Chapter 301

Words : 2544 Updated : Oct 13th, 2025

Chapter 301 On a puppet stage, a group of finger-sized puppets rested idly. Then, translucent strings flew toward each one, and soon after, they began moving one by one. “Nice, it’s working. Should we start with roll call?” one of the finger-sized puppets playfully suggested. It resembled Tuner. The next to speak was a puppet that had been still until Tuner spoke—the one modeled after Apostate. “Cut the nonsense and get to the point,” he said sharply. “Why is he always so mad...” Grumbling in dissatisfaction, Tuner glanced around at the other puppets. Among them, there were those that had no distinguishing features at all, unlike the ones resembling their original identities. Curious, Tuner asked, “Is it Succession and Offering that are joining us this time?” “That’s correct.” “Yes.” Hearing the calm responses of the two nondescript puppets, Tuner smiled faintly, imagining the leaders of Watchers who were controlling them from afar. “The participation’s lower than I expected. I thought this was going to be a pretty big meeting.” “The others are busy preparing for their own matters. Aren’t you guys also quite busy nowadays?” questioned the Succession representative. Shooting them a dissatisfied look, Tuner put his hands on his hips and responded, “Ahem. I’m not here as a Watcher this time, but as one of the Ten Evils. Let’s try to keep these two different.” “I shouldn’t have even bothered coming...” muttered Succession’s representative irritably, rubbing their temples as if they were dealing with a headache. Seeing that, Offering’s representative turned to Tuner and asked, “So, does that mean you won’t be using Exuviation this time?” “Not exactly. It’s more like I can’t even if I wanted to. Most of them are currently undergoing modifications for the whale hunt.” Succession and Offering’s representatives immediately showed a flicker of interest. Apart from the Harbinger Shard it possessed, the White Whale’s byproducts were simply invaluable. “Oh, I’ll gladly accept any assistance from you guys. I want to handle this cautiously since I’m not sure how the Perfect Ones will react to this one.” “Hmm. Let me know once you’ve decided on a plan.” “I’ll keep it in mind.” While the representatives conversed with Tuner, Puppeteer, who had been quietly reading a book beside the stage, suddenly spoke. “Can we wrap that up and get to the point already? Apostate is about to break his puppet.” At Puppeteer’s words, everyone’s attention shifted to Apostate’s puppet, which was showing signs of strain. The translucent strings above it were wavering violently as if they were on the verge of snapping, despite the puppet having remained motionless until now. Shaking his head in displeasure, Tuner acquiesced. “Alright, alright. Let’s start discussing our target.” However, before he continued, Tuner’s finger-sized puppet moved as though it was rummaging for something. Then, with a clearing of his throat, Tuner began. “Let’s see. The Eternal Nocturne’s power has been confirmed in use. The Sacred Craftsman’s power remains under suspicion, and the Pilgrim’s power is still unverified, but...”—Tuner chuckled, reading the documents held in his hand—“with a grandiose title like Grand Archbishop, I think it’s safe to assume he’s acquired it.” Listening to Tuner laying out the information on Se-Hoon, who truly seemed to be an extraordinary figure, the puppets all glanced at each other. He had collected the powers from not just one or two, but three out of the seven Perfect Ones. “So? What should we do about this crazy power-collecting enthusiast? Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts.” Silence filled the room. “...I’ve wondered about this for a while, but... are we really sure he has acquired all of these powers?” The first to speak was Succession’s representative. “Why? You don’t buy it?” “Of course not. He couldn’t possibly be alive after acquiring not just one but three of the Perfect Ones’ powers.” Unlike ordinary skills that naturally adjusted to match the user’s synesthetic mindscape, the powers of Perfect Ones were different. When one acquired their powers, the corresponding Perfect One’s synesthetic mindscape embedded within didn’t change; they forcibly altered the user’s own synesthetic mindscape instead, often causing death. “Perhaps rather than ‘acquiring’ them, he’s using equipment imbued with them. That sounds more plausible to me.” Succession’s representative skeptically shut down the idea as unrealistic, making Tuner smirk internally. They’d never believe me if I told them he actually knows how to handle five. What Tuner had told them so far was only publicly known information. Having faced Se-Hoon personally before, Tuner had also confirmed that he had successfully manifested the power of both the Emperor of Ascension and the Visionary as well. I also thought he was using his ring or that bow as mediums, but now I know for sure that he directly absorbs the powers. Even if he manifested the powers using equipment as mediums to avoid the adverse effects, handling five should have still resulted in severe side