Chapter 214: Conclusion (1)
The next day.
An email was sent to reporters around the world.
It requested them to write articles based on the evidence included in the email and asked them to observe an embargo until the upcoming press conference. The reporters didn’t dare to cross that line. Not only was the content of the email shocking, but it was also because the person involved was none other than the President of the United States, Eric Roberts.
That afternoon.
Eric Roberts appeared in front of the cameras.
The broadcast was aired simultaneously worldwide, and the viewers watched with anticipation.
With the world in such turmoil, they hoped that the star of the United States would deliver some hopeful news.
『Hello, I am Eric Roberts. From now on, I intend to reveal the secret I have been hiding from you all. Around the time I turned 10 years old, I realized that my condition was different from that of ordinary people. Initially diagnosed with sleepwalking and later with psychopathy, I realized over time that it wasn’t either of those, but that there was ‘another self’ within me.』
In front of TVs and radios.
The faces of the people gathered in groups were stained with shock.
For people expecting news that the Links were being resolved, this was a sudden and shocking story.
『The reason I hid this fact for so long was that the cycle of this other self’s manifestation was very long, and I judged that I could control him myself. However, that was my arrogance. The self named ‘Peng Mujeong’ prepared some kind of plan to destroy the world every time he took over my consciousness. He intervened in the political circles of each country, placing unfit individuals in leadership positions, and used my authority to empower them. The spilled water instantly soaked all of my clothes. If I had truly cared for humanity, I should have revealed this truth sooner than now, but until a few days ago, I judged that even so, my existence was necessary for humanity. I know how foolish a judgment this is.』
His voice trembled.
For him, who had lived a righteous life, this series of events was an unbearable shock.
But it had to be done.
As Kang San advised, he could no longer ruin the world under the name of Eric Roberts.
『I sincerely apologize. I will resign from the presidency as of this moment and pay the price for all the wrongdoings I have committed.』
He bowed his head.
He didn’t add any further words.
He had been diligently working through the night, preparing for his absence by deciding on an acting president and ensuring that there was no disruption in the chain of command. This was not the time to appeal for such efforts. Now that he had revealed the truth and stood before the judgment seat, Eric Roberts did not want to leave any room for forgiveness for himself.
As it was.
He revealed everything.
And immediately after the broadcast ended, reporters around the world simultaneously published articles.
Some defended him by mentioning his past contributions, some criticized him, and some harshly condemned him.
Articles meticulously analyzing Eric Roberts’ actions revealed just how shocking his truth was.
The world fell into chaos.
The downfall of the United States.
At this point in time, it was an unbearable disaster.
✦✦✦✦✦✦
Kwaang━!
The iron bars shattered.
Eric Roberts, who escaped through the gap.
No, Peng Mujeong ran hastily down the long corridor.
“Damn it.”
A few days after the press conference announcement.
He, who had belatedly taken over Eric Roberts’ consciousness, was shocked to find out that the whole truth had been revealed. It was an unexpected situation. From the age of 10 until now, Eric Roberts had feared the self called ‘Peng Mujeong’. This was not only because of Peng Mujeong’s cruelty but also because he was afraid that all the actions he had committed would be recognized as his own fault.
So he believed.
He never thought that this foolish and stupid soul would decide on his own destruction.
‘I need to get out of here first. So that Eric Roberts can’t try anything funny.’
A few people came to mind.
He intended to rely on them, with whom he had exchanged plans of some sort, and devise a new plan to destroy the world.
Clang━
He drew his sword.
Right in front of him.
Someone appeared.
Peng Mujeong, who was about to cut him down and move forward, stopped in his tracks, momentarily surprised.
Standing tall.
“……Kang San.”
“Trying to escape?”
He gritted his teeth.
The current situation.
It was all because of Kang San.
Seo Mun-ho’s reincarnation, who had driven his past life to ruin, had messed up his grand plan in this life as well. If he had just surrendered quietly. Kang San would have gained a new opportunity, and he too would have faced a win-win situation of returning to the past. But he stubbornly pushed him to ruin. The moment he faced his archenemy, Peng Mujeong’s eyes were filled with murderous intent.
“Yes. Before I run away, I must kill you.”
Thump, thump
He moved forward.
To destroy the world, Kang San was an element that had to be eliminated.
Thud
He kicked the ground.
The sword, brimming with intense power, fiercely attacked Kang San.
Clang━!
Clang, clang, clang, clang, clang!
Peng Mujeong’s power.
It was comparable to S-rank.
Every time it crashed, there was a tremendous shock, but Kang San’s expression remained unchanged as he blocked the attacks.
He was weak.
It was only natural when he thought about it.
Peng Mujeong had built up his power in secret from Eric Roberts, and thus he didn’t have enough time to properly train his own strength. The same went for the realm of his past life. Although he had gained fame as the successor of the Hebei Peng family, his martial prowess did not surpass Moyeongcheon’s level. There was no way that Peng Mujeong’s attacks, who had barely experienced any real combat in this life, would work against Kang San, who had defeated Lee Han-seong when he was even weaker than now.
When he swung his sword.
When he moved his body.
Weaknesses were visible everywhere.
If he cut his arm, it would be cut, and if he cut his neck, it would fly off.
But.
‘Even if I kill Peng Mujeong, I won’t gain anything.’
Kang San had overcome his Heart Demon.
He was no longer filled with murderous intent and judged what the wisest choice was.
The best revenge he could inflict on Peng Mujeong was not to kill him.
It was to not act according to his plan.
And unlike Seo Mun-ho’s life, which had been ruined by his obsession with revenge, it was to find a complete life as Kang San.
Whoosh
He deflected the attack.
In a split second.
Flash
Thwack━!
“Kuaack!”
He slashed the opponent’s chest.
