Chapter 200 – Whether It Be a Mountain Range or the Sky, I Will Only Climb

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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A sword with its ego unsealed.

Its appearance also changed in an extraordinary manner.

An elegant sword with blue-dyed patterns intertwining on the pitch-black blade. Since it’s like that, what need is there to mention the changes in basic stats? Furthermore, Gwicheol was a [Legend] grade ego sword.

“….”

To say he was lacking compared to Atlas would naturally be a misjudgment.

What I mean is, not on Atlas, but on Grandfell?

Anyway, his high eyes and unyielding pride are serious issues.

Like the Demon King’s spoils or the ring I received as a reward for passing the chief’s evaluation, wouldn’t they all be [Epic] or [Unique] items overflowing with distinct individuality?

Even leaving a profound evaluation for such items.

[Description: It is too shabby to express Grandfell’s nobility.]

Well, it doesn’t really matter. Because it only says that overbearingly on the description, and the effects and basic stats are more than enough. However, Gwicheol’s description was different.

[Description: An ego sword with a noble ego.]

Wait, noble ego?

Not just an ego sword.

Is its value recognized precisely because of its ‘ego’?

Actually, the fact that its name is displayed as an unknown question mark rather than its true name, ‘Gwicheol’, felt like proof of that. Just wait a minute, to be honest.

Doesn’t this sound like he thinks the sword has better manners than its master?

Wait, why does that thought even cross my mind?

‘What are you looking at, Grandfell.’

Even though I grumbled, I had to acknowledge it.

Isn’t it Gwicheol that I, lacking combat sense compared to the opponent, could overwhelm the Sword Saint in real-time? So I suppose his evaluation has to be high. I don’t care how highly he holds Gwicheol’s noble disposition. But at least don’t ignore me. Especially don’t bring me down.

‘The only one who’ll truly be embarrassed is me.’

But of course, Grandfell didn’t hear my grumbling.

Because my attention was diverted.

He was currently looking at something beyond the sword.

And the object of his attention was not a living being.

It was ‘the sky’, not humans or demons.

Not even the dragon taking its sweet nap on the nest.

“If it wants to look down upon me, it should be at least that high.”

Wait, what are you babbling about now?!

Even so, he couldn’t help but say that. Because my position right now was above the sky. Wait, I shouldn’t be so composed.

Looking down below, what unfolded was the landscape of the Zero Mountain Range.

Just as the name “mountain range” implies. The vast and numerous peaks overlapping infinitely. That magnificent, picturesque landscape. From here, in the sky, it was merely the size of an unfolded hand.

Yes, there’s no way people’s eyes would roll back while watching a broadcast for no reason.

It was when the duel with Shegwin ended safely. I definitely saw these messages perfectly well.

[You have won the duel of space-time.]

[Condition has been met.]

[Rewards are fully given.]

With Shegwin’s death, his identity as a target to kill naturally disappeared.

What followed right after that message.

[The seal of the target item is unsealed.]

It was naturally none other than Gwicheol’s unsealing.

Since its name had popped out as an unknown [?], I couldn’t be quite certain at first. However, realizing there wouldn’t suddenly be another unsealing, I was sure it referred to Gwicheol. But then, as soon as the unsealing message appeared. A sudden question mark popped out of nowhere.

[A sudden situation has occurred.]

What do you mean by a sudden situation out of nowhere!

Because it was a sudden situation. And because AAU’s information and explanations about the [Skilled Players’ Community] space-time were extremely poor compared to the general Arcana system. Was it truly a problem with the space-time itself? Or was it due to my intervention somewhere?

I couldn’t guess.

Of course.

“It shouldn’t be a problem.”

Regardless of the sudden situation.

Since when has Grandfell ever backed down just because of a sudden situation? Rather, just as with Gwicheol’s unsealing. If an unknown problem arises, Grandfell confronts it purely out of his innate character and pride. Let alone backing down.

I just let out a hollow laugh.

If a problem occurs with space-time, does this mean…? Where are you taking me?

