Chapter 340 (Final)
I Became the Successor of the Martial God
Chapter 340 (Final).
Time passed quickly.
Each nation had been solely focused on recovering from their wounds for a while.
And once the recovery was over, they became aware of the changes in the world.
—After the calamity that had swept the world ended, the Gates disappeared. The monsters, too, vanished without a trace.
—The erosion phenomenon in previously unconquerable regions was resolved. Territories once occupied by monsters were reclaimed by humanity.
—However……
The Gates were gone, and the monsters had disappeared. All except for one—the sole remaining Gate that allowed passage between worlds.
It was a Gate created by Overlord.
—Centered around this Gate, the only remaining passage to the other world, the interests of each nation clashed fiercely.
The current world was heavily influenced by the resources obtained from the other world.
It was only natural that conflicts would arise over the sole remaining Gate that allowed travel between worlds.
"Well, isn’t this Gate something else…"
The only saving grace was that the Gate created by Overlord operated on a completely different mechanism compared to the previous Gates.
It was structured in such a way that, as long as mutual agreements could be reached, every nation could benefit from it.
The only downside was that the difficulty had increased.
—Setting aside the conflicts—
—After reaching an agreement, each nation began analyzing and exploring the Gate…
The nations halted their disputes and focused first on analyzing the Gate.
What would happen once the analysis was complete remained unknown.
But for now, there was peace.
"A turbulent era…"
And the winds of that turbulence brought great profit to the Sword Saint’s family.
Yoo Baek-jun gazed at the floating island.
"Why hasn’t this disappeared yet?"
Beneath the floating island lay deposits of Black Iron and Magic Stones.
Even if mined, they would regenerate over time, making the reserves virtually infinite.
"...More money to make?"
With the Gates closed, the supply of Magic Stones had dwindled, driving prices up.
Thanks to that, the Sword Saint’s family was now raking in money as if shoveling it with a rake.
"……"
It almost felt like using cheat codes.
Well, in any case, the world was now swept by the winds of drastic change.
And those winds were also affecting those around Yoo Baek-jun.
—The Floating Island
Yoo Baek-jun had allowed the displaced demi-humans to stay on the floating island.
Elves, Beastkin, Lizardmen, and Naga.
After everything had settled, they each made decisions about their futures.
—We will leave.
The Naga, who had been residing in the lake, decided to depart from the floating island.
They liked it here, but it was too small for them. They planned to venture into the deep sea and establish their own village.
"Hey, do whatever you want, but don’t make it too big. Hunters might come looking."
—We’ll be careful.
And so, the Naga left.
Next to leave were the Beastkin.
"Yoo Baek-jun, we sincerely thank you for everything you’ve done for us. Our people will never forget this kindness."
"You can forget it."
"No, never."
Overlord grinned.
"The Beastkin composes songs to honor the bravery of warriors. We’ll make a song about you and pass it down for generations."
"No, that’s a bit…"
Yoo Baek-jun didn’t want it, but Ashurm seemed determined.
So he just let it go.
"Take care of the prosthetic arm I made for you. Stay safe out there, Ashurm."
"Yeah."
The World Tree created a massive Gate leading to Halpeon.
And so, the Beastkin left.
Returning to the world they had originally come from.
"We’ll stay here."
"I thought you would."
The elves chose not to leave the floating island. With the World Tree here, they had no reason to go.
Besides, their homeland was gone.
"I’d be in trouble if you left. Who’d take care of that guy?"
"Oh my, Human. If the fairy hears you say that, she’ll be angry."
"Let her be angry or not."
Yoo Baek-jun stared blankly at the beautiful elf’s face. Not because he was entranced by her beauty.
"When we first met in the forest, you were full of worries. But now, you’ve improved."
"Have I? Hmm, maybe so."
Delowin smiled brightly.
It was a smile so beautiful that anyone would be entranced.
"I’m happy now."
"...Good."
Yoo Baek-jun smiled back.
"Glad to hear it."
It was a relief to hear she was happy.
—We will remain here.
"Do as you please."
The lizardmen, too, decided to stay on the floating island. They had nowhere else to go, and this place felt comfortable.
As sturdy warriors, they would ensure the safety of the island against any enemies who might target it.
