The Regressor Can Make Them All

Chapter 477

RUMBLE!

Sending up a cloud of dust into the air, the wreckage from the destruction gradually stilled. Following it, the thick dust also began settling, revealing the two within.

On one side, Kwang-Soo was battered beyond recognition, with barely an intact spot on his body. And on the other, the Heir stood unscathed and pristine. To anyone observing, the outcome was obvious: a flawless victory for the Heir.

Woong-

However, when they looked again closely, there were noise-like glitches along a golden trail of particles leaking from an invisible diagonal cut that ran across the Heir’s chest from her left shoulder to her waist—the slash Kwang-Soo had delivered at the end.

The Nameless Sword, infused with the Heir’s power, had been shattered alongside the Heir’s synesthetic mindscape. With no container, the Golden Ring’s power spilled out.

Recovering from this… seems impossible.

The Heir knew the true winner. If even one side had remained intact, she thought that perhaps she could have held on somehow. Without either, though, there was no fixing it.

“…”

Accepting the truth, the Heir silently looked down at her rapidly collapsing form that was like a building with its pillars knocked out.

CRACK!

Golden light suddenly surged through the glitches like lightning. It came in intense waves, spreading the glitches further throughout her body and speeding up the loss of the Golden Ring’s power. That was no mere coincidence. The animosity in the phenomenon was far too clear for it to be that.

Watching herself fall apart, the Heir smirked bitterly.

No need to rush—I’ll die soon enough.

The Golden Ring seemed to be wildly raging, desperate to erase the anomaly that had become a Perfect One by cutting corners.

Yet the Heir was unmoved, just wondering if it was really that unbearable for the Golden Ring. From the start, she had chosen her path fully prepared to die; the moment arriving stirred no emotion now.

More importantly…

Turning her head away, the Heir looked toward Kwang-Soo. The man had frozen after swinging his sword. His body was stiff; his left eye was completely unfocused and blind; and his breathing was faint, barely even there. Even his heartbeat had slowed to the point where it was essentially inaudible without paying close attention.

It was as if… he were dead.

…He’ll survive somehow.

Perhaps Se-Hoon or the Pilgrim would come to heal him. Or maybe he would die, only to be revived by receiving the Blessing of the Eternal. Either way, the Heir would completely die while Kwang-Soo would live.

“…”

The thought made the Heir slowly reach toward Kwang-Soo’s head.

Now that she thought about it, if she were to inject her power into Kwang-Soo, then wouldn’t the Golden Ring also recognize him as an anomaly and turn on him as well? In that case, not only healing but even resurrection through the Blessing of the Eternal would be impossible. But…

He won’t accept my power.

Then again, judging by the way he accepted that final strike, he probably would—like a fool.

Pausing at that grim realization, the Heir extended her hand further.

Swish-

She gently brushed Kwang-Soo’s bloodied cheek. Unlike her, who had shed the ravages of time, his body had withered slowly over the decades. Yet that appearance, wretched yet noble, held the Heir still for a long moment.

It was only when the glitches had spread to her fingertips that she moved to pull her hand away—

Grab-

“!?”

Surprised by the limp left hand suddenly clutching hers, the Heir’s eyes widened in surprise. He should have been blind, yet Kwang-Soo had lifted his head and was seemingly looking directly at her.

His gaze froze the Heir, turning her motionless.

“…Sophia.” Kwang-Soo’s voice was weak. “Go ahead. I’ll f….”

The rest of the words slurred out as strength left his lips. But the Heir had understood his intent from his tone alone.

“…Are you serious?”

Unable to respond to her utter disbelief, Kwang-Soo could only mouth a reply.

“I’ve planned this… from the very beginning…”

Just as the Heir had long prepared for death, so too had Kwang-Soo.

“…”

The Heir stared silently at the man clutching her wrist.

Slap!

Then she tore her hand free.

“Sorry, but I’ll have to decline.”

