Idol of the Infinite Regression Gallery
Idol of the Infinite Regression Gallery
The Martial God, Dan Woo-hyun.
Once a mere inn servant, he stepped into the realm called the Martial God through infinite regression.
An absolute powerhouse in the vast land of the Central Plains, with no equal except the Heavenly Demon.
He turned on the IR Gallery, the communication window for infinite regressors like himself, and began filming a video.
It was a video for Amor Fati's strategy against the Orc Chieftain.
"Watch closely, Amor Fati-i."
No matter how many times he pronounced it, the pronunciation was quite peculiar.
Dan Woo-hyun had encountered various worlds through the gallery.
No matter how vast the Central Plains was, could it match the combined size of universes from other dimensions?
He had long since become unhindered in accepting the cultures of other dimensions.
That is to say, he could recite the attributes of that monster called an orc with his eyes closed.
Extremely tough skin.
Tusks like a wild boar and monstrous strength that shatters boulders with a single blow.
Above all, a fiery personality unrivaled in belligerence.
Considering Amor Fati's level, he diligently filmed useful evasion maneuvers against the Orc Chieftain.
As for attack techniques, even the basic mana manipulation method the Archmage had taught would be quite useful for now, so evasion was the priority.
After uploading the video, Dan Woo-hyun felt a bit of anticipation.
"I wonder how far they can follow along."
Honestly, the rookie's movements before creating the Core were, at best, mediocre no matter how generously you judged.
While their field of vision absurdly surpassed that of a first-rate martial artist, their physical execution showed not even a sliver of talent.
But after creating the Core, they returned as a completely different person.
"A peculiar thing."
It is not easy to intentionally correct movements ingrained over a lifetime.
This was precisely why a younger age was advantageous when first learning martial arts.
Of course, the hardening of energy meridians and accumulation of bodily waste were also problems.
But the strong intent to correct posture before bad habits formed was another major reason.
The rookie's age, at a glance, was barely past twenty.
A significantly late age to start martial arts.
But it was fine.
Because the once unchangeable fixed outcome had changed, and the rookie had obtained a rare elixir of ages and created a Core.
Matters like energy meridians or bodily waste were meaningless now.
But movement?
He had thought that was an area that couldn't be resolved by any elixir.
"Doesn't it seem like a third party is controlling the body?"
It felt just like a skilled puppeteer precisely manipulating a puppet.
They must have had the vision but their body couldn't keep up.
"Were they suffering from the Nine Yin Severed Meridians?"
Geniuses who suffered from the Nine Yin Severed Meridians often experienced explosive growth like that when they encountered a fateful opportunity.
Meaning they had returned as a whole new person to that extent.
How could he not be excited?
"Huhuhu."
Not long after uploading the video, the rookie posted.
[Ha, I originally wasn't going to even glance at martial combat for a while]
[Author: Amor Fati]
(Thumbnail of flashily dodging the Orc Chieftain's attacks)
This works lol
Of course, it's no secret that I tripped and got my head blown off
└Solo Hero*) Look at this? Their learning ability is crazy? Having good eyesight and internalizing it to apply is a completely different realm
└Archmage) ......Just don't forget that magic is open to everyone
"U-hahahah!"
Dan Woo-hyun saw the rookie's uploaded video and slapped his knee! with a Tak!
Insane.
An insane level.
So there was another one besides Solo Hero with the insane talent to grasp the subtleties after seeing it just once!
Was it because they were a progamer, that is, a master of remote-controlled virtual puppetry?
Their field of vision was so wide open that they had no qualms handling their body like a puppet.
"Indeed!"
Even the mental state of thoroughly treating their own body as if controlled by a third party pleased him.
A normal person couldn't think like that.
Moreover, when teaching martial arts to ordinary rookies, they often became stiff by merely chasing those movements, but this rookie didn't even have that problem.
They applied when necessary.
They changed movements to suit the situation.
Flexible.
A result stemming from understanding the very subtleties contained within the movements.
Above all, even an alien mentality that didn't fear death.
There was no way Amor Fati wouldn't look endearing to him.
Though Dan Woo-hyun had seen countless rookies, he could confidently say this rookie was special.
"Ha, just a little longer and they'll be sucking up everything the Head Admin teaches in no time."
For now, before their head got too big, they seemed unable to grasp Solo Hero's movements, but that was just a matter of time.
When that happens, his own position would narrow.
The time to enjoy this was now.
Martial God Dan Woo-hyun immediately left a comment.
In the words of another dimension, it could be called feedback.
