Chapter 3
Park Chan-woo was one of humanity’s strongest five.
He was the fourth person to reach the max level of 99, and the only one among them to possess a [Dual Class], making him an object of awe.
However, even reaching max level and wrapping himself in priceless relics, he couldn’t defeat a [Progenitor] like Dragon God Sephiro.
They were simply on a different level.
‘The limit of a human is barely the Tenth Realm, but a Progenitor is at least a Thirteenth Realm monster.’
The term “Realm” was used to represent power that transcended boundaries.
For example, the [First Realm] corresponded to levels 1 through 10 for humans.
With humanity’s level cap at 99, no matter how powerful they became, they could never break past the [Tenth Realm].
In fact, without completing a “Limit Break Quest” at every 10-level interval, you couldn’t even level up further.
It was a step-by-step ascent.
But the masters of the Twelve Species—the [Twelve Progenitors]—were different.
They were monsters of at least the [Thirteenth Realm].
Converted to level terms, roughly level 130.
A difference of over 30 levels. Of course they were unbeatable.
Even a 10-level difference drastically reduced your chances. A 30-level gap? Forget it.
‘…The true body of Sephiro I saw at the end was beyond even that.’
Just remembering it made him shudder. Dragon God Sephiro was stronger than any Progenitor Park Chan-woo had ever encountered.
Especially that true form… that Transcendent Dragon was beyond comparison.
It might even be the strongest among the Twelve Progenitors.
Anyway, closing a 30-level gap was practically impossible.
Even a 10-level gap could make victory vanish into smoke.
But a 109-level difference?
‘Not impossible.’
Park Chan-woo was a mage.
Though he had come to the path of magic late, he was one who sought truth and pierced through it.
Turning the impossible into the possible—and then layering even more possibility atop that—was what a mage should strive for.
In that case—
‘It may seem impossible… but there’s a chance.’
Even the slimmest of chances should not be overlooked.
The harder the feat, the greater the reward from the Abyss.
Who could even guess what reward might come from closing a gap this enormous?
“Hey! Park Chan-woo! You little shit, what are you doing over there!”
That’s when it happened.
A man came running toward him.
Sturdy-looking, with a vaguely familiar face.
‘Who was that again?’
Park Chan-woo furrowed his brow.
Then nodded to himself.
‘He was my boss, I think.’
Back when Park Chan-woo was 27, he had been working at a securities firm in Ilsan.
This man used to curse him out over poor performance. He quit a few months later, but always regretted not quitting sooner.
The experience gave him severe depression and a fear of people.
‘Right. Kim Byung-han.’
It all came back.
The first Abyss opened during a weekday lunch break.
Park Chan-woo had been walking through a park near his office when he was caught up in it.
Kim Byung-han must have been caught the same way.
Still, they hadn’t run into each other during that first Abyss.
Both were probably too busy hiding, which made sense.
“Chan-woo, you okay? You’re not hurt, right?”
Kim Byung-han approached with a concerned tone.
Then his eyes subtly shifted to the [Lizard Slayer Blade].
‘Damn. I need a weapon to defend myself.’
After the Abyss opened, the park became a nightmare.
A monster had appeared and was slaughtering people.
All the good hiding spots were packed—staying exposed meant certain death.
Then he saw Park Chan-woo.
Standing near the lake, holding a big sword.
With that weapon, he’d be untouchable.
He could drive others out of good hiding spots. In the worst case, he could attack the monster—or toss Park Chan-woo to it.
It was a big sword, sure, but Park Chan-woo was quiet and timid.
‘Lucky me. Didn’t expect to find such an easy pushover here.’
To Kim Byung-han, Park Chan-woo was nothing more than a chump.
A few sweet words and he’d be wrapped around his finger.
“It’s dangerous. Let’s stick together, okay? That monster will eat us if we stay here.”
“Been a while, pig.”
“Pi… what? Pig?”
Shing.
Park Chan-woo raised the [Lizard Slayer Blade] and brought it to Kim Byung-han’s throat.
“G-Gah! W-What are you doing, you little shit? It’s me! Team Leader Kim Byung-han!”
Sure, it had only 1 attack power—but it looked like a real sword.
Kim Byung-han, who had no idea it was a -99 level weapon, went stiff with fear.