Taking a step back, the Heir looked at Kwang-Soo with a playful glint in her eyes.

“Unlike Master, I care a lot about face.”

“You…”

Startled by the completely different voice and tone, Kwang-Soo hurriedly channeled all his remaining power into his left eye. Slowly, his vision began returning, forming blurred outlines of shapes in the darkness until, at last, a familiar face came into view—one that he had only seen in memory.

He tried to speak…

“Kwang-Soo.”

But the Heir—no, Sophia spoke first with a soft smile.

“Thank you… for remembering my request.”

Fwoosh-

With those parting words, Sophia’s body was consumed by the world and vanished without a trace.

Clang-

All that was left was the Nameless Sword, which fell to the floor like a gravestone.

“Whether it’s the master or the disciple, both of you play so dirty…”

Kwang-Soo could only make a bitter smile as he looked down at the sword—before his vision was cut off and all of his sensations vanished.

Having completely drained his reserves, Kwang-Soo’s body finally shut down.

No… not yet…

But he resisted. There were still things left he had to confirm. Alas, that lingering thought was all he could afford before he fell into the endless darkness…

THUMP!

A sudden surge of heat burst from deep within his chest. Like someone was pumping his heart, warmth flowed through his body and sensation slowly returned to his limbs.

And when the darkness receded from his vision, too, he made out a familiar face looking down at him.

“Feeling more awake now?”

With a hand plunged into his chest, Se-Hoon was quite literally massaging his heart.

“…You lunatic.”

“I’d rather you say I’m ‘capable,’ thanks.”

In Se-Hoon’s eyes, he had just revived a man on the brink of death by literally squeezing his heart. Surely a little appreciation wouldn’t hurt.

Hearing Se-Hoon’s grumbling, Kwang-Soo fell quiet.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Huh? For what?”

“For… showing you such a pitiful side of me.”

He had won in the end, sure. But objectively, his battle against Sophia was a mess. Although he had fought as planned at the start, once Sophia revealed her ascended form, he’d been clinging on for dear life until his lucky breakthrough.

If I hadn’t achieved Genesis Break…

And if Sophia had fought with her full strength from the beginning, he would’ve been a corpse by now. Kwang-Soo shut his mouth, reflecting on just how naive his resolve had been, after all.

“Well, I mean… If I’d fought her, I would’ve just tried to kill her from the get-go. And she would’ve desperately tried to fulfill her wish,” Se-Hoon said, shrugging.

If he had been in Kwang-Soo’s position and humanity had even briefly gained access to the Nirvana Edge during the struggle… who knew what could have happened? Good or bad, it definitely would’ve triggered something world changing.

“So just be proud of yourself. Dismissing such a great fight would be insulting your opponent too, don’t you think?”

“…” Staring up blankly into the clear sky, Kwang-Soo then closed his eye and chuckled. “Of all people, hearing that from you…. Guess I really must be close to death.”

“You say that, but…”

Trailing off, Se-Hoon glanced at his own hand that was still inside Kwang-Soo’s chest.

THUMP-

Even though he was keeping it going with Soul Honing, Kwang-Soo’s heartbeat was slowing—not from weakness, but from a desire to rest in peace.

“…Are you really going to leave me like this?” Se-Hoon quietly asked, watching Kwang-Soo’s heart slow.

A silence fell between them, heavy and still.

Then, drowsily with his eyes still closed, Kwang-Soo’s voice sounded. “…I’ve fulfilled my life’s purpose. It’s time to go, as it should be.”

“But Ha-Rin told you to live on, didn’t she?”

“And I’ve lived almost forty more years since then. I think that’s enough; I’ve done my part.”

Reminiscing about his long life, Kwang-Soo sounded tired.

“…Now, I just want to go… to where the people I love are.”

The wish he’d kept buried deep in his heart for so many years—a desire so earnest no one could blame him—was finally expressed out loud.

The yearning made Se-Hoon unable to do anything but stare quietly.

