Chapter 196: The First Universe Quest (6)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 196: The First Universe Quest (6)
Grind, crunch.
They were being compressed, forced tighter and tighter together. Hundreds of Black Beings merged into a single, terrifying entity.
“So, it strengthens itself through compression.”
A flicker of wariness crossed Tuvalt’s eyes, but he quickly dismissed it. No matter how much they merged, the gap in their fundamental power remained clear.
Tuvalt swung his hand with confidence. A flurry of sharp weapons forged from Demonic Energy whistled through the air, clashing against one another as they converged on the compressed Black Being.
The Black Being took a single step forward.
K-boom!
The weapons shattered upon impact with its body. In an instant, the creature closed the distance. Tuvalt’s eyes widened. He scrambled to deploy his shields.
Thump!
“Ugh!”
A powerful shockwave bypassed the shields and surged into Tuvalt. Cracks spiderwebbed across the barriers instantly. Gritting his teeth, Tuvalt recalled his weapons.
Swish!
He gathered the recovered Demonic Energy to forge an even more formidable armament. Dozens of jagged spikes flew toward the Black Being all at once.
The Black Being didn't even bother to defend; it simply charged. The spikes embedded themselves in its flesh, but they left nothing more than superficial scratches.
It’s too tough!
Boom!
A fist lunged forward, sending a massive shockwave through the shield. Tuvalt’s mind raced.
He could manifest his Demonic Energy as weapons and reclaim the energy spent on them afterward. Within certain limits, he wielded nearly infinite power—but that also meant he couldn't handle any force that exceeded those limits.
The Black Being before him was both durable and devastatingly strong. He needed to expend every drop of his Demonic Energy. Having made his decision, Tuvalt kicked off the ground and leaped into the air.
Flicker.
He retracted all the Demonic Energy he had been using for defense. Then, he forged a single, massive spear. It was a full-power strike, concentrated with every ounce of his strength.
“Die.”
The spear pierced toward the Black Being with cold dignity. With a thunderous roar, the earth shattered, and a thick cloud of dust billowed outward.
An ordinary Black Mage would have been completely depleted after such an attack, rendered helpless, but not Tuvalt. He could recover his energy. That was his unique strength.
However, there was a drawback.
It took time to reclaim that energy.
Thud!
The Black Being burst through the dust cloud. One of its arms had been blown off by the spear and a gaping hole remained in its abdomen, but it was very much alive. Tuvalt gasped.
I have to recover my energy and defend—!
But he was too late. The Black Being’s fist was already flying toward his face.
He was going to die.
Just as terror threatened to consume Tuvalt, a hand intercepted the Black Being’s fist.
Paaaaang!
The air exploded outward from the impact. Tuvalt gasped for breath.
“Kang Jun-hyeok?”
“These things are mindless, but they aren't entirely without instinct. They’re slow, but they learn.”
The Black Beings could compress themselves to increase their power. The efficiency was abysmal—it took hundreds of them huddling together just to barely reach the threshold of the Second Rank.
However, it was the perfect counter-strategy against someone like Tuvalt.
“You aren't weak, Tuvalt. You’re strong. But your methods have a clear ceiling.”
Voom!
The Black Being, having been pushed back, lunged again. It clenched its fist, aiming to crush Kang Jun-hyeok’s skull.
Kang Jun-hyeok didn't even bother taking a defensive stance. Gripping his dagger, he charged straight at it. Just before the fist could reach him, he activated a skill.
[Anti-Field]
Clang!
The barrier shattered the moment the fist made contact. However, it bought Kang Jun-hyeok the opening he needed. His dagger flashed, severing the Black Being’s limbs. The butchered pieces of its body rained down onto the scorched earth.
“The skill I just used is a High-Rank Skill. You could have obtained it too. If you had, you wouldn't have been at death's door just now.”
But he hadn't. Because Tuvalt’s ego as a Black Mage was too strong, he hadn't purchased a single skill from the Tower.
“To have the path to power laid out before you and choose to ignore it... truly impressive.”
Tuvalt bristled at the sarcasm. “...It’s only for now. It’s because my Demonic Energy and proficiency are still lacking. Once time passes, it won't be an issue.”
“But you almost died just now.”
“...”
“Do you really think you can win that way? My swordsmanship, Divine Power, and Mana Box—who do you think I got these from?”
These were techniques from a realm Tuvalt couldn't yet comprehend. It didn't seem like Kang Jun-hyeok had created them himself. It wasn't hard to guess that he had obtained them from those who were once the rulers of the universe but had been defeated.
“Are you really more special than those who once ruled this universe? Are you stronger? Are you more outstanding?”
“I... I am...”
“No, Tuvalt. You aren't that special.”
Tuvalt couldn't find a rebuttal. Kang Jun-hyeok gave him a sharp kick in the backside.
“Keep moving. Fight them. Face your limits over and over again. And at the end of it, fall into utter despair. Because that is exactly what you need right now.”
Tuvalt flinched at the freezing coldness in his voice.
* * *
Eldiria murmured.
[That child is exceptional. He has talent. With enough time and a miracle's worth of luck, he might even reach our heights.]
Tuvalt possessed the qualifications to become a Transcendent.
“But that’s as far as it goes.”
Countless Transcendents had fought against the Victors, and the result was always defeat.
We must use any means necessary.
The Tower’s skills, stats, quests—they had to utilize everything. Only then would there be a slim chance of victory. Eldiria and the Master of All Weapons seemed to agree.
