Chang-Sun desperately hoped his gamble would work, because he had already tried to resolve the situation dozens of times and it was tormenting him. He had been forced to always stay on edge because the Outer Celestial could show up anytime, unable to take a break at least once.
Some of the attempts had ended in a couple of days, but there were others that took several years... Chang-Sun had been forced to suffer for over fifty years in total.
Above all, the anxiety of how the Rollback loop could end any time was also eating away at Chang-Sun. If he had infinite chances with the Rollback loop, he could work on the situation step by step and be more composed in searching for a way to go up against the Outer Celestial. However, the messages about how the law of causality had been damaged, the <Management Bureau> was on alert, and <Deus Ex Machina> could intervene made Chang-Sun realize that there was a limit to his ability to use the Rollback loop to his advantage.
Chang-Sun was walking on a tightrope, so even if he tried very hard to remain composed, the anxiety continued to exhaust his mind. However, he and the Outer Celestial were the only ones who were trapped in this time loop, so he could never talk about how he actually felt. After all, there was no way he could tell the Outer Celestial, even if they were in the same boat as him. Besides, no one would be able to understand Chang-Sun, so he hoped that the Outer Celestial would leave after satiating their desire to some level. If the Outer Celestial wanted something else, Chang-Sun was willing to give anything he could, but...
Too. Cumbersome.
“If you feel it’s cumbersome, then go back...!” Chang-Sun yelled.
But. This. Is. Contract.
Chang-Sun frowned slightly, feeling a premonition. Just as expected...
So. Can. Not. Leave.
“What in the world is that contract?” Chang-Sun asked.
Can. Not. Tell.
Chang-Sun gripped [Gungnir] more tightly in anger.
Cumbersome. But. I. Optimistic. Consider. It. Entertainment.
That meant the Outer Celestial felt encumbered by the Rollback loop, but had decided to view it positively and consider the loop a form of entertainment. Perhaps because their long life was filled with lethargy, the Rollback loop was just entertainment to the Outer Celestial.
Chang-Sun gnashed his teeth before saying, “Alright. Let’s do this. I’ll make sure you’ll scream.”
Then. More. Spicy. More. Interesting.
The Outer Celestial’s laughter seemingly shook the entire world, and...
[You have died!]
[Rollbacking Worldline #802.]
...the fight resumed.
* * *
[<Deus Ex Machina> has confirmed that Worldline #802 was damaged 62 times. He scratches the back of his head in annoyance while searching for a justification to intervene!]
[The <Management Bureau> tiptoes around the Supreme Administrator.]
[The <Central Management Bureau> is preparing to take action under the Supreme Administrator’s instruction!]
...
<Deus Ex Machina> was starting to get pissed off, so the <Management Bureau>, which assisted him, was on alert.
‘I can’t do this on my own,’ Chang-Sun thought, standing on a devastated battlefield. ‘I need allies.’
That meant he needed people who could work and fight alongside him. Of course, Chang-Sun was with a lot of his people right now. He had subordinates such as Jin Prezia and Sinmara, and he could find Crom Cruach and Xerxes if he went to the Arcadian Imperial Palace. He had gone through half of his attempts together with them, so it was true that they had helped him a lot.
It was the same with his 63rd try. With his friends and subordinates, Chang-Sun had started a war, but in contrast to his first try, he had directly attacked the Star Palace in an attempt to cause the Outer Celestial and the <Horoscope> alliance to destroy each other. Of course, it did not work out very well.
‘Well, I guess that it’s still good news that my understanding of the Secret Darkness Techniques advanced,’ Chang-Sun thought.
If there was one thing Chang-Sun had gained from this Rollback loop, it was that he had mastered Anathema and arrived at the final threshold of becoming an Outer Celestial.
‘I might become an Outer Celestial myself before I can take down that Outer Celestial...’
The problem was that Chang-Sun could not pass the threshold right now. [Prelati’s Spellbook], which contained the Secret Darkness techniques, had been given to him by Mephistopheles. While the first volume was about controlling <Darkness>, Chang-Sun had learned to be one with <Darkness> from the middle volume. Now only the last volume was left, and it was supposed to be the guide for Chang-Sun to become an Outer Celestial and enter Nyx... However, Mephistopheles, who should have handed Chang-Sun the last volume, was missing right now.
‘I’ll have to create my own last volume or find another way, but I can’t do that right now. The Rollback loop might end before I can finish.’
