The Regressor Can Make Them All

Chapter 513

“So it’s ready, huh…”

Se-Hoon raised an eyebrow at the shikigami’s words. Although he had overhauled the lab and completed all the groundwork, he hadn’t expected everything else to wrap up so quickly.

I thought it’d take at least another day.

Was it the modifications to the lab that sped up the timeline, or had Ryuuma pulled out a hidden card?

Lingering on the question briefly, Se-Hoon gave his reply. “Okay. I’ll head down soon.”

In truth, he wasn’t fully finished with his own preparations, but he knew he could just drag things out if needed. Deciding to use the opportunity to check out the condition of the Heaven’s Well, Se-Hoon activated the barrier and began reshaping the surrounding space.

Swish-

He rewrote the barrier’s spatial record, changing it from “surface” to “lower floors,” and applied it seamlessly. In the next instant, everything around him vanished, as if erased, before new objects were drawn in on the lower floors.

Woong-

The dense darkness had expanded several dozen times over, with the energy and pressure within growing accordingly. Most notably, however, was actually the light in the darkness.

Swoosh-

Feeling the faint textures of light slipping between his fingers like grains of sand, Se-Hoon surveyed the cosmic scene projection filling the floor.

Looks like the synchronization rate has reached its peak.

Just as the upper floor projected locations on the surface and the middle floor projected weather phenomena, the lower floor was projecting outer space. The synchronization had reached its critical point, and the spiral galaxy—housing the solar system and countless celestial bodies—before him was proof of that.

Didn’t expect it to turn out this well.

Se-Hoon had originally re-designed the floor to serve as a form of central anchor. It was supposed to use the massive gravitational force to stabilize the upper and middle floors should they hit critical synchronization, which would allow the use of the combined power of all floors to suppress the Heaven’s Well.

It had also been constructed for that—but upon completion, an unexpected effect had emerged.

Woong-

The countless celestial bodies forming the spiral galaxy, each tiny speck of light, ended up forming the backbone of a ritual, which thus elevated the projection into a full-scale spell.

To think this place enhances one’s physical, mental, and synesthetic mindscape-related abilities across the board…. It’s basically all-purpose.

Unlike the middle floor, which enhanced only specific abilities within its range, the lower floor amplified all human capabilities. Or rather, to be more precise, it strengthened latent potential even the individual wasn’t aware of—an effect very familiar to Se-Hoon.

It’s clearly a lower-grade replica of the Hero’s Ring.

The ring directly powered by the Golden Ring also amplified all latent potential, but all the way to their peaks. They were so similar that Se-Hoon suspected it couldn’t be a coincidence.

I guess Ludwig and the Inoues do have somewhat similar methodologies.

In contrast with Ludwig’s aim to distribute the power of the Golden Ring to all of humanity, however, the Inoue family sought the power of ascension for themselves through the Heaven’s Well. Different ultimate goals, but the same desire to use the Golden Ring itself.

Maybe the power of the Golden Ring naturally unlocks our latent potential… or maybe both groups studied the same technology.

Making a mental note to ask Ludwig about it later, Se-Hoon headed down to the real lowest floor: the core.

Woong-

As the elevator descended, the air grew heavier and heavier until something invisible filled the space entirely. It was a strange sense of discomfort, like entering someone’s stomach, that made Se-Hoon’s eyes narrow.

So the entire core has been overtaken by the Heaven’s Well’s power.

It wasn’t in a runaway state like last year and the seal was supposedly intact—yet the power radiating from it was still on a completely different scale that made Se-Hoon smile with interest. There was only one possible cause: the synchronization rate he raised.

I wonder what it’s like inside.

Considering that the core corresponded to the peak of the Towers of Heroes that went beyond even outer space, its characteristics—its nature—were likely projected there in some form.

Thud-

While Se-Hoon had been considering the various possibilities, the elevator had reached the bottom and revealed the corridor to the seal facility.

Step, step-

The farther he walked, the stronger the energy became—causing the interference magic protecting Se-Hoon to react more and more violent.

Crackle!

