Judgment Hour (4)
A few minutes later, I went back down to Dongguk University Station and was gnawing away at mole cricket meat. I needed it to heal my skin, which had been contaminated by the toxic mist.
It takes some time, but for this level of contamination, eating underground creatures' meat is enough to recover.
[······Hey! Are you out of your mind? What the hell do you think you're doing right now?]
Right then, Bihyung's voice exploded in my ear, scolding me.
'Shut up.'
[No, seriously, this isn't something we can just overlook. You destroyed a Constellation's idol like that! You wanna see the channel crash and burn? If that "Bald Militia Commander" starts badmouthing you—!]
A Constellation's idol. Constellations exist in every world, and of course, Korea is no exception.
By the way, "Bald Militia Commander" as a title? That's kind of harsh, even for a Korean historical figure.
But… I'm not really in a position to talk.
[A Constellation clad in rags is outraged by your atrocity.]
[The Constellation, "Prisoner of the Deep Past," chuckles.]
Every idol contains a sealed portion of a Constellation's power, though the degree varies.
If the seal on an idol is properly released, the incarnation can obtain powers the Constellation once used—skills or items, with some probability.
But breaking the seal properly takes time, and there's no guarantee you'll get the skill you want.
I looked at the text version of Annihilation Law on my smartphone.
"But wasn't the idol of Master Samyeong sealed? How did you get a skill from it?"
"There's a saying: 'If you meet the Buddha, kill the Buddha.'"
"Wait, don't tell me—"
"Haha, I just tried it on a whim, and it worked. …I mean, think about it. All statues are basically idol worship anyway."
"Hey! Everyone stay away from this guy. He's definitely cursed by a Constellation."
At the final checkpoint before entering Chungmuro, I needed the skill from Master Samyeong.
And the surest way to get a skill—was to destroy the idol itself.
Sure, you could probably buy something similar from the "Goblin Bundle"… but coins are precious.
"So, did you solve that 'Man's Secret'?"
I quickly turned off my phone. Before I knew it, Jeong Heewon and the others had gathered.
"Yes. And I have something to give you all."
I began pulling out the items I had gathered.
Luckily enough, Master Samyeong's idol had dropped not just a skill, but also some items.
[Master Samyeong's Prayer Beads]
[Master Samyeong's Robes]
Tattered old robes and worn-out prayer beads. The group looked puzzled. I could guess what they were thinking.
But this is what they need to understand: in this world, the more 'worn' something looks, the more 'valuable' it likely is.
"They may look like this, but they're high-quality items. Relics of a great historical figure."
"A great figure?"
"Have you heard of Master Samyeong?"
[A Constellation clad in rags hesitates at your words.]
Jeong Heewon asked with a blank look.
"...Who's that?"
[The Constellation clad in rags gasps at character 'Jeong Heewon'.]
"Oh! I know!"
Thankfully, someone did. Unsurprisingly, it was Yoo Sangah.
"I remember from studying for the Korean History certification! He was a Buddhist monk during mid-Joseon, right?"
"Yes, that's right."
"He fought the Japanese during the Imjin War to protect Korea… The Battle of Nowonpyeong and the Battle of Ugwandong!"
That's Yoo Sangah for you. I studied Korean history too, but I didn't know all that.
[The Constellation clad in rags is moved by character 'Yoo Sangah'.]
I nodded and said:
"Anyway, these items carry his power."
"...Really?"
"No way, it's true!"
Jeong Heewon and Lee Hyunseong checked the item info and looked astonished.
"But how did you know about this and bring it back?"
"I just… had a feeling. I put my hands together and prayed in front of his statue… and then this fell from the sky."
"Eh? No way..."
Even I knew that was utter nonsense, but when someone says something unbelievable, there's always a reason behind it.
I continued solemnly, looking at the group.
"My belief is… Master Samyeong sent these to us to protect Korea."
"Ah…"
Their collective "Ah" carried all sorts of emotions. I ignored it and kept going. I wasn't saying it for their sake, anyway.
"Just like he saved the country during the Imjin War, he might be offering his relics to save the nation once again. After all, modern Korea is facing a national crisis, too."
[The Constellation clad in rags is touched by your speech.]
And during national crises, con artists always thrive.
"In times like these, anything could happen. Maybe Master Samyeong is one of the Constellations now. Don't you think?"
Surprisingly, Yoo Sangah was the first to nod in agreement. Maybe she was just being considerate. What's funny is, as soon as she accepted it, the simple-minded Lee Hyunseong immediately followed suit.
"Master Samyeong, truly remarkable…"
Suddenly filled with patriotism, Lee Hyunseong looked like he might start reciting the Army Creed. Yi Gilyoung also looked intrigued.
Only Jeong Heewon gave me a skeptical glare.
[The Constellation clad in rags reveals his epithet.]
[The Constellation, "Bald Militia Commander," forgives your sins.]
I looked up at the sky with a face that said, "Are we good now?", and Bihyung looked at me like he couldn't believe it.
The power and wealth of Constellations are directly tied to their popularity. That's why they love having their stories spread like this.
After all, who doesn't like being praised?