└Martial God) lol rookie, I sincerely think you have talent. Looks like you tripped while twisting your body in a hurry, and that's because the ground was the problem. I'll teach you, so watch this and try smashing again
└Amor Fati) ok ok
"Ah, this is not the time!"
One truth he realized after getting accustomed to the IR Gallery for a long time.
If you eat delicacies while watching a fun video, the taste doubles.
Now, he couldn't even swallow his food well without the IR Gallery.
The rookie's videos would surely keep coming for a while.
Dan Woo-hyun scratched his head and moved his steps toward Sichuan Province.
"Right, those fuckers try to poison me a month from now, isn't it?"
Today, the numbing mala taste of the Sichuan region was particularly appealing.
The head of the Sichuan Tang Clan, the Ten Thousand Poison Cloud Master, Tang Hwi-un.
He wanted very much to frown at the suddenly appeared uninvited guest, but with superhuman patience, he kept a smile on his face.
Because the one who had barged in, smashing the main gate of the Sichuan Tang Clan, was none other than the Mad Heaven Martial Extreme, Dan Woo-hyun.
"Hwi-un, come out!"
Indeed, an entrance befitting a mad dog.
Who else in the Central Plains could not only call out the clan head's name but treat him like an underling?
After destroying the main altar of the Wudang Sect, perhaps finding it hard to suppress his madness, he was now here at the Tang Clan causing a ruckus.
Tang Hwi-un tried his best not to provoke Dan Woo-hyun.
After all, this troublemaking would end after one month anyway.
"What brings the Martial Extreme here?"
At that, Dan Woo-hyun's spiritual aura instantly sharpened.
"Martial God."
"...!"
"Not Martial Extreme, Martial God."
"Ke, keuheum! I misspoke. Yes, what business brings the Martial God to the Tang Clan?"
The chilly aura that had been pressing down on Tang Hwi-un subsided just as quickly.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he rubbed his belly.
"I suddenly had a craving for Sichuan food. You guys repay kindness a hundredfold and vengeance a thousandfold, don't you?"
"...?"
"With my great mercy, I'm going to save your life, so repay that kindness."
What kind of crazy nonsense was this?
Tang Hwi-un was not flustered.
This wasn't the first or second time.
This madman had pulled incomprehensible eccentricities before.
Didn't he already go to Wudang, spout crazy talk about some nuubi Amor Fati-i, and end up smashing their altar?
You don't provoke a mad dog.
"Huhu. Would the Martial God not have any reason to kill this Tang Hwi-un? Yet you suddenly demand the grace of saving a life, making it hard to understand. Still, a noble one who has reached the peak of martial arts has visited the Tang Clan, so the hospitality shall certainly not be lacking."
"Bullshit, you think I don't know you're planning to poison me a month from now?"
"!"
Tang Hwi-un's eyes widened in that instant.
'How does he know?'
The plan to poison the Mad Heaven Martial Extreme was known only to himself and the elders.
And it hadn't even been three days since this perilous plan was devised.
Who?
Where did the information leak?
While Tang Hwi-un was thinking that.
The disheveled-haired eccentric, Dan Woo-hyun, brushed his hair aside with a 'Puu!' and glared at Tang Hwi-un.
"I know. I have a way to know everything. So don't get any foolish ideas and quickly prepare the banquet table."
"Huhu. The Martial God must have some misunderstanding—"
"If you drag this out, I'll kill you right here and now."
"......"
Tang Hwi-un looked into Dan Woo-hyun's eyes.
It wasn't empty talk.
The Mad Heaven Martial Extreme would do it.
He really would.
He could kill him, the clan head, in the front yard of the Tang Clan, leisurely slip away, and continue roaming the martial world without consequence.
"Keuheum!"
Tang Hwi-un summoned a servant and ordered the cooks to prepare immediately.
Now was not the time for excuses.
The bastard had demanded a banquet, so he would give what was asked.
Explanations would come later.
"Please, if only the misunderstanding could be resolved—"
That was when.
Dan Woo-hyun, with his eyes fixed on thin air, let out a roaring laugh that nearly shook the Tang Clan apart.
"U-hahahap!"
"...?"
"Yes, that's it! I told you the ground was the problem, right? Ha, this rookie is driving me crazy, seriously! The old folks went mad over the joy of raising a disciple in their later years, and now I get that feeling!"
Seeing this, Tang Hwi-un swallowed dryly for the first time in a long time.
No matter how much he expanded his qi sense to scan the surroundings.
The rookie the madman was talking about was nowhere to be seen.
'C, crazy bastard.'
He shows up out of nowhere and gets triggered by the word Martial Extreme.
Suddenly demands a banquet.
