Chapter 31
It was around the time I had just reached adulthood in the Empire.
That’s when I first dabbled in black magic, and this is what the old man told me back then.
“What is black magic? To put it simply, it’s magic that draws power from the deeper world we live in—the ‘Void Realm.’”
“Black magic is often said to be evil, unpleasant, and sinister. This is all because of the dark mana that flows out from the Void Realm. This mana carries the energy of death, so naturally, living beings with the energy of life instinctively reject it.”
“Then, is black magic truly evil? We need to reflect on this.”
There’s something people don’t know.
Surprisingly, many forms of magic are derived from black magic and are already widely used.
‘Haste’ is a prime example.
It’s often seen as a simple buff that increases speed and movement, but in reality, it draws out the limits of the body’s agility.
So, what’s the cost?
If Haste is considered black magic, what would be the essential element of black magic—the price or sacrifice?
It’s the body itself.
The body’s vitality is consumed in exchange for drawing out its limits.
The sudden fatigue that sets in after Haste ends? That’s because the body’s vitality has been consumed.
In this way, more than half of the support-type magic we commonly use—those that enhance the body—are derived from black magic.
“Now, let’s go back to the main question. Why is black magic, which is already so commonly used and even quite useful, still scorned and deemed evil?”
“The answer is simple. It’s all about perception. The image. Bad guys use black magic.”
Black magic itself isn’t inherently evil, and not all black magicians are villains.
However.
Villains always turn to black magic!
Almost invariably.
Why?
Because black magic is the ideal tool for those with wicked intentions.
“It doesn’t matter if your skills are lacking. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t studied enough. If you’re lacking, you can compensate with more sacrifices. If you’re skilled, you can become even stronger.”
“In black magic, sacrifices are an absolute plus that surpasses all other factors.”
As long as the required sacrifices are secured, even basic talents can achieve unimaginable results with black magic.
And there’s more.
The greatest advantage of black magic.
It has no limits.
“The more sacrifices you have, the more powerful the results. Eventually, you might even reach the ‘Truth’ that all magicians so desperately seek.”
“Of course, it’s just a theory, but you’d be surprised how many people are obsessed with this theory.”
For those who are willing to do anything to fulfill their desires, who don’t care about the suffering of others, who are true villains at heart.
What other magic could be as enticing as black magic?
No need for innate talent. No need for grueling effort.
Even if it’s just a theory, the idea of reaching the pinnacle through mere sacrifices is too tempting to pass up.
And that is why black magic is considered the ultimate evil.
High up in the trees, we heard something in the distance.
“They’re here…”
“Shh…”
“…”
We remained hidden by magic, listening closely to the approaching figures.
“They found it. The communicator. Damn, those punks really ran off? This is pissing me off. How much did we pay them in advance?”
“All of it, I think.”
“What? We gave them everything? Why the hell did we do that?”
“Don’t you remember, boss? You were the one who said to just pay them off quickly because we were in a rush.”
“Me? Damn…”
Two figures in masks.
Even a three-year-old would say, “Those guys look suspicious,” given the shady vibes they exuded.
“Ha! This is ridiculous. Those guys are out of their minds. Did they really think they could just leave? Unbelievable. Give me a cigarette.”
“See, I told you, boss. Scumbags like that only understand if you break a leg or two.”
“Who doesn’t know that? I’d love to have a nice chat while pulling out a rib or two. But you know the higher-ups are all over us because of that idiot who messed with the prosecutor’s kid.”
“Idiot?”
“You didn’t know? Some moron messed with the prosecutor’s kid, and now the crackdown’s intensified.”
“Oh… So that’s why the boss was acting like that earlier. So, these punks we hired…”
“Yeah. They’re just scapegoats in case things go south.”
“Ha! Are you serious? We’ve taken out dozens of guys here, and you think anyone’s going to believe those punks did it?”
“Heh, rookie, since when did the truth matter in this line of work? …Wait, I got a call. Hold on. Why don’t you go scout the area or something? Who knows, maybe those punks got buried somewhere.”
“I almost hope they did. Let’s see some blood.”
The two masked figures split up.
Once they were out of sight, Meri finally let out the breath she’d been holding.
