“That resplendent golden light…”
“That’s the famous Fragnt of Codex.”
“It’s not just a fragnt. It’s a fully rged page.”
With no system obscuring it, everyone gathered here was able to perceive the presence of Codex.
Logos' reckoning to end this universe.
Gabriel, one of Eden’s archangels, stepped forward and asked.
“If we eliminate that, wouldn’t Logos also lose his purpose?”
“It would certainly make things easier, but Codex can’t be destroyed by any power. This small page itself is the world right now. It can only be undone by a force capable of erasing the world.”
At most, tearing it was all that could be done. But even tearing it was sothing only Logos, the owner of Codex, could do. What Yu-hyun had done was rely gather those torn fragnts and rge them into one.
“So might think it would’ve been better not to gather it at all, but that’s an empty conjecture. This universe has been repeated countless tis. Each ti, this page has reached completion around this point. Even if it weren’t , soone would eventually be led by the story to create it.”
“In that case, what do you plan to do with it?”
“Holding this page is like having a sort of qualification. It’s the only key that allows entry into Logos’ realm, which no one can trespass. With this, I will go to Logos and settle this.”
“Alone?”
“It would be nice if I could go with others… but I must go alone.”
Yu-hyun had thought a lot about how to use this page. He even considered ways to claim the authority of the page as his own to oppose Logos.
But perhaps because Logos was the original owner, Yu-hyun could not fully dominate the page of Codex.
No matter what branding he tried or how he attempted to expedite its control, the only thing he could use as his power was the demon of Aporia, created by four fragnts, and the single power he had always possessed.
“To be honest, all I’ve been permitted to do is own this page and then carry it to Logos.”
The Codex Yu-hyun held was no more than a key to Logos’ realm.
However, that didn’t guarantee that Elohim and the governors, who filled the outside, would open the way for him.
Logos had said to try if he could. In other words, reaching the place where Logos resided was sothing Yu-hyun had to accomplish with his own strength.
“So, this is what it ans. We’ll open the path to the Foundation as much as possible, and you’ll confront Logos directly to negotiate.”
phistopheles stepped forward, summarizing the situation. Yu-hyun nodded. Murmurs could be heard from various places at those words.
“Is that true? Entrusting the fate of this universe to a re human?”
“He may be human, but we can’t ignore the power he wields. Besides, Satan transferred all his power to him before he died.”
“It might have been more promising if that power had been given to another first-generation Divine Spirit…”
So Divine Spirits, who considered themselves superior, couldn’t accept that a human held Codex, the core of the plan.
There were even those convinced they could do a better job.
“I support him.”
At that mont, a figure stepped forward—it was Vairochana Buddha.
As the representative of Sukhavati, his public support for Yu-hyun made so Divine Spirits widen their eyes.
Following Vairochana, other Divine Spirits of Sukhavati also announced their support for Yu-hyun.
“The Endless Light, the Buddha of the Western Paradise, has agreed too?”
“The Saviour in the Egg, Maitreya Bodhisattva, is with him as well.”
“Avalokiteshvara of a Thousand Hands and Eyes…”
“Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, the Saviour of the Underworld Fires of Sukhavati, has also permitted it.”
With the entirety of Sukhavati’s Great Army standing by Yu-hyun’s side, other Divine Spirits began to take notice.
“Well, I guess they beat to it. I’ll support him too, as will my brethren.”
Sun Wukong, the Victorious Fighting Buddha, also stepped forward.
Sukhavati’s absolute authority, Vairochana Buddha, followed by Sun Wukong, the representative of the Demon King Alliance.
All six Great Armies, one by one.
“Our Great Army of Mabinogion will support him too.”
Led by Tuatha Dé Danann, the Divine Spirits of Mabinogion’s Great Army also sided with Yu-hyun.
“Dragonica as well.”
Sharuriel and Galitz voiced their support.
With things proceeding this way, even the other Divine Spirits who had viewed Yu-hyun poorly as a human began to lean to one side.
“Our Eden Garden agrees.”
“Pandemonium. We agree as well.”