“…And I don’t count as someone you love?”

“…What?”

Hearing the unexpected question, Kwang-Soo’s left eye shot open once more. And upon seeing that, Se-Hoon pouted.

“It’s been a year, and we’ve been through a lot together during this time, haven’t we? Traveling around, forging all sorts of equipment, sharing memories…”

“…”

“That’s why, hearing you cut me off like that… it stings a bit.”

His words left Kwang-Soo completely dumbfounded. Then, upon recovering, he let out a laugh.

“Hahaha… Cough… ahahah!”

His laugh was so lively and jovial that he had to catch his breath once he calmed down.

“You’re seriously asking me whether I consider you precious to me?”

“…Yeah.”

“You’re really asking the obvious, aren’t you?” His lips curling into a faint smirk, Kwang-Soo answered, “Who could ever like a bastard who had stolen every single technique he laid eyes on? Anyone who’d let someone like that near them is just a damn pushover.”

“…”

Damn old man…

Sitting there, Se-Hoon debated whether to just crush Kwang-Soo’s heart right there and let him rest. Before he could decide, though, he heard Kwang-Soo’s voice again.

“Did you steal Genesis Break, too?”

“…Excuse me?”

“You know, the one Sophia and I used after reaching Establishment.”

At those words, Se-Hoon recalled the technique he’d seen during their fight: the ultimate form of Celestial Infinity Blade, achieved through imitation of the other by the two who had both reached the realm of Establishment.

I’m not exactly sure how it works… but I have a rough understanding.

By building on top of a fully defined synesthetic mindscape and shaping it with the desire to reach the Golden Ring, one could reach ascension without even conquering the Tower of Heroes.

If I say that, though…

Se-Hoon knew. His answer would likely determine the fate of Kwang-Soo’s remaining life. After all, wouldn’t Kwang-Soo think he had no reason left to stay and simply leave? It was a matter that made Se-Hoon think long and deeply.

“…Genesis Break.”

And in the end, he laid everything he had seen and understood bare.

Woong!

A single sword aura manifestation emerged in the air. Shifting colors and radiating dazzling light, it looked truly otherworldly. And even though it soon lost its form and scattered into the void, it was clear Genesis Break’s core principles had been perfectly understood.

“Yeah…. That’s more like you,” Kwang-Soo commented, breaking into a satisfied smile at the flawless execution.

At that level, Se-Hoon would likely be able to inherit the Celestial Infinity Blade technique and handle whatever lay ahead without further help from him—putting his final lingering attachment at ease.

With his mind now accepting death like his body, Kwang-Soo’s strength began draining rapidly.

“…”

Se-Hoon quietly withdrew his hand. He, of all people, knew all too well just how painful living was after having to say goodbye to those that were loved.

“…Se-Hoon.”

“Yes, I’m listening.”

“I won’t pretend I lived a life worth giving others advice… but there’s one thing I know deep in my bones.”

Kwang-Soo gently met Se-Hoon’s gaze.

“You have to be honest—with yourself, with life, with your realizations. That’s the only way you won’t lose your dreams… and the people you care about.”

“…”

“So if there’s someone you truly care about… don’t ever let them go. No matter what it takes, hold on to them.”

His final advice, born from a lifetime of hard-earned experience, made Se-Hoon nod firmly.

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Yeah… you will…. I’m sure you will…”

Kwang-Soo’s eyes slowly closed, as if he were drifting off to sleep. And after watching him briefly, Se-Hoon spoke to him one last time.

“Rest well… Master.”

Listening to those parting words, Kwang-Soo’s lips curved into a gentle smile… as he finally said good night.

[The bond with ‘Ma Kwang-Soo’ has grown to Lv. 4.]

[Since the bond has grown to Lv. 4, your Relationship with ‘Ma Kwang-Soo’ can now be redefined as ‘Legacy’.]