“Phew…”
“Did you hold your breath the entire time?”
“I know there was a magic circle, but I couldn’t help being nervous.”
“Pfft.”
How cute.
We climbed down from the uncomfortable tree and took a seat.
Since we had hidden ourselves in a hurry, Meri and Junu had only caught snippets of the conversation, and now they were staring holes into me, demanding an explanation.
“Alright, tell us now. Who are those people? And what’s this about black magic?”
“What’s the connection between black magic and Psychokinetic Stones?”
“Hmm… Where should I start?”
Black magic and Psychokinetic Stones.
At first glance, these two terms seem unrelated, but in reality, they’re closely connected.
Black magic is fundamentally about drawing power from the Void Realm.
The term might be unfamiliar, but it’s simply the ‘world of the dead’—the realm where souls go after they depart this world. The idea that black magic draws power from hell stems from this concept.
“So, the power from the Void Realm is illusory. It’s no different from a spirit. By itself, this power can’t interfere with our world. That’s why sacrifices are needed.”
“And with sacrifices, it can interfere with our world?”
“Exactly.”
“This is starting to sound like demon summoning. It’s giving me the creeps.”
“Oh! That was sharp, Meri. You’re right. Demon summoning is a branch of black magic, so while the scale may differ, the fundamental concept is the same.”
“Eep!”
“So, what about Psychokinetic Stones? How do they fit into this?”
“They’re related. The best vessel to contain the power of the Void Realm is none other than Psychokinetic Stones.”
“…!!”
“…!!”
Let me put it in simpler terms—imagine ghosts.
Spirits that have lost their bodies upon death.
These spirits wander the world, unable to move on due to lingering grudges, until they eventually fade and disappear into the Void Realm.
Why can’t they interfere with our world?
The answer is simple—they lack physical power.
What good is a grudge if they can’t cause any direct harm?
That’s why ghosts crave Psychokinetic Stones.
They instinctively know.
With Psychokinetic Stones, they can gain physical power. They can interfere with our world.
“Eh? Really? You’re not just making this up, right?”
“It’s true. I didn’t go into the finer details, but that’s the basic idea.”
“Wouldn’t it be better for them to possess a human instead?”
“Yeah… Isn’t that what happens in all those movies, where ghosts possess people?”
“I was wondering when that would come up. Movies are dangerous for this reason. Guys, as a friend, I’m telling you—never say that out loud. It’s embarrassing.”
Even a transplant rejection can kill a person if the organ isn’t compatible. And you think a dead person’s soul could possess the body of a random living person?
Both the soul and the body would wither away.
And what about me?
Didn’t I possess someone else’s body?
Sure, there’s an exception right here in front of you.
That’s right. I’m the one who defies that rule.
But do you remember when I first reincarnated and was searching for a celestial being? That’s because without divine intervention, it’s impossible.
I never believed that another miracle like mine could exist in this world.
“So, to sum it up, you think the masked people collecting Psychokinetic Stones are black magicians?”
“At the very least, they’re involved.”
“They could just be gathering materials…”
“No, didn’t you hear what they said? They’ve taken out quite a few people. That means they’ve been at this for a while.”
“Then…”
Meri gulped.
“We’re screwed, aren’t we?”
“Pfft!”
I stared at her in surprise.
“…Where did you learn to talk like that?”
“From movies. Why? Am I wrong?”
“Though it’s a bit crude, I agree.”
Their eyes turned to me.
As if asking what to do next, their gazes were full of expectation, and I couldn’t help but smirk.
“What do you want to do?”
There were two options.
We could either turn a blind eye and leave, or we could dig deeper into this.
The former would ensure safety, while the latter would inevitably lead to conflict.
One option had no risk, while the other was all risk.
Normally, you’d choose the safer route, but their eyes were already filled with anticipation.
I probably had the same look in my eyes.
“This is exciting.”
“Trash belongs in the trash, and the wicked in hell.”
They rose to their feet, weapons at the ready.
“This is why I like you guys.”
There was no need for further words. The decision was made. I stood up, licking my lips in anticipation.
The two masked men who had gone scouting were on their way back to the base.
“Something feels off.”
“What do you mean?”
“I don’t know. I just have a bad feeling.”
