Chapter 629
The strength in Vishnu’s hands, which had been wielding the Divine Relics, weakened slightly.
It had to.
Jinhyuk’s words formed a hypothesis far too plausible to ignore.
‘Come to think of it… it ‘was’ strange that Unknown suddenly appeared now. If he only wanted to warn me that Kang Jinhyuk was targeting the First Lotus, he didn’t need to move personally.’
A small pebble Jinhyuk tossed created waves across the lake.
A suspicion he barely entertained began returning to him as certainty.
“Do you still think we need to keep fighting each other?”
“…It seems this requires an explanation. Directly from the one involved.”
There was only one way to know the truth.
See it with their own eyes.
“Good decision. Let’s deal with him first, then settle things—or dance around afterward.”
“Follow me.”
Vishnu gave a faint, dry laugh and immediately turned his back.
“Wh-what?”
“He agreed… just like that?”
“What the hell happened just now?”
The members of Veteran Corporation watching all this were stunned.
One of the strongest gods of the Celestial Order had simply given up fighting after a few words from Jinhyuk.
Not only that—he even volunteered to guide them forward.
“Hmph! Obviously, after receiving one of ‘my’ mighty strikes, he realized resistance was futile. My magic is simply too powerful.”
Only Alice muttered nonsense to herself, and nobody bothered reacting.
[Vishnu opens ‘Sustained Path’ – The Road of All Things!]
Wooooong!
With a bright glow, the ground split open and a new path appeared.
A shortcut—faster than the route Unknown had taken.
This alone erased the disadvantage of their delayed start.
“I’ll say this now. If you’re lying…”
“Then let divine punishment strike me. And if I’m telling the truth?”
“…In that case, you will have provided us with great assistance. We would hand Unknown over to you and propose ending this war to the other gods.”
A ceasefire.
An opportunity to end a meaningless conflict and focus on far more important objectives.
That alone was valuable enough—but—
Vishnu offered something far more shocking.
“In addition, I shall grant you permission to safely pass through the 45th floor—and one Divine Relic of your choice, excluding the First Lotus.”
“…You’re serious?”
“Unlike humans, a god does not speak twice with one tongue. Especially I, who value balance and harmony.”
It was an absurdly generous condition.
If the Celestial Order allowed passage, the lower floors would open their paths without resistance.
They could skip unnecessary labyrinths and ruins, saving tremendous time.
And they could obtain one of the Celestial Order’s Divine Relics.
Jinhyuk had to fight the urge to grin.
This was why one needed keen perception—and excellent speaking skills.
“Alright. Then let’s make that contract.”
Tap.
KWAANG!
Everyone kicked off the ground and sprinted forward.
⁕⁕⁕
How far had they run?
After passing countless traps and mazes, the group finally reached the heart of the temple—where the First Lotus lay dormant.
‘We’re late.’
Jinhyuk looked toward the red glow emanating from one side.
The final barrier was already open.
And—
Kukukukukuku!
Inside, a terrifying vortex of magical power surged violently.
“Stop!”
Sensing the danger, Vishnu shouted and rushed inside first.
The interior, normally filled with beautiful flowers and natural radiance, was gone.
Instead—screaming red grudges twisted in a massive circle, a scene straight out of hell itself.
A realm completely severed from the Celestial Order.
At its center stood Unknown.
Holding the First Lotus in his hand.
“Explain yourself! What is the meaning of this!?”
Vishnu’s voice cracked, veins bulging on his neck.
His eyes reddened with rage and betrayal.
“Hm. So you chose to listen to that human after all.”
“You dare speak like that!? You clearly said you would seal the lotus so none could touch it. Then why are you absorbing its magic!?”
“Because that is the only way to win this war.”
Unknown calmly met Vishnu’s furious gaze.
That attitude shattered what remained of Vishnu’s patience.
[Divine Relic ‘Sharanga’ has been summoned!]
Vishnu’s relic—capable of piercing any matter.
In the time it took to draw a single breath, a magical arrow reached Unknown’s forehead.
KWAaaaaaang!
The impact shook the entire temple like a nuclear explosion.
But despite the killing blow—Unknown’s mask didn’t crack.
“Hmm. I wondered whether a weakened lotus would be enough. But since it contains the essence of the 45th floor… I suppose this is acceptable.”
With a soft rustle, wilted petals fell to the ground.
And at that moment—
A magic radiance unlike that of any god erupted from Unknown’s body.
Kukukukukuku!
Everyone’s skin bristled.
The overwhelming force reminded Jinhyuk of facing Shub-Niggurath.
With his depleted power restored, Unknown could now wield all his abilities.
‘Of course it couldn’t be simple.’
Jinhyuk massaged his throbbing forehead.
Just when they were almost at the finish line—this wasn’t the end.
It was the beginning of the worst-case scenario.
“You must have been disappointed that I avoided combat until now. You can rest easy—there will be no more running.”
[Unknown activates ‘Shadow Killing Art’!]
Unknown’s shadow vanished.
Behind!
Sensing a faint magical ripple, Jinhyuk’s blade struck instantly.
KAANG!
Sparks erupted as an identical dagger collided with his.
“Sharp reaction.”
“Not thrilled to hear that from a fake.”
“How harsh. Still—this must be your first time fighting your own kind. Shouldn’t you be excited? Enjoyment was always your specialty.”
“It’s been a while since someone dared say that to my face. Let’s see if you can repeat it in a few minutes.”
[Jinhyuk activates ‘Shadow Killing Art’!]
Shadows overlapped.
Within the churning darkness, two figures moved like rabid beasts trying to tear one another apart.
From the outside, only erratic black afterimages could be seen.
But gradually—
Jinhyuk began grasping Unknown’s patterns.
‘Three feints, then he tries to flank from the rear right.’
Kakakakakang!
Even while exchanging over ten blows per second, he read his opponent’s habits perfectly.
Once.
Kaang!
Again.
Kakang!
And just as the final strike aimed for his throat—
Swish.
A shadow behind Jinhyuk rose silently.
Old habits die hard. A fighter’s most familiar, most confident move could never be hidden.
Jinhyuk pretended not to notice and allowed the attack.
KWAANG!
The dagger stabbed into his spine.
Or so Unknown thought.
Until he realized too late—
Jinhyuk had activated ‘1-Second Invincibility’ at the perfect moment.
“You knew?”
“Of course. In a one-on-one, reading your opponent’s patterns is everything.”
Jinhyuk shrugged.
Then added casually:
“You copied my abilities, so you’re strong… but your real combat experience is lacking.”
Tremendous magic and a vast array of abilities—but lacking refinement.
Time to show the difference between imitation and real experience.
[Unique Ability ‘White Beast’ activates!]
[Unique Ability ‘Swift Sword’ activates!]
His daggers blurred into transparency, their speed rising two more tiers.
Kakakakakakang!
A relentless assault.
Unknown activated the same abilities, but there was a gap—sense, control, mastery.
Little by little—the balance tilted.
Puk!
Jinhyuk’s blade pierced Unknown’s heart.
“Kh…!”
Unknown immediately pulled away using his 1-second invincibility.
“Haa… haa….”
His breathing grew ragged.
He barely survived—but luck rarely favored someone twice.
“Your only option now is resurrection from Blessing of the Stars. Assuming you don’t die instantly.”
Jinhyuk walked toward him at a calm pace.
‘Something’s off.’
Unknown wasn’t as overwhelmingly strong as expected—even after absorbing the First Lotus.
Meanwhile, Jinhyuk still had many cards left unused.
‘Did I grow too strong?’
Or—
Was Unknown ‘intentionally holding back?’