Becoming an Outer Celestial was about rising above the laws of Eros and leaving to Nyx, which was beyond the Great Universe. In other words, a person had to change their entire nature, which was no easy task. Even Sadalmelik had to make sacrificial offerings to do so. It would take a lot longer for Chang-Sun to do it on his own... a time period that was close to eternity. That was how hard transforming one’s nature was.
‘Although I could have asked questions if Odin were around, he’s still missing. No, he wouldn’t necessarily answer even if he were present.’
Odin made no secret of his loathing toward Outer Celestials, who were outside the laws of nature, so he was unlikely to understand why Chang-Sun was trying to become one.
‘Whatever it may be... I need a shortcut. Maybe it might be better to look at another me from up close.’
Chang-Sun needed someone who could help in ways that his friends and subordinates could not, as he had to understand himself better and find a way to get closer to becoming an Outer Celestial with that person. In that case, there was only one person who met all the criteria.
‘Bel-Marduk.’
Bel-Marduk had tormented Ithaca for a long time, and then continued to corner Chang-Sun, so he had thought Bel-Marduk could never be his ally. However, there was no better person to work with when it came to tackling the huge wall of becoming an Outer Celestial.
‘Let’s try talking with him first,’ Chang-Sun thought, pointing [Gungnir] at his neck.
There was no more hope for this ruined Worldline.
Slash―!
[You have died!]
[Rollbacking Worldline #802.]
* * *
It was Chang-Sun’s 64th try now.
‘No matter how many times I experience it, it still feels icky.’ Chang-Sun frowned slightly, still able to feel the cold spearhead of [Gungnir] against his neck.
In the tries that Chang-Sun saw no hope in, he had often committed suicide to trigger Rollback. It was already hard to get used to dying normally, so suicide was a lot more difficult. It was a feeling that Chang-Sun had never wanted to experience again, but he had to go through it right now.
[You have entered the capital planet of Arcadia!]
Chang-Sun arrived at the capital planet using the Prezia Family’s secret teleportation gate.
『Huh? How do you know about this, Master?』
Jin’s surprised voice echoed in Chang-Sun’s head, and Chang-Sun smiled bitterly. He already knew that even if his subordinates were linked with him, they could not remember what had happened in the earlier tries, just like everyone else. Still, realizing it again made him feel bitter.
‘I’ll explain everything later,’ Chang-Sun answered.
『H-Huuuh? Alright...』
Jin was slightly confused as to why he could sense bitterness from Chang-Sun, but did not pry any further. It had to be very bewildering for Jin, because Chang-Sun, who had triumphantly declared his intent to wreak havoc in <Horoscope>, had become a totally different man.
Tap!
Although Chang-Sun was aware of what Jin was going through, he remained silent as he landed on the Arcadian Imperial Central Palace’s roof. As a cautionary measure against potential ambushes and assassination attempts, security magic was installed everywhere, and the ferocious Arcadian Imperial Army continued to patrol the area. However, no one sensed Chang-Sun because of his Concealment Skill. And...
[The Skill ‘Concealment’ has been deactivated.]
[The Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ has unleashed a part of his Divine Class!]
The moment Chang-Sun deactivated the Concealment Skill, he faintly exuded his Divine Class. The Arcadian Imperial Army would not sense it, and it was not enough to trigger the security magic spells. However, someone under the roof would. Just as expected...
“If you’re an assassin who came for my life, is there a need to lure me out here?”
Paah!
The night sky undulated a bit, and the Heavenly Dragon Emperor appeared with his back against the crescent moon, his eyes shining viciously.
“Sean li Arcadia,” Chang-Sun said.
“Judging from how you didn’t hesitate to call me by my name, you don’t have the slightest respect for me or Arcadia, do you?” Sean replied, his gaze sharper than ever as he looked at Chang-Sun; Sean did not look like an alcoholic at all as he continued, “Well, I guess that’s understandable. You and I are the same, so you must have been born with a noble destiny.”
On top of that, Sean had already noticed that Chang-Sun was another him from a different Worldline.
“I’m not here to fight you,” Chang-Sun said, holding up his hands.
“Then? Are you here to find Crom and Xerxes?”
“That’s one reason.”
“You have other reasons?” Sean asked with a raised brow, annoyed that Chang-Sun did not seem to value his friends very much.
“Yes, there’s another reason. Three of us need to have an important conversation.”
“Three?” Sean frowned, doubting Chang-Sun. He wondered who else could possibly be here right now.