“You’re always so sensitive, boss.”
“You’ll understand when you’re my age….”
Just as he was about to finish speaking, the uneasy feeling that had been nagging at him finally set off alarm bells!
“Get down!”
The man quickly deployed a shield.
Crash!
What hit the shield was…
…an axe?
“Get on the radio…! Hey! Snap out of it!”
“Y-yes, sir!”
The rookie hurriedly tried to contact the main base.
But all he heard from the radio was static.
• Zzzzzt
“The comms are jammed!”
“Shit, we’ve been caught in a trap! Shit! Shit!!”
The man cursed repeatedly as he ran forward. He intended to break through this area with his shield.
His rookie partner also prepared to assist.
“I’ll clear the path!”
“Move aside, damn it! Just use the buff stones!”
“Y-yes! Haste! Strength!”
Various buffs were cast, and the two men glowed with light as they dashed through the forest at terrifying speed.
The man assessed the rapidly passing trees, making quick decisions.
‘Thankfully, this is just a Level 3 Gate. The area isn’t large. If we keep running like this, we’ll be at the base soon.’
It was a sharp judgment that reflected his experience, but unfortunately, that was as far as he got.
Crash!!
The shield collided with something.
He tried to push through, but sparks flew off the shield.
“What the hell!”
“Boss, look!”
“…!!”
On the surface of the shield, where the sparks were flying, something became faintly visible.
…A wire!
The moment he recognized the wire, a chill ran down the man’s spine.
They were caught! Completely caught! This was a trap!
And the man’s assessment was spot on.
In an instant, his shield was forcibly dispelled.
What would happen next was obvious.
He immediately shouted, “Duck!!” and threw himself to the ground.
“Gah!!”
But it was too late.
His rookie partner’s throat was pierced, and he collapsed onto the dirt.
The weapon that had pierced his partner’s throat was a spear.
No, it was a spear made of bone.
Gurgling.
Clutching his throat, the rookie spat out blood.
He reached out with pleading eyes, begging for help, but the man had no time to worry about his partner now.
“…!!”
The spear was thrown from the left at a 40-degree angle, at a speed that not even a martial artist could react to…
As a magician, my chances of avoiding it?
Zero.
There were none.
He was going to die!
The man quickly made a decision.
He rolled.
He rolled and tumbled across the ground.
His entire body got covered in dirt, and he was scraped by the occasional rock, but he rolled with all his might and barely managed to hide behind a tree.
“Huff, huff.”
Just as he was catching his breath, a voice came from behind the tree.
“Wow, you’ve got some experience, huh? Experience never lets you down.”
The voice was a deep, masculine tone, filled with confidence…
“Huh? This one’s still alive. Bad guys sure are tough. Tsk, how many people did you kill to have your soul shredded like this? Looks like you won’t be getting a peaceful death.”
The meticulousness of trapping the prey and the brutality of showing no mercy to the cornered.
“Hey, you behind the tree. Yeah, I’m talking to you. Let’s not make this any harder than it has to be. Come on out. I’ve got some questions, and I promise you won’t suffer like your buddy.”
The conclusion was clear.
There was no escape.
The man gritted his teeth and started casting a spell.
‘If only I could get a clear view…’
Dark mana slowly filled his left eye.
A perception spell known as the third eye.
Magic Eye.
If his opponent was capable of incapacitating a martial artist with a spear from an unseen direction, then he was undoubtedly a martial artist himself. If he could gain visual superiority and counterattack, there might still be a chance.
The man thought this as he generated the Magic Eye.
“…!!”
What filled his vision as the Magic Eye opened…
Was darkness?
How could there be darkness when the sun was up?
At that moment.
Hundreds of eyes opened simultaneously within the darkness.
“Aaaagh!!”
The man’s left eye exploded.
“Tsk, who told you to mess around with black magic? If you’re going to use it, use it right. I’d love to play with you more, but my little friends will be here soon. So…”
Smash!
The tree splintered into pieces, revealing the man who had been crouching behind it.
And finally, the man could see his opponent.
A giant of a man who blocked his entire field of vision.
It was Park Ki-hyuk.
“Let’s have a quiet little chat, shall we?”
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