Chapter 104
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 104
Chapter Title: The Coma Induction Experiment
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Mirei had kept so many secrets from him until now.
But trust her and take part in this experiment? Any ordinary transferee would refuse it every single time.
"I'll do it."
"What?"
"I said I'll do the experiment."
As always, Kang Seol's decisions ran counter to everyone's expectations.
He's jumping right in;
Just bail already lol Malacus or whatever is seriously bad news
Nah~ Even if he pierces the ultimate technique, Malacus is gonna school him
Nah~ He won't get schooled~
Nah~ Cut it out already
"Well, fine. No need to drag this out, then. Over there—that's my hideout."
A wooden house stood all by itself. Even with the surrounding foliage for cover, it was built way too conspicuously.
"Isn't that a bit too out in the open?"
"I've laid down a simple trick so the hunters won't spot it even if it's right in front of them. Well, that's been true up until now, anyway."
Mirei stretched as she spoke.
"It won't be long before they track us down here. Especially Malacus—he's a man who never knows when to quit. The problem is that his tenacity is aimed at me. He'll sniff this place out soon enough and come hunting for us."
"So we start the experiment right away?"
"Not quite. We're short on time, but there's one crucial step first."
"Step?"
"This experiment won't work just because you're ready. The other side has to be prepared too. Plus, you don't even know how it'll go down. Honestly, you're hopeless. You agreed without knowing what it even is?"
I'll do it.
Experiment... huh?
Kang Seol asked.
"I have a rough idea. Something done while in a coma-like state, right?"
"Spot on. You've got good instincts. So you've already steeled yourself for death? Alright, then. Let me explain exactly how the experiment works."
Mirei posed a simple question to Kang Seol.
"What do you think waits after death?"
"No idea."
"Yeah, even I've died and don't know. Your shadows probably won't remember this either. Whether it's drifting forever in an endless void of nothingness, or if there's a world just for the dead where you live it out—who knows? Can't remember, so can't say."
She grinned and placed a hand on Kang Seol's tense shoulder.
"But don't worry. The coma induction device described in the manual doesn't actually kill the user. It just brings you to the brink of death to glimpse that deep consciousness."
"Deep... consciousness?"
"The darkest, deepest part of your inner self. Not in your head, but in your heart, you know? Anyway, there's a slight side effect in the process, though..."
"Ha, side effects too?"
"Yep. The pain's so intense it's hard to reach deep consciousness. They say out of 100 tries, you might succeed once?"
"...Didn't you say we don't have time?"
"Ta-da! That's where this comes in."
What she pulled out was Gunt's sleep potion.
"You're not thinking of making me drink that, are you?"
"Yep, that's exactly it."
I'll pass.
Experiment... what?
Gunt's potion puts you to sleep, then turns you into a pus-dripping monster.
Right now, Mirei was saying she'd give it to Kang Seol.
"Have you lost your mind?"
"Calm down. Why do you think it's called a potion? Last time, I got a tiny sample and analyzed it. If the drinker wakes themselves up, no post-effects. Meaning, if you can control it, it's a perfect sleeping pill and ultimate painkiller."
"That's only if you can wake up."
"You think you won't? If you don't, you die."
"Is that up to me?"
"Don't be so scared. The coma device and this potion complement each other perfectly. They cover each other's weaknesses."
"Doesn't sound romantic to me... Anyway, go on?"
Mirei held up one finger.
"First, you take this potion and use the coma device to enter your deep consciousness."
A second finger joined it.
"And not just you—one of your shadows too."
"A shadow as well?"
"Yeah, this experiment's always been about coexistence between summoner and shadow."
"But why only one?"
"Obvious—the device's made for two."
"Ah..."
"Other shadows could force their way in, but who knows what side effects? Better assume they can't for now."
"Got it. Next?"
A third finger.
"Like I said, your deep consciousness will drag out your worst regrets or memories and try to trap you there. Escape, and the experiment's done."
"Simpler than I thought."
"The process won't be. Conquering the world sounds simple too. Anyway, while I prep the ritual, you decide which shadow goes with you."
"Understood."
Karen, Karuna, and Jamad.
The three stood outside the hideout with Kang Seol, faces full of dissatisfaction.
"After that hunter showed up, I couldn't leave the shadow space."
"Master, he's dangerous. I can't protect you."
It was their first chat since the Malacus chase, so stories were exchanged.
"Master, do we really have to do this? Can't we skip it?"
"I agree with Karen. Facing the shadow hunter again is risky, but this experiment feels even more so."
Kang Seol nodded.
"I know, but we have to."
"Why?"
"It'll be a huge help toward my goal."
"...No helping it, then. Let's do it."
No time to waste.
Prep done, experiment starts immediately.
"Gotta decide who's coming with me. You all heard how it works?"
The chosen shadow would face death alongside him once more in the deep consciousness.
"Hate dying..."
"Speaking of, what's dying feel like?"
"Master's curious about that?"
"Natural to wonder about death."
"Hm... It's like the ground under your feet suddenly vanishes."
A vague sensation.
Karen rubbed her chin, struggling to explain.