“The Thirty-Six Heavens of the Celestial Realm will give our utmost support.”
Before long, every Divine Spirit present announced their support for Yu-hyun.
Though so were swept along by the atmosphere or pressured by the eyes of other Divine Spirits… by this point, none dared to grumble.
More than anything, seeing so much support for this human left them wondering if there was sothing they weren’t aware of.
One couldn’t help but think that way.
“Thank you all.”
Yu-hyun, standing at the center of it all, expressed his gratitude to the Divine Spirits who believed in him.
Just as Vairochana Buddha had ntioned the previous day, it was not an empty claim that most Divine Spirits were interested in him.
“Though, words alone seem insufficient. Here, take this.”
Taking the opportunity, Sun Wukong handed what he held to Yu-hyun.
The Divine Spirits around them, as well as Yu-hyun, widened their eyes.
“This is…?”
“Ruyi Jingu Bang.”
What Sun Wukong handed to Yu-hyun was none other than his trademark and primary weapon—the Ruyi Staff.
“The sword you carry absorbs the tales of other weapons to grow stronger, right? I’ve seen it enough to know.”
“That’s true, but…”
“It’s a weapon with boundless potential that no god’s weapon could match. It’s a blow to my pride that humans made it, but there’s no better weapon in this situation. So, take this. Add my Ruyi Staff to your weapon.”
The surrounding Divine Spirits looked at Sun Wukong in disbelief, as if they couldn’t believe he’d go that far.
Who was Sun Wukong, after all? The Celestial Realm’s notorious rascal, a famous figure whose rampages had only been curbed by Buddha himself.
Though he had beco the Victorious Fighting Buddha after eting Tang Sanzang, his previous personality occasionally surfaced, intimidating most Divine Spirits in the Celestial Realm.
That Sun Wukong willingly handed over his beloved staff was both astonishing and a testant to the trust he placed in Yu-hyun.
“We shall give as well.”
Not to be outdone, Tuatha Dé Danann of the Great Army of Mabinogion handed four treasures to Yu-hyun.
“Take these. The four Great Treasures representing our Mabinogion.”
The four Great Treasures of Tuatha Dé Danann.
Lia Fáil, the Stone of Destiny.
The Spear of Lugh, forged from light.
Nuada’s Sword, imbued with the sun’s power.
The Cauldron of Da Dagda, the Cauldron of Infinity.
“Such precious items…”
“After the incident with Calot, we also realized what truly matters.”
Nuada of the Silver Arm handed Yu-hyun the treasures, insisting he accept them.
Yu-hyun, looking into his unwavering eyes, nodded and activated Baekryun’s power.
[Absorb Story]
The Divine Spirits’ treasures in his possession broke down into letters and were absorbed by Baekryun.
“We will give as well…”
“Take ours too.”
The other Divine Spirits also began handing Yu-hyun mythical weapons, one by one.
Knowing this would be the final battle, they had decided to give all they had to Yu-hyun.
One by one.
As more weapons were absorbed by Baekryun, the pure white light emanating from it grew brighter.
Before long, Yu-hyun, holding the resplendent Sword of Light, looked down at it in silence.
‘Baekryun.’
At that mont, were you content as you departed?
I, who could give you nothing, rely received help from you.
Yu-hyun’s gaze eventually turned to Baek Seo-ryeon, standing in a corner of the council chamber. As a representative of the Alliance, she was present but remained distanced, overshadowed by other Divine Spirits and Bookworms, staring at Baekryun in a daze.
“Oh.”
Sensing his gaze, she looked at Yu-hyun, smiled shyly, and nodded slightly.
Yu-hyun also nodded back, subtly acknowledging her gesture.
Yes. This is enough.
“Thank you all.”
“No need. It’s what we had to do.”
Sun Wukong waved his hand, saying there was no need to be embarrassed by such gratitude.
They had all chosen this path because they believed in Yu-hyun, and there was no need to be thanked for what was expected.
If he felt truly grateful, he should use the strength they’d entrusted to him to end this battle.
That was all they wished for.
* * *
After the council eting ended and everyone returned to their barracks, soone called out to Yu-hyun.