"Hehe, we’ve confirmed the payment. As expected of the Sword Saint’s family, your generosity is unmatched!"
"You know not to speak of what you’ve seen here, no matter where you go, right?"
"Of course."
The gnomes who had come with Karl finished their work and left the floating island.
As for the dwarves…
"You’re staying here? Wait, what about the company? I’ve barely seen you go there."
"I’m thinking of retiring."
"Retiring?!"
Bigtums declared that he had earned enough money and was bored, so he would retire.
It was shocking news.
"I’ll spend the rest of my days here. There’s plenty to do."
Bigtums decided to build a proper workshop on the floating island and enjoy his hobbies with other dwarves.
Though his ‘hobbies’ would likely just involve hammering ores and crafting items.
'Well, not bad.'
For Yoo Baek-jun, it wasn’t a bad thing at all.
And then—
"We’re going to Korea. We want to live ordinary lives there."
Noel and the necromancers announced they would leave the floating island and go to Korea.
Thanks to the long care they had received, the necromancers had fully regained their sense of self.
"We don’t know what the future holds, but for now, we want to live as ordinary people… in the world."
"It won’t be easy."
"We know."
Noel smiled.
"Still, we have to try."
A bright, boyish smile.
Yoo Baek-jun nodded.
—The People of the Sword Saint’s Family
The Sword Saint’s family was striving to adapt to the changes in the world.
They formed alliances with various guilds and families, and internally, they underwent numerous reforms and transformations.
People like Lee Jun-woo and Choi Gun-woo, the branch leaders, were so busy they barely had time to sleep.
At the center of it all was Yoo Baek-jun, followed by the Grandmasters, including Ja-yeon.
"Ah, Family Head. Are you truly allowing me to take these treasures?"
"Treasures…?"
"They are treasures!"
Yoo Baek-jun had spent countless years sparring with the Martial God, piecing together fragments of his memories to restore what had been lost.
Thanks to that, he had managed to recover most of the martial arts the Martial God had created in his lifetime.
From among them, he handed over those he deemed suitable for teaching to Ja-yeon, who was overjoyed.
"Leave it to me! I’ll collaborate with Grandmasters Moo-jang and Chang-yeon to train outstanding martial artists. For the family!"
"Ah, yes…"
Perhaps because of this, Ja-yeon had been in an unusually excited state lately.
It was unlike her, but seeing her like this wasn’t bad.
"Ugh…"
"Save me…"
Though her enthusiasm was driving trainees like Park Chan-kyung and Cheon Min-ju to their limits.
But it couldn’t be helped.
—Joo Jung-won
Pharmacist Joo Jung-won sought Yoo Baek-jun’s permission to train successors.
His knowledge of medicine was at a master’s level, and Yoo Baek-jun believed it should be passed down to future generations.
Joo Jung-won was more than willing.
"This feels strange."
Joo Jung-won looked at the spacious building Yoo Baek-jun had constructed for him.
He had never imagined receiving such treatment from the Sword Saint’s family.
It left him with mixed emotions.
"Truly… thank you, Family Head."
In the still-empty building, Joo Jung-won expressed his gratitude to Yoo Baek-jun.
—Baek Jun-kyung and Baek Go-woon
Baek Jun-kyung, the master archer, became a Grandmaster and took the lead in training disciples.
Yoo Baek-jun taught him all the archery techniques the Martial God had created.
"Ohh, such archery techniques…!"
Baek Jun-kyung marveled at their perfection and secluded himself for a while to focus on personal training.
Baek Go-woon assisted his older brother.
"Brother, that person…"
"They have decent talent in archery, right?"
Baek Go-woon recommended trainees with potential, and Baek Jun-kyung selected and nurtured them.
"Well, I never thought I’d end up working for the Sword Saint’s family like this."
"You didn’t?"
"No, I never imagined it. I only thought about saving you and escaping."
Baek Jun-kyung grinned.
"But, well. It’s not bad."
This kind of life.
The brothers maintained their bond and lived satisfying lives within the family.
—Jeon Soo-yeon and Blood Rin
Jeon Soo-yeon, now the head of the intelligence division, thrived as Yoo Baek-jun’s right hand.