‘If this is space-time. By any chance, could it be the Sociality…?!’

As I noticed before. Wait, I already knew that since it’s the Sociality of Space-Time, it wouldn’t be an ordinary place. Given the name, naturally, there should be other super experts like Shegwin. Since they are super experts, just being mixed in among them would be tiring enough. Oh well. That would just be typical of my karma.

However, against my expectations.

As soon as that sudden situation message drifted away.

Fwoosh!

The moment the teleportation spell was triggered, I was sucked somewhere like being swallowed. Yes, sucked in. Sucked away from the Colosseum into some unknown place.

No. I couldn’t even determine what place this was.

‘Wait, no. The sky?!’

Since I could see the Zero Mountain Range laid out below my feet… And more than anything else, there was nothing beneath my steps. Wait! I might die if I fall!

It was dizzying, but as I repeatedly reminded myself. No matter what kind of grand crisis approached. It would be entirely unbecoming of a noble and esteemed individual to display petty agitation, panic, or unseemliness.

Swoosh-

In that sense, [Hiel’s Blessing] was indeed a saving grace. In fact, if the Zero Mountain Range hadn’t appeared as a region. Rather, if it remained a rupture… Wait!

Regardless, I might have crashed headfirst to my death along with my pride long ago. With a composed step supported by the blessing, I slowly walked over nothingness, step by step.

So back to the point. The object Grandfell’s gaze was directed towards was the sky. The scenery far up above this impossibly high altitude. Yes, the sky. With an emotion that could indeed be interpreted as arrogance toward the heavens, Grandfell proudly uttered his line.

-Indeed. A fittingly noble spirit. My master.

With an immediate response at that.

Oh, so the target of that line was Gwicheol? Wait. As expected! He’s acknowledging you more than me! Let’s admit it. It’s truly a situation that calls for immense self-pity if the sword responds to everything more passionately than its master.

Anyway. Since there wasn’t a single point that I could logically object to.

“To seek that answer, such a height is essential.”

Wait… To seek an answer?

Because I had completely adapted to Grandfell’s speech pattern over time. I could easily infer the true meaning embedded in his rhetorical words. That answer, height, questioning the sky? If he mentions height and answers in this manner. That means. He’s talking about the fact that I had arrived at an unknown place, right above the peak of the Zero Mountain Range.

‘Could it be…? Is this the dragon’s nest?’

My guess was instantly replaced with certainty.

The colossal shadow casting down over my head. My eyes inadvertently widening as they looked up perfectly confirmed it. Because what met my eyes wasn’t just absurdly high sky. It wasn’t the clouds overlapping beneath my feet. What really filled the view when I looked up.

Wait. Ah, so this is why it was called the Dragon’s Nest?

Yes, because what covered the sky above me was quite literally the underbelly of a massive floating island!

And beyond that unbelievable spectacle. More precisely, an overwhelming presence exuding from atop that floating island. At the scale that overshadowed even the Zero Mountain Range, the word ‘transcendent’ instinctively popped into my mind.

An energy different from Shegwin’s. The energy of an absolute existence. Wait, if it’s the peak of the Zero Mountain Range, and an absolute existence emitting an overwhelming overwhelming aura from above there…. The answer is obvious!

There’s no way it could be anything else!

‘It really is the dragon’s nest!’

Wait! Are you telling me that a sudden situation meant moving to the Dragon’s Nest? Why on earth did such a ridiculous sudden situation have to trigger right now?! What logic dictates moving from the Colosseum in space-time straight to the dragon’s nest?!

Right! Let’s deduce. The only possible trigger that happened was the defeat of the cursed Sword Saint and the lifting of Gwicheol’s seal. I could deduce quickly with my experience playing the game! Wait a minute…

‘Unsealing the sword.’

Was the condition for releasing the seal merely presenting it with the fresh blood of a fallen Sword Saint?

‘No.’

That couldn’t be it. Even if Gwicheol wanted his seal released, he wouldn’t let the noble Grandfell step directly into danger for it. He’s exactly that kind of ego. So is it perhaps a connection with the Dragon?