Chang-Sun looked up, calling out, “How long are you going to peep like a rat, Marduk?”
Sean’s eyes slightly widened when Chang-Sun mentioned the <Horoscope> Ruling Celestial’s true name. However, he had to quickly step backward after sensing a powerful Divine Class from behind him.
[The Celestial ‘Taurus’ has revealed his avatar!]
Paaah!
In a pool of brilliant golden light, a golden bull appeared up and spoke in his Divine Voice.
『How did you know I was here? You can’t have sensed anything.』
The Arcadian Imperial Palace was made from a part of Bel-Marduk’s body, so he could mobilize his avatar without leaving a trace or being sensed. That was why Bel-Marduk was very curious about how Chang-Sun had found him.
“Bel-Marduk,” Chang-Sun said.
『What? Do you want to go for a round here? I think a lot of humans will be slaughtered. Is that alright?』
“Stop your silly talk and take off your shell now,” Chang-Sun snapped, gesturing at Bel-Marduk.
『Hmm? What are you talk...?!』
“You’re me. Aren’t you?”
『...!』
The golden bull’s eyes widened in shock, and it was the same for Sean, who had been watching the encounter beside them.
“What are you talking...?!” Sean shouted at Chang-Sun.
『...How did you know about that?』
Sean stopped yelling and quickly turned to look at Bel-Marduk, his widened eyes filled with disbelief. Regardless, Bel-Marduk the ‘Taurus’ continued to glare at Chang-Sun without even glancing at Sean.
“I knew about it beforehand,” Chang-Sun answered.
『What kind of nonsense is that? So how did you find out...?!』
“Will you be able to understand if I say I’ve gone through this already?” Chang-Sun answered.
『...What?』
The golden bull frowned, not understanding Chang-Sun at all. After a moment, however, it belatedly came to a realization and quietly asked.
『I see. That is why I’ve been experiencing this weird deja vu... Was it because of you?』
Paaah―!
The light pool around the golden bull disappeared, and it transformed into a human. It surprised Sean to see yet another version of himself standing right there.
Bel-Marduk inquired, “What is the count right now?”
Right at that moment, Chang-Sun could be certain that Bel-Marduk had already experienced something similar, or the same, long ago.
Chang-Sun desperately hoped his gamble would work, because he had already tried to resolve the situation dozens of times and it was tormenting him. He had been forced to always stay on edge because the Outer Celestial could show up anytime, unable to take a break at least once.
Some of the attempts had ended in a couple of days, but there were others that took several years... Chang-Sun had been forced to suffer for over fifty years in total.
Above all, the anxiety of how the Rollback loop could end any time was also eating away at Chang-Sun. If he had infinite chances with the Rollback loop, he could work on the situation step by step and be more composed in searching for a way to go up against the Outer Celestial. However, the messages about how the law of causality had been damaged, the <Management Bureau> was on alert, and <Deus Ex Machina> could intervene made Chang-Sun realize that there was a limit to his ability to use the Rollback loop to his advantage.
Chang-Sun was walking on a tightrope, so even if he tried very hard to remain composed, the anxiety continued to exhaust his mind. However, he and the Outer Celestial were the only ones who were trapped in this time loop, so he could never talk about how he actually felt. After all, there was no way he could tell the Outer Celestial, even if they were in the same boat as him. Besides, no one would be able to understand Chang-Sun, so he hoped that the Outer Celestial would leave after satiating their desire to some level. If the Outer Celestial wanted something else, Chang-Sun was willing to give anything he could, but...
Too. Cumbersome.
“If you feel it’s cumbersome, then go back...!” Chang-Sun yelled.
But. This. Is. Contract.
Chang-Sun frowned slightly, feeling a premonition. Just as expected...
So. Can. Not. Leave.
“What in the world is that contract?” Chang-Sun asked.
Can. Not. Tell.
Chang-Sun gripped [Gungnir] more tightly in anger.
Cumbersome. But. I. Optimistic. Consider. It. Entertainment.
That meant the Outer Celestial felt encumbered by the Rollback loop, but had decided to view it positively and consider the loop a form of entertainment. Perhaps because their long life was filled with lethargy, the Rollback loop was just entertainment to the Outer Celestial.
Chang-Sun gnashed his teeth before saying, “Alright. Let’s do this. I’ll make sure you’ll scream.”
Then. More. Spicy. More. Interesting.
The Outer Celestial’s laughter seemingly shook the entire world, and...
[You have died!]
