abcnovels
Chapter 342: Star, Den of the Evil Dragon (6)
Chapter 342: Star, Den of the Evil Dragon (6)
Chapter 342: Star, Den of the Evil Dragon (6)
“Hye-Bin, why are you here…? The White Tiger Clan as well?!”
Before Woo Yeong-Geun could even finish his sentence, the Sword of Ohsung Clan Players had already surrounded Yeong-Geun and Woo Hye-Bin. The other Korean Players glared at the White Tiger Clan Players.
“We don’t seem welcome here.” Seo Jeong-Gwon scratched the back of his head as he let out a long yawn.
He already saw this coming, though. After all, the White Tiger Clan was currently under the suspicion of being a group of demonic beings.
“Why are you here? Isn’t the White Tiger Clan supposed to be in detention?” Yeong-Geun grew vigilant as soon as he recognized them. He didn’t hesitate to blatantly display his willingness to use his sword if necessary.
Jeong-Gwon wasn’t the type to just take hostility quietly, though. “Why? Should we not have come? I can’t believe you’re treating your reinforcements poorly.”
“I don’t need backups that can turn into problems.”
“Hey, Woo, you sound awfully disrespectful.”
“Then you should have done a better job managing your people,” Yeong-Geun scoffed.
“You’re starting to get really annoying. Do I have to keep listening to you?”
The conflict between Yeong-Geun and Jeong-Gwon intensified, causing the other White Tiger Clan Players and the Korean force to behave aggressively as well.
“Uncle, wait! Let me expla—!” Hye-Bin stepped in between Yeong-Geun and Jeong-Gwon, thinking this would turn into a huge fight at the rate this was going.
“Hye-Bin, I don’t know what you heard from them, but you’re not in any position to speak right now,” Yeong-Geun firmly said.
People called Yeong-Geun a fool for his niece because he had always had a soft spot for her, but not right now.
However, the same went for Hye-Bin. “What do you mean I’m not in a position to speak? I said I’ll explain! You’ve misunderstood the situation, uncle!”
“Misunderstood?”
“Yes! They’re all Mister Chang-Sun’s followers now! The people fighting over there are his subordinates!”
“Followers? Subordinates?”
What in the world Hye-Bin was talking about? The Chang-Sun whom Yeong-Geun knew had the same title as the old emperor from the past, but he was still a human like him. Why would Hye-Bin describe him as if he had become a Celestial?
“She’s right,” someone said from behind Yeong-Geun.
Yeong-Geun quickly turned back. Upon realizing who it was, he bowed. “Long time no see, Mr. Council President.”
Carl Malone lightly waved his hand, eliminating the tension between the two factions. With a gentle smile, he said, “It has certainly been a while, Mr. Woo. The last time we met was six years ago in Paris, right?”
“We met in San Francisco a year ago during my trip.”
“Ah, is that so? Hahaha, it seems my old age has made me forgetful.”
“Mr. Council president, what you said earlier…” Yeong-Geun trailed off.
“Just like your niece said, they are all under Mr. Lee Chang-Sun—no, under ‘Divine Twilight.’ The White Tiger Clan is now his <Order>.”
Yeong-Geun’s eyes widened as he turned to look at Jeong-Gwon, who was smacking his lips in disappointment since this meant he could never fight Chang-Sun again. At that moment, Yeong-Geun realized that Jeong-Gwon—no, all the White Tiger Clan members had changed. They used to exude insidious auras, but they seemed more ferocious and sharp now.
[The Celestial ‘Nameless GIant’ is surprised! She says that they actually do have a different Guardian now!]
[The Celestial ‘Nameless Giant’ is shocked by the fact that the Celestial whom she believed to have died has resurrected!]
Ueopwang’s reaction made Yeong-Geum finally believe them, but the part about ‘resurrection’ caught his attention.
‘Wait, if so…?’ Yeong-Geun felt as if all the questions he had for Chang-Sun just got answered.
He had always been wary of Chang-Sun. His composure, combat skills, speed of getting stronger… Even if he tried to assume Chang-Sun was simply talented, everything about him still seemed abnormal. However, all of it would make sense if he used to be a Celestial.
As if to further convince him, he could smell Chang-Sun’s strong scent from Hye-Bin.
[The Celestial ‘Nameless Giant’ has purchased information about the Player ‘Woo Hye-Bin’ from the <Management Bureau>!]
[Displaying the information.]
[Woo Hye-Bin]
The apostle of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight.’ The Society <Deva> has also blessed her for her innate talent.
“…!” The word ‘apostle’ caught Yeong-Geun’s attention.
[The Celestial ‘Nameless Giant’ chuckles dumbfoundedly for not realizing that her apostle candidate had already been snatched away.]
“When did you…?” Yeong-Geun trailed off.
“If you’re talking about me becoming his apostle, I got appointed right before I came here.” Hye-Bin’s gaze softened, recalling the conversation she had with Chang-Sun before they arrived.