Before my thoughts could deepen further. To give an answer that would bring the deduction to its conclusion.

A message appeared directly before my eyes.

[An unknown entity is blocking external interference.]

[You have entered the ‘Sacred Ground’.]

‘Sacred Ground?’

Wait, and an unknown entity blocking external interference? Does that mean… A space separated from the outside world like a rupture? Was it referring to the dragon’s nest right above me? So my guess was correct as expected!

Oh God, I am saved! If that’s the dragon’s nest, then the unknown entity must naturally refer to the sleeping dragon, right?

‘Then what did it mean by blocking external interference?’

Like the barrier that isolated the Mage Tower from the world to stop demons’ interference. Perhaps the dragon was enveloping its nest with a barrier to protect its slumber? So my presence over here… wait! My intervention right here!

Does that mean my presence didn’t even reach the dragon’s domain yet? My worries about facing a dragon so soon seemed entirely unfounded! For a moment, my internal concerns evaporated like morning dew.

But it was only for a short moment. Because as soon as my internal struggle calmed down.

“Whether it be a mountain range or the sky, I will only climb.”

What the hell are you talking about now! You mean you want to climb all the way up there because you feel that an arrogant sky should be met with an even more arrogant step?

Is your pride saying you’ll overlook nothing? Wait a minute! As expected, you’re not going to let this slide, are you?!

A mountain range or the sky, climbing upwards without hesitation.

I knew there would never be a moment of rest in this guy’s grand life! Wait. Didn’t you say the external interference was blocked? Isn’t there a sealing magic circle cast by the Mage Tower around it? I had also checked and perfectly resolved it once before!

Wait, wait. If there’s an interference-blocking barrier as powerful as clearly stated by the system. Shouldn’t it just be fine to walk away quietly? Wait. Let’s think. That’s assuming I can easily get past it, naturally. And to add to that. I just have to act perfectly indifferent. Since I couldn’t break it even with my great abilities. Since there’s nothing I can do, stepping back while scoffing at it is perfectly compliant with Grandfell’s pride!

Yes! I found the loophole!

Now I just need to elegantly raise my hand towards the floating island… No, the dragon’s nest. I just have to lightly tap the invisible barrier with my staff! As if testing it with indifference!

“It is an unrefined barrier.”

Wait, what did you just say?! What did I just spout? This barrier that can’t even be sensed properly, unrefined? I couldn’t understand what my mouth was saying, but it didn’t end there!

“A trivial obstruction.”

I casually raised the Demon King’s spoil, the [Baton of Rhythm]. Wait! What are you doing? I’m warning you! A dragon! There’s an ancient dragon sleeping up there!

Are you actually trying to break down the dragon’s barrier?! Do you really want to wake up the final boss for no reason?!

“A trivial obstruction is a trivial obstruction after all.”

Wait. My body… The baton lightly tapping the barrier. I manifested magic into it.

‘If it’s [Absolute Zero]….’

Wait! Since my mana had significantly drained during the duel! Even to my optimistic calculation, [Absolute Zero] wouldn’t be enough to shatter an absolute entity’s barrier! Even though I was in the Circle state… wait! Oh right!

‘It’s uncompleted!’

[Uncompleted Fast Swordsmanship]. The achievement effect I obtained just a moment ago! Oh so it was connected to this! The sword! I quickly lowered the baton! If magic wouldn’t be enough… Wait. The ego sword in my hand. Even though the magic wouldn’t work, wait!

-Master, a trivial obstruction indeed. Please cut it with one swing!

Even Gwicheol readily agreed with me! If Gwicheol is an ego sword with a noble ego. He wouldn’t just be randomly swinging blindly! Wait, but we still haven’t even properly evaluated his combat power… Is it truly possible?

Ah right!

‘I still have my sword aura!’

Even though it took mana just to walk. Wait. Since Gwicheol is helping… The mana consumed will be massively reduced! If I unleash a sword strike utilizing physical prowess backed by uncompleted fast swordsmanship! Is it really possible to break a barrier enclosing a dragon’s nest?

