MTLNOVEL Chapter 250
Chapter 250
In the past, when Se-Hoon was learning how to acquire divine mana, he often collaborated with the Pilgrimage Church.
Naturally, he ended up hearing stories about the Pilgrim’s miraculous feats—how he revived crippled heroes, turned battlefields where tens of thousands fought into places without a single casualty, and even quelled a volcano that was about to erupt due to demonic corruption.
Alongside Baek-Yeon, he was a Perfect One who actively helped humanity, causing his tales to be countless. And yet, the stories that Se-Hoon heard the most from the church’s clergy were always about the Pilgrim’s daily life.
“Our Pope traverses the Pilgrim’s Path daily, watching over the world whenever he is free. We strive to emulate that devotion...”
They took pride in the fact that the Pilgrim spent over three hundred days a year traversing the Pilgrim's Path, which stretched across the vast open sea, constantly keeping tabs on the Abyss of Demons. To them, the Pilgrim sacrificing himself for the good of humanity, giving up the immense wealth and authority that his power allowed him, was worthy of reverence—in fact, that earned the respect of not just the Perfect Ones, but of all heroes.
To Se-Hoon though, it was a bit peculiar, but since the Pilgrim at least acted for the sake of humanity, he viewed him positively.
Now, however, that image had completely shattered.
“That damned cult leader...”
Swoosh-
Stretching over the vast ocean that continued far into the horizon, a gleaming white barrier seemed never-ending. And having been walking ceaselessly atop it for three hours, Se-Hoon couldn’t stop his mouth from frowning.
I thought we’d find something useful here... but it’s just a long walking exercise.
Nothing but the sea was in sight, and nothing occurred on the barrier. It felt like they were walking down the same section over and over. It was so unchanging that even Se-Hoon thought he might have believed they were trapped in some illusion if he hadn’t had a sharp sense of space.
There’s no way he’d put me through this just to make me suffer... is it possible he’s trying to find someone to do the maintenance for him?
He had heard that the Pilgrim had accepted the responsibility of maintaining the Pilgrim’s Path without much complaint until death, but who knew what he really thought back then?
Se-Hoon’s expression hardened. Only now did he realize that spending nearly an entire year wandering such a place would drive anyone insane, far beyond just leaving them with a few screws loose.
What if he tries to force the role of maintaining the barrier on me as a condition for healing Jin-Hyun...? Hmm...
Even Se-Hoon knew he was overthinking it, but he believed it was always best to assume the worst when dealing with high-ranking heroes, as even those who appeared sane could reveal their innate madness if their buttons were pushed the wrong way.
Well, whatever the goal is, I won’t know until we meet... but at this rate, who knows when that’ll be?
The barrier seemed to stretch on endlessly, no matter how far they walked. He had even occasionally jogged to speed up the pace, but it was just a drop in the bucket considering the barrier’s seemingly infinite length. What made it worse was that if the Pilgrim was still moving, the goalpost would shift further away in real-time, making it uncertain when Se-Hoon would catch up.
Frustrated at the prospect of a marathon without a visible finish line, he squinted, trying to see into the distance.
At that moment, he felt a gust of wind behind him.
Whoosh!
Turning his head, he saw Sung-Ha swinging his twin spears while striding along. It seemed Sung-Ha wasn’t content with just walking and had decided to train to avoid wasting more time.
But Se-Hoon knew that Sung-Ha was simply making an effort to clear his mind of various thoughts.
Reminds me of what the Mad Dog did back then.
The Mad Dog would train whenever he felt troubled, and when the moment he thought his mind was empty came, he’d act on whatever thought popped up—earning him the nickname “Mad Dog.” It was a habit he kept until the end because he never seemed to suffer mentally from it.
Though picking up that old habit of his should be fine, I’ll have to keep an eye on him so that he doesn’t lose control of his actions and let them follow his emotions.
Because Sung-Ha was still influenced by the Mad Dog’s synesthetic mindscape, there was no telling what reckless things he would attempt, so Se-Hoon made sure not to let his guard down.
Fwoosh!
As Se-Hoon watched, Sung-Ha’s movements became faster and flames erupted along the trajectory of his spear. It looked like he would collide with his own fire if he misstepped even slightly, but Sung-Ha skillfully moved, creating gaps through the wheel of flames and escaping their grasp.
Whoosh!