She held a position equivalent to a powerhouse within the Sword Saint’s family, and her pride grew with each passing day.
And Blood Rin followed her around like a loyal puppy.
"...Go, together."
"Ah, no. I’ll go alone… Kyahhh!"
"Alone, can’t go."
Blood Rin had taken a liking to Jeon Soo-yeon, seeing her as family.
Yoo Baek-jun had initially tasked Jeon Soo-yeon with monitoring and bringing Blood Rin along, but in the process, they had grown close.
"Why do you keep following me?!"
"Bored. You, fun."
"Am I a toy to you?!"
"Yes. Why, hate me?"
"No, it’s not that! Waaah!"
Though Jeon Soo-yeon screamed in protest, Blood Rin simply adored her.
She eventually consulted Yoo Baek-jun, but his response was ruthless.
"She’s kind and cute. Think of her as a cute little sister and take care of her."
"Whaaat?!"
"Blood Rin, if you see her doing anything bad, don’t let it slide."
"Okay, I won’t."
Jeon Soo-yeon stared at the two, who got along suspiciously well, and gaped.
"I don’t waaant to!"
But no one was around to listen to her screams.
—Han Seong-ah
Han Seong-ah had supported Yoo Baek-jun since he was a nobody.
Thus, as his left hand, she held an absolute position within the family.
But she showed no interest in such things.
"Family Head, I want to go to the Magic Tower."
"Why not just live there?"
"Ah, is that really okay?"
"No, it’s not…"
Han Seong-ah’s only interest was magic.
"Hmm, on second thought, maybe not. I have to guard you, after all."
"Good, glad you realize that…"
Fortunately, guarding Yoo Baek-jun was also part of her duties.
Still, Han Seong-ah remained loyal, never betraying him and following him to the end.
To Yoo Baek-jun, she was someone he could trust absolutely—someone who would never betray him.
"...I’ll give you a vacation next month. Indulge in magic all you want then."
"Ah! Thank you, Family Head."
Occasionally—very occasionally—Yoo Baek-jun worried that if Han Seong-ah had to choose between magic and him, she might pick magic.
'Surely not, right?'
Watching Han Seong-ah’s delighted expression, Yoo Baek-jun swallowed a sigh.
—Yoo Jung-yeon and Yoo Min
Yoo Jung-yeon and Yoo Min declared to Yoo Baek-jun that they would semi-retire as hunters and live ordinary lives.
"You know, like in dramas. Rich chaebol daughters."
"We want to live like that too."
"……"
When Yoo Baek-jun first heard this, he was so stunned his mouth hung open.
It was something he’d never imagined.
"Spend money lavishly! Go to parties everywhere! Get married!"
"I want to travel the world first."
"Uh, well…"
Of course, Yoo Jung-yeon and Yoo Min hadn’t made this decision thoughtlessly.
They had their reasons.
"What good would staying in the family do? It’d just cause unnecessary trouble."
"We don’t want to leave embers behind."
After all, both were heirs to the family.
If someone within the family grew dissatisfied with Yoo Baek-jun, they could rally around the two.
They had no such intentions, but—
"You never know how things might turn out. Even if we feel this way now, we might change later."
"We’d rather leave and live comfortably."
"...Fine."
With them saying this, Yoo Baek-jun couldn’t refuse.
"Can we spend money lavishly?"
"World travel!"
"Yeah, just don’t go overboard."
Yoo Baek-jun smiled wryly.
Cheon Jong-won, the Grandmaster who had once supported Yoo Jung-yeon, expressed his intent to resign.
After the rebellion of Yoo Tae-rang, he had grown deeply disillusioned with his position.
He decided to travel the world with Yoo Min for a while.
"Why do you want to follow me?"
"I can’t let the former heir of the Sword Saint’s family wander alone."
"I want to travel alone…"
"No."
"……"
Though Yoo Min seemed reluctant, it was settled.
—Chae Jeong-jun and Han Chang-woo
Chae Jeong-jun became the Hunter Association’s Chairman.
Unlike the previous chairman, who had antagonized guilds and families, he chose to cooperate with them.
"What kind of fool fights in times like these? Damn those foreign bastards!"
With the Gate at the center of tensions, conflict was unthinkable.