Wait a minute, wait a minute!! I’m still not prepared! If I hit it, the dragon will wake up! You crazy Grandfell!!

However! Without even taking my mental breakdown into consideration. The sword was already swung.

Swish-!

Flash!

A brilliant, dazzling silver flash. The arc drawn by the sword cleanly bisected the void above. As if literally tearing the sky apart. No, as if slicing through space itself! Wait… It literally sliced through!

“!”

Crack!

With a sharp sound of something shattering. A thin fissure appeared in the air. Wait! So you actually hit it? Wait, did you actually shatter it?!

“Ah…”

The reality hit me right away. It didn’t entirely shatter, but it was undoubtedly a clear and definite crack. A crack in the dragon’s barrier! This means…

It means I’m dead!

I couldn’t help but shut my eyes instinctively. The massive roar and overwhelming power from an ancient dragon waking up in a frenzy, wait! What is it going to do to me? Will it use Dragon Breath? A meteor? Whatever it is… An immediate death sentence was surely waiting for me on the other side of that crack!

Rumble, rumble, rumble…

However. Contrary to my bleak expectation. What passed through the fissure wasn’t a roar. Nor was it a blazing breath melting everything in its path.

It was…

“Welcome, esteemed transcender.”

A polite, albeit somewhat imposing voice echoing directly into my head. Wait. Since when was this ‘Dragon’ so polite?

“!”

My eyes widened without even needing to try. No way. The voice wasn’t filled with rage. Rather, it felt profoundly composed. But that wasn’t to say it lacked power. Oh wait, my legs shouldn’t shake in front of whatever entity this is.

-Who dares to speak? Identify yourself!

Gwicheol, rather sensibly, shouted on my behalf before I could properly form words. Wait, isn’t that being a bit too reckless even for you?

“Ah. Apologies for my lack of manners. My name is Akarius. I am the observer protecting this Sacred Ground.”

Wait… Observer? So you’re not the dragon?!

Oh right. Did he just mention ‘Observer’? If there’s an Observer… then it means my guess wasn’t totally off the mark! There must be a reason why a dragon’s nest is called a Sacred Ground and an Observer is protecting it! Wait, this actually means…

“Since you have broken through the barrier of space itself. You have proven your qualifications. Please enter.”

Qualifications to enter? I really didn’t know whether to jump for joy or weep right there. It turns out I didn’t wake the dragon, but I’m basically given an invitation to step straight into the tiger’s den anyway! It’s one step further!

But as I said. Whether it’s a mountain range or the sky, I will only climb. Grandfell doesn’t shrink back from anything. With an unyieldingly confident step, I walked right into the rift I had just created in the sky.

Towards the dragon’s nest. Towards the floating island.

*

At roughly the same time.

In the spectator seats of the Colosseum in space-time. Even after Ho-yeol’s figure disappeared completely due to a sudden teleportation, the players didn’t move. They couldn’t move easily. Whether because of the awe they felt at witnessing the Legend achievement, or the lingering profoundness of the sword clash that shattered common sense. The shock was simply too significant.

Even Leoni, who would normally be the first to start moving in moments like this, was staring blankly at the Colosseum arena.

“So he just… defeated the Sword Saint. Even when the Sword Saint had somehow regained his youth. And without breaking a sweat, at that?”

Hisagi muttered with a slight sigh.

“I think we just saw something we shouldn’t have seen.”

Nam Tae-min naturally agreed. If that was truly Ho-yeol’s true strength in a sword duel… Then the gap was truly hopeless. It felt completely insurmountable no matter how much they scrambled to level up. Even considering that Ho-yeol was fundamentally a mage… Wait, he’s a mage, but his swordsmanship goes far beyond anything they’d seen.

What in the world are they supposed to think?

“Wow… To think that even his swordsmanship is that ridiculously unbelievable. Just what is his true class? Is he a Magic Swordsman? A Battle Mage?”

Rox couldn’t help but interject.