Having never been broken, the flame trail started looking like a dragon made of fire.
When did he learn Flame Dragon?
Sung-Ha’s execution of the technique developed by the Mad Dog seemed a bit rough compared to the original, but it was still impressive for something learned in just a few days.
It’s like watching a baby suddenly taking their first steps.
Having never taught Sung-Ha the Mad Dog’s technique, Se-Hoon watched Sung-Ha’s unexpected practice session with surprise and fascination.
Fwoosh!
The fiercely burning flames were suddenly snuffed out by the darkness that rose amidst them.
When the darkness settled, Sung-Ha stopped his spear and turned around.
“Stop staring at me. It’s annoying.”
“What? All I did was look.”
“You were watching me like I was a baby taking my first steps, weren’t you?”
“...”
Se-Hoon frowned at the spot-on guess. Whether it was due to the Mad Dog’s influence or not, Sung-Ha’s perception had noticeably sharpened.
He’s also picked up a few annoying parts here and there...
Cursing the Mad Dog internally, Se-Hoon refocused when Sung-Ha sheathed his spears and opened his mouth. “I don’t know how long it’ll take, but I’ll definitely get stronger, up to the standard you want. That was the condition of our deal.”
“...Huh?”
“Even if I fall short, I’ll make it work somehow, so don’t worry.”
Taken aback by the unexpected words, Se-Hoon blinked repeatedly, trying to figure out what he meant.
Is it because he’s weaker than the Mad Dog?
But in the first place, Se-Hoon never intended to rush Sung-Ha in that regard. With a thirty-one-year time difference, the experience the Mad Dog had gained from battles and wars meant the gap wouldn’t close that easily, even despite some stagnation due to various incidents.
“I didn’t think that kind of thing would bother you. That’s a bit unexpected.”
Remaining silent, Sung-Ha walked for a bit before eventually speaking. “When you first mentioned exploring the Six Great Demon Realms, I figured we’d eventually fight monsters like the Ten Evils, but... it happened much sooner than I thought.”
He had estimated it would take at least five years, but Se-Hoon had gone against one of the Ten Evils after just half a year, even clashing with a more powerful demon and successfully defeating them.
Truthfully, Sung-Ha had also contributed to those battles, though only managing to do so by temporarily boosting his power with Se-Hoon’s abilities and the enemy’s strength—a cheat.
“In the end, I wasn't able to defeat those monsters with solely my strength, and who knows if that method will work next time. My value as an asset right now is dwindling.”
So far, Sung-Ha believed they had been making equivalent exchanges because they stood on equal footing. But now, after the recent events, he realized that was no longer the case.
He can borrow power from Perfect Ones or S-rank heroes, but what about me?
There was no one to shield him from Won-Ryong’s interference, help him become the Sect Master, heal his dying master, or forge weapons perfectly suited for him—only Se-Hoon. Under those circumstances, any dealings Se-Hoon made with him were akin to charity.
“Charity turns people into puppets. They’re lifted up by others, only to be knocked down.”
Remembering the saying his master often repeated to him when he was younger, Sung-Ha realized that ironically, Jin-Hyun had shown him with his life that it was true. At the time, Sung-Ha thought Jin-Hyun was extremely pessimistic, but now he understood it was the Flame Sect that both allowed him to survive and left his master dying.
His master’s blood-spattered collapsed figure flashing through his mind, Sung-Ha calmly finished his monologue. “If I grow stronger quicker, I can start repaying my debts. Of course, there might be times when I fall behind on payments. If you can’t accept that, you’re free to cast me aside...”
“Haa...”
A deep sigh echoed over the sea. Se-Hoon rubbed his eyes in frustration at Sung-Ha’s obstinate words.
What am I going to do with this guy? Se-Hoon thought in frustration, rubbing his eyes.
He had initially thought Sung-Ha was softened a bit compared to the Mad Dog, but from his obstinate words just now, his warped thinking had just taken on a new direction.
Unsure how to deal with him, Se-Hoon decided to simplify everything.
“So, what you’re saying is that you think I’m maintaining this business relationship out of pity?”
“Yeah.”
“And you’re saying this nonsense because you believe you aren’t worth much, right?”
“...That’s right.”
Having neatly summarized Sung-Ha’s issues, Se-Hoon moved on.
“How were your first semester grades?”