"Like, whoosh... boom... Anyway, nothing holding you up?"
"Support vanishes... And then?"
"That's it for my death. I was so furious the world turned red, and I blacked out without realizing. End of story."
"Nothing else? No afterlife?"
"You believe in that? Maybe, but I don't remember. Wiped clean?"
Karuna spoke up.
"The world went black for me too, then my mind cleared briefly before I lost consciousness. Nothing special."
"Agreed. Death's no big deal. It's every living thing's fate."
Even Jamad.
From their accounts, no need to overthink the aftermath.
'I'll experience it anyway.'
As Kang Seol thought that, Karen spoke.
"I'll go."
"What?"
"That coma device or whatever—I'll go with Master."
"No, Karen. Not you."
"Karuna?"
Karuna opposed her.
"Why?"
"Didn't you hear? It'll drag out the worst memory. If you go in, what do you think it'll pull up?"
"......"
The memory of losing her camp to the usurpers.
Obvious without seeing, but could she overcome it?
Karen wasn't sure.
"So let me go."
"No, you can't either."
Now Jamad opposed Karuna.
"I only remember Montla. So..."
"What if deep consciousness drags out your erased memories?"
"That's..."
"Unknown memories tormenting you—you could break too."
"Won't hap... "
"Can you swear it won't? This risks all our lives, not just yours."
"......"
Jamad stood.
"I'll go."
"What?"
"Jamad!"
"I've remembered everything from birth to now. No memory can trap me. I've overcome them all."
"......"
"No objections? Then it's settled—me."
They're all fighting to be the one to die lol;
Summons acting like that must tug at the summoner's heartstrings.
Outta my way! I'll die!
Mirei signaled the experiment was ready. Kang Seol and Jamad entered the wooden hideout.
"That device's got a scary look to it."
"Agreed."
She brushed off their complaints with an awkward laugh, then bound their bodies tightly with chains and locked them.
"What's this for, woman?"
"Just in case you thrash around and smash the device before escaping."
"Hmph! As if this Jamad couldn't escape."
"One warning before you go in."
"Speak."
"You'll see each other's worst memories. Understand one another in the process. But don't help the other out."
"Why not?"
"Interfere carelessly, and it could drag you both down. Everyone dies."
Kang Seol eyed the sleep potion.
His expression soured—he knew how dangerous it was.
Mirei looked at him and said,
"Trust me, junior. This is for my research, but it'll be good for you too. I swear I'm not putting you in danger."
"...Got it."
[You have acquired ally 'Shadow Summoner Mirei.']
['Shadow Summoner Mirei''s rank is Hero.]
[Allies have a chance to appear in every adventure.]
[They provide aid to the player based on affinity.]
With those words, she joined as an ally. Kang Seol nodded at the message.
Gulp... Gulp...
The sleep potion flowed into Kang Seol and Jamad's mouths.
Vwooooooom...
The coma induction device hummed to life.
Zzzzzzt...
Sensation of reality began fading.
"Well then, may you have a pleasant time in the sea of oblivion and void."
Zzzzzzt...
Pop—
The bulb burst, and the world went black.
Beeeeeep...
Wtf, why'd we get left behind.
Ffs... Guess I'll nap.
Knew it shit
Drip.
Drip.
In the dark, damp space, water droplets echoed like falling rain.
[Plateau's End Daburg poses a question to you. How will you respond?]
1. This wasn't my will.
2. That's right, Daburg. You'll die here today.
3. Calm down, Daburg.
4. Regrettable how things turned out. But isn't it partly your fault?
...
"Number 2. I'll pick 2."
"Yeah. At this point, you gotta see it through with Daburg, right?"
"Good choice! Hahaha!"
Kang Seol nodded.
A snowman mask covered his face at some point.
The relentless gambler had returned to his prime.
Choices popped up repeatedly.
"Number 1. I'll go with 1."
"Nice!"
"Perfect timing!"
"Number 3."
"Not a single mistake so far?"
"That's why..."
"Number 5."
"Number 7."
Finally, Kang Seol's words landed a fatal blow on Daburg.
[Daburg begs for mercy. An unforeseen situation. What end will you grant him?]
1. No mercy. Deliver the final blow.
...
"Number 1."
"Damn right! Letting him live would just breed trouble."
"Daburg dying here? After devouring so many of my words!"
"Never thought I'd see Daburg's death with my own eyes."
"Come look, everyone! Snowman's taken down Daburg today!"
"No way! Daburg's dead?"
"Where! Where..."
Always.
Always like this.
Surrounded by them. Basking in endless praise, adoring gazes.
Some hoped for his fall, others envied him.
But none of that mattered to Kang Seol.
'As long as it's fun.'
The words moved.
Crackle...
'Huh? Come to think of it...'
Crackle...
Some memory flickered, teasing at the edge.
'Troll, little troll...'
A long-ago memory of a small troll.
And the time spent with it.
"What's up, Snowman?"
Kang Seol smiled brightly.
"Nothing. Just a moment..."
Crackle...
The memory of helping that troll.
"Felt like I forgot something. Must be my imagination. Keep going."
"Alright!"
Bam—!