"I'll give the prayer beads to Yoo Sangah, since she knew about Master Samyeong."
"Really? Are you sure I can have them?"
"I think Master Samyeong would be pleased to see you use them."
Truthfully, [Master Samyeong's Prayer Beads] weren't that powerful for a relic. Not every item used by a Constellation becomes a holy artifact, and Samyeong wasn't exactly world-famous.
Still, it was a B-grade item with sub-options for mana recovery and resistance to magical forces.
Watching Yoo Sangah with envy, Jeong Heewon said:
"Must be nice, knowing all that stuff. I skipped a lot of school, so I don't know much."
"Ah… uh…"
"I'm joking. Don't look at me like that."
I turned to the now-pouting Jeong Heewon and said:
"There's something for you too."
"For me? You're giving me that rag?"
"Yes."
"No thanks. I'm desperate, but I'm not that desperate."
"...Just try it on. You won't regret it."
After hesitating, Jeong Heewon carefully draped the robe over herself. She tried to make it work, but no matter how you looked at it, she just looked like a beggar.
[A Constellation who loves monopolizing criticizes your actions.]
[A Constellation who praises camaraderie likes your actions.]
If the relic [Master Samyeong's Staff] had dropped, I would've kept it for sure. But I didn't need these other two items at the moment.
As Jeong Heewon checked her reflection in the subway's screen doors, she said, with a complicated expression:
"I can't explain it, but… I suddenly feel a huge surge of righteousness."
[Master Samyeong's Robe] boosts the wearer's sense of justice and willpower. Not really useful for me, but for someone hot-blooded like her, it was perfect.
"So he was Master Samyeong, huh? I feel kind of bad now. I should've studied harder."
[The Constellation, "Bald Militia Commander," watches the scene with satisfaction.]
[You have received 100 coins.]
I joked:
"Then why not go offer a prayer?"
*
It was a joke, but Jeong Heewon actually went and did it.
After being exposed to the [Toxic Mist] and getting poisoned, she was now sitting nearby, tearing into mole cricket meat.
"...But someone smashed the whole statue. That wasn't you, was it?"
"..."
"······Reader?"
"More importantly, let's get ready. We're almost at Chungmuro."
I spoke while staring into the pitch-black tunnel.
It had already been more than 20 minutes since we began safely moving step by step using Lee Gilyoung's [Multiple Symbiosis].
Considering the straight-line distance from Dongdaeipgu to Chungmuro is less than a kilometer, it was about time for it to appear.
[A new sub-scenario has arrived!]
As expected. Just thinking about it was enough to trigger it.
"Everyone, step back."
Type: Sub
Difficulty: D–F
Clear Condition: Escape the Illusion Prison within the time limit.
Time Limit: 1 hour
Reward: 300 coins
Failure: ???
[Sub Scenario — "Illusion Prison" has begun!]
Even Yoo Joonghyuk probably struggled with this scenario.
This scenario is one of the most dangerous traps for returnees.
Yoo Sangah asked,
"Illusion Prison? What is that?"
You'll find out whether you ask or not.
"It's coming. Everyone, stay sharp."
Before I could finish speaking, a hazy fog came pouring in.
The mist filled the tunnel, cutting off all visibility.
Even my companions right next to me were no longer visible.
The surroundings were distorted, like something out of a drug-fueled hallucination.
"Ugh… this is awful!"
Jung Heewon screamed.
She was probably seeing something completely different from what I saw.
"Reader."
A voice I didn't want to hear.
A voice I had long forgotten echoed through the drug-like scenery.
If I was affected this much, the others must be worse.
"······Something feels off. Reader? Are you there?"
"Reader! Reader!"
Their voices gradually faded in the distorted vision.
[Illusion Prison].
A space that triggers trauma and drives people to madness.
"Reader, you didn't see anything. Got it?"
The scenery blurred, and a certain person's face emerged.
I quietly stared into the void and let out a bitter laugh.
As if trying to deny that this was real.
[Exclusive skill, "Fourth Wall," is activating!]
[You gain immunity to 'Illusion Prison' due to the skill's effect.]
Calmness returned, and the discomfort faded.
[The constellation 'Secretive Plotter' is impressed by your mental fortitude.]
[You have received 100 coins.]
[A curious constellation is disappointed they couldn't peek into your memory.]
As the power of the Illusion Prison weakened, I sensed presences nearby.
"Everyone calm down, and take deep breaths."
Those trapped in the Illusion Prison lose rationality and unleash their madness on others.
That's why the most dangerous threat inside is your own allies.
Yoo Joonghyuk likely acted alone to avoid this trap.
"I—I'm Private Lee Hyunseong. Did I mishear?"
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry, Mom!"
"You… you bastards!!"
······Too late?
The screams of my companions consumed by madness echoed through the tunnel.
But not everyone had lost control.
"······Reader?"
Suddenly, Yoo Sangah appeared through the fog.
The [Beads of Samyeongdaesa] on her wrist glowed brightly.
Good. They worked.
I approached Yoo Sangah.
"Cover the surroundings. I'm going to destroy this space now."
She nodded with a tense expression.