As chairman, Chae Jeong-jun struggled with his receding hairline while striving to adapt to the world’s changes.
"...You should take some hair loss medicine."
"Shut up!"
Han Chang-woo and his colleagues worked hard to support Chae Jeong-jun.
Perhaps because of this, the Hunter Association under Chae Jeong-jun enjoyed public support and smooth sailing.
—Ryu Il-woo and the Crimson Crusade
Ryu Il-woo and his guild members traveled to disaster-stricken areas, aiding in relief and reconstruction.
"They say monsters no longer appear. Then we should focus on saving people."
They were Holy knights and priests.
Though the monsters they were meant to slay were gone, they decided to save people in accordance with their teachings.
Those they helped spread word of their nobility, and the world began to praise them.
"We didn’t do it for praise…"
Ryu Il-woo, however, was embarrassed.
—Peng So-young and the Peng Family
With Yoo Baek-jun’s help, Peng So-young’s talents blossomed, and she grew rapidly.
The foundation of what she had learned in her family served as a sturdy base, making her even stronger.
Coupled with the experiences she had gained alongside Yoo Baek-jun—
"Next!"
"Young Lady, there’s no one left…"
"What, that’s it?"
Now one of the strongest in her family, Peng So-young headed for the Gate, striving to grow further in the other world.
Her father, who had once met Yoo Baek-jun, was deeply grateful—she had changed for the better.
—Yoon Song-ha and the White Wolf Guild.
After everything ended, Yoon Song-ha left the Sword Saint’s family for the White Wolf Guild.
Though officially part of the Sword Saint’s family, she was effectively a member of the White Wolf Guild.
Of course, she had sought Yoo Baek-jun’s permission, and he readily agreed.
"Ah, so slow! Hurry up!"
"You’re the impatient one…"
Yoon Song-ha worked passionately alongside Kang Seok-gil, White Wolf’s guild master.
Their goal was to build a guild rivaling the Golden Lion of the past.
She would never stop.
—Min Yi-jae
The wraith, Min Yi-jae.
The contract he had formed with Yoo Baek-jun came to an end—somewhat prematurely.
"Are you really okay with this…?"
"Yeah. If I need a favor, I’ll ask personally. You’ll help, right?"
"Hmm…"
Min Yi-jae smiled quietly.
"Of course. You’re… my benefactor."
"And a friend, too."
At those words, Min Yi-jae’s eyes widened in surprise, but he nodded.
Having never had close friends before, the word "friend" resonated deeply with him.
"Call me if you need anything. For now, I’ll be… with my little sister."
True to his word, Min Yi-jae returned to his hometown and lived with his sister.
Sometimes arguing, sometimes laughing—like ordinary siblings.
—The Mikazuki Guild, Nagito
Nagito gathered Japan’s top guilds and led reconstruction efforts.
Japan, too, had suffered immense damage from the calamity.
The Mikazuki Guild, under Nagito, devoted itself to reconstruction, earning widespread support.
And once reconstruction was complete—
"...A wedding, you say."
Nagito held a wedding.
As he had once mentioned, he married the heir of the family tasked with sealing Yamata-no-Orochi—his childhood friend.
"Thank you for coming, Yoo Baek-jun. And everyone else… It’s not much, but please enjoy yourselves."
"You call this 'not much’?"
Due to Nagito’s social standing, his wedding was crowded.
Still, it wasn’t bad.
Except for one problem.
'I feel… stares.'
Yoo Baek-jun glanced sideways.
Jin Seo-yeon, sitting beside him, was glaring daggers.
"Must be nice. Right?"
"Uh, yeah. Must be nice…"
Her words carried layers of meaning.
Yoo Baek-jun felt an intense, almost warning-like sense of threat.
'What is this…?'
His body trembled inexplicably.
—Jin Baek-cheon and the Magic Tower
The Magic Tower’s ownership changed hands.
From Jin Baek-cheon to Jin Seo-yeon. Once the transition was complete, Jin Baek-cheon decided to leave.
"Father, must you… go?"
"I’ve learned all there is to learn about magic in this world. Now, I’ll go to Halpeon and the martial world to learn new things."
"...I see."
Jin Baek-cheon had maintained immortality for one reason alone—to witness the pinnacle of magic.
