The Regressor Can Make Them All

Chapter 512

The Earth itself, the planet, being taken hostage was an unprecedented threat that the public was taking in two major ways.

“What kind of nonsense is that…?”

“He’s covered his face with noise. Is he trying to imitate the Three Dogs’ leader or what?”

As expected, many were skeptical. Just the idea of holding a planet hostage sounded too absurd to believe, and publicly, Akasha was supposed to be on the run after having been seriously wounded. It was no wonder most assumed it was a case of a copycat criminal.

However, those more deeply involved in the hero industry—especially the ones who had heard about the sudden detection of a strange energy wave inside the planet—were not among that majority.

“…You’re saying the planet’s ley lines are resonating with the ley lines beneath the Inoue family’s sacred mountain?”

“Yes. According to recent data, the planet’s internal energy is producing a unique energy wave and resonating in kind.”

Upon getting confirmation from the research labs established to analyze the Towers of Heroes, the Heroes Association wasted no time in declaring a state of emergency.

It was truly a crisis of unprecedented magnitude, where humanity’s home itself could vanish. Of course, all global leaders rushed to join the Heroes Association’s emergency summit.

“How is it even possible that something like this could be created without someone knowing?!”—Bang!—“It’s our own planet! If anything goes wrong, all of humanity could be wiped out!”

“Hey, if you don’t know, just shut up. You think that’s some primitive spell like the ones bouncing around your tiny brain? This is obviously a technique only a Perfect One could even attempt.”

“…Still, that doesn’t mean that they don’t hold any responsibility—”

“Weren’t you sucking up to the Inoue family just recently, trying to cozy up? If you’ve got any shame, you’d better shut that fucking mouth.”

“What did you say?! Are you listening to yourself right now—”

Bang!

The meeting room abruptly fell silent. All eyes were on Gregory, who had one hand slammed on the desk and one hand rubbing his brow.

“If you all are solely going to spew nonsense, then just shut up. We don’t have the luxury right now to play the petty blame game.”

Clear irritation—seeing such an extremely rare display from Gregory, nobody dared to say a word. Even those who would have pushed their luck at any other time knew: right now, even the unspoken rules Gregory upheld could be so, so easily shattered.

“Thanks for the cooperation. What’s the status of the planet?”

To respond to Gregory’s question, a researcher who had been quietly watching from the side quickly stood up.

“Now that the assimilation is complete, the planet is in a very stable state. Thankfully, the natural disasters we were initially fearing haven’t occurred. However… our systems have picked up some anomalies.”

The researcher projected the prepared data as a hologram into the air, starting with graphs showing high-amplitude fluctuations that were followed by a long list of numerical figures.

“As you can see, the planet’s energy was in a highly unstable state prior to its assimilation with the Inoue barrier. Multiple causes such as environmental changes and pollution in the southern hemisphere due to mana can also be considered, but regardless, one thing is certain: the planet’s lifespan was rapidly declining.”

The information left those in the room looking around puzzled, wondering what that had to do with anything. And upon seeing that, the researcher hurriedly brought up the next slide.

“However, after the assimilation was completed, all indicators began stabilizing to an extent previously unseen. The internal energies normalized, and the atmosphere and ley lines have even formed natural protective layers that buffers the planet from external shocks.”

A strange silence fell over the room. They, who had been screaming about planetary destruction and the possible extinction of humanity just moments ago, were being told the planet’s condition had actually… improved? It was a situation too awkward to celebrate.

Torn with that feeling, everyone just continually exchanged glances until Tenzin’s voice filled the air.

“Ahem. So, in short, you’re saying the assimilation between the planet and the barrier is far more complete—and influential—than we ever imagined.”

“Yes, that’s correct,” the researcher replied, nodding as he pulled up a different set of data. “Based on all the information we have so far, the entire planet has effectively transformed into a kind of barrier linked with the Inoue barrier. So, if we attempt to destroy the Inoue barrier forcibly, then just as the leader of the Three Dogs warned…”

The planet will shatter as well—imagining the scene, many swallowed dryly.

“…Is there no way to stop it from the outside?” Gregory asked, finally speaking again.

“At the moment, no. The only potential option is to seize control of the entire planet at once and dismantle the barrier from within… but even the Perfect Ones may not be capable of that.”

They had confirmed during the previous subjugation operation that the Three Dogs’s leader was a Perfect One or someone equally powerful. And the one that had joined forces with him was none other than the group responsible for reviving the Seeker.

In other words, the Heroes Association had two Perfect Ones working against them; that fact escalated the threat into one they couldn’t take lightly.