[Exclusive skill, 'Purge Magic (破魔) Lv.1', is activating.]
Purge Magic (破魔).
A higher-level version of the [Exorcism] skill, purchasable with coins.
I smashed Samyeongdaesa's statue specifically to get this skill.
[Exclusive skill, 'Purge Magic Lv.1' dispels the 'Illusion Prison'.]
As expected from a skill used by Samyeongdaesa—it worked instantly.
If I had used [Exorcism], it would've taken a minute to dispel.
Shhh.
As the fog cleared and the Illusion Prison vanished, my companions became visible one by one.
"Our pledge! We are soldiers of the Republic of Korea, loyal to our nation and people!"
"Ugh… Mom…"
Their traumas were clearly visible.
Lee Hyunseong was prostrated with his head on the ground, while Lee Gilyoung trembled with his head between his knees.
Yoo Sangah stepped forward.
"Hyunseong? Gilyoung! Everyone, snap out of it!"
Suddenly, a stray blade flew in from behind.
Fortunately, it wasn't fast, and I dodged it easily.
"······I'll kill you all…"
Jung Heewon, like a madwoman, raised her sword at empty air.
Her reddening eyes sent a chill down my spine.
It was a sign of [Demon Slayer Awakening].
Thunk!
I struck the back of her neck with a chopping blow, knocking her out.
Thankfully, she collapsed.
I gave her the [Tattered Robe of Samyeongdaesa] just in case something like this happened, but her mental fortitude was weaker than I thought.
"Yoo Sangah, please take care of Heewon."
"······Y-Yes!"
"It's not over yet."
[You have met the clear condition of the sub scenario!]
[You have gained 300 coins!]
As soon as the clear message appeared, the monsters emerged.
Amorphous entities resembling ectoplasm.
Specters, Class 8 ghost-type monsters.
They were the ones who created the Illusion Prison.
I activated the Blade of Conviction using Baek Cheonganggi.
Screech!
Shriek!
Thankfully, the battle wasn't difficult.
Once you destroy the Illusion Prison, Specters are fairly easy.
With a final shriek, the Specter swarm vanished.
[Specter's Spirit Stone]
I collected the spirit stones that had fallen to the ground.
No reason to leave them behind.
Thanks to Yoo Sangah, the others were recovering quickly.
"Is everyone alright?"
Lee Hyunseong, being simple-minded, recovered the fastest.
After hearing what had happened, he bowed his head.
"······Thank you. That could've gone very badly. Once again, I owe you, Reader."
"It's nothing."
"My head hurts…"
Lee Gilyoung kept patting his own head.
I gently held it in my hands.
He was pretending to be okay, but his trauma was probably the worst of all.
A faint light was visible in the distance.
Yoo Sangah spoke.
"Reader, I think we're here."
I hesitated.
Jung Heewon was unconscious, and the others were in no condition to fight.
Would it be safe to proceed like this?
But someone else made that decision for me.
A blade emerged from the darkness—not with killing intent, but as a warning.
"Who are you people? Don't you know this area is our hunting ground?"
At the tunnel entrance, bathed in dim light, stood a teenage girl holding a long sword.
She looked about seventeen, wearing a familiar high school uniform.
Though she tried to hide her nametag with a hoodie, her striking appearance was unmistakable.
"Ah, that girl······!"
Yoo Sangah, with her sharp eye, recognized her first.
And I knew her, too.
Because she was a key supporting character from the novel.
Lee Ji-hye, the sole survivor of Taepung Girls' High School.
She was one of the reasons Yoo Joonghyuk rushed to Chungmuro as quickly as he did.
"······Did you guys take out the Specters?"
She noticed the spirit stones in my hand and looked shocked.
"How the hell…? Only our master could deal with those…"
I activated a skill immediately.
[Exclusive skill, "Character List," is activating!]
Name: Lee Ji-hye
Age: 17
Supporting Constellation: Sea God of War (海上戰神)
Exclusive Attribute: Wounded Swordmaster (Rare)
Exclusive Skills: [Sword Training Lv.3], [Demon Slayer Lv.1], [Absolute Senses Lv.2], [Ghost Steps Lv.1]
Stigmata: [Naval Combat Lv.1], [Large-Scale Command Lv.1]
Overall Stats: [Stamina Lv.13], [Strength Lv.12], [Agility Lv.13], [Magic Power Lv.9]
Evaluation: She became a Wounded Swordmaster after killing her closest friend.
Her supporting constellation has a favorable impression of you and your party.
Currently under 'Starter Pack' effect.
As expected, no surprises.
Sea God of War (海上戰神).
Just as planned, she had inherited that constellation.
In the future naval battle, she would be indispensable.
[The constellation 'Bald Patriot Commander' is moved by reunion with an old comrade.]
[Lee Ji-hye's constellation warmly greets the 'Bald Patriot Commander'.]
In the subway, where no trains ran, I felt a faint breeze.
Watching Lee Ji-hye's hair flutter in the sporadic wind, I realized something.
[Main Scenario #2 – Encounter has concluded.]
[Calculating rewards.]
Yes.
We've finally arrived.
At Chungmuro.