Threatens to kill after catching wind of the assassination plot, and now bursts into laughter at empty air.
There are plenty of madmen in the world.
But Dan Woo-hyun could be called the purest madman of all time.
"Ah, I will guide you."
"Oh, yeah, yeah. Just after watching this."
What on earth was he watching?
Tang Hwi-un didn't want to understand even a speck of it.
Amor Fati's regression continued for a month.
With each regression, their mastery of handling their body noticeably improved bit by bit.
[Ah the time limit shit]
[Author: Amor Fati]
(Thumbnail of the panting Orc Chieftain roaring)
After smashing away at it for about a month, I can dodge with my eyes closed
Look at how its skin turned red after I annoyed it lol
The process of condensing and fixing has gotten super fast too
If I refine this just a bit more sharply, I think I can pierce the skin and reach its organs
The clear is really not far off
└Solo Hero*) Rookie, why the hell am I not working? What's so good about that smelly-looking old man?
└Amor Fati) No, yours is really too difficult...
└Solo Hero*) No, why is it difficult?
└Martial God) lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol get lost shoo
└Solo Hero*) Ah, seriously, should I just hit the block? The Martial God is pissing me off
└Archmage) Enough with martial combat, I say! Now that you can dodge, move on to the next stage!
└Archmage) If you advance to the deeper stage of property transformation and spell words, you could handle even cooler magic!
└Amor Fati) Sorry, master. I'm on the verge of enlightenment at the moment
└Martial God) Grandpa get lost too shoo
└Archmage) Block! Block him! Right now!
"U-hahahahak!"
Had there ever been such a joyful time recently?
Dan Woo-hyun took a large bite of the smoked duck flavored with fragrant wood and downed a whole bottle of Sichuan's famous liquor at once.
"Good! Good!"
Seeing the rookie grow day by day made him this happy.
The rookie was a being that broke the previously unbreakable rule of infinite regression, an existence beyond the natural order.
Though it may be trivial now, it was impossible to predict what results their growth would bring.
He even had a vague imagination: perhaps they could even reverse the fixed regression points?
Just having that possibility made them an irreplaceable existence, and on top of that, they absorbed teachings with such effort.
Honey dripped from Dan Woo-hyun's eyes as he gazed at empty air.
Of course, it was honey in the sense of watching a disciple grow day by day, so please do not misunderstand.
"Right! Your footwork has become quite familiar too!"
The Mad Heaven Martial Extreme, marveling and rejoicing at the empty air, devoured all sorts of delicacies as if possessed by a hungry ghost.
The Tang Clan's financial issues?
As soon as the news spread that the Mad Heaven Martial Extreme was staying at the Sichuan Tang Clan, all martial sects sent delicacies as tribute of their own accord.
It probably meant to keep him there as long as possible.
At first, Tang Hwi-un shed tears of blood and trembled with shame, but that was a story from long ago.
The Mad Heaven Martial Extreme genuinely reacted and rejoiced as if he could see something before his eyes.
The content was absurd too.
Stories of a disciple climbing some tower and fighting monsters with strange pronunciations.
'What on earth did he go through to see such crazy delusions so realistically?'
By now, Tang Hwi-un had given up.
Kindness? Vengeance?
Just the fact that they were keeping this madman tied to the Tang Clan was enough to raise their prestige sky-high, so what vengeance was there to speak of.
Above all.
'Even if he is mad, his martial arts are genuine.'
From time to time, Dan Woo-hyun displayed peerless divine techniques on the banquet table, as if to truly show his disciple.
Tang Hwi-un knew at a single glance.
Witnessing that moment was a coincidence.
Peerless divine techniques worth risking one's life to steal a glance at were being demonstrated right at the Tang Clan's grand banquet hall.
At first, Dan Woo-hyun seemed displeased, but after seeing the eyes of the Tang Clan's rising talents sparkling brightly.
"Don't steal glances so stingily; just watch openly. The Tang Clan folks have hearts the size of beans. Tsk."
And he left them be.
So there was no reason to chase him out.
Thanks to that, Tang Hwi-un was now at a level where he could appropriately play along with the nonsense.
Like that, another month passed.
"Tang Hwi-un!!! Tang Hwi-un!!!"
The cry of the Mad Heaven Martial Extreme, Dan Woo-hyun, shook the Tang Clan.
It was a distinctly different reaction from usual.
Tang Hwi-un let out a sigh and went to find Dan Woo-hyun, wondering what novel kind of crazy talk he'd spout today.
"You... you! Come here and look!"
Dan Woo-hyun's appearance was a mess.
Trembling limbs.
Wavering pupils.
'Wh, what is it? I certainly never put poison in the food...'