He would not die until that day came, dedicating his entire being to that goal.
"Jin Seo-yeon."
"Yes, Father."
"Have you resolved the confusion in your heart?"
After hearing Yoo Baek-jun’s confession, Jin Seo-yeon had wandered in turmoil for a week.
Jin Baek-cheon had helped her then.
He listened to her struggles and advised her until she could reach a conclusion.
"Yes. I’m… fine now."
"Good."
Like a father would.
Jin Baek-cheon turned to leave but paused as if remembering something.
"Being the master of the Magic Tower is no easy position. Many trials await you."
He looked at Jin Seo-yeon.
"But you’ll be fine."
His eyes held an uncharacteristically warm emotion.
"Lean on Yoo Baek-jun, support each other, and move forward."
"...Yes."
Jin Baek-cheon walked away.
His figure gradually dissolved into light and vanished.
He never returned.
—Seol-yeong and the World Tree’s Fairy
The fairy of the World Tree, having lived alone for so long, enjoyed the bustling activity around the tree.
But lately, many of those who had resided near the World Tree had left.
—Wahoo!
—Faster! Faster!
"These noisy creatures…"
But thanks to Seol-yeong, the fairy didn’t feel lonely.
After everything ended, Yoo Baek-jun often traveled the world.
He took the fairy with him.
—Where is this?
"Huh? France, I told you."
—Wow! What’s that tower?
"The Eiffel Tower…"
—I want to eat that!
"……"
A headache throbbed in his temples.
It felt like raising a child.
—Rawr!
"Yeah, yeah…"
The fairy began eating the bread Yoo Baek-jun bought, while Seol-yeong wanted meat.
Sitting together and eating, they looked like the best of friends.
—Human! Rawr!
—Seol-yeong wants to eat more!
"Yeah, yeah, eat up."
What could he do when they were so happy?
Yoo Baek-jun prayed they would remain close friends.
Though, honestly, there was no need to pray.
—Tasty, right?
—Rawr!
They would stay that way.
—Jin Seo-yeon
When Jin Seo-yeon first heard Yoo Baek-jun’s confession, she agonized so much she couldn’t sleep.
The Yoo Baek-jun she knew had already died—someone else was in his place.
And that person…
'Saved me.'
That’s what she thought.
Outwardly an adult, her inner self had never properly matured, leaving her childlike.
The one who guided her and helped her grow was none other than the current Yoo Baek-jun.
"I…"
Jin Seo-yeon listened to Jin Baek-cheon’s advice and spent a week thinking only of Yoo Baek-jun.
And then she realized.
"I love Yoo Baek-jun."
The current Yoo Baek-jun.
Thinking of him made her heart race. Her breath quickened.
Before she knew it, she found herself waiting eagerly for his return.
"...Come back soon."
As he had wished, she was the first to greet him when he returned.
The moment they became one.
They spent days together, talking deeply.
"Lesson plans? Hmm, not bad. Go ahead with this. For the Gate… coordinate with the Sword Saint’s family."
"Yes."
Time passed.
Yoo Baek-jun returned, and Jin Seo-yeon worked busily as the Magic Tower’s master.
Everyone knew they were seriously dating.
Whether in private or public, they openly expressed their affection, making it impossible to ignore.
"Hey, people are staring."
"So what if they stare?"
"Ugh…"
To be more precise—
Jin Seo-yeon showed her affection for Yoo Baek-jun regardless of time or place.
It shocked people.
"The great Jin Seo-yeon is…"
"Surprising, but they suit each other."
Their compatibility was undeniable, and people cheered for them.
Naturally, the Magic Tower and the Sword Saint’s family grew closer, forming an alliance akin to a blood pact.
"Where are we going again?"
"The Gate International Union. The association heads are meeting today. We’re invited."
"Right, that…"
Jin Seo-yeon glanced at Yoo Baek-jun.
"I don’t want to go. Let’s skip it. Hawaii’s nearby. There’s a nice hotel…"
"No, we have work."
"……"
Yoo Baek-jun refused firmly. She pouted and looked out the window.
"You used to throw tantrums about not wanting to work. You’ve changed."
"Look who’s talking."
Jin Seo-yeon’s transformation was startling even to Yoo Baek-jun.
