Chapter 201 – But Before That (1)

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Translated by Heavenly Cat

Read it only at Novelbyu.com & Utoon.net

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With the sky tearing apart, a majestic floating island revealed itself above the Zero Mountain Range.

Even for the players who had crossed through numerous terrifying ruptures and stood against countless anomalies on the continent. The sheer size of what they were witnessing couldn’t be quantified by ordinary logic.

It perfectly eclipsed the sky itself.

Dmitri, who was marching confidently just moments ago, swallowed heavily, his eyes widening to their physical limits. “What… what the hell is that?!”

“Is it a flying continent…? No, an island?” Camilla mumbled in sheer disbelief, her [Eagle Eye] doing little to offer comfort when confronted with an entity so incomprehensibly massive. “I’m telling you, it’s bigger than any city on earth!”

The floating island was vast, wrapped in an ethereal energy that visibly warped the space around it. To the eyes of seasoned players, that energy alone spelled absolute doom.

Even to those who couldn’t comprehend its actual nature, its overwhelming scale conveyed one unmistakable message: Human resistance against such an entity is completely futile.

Rox’s usually composed demeanor wavered. “Could it be… the dragon’s nest?!”

The word “dragon” was almost a forbidden term among players.

Even back when Arcana was just a game, facing a dragon was considered a virtually impossible quest. To confront a dragon meant an instantaneous and certain annihilation for almost any party, regardless of level. Even among the high-level guilds, a dragon was considered an environmental hazard rather than a monster to be hunted. A walking calamity. A natural disaster of monstrous proportions. And now, the true lair of such a calamity was descending upon reality.

If that floating island was indeed the dragon’s nest, and if the dragon itself was about to awaken…. The world literally faced an apocalyptic threat.

“We have to brace ourselves. Get ready for immediate retreat orders,” Rox commanded, his voice tight with an urgency that he rarely showed. If this situation escalated, he knew it wouldn’t be just a retreat from the mountain. They might have to abandon the entire area and initiate a widespread evacuation.

In fact, Rox wasn’t the only guild leader feeling the crushing weight of panic. Leoni grasped her twin swords tightly.

“Damn it… This is totally insane! We haven’t even conquered the mid-slope yet, and now the boss is spawning?!”

Hisagi nodded grimly. “This isn’t a scenario we can handle. Even if the entirety of the Grand Alliance unites… Our combat power is utterly insignificant before a dragon. We would simply be insects flying into a bonfire.”

Nam Tae-min remained silent, staring upwards. His instincts, polished by his barbaric class, were screaming at him to flee. For a savage who thrives on blood and battle, this overwhelming sense of dread was unnatural, yet entirely justified. It wasn’t cowardice; it was pure, unadulterated survival instinct warning him against confronting death incarnate.

However, contrary to everyone’s bleak expectations, the end of the world did not come immediately.

The floating island merely existed. Floating soundlessly, casting a terrifyingly vast shadow. The supposed ‘dragon’ didn’t roar and didn’t unleash absolute destruction. The oppressive aura filling the mountain range remained static, heavy, ominous, but profoundly dormant.

“….It’s quiet,” Camilla observed after a long, agonizing pause. “Nothing’s happening.”

“It seems… the dragon hasn’t awakened yet,” Rox added carefully. “Which means whatever triggered this phenomenon hasn’t triggered an attack cycle… yet.”

“Then what caused it to appear like that?” Dmitri asked cautiously.

The question lingered in the air, a terrifying mystery. And almost instantly, a collective thought flashed through the minds of everyone present. A single logical deduction that answered everything, though the answer was just as absurd as the question.

Right before this catastrophe appeared. A colossal beam of light had struck towards the peak.

And immediately after the conclusion of the duel across space-time.

A man had disappeared. Right after defeating the Sword Saint effortlessly.

Lee Ho-yeol.

It didn’t take long for the dots to connect in their minds. Did Lee Ho-yeol… actually pierce the dragon’s barrier and ascend into its lair?!

The players felt their collective sanity hanging by a thread. That meant he was in there. Walking straight into an existence that even entire armies couldn’t scratch. The sheer hubris, no, the absolute, unshakeable confidence in that act was terrifying.

“Did he… go in there alone to solo a dragon?!” someone among the lower ranks cried out in disbelief.

“Are you insane?! How can a player solo a dragon! Even Ho-yeol-nim can’t do that!” another hastily retorted, though their voice shook with uncertainty.

Rox raised a hand, calling for silence. “We shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Whether he intends to fight the dragon or negotiate with it… We don’t know his purpose. But one thing is certain: whatever is happening up there is deciding the fate of this mountain range. And possibly our world.”

His words struck a chord, sobering the tense atmosphere.

Indeed, all they could do was watch. And wait.

*

Meanwhile, upon stepping through the spatial rift.

I, Lee Ho-yeol… To be more precise, Grandfell, was assessing the interior of the Sacred Ground.

“An environment fitting for deep contemplation.”

Yes, Grandfell, let’s keep it to contemplating, yes?