At first, Tang Hwi-un had intended to take the chance to poison him, but as the Tang Clan's standing in the Murim Alliance rose and the rising talents were learning divine techniques, he had decided to leave things be.
But wasn't this similar to the symptoms of consuming a hallucination-inducing mushroom?
"Wh, what are you talking about looking at?"
"The rookie cleared the tutorial, cleared it! They cleared it... but the reward, fuck! Isn't this insane?! Is this right? This isn't me seeing it wrong, right? Look! Look I'm telling you!"
"Hooh..."
Tang Hwi-un clicked his tongue inwardly.
He's bursting into dialect again.
Though this guy sometimes spouted incomprehensible language when excited, today was the first time the dialect burst out this severely.
It seemed his madness had reached its peak.
For now, he had to play along to avoid harm.
Pretending to see something, Tang Hwi-un said.
"Hmm, my eyes are dim and I can't see it well."
The Mad Heaven Martial Extreme looked at Tang Hwi-un like he was an idiot for not seeing it, then soon realized something and waved his hand.
"Ah, never mind. Forget it. I got too excited for a moment."
There's no way he could see it... he added, and the Mad Heaven Martial Extreme plopped down on the spot.
"Wh, what!"
Tang Hwi-un, too shocked, inadvertently spoke out.
The Mad Heaven Martial Extreme.
The one whom neither the imperial court, nor the Murim Alliance, nor even the Blood Cult and Demonic Cult feared.
'He dropped to his... knees.'
And his body was shaking.
'Is he crying? That Mad Heaven Martial Extreme?'
He was a completely unpredictable figure.
However, Tang Hwi-un's expectation was off the mark.
The Mad Heaven Martial Extreme, Dan Woo-hyun, wasn't crying; he was laughing.
"Heuuh. Heuheu. Heu-haha! U-hahahahaha!! Haha!!"
"Kugh!"
To suddenly burst out with sonic arts.
Tang Hwi-un nearly suffered internal injuries at that moment.
The Mad Heaven Martial Extreme wiped his laughter clean, stood up, and grabbed Tang Hwi-un's shoulders hard enough to crush them.
"Immunity to Ten Thousand Poisons."
"Grrr, wh, what?"
"Immunity to Ten Thousand Poisons. If you guys roll around for ten years, you can develop an elixir that makes the body immune to all poisons. I guarantee it."
"Wh, what?!"
What was this sudden talk about?
The Immunity to Ten Thousand Poisons was literally the dream state the Tang Clan aspired to.
"I'll help. Tell me if you need anything. So, the elixir that grants Immunity to Ten Thousand Poisons. Start developing it right now."
"J, just what nonsense have you been—"
Tang Hwi-un tried a small protest, unable to lift a finger with his shoulders seized, but it didn't reach the ears of the Mad Heaven Martial Extreme, whose eyes were fixed on empty air.
"Also secure Shaolin's Great Restoration Pills. As for weapons, it's not yet, but the material must be Ten-Thousand-Year Cold Iron. Secure the Heavenly Silkworm Thread too, ha, do I need to revise the entire plan from scratch?"
Brilliant white teeth flashed between the disheveled hair of the Mad Heaven Martial Extreme.
He was smiling.
To be precise.
He was looking at the IR Gallery and smiling.
[Guys emergency!!! Come quick!!!]
[Author: Amor Fati]
First off, to get to the point, I barely succeeded in killing that Orc Chieftain bastard within the time limit
Wow, the moment the clear message popped up, I screamed
I told you I need to gather worldview points, right?
(Photo of a tower message saying Infinite Difficulty does not grant points)
(Photo of a tower message saying clearing Infinite Difficulty instantly resets the Doomsday Timer)
When I clear a floor, the Doomsday Timer is just instantly reset lol
The tower climbing genre is high difficulty?
Why on earth?
(Photo of a character holding their temple with a clenched fist)
Just keep retrying the tower infinitely and climb up.
And just reset the Doomsday Timer.
Lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol lol
Regression point storage? Dunno?
I'll have to see after I regress next time, I guess?
But that's not what's important!
I thought just resetting the Doomsday Timer was an insane privilege, but there was a separate main dish
When I finished the tutorial strategy, a Monolith message popped up saying privilege unlocked, and then this got added to the IR Gallery menu
(Capture of the IR Gallery menu where "Inter-dimensional Trading Function Unlocked!" is written)
(Below it, a capture of lock-shaped emoticons that say function locked)
This is clearly an OP privilege at a glance, right? Right?
The Inter-dimensional Trade, I'm the first one in the gallery to have this, right?