“P-Park Chan-woo! What the hell are you doing!? Put that sword down, now!”
“If you keep shouting, those [Fallen Ghost] will come. Keep yelling if you want to get eaten.”
“Hrk…!”
Kim Byung-han quickly shut his mouth.
Then stared at Park Chan-woo with disbelief.
‘Did he take something? Why is he acting like this?’
This had never happened before.
Park Chan-woo had always been submissive, taking verbal abuse without complaint.
He used to be humiliated for fun whenever Kim felt stressed, and was told countless times to pack up and leave for being useless.
Not once had he fought back.
But now, that coward had a sword pressed to his throat.
“Chan-woo, come on. Let’s not do this—let’s just talk…”
“Forward.”
“…Huh?”
“If you want to live, walk ahead.”
Tap. Tap.
The sword’s tip prodded the back of Kim Byung-han’s head.
‘What the hell is he doing?’
Kim Byung-han shot a glare of rage at him.
And then—
‘W-What the…?’
He quickly looked down.
He had locked eyes with something he had never seen in Park Chan-woo before—an abyssal, chilling gaze.
Devoid of emotion.
Unshaken by the situation.
‘Was he always… like this?’
No. Park Chan-woo was weak. He was the kind of guy who’d collapse from a panic attack in a situation like this.
But now, he felt like a completely different person.
More like a spirit. Or a vengeful ghost. Had the Abyss driven him mad?
“F-Fine. I’ll go. I’m going.”
Kim Byung-han slowly started walking forward.
Screeeeeeeeech—
The cry of the [Fallen Ghost] echoed nearby.
Tap.
“Forward.”
“B-But there’s a monster just ahead…”
“Forw-ard.”
Was he seriously insane?
Was he trying to get them both killed!?
‘This psycho bastard…!’
Kim Byung-han bit his lip.
Had he known, he wouldn’t have approached.
Who could’ve predicted Park Chan-woo was this far gone?
But he couldn’t refuse either.
The one holding the sword was Park Chan-woo.
So he took a few more reluctant steps forward—
“Ahhh!”
“Gggh…!”
A man and woman nearby were slaughtered by the [Fallen Ghost].
Kim Byung-han watched it happen in real time.
And that was it.
He couldn’t take another step.
His mind went completely blank.
Then it happened.
“A-Ah…”
He locked eyes.
With the [Fallen Ghost].
Screeeeee! Screeeeech!
The [Fallen Ghost] had changed targets.
It began charging straight at Kim Byung-han.
‘I-I’m gonna die!’
His legs gave out, and he collapsed.
He wet himself and clamped his eyes shut.
“As expected. It truly doesn’t recognize me at all.”
In that instant, Park Chan-woo stepped in front of Kim Byung-han.
Now he was certain—he had used him as bait to test it.
Even at close range, the [Fallen Ghost] focused only on Kim Byung-han.
He had even stepped a bit farther back to test—still, its gaze didn’t shift.
All eight of its eyes locked only on Kim Byung-han.
‘Only one more thing to confirm. Whether it can recognize me even after being attacked.’
[Nonexistent].
It was now certain—he had no presence.
But he still had to check whether his existence could be perceived if he attacked.
“Hey, pisspants. If you want to live, run like a dog over that way.”
Park Chan-woo pointed toward the lake.
“H-HRRRRAAAAAAAAGH!”
Snapping out of it, Kim Byung-han scrambled to his feet and bolted in the indicated direction.
Screeeeeeeeech!
The [Fallen Ghost] turned and chased after him.
Park Chan-woo steadied his breathing.
And just as the [Fallen Ghost] was about to pass him—
‘Its weak point is just below the navel.’
A channel where [Mana] flows.
It’s the most vulnerable spot—hit it right, and even a punch could do serious damage.
Park Chan-woo slashed the [Lizard Slayer Blade] directly below the creature’s navel.
Clang!
“…”
The blade bounced off.
‘What the hell…’
He was speechless.
Sure, the sword had only 1 attack power—but to bounce off like that? He hadn’t expected it to literally deflect.
It was the cursed combo of [Strength 1] and [Attack Power 1].
His shoulder even felt dislocated from the recoil.
Screee?
The [Fallen Ghost] halted and tilted its head.
It must’ve felt something, hence the pause.
It turned its gaze to Park Chan-woo.