effects. Yet Se-Hoon exhibited not a single sign of such problems, indicating that his synesthetic mindscape was simply just uniquely capable of harmonizing with multiple powers. “Well, that could be true, but we have to proceed on the assumption that he’s truly acquired all of them for now. Regardless of whichever it is, it’s a fact that the Perfect Ones are giving him extra attention.” “Hmm, that’s true.” “Anyway, the two of us that are not a part of the plan can step back for now.... Let’s hear from the ones who called for this meeting first.” Tuner turned to the two, who had been mostly silent. Sensing Tuner’s gaze, Offering’s representative spoke first. “I’ll leave the overall plan to you. I’ll deploy five who’ve undergone Specialization Rituals.” “...Seriously?” “Yes. They’re ready to go at any moment.” Succession’s representative was completely taken aback. A Specialization Ritual was a process that fused a piece of equipment with one’s physical body to enhance one's power dramatically. However, fewer than twenty individuals had successfully undergone it so far. As such, sending five of them was a significant commitment. “You’re putting a lot into this. Is Lee Se-Hoon worth that much to you?” “If we secure him now, we can kill the Sacred Craftsman within a year. That’s all you need to know.” Tuner grew intrigued at those words. They were securing material capable of killing a Perfect One? “Not bad. What about you?” With the focus turned to him, Apostate’s puppet, which had remained motionless until now, finally raised its head. “I’ll go there myself.” It was a shocking declaration to the three other puppets and even Puppeteer, who was reading beside the stage. They all understood that a member of the Ten Evils moving personally signified unyielding determination to accomplish the objective at any cost. “...This will be interesting.” Tuner grinned, glancing between the others. “Alright. I’ll provide support by sending two of my monsters. How do you plan to lure him out?” No matter how strong their forces were, it wouldn’t matter unless they could draw Se-Hoon out of Babel. The room fell silent, each in deep contemplation. Eventually, Succession’s representative spoke up. “I can’t guarantee it, but... I have an idea.” “What is it?” Smiling faintly, Succession’s representative replied, “We’ll just use bait that he absolutely can’t ignore.” *** A week of the second semester had already passed. With all the students done with their minor applications now, the new semester had officially begun. For most students, not much had changed academically-wise. However, for the first-years who had just enrolled that year, it was a different story. “You don’t even know this? Hmm, what did you say your name was again?” “Alright, everyone did their prep work during summer break, right? What’s that? You didn’t? Well, that sounds like a you problem.” “There’s already a long line of people dying to get into Babel. Why should I waste my precious time on someone like you?” The professors, who had been relatively lenient during the first semester, began taking a much harsher approach, throwing relentless assignments at the students. With their basic talents assessed during the first semester, the professors now aimed to test their mental fortitude and other skills. To uncover hidden talents that only emerge in extreme circumstances, the professors wielded their figurative whips without mercy. “This is beyond frustrating.” And even Se-Hoon couldn’t escape those whips. “Separate the Netherworld’s darkness mana and compress it into a single point. Then reconnect it with the power of Boundaries. Is it really that hard?” On the fifteenth floor of Valhalla, there was a special training hall that required explicit approval from the chief director to access. And currently within it, an eye created from Vision of the Abyss was staring intently at Se-Hoon. “Do it again.” At Wurgen’s instruction, Se-Hoon frowned but activated the power of Boundaries, pulling out more darkness mana from the Netherworld. Woong! Black-colored mana emanating an eerie aura seeped out from the void, like it was coming out of the abyss. Seeing that, Se-Hoon activated the power of Boundaries once more, gathering the darkness mana, which had spread throughout his body, in his palm and gradually condensing into a single point. But when he tried to reconnect the now compressed mana to the Netherworld... Swish- The ball of mana unraveled and dissipated into nothingness. “...” “...” Wurgen’s eye narrowed, prompting Se-Hoon to clear his throat awkwardly. “Ahem. Isn’t Vision of the Abyss a fairly advanced skill? I think it’s a bit too complex for a first lesson...” “It is advanced, but that’s only for those who don’t know how to wield the power of Boundaries. You’re different.” New lines formed in the space around Wurgen’s eye, which then opened one after another into eyes, all with their gaze fixed on Se-Hoon. The Necromantic Magic known as Vision of the Abyss, Wurgen’s signature skill, unfolded before Se-Hoon once more. “For those who can use the power of Boundaries, creating hundreds or even thousands of eyes is