“Feels good to have worked hard!”
“Ugh! I have 680 points!”
“Slacker.”
The Heroes summoned their mounts.
When a small wyvern with scales that resembled starlight appeared, the Heroes let out cheers. Even the Arsilan people who had accumulated high Contribution Points were delighted along with the Heroes.
Jinwoo looked at the Legion of Light, who were swept up in excitement.
“For Arsilan, and for Earth, we must leap into the beams spewed by that monster.”
Jinwoo’s calm voice was delivered to everyone.
“As for a plan..., honestly, I have none. We’re going to break through those beams and pour every attack we’ve got onto that damn monster. I’ll take the lead. Will you follow me?”
[King Leon is proposing a reckless operation. Will you accept it?]
It was an absurdly reckless plan.
No different from a moth flying into the flames.
At Leon’s slightly roughened tone, the Heroes first looked startled, then grinned broadly.
“Charge straight through the beams at that insane monster?”
“And without a plan?”
“You melt the moment you touch it!”
There was no need to ask the Heroes.
“Sounds awesome!”
“Let’s do it right now!”
“Damn, that’s dopamine.”
The Heroes responded with shouts of excitement.
“It’s an honor to fight alongside you.”
“This is exactly what I wanted.”
“Simple is best!”
The Arsilan people bowed their heads toward Jinwoo and joined in.
[Seoul] Move like the light!
Through the influence over the Reverse World, they had gained the means to approach the Embodiment of Despair.
Now was the time to give it everything!
Let them show the strength and courage Arsilan had built up until now.
The Quest Window was updated.
The morale of the Legion of Light soared to the heavens. Everyone was ready to charge toward the Embodiment of Despair.
Jinwoo smiled and turned his gaze to Helby.
Helby exhaled lightly, closed her eyes, and transformed into a dragon. As the guardian dragon of Arsilan revealed her form, gasps of awe erupted all around.
[Get on.]
Jinwoo lightly climbed onto Helby’s back.
Though she looked displeased, thanks to the massive bribes he had given her, something like this was now possible. Ella tried to mount her as well, but Helby stretched out her hand and grabbed her.
[You stay here.]
“Eeeeh?!”
Helby took off into the sky as she was.
Millions of Heroes and Arsilan people riding wyverns followed after Helby into the air.
“Uwaaaaaaah!”
“So fast!”
“Th-This thing moves exactly the way I think!”
“This, this is a flying mount!”
The sight of small wyverns soaring after the massive dragon was a spectacular view. On the ground, unicorns, horses of light, and soul steeds moved in perfect formation under Heina’s command.
It sent chills down their spines.
It looked as though light had returned to Seoul, a city overflowing with destruction.
Everyone watching through broadcasts or on-site trembled uncontrollably.
Ah! Arsilan Saga!
I want to play it!
Why am I working right now?
Should I quit?
Even the foreign reporters couldn’t help but think that way.
[I’m going in fast. Once we enter its territory, dodge as you see fit.]
As Helby wrapped herself in starlight and surged ahead, all the wyverns following her rapidly accelerated. A sonic boom erupted, easily breaking the sound barrier.
The Embodiment of Despair detected movement.
Hundreds of eyes rotated rapidly, scanning both the sky and the ground. Beams extended toward everything that approached.
KWAGAGAGA!
A beam narrowly grazed right beside Helby and swept through the wyverns carrying the Heroes and the people of Arsilan.
“Ugh!”
“Barely dodged that!”
“This feels like a bullet hell game!”
“S-So intense.”
“Hahahaha!”
It was insanely fun!
The thrill of experiencing a bullet-hell shooting game in first-person brought a sharp tension and exhilarating pleasure.
FWAAA!
As the beam burst forth, Helby twisted her body to the side, executing evasive maneuvers. Everyone following behind saw and mimicked her. As the beam ceased and the energy entered a recharging phase, they accelerated forward.
GURURUK!
As the distance gradually closed, the Lord of Despair looked up at the sky with its massive eyeball, which acted as its head.
An enormous amount of energy began to gather in the large eyeball. At that moment, the eye stretched sideways, widening the range of the beam.
[Get behind me!]
Just as the wyverns scrambled to move behind Helby, the widened beam shot through the sky. Jinwoo quickly swung the Holy Sword, and Helby fired off a breath attack. All the wyverns that failed to retreat behind Helby were melted away on the spot.
Helby’s breath, the light of the Holy Sword, and the beam collided, holding each other in a brief deadlock.
At this rate, there was no way to get closer.
“Huh? Hey! What the....”
Helby extended Ella, whom she was holding in her hand, forward.
This wasn’t part of the plan.
[Goddess Bomb.]
“Ugh?! Kyaaah!”
SQUISH!
When Helby pressed her claw against Ella’s belly, a blast of light exploded from her body.
KWAGAGAGA!
The maintained balance was shattered, and a shockwave swept the area. The Embodiment of Despair staggered.
“Now!”
As Jinwoo pointed the Holy Sword forward, a sharp golden blade appeared before every wyvern.
“Arsilans! Charge at full speed!”
The moment Jinwoo’s command echoed through Seoul,
“For Arsilan!”
“Uwaaaah! Let’s go!”
“W-Wait! Ugh! I-I’m getting motion sick...!”
“Just ram it!”
“Crush that thing!!”
The tens of thousands of surviving wyverns folded their wings and, together with Helby, shot forward like missiles toward the massive eyeball, like eagles in a dive.
The crazed smiles of the Heroes met the gaze of the gigantic eye.
*****
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