“Why does that matter...?”
“Just answer me. I’ll count it as part of your debt.”
Though confused by the unrelated question, Sung-Ha eventually answered after some hesitation since it counted toward his debt.
“I was the honor student of my department.”
“And I’m a year-wide honor student, which means I’m ranked higher.”
Not following, Sung-Ha gave Se-Hoon a puzzled look, asking what his point was.
“How about your connections?”
“...I have none.”
“I know three Perfect Ones, maybe four by today. That’s another point for me.”
“...”
“And next up...”
One after another, Se-Hoon compared everything he and Sung-Ha had—from possessions to bank balances, as well as the highest-level demon and monster they defeated. And as expected, Se-Hoon came out on top in every category.
The gap between them was on full display, having grown so large that Se-Hoon’s superiority was undeniable regardless of their academic year difference.
“In conclusion, I am significantly more intelligent, wealthy, strong, and virtuous than you, correct?”
“...”
“Hurry up and answer me, idiot.”
Silently opening and closing his mouth, Sung-Ha reluctantly moved his lips and finally spat out the reply that was painful to admit. “At the moment... yes.”
Even though he already knew it, he still felt an overwhelming frustration that twisted his face into a scowl.
Chuckling at the sight, Se-Hoon asked one more question. “Then doesn’t that mean my judgment in believing you have that much value is correct?”
Sung-Ha’s expression momentarily froze. Then, melting, it shifted into something more conflicted.
“Wait... do you mean...”
“Don’t give me that pity talk. Do I look like the kind of person who’d do that for someone?”
“...”
Prompted by Se-Hoon’s questions, Sung-Ha opened his mouth to respond but couldn’t find the words. One side of him insisted he had value, while the other claimed he didn’t. With the outcome known only to time, the only thing he could rely on now was the judgment of the one making the claim.
Then... no, but...
His thoughts were in complete disarray, making Sung-Ha frown and groan.
“Tsk, tsk. You can’t even grasp such a simple fact.... That’s why you’re always a step behind me.”
“...”
“No one knows themselves better than they do, but sometimes people miss things about themselves, too. Even Perfect Ones aren’t much different in that regard.”
“...”
“That’s why you need to listen to other people’s advice sometimes, even if they’re weaker than you.”
Although Se-Hoon used their difference in power to persuade Sung-Ha, he also made sure to let Sung-Ha know that fixating solely on power could turn someone into a lone wolf who disregarded others—just like the Mad Dog.
Sung-Ha fell silent, deep in thought.
He understands it in his heart, but his mind isn’t ready to accept it.
Since it was a deeply ingrained problem, it couldn’t be solved overnight. So, for now, Se-Hoon thought that giving Sung-Ha something to reflect on was enough.
Clapping his hands to draw Sung-Ha’s attention back to reality, he shifted the topic.
“Alright, let’s put this aside for later. First, let’s figure out what to do about this hellhole.”
“What exactly are you suggesting we do?”
“That’s what we need to discuss, genius.”
“...”
Ignoring Sung-Ha’s glare, Se-Hoon turned his gaze back to the endless Pilgrim’s Path.
No matter how I think about it, there’s no way he expects us to walk all the way.... I probably need to use Divine Magic.
When Se-Hoon first stepped onto the Pilgrim’s Path, he had considered if Divine Magic was the answer, but he had put off confirming it until now. Aside from the nonzero risk of being forced into servitude if he showed too much skill, he simply didn’t want to arouse the Pilgrim’s suspicion further.
Having divine mana and being proficient in Divine Magic are different things.
He would try to avoid using the spells he learned before the regression, but it was possible he would use one out of habit. The more he got involved with the Pilgrim, the more likely he’d attract annoying attention from Apostate.
Maybe I should use the Pilgrim’s Incense Burner? If I use Stigma for fuel, it won’t consume much divine mana... I can just pass it off by saying I used the power of another Perfect One later.
“I’ve got an idea.”
Breaking out of his thoughts, Se-Hoon looked toward Sung-Ha, who had abruptly drawn his spears once more.
“What is it?”
“If the Pilgrim’s Path is an extension of the Pilgrim’s power, then any disturbance will alert him immediately, right?”
“Right... So?”
Clang!
Instead of answering, Sung-Ha pressed the blades of his spears against the barrier and began channeling his mana into them.