Not that he disliked it.
After staring out the window, Jin Seo-yeon turned back to him.
"Nagito, that guy… He married his childhood friend."
"Yeah, he did."
"……"
She stared intently at him. Her gaze was piercing.
"We’re not technically childhood friends, right?"
"Others would think we are. Don’t you think?"
"And former fiancés…"
"Technically, you weren’t engaged to me. Right?"
"Why are you so quick to deflect?!"
Yoo Baek-jun sighed.
"Isn’t it too soon…?"
"I don’t think so."
"Well, okay."
Jin Seo-yeon’s eyes burned.
Her onslaught was relentless, and though Yoo Baek-jun resisted…
"Guh…"
His defenses wouldn’t hold much longer.
—Yoo Baek-jun
And as for me—
I made time to visit the spirit realm.
Leaving Seol-yeong, who was reuniting with its parent after so long, I sought a soul.
The soul of Yoo Baek-jun.
—Meeting like this is a first.
"Yeah… it is."
A face identical to mine.
The original owner of this body—Yoo Baek-jun’s soul—looked at me.
Despite being a soul, his form was faint, as if it would disappear any moment.
"Your body…"
—Yeah, I don’t have much time left before reincarnation. But it’s not a problem.
"That’s… a relief."
I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
It was uncomfortable. I carried guilt toward Yoo Baek-jun, making it worse.
—I’ve been watching you.
"Me?"
—Yeah, that person… showed me. Though not with good intentions.
It seemed the Lord of Rifts, who had corrupted Overlord, had done so.
Yoo Baek-jun smiled.
—At first… I was angry.
At the " " who had stolen his body.
A natural reaction.
—But the more I watched, the more I found myself cheering for you.
"...You cheered for me?"
—You kept complaining but still tried to save people and the world. I watched all of it from here.
I was speechless.
Yoo Baek-jun continued.
—Without realizing it, I started hoping you wouldn’t fail. That your efforts would be rewarded.
"Hey, you…"
—I’m fine.
He spoke firmly.
—Even without you, I wouldn’t have lived long. You know how our family is.
"...Yoo Tae-rang would’ve killed you."
I, too, had struggled to avoid death once.
Yoo Baek-jun nodded.
—I would’ve died meaninglessly. But you gave my death value.
"How?"
—You saved the people I loved. So, yeah. Don’t feel too guilty.
He smiled gently.
"...That’s easier said than done."
—Time will take care of it.
Impossible.
Yoo Baek-jun slowly turned away.
"What happens now?"
—I’ll go reincarnate. Luckily, as a human. A healthy body this time.
He was actually looking forward to it.
"Your memories…"
—Will be gone. I won’t be Yoo Baek-jun but a new person.
Before leaving, ‘Yoo Baek-jun’ fixed his gaze on me.
—One request.
"What? The one from before?"
—No, another.
He shook his head.
—I want to be friends with you.
An unexpected request.
—When I reincarnate, find me. Let’s become friends.
"There’ll be a huge age gap."
—That’s okay, right?
I smiled wryly.
"If that’s what you want."
—Good.
Yoo Baek-jun turned away, his form being pulled into the distance.
—I’ll be waiting…
And then, he vanished completely.
—He’s gone to reincarnate.
"Yeah."
Seol-ho, who had been with Seol-yeong, approached and spoke.
I exhaled deeply.
"Too kind for his own good."
Yoo Baek-jun was a man too pure for the jungle that was the Sword Saint’s family.
"Should’ve been a little less kind…"
A bitter laugh escaped me.
I wished he had cursed me. Demanded his body back.
It would’ve been easier.
But until the end, Yoo Baek-jun never resented me.
—Rawr?
I stared at where he had vanished, lost in thought.
Seol-yeong rubbed its face against my leg.
"……"
I picked it up.
Its warmth seeped into me.
"That promise."
I turned away.
"I won’t forget."
From now on, I will truly live as Yoo Baek-jun.
And someday—
'I’ll keep that promise.'
I looked forward to that day.
I walked in the opposite direction ‘Yoo Baek-jun’ had gone.
Back to where people were waiting for me.
"Let’s go back."
To them.
—He became the successor of the Martial God. The End.