Ubermensch – Chapter 131

Chapter 131

Seowangmo made an intrigued expression.

“That’s the name of a god from a novel. The Cthulhu Mythos, wasn’t it?”

“You’re quite knowledgeable.”

“I was very interested in the occult, and I even met Lovecraft himself.”

“Hmm. You’re not hiding your age, are you?”

“Why would I hide it? There’s more than one person who’s undergone a Transformation of Bones and Flesh.”

Seowangmo offered Mason a seat.

“It’s a small and flimsy chair to offer a god… but please, have a seat.”

Mason sat down.

Creak. Crack.

The weight of Mason and his armor was too much for the chair legs to bear.

“…”

Mason focused his strength on his legs and mended the chair legs.

Seowangmo, who was carefully examining Mason, asked with a curious expression.

“You’re not from this world, are you?”

“I told you, I’m Oztalon.”

“I don’t know if you’re the same being from the Cthulhu Mythos, but you’re definitely a god. The sheer magnitude of the karma you carry is suffocating.”

Seowangmo asked,

“So, what brings you here?”

Her question had two meanings.

What brings you to this dimension?

And what brings you to this place?

It was a question that hit the nail on the head.

“If I said I ran away after beating up a prosecutor, would you believe me?”

“No.”

Mason decided to use the same approach he used with Yekaterina.

“I came to find an Internal Energy Cultivation Method.”

Being direct.

Seowangmo made an intrigued expression.

“What Internal Energy Cultivation Method, specifically?”

“An Internal Energy Cultivation Method to teach the Army of Gods.”

“It’s interesting to think that great gods who traverse dimensions have something to learn from mortals.”

“Don’t underestimate humans. Humanity’s potential is greater than you can imagine.”

Just as Mason hadn’t anticipated the Murim dimension, she probably hadn’t imagined Mason’s or Nodens’ dimension. Even if he explained and described the world of science or faith, she wouldn’t understand.

However, Seowangmo understood.

She understood that something she couldn’t comprehend existed beyond her common sense.

Therefore, she accepted Mason’s words.

“That may be true. But you’re a little late. Internal Energy Cultivation Methods have become obsolete in our time.”

“100 years is a long time. But weren’t there people who existed 100 years ago?”

“If you’re asking me, I can only say that I’m not an ordinary person. I haven’t mastered an Internal Energy Cultivation Method. I was born with my dantian already open, and all I learned was how to utilize Internal Energy.”

“What about others? The President or the Supreme Master of Murim?”

“The President is barely 60. He’s someone who started building Internal Energy through Spirit Pills. And Seo Yeonhee…”

Seowangmo pondered for a moment. But perhaps deciding it was in her best interest to be honest with Mason, she told him the truth.

“Yes. She has mastered an Internal Energy Cultivation Method. The Heavenly Demon Divine Skill, passed down through the leaders of the Demonic Cult.”

Mason narrowed his eyes.

“Then, does that mean asking her for help is my best option?”

“But that’s Demonic Arts. It’s an evil martial art that stimulates a person’s heart, making them short-tempered and cruel.”

Mason frowned.

It was putting the cart before the horse if the army meant to fight the Destroyer became an evil faction.

“Is that speculation or fact?”

“It’s just speculation since I don’t know the secrets of the Heavenly Demon Divine Skill. However, all the previous Demonic Cult leaders caused bloodshed to dominate the Murim, and Seo Yeonhee ultimately succeeded. Wouldn’t it be reasonable to think there’s something wrong with the martial art itself?”

“You’re saying it’s speculation.”

“It’s speculation supported by history.”

Mason asked,

“Then, is there an alternative?”

“There is.”

Seowangmo spoke in a calm voice.

“I know someone, a reclusive eccentric. He’s someone who’s cut ties with the world and adheres to the old ways. He practices ancient martial arts, so naturally, he’s mastered an Internal Energy Cultivation Method.”

“Speculation or certainty?”

“I’m certain. It’s a traditional method, so the Internal Energy Yield is a bit low, but it’s very stable and safe.”

“Internal Energy Yield? What’s that?”

“It’s the rate at which Internal Energy accumulates when you practice an Internal Energy Cultivation Method. Seo Yeonhee’s Heavenly Demon Divine Skill has an Internal Energy Yield of 10. If you cultivate Internal Energy for a day, you gain 10 days’ worth of Internal Energy. It’s one of the highest level Internal Energy Cultivation Methods in Murim.”

“Then what about the person you know?”

“…Internal Energy Yield of 1.”

“You mean if they cultivate for a day, they gain a day’s worth of Internal Energy.”

Even in the old days, before Spirit Pills became common, it wasn’t a martial art known for rapid progress.

But what Mason, no, the Space Whales needed was stability.

“Alright. I’ll accept your proposal. Then… what do you want?”

“I’m going to attack Seo Yeonhee soon. I want your help then.”

“Let me make it clear beforehand, I won’t kill anyone. I won’t inflict any incurable injuries either. If you ask me to harm anyone, I will refuse, no matter what you offer.”

Seowangmo frowned.

But it was only for a moment.

“Then, you mean you’ll cooperate as long as no lives are lost?”

“To that extent.”

“Good.”

Seowangmo smiled.

“Oztalon, you seem to have taken a liking to me.”

“Why do you think that?”

“Because you made your decision by listening only to me, even though you could have heard what others had to say.”

Seowangmo rested her chin on her hand and looked at Mason.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to someone named Kacha.”

“…”

“What kind of person was she?”

“She was a queen who cared for her suffering people.”

“Was her effort rewarded?”

Seowangmo was asking with the