Solo Max-Level Newbie
chapter-212

Chapter 212: One Question One Answer (2)

“……What did you say just now?”

“I would like you to tell me the route to the 7th chamber inside the relic known as ‘The Tomb of the Red Christ’ located on the 15th floor of the Tower.”

Gawein repeated the statement he had made earlier, in a calm manner.

The Tomb of the Red Christ.

It was the dwelling place of the boss monster on the 15th floor, the ‘Witch of Lamentation’.

Up to this point was common knowledge to those in the know…

The problem was that what he was asking for was specifically the 7th chamber inside that relic.

One of the three Sacred Demon Grounds (成魔所) within the Tower.

Specifically, locations where the Demon King and demons could be manifested through sacred relics.

‘Does this mean they have located all the relics?’

Or…

‘Do they have at least the minimum requisite relics needed for manifestation?’

Either way, it implied that the demons who had been quiet until now had not been simply fooling around.

“How do you suppose I would know the location of that place?”

“Don’t play innocent. We’re well aware that you’re an old fossil who’s rotten beyond imagination.”

“I appreciate the praise, but aren’t you overestimating me a bit? I really might not know.”

“Haha. Still trying to fake ignorance, I see. Anyway, whether it’s true or not, it’s not my place to judge the veracity of such claims.”

A lie would simply move the scales.

Jinhyuk felt the gears under his feet start to rattle vigorously.

He could no longer delay his response.

“In the tomb, you’ll find a chamber where various monsters’ statues are placed.”

“The Chamber of Repentance, you mean?”

“That’s right. Look for the spot where the goblin statues gather. If you look closely, you’ll notice that they’re arranged in the form of a cross.”

Upon hearing this, Gawein realized what Jinhyuk was talking about.

“The Tomb of the Red…Christ.”

An inverted cross.

It meant that the goblin statues should be rearranged to match that same shape.

“That should lead you to the chamber you desire.”

Jinhyuk concluded, but the scales did not waiver.

“You have spoken the truth.”

“No interest in becoming fish jerky.”

Jinhyuk shrugged.

He spoke in earnest.

To die miserably crushed was a fate far from the comfortable retirement he desired.

And of course.

To actually give accurate information to the foe was equally fitting.

‘Believing in unique abilities against me… That was your biggest mistake.’

Gawein’s unique ability ‘Scales of Trust’.

Though it sounded plausible, its working principle was far from supernatural.

Should it be called a sophisticated lie detector?

An ability that discerned the truth of words through heart rate, breathing, body temperature, and such was closer to modern technology than the supernatural.

Of course, knowing that didn’t make it possible to deceive the unique ability easily.

The human body was not a machine.

How could one control all those factors with precision?

But,

For veterans, it was feasible.

They were no ordinary humans.

‘Alright…’

Jinhyuk was already completely aware of his bodily rhythms.

Thump! Thump! Thump!

Using ‘Glacial Sculpting’ and ‘Element of Fire’ concoctions to maintain his body temperature.

And ‘Shallow Breathing’ to regulate his breath.

He deceived even himself, cloaking a lie with truth to perfect his fabrication.

Thus, a new reality was created.

Not the route to the 7th chamber, but a path leading straight to the residence of the Witch of Lamentation.

‘Go on, try to manifest the Demon King for a hundred days.’

That voice, could it even reach the vicinity of the demon world?

Instead, the intruders would profoundly experience how the Witch of Lamentation treated those barging into her bedroom.

Meaning.

He meant to sacrifice living beings to copy abilities, but had given up on copying the witch’s power.

Unexpectedly, live sacrifices rolled right into his lap.

‘This could be killing two birds with one stone.’

Considering the unexpected opportunity put a consistent smile on Jinhyuk’s lips.

“Now, is it my turn to ask a question?”

“Ah, yes… please ask.”

“How many players have class-changed to ‘Black Apostles’ within the Demon Guild?”

“……!”

Gawein’s face lost its smiles.

＊＊＊

There’s a saying, what goes around comes around.

And this situation was a fine example of that proverb.

Gawein bit his lip.

‘We were prepared to divulge some information in order to learn about the 7th chamber…’

It was unexpected that Jinhyuk would have such a deep understanding.

Naturally, it couldn’t be helped.

The Black Apostle, a job only available to those chosen by the Demon King or high-ranking demons, was unknown to any but the demons themselves.

Even within the Demon Guild, only a hidden class known among the high-ranking officials.

‘Were we too careless, despite our caution…’

At this point, it wasn’t just the surprise that naturally led to a creeping fear about the opponent.

But there was no luxury of lamenting one’s mistakes while sitting on the scales; he had to answer the question.

“Three…,” he admitted reluctantly.

Three…

More contracts than he had presumed had been made.

Considering the level of the demons and their actions so far, he had a rough estimate of their involvement.

This information was invaluable, not something that can be converted into money.

“Thanks for the good info.”

Jinhyuk smiled faintly.

Simultaneously, the scales on the ground gradually disappeared.

Just then.

Noise erupted from outside.

Dozens of torches clashed and flickered chaos.

Causing such a ruckus, the Empire would have sent guards unless they were fools.