Noise erupted across his body, covering him from head-to-toe to shut out the power of Heaven’s Well from making contact and analyzing him.

Hmm, this technique is more effective than I thought.

The spell that was made just to hide his face had evolved to the point where it could conceal him from the world itself.

It’s a good thing… and also could be bad at the same time.

Smiling wryly at the strange changes that were happening faster in his body, Se-Hoon pushed down the conflicted feelings and continued walking until he arrived at the corridor’s end.

Fwoosh-

The massive doors of the seal facility opened smoothly, revealing its interior: a massive silver cage in the center with a lone black sphere inside. Faint golden light shimmered within the sphere, and outside the cage, seven shikigamis with crow heads knelt in formation.

There’s a gap at the six o’clock position… is that Erika’s spot?

Observing the seemingly intentional empty spot, Se-Hoon then looked over the rest of the facility.

Never mind.

He had expected the Golden Ring or some other projection, but nothing stood out—it was just an underwhelming area.

So it hasn’t reached its critical point yet.

With the Heaven’s Well still sealed and Erika absent, that made sense though. Se-Hoon glanced around again, double-checking to make sure there was nothing he had missed, before finally lowering his gaze to the two men waiting for him.

“That’s the ritual for Open Gate?”

“Technically, this is just the setup.”

Ryuuma puffed his pipe as he gazed at the dormant Heaven’s Well.

“Awaken the Heaven’s Well and rouse the Seeker… only then will the true gate directly linked to ascension open.”

Se-Hoon followed Ryuuma’s gaze, observing the nearly completed massive ritual to replicate the Seeker’s Final Relevation—Omniform Sacred Armament—and seize the very power of the Golden Ring.

…Why did the Inoues face such a disastrous end before my regression?

The Ascension Project was a ritual meant to challenge the realm of ascension—thus having no structural connection to the Abyss of Demons nor the Demon Force. For some reason, though, the Inoue family had still met a disastrous fate.

Why? Erika falling into madness and becoming Gluttony, then Ren sacrificing tens of thousands of his own kin to seal her should’ve been an impossible conclusion to play out.

I assumed the ritual itself was flawed… maybe it’s not, though.

Maybe the Abyss of Demons had interfered somehow. Or maybe Ryuuma and Ren simply changed their minds after decades. There was no way of knowing; still, the mere possibility of something warranted caution.

Well, I’ve made my own preparations.

Looking away, Se-Hoon focused on Ren, standing beside Ryuuma.

“…”

Ren glanced back momentarily, meeting his gaze, then turned away as if nothing had happened.

That guy’s such a headache. Se-Hoon sighed at the unreadable expression.

His decision should have been made by now. What was he even waiting for? Se-Hoon considered pressing him, but he ultimately let it go. It wouldn’t help—and Ryuuma might pick up on it.

Whatever. Let him deal with it.

At that moment, right as Se-Hoon finalized his stance on that, Ryuuma turned to look at him.

“How’s Erika doing with her preparations?”

“She’s halfway done. Just give her one more day, and she’ll be ready.”

“Can you hold out until then?”

To Ryuuma’s question, Se-Hoon just summoned a bubble using the barrier to show the exterior.

“They’re trying to break the great barrier head-on. At that pace, they’ll need at least four days. We’re fine.”

“Hmm…”

Ryuuma peered at the massive magic array forming outside the barrier.

“Then the problem starts after the ritual begins,” Ryuuma muttered, biting down on his pipe.

Once the ritual was in full swing, the lab would be wholly focused on the core, thus creating minuscule gaps in the barrier that “Se-Hoon” could slip through instantly.

In other words, they needed to keep him occupied until the ritual was complete.

“The most efficient method… would be to make active use of our kins’ own power.”

“…”

Ren’s expression twitched. He, of all people, knew Ryuuma didn’t mean mere support.

Is he really considering using Forbidden Techniques…?

To think Ryuuma was suggesting the cruel spells that were known only to the family heads, which involved sacrificing human souls and bodies.

Ren fell into thought, thinking about how to respond—

“Efficient? What nonsense. You really think butchering some lackeys and casting a spell will stop that guy? Get real.” Se-Hoon’s voice was dripping with disdain.

