The Pharaoh's Duel

The original Giga-Chad had arrived. Ah, I remembered now. The Ancient Pharaoh. She was a character with a split personality, possessing another persona deep within her. Usually, she was gentle and kind, but the moment a battle broke out, her inner self would awaken and smash everything to pieces. In front of her, everyone was equal—because, according to the lore, she was the strongest being in the world.

She was in her "other" state when she used that tone. But why "Eun-Ppi"...? My name is Lee, isn't it?

"I'm actually a Mr. Lee..."

I don't think you do, though? She was so confident that anyone watching would have thought she really knew what was going on.

As she reached out, the spirit that had fully revealed itself began to move according to her gestures.

The spirit's body began to be engulfed in flames, burning brightly.

At those words, the spirit lunged at the ruler of the grand desert, and the ruler's body began to burn.

With those words, the enemy shattered into pieces, and a message floated before my eyes.

"Yes..."

As the fire spirit vanished, she walked toward me.

"U-um... are you okay...?"

Judging by her stuttering, she had returned to her original self. ...Is this what they call "gap moe"?

"Thanks for the help."

"O-oh, it was nothing..."

While I was staring at her, unable to even meet her eyes, the other Transcendents chimed in, curious.

Then, her gaze suddenly changed.

If I let this go on, they're going to fight. In times like this, running away is the best option.

"Thanks for the help. See you next time!"

South Korea Awakened Association. Director Lee Naeun, who was working as usual, received an email. Her expression changed in an instant after clicking it, and she pressed the emergency bell; shortly after, her secretary entered the office.

"Did you call, Director?"

"Convene an emergency meeting."

"Understood. What should the agenda be?"

"Japan... Awakened Hoshino Yue's failure to climb the 52nd floor."

Hoshino Yue. Japan's top-ranked Awakened. I heard she had cleared the 51st floor just like us and attempted the 52nd, but the situation was said to be dire. Unlike Korea, which had Lee Eunwoo, who was updating the 36th-floor records, Japan currently had no standout figures, making it an emergency situation for them. Because they, like us, didn't have much time left.

"I will convene it immediately."

Leaving the secretary who bowed and left behind, I took out my phone, and an international call came in as if waiting for me.

"I've taken the call."

"It's been a while, Director."

A familiar voice heard over the phone. It was Harano Rubi, the director of the Japanese Awakened Association.

"I received the email."

"We are in an emergency, so if South Korea's Lee Eunwoo clears the 52nd floor, could we receive help?"

"That is not a matter I can decide."

I answered firmly, but I didn't feel good. South Korea and Japan were in a cooperative relationship, helping each other. I wanted to give a definitive answer, but that would be an abuse of power. For now, I had no choice but to delay the answer.

"...I am sorry."

"No, it's not something you should apologize for. We have also urgently convened a meeting, so we will contact you if we get good news."

"Thank you..."

With that, I hung up and looked at the picture frame on my desk.

"......"

I looked at the photo taken with her and then stood up from my seat. To attend the meeting.

The next morning. I was watching the news, and they were talking about Japan's failure to clear the 52nd floor.

"They say Japan failed to clear the 52nd floor as well."

Well, my babies... the Transcendents are by my side, so I'm not worried, but it seems like other countries are in chaos. Because the whole world is in an emergency. I guess I can help them later. To do that, I have to climb diligently.

"Then, I'm off. Enter."

In an instant, my vision changed, and a massive tower appeared before me. As I approached and opened the door, a message popped up.

"Yes!"

At that moment, a red message appeared.

Red messages filled my surroundings, and when I squeezed my eyes shut and opened them, I had been moved to the middle of a desert where sand was scattering. The only difference from before was the pyramid, which had become so massive it couldn't be compared to the 36th floor. Soon, the pyramid began to shake as if it were vibrating. At the same time, a voice was heard.

Is the being inside the pyramid waking up? From the 37th floor all the way to the 40th. The floors where the boss monster appears have been integrated. Is this difficulty even fair!? Then, another message popped up.

At the same time, my ring began to shine.

With a brilliant white light, she... the owner of the split personality and the being nicknamed the 'original Giga-Chad' appeared.

"T-to smash the insolent bastard's head, j-just a moment, please excuse me."

But looking at her tone, it was her original self. At that moment, the massive pyramid shook, and black light erupted from its summit as if exploding.

The sky darkened in an instant, and a blurry figure could be seen at its ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠center.

A being that revealed itself as even the sun was engulfed in darkness. A being whose entire body was wrapped in black flames came out into the world. Then, her voice was heard as if waiting for it.

With those words, the other her walked forward.

Following her words, a magic circle appeared in the air, and a spirit revealed itself starting from its head. Soon, the spirit's body began to shine brilliantly.

Shining brilliantly with golden light, cracks appeared all over its body, and from within, the spirit revealed itself anew. A being with a golden helmet and wings emitted a brilliantly shining golden light, covering the entire world.