“You… want me to become your apostle?” Hye-Bin asked in disbelief.
“Why? Do you not want to? I won’t force you.”
“N-no, that’s not it!”
“What’s the problem, then?”
“You have many others to choose from, like Eun-Seo unnie and Geum-Gyu oppa, so… Why me?” Hye-Bin’s gaze fell to the ground, unable to meet Chang-Sun’s eyes.
“Eun-Seo has been chosen by the owl, and Geum-Gyu by the serpent. You don’t have a Guardian yet.”
“That’s true, but still…!”
Hye-Bin couldn’t bring herself to accept Chang-Sun’s proposal. Although she did idolize Chang-Sun, becoming his apostle was an entirely different matter. An apostle held the highest rank among a Celestial’s followers and priests, so she couldn’t help but think that she didn’t deserve such a position.
“You’re the best candidate to become my apostle. You understand me the best and have learned a lot from me, so you’ll be good at compiling my doctrines,” Chang-Sun explained.
“… Do you really think I can hold up to your expectations?”
“It’s alright even if you don’t do a good job right off the bat. All that matters right now is your decision.”
“I see…” Hye-Bin clenched her fists.
She pondered about it for quite some time before finally deciding to accept it. Her life changed greatly when she met Chang-Sun, so she thought it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to dedicate the rest of it to him.
Hye-Bin’s positive response made Chang-Sun smile brightly. “Good. Then let me give you your first task as my apostle.”
To complete her first oracle, Hye-Bin would use any means necessary.
“Save everyone who would follow me.”
It didn’t take long for her to realize that Chang-Sun was talking about the Korean force, Chinese and Japanese volunteer troops, and all the people who were waiting for the outcome of the battle.
“So let me introduce myself again,” Hye-Bin began.
[Releasing your Class!]
Woooosh?!
The moment Hye-Bin released her Class, Yeong-Geun and all the other Korean Players felt a strong pressure to bow. Jeong-Gwon and the White Tiger Clan members were already kneeling and bowing before Hye-Bin, who was basically Chang-Sun’s avatar.
“I am Woo Hye-Bin, the apostle of Lee Chang-Sun, Earth’s sole Celestial.” Hye-Bin’s voice held great dignity. “I am here to save the people who are going to be my children.”
It was the appearance of the woman who was going to be called Saintess of Earth after Cha Ye-Eun.
* * *
[The Celestial ‘Teacher of All Sentient Beings’ asks you if you are really going to be okay.]
“Hahaha, you don’t have to be concerned. Everyone in the world knows about the current situation,” Carl chuckled quietly, but his eyes were serious.
[The Celestial ‘Teacher of All Sentient Beings’ warns you that you may die.]
“If I can drive all evil from this Earth… there’s nothing I would not give.” Carl smiled.
[The Celestial ‘Teacher of All Sentient Beings’ sorrowfully looks down.]
“Don’t worry. I won’t get hurt until we capture Sun Wukong. Namo Amitabha[1].” Carl comforted Avalokitesvara, who worried about her apostle’s safety. His decision remained unchanged, though. Carl sat in a lotus position, making him look like an old monk who was about to reach enlightenment.
“I’ll begin.” Carl closed his eyes, forming a mudra[2].
Paaaah!
His sacred light spread across and embraced the area.
[The Celestial ‘Teacher of All Sentient Beings’ summons her ‘Thousand Eyes’ in the air!]
Behind Carl, an enormous being covered in merciful eyes appeared. It seemed intent on seeing everything on the battlefield.
“Huh…?”
“What is that?”
“Avalokitesvara…?”
Avalokitesvara’s faint image could be seen in the sky from everywhere in the world. Pedestrians, those having drinks, comfortably playing games in their homes, spending time with their lovers… The crisis in Korea was widely known, but the news sounded unrealistic to most people aside from South Asians because the danger was still far from affecting them. Hence, they just lived as usual. However, even they could see Avalokitesvara.
[The Celestial ‘Teacher of All Sentient Beings’ uses ‘Thousand Hands’ to project everything she sees!]
The moment Avalokitesvara spread all her hands, the image of her dissipated, replaced by the footage of the Undead Army fighting against the draconic troops. The battle naturally started sensations across the globe.
<[Newsflash] The identity of the hologram footage on the world’s capitals!>
<The outcome of humans’ resistance against the draconic troops?>
<Covering the counterattack of the Terrible and his subordinates!>
Countless media immediately wrote news articles about it, the comment sections of which were in turn filled with vigorous discussions by various internet communities.
?Look at those dinos. Gosh.
?Isn’t this totally like Jurassic Park?
?For god’s sake, I’m not high right now, am I? What in the world is that?
?The Council President seems to be broadcasting this because people don’t seem interested enough in what is happening in Korea right now.
