Chapter 74
Chapter 74
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Scarlett's Plea and the Ice Queen's Awakening
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I had the tofu hot pot set. Savory stir-fried okara, crispy pancakes, pork slices served with kimchi, and fresh seasoned vegetables.
It was a satisfying meal, but I set my utensils down moderately. Unlike me, savoring the food, Scarlett was barely eating, glancing at me nervously.
"So, what exactly is this movie?"
"It's titled *Professor Aspirant*."
"...The title's a bit..."
My thought—*Is it a sitcom?*—must have shown on my face, because Scarlett relaxed a little as she spoke.
"The professor from Ouroboros."
"...That changes everything."
Ouroboros, the greatest and strongest academic institution in the vast universe.
This otherworldly organization, called a sect, academy, or university depending on who's speaking, is known as the [Seeker of Truth], encompassing all knowledge in the world—from martial arts and magic to science and philosophy.
Naturally, many coveted it, but none dared bare their fangs openly at Ouroboros. At its peak, it boasted over a hundred archmages and dozens of other transcendents. Above all, its headmaster was the sole 11th-class practitioner in the universe.
Across the vast multiverse, no one surpassed him in magic except the God of Magic himself.
"No way the protagonist is an archmage, right?"
"No. The character in the film is 8th-class, and the actor is a 7th-class mage. It's 'aspirant' in the title for a reason."
"So, a genius mage setup, then."
"Yes. It's about a character named [Lee Byung-moo], who dreams of becoming an Ouroboros professor. On his way there for enrollment, he's sucked into a black hole by an accident, kicking off a story involving mysterious alien races and battles with desire-driven pirates."
"...Hold on, a blockbuster?"
I interrupted, but Scarlett didn't seem offended at all.
She replied with a confident expression.
"Yes."
"This might be rude, but... what's your role?"
"Palace maid [Jung Hye-seon]. She looks like an ordinary maid, but she's actually the imperial sword protecting Byung-moo from the shadows."
Her words naturally sparked a question.
"That sounds almost like the lead role."
"It is an important one."
That was puzzling. Scarlett was undoubtedly a beauty who could outshine most actresses, but she was still a rookie with no notable filmography.
A failed idol turned unknown club DJ suddenly landing a near-lead in a blockbuster?
*Is this even possible?*
On 34th Earth, where 99% of humanity were ability users, making a blockbuster was no easy feat.
*Because ability users detect uncanny valley in CG.*
They found grand backgrounds made with CG tacky, and living beings rendered in CG made them frown with discomfort.
It felt like shouting "A monster appears!" while holding a crudely carved wooden doll—no immersion possible.
That's why 34th Earth's films evolved with minimal CG.
Dramas, comedies, action—pure stories of "person to person."
"For a project like that, landing the lead must've been tough. Did someone pull strings for you?"
*How did a nobody like you snag such a role? Got connections?* A question that could offend depending on the listener.
But Scarlett answered calmly, as if used to such queries.
"I was born into a good family, but no support there. My family all opposes this career. Even the 20 million won I gave you was my own earnings."
"Then?"
"It's my ability. There aren't many perfected chakra users among actors."
Poof!
In an instant, Scarlett vanished, then stepped out from the shadow of a large potted plant.
"Perfected chakra users are rare."
*Chakra Master!*
One who has grasped the essence of a specific element, flinging open the Wise Gate. At that level of enlightenment, their chakra realm deepens to the 5th layer of Immeasurable Storehouse. A human capable of the impossible for ordinary folk.
"Looks like it'll have a lot of fight scenes. How about the filming location?"
"That's exactly why I'm asking for your help, Jaeyeon. It's the Dreamworld."
"Ah."
Come to think of it, I'd heard of it. A sub-dimension of the material world connected to all living beings' dreams. Inside, you could encounter dreamlike entities and create fantastical scenes without CG.
The problem was...
"It's dangerous. It's a controlled zone, too..."
The Dreamworld couldn't be fully conquered. Too unstable, constantly birthing and vanishing.
"And it'll cost a fortune."
"Yes. Needs the ultimate magic, Breath of Alex."
A film company couldn't afford a 9th-class mage.
Transcendents—especially archmages—weren't for mere corporations to command.
34th Earth had only two archmages, neither hurting for money.
"Ultimate magic in the dimensional line... over 10,000 3rd-class mages, plenty of high-rankers, and half a year minimum."
"A massive project."
Meticulously deploying specific rituals where lower mages craft components, then assembling into one spell—the so-called Super-Highrise Building technique and its facilities were 34th Earth's pride, mass-producing high-rank magic items.
Thanks to the 10th-class Archmage Princess's method, enchanted 2nd-grade magic gear cost mere millions here, sold across the multiverse—from Leonhardt Empire onward—for massive profits.
