Chapter 285

Words : 2311 Updated : Oct 11th, 2025

Chapter 285 Standing at a dizzying height, Se-Hoon took in the view of the entire expanse of Babel. Because it wasn’t his first time here, he was able to face Ludwig, who had abruptly summoned him, calmly, without surprise. “You must have gone through a lot to prepare all this,” Se-Hoon remarked. Shrugging, Ludwig calmly responded, “Nothing much, really. All I essentially did was provide the location.” Se-Hoon glanced over at the expanded Babel. It shouldn’t have been as simple as that. It wasn’t just about maintaining a hidden void space of that size for over a month; to reveal it, Ludwig had also pulled it into reality in one go, merging it seamlessly with the existing space. While it may have looked easy on the surface, coordinating such a thing without causing any conflicts in space—or even a collapse—meant that he had to consider countless variables. Without Ludwig, constructing them ordinarily would have involved moving each building piece by piece, which would have prolonged the process for months. Well, I guess such a thing is easy for him. Realizing just how different of a field they played in anew, Se-Hoon shifted his gaze to where Gehenna and Paradise lay in the distance. “Did Babel collaborate on the construction of those districts?” “Some of it. But each group built its key facilities on their own. Even if we have formed an alliance, it doesn’t mean that we have to share every single little secret, you know.” “So you guys are still keeping a fair amount of distance apart from each other.” “Think of it as I’m only just lending them the land.” What Ludwig provided the UD Group and Pilgrimage Church was simply a plot adjacent to Babel. He left everything else, deciding what facilities to construct and what research to conduct there, up to the groups themselves. “I’m surprised everyone dove in so eagerly, though. I thought they’d be more cautious,” Se-Hoon admitted. “They were at first,” Ludwig replied, nodding. “But somewhere along the way, they decided to go all-in with their investment.” What changed the minds of those two? Thinking about the cause, Se-Hoon questioned, “Was it because of me?” “I won’t say you weren’t one of the deciding factors.” Originally, both Wurgen and Karl had intended to keep the alliance superficial, just a response to the looming threat of the Demon Force. But when Ludwig offered them the land and Se-Hoon left a powerful impression on the entire world, they both became more invested. “Though if it had been just you, they likely would’ve tried to recruit you separately. However, I had already set conditions to avoid that kind of hassle.” Se-Hoon’s eyes lit up. Does it have something to do with Kim In-Cheol? But before he could figure out how best to bring it up, Ludwig spoke first. “Do you remember what I told you here before?” “Hmm... that I was at a crossroad?” Back then, Ludwig had explained that his research was a part of realizing his dream of turning Babel into an ideal place. It was the peak of the project, so he had asked Se-Hoon for his understanding in not helping to eliminate the Dream Demon to avoid interference. The Hero’s Ring was enough help already, though. Wondering if that mysterious research had finally produced results, Se-Hoon focused on Ludwig. “It’s not fully completed yet, but I’ve finally managed to outline the concept. I want you to be the first to see it... are you interested?” The result of the Emperor of Ascension’s secretive research—it was something most people would have leapt at the offer to see, but Se-Hoon hesitated. Should I? He doubted Ludwig would be doing anything strange, but one could never be too sure. On the off chance that he discovered anything suspicious, he’d likely be scolded with something like, “This is why perceptive people are troublesome.” But even if I decline, I’ll be no better off. Realizing he would lose out either way, Se-Hoon spoke decisively. “I’d love to see it.” If Ludwig’s research was enough to convince Wurgen and Karl, it couldn’t be something absolutely reckless or dangerous. Getting the response he wanted, Ludwig nodded in satisfaction. “Then let’s get going.” The surrounding space instantly peeled away, shifting to a pristine white area that gave way to a new location. They were now standing in a wide corridor, stretching large enough to fit two freight trucks side by side, with a massive door that was tightly shut before them. Are we underground? Se-Hoon looked around curiously. The sheer size of the facility made it unlikely to be