“If the Emperor of Ascension and the Pilgrim seize the planet while the Trailblazer dismantles the barrier, it could work. However, if anything goes wrong, the resulting disaster could be far worse than anything we have had to face until now…”

Even that plan, though, was by no means guaranteed. Assuming those three would cooperate? Realizing they were essentially helpless, Gregory thought of a single person.

In the end, it has to be Lee Se-Hoon.

The only one who might actually pull off something even the Perfect Ones couldn’t.

That man’s abilities, backed by all of his past accomplishments, were something Gregory was fully confident of…. Well, there was still one thing that nagged at Gregory.

I was so sure Three Dogs’s leader was Se-Hoon… what the hell happened?

Was he simply mistaken? Or was Se-Hoon acting out a one-man dual-role play on a global scale?

Actually, in truth, Gregory hoped that it was the latter.

After all, the former meant someone insane enough to take a planet hostage had actually appeared. Compared to that grave threat to humanity, the latter option meant that the intentions behind it could at least be guessed.

Maybe it was to infiltrate the Inoue family… or maybe this is part of that planetary reinforcement plan he mentioned before.

Regardless of which, it was inevitable that there would be noise about how to protect the planet going forward. And if Se-Hoon, who had solved the crisis, were the one to take the lead…

…He’s a truly terrifying fellow.

Not only would there be no opposition, Se-Hoon would almost certainly be hailed as a legend. Believing that for a fact, Gregory couldn’t help but wonder. If someone like Se-Hoon became a Perfect One, just what kind of power would he wield?

Lingering on that thought, Gregory then shook it off and turned his attention back to the ongoing discussion.

“Well, now that things have come to this, how about we draw up a planet migration plan? Better that than staying on a continent contaminated with demonic aura…”

“Wonderful idea. By the way, which side are you from again? Judging from how you’re talking, I’d bet you’re with the Demon Force.”

“Even if the planet explodes, we could probably survive in the Netherworld with the Blessing of the Eternal, right? Though of course, it’ll take time to adapt to the environment there…”

Listening to the conversations in the meeting room veering off into the bizarre, Gregory let out a wry chuckle and gathered their attention.

Tap- Tap-

“Rather than rushing a response now, it’s better to support those who can actually deal with this. Since Babel and the Pilgrimage Church have said they’ll intervene, we’ll focus our efforts there.”

Naturally, because they were working with Perfect Ones, there were no objections. With that decision made, the Heroes Association acted on its policy of quickly disseminating it to all involved; and of course, the first to receive the message was Se-Hoon—or more precisely, Terra, who had taken his place at the front line near the barrier.

“Understood. I’ll get in touch once I’m ready.”

Ending the call with Gregory, Terra put down Se-Hoon’s phone.

“What did he say?”

“Are they leaving us alone?”

Looking at Lea and Luzie, who had simultaneously questioned her, Terra nodded.

“For now, they’ve chosen to cooperate with the Emperor of Ascension and the Pilgrim. Their director already gave instructions, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“Whew. That’s a relief.”

“So we’ve bought some time.”

They’d been worried they might have to storm the Inoue family right away, but it seemed it wasn’t necessary just yet.

“The only question is whether we can meet the timeline on our end… how are things looking?”

“Well… hmm. Just a minute.”

Terra fumbled around her solar plexus, and, after a moment, part of the Warhound shimmered into view.

Clack!

Reaching into the portion of the chestplate that was released, Terra rummaged through the inner components of the Warhound for a moment before pulling out an ore shaped like a human heart.

Thump- Thump-

The murky ore pulsed at regular intervals—just like an actual living heart. The sight of it made Lea’s eyes glow in fascination, while Luize furrowed her brow.

“No matter how many times I see it… it’s still incredible.”

“…I don’t like it.”

Anyone could tell it was an artificial heart made of ore. But… for some reason… just looking at it engraved the concept of Se-Hoon’s heart in their minds, as if the idea itself were being seared into their consciousness.

Such a feeling, for the two who knew Se-Hoon better than basically anyone else, wasn’t one of seeing an ore that had been shaped into a heart—it was a feeling of the opposite, of seeing an ore that was made by turning Se-Hoon’s actual heart into it.

Knowing him, he might’ve actually done that.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he had actually done so.

While the two stared at the object, each with their own uncertain thoughts about what material had even been used to create it, Terra was observing the heart.

“I don’t know exactly, but I think it should last about three to four days.”

“Three to four days, huh…. How long did he say he’d need?”

“The Administrator said that if things go well, two days—three at the latest.”

“That’s cutting it close.”

They wanted to wrap things up in just a day if possible, but the current situation didn’t allow for such haste. If the Inoue family overreacted to their moves, Se-Hoon’s carefully laid plans could fall apart.

“Well, in any case, he’ll take care of the details himself, so don’t stress too much about it.”