True, it might be more effective than relying on ordinary magic, like Ryuuma said, but it was like hesitating to squish a bug because it’s too gross.

“Then do you have any another—”

“Let’s stop wasting our time here. You know full well I’m the only one who can stop him.”

Ryuuma knew full well that only a Perfect One could face another Perfect One, and yet, he kept bringing up alternatives.

“Hahhhh, looks like our dear, dear family head is more cowardly than I thought.”

In the first place, the Inoue family could only stand against the world thanks to the new barrier—more specifically, Se-Hoon’s efforts. If he ever changed his mind, the entire Ascension Project would collapse.

Ryuuma knew that better than anyone, which was why everything he did was to secure Se-Hoon at all costs.

“Let’s call it prudence.”

“Same thing.”

“I won’t try to argue with you. However, know that my offer wasn’t just because of that.”

Ryuuma gazed at the image of “Se-Hoon” through the bubble.

“You’re only worried about Lee Se-Hoon. But considering who he’s close to, there’s a real chance the other Perfect Ones might rush in too. And if that happens… even you won’t be able to hold on.”

“So?”

“Better to focus on strengthening the ritual. Wouldn’t that be more worthwhile, considering you’re also interested in the Ascension Project?”

“…”

Feigning thought, Se-Hoon then raised two fingers cloaked in noise after a short while.

“There are two problems with your suggestion. First, there’s no guarantee we’ll finish the ritual faster than they’ll break in.”

He lowered one finger, rotating his hand so that the remaining finger aimed at Ryuuma like a gun.

“Second, I just don’t trust you yet.”

Considering what happened before the regression, there were definitely unknown variables in the Ascension Project. Because of that, he had no intention of participating directly and would rather support Erika from the rear instead.

She also wanted that, too.

Of course, he couldn’t say that out loud. That’s why he gave a reply no one could refute.

“So stop scheming and focus on the ritual. That’s the ‘role’ you’ve inherited, isn’t it?”

“…”

“…”

Nobody spoke.

“…You’re right. I’ll keep that in mind,” Ryuuma said at last, breaking the silence.

“…”

Ren still said nothing.

Giving them another glance, Se-Hoon turned around. “I’ll call you guys when I’m done.”

Returning to the outer section of the lower floor, Se-Hoon immediately used the barrier’s power to teleport to the annex on the surface.

Swish-

Unlike the tense, volatile atmosphere underground, the surface was as peaceful as ever; it felt like stepping into a different world.

Woong-

Slowly entering the annex, Se-Hoon gazed at the room full of barriers and medicinal scents. Inside, at the center, shifting shadows and crows flitted around a sleeping Erika.

Caw- Caw-

The crows cooed gently, like a lullaby. Observing, Se-Hoon approached and dropped the interference spell.

“Erika.”

The crows froze and looked up.

Then, Erika slowly opened her eyes.

“…Yeah.”

“We’re about to start… are you ready?”

No matter how much of an effort he could give from now on, he was all too aware that things couldn’t always go as planned. That’s why, even with everything prepared, Se-Hoon wanted to be sure.

“…Yeah.”

Erika was completely calm.

“Good.”

Ryuuma, Mizuki, Ren, Erika—Se-Hoon didn’t know what they’d been through or why they all clung so tightly to the Ascension Project. But it didn’t matter. Until their play was over, no one could walk off stage.

And to see it through to the end, he’d play his part too.

“Then—”

“Wait.”

Erika stopped him, and their eyes met. Like that, a moment of awkward silence passed before she slowly closed her eyes.

“Never mind.”

“What?”

“I don’t want to say it yet.”

Se-Hoon paused at the uncharacteristic behavior… his eyes widened in realization.

“…I see. ‘Yet,’ huh.”

Maybe it was a throwaway line… but if there was even a sliver of a desire for the future in it, that was enough. Letting go of the last lingering doubt in his heart, Se-Hoon raised his hand to Erika’s chest.

“I wonder what it could be.”

Thump!

He killed Inoue Erika.