Peng Mujeong fell to his knees.
It was over.
Peng Mujeong himself knew that there was no chance of winning.
“Kill me.”
He looked up, consumed by rage.
It wasn’t bad at all.
If he died like this, he would get another chance someday.
But Kang San sheathed his sword and said calmly.
“Didn’t you think it was strange while coming here? Why you were imprisoned in an ordinary prison even though they knew you had enough power. And why the security was so lax.”
“……!”
His eyes widened.
Come to think of it.
As Kang San said, there were more than a few strange things.
“The reason you were able to escape was that they intentionally opened the way for you. That way, they could secure evidence to prove that you are a different personality from Eric Roberts. Oh, and by the way.”
Kang San smirked.
“What would you gain by killing you?”
✦✦✦✦✦✦
A few days later.
Kang San visited Eric Roberts, who was imprisoned.
“Do you regret it?”
The president of a nation.
Moreover, the person who led the superpower that was the United States was now wearing a shabby prison uniform and was behind reinforced glass.
Eric Roberts smiled.
“No. I don’t regret it.”
The past few days.
It had been a chaotic time.
As Kang San predicted, the video of Peng Mujeong’s escape had an effect.
People acknowledged Peng Mujeong’s existence, and there was talk of conducting experiments to separate Eric Roberts’ and Peng Mujeong’s souls. That was just wishful thinking. It was impossible with current technology, so realistically, unless such a miracle happened, Eric Roberts would be stuck in prison for the rest of his life. The crimes committed by Peng Mujeong, especially those committed using Eric Roberts’ background, were not at a level that could be covered up by his past contributions.
Eric Roberts said.
“The walls of the prison where I stay are covered in scratch marks from Peng Mujeong’s fingernails, as if he’s screaming in agony. The pain of my fingernails being pulled out and torn off is entirely my responsibility, but somehow, seeing it makes me feel relieved. Peng Mujeong remained as quiet as a mouse until I dreamed of becoming a politician, challenged for the presidency, and reached the position of president. It was what he wanted, so I didn’t try to interfere.”
Now he felt at ease.
Perhaps, he had been living in hell all this time because of this uncomfortable truth.
“I’ve finally found my rightful place. If I had made the decision a little earlier, the world might have been a little more peaceful.”
This series of events.
Kang San had a strange feeling.
It was the worst-case scenario for Peng Mujeong.
Even if he was alive, it was not truly living; he had met a miserable end that he did not desire.
If Seo Mun-ho were to see the current situation, would he find solace in the revenge carried out on his behalf?
He didn’t know.
The seething murderous intent would not be satisfied with just this.
But that was it.
He could no longer do anything for Seo Mun-ho in his life.
Seo Mun-ho was just Seo Mun-ho.
The past life had to end as the past life.
To live a complete life as Kang San, he could no longer be bound by the ghost of the past named Seo Mun-ho.
Eric Roberts looked at Kang San.
“Kang San-nim. Please be careful. Now that Peng Mujeong has been subdued, there’s a high probability that those associated with him will go on a rampage. In particular, you need to keep an eye on the Sun God Church’s movements. With the large-scale Links still unresolved, their mass suicide will drive humanity to ruin.”
That was when it happened.
『The thirtieth Trial and Tribulation has been bestowed.』
『Prevent the destruction of the world.』
『Reward: ???』
Azmoon’s message told him the path he had to take.
✦✦✦✦✦✦
At that moment.
Sebastian, called the Sun Priest, showed a distorted expression.
‘The situation is not good. If even Peng Mujeong has been defeated, the arrows will soon be pointed at our Sun God Church.’
Sebastian too.
He was a person who remembered his past life.
He, who had run a cult in his past life as well, met Peng Mujeong in this life and formed a certain relationship.
He established the Sun God Church.
And prepared a plan for destruction.
Peng Mujeong was not the president of the United States at that time either, but thanks to his backing, the Sun God Church was able to quickly establish itself. And after he became president, it showed explosive growth. They didn’t usually contact each other, but whenever he took over Eric’s consciousness, he would exchange personal messages with Sebastian.
The plan was finally complete.
If they proceeded with the Rapture, they would receive tremendous recognition for their achievements, but with the apocalypse at hand, Peng Mujeong had been defeated.
There was a fire at his feet.
Originally, he should have sufficiently heightened emotions, but there was no time for that now.
‘Looking at that Kang San guy’s actions, he’s clearly aware of our existence. After Revolution and Peng Mujeong, it would be naive and foolish to think he knows nothing. It’s a shame. No, is it actually a good thing? From the moment Peng Mujeong is eliminated, I can fully claim this achievement.’
Flip
He started walking.
The priest’s robes were cumbersome, but for a sacred ritual, outward appearance was also important.
Creak
The door opened.
As he stepped outside, he saw people filling the vast interior.
“Ah━Priest-nim!”
“Priest-nim, please save us!”
Countless people.
Their prayers could be heard in a chaotic mix.
The shocking truth revealed by Eric Roberts.
The chaotic situation caused by the large-scale Links.
The people who should have protected themselves chose to turn away from reality and seek the Sun God Church.
They believed that if they prayed and yearned here, this difficult reality would be resolved, and the light of salvation would descend upon them.
Sebastian smiled.
It wasn’t bad in its own way.
With this level of preparation, they could sufficiently carry out the plan.
“Listen, followers of the Sun God!”
His voice was loud and clear.
It instantly dominated the crowd, and the murmuring voices from all directions quieted down, focusing on Sebastian’s voice.
And then.
“The moment of the Rapture has finally arrived!”
“Ahh━!”
“Finally!”
“Waaaaaaaah!”
A burst of cheers erupted.
The Sun God Church finally put its grand plan into action.