“Yeah… that’s true.”

If it was something Se-Hoon had taken on, he’d cleanly wrap it up no matter what. He was there, so despite the fate of the planet being on the line, the two could easily move onto planning discussions without panic.

Watching them for a moment, Terra glanced at the artificial heart in her hand.

Thump- Thump-

“…”

She felt a vivid sensation she couldn’t feel from her own body. It was a strange feeling, one that resonated not just in her body but even her soul.

The Administrator probably warned me not to use it too long because of situations like this, right? Terra wondered, gently running her fingers over the heart.

Se-Hoon’s synesthetic mindscape—or some mysterious force derived from it—would dilute her identity as the Seeker’s clone and strengthen her own self-awareness. For now, she just felt a bit strange. If left unchecked, though, new desires might emerge from her over time that could cause unpredictable incidents to arise.

…No. I won’t let these thoughts grow. That’s the only way I can still be of help to the Administrator.

What Se-Hoon needed wasn’t “Terra,” an individual, but “Terra, the Seeker’s clone” that he could make use of. If she mistook her place and crossed the line, she was certain a fate worse than being sealed inside the planet awaited her.

Clack-

Placing the artificial heart back into the chestplate, Terra channeled the stored water mana in the Warhound and activated the power of Omniscience.

Woong-

As the contract connecting her and Se-Hoon was amplified by the power of Omniscience, the artificial heart began beating with the intense vigor of a true heart. Slowly, the synchronization rate climbed and climbed until it reached the threshold—

Psh-

With a shimmer and some distortions, the silver mechanical body vanished and a living, breathing “human” replaced it. The world had been deceived, allowing Terra to be recognized as the “real” Lee Se-Hoon.

Marveling once again at the miracle that defied the limits of power, Terra—no, “Se-Hoon” naturally moved his body.

“…Time to go.”

“Yeah. Let’s.”

“Let’s move.”

One by one, the three stepped out of the tent and beheld a mountain bathed in blue aurora. Below it, legions of undead were cutting down trees and tearing into the earth, preparing something. Even a brief glance made it blatantly clear: what was occurring was on no ordinary scale.

Closing his eyes, “Se-Hoon” drew out the full force of his confidence that was coursing through him.

“I’m going to smash them to pieces.”

Opening his eyes, “Se-Hoon” made his unmistakable signature smile.

***

“Hmph…”

Standing inside the Inoue Great Barrier, watching the ongoing construction outside, the real Se-Hoon clicked his tongue while observing Terra.

She’s horrible at acting.

The confident demeanor was mostly on point, but the smile was way too aggressive. Rather than a hero, she looked more like a local thug.

What’s she going to do if she gets exposed like that…? Se-Hoon frowned, clearly unimpressed as he made a mental note to talk to her about it later.

Thump- Thump-

Shifting his focus to the pulse he felt in his chest, Se-Hoon felt the two different rhythms echoing from his heart.

For something thrown together at the last minute, it’s working surprisingly well.

Zeroing in on the pulse of the artificial heart beating inside Terra, Se-Hoon fell into thought. An artificial heart forged from Tainted Metal using the Genesis Hammer—something he came up recently with while searching for the perfect disguise for Terra. Yet somehow, it was performing beyond his expectations.

I never imagined it could deceive the Golden Ring itself.

He had just wanted to fool Ryuuma and the Demon Force with a flawless imitation, but Terra had gone a step further. Now that the Golden Ring recognized her as “Lee Se-Hoon,” she could partially wield not only his powers but also his techniques.

As expected, though, it’s not without its limits.

Strictly speaking, Terra was just a clone that had become almost indistinguishable from the actual person. A 99.99% reproduction, that was who Terra was—and all she was. To cross that final 0.01%, she would have to suppress her own sense of self using interference magic and manipulate their contract to flip the identity between clone and original.

Reversing the roles of original and clone to fool the world… ha, just saying that would make anyone’s skin crawl.

The instability due to manipulation of the synesthetic mindscape—and the act of deceiving the world itself—was undeniably dangerous.

Yet Se-Hoon felt strangely at ease. He couldn’t explain it clearly, but he had an unshakable sense that, at the very least, he had been “permitted” to do it.

But mine doesn’t… maybe because it’s the one being deceived that gave that permission in the first place.

He looked up at the sky, quietly thinking of the Golden Ring that wrapped around the edge of the universe.

As he stood like that, lost in thought, a familiar presence approached: a shikigami—one of Ryuuma’s—who Se-Hoon had seen before on his previous visit to the Inoue family.

Like its master, the spirit that was bowing politely had its face wrapped in cloth.

“Director Akasha. The family head has said that he’s ready to open the Gate.”