Stepping inside the floating island, the scenery was surprisingly completely different from the chaotic outside. The mountain range had been tumultuous and brimming with tension; the Colosseum had been filled with the heat of combat. But here, within the dragon’s nest…

It was a realm of perfect tranquility.

A verdant landscape stretched boundlessly. Soft, luminous grass glowing gently under an unknown artificial light source above. Crystal-clear streams intertwining between trees that seemed ancient enough to outlast civilizations. It was literally an Elysium, a paradise far removed from the dirt and strife of reality.

And towering in the center of this paradise was a gigantic, monolithic temple built from pale marble. Though calling it a temple felt somewhat inadequate, given its structure that resembled an overgrown, ancient pantheon meant for giants.

Standing before the long, wide stairway leading up to the temple was the source of the voice that had welcomed me.

“Observer of the Sacred Ground, Akarius, at your service.”

It was an entity dressed in a pure white robe, exuding an aura of immense wisdom and calm. A majestic figure, neither purely human nor entirely something else. With long, flowing silver hair almost identical to Grandfell’s, yet adorned with glowing, ethereal patterns on their skin that signaled a deep connection to magical nature.

If I hadn’t already guessed this wasn’t the dragon, I would have assumed this was it taking human form!

Before I could reply, the Observer politely bowed.

“It has been a significantly long time since an entity not belonging to this sanctuary has set foot upon its soil. The last intruder was an arrogant Sword Saint hundreds of years ago… But you differ significantly from him.”

Ah, Shegwin. So you actually tried to break into the dragon’s nest in the past? Knowing your personality back then, you probably tried to fight it to test your sword! No wonder he talked about missing it previously.

Akarius continued, looking up at me with perceptive eyes. “You carry an aura of a noble truth-seeker. And an ego sword bearing profound resentment yet striking with a pure intention.” Their gaze shifted momentarily to Gwicheol before returning to me. “To shatter the dimensional distortion enclosing this area. Your qualification is undeniable.”

It’s a relief you don’t consider me an enemy!

Gwicheol pulsed lightly in my grip, conveying his thoughts.

-A being that recognizes nobility. Though a mere Observer, they are far more refined than the rabble outside.

Yes, yes. Thanks for the input, Gwicheol.

Since I am basically standing in front of the gatekeeper of a sleeping dragon, any misplaced word could spell disaster. As expected, Grandfell took the logical course of action, replying with perfectly arrogant yet technically polite words.

“Since you evaluate qualifications, I assume there is a reason you wait here.”

“Your intuition is sharp. Yes. This Sacred Ground was built as a sanctuary for the sleeping ancient one. Consequently, I exist to test those who brave the heights. To determine if they harbor the qualifications to stand in the Ancient One’s presence without bringing unwanted chaos.”

Ah, so there’s a test? As if slicing through a spatial barrier with an ego sword wasn’t enough? Wait. Does that mean… a fight? A trial by combat against the Observer?!

Oh god, not again! Haven’t I done enough fighting for today?! Given the Observer’s aura, this guy’s level of magic must be astronomically high! Probably an existence matching the Mage Tower Chief!

However, against my expectations…

“But to someone harboring such a profound Circle and wielding the ‘Legend’… A trial of martial strength is rendered obsolete. Your power is already proven.”

Phew!

Thank goodness! A pass! A free pass! To think the Legend grade actually served as a bypass! Gwicheol, you really did something right!

But before I could even let out a mental sigh of relief.

“Therefore, the trial will test your intellect. Your ‘truth’.”

Trial of Intellect?! You mean… a quiz?! A riddle?! Oh wait. I am Grandfell. An entity who boasts unparalleled intellect and knowledge across numerous fields! To be honest, a trial of intellect is child’s play for me. Or rather, for Grandfell!

With an overwhelming confidence matched by his composed stride, Grandfell nodded.

“If you seek an answer, I shall evaluate your question.”

Listen to how he easily flips the authority here! A truth-seeker confidently implying that he’s the one evaluating the question rather than taking the test! Truly, I am in complete awe of his unparalleled ability to act like he owns the absolute truth of the universe.

Observer Akarius seemed amused rather than offended. “Fascinating. Your confidence borders on the divine. Very well. The question is a fundamental concept deeply bound to the Ancient One’s slumber, and indeed, the nature of Arcana itself.”

Akarius waved a hand, and magical letters manifested in the air, glowing with ethereal light.

『What is the true nature of the distortion that plagues the dimensional boundaries of reality?』

Wait. Dimensional boundaries of reality? Does that imply… ruptures? Wait. Could it refer to the ‘Cataclysm’ that brought Arcana into the real world?!

This wasn’t just folklore. This was directly touching the core concept of the Cataclysm! A grand secret hidden behind the system that AAU and players had been frantically trying to decipher for years?!

And you’re telling me to answer this on the spot? If I get it wrong… does the observer kick me out? Or worse, does the dragon wake up and vaporize me?!

My mind raced. How could I know the answer to something so profound? The answer regarding the Cataclysm, the ruptures, the distortion of reality… That’s a developer-level secret! How could I possibly guess the developers’ inner thoughts…

Wait.