simply a fundamental skill. I thought I'd already explained this to you.” “...” “How pathetic. You stole my power, yet you’re unable to form even one eye. Simply unbelievable.” Wurgen’s dozen of eyes in the air all glared at Se-Hoon, the annoyance in his gaze palpable. And under the weight of it all, Se-Hoon frowned. He knows exactly why I’m struggling, yet he still insists on this charade... While Wurgen wasn’t wrong, that Vision of the Abyss was considered a basic skill among techniques utilizing the power of Boundaries, there was one critical issue: it was tailored for beings like Wurgen—entities freed from physical constraints and reduced to skeletal remains. For someone like Se-Hoon, whose body was very much still intact, it was significantly more difficult to execute. And Wurgen definitely knew that, yet he continued to push Se-Hoon—because he had an entirely different reason. “Have you lost your drive since landing that fancy Grand Archbishop position? If so, just go learn Divine Magic from that guy instead.” As of late, Se-Hoon’s newly appointed title of Grand Archbishop had been Wurgen’s favorite weapon of mockery. Se-Hoon sighed inwardly. I never thought he’d be this petty over something like this. Being just a fabricated position created to lure the Apostate into attacking, the Grand Archbishop role gave him minimal authority, barely different from other archbishops. However, the public didn’t know that, making their reaction quite explosive. “Next Pope of the Pilgrimage Church: Se-Hoon Confirmed?!” “The Long-Vacant Successor Position of the Pilgrim Finally Filled?” Some rumors even claimed Se-Hoon had already inherited all of Pilgrim’s powers—clearly exaggerated. However, that was precisely what he and Karl were aiming for. There was just one problem: Wurgen. “Now that I think about it, I was too naive. Offering to hand over a part of my business enterprise, only for you to turn around and accept a church position instead... tsk.” Like Wurgen said, Se-Hoon had promptly declined his offer, only to accept the archbishop role without hesitation. It was obvious Wurgen’s pride had been bruised, causing him to bring it up at every opportunity to berate Se-Hoon for it. “I already told you, this is just a temporary appointment for a specific situation. Why are you being like this?” “Did I say anything?” “You’re literally using it to mock me right—” “Anyway.” Wurgen cut him off mid-sentence, his dozens of eyes narrowing further. “Make sure you master Vision of the Abyss perfectly by the next lesson. If you fail, I’ll stop wasting my time on this nonsense altogether.” Swoosh- Without waiting for a response, the dozens of eyes all disappeared into the background, watched by Se-Hoon with a grimace. For someone so old, he sure acts like a child sometimes... It was a bit exasperating, but Se-Hoon could understand where Wurgen was coming from. Wurgen had gone to great lengths to teach Se-Hoon his power, even designing an entire course named Geography of the Netherworld to continue doing so. However, with his recent appointment as Grand Archbishop, it appeared to outsiders that Se-Hoon was disregarding Wurgen, diminishing his image. At least he's not seriously upset with me. If Wurgen were truly upset, he wouldn’t be grumbling like that; he would have coldly cut off their relationship. And with Wurgen’s habit of weighing relationships solely based on gains and losses, it would have made lessons far more challenging to receive. Exiting the training hall, Se-Hoon pulled out his phone to check for updates, scanning through incidents happening worldwide. And all he found was that most areas were relatively peaceful, aside from minor disturbances. There seems to be nothing yet... I thought they’d act immediately. Last weekend, shortly after his appointment announcement, Se-Hoon had received a proposition from the Ten Evils and Watchers through Dawn: Wouldn’t this be the perfect opportunity to deal with Lee Se-Hoon? Of course, he declined the offer, but he expected them to prepare their own plans and act swiftly, regardless. Yet, there were no movements from them yet. Are they planning for the long term? That did seem to be what they were opting for, given the current calmness of the situation. However, considering Apostate’s obsession with Karl, he found it hard to believe that they would remain patient for long. Maybe I should poke the bear a little...? But just as he had that thought, his thoughts were interrupted. Vrrr- His phone was buzzing, the screen displaying that it was a call from Eun-Ha. Feeling a sense of foreboding, Se-Hoon answered immediately. “Yes, Dean?” —Hmm... Despite being the one to call him, Eun-Ha hesitated to speak, seemingly debating whether to open her mouth at all. Not rushing her, Se-Hoon waited silently. —Lee Se-Hoon, can you spare a moment? “I do have the time... but may I ask what this is about?” Hearing Eun-Ha’s cautious voice, Se-Hoon listened as she explained in a lowered voice. —We found another piece of Legendary-tier equipment: one of the Five Element Equipment.

Chapter 301

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