above ground, and the immense flow of mana in the area suggested a large power supply system. Inspecting the steady flow, he began suspecting it was from the main pipeline running even deeper below. An underground facility... didn’t they say the place the Vermillion Bird was hidden was underground too? Could this be that location? Just as those thoughts crossed his mind, Se-Hoon saw Ludwig reach forward. And at that moment, the massive doors slid apart with a rumble, revealing a glimpse of what lay beyond. Massive pipes covered the walls and ceiling, and at the center of the space hovered a giant crimson sphere, pulsating with energy. Se-Hoon’s eyes widened. He recognized the sight. Are those... flames? The sphere glowed with a red brilliance reminiscent of the sun. And although no heat was leaking out, Se-Hoon could feel a colossal energy roiling within, intense beyond comprehension. The flame’s power seemed to course through the pipes, supplying energy across Babel. Fascinated, Se-Hoon was gazing at it when six bright white eyes suddenly opened within the sphere. Then, with a screech, the sphere transformed into a massive bird in the blink of an eye—the Vermillion Bird spread its wings wide, unleashing a powerful cry. “Finally, the day has come!” Even though it was merely stretching, the pipes connecting to it glowed red-hot, causing the entire facility to tremble. Astonished, Se-Hoon watched, wide-eyed. It seemed as if the Vermillion Bird’s emotional fervor was giving it overwhelming power, enough to overload the entire facility. It’s gotten ridiculously strong. The Vermillion Bird before him was a whole different beast compared to the monster he had faced during the ambush. In fact, it now seemed just as powerful as it had been in its prime as an S-rank beast. Feeling the intimidating aura exuded by the Vermillion Bird flaunting its newly recovered strength, Se-Hoon narrowed his eyes. “Quiet today, aren’t you? Have you gone silent out of fear of my power?” “...” “Of course you would have. The avatar you once commanded is no more than a feather of me now. Even a freak like you...” “Hey.” The Vermillion Bird paused mid-boast upon seeing Se-Hoon pointing at it. “Where did you get that flame? It’s not yours, is it?” The flame coloring the Vermillion Bird’s body was paler than the one it had originally possessed, and its nature was unmistakably different. And yet, there was something oddly familiar about it, something that nagged at Se-Hoon. I’m sure I’ve seen it before somewhere. He racked his brain, searching through even his pre-regression memories. Meanwhile, the Vermillion Bird’s eyes began flickering with fury. “You insolent—” How dare the boy speak so casually to a creature that surpassed its prime! Furious, it lunged at Se-Hoon, but a calm voice stopped it in its tracks. “You’re getting ahead of yourself again.” Staring at the Vermillion Bird, Ludwig’s hand swiftly closed around a glowing red cube, which appeared to be an object compressed by spatial magic, that had appeared above his palm. The Vermillion Bird’s body immediately froze mid-air. “Gah...!” Its heart was being squeezed. Even with its regained strength, the Vermillion Bird couldn’t overcome its fundamental vulnerability. No, perhaps I can somehow bypass this, but... The odds were slim, and it had realized that Ludwig would just block its way, anyway. The result wouldn't align with its plans, so it held back its rage for now. I have to act wisely from now on. Its main objective was to break free from the binding contract with the arrogant human. And to do that, it needed to prove that Se-Hoon couldn't control it. If intimidation doesn’t work, perhaps I can make the mark on his hand backfire... Now calmed, the Vermillion Bird quickly devised a plan to push Se-Hoon’s control to the brink. “Would you mind lending me that, just for a moment?” Seeing Se-Hoon approach, Ludwig nodded and handed over the Vermillion Bird’s heart. It was a sight that made the Vermillion Bird’s eyes widen immediately. “Wait—!” But before it could say anything, Se-Hoon thrust his left hand deep into the heart and channeled his own fire mana, Scorching Wheel, directly into the flame, stirring it wildly. “Aaaaagh!” A scream of agony erupted from the Vermillion Bird as it writhed, experiencing unimaginable pain. “Tsk, all I’m doing is slightly poking your heart, and you’re already whining...” “You... maniac... argh!” Rather than backing off due to the intimidation, Se-Hoon toyed around with the Vermillion Bird like a plaything. He continued to probe