Woong-
A sinister vibration could be heard from the tip of his spear. Guessing his intention, Se-Hoon stared at him, wide-eyed.
“Then he’ll just come to fix it if I break it.”
Unleashing his full power, Sung-Ha released the mana contained in both spears.
Boom!!
Dark crimson flames burst from the tips of the spears, attempting to shatter the Pilgrim’s Path. However, while Se-Hoon was momentarily stunned by Sung-Ha’s reckless actions, he quickly regained his composure.
Though he had constructed the part of the path they stood on, it was still a manifestation of the Pilgrim’s power. There was no way Sung-Ha could destroy it, even in his current state.
Fwoosh!
Just as Se-Hoon expected, the flames exploding from Sung-Ha’s spears didn’t even leave a scorch mark on the path, let alone destroy it.
Relieved, Se-Hoon exhaled a deep breath.
Wait, why am I feeling relieved? He questioned his actions.
Not understanding why he was surprised by something clearly impossible, Se-Hoon looked toward Sung-Ha, sensing something distinctly off.
Sung-Ha was still standing in the same stance as before, but... something about him felt completely deranged, a familiar madness that stirred a sense of dread in Se-Hoon.
“I’m stronger than you...!”
The frustration of the Mad Dog had manifested through Sung-Ha.
Woooong!
The dark crimson flames, burning aimlessly, suddenly resonated perfectly with each other. They unleashed immense power that exploited the weak spots in the Pilgrim’s Path that Se-Hoon carelessly left. The flames surged through the white barrier at an alarming speed.
BOOM!!
The path under their feet had been completely split in the blink of an eye.
“You crazy bastard!”
“Hahaha!!”
Fueled by the Mad Dog’s mindset, Sung-Ha continued laughing without any fear in his voice. Se-Hoon, however, was in a panic, looking down at the rapidly dissipating path beneath his feet.
What am I supposed to do now?
Strictly speaking, the path that Se-Hoon constructed was merely a bridge to the real one. Its destruction wouldn’t trigger any catastrophic events like unleashing the Abyss of Demons into society, but that didn’t change the fact he and Sung-Ha would still end up plunging into the vast, empty sea, with no guarantee the Pilgrim would be willing to help even if he saw.
Assessing the remaining possibilities at hand, Se-Hoon rapidly pulled out the Pilgrim’s Incense Burner and grasped it alongside Stigma.
No point in hiding my power anymore...!
To make the Pilgrim desperate enough to depend on him, Se-Hoon knew he needed to go all out. Mentally drawing out the blueprint of the path he had observed while creating and traversing it, Se-Hoon poured the divine mana stored inside Stigma into the incense burner.
Woong!
Sensing the urgency, the incense burner let out a thick cloud of smoke that instantly enveloped the surroundings. Then, Se-Hoon activated the Divine Magic that he meticulously formed in his head within the smoke.
Flash!
With a radiant golden glow, the shattered Pilgrim’s Path was restored as if time itself had been reversed.
“Haha... huh?”
Stopping his laughter, Sung-Ha looked around with a confused expression. He was certain he had destroyed it, so why was everything perfectly intact?
Wait. Why did I even do that?
Baffled by his own inexplicable actions, Sung-Ha racked his brain until he reached a conclusion.
“It was all an illusion, right?”
“What illusion, you idiot?!”
Whack!
Sung-Ha winced in pain, his eyes narrowing at Se-Hoon, who had smacked the back of his head.
“You...”
“What? You’re glaring at me? Should I toss you into the sea? Huh?!”
“...?”
Realizing Se-Hoon’s menacing look was genuine, Sung-Ha paused, figuring out that his actions were no illusion—his memories were vivid, and his mana was completely drained. Only now did he acknowledge he had seriously messed up.
Whoosh!
But before Sung-Ha could say anything, a golden pillar of light suddenly descended onto the Pilgrim’s Path from above, from which a man dressed in a pristine white priest’s robe, Karl Andersen, hurried out. His face was filled with bewilderment as he surveyed the scene.
“What in the world...”
Confused by the situation, Karl glanced between Se-Hoon and Sung-Ha, silently seeking an explanation.
And in response, Se-Hoon and Sung-Ha exchanged glances, sharing a brief, wordless conversation.
“I’ve proven my worth, as you requested.”
Se-Hoon smiled brightly.