“Sadly, it looks like we’ll have to part ways for today. Even though you’ve taken the flesh in exchange for the bone, I’ll collect the price of this incident with your life next time, Mr. Jinhyuk.”

“Mm. I, for one, would much prefer to avoid killing you so we can continue to meet.”

“……What do you mean by that?”

What do I mean?

“You’re like a generous tree that just keeps on giving—I wouldn’t want to chop you down.”

A tree laden with succulent fruits.

Why would one kill a tree that could be used as firewood, chopping it right to the stump come winter?

Best to keep and use it for as long as possible.

“……I’ll remember what you said.”

Having fulfilled his purpose for coming here, Gawein dismissed Jinhyuk’s taunt.

Then, as he was about to leave, something seemed to occur to him, and he paused.

“Oh. Also, there was something I wanted to mention and almost forgot.”

Gawein glanced slyly at Jinhyuk.

“Did you say his name was Cheon Yuseong?”

“Cheon…Yuseong? Why does his name suddenly come up?”

“It’s nothing much. Before coming to the Empire, I briefly visited the martial world and by chance, I encountered him there. To be precise, it was just a glimpse from a distance.”

Cheon Yuseong being mentioned at this timing, in the martial world.

It implies only one thing.

＊＊＊

A gentle breeze brushed through the grass.

The scent of grass filled the air.

“…….”

Cheon Yuseong stood silently for a while before slowly closing his eyes.

Swish…

His sword began to move slowly through the air.

As if facing an invisible opponent, the speed and trajectory of his sword became increasingly dazzling.

The subject that appeared in his mind was none other than Jinhyuk.

The reason he was climbing the Tower, and the purpose for remaining in this world.

‘……I will definitely surpass you.’

An obsession nearly at the brink of madness.

Desperation to defeat and be recognized by such an opponent filled his whole being.

Vroom!

The speed of the sword increased.

As the ultimate skills of ‘Chasing Souls Sword’ unfolded, a sword dance reminiscent of a storm emerged.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The landscape split open relentlessly.

Soil and grass were torn apart and scattered.

‘Beautiful’.

There was no other word to describe Cheon Yuseong, who had become one with his sword.

How many minutes had passed in this intense, imaginary duel?

When his whole body was drenched in sweat and he was panting heavily…

“You are truly remarkable. Now I understand why you are called ‘Sword Saint’ among the players.”

Baekseollyn approached, accompanied by the scent of plum blossoms.

Though enemies who should have clashed in a fight…

Cheon Yuseong did not react upon seeing her.

“Didn’t I say I would come down when it’s all over?”

“Yes, you did. But I wanted to see it with my own eyes. Though not a real battle, I wanted to witness your obsession with this opponent that drove you to such lengths.”

The depth of the footsteps and the trails left by the sword allowed her to deduce the caliber of the imaginary foe.

And naturally, the outcome of the fight as well.

“……I couldn’t surpass him. Not this time either.”

Cheon Yuseong let his sword hang down.

Despite giving his all.

Without making a single mistake.

Once again, he had failed to defeat Jinhyuk.

No matter how much he reviewed and re-reviewed, he just couldn’t see a way to overcome that monster.

“Indeed… The man I met that day was extraordinary. If there were to be a proper fight, I can’t imagine there’d be a player that could strike him down.”

Baekseollyn calmly accepted the reality.

A vein rose on Cheon Yuseong’s forehead.

Among those players she talked about, he was included as well.

“Don’t get too upset. That’s why we’ve come looking for you, Mr. Cheon Yuseong. If you grasp the essence of the sword and overcome that barrier, you too will reach a realm beyond human.”

“……”

He came to the martial world to become stronger.

To chase after that incredible sword technique.

To surpass the strongest ranker whose mere presence sent shivers down his spine.

‘I need to shorten the growth period even more.’

He couldn’t remain in the shadow of Jinhyuk forever.

At least, not this time.

“Is it possible? To accomplish this in such a short time?”

“As you know, if you are as skilled as you, ordinary methods will take far too long to break through the barrier.”

The journey to the pinnacle and beyond was never smooth.

Initially, one could forcibly break through the barrier with intense training and expensive elixirs.

But, beyond a certain point, no amount of training or elixirs could help, it was futile.

What remained was enlightenment through meditation… or achieving a breakthrough from a duel with an overwhelmingly strong opponent.

But.

“How could you possibly bring such a master here at this time?”

In the past, Cheon Yuseong, also known as the Supreme Sword of Hwasanje, even defeated the Plum Blossom Sword Demon.

Of course, he had a long way to go to reach that level to challenge the monster named Kang Jinhyuk, and the Sword Demon would be woefully inadequate.

He needed a stronger opponent.

Then.

Baekseollyn reassuringly smiled.

“There’s one person. You, Mr. Cheon Yuseong, are well-versed in the martial world, so perhaps you might know.”

Tap.

As the gentle sound of footsteps on grass approached.

Someone closed in.

And upon laying eyes on that person.

“How could he be here…”

Shock tremored through Cheon Yuseong’s pupils.

This person shouldn’t be here.

Someone who could not possibly be present… had revealed himself.