Why even 3rd-class mages lived worry-free: joint formation arrays demanded so many mages that, despite most ability users being mages, they were still short.
"Must've landed a solid sponsor."
"Yes, Nemesis! They're so loaded, they signed a 100% solo sponsorship. Caused a stir, but tomorrow we head to the Dreamworld."
"...Tomorrow?"
Stunned by the rushed timeline, Scarlett explained to me.
"I've already signed all contracts and memorized the script. Normally, I wouldn't need to ask you this."
She sighed there.
"But now my family says it's too dangerous—won't let me go. They know how hard I worked for this..."
"So that means..."
She looked at me, eyes sparkling.
"They'll allow it with proper protection. Can't hire you as a bodyguard due to my newbie status and credibility issues, so you'll go as a stunt actor. I heard from the station that your home shopping gig counts as experience. Good reviews, too."
"..."
Her words made me think.
*Uh oh... this might actually be dangerous.*
She saw me as an elder—or at least equivalent.
A chakra master like her was on my level, yet her deference proved it.
The reason for her misconception: the transcendent element within me, Ardenia. She'd sensed my micro-universe with its opened Astronomy Gate.
She couldn't fully grasp it, but mistaking me for a mysterious hidden master was inevitable.
*No guarantee of danger, though. It's a film set, not a battlefield—most likely, I'll pocket 20 million for nothing.*
But if an emergency hit?
If a true elder-level force was needed?
I'd... die.
"Please, I beg you. It's a chance I can't miss. For me..."
"Alright."
"Ah...!"
I watched her face light up, then stood.
She suggested tea, but I shook my head, refusing, and left the restaurant.
*Curious.*
My heart raced.
*I want to know... how far this Earth's me can go.*
Ardenia's me fought endlessly, but Earth's me was different. Peaceful place—no need for personal force to seize anything.
Earth's me was still Citizen #1.
Neither strong nor special.
"But coasting like this is neglecting duty. Cheda."
"Meow!"
I fixed the approaching Cheda in midair and ran the stock program.
Then.
I sold all Nemesis stock except 6 shares.
"Before tomorrow... eat the flower."
Time to aim for myth.
* * *
Summon tickets give 9% chance for high-grade cards, 0.9% rare, 0.1% hero.
Theoretically, 10 million yields a hero—but reality differs, thanks to synthesis.
*Still insane odds.*
No wonder legend pulls are broadcast live. Tens of millions vanish into thin air, sometimes yielding nothing!
Yet even those odds...
-Therefore, don the armor of God.
-You shall sing of salvation amid the soldiers.
[Crusader (Legend)]
-Only death arrives unbidden.
-No one knew of his presence.
[Abyss Sniper (Legend)]
-The world drowns in misery; ascension is vain delusion.
-Now, I slay demon with demon.
[Point-Azure Sword Demon (Legend)]
Endless attempts conquer them.
"Seven legends. Pretty lucky."
140 million from stocks, 70 million balance including sponsorships, 20 million from Scarlett—all poured into class cards.
*Plus synthesizing awkward rares and heroes I'd shelved.*
Three new collection cards meant four for synthesis.
Obvious, but no synthesizing now. Myth cards unlock only for castle lords who conquer the flower.
More pressing matters first.
[Point-Azure Sword Demon (點蒼劍魔) (Legend)]
Strength +180, Agility +100, Vitality +100, Health +60, Mana +60
Attack Speed +50%.
[Swift Sword Body]
[Sun-Piercing]
No Sword Saint irked me, but Point-Azure Sword Demon rivaled it. Same crit swordsman, legend grade—natural.
Plus, main stat Strength, not Agility? Perfect.
"Nice, just like this."
That satisfying smile.
KABOOM!
A monstrous explosion rocked the lord's castle, crumbling it.
Boom!
I leaped out, smashing the ground. Falling debris was mere styrofoam to my superhuman strength.
"Ugh... ah... s-save... me..."
"Crazy! People trapped under buildings!"
"Ice spears! Ice spears raining down!"
"Healer! Where's a healer!"
Screams erupted everywhere. Crushed, shattered bodies littered the ground.
But I had no time for them.
High in the sky.
An ice queen of stunning beauty—yet no living thing—conjuring dozens of ice spears.
"What the...?"
KABOOM!
CRACKLE!
Ice barrage poured down. Soldiers screamed, scattering, but the rain of spears overwhelmed.
"Scatter!"
"Find cover!"
Gritting my teeth amid the cries.
"Dropping ice from that height...?"
Unheard-of pattern. I'd planned wall fights—never imagined this.
Not the only issue.
"Saw no dungeon boss, figured something like this might happen..."
Distant, but my superhuman vision read the text above her head. The situation was dire.
Above her head: Awakened Ice Queen (Legend).
Elisa.