[Rollbacking Worldline #802.]
...the fight resumed.
* * *
[<Deus Ex Machina> has confirmed that Worldline #802 was damaged 62 times. He scratches the back of his head in annoyance while searching for a justification to intervene!]
[The <Management Bureau> tiptoes around the Supreme Administrator.]
[The <Central Management Bureau> is preparing to take action under the Supreme Administrator’s instruction!]
...
<Deus Ex Machina> was starting to get pissed off, so the <Management Bureau>, which assisted him, was on alert.
‘I can’t do this on my own,’ Chang-Sun thought, standing on a devastated battlefield. ‘I need allies.’
That meant he needed people who could work and fight alongside him. Of course, Chang-Sun was with a lot of his people right now. He had subordinates such as Jin Prezia and Sinmara, and he could find Crom Cruach and Xerxes if he went to the Arcadian Imperial Palace. He had gone through half of his attempts together with them, so it was true that they had helped him a lot.
It was the same with his 63rd try. With his friends and subordinates, Chang-Sun had started a war, but in contrast to his first try, he had directly attacked the Star Palace in an attempt to cause the Outer Celestial and the <Horoscope> alliance to destroy each other. Of course, it did not work out very well.
‘Well, I guess that it’s still good news that my understanding of the Secret Darkness Techniques advanced,’ Chang-Sun thought.
If there was one thing Chang-Sun had gained from this Rollback loop, it was that he had mastered Anathema and arrived at the final threshold of becoming an Outer Celestial.
‘I might become an Outer Celestial myself before I can take down that Outer Celestial...’
The problem was that Chang-Sun could not pass the threshold right now. [Prelati’s Spellbook], which contained the Secret Darkness techniques, had been given to him by Mephistopheles. While the first volume was about controlling <Darkness>, Chang-Sun had learned to be one with <Darkness> from the middle volume. Now only the last volume was left, and it was supposed to be the guide for Chang-Sun to become an Outer Celestial and enter Nyx... However, Mephistopheles, who should have handed Chang-Sun the last volume, was missing right now.
‘I’ll have to create my own last volume or find another way, but I can’t do that right now. The Rollback loop might end before I can finish.’
Becoming an Outer Celestial was about rising above the laws of Eros and leaving to Nyx, which was beyond the Great Universe. In other words, a person had to change their entire nature, which was no easy task. Even Sadalmelik had to make sacrificial offerings to do so. It would take a lot longer for Chang-Sun to do it on his own... a time period that was close to eternity. That was how hard transforming one’s nature was.
‘Although I could have asked questions if Odin were around, he’s still missing. No, he wouldn’t necessarily answer even if he were present.’
Odin made no secret of his loathing toward Outer Celestials, who were outside the laws of nature, so he was unlikely to understand why Chang-Sun was trying to become one.
‘Whatever it may be... I need a shortcut. Maybe it might be better to look at another me from up close.’
Chang-Sun needed someone who could help in ways that his friends and subordinates could not, as he had to understand himself better and find a way to get closer to becoming an Outer Celestial with that person. In that case, there was only one person who met all the criteria.
‘Bel-Marduk.’
Bel-Marduk had tormented Ithaca for a long time, and then continued to corner Chang-Sun, so he had thought Bel-Marduk could never be his ally. However, there was no better person to work with when it came to tackling the huge wall of becoming an Outer Celestial.
‘Let’s try talking with him first,’ Chang-Sun thought, pointing [Gungnir] at his neck.
There was no more hope for this ruined Worldline.
Slash―!
[You have died!]
[Rollbacking Worldline #802.]
* * *
It was Chang-Sun’s 64th try now.
‘No matter how many times I experience it, it still feels icky.’ Chang-Sun frowned slightly, still able to feel the cold spearhead of [Gungnir] against his neck.
In the tries that Chang-Sun saw no hope in, he had often committed suicide to trigger Rollback. It was already hard to get used to dying normally, so suicide was a lot more difficult. It was a feeling that Chang-Sun had never wanted to experience again, but he had to go through it right now.
[You have entered the capital planet of Arcadia!]
Chang-Sun arrived at the capital planet using the Prezia Family’s secret teleportation gate.
『Huh? How do you know about this, Master?』
Jin’s surprised voice echoed in Chang-Sun’s head, and Chang-Sun smiled bitterly. He already knew that even if his subordinates were linked with him, they could not remember what had happened in the earlier tries, just like everyone else. Still, realizing it again made him feel bitter.