Wait a minute.

If this is a question of pure Arcana lore… No, wait… Even if it’s the core system secret… Did my other personality, Grandfell, actually know it?!

Because suddenly, a familiar, highly descriptive piece of settings naturally floated in my mind. The settings regarding Grandfell’s overwhelming academic depth. A depth that encompassed everything from history to cosmic magic….

‘Wait… I can actually answer this…?’

Yes, the knowledge was clearly surfacing. Since I completely internalized Grandfell, I now literally have a mental encyclopedia regarding Arcana! Oh wait… No way. A piece of profound truth…

“It is a pathetic attempt to force convergence.” I declared sharply.

“!” The Observer’s eyes widened. For the first time, a clear ripple of shock washed over their serene expression.

I didn’t stop there. Grandfell’s flawless rhetoric poured out effortlessly, supported by an absolute certainty.

“A forceful convergence of incompatible realities by those who lack the patience and understanding to harmonize space and time. A desperate struggle that inevitably leads to catastrophic ruptures. A crude invasion born from arrogance and fear.”

My voice completely echoed the very essence of Grandfell’s unyielding criticism over anything unrefined and chaotic. Yes, the ruptures dragging Arcana into reality were basically crude, forced impositions! The Cataclysm wasn’t an organic fusion. It was a violent intrusion! A symptom of a deeper, pathetic struggle!

“A crude invasion…” Akarius murmured, their composure crumbling. “And what follows the crude invasion?”

“Total rejection and a subsequent collapse… or.”

I paused, fixing my gaze on the Observer. The corners of my lips curling the faintest bit in a display of ultimate confidence. “The establishment of absolute order by a true noble who can encompass both realms.”

Yes, the establishment of absolute order by someone noble! Like myself! Or rather, Grandfell!

A silence so profound that even a pin drop would sound like thunder settled over the area. Akarius stared at me in an utter stupor. The magical letters hovering in the air shattered into a million sparkling motes of light, a clear indication that the test was definitively concluded.

Akarius took a long, deep breath and then fell to one knee, lowering their head.

“A profound and unparalleled truth… You have shattered my preconceptions. You have accurately perceived the essence of the impending disaster with insight rivaling the Ancient One itself.”

Wait! I actually hit the jackpot! Not only did I pass, but I got the highest possible praise! To think Grandfell’s setting is this overpowered when it comes to theoretical knowledge!

“Please, pass through. The Ancient One’s sanctuary awaits your noble steps. I shall open the inner sanctum.”

The colossal temple’s gates, huge slabs of ancient metal and stone, began to slide open with a remarkably silent, smooth motion. As they opened, an intensely heavy, pure mana spilled out like a fog, washing over me in a dense wave.

Gwicheol let out a low thrum of excitement.

-Master. The density of this mana… It is a fitting atmosphere for my ego to fully rejoice.

Indeed. The amount of mana flooding out just from opening the gates was equivalent to standing right next to a World Tree.

“I shall step forward. Because a destination exists.”

With words befitting a transcendent truth-seeker, I started walking up the grand stairway towards the temple’s maw.

But before that! Just one crucial thing to confirm!

‘Wait… The dragon is still asleep, right?!’

Because if I walk in there after saying all these cool lines, and I find a very much awake, furious dragon staring down at me, I’m literally turning 180 degrees and sprinting for my life!

My heart genuinely felt like it was racing back up to my throat.

I couldn’t show it. Not with Akarius watching from behind. Oh please… let it be sleeping. Please let it just be sleeping peacefully.

As I crossed the threshold into the inner sanctum, I prepared for the worst.

I slowly looked inside the massive temple.

And then, I stopped.

The inner sanctum was vast. So vast it felt entirely disconnected from normal spatial dimensions. And lying right in the center, coiled upon a massive bed of glittering, invaluable treasures and ancient artifacts.

A colossal dragon. Scales the color of an ominous twilight. A majestic, terrifying entity taking slow, rhythmic breaths that gently shook the temple’s foundations with every exhale.

It was fast asleep.

“Hoo…” Let’s consider that the most subtle sigh of relief I ever let out in my life.

I’m incredibly fortunate. It’s actually sleeping.

Wait. As I scanned the area, however… My exceptionally acute vision caught something peculiar.

Something extremely out of place right next to the sleeping dragon’s massive claws. It was small compared to the dragon, yet its structure was entirely artificial.

‘Wait… What on earth is that?!’

Because nestled right beside the slumbering dragon, positioned casually amidst a pile of treasure, was a small, intricately carved wooden table holding a pristine, steaming cup of… tea.

And sitting comfortably on a plush, archaic chair right beside it, flipping through a dusty tome with a calm expression.

Was a young-looking boy with messy hair.

The boy slowly turned a page, then closed the book with a soft thump. He looked up, locking eyes with me. He tilted his head slightly, putting on a faint grin.

“Oh. You arrived faster than I calculated. Must be because you skipped the queue.”

Wait. What?

Who… Who is this guy?! Why is there a boy drinking tea next to a sleeping dragon?!

And more pressingly, are you telling me someone got here before me?!