the Vermillion Bird’s heart, taking the chance to inspect the flame more closely, and not long later, he suddenly understood what it was. “Chairman, just what kind of flame is this?” But while he had a rough guess of its origin already, Se-Hoon knew it wasn’t something he should know at the current point in time. Glancing over, Ludwig nodded once readily, clearly expecting the question. “That’s the flame of the Sacred Craftsman, Li Kenxie.” Se-Hoon’s eyes widened. The flame of Li Kenxie—known as the greatest blacksmith in human history—was fueling Babel’s underground facilities, igniting the Vermillion Bird’s body? How? Li Kenxie wasn’t just uninvolved with Babel; he was outright hostile toward it. How had Ludwig managed to get his flame? Just as that thought passed through Se-Hoon’s mind, Ludwig continued explaining, having noticed Se-Hoon’s shock. “To be precise, it’s the flame he wielded right before he became a Perfect One.” “Before he ascended the Tower?” “Yes. I made a deal with him in the past. I gave him one of my resources, and in exchange, he gave me the furnace he used before he became a Perfect One. And...” While Ludwig elaborated further, Se-Hoon’s surprise just continued to deepen. Now that’s impressive. Not only had Ludwig found a way to resurrect the sparks of the Sacred Craftsman’s flame by embedding the Vermillion Bird into the ancient furnace, but he had actually succeeded in reigniting those sparks as well. It showed that, beyond the method itself, Ludwig’s knowledge of blacksmithing was remarkable. Even with Se-Hoon’s latent talents, achieving such a feat would have required considerable mastery. At that thought, everything suddenly clicked into place. Staring into the Sacred Craftsman’s flame making up the Vermillion Bird’s form, Se-Hoon finally brought it up. “Did Professor Kim somehow help with this?” “How could you tell?” Ludwig looked at him in surprise. “I could feel traces of him here.” In truth, Se-Hoon had pieced it together based on the newly functional facility and recent increase in bond level with In-Cheol; he hadn’t just been guessing. Now it all makes sense. The faint sense of familiarity from the Vermillion Bird’s flame was due to the fact that traces of In-Cheol’s own work on the Fire Heaven Greatsword had been embedded within it. “So... where is Professor Kim now?” “Hmm...” Ludwig hesitated to answer, the tense look that crossed his face making Se-Hoon brace himself. Was he about to hear something dreadful? Then, with a deep sigh, Ludwig finally answered. “I didn’t account for just how perceptive you are. I should have prepared for this...”—he paused for a moment—“try to listen with an open mind. Since the ambush, Professor Kim has...” Slowly, Ludwig explained In-Cheol’s painful choice, causing Se-Hoon’s expression to harden. In-Cheol had chosen to fuel the Vermillion Bird’s flame with his own life force, releasing the souls bound in the Fire Heaven Greatsword in the process. While Se-Hoon had expected In-Cheol to take a difficult path, the truth went beyond anything he’d anticipated. He was struck with sympathy for In-Cheol’s suffering, but he quickly shook off his thoughts. It’s not for me to judge. After all, In-Cheol had confronted his own sins and sought redemption in his own way. Any sort of judgment or comfort now would only tarnish that choice. “...How is he now?” “He became part of the flame within the Vermillion Bird, mixed into the furnace. His consciousness is too faint to maintain a physical form.” It was like two decks of cards haphazardly shuffled together—equal in size but vastly different in content. Bound by his contract with the Vermillion Bird, In-Cheol couldn’t die, his faint consciousness forever confined within the flame. “I see.” “...Does it bother you?” Se-Hoon shook his head. “Professor Kim made his choice. I shouldn’t hold you responsible for that.” Ludwig's methods were extreme, but thanks to them, In-Cheol had achieved his goal. And to Se-Hoon, those benefits and consequences were crystal clear. “Thank you for understanding.” “No problem. Anyway, was restoring the Sacred Craftsman’s flame your primary goal?” Steering the topic away, Se-Hoon looked at Ludwig, who shook his head in response. “It’s only one of the steps...” “Then...?” “I’m going to recreate the powers of every Perfect Ones.” Ludwig’s gaze flicked to the Vermillion Bird, who was watching them warily. “Then, I will refine that power into skills everyone can use. This... is my ultimate goal.”

Chapter 285

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