“Class? At this point, I think any class assigned to him would just be a constraint. He’s simply Lee Ho-yeol. The existence called Lee Ho-yeol itself is the class.”

As if that remark finally released the tension holding everyone in place. A commotion began to spread slowly through the Colosseum. The discussions were, of course, mostly centered around the immense display of strength Ho-yeol had shown.

Then, amidst the buzzing murmurs. The messages began to float in front of all observing players.

[As the duel of space-time has concluded.]

[You will be returned to your original locations in 10 seconds.]

Since the result was definitively out, no one had any intention to protest. As soon as the numbers started ticking down, another layer of chaos broke out.

“Ah right! If he defeated the Sword Saint! Then where did he go?!”

“You’re right! We saw him suddenly get teleported somewhere as soon as the battle ended! Where did he disappear to?!”

Where did Ho-yeol vanish to? Answering that was naturally impossible for any player there. Because none of them had seen the message about the ‘sudden situation’ that only Ho-yeol received.

“Who knows? Maybe there’s a special reward space for those who defeat a myth-like entity?”

“Or perhaps a hidden quest? Since he defeated the Sword Saint, he might be receiving his inheritance!”

The countdown reached zero amid a flurry of countless speculations ranging from logical deductions to pure fantasy. The space inverted once again. In a flash, everyone found themselves back on the Zero Mountain Range.

“We finally returned!”

“Whoa… Did we really just return?”

Since it felt like waking up from an overwhelmingly detailed and intense dream, a profound sense of disorientation washed over them. However, as rankers and seasoned players.

“We can’t just space out! Regain formation!”

“Watch out! Monsters might be roaming nearby!”

Within a heartbeat, a sense of tension enveloped everyone. Checking their surroundings to prevent any sudden ambushes in the Zero Mountain Range. Fortunately, however, since they returned exactly to the spot they had left, they were within a secure perimeter previously cleared by Ho-yeol’s light path. No monsters could be seen.

Rox breathed a faint sigh of relief before turning around. Currently, they had no clues about where Ho-yeol had gone. And since Ho-yeol had clearly vanished from their sight, there was nothing they could do to help him directly even if they wanted to.

But wait. If there was nothing they could do to help… There was absolutely something else they had to focus on right now!

“Everyone.”

Rox addressed his guild members, including Dmitri and Camilla.

“Our goal remains the same. Let’s head for the summit. Not only to follow his light path… But since he made this path for us, we must absolutely reach the end of it.”

Camilla smirked while fiddling with her bow.

“As expected of our Commander. Though I didn’t think I’d be looking at his back for this long.”

Dmitri loudly clapped his shield and sword together.

“Let’s move out! I can’t wait to see what kind of view awaits us up there!”

At roughly the same time, it wasn’t just Shining. Similar motivations had spurred on the Grand Alliance. Leoni, Nam Tae-min, and Hisagi. Everyone was marching earnestly towards the peak of the mountain range. Because a clear path had been presented to them, they all resolved to follow it through!

But it was precisely at that moment. The very peak of the Zero Mountain Range they were struggling so hard to climb. The sky exactly above the mountain range’s peak. A bizarre distortion in space occurred. It was noticeable only to those with exceedingly sharp senses or specialized vision skills in that instant.

“Wait, is something… weird going on at the top over there?”

Camilla instinctively mumbled as she utilized her [Eagle Eye]. Though it was so far away that it felt like looking at a distant star. Even barely visible through the thick clouds, she could see a sharp rift appear.

And immediately following the rift, an absurd sight unfolded. So absurd that Camilla couldn’t help dropping her jaw open.

“Huh…? The… the sky… it’s tearing apart?!”

Yes, the sky was tearing open. And as the rift widened, the silhouette of a floating island gradually appeared from the void, descending over the peak of the mountain range. An island of catastrophic proportions.

All players looking up in that direction couldn’t help but fall silent at the utterly unbelievable spectacle. Above the mountain peak. The dragon’s nest. A massive, floating sacred ground. A ‘catastrophe’ was revealing its majestic, overwhelming form to all of humanity!