[For reasons unknown, the Master of the Universe has given you all a chance. You have become able to wield power that defies the natural order.]
[There will be no chance of victory for you if you reject that power.]
Kang Jun-hyeok knew that fact better than anyone. He thrust his fist forward.
[High-Output Gauntlet from Somewhere]
The warship core contained within the gauntlet detonated. An intense force shook the surroundings, tearing the Black Beings apart. Having exhausted his skills, Kang Jun-hyeok returned to the safe zone.
[You’ve returned without a scratch again! Incredible!]
Vibraham exclaimed in admiration. He was constantly being surprised by Kang Jun-hyeok.
Kang Jun-hyeok was strong, but his strength wasn't of the conventional sort. By utilizing the Tower’s skills granted by the Master of the Universe, he continued to exceed Vibraham’s expectations.
And that wasn't all.
[It’s not just your individual strength that’s outstanding. You have a talent for leadership!]
Kang Jun-hyeok had the Players form ranks to fight the Black Beings. Their strength was pathetically lacking compared to the monsters. Vibraham had judged that they wouldn't achieve much, but unexpectedly, they were producing great results.
It was only possible because Kang Jun-hyeok had positioned and directed them with near-perfection. He identified the movements and weaknesses of individual Players and provided constant feedback. As a result, an even more perfect formation was established.
Kang Jun-hyeok was exerting perfect control over hundreds of thousands of Players. Even to Vibraham, it was an admirable display of command.
[I see why they’ve stuck by you. If I could, I’d sever your ties and force you into a contract as my exclusive Apostle.]
[Vibraham. Unlike the Master of All Weapons, I am in this universe. That means I can pay you a visit at any time.]
[...It was a joke. Just a joke.]
At Eldiria’s warning, Vibraham hurriedly changed the subject.
Kang Jun-hyeok looked at the Players. They were dealing with the Black Beings that entered the barrier one by one. Low and middle-rank Players were weak; individually, they could never stand against a Black Being.
Because of that, the atmosphere during the first Universe Quest in his past life had been abysmal. Their enemies were powerful and numerous, while they were weak and useless. That despair had spread like a plague, crushing the Players' motivation for a long time even after the quest ended.
But what about now?
“Hahaha! This is nothing!”
“We can handle them at this level!”
The Players' faces were full of confidence and hope. It was unclear what kind of long-term difference that would make, but at the very least, it wasn't a negative.
After waiting for his skill cooldowns, Kang Jun-hyeok headed back outside the barrier and began thinning out the Black Beings again. The Players watched him with eyes full of awe.
“Ooh...”
“He’s... he’s incredible.”
Kang Jun-hyeok didn't realize it himself, but his presence played a huge part in the Players gaining confidence. Tuvalt was certainly strong, but he was the kind of existence they could never hope to reach—his power came from overwhelming, innate talent. They felt awe, but there was a clear distance between them.
In contrast, while Kang Jun-hyeok was strong enough to overwhelm Tuvalt, most of that power consisted of Tower skills. Those were powers that they, as Players, could also purchase through the Shop.
If we climb the Tower further...
We can become like him!
Of course, that was a massive misconception. Kang Jun-hyeok’s true strength stemmed from his unique Perfect Clears. However, it was enough to give them hope. Ariana was also struck with admiration.
“He’s amazing. It’s even more impressive that most of it comes from skills. How is that even possible?”
“...”
Tuvalt, who was beside her, didn't answer. Ariana frowned.
“...Tuvalt. I know you dislike him. But he’s on our side. More than anything, you lost, didn't you? Isn't it about time you swallowed your pride?”
“I know. I know that,” Tuvalt replied quietly.
A look of surprise crossed Ariana’s face. He’s taking this better than I expected?
If it were the Tuvalt she knew, she expected him to react more emotionally. It was unexpected, but a good thing. It seemed she wouldn't have to waste any more energy acting as a mediator.
I guess his ego took a hit after losing repeatedly. That’s for the best.
She felt relieved. However, Tuvalt’s inner thoughts were completely different.
...Kang Jun-hyeok.
The Divine Power, Martial Arts, and Mana Box he had shown—all of them were extraordinary techniques that even he, a genius who appeared once in ten thousand years, couldn't fully grasp.
That wasn't all. Kang Jun-hyeok’s combat techniques, his instincts, and his leadership—all of it was superior to his own. It was a massive shock to Tuvalt.
He was a genius. He possessed a talent that appeared once in ten thousand years. The reason he ignored, excluded, and mocked others was that they truly had no value in his eyes. Everyone he met failed to understand the world as he saw it. When he spoke, they couldn't comprehend him and merely praised him for being amazing. The gulf between their perceptions was too vast.
The only person with any value had been Ariana, who had been with him since childhood. But even she didn't understand the world he saw.
A child is supposed to look up to an adult and want to be like them. But for Tuvalt, there was no adult worthy of respect. Having grown up that way, Tuvalt had reached one conclusion: This world is foolish. This world is dull. The only thing with value is my own judgment.
That was Tuvalt’s worldview.
But now, he had seen Kang Jun-hyeok.
Kang Jun-hyeok was strong. He could overwhelm him. On top of that, he had accurately pointed out his weaknesses. He had predicted that Tuvalt would hit a limit, and it had actually happened. Not only that, but he led the people Tuvalt despised, making them produce results far beyond their worth.
Those were things Tuvalt couldn't do even if he wanted to—things that were impossible for him.
“Kang Jun... hyeok.”
There was a strange emotion laced in his voice. For the first time in his life, he had encountered someone worthy of his respect.