?Is that really how serious the crisis in Korea is? Wow, That’s way too scary. This could mean the end of Korea.
?Do you really think Korea’s going to be the only one to fall? The rest of Earth will be next.
?Why hasn’t the media covered this in the news when it’s already this bad?
?It has been decades since that Gate opened, so no one paid much attention to it and just thought it would somehow be solved like before.
The complacent people finally became alert.
?What is the government doing?! It’ll be the end for all of us if they manage to cross the Pacific Ocean.
?This is terrifying. We could really be in danger.
?What are those monsters wearing masks, though? Giant warriors? A corps of Ghost Devil Horses?
?The Dragon-type monsters over there have to be over at least Rank 4, yet they’re still being ripped apart like paper.
?I know right? I’m starting to pity them.
?I heard that the Giant warriors and monsters on the Ghost Devil Horses are all the Terrible’s subordinates. Are they really?
?If they are, then that’s hella scary…
?Agreed.
?The Overlords who have been sassy around the Terrible probably want to go hide in rat holes and never come back out now.
?Why do they look like they could crush the Overlords’ heads like watermelons…? Are they Undead?
Everyone watched Jin Prezia, Sinmara, and Chang-Sun’s other subordinates intently as they slaughtered the draconic army. Their brilliant performance gave people enough hope to eliminate their fear of the Dragon-type monsters.
?Hang in there!
?We can’t do much from here, but we’ll at least pray for you.
?Mr. Terrible. T.T Please save us. T.T.
Every person on Earth stopped what they were doing and looked up in the sky like followers asking for salvation from their god.
* * *
[Faith is accumulating!]
[Faith is accumulating!]
…
[The influence of the Player ‘Lee Chang-Sun’ on the Server ‘Earth’ has grown stronger.]
[A Myth has been created!]
…
[The Myth’s current level is ‘Region.’]
[Faith is accumulating.]
…
[The Myth has reached the level ‘Nation.’]
…
[The Myth has reached the level ‘Culture.’]
[The civilization in the Server ‘Earth’ and the Player ‘Lee Chang-Sun’ are synchronizing.]
[The wills in the Server ‘Earth’ have unified and now belong to the Player ‘Lee Chang-Sun.’]
[The other Celestials’ influence on the Server ‘Earth’ is gradually decreasing.]
…
[The Divine Class of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ has increased!]
Risking the loss of his vital force, Carl tried to achieve three things. The first was to spread the news as much as he could to give the world the impression that the ‘Den of the Evil Dragon’ crisis scale was global even though it was still just regional.
The second was to imprint into people’s minds the image of Chang-Sun leading his army in a punitive expedition against the Dragon-type monsters. In doing so, Carl established Chang-Sun’s presence. Lastly, he tried to synchronize Chang-Sun with the will of the civilization named Earth, making him its sole Celestial.
Carl and Avalokitesvara pushed through with their plan despite the risks it posed because they had to increase Chang-Sun’s Divine Class as much as they could if they wanted to fight Sun Wukong and the others.
No, even if it wasn’t part of their plan, Carl would’ve still done it to bring hope to people. Decades after Dungeons and Gates opened up in their world, coexisting with monsters had become part of everyone’s daily lives. Hence, Carl wished to tell them that they no longer had to live thinking they were in constant danger and could die at any moment.
Fortunately, everything went smoothly.
[The Divine Class of the Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ has increased!]
[Current status: Civilization Celestial.]
* * *
Chang-Sun grew stronger every second, his Faith accumulating and increasing his divine power at an insane rate. Being revered made him feel mind-blowing delight, but he remained level-headed. Having experienced omnipotence and omniscience, this feeling was no longer enough to affect his composure.
More importantly, his enemy was right in front of him, giving him no room for distractions. Even at this moment, he was holding back his boiling anger.
There was no knowing if Richardus was aware of what Chang-Sun was thinking, but Richardus just acted as if he finally reunited with a close friend after so long.
“Long time no see.” Richardus waved.
Chang-Sun found it disgusting. Holding back from cussing out loud, he asked, “Where is Crom Cruach?”
She fell into dormancy after saving their comrades from danger, so Chang-Sun was yet to locate her.
“Hmm? That’s strange. I thought you had already seen her. Did you not recognize her?” Richardus smiled enigmatically.
Chang-Sun’s expression darkened. “Wait…!”
“She’s the Dragon Monarch, and...”
Tap?!
Five new entities appeared around Chang-Sun and Richardus, all looking like replicas of each other. They were all five meters tall, had Dragon-like appearances, and had grimoires in their hand.
They were scowling at Chang-Sun, seemingly about to devour him.
1. It was said in the reference notes from the previous chapter that the phrase Namo Amithaba itself means ‘I pay my respect to Amitabha the Buddha,’ but there is an interpretation that regularly reciting the Namo Amitabha mantra helps one avoid abrupt death. ?
2. It’s a symbolic gesture in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. ?