‘I’ll explain everything later,’ Chang-Sun answered.
『H-Huuuh? Alright...』
Jin was slightly confused as to why he could sense bitterness from Chang-Sun, but did not pry any further. It had to be very bewildering for Jin, because Chang-Sun, who had triumphantly declared his intent to wreak havoc in <Horoscope>, had become a totally different man.
Tap!
Although Chang-Sun was aware of what Jin was going through, he remained silent as he landed on the Arcadian Imperial Central Palace’s roof. As a cautionary measure against potential ambushes and assassination attempts, security magic was installed everywhere, and the ferocious Arcadian Imperial Army continued to patrol the area. However, no one sensed Chang-Sun because of his Concealment Skill. And...
[The Skill ‘Concealment’ has been deactivated.]
[The Celestial ‘Divine Twilight’ has unleashed a part of his Divine Class!]
The moment Chang-Sun deactivated the Concealment Skill, he faintly exuded his Divine Class. The Arcadian Imperial Army would not sense it, and it was not enough to trigger the security magic spells. However, someone under the roof would. Just as expected...
“If you’re an assassin who came for my life, is there a need to lure me out here?”
Paah!
The night sky undulated a bit, and the Heavenly Dragon Emperor appeared with his back against the crescent moon, his eyes shining viciously.
“Sean li Arcadia,” Chang-Sun said.
“Judging from how you didn’t hesitate to call me by my name, you don’t have the slightest respect for me or Arcadia, do you?” Sean replied, his gaze sharper than ever as he looked at Chang-Sun; Sean did not look like an alcoholic at all as he continued, “Well, I guess that’s understandable. You and I are the same, so you must have been born with a noble destiny.”
On top of that, Sean had already noticed that Chang-Sun was another him from a different Worldline.
“I’m not here to fight you,” Chang-Sun said, holding up his hands.
“Then? Are you here to find Crom and Xerxes?”
“That’s one reason.”
“You have other reasons?” Sean asked with a raised brow, annoyed that Chang-Sun did not seem to value his friends very much.
“Yes, there’s another reason. Three of us need to have an important conversation.”
“Three?” Sean frowned, doubting Chang-Sun. He wondered who else could possibly be here right now.
Chang-Sun looked up, calling out, “How long are you going to peep like a rat, Marduk?”
Sean’s eyes slightly widened when Chang-Sun mentioned the <Horoscope> Ruling Celestial’s true name. However, he had to quickly step backward after sensing a powerful Divine Class from behind him.
[The Celestial ‘Taurus’ has revealed his avatar!]
Paaah!
In a pool of brilliant golden light, a golden bull appeared up and spoke in his Divine Voice.
『How did you know I was here? You can’t have sensed anything.』
The Arcadian Imperial Palace was made from a part of Bel-Marduk’s body, so he could mobilize his avatar without leaving a trace or being sensed. That was why Bel-Marduk was very curious about how Chang-Sun had found him.
“Bel-Marduk,” Chang-Sun said.
『What? Do you want to go for a round here? I think a lot of humans will be slaughtered. Is that alright?』
“Stop your silly talk and take off your shell now,” Chang-Sun snapped, gesturing at Bel-Marduk.
『Hmm? What are you talk...?!』
“You’re me. Aren’t you?”
『...!』
The golden bull’s eyes widened in shock, and it was the same for Sean, who had been watching the encounter beside them.
“What are you talking...?!” Sean shouted at Chang-Sun.
『...How did you know about that?』
Sean stopped yelling and quickly turned to look at Bel-Marduk, his widened eyes filled with disbelief. Regardless, Bel-Marduk the ‘Taurus’ continued to glare at Chang-Sun without even glancing at Sean.
“I knew about it beforehand,” Chang-Sun answered.
『What kind of nonsense is that? So how did you find out...?!』
“Will you be able to understand if I say I’ve gone through this already?” Chang-Sun answered.
『...What?』
The golden bull frowned, not understanding Chang-Sun at all. After a moment, however, it belatedly came to a realization and quietly asked.
『I see. That is why I’ve been experiencing this weird deja vu... Was it because of you?』
Paaah―!
The light pool around the golden bull disappeared, and it transformed into a human. It surprised Sean to see yet another version of himself standing right there.
Bel-Marduk inquired, “What is the count right now?”
Right at that moment, Chang-Sun could be certain that Bel-Marduk had already experienced something similar, or the same, long ago.