[Relationship: Legacy]

[To give and receive one’s heart is called destiny by some and life itself by others.

A pitiful soul once trapped in the past and aimlessly wandering the present has now, with the help of another, begun moving toward a new future.

Where that path leads is unknown, but if there’s a companion waiting for them there, the subject will never have to wander again.

*The probability of the subject’s synesthetic mindscape manifesting inside the Fatestone increases as the Relationship deepens.

*Current created Fatestones: 1]

The notification message that popped up was shorter than usual. Now that Kwang-Soo had passed away, there was no longer a chance to obtain or mature additional Fatestones, causing those lines to be omitted.

…Didn’t think I’d have to see this type of message again.

Gazing somberly at the message screen and Kwang-Soo’s body, Se-Hoon soon noticed a faint golden aura rising into the air.

“This is…”

The golden energy—the Golden Ring’s power—was trying to tether the Nameless Sword to Kwang-Soo forcibly.

So it’s fine… as long as you don’t reach ascension through a cheat.

With a glare, Se-Hoon reached out with his free hand toward the energy of the Golden Ring that was attempting to seat Kwang-Soo in the place the Heir had left behind.

Rip!

He viciously tore away the golden energy. It fluctuated violently, just as it had when killing the Heir, but Se-Hoon didn’t even blink. Against its resistance, he just activated the Hero’s Ring.

Whirr-!

Now one step closer to ascension himself, Se-Hoon tightened his grip even more, finally forcing the connection between Kwang-Soo and the Nameless Sword to unravel.

And when it had finally separated…

“Back off while you still can.”

Flicking his hand with a threat, Se-Hoon forced the golden power to fade into the void.

Tsk… Seriously…

Even though the Golden Ring was technically just a large machine, shouldn’t it have the sense to read the room? Vexed, Se-Hoon then turned his head toward the temple’s outer wall.

“You lot, too. Leave before I get tired of being polite.”

His frigid voice echoed clearly toward those spying with animosity.

***

On a remote mountain several hundred kilometers away from the Muren Monastery, a man encircled by a network of magic arrays stood atop the peak.

It was completely silent—until a voice burst out in panic from his right cheek.

“Isn’t being able to peer at us when we’re this far a bit much?!”

They had gone to some effort to stay hidden—and yet were seen through as though it was nothing. Facing that reality, Tuner, using the eye embedded in Heaven Eye’s right cheek, groaned in horror.

“We need to run now. If he rushes over here, you’re done for. I can’t help you either, not yet.”

Originally, Tuner had hoped to steal the body or something valuable when the opportunity came, but he had come to the rude awakening that it’d be instant death if he tried it with someone like that there.

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up—”

“…I don’t understand.”

Eyes still fixed on the place where Se-Hoon had stood—and where Doppelganger had died—Heaven Eye was completely confused.

“Even if that woman was her master, in the end, that wish wasn’t her own. Why… give up her identity for something like that?”

Had Doppelganger not given up on her life, had she not given Kwang-Soo the opportunity, she could’ve easily won. Just why did she do something so pointless as invite death?

“Hahhhhhh. This is precisely the reason you’re still struggling to become something significant—not a Perfect One, not a Harbinger of Destruction, not anything.”

“…”

“It’s also why I objected when they wanted to put you on the Ten Evils list…. But I guess once one starts making compromises, it’s over—”

“Then tell me what I need to do.”

Heaven Eye turned his pupils toward the one inhabiting his right cheek.

“What must I do to become a Perfect One—or Harbinger of Destruction?”

Thinking that perhaps something had stirred within him after witnessing Doppelganger’s end, Heaven Eye’s eyes sparkled slightly, sensing the faint sprouting of a new seed.

“Well, now… Hmmm. Others would go on about training or some other old-fashioned nonsense… but there’s a much simpler method.”

“What is it?”

Closing the eye he was possessing into a crescent, Tuner whispered the most tantalizing option.

“You just need to consume someone as powerful as them~”