“Kang Yu-hyun.”
“Oh, it’s you, Choi Do-yoon.”
The guy, who had remained silent throughout the eting, approached Yu-hyun once the crowd had dispersed, seemingly with
sothing he’d been wanting to say.
“So, what’s it about this ti?”
“To you…”
Choi Do-yoon hesitated, as if unable to bring himself to speak. His reluctance made Yu-hyun curious about what he intended to say.
Choi Do-yoon was usually the type to speak or act without hesitation. For him to show this kind of hesitation was sothing Yu-hyun couldn’t understand.
Just what kind of serious matter was he about to bring up?
As Yu-hyun patiently waited, Choi Do-yoon seed to gather himself, finally managing to speak.
“I’m sorry.”
“…What?”
“Though the actions taken against you were in a past life—no, from a different universe—it was still who did it.”
“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
“I want to apologize for what I did back then.”
“…”
In disbelief, Yu-hyun’s eyes widened as he took a deep breath.
Then, as if realizing sothing, he shook his head.
“There’s no need for apologies. The person you are now is different from who you were then.”
In his past life, Choi Do-yoon had barely made it back to Earth after struggling through other dinsions, only to be t with the death of his only family and… a changed world.
But this version of Choi Do-yoon was different. He still had family, and the apocalypse that should have reached Earth had been averted.
Though they started the sa, different environnts led them to different destinations.
Could they truly be seen as the sa person?
“Instead… I ended up taking my anger out on you.”
“…”
“Even knowing that, seeing you brings back mories of what happened back then. It’s just… reflexive. Besides, you and I, our personalities don’t match well enough to be friendly.”
“I can’t deny that.”
“Even so.”
“Hmm?”
“If we et again soday… I promise not to be hostile, at least not like now.”
At those words, Choi Do-yoon let out a faint chuckle.
“You’re making plans for another ti on the eve of a war that might end the world.”
“I have to, even if it’s just a hope.”
“Is that so? Then I’ll look forward to it.”
Without further greeting, they turned and went their separate ways, as if by mutual understanding.
Choi Do-yoon headed to where his aides awaited him.
Yu-hyun went to et soone else.
“You’re here?”
“Been waiting a while.”
“Hyung, you’re here.”
Kwon Jia, Seo Sumin, and Yoo Young-min welcod Yu-hyun.
Seeing them all gathered, Yu-hyun felt the passage of ti.
They were all noticeably different from five years ago. Kwon Jia was brighter, Seo Sumin had grown, and Yoo Young-min was more composed.
It was a scene he’d dread of, but there was still one piece missing.
“…”
Yu-hyun’s gaze turned toward Old Town.
One person who wasn’t here.
The one who had joined White Flower Managent first, and the one with whom he had signed the earliest contract as a collector.
“Everyone, I’ll be back shortly.”
“Alright.”
No one stopped him from leaving suddenly.
In fact, they almost seed as though they would have been disappointed if he hadn’t said so, smiling as they gave him a nudge on the back.
Activating Descartes’ power, Yu-hyun headed to where Kang Hye-rim was.
Standing before the door to her residence after crossing the spatial barrier, Yu-hyun hesitated to knock.
Just coming here to see her felt like it might pressure her into a decision.
How long did he stand there, debating whether to knock or not?
Click.
There was a sound from inside, and then the door opened on its own.
“…”
No. It hadn’t opened on its own.
Inside, the owner of the room had opened it herself.
Wearing the sa blue-and-white martial uniform he’d first seen her in long ago.
Holding a sword in her hand.
“…Hye-rim.”
Among all the changed faces, she alone appeared as he rembered her at the beginning.
The faint, hazy mory he had of her—now vividly alive before his eyes.
Yu-hyun nodded in satisfaction.
“That’s your choice, then.”
“Yes.”
What escaped her lips was a clear, gentle voice.
The aura of the Sword Queen, as she held the sword, calling forth the admiration of all who saw her, had returned.
The Sword Queen of those mories had co back, here and now.
“I’ll fight too.”
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