“…I offer the [Lizard Slayer Blade] as a sacrifice to boost my Strength for 10 seconds, Oh God of Offerings.”
《You have offered ‘Lizard Slayer Blade’ to the God of Offerings.》
《‘Lizard Slayer Blade’ is a treasure of [Epic] grade.》
《Additional offerings are required to revive the God of Offerings.》
《For 10 seconds, the ‘Lizard Essence (Strength +20)’ activates throughout Park Chan-woo’s body.》
《After 10 seconds, ‘Lizard Slayer Blade’ will disappear as an offering.》
The God of Offerings didn’t answer.
Instead, a system message appeared with similar intent.
By sacrificing a high-grade treasure, he received a short but intense power-up.
Given how low his base stats were, the increase was massive.
‘The contract is still in effect.’
After all, the pact had been made with his soul.
As long as his soul existed, the God of Offerings was bound to respond.
‘But what’s this about needing offerings for a revival…?’
Still, there was no time to think it through.
ScreeeEEECH!
The [Fallen Ghost] had finally recognized Park Chan-woo.
A real threat.
But with danger comes opportunity.
He gripped the [Lizard Slayer Blade] at an angle.
He was close enough to feel the monster’s breath—he couldn’t miss at this range.
He drove the blade with all his strength into the area just below its navel.
Thrust!
The blade sank deep.
And then he twisted it.
ScreeeeeEEECH!
The [Fallen Ghost] shrieked.
But it wasn’t dead yet.
He had to finish it within 10 seconds.
Thrust!
SPLAT!
Blood sprayed across his face.
Even with blood in his eyes, he didn’t stop.
He continued to hack away at the weak point—stab, slash, twist, stab again.
In just over 10 seconds, Park Chan-woo was drenched in the [Fallen Ghost]’s blood from head to toe.
Thud!
At last, the creature collapsed to the ground.
Simultaneously—
《‘Lizard Slayer Blade’ has been sacrificed and disappears.》
The shape of the sword faded away and vanished.
But that wasn’t the end.
《You are now experiencing ‘Muscle Soreness.’》
《You are severely ‘Anemic.’》
《Your body has collapsed with a ‘Severe Cold.’》
《Your temperature has risen to 41°C.》
《You can no longer move for the rest of today.》
The backlash hit like a storm.
As the adrenaline wore off, his entire body screamed in agony.
He couldn’t endure it any longer.
Park Chan-woo collapsed flat on the ground, arms and legs sprawled wide.
“Ghhk…!”
He couldn’t even move a finger.
He wondered if he might die like this.
His consciousness began to fade.
《Status ‘Terminal’: You will die within 500 days.》
《Status ‘Feeblest’: Your base stats are locked at 1.》
《Status ‘Frail’: You are highly susceptible to disease and curses.》
《Status ‘Weak’: You are constantly fatigued.》
《Status ‘Nonexistent’: Your presence is extremely diminished.》
《To recover your status, restore your level to normal.》
What?
I’m going to die in 500 days?
Park Chan-woo screamed inside—but lacked the strength to even open his mouth.
This was worse than he imagined.
Far worse.
But after the bad comes the good, or so they say—
《The [Abyss] has ended.》
《824 survivors have successfully made it through.》
《Survival rate: 93.5%!》
《A far higher rate than expected!》
《All survivors receive a ‘Gold Box’!》
《Victory against the ‘Fallen Ghost’ has been achieved!》
《You have overcome an immeasurable, indescribable disparity.》
《This is a miracle that surpasses the incomprehensible.》
《Your level has increased.》
《For achieving a mythical feat, a [Platinum Box (★★★)] has been awarded.》
……
《Your actions have drawn the attention of the [Creators].》
《‘One Who Crouches in Darkness’ offers you the position of [Apostle].》
《‘Observer of the Scales’ offers you the position of [Apostle].》
《‘Whispering Tattletale’ offers you the position of [Apostle].》
《‘Gossipmonger Who Speaks Freely’ offers you the position of [Apostle].》
……
《Accepting a proposal will grant you a [Class] related to that Creator.》
《Additionally, you may receive assistance upon entering an Abyss created by that Creator.》
A flood of messages filled the air.
Seeing them, Park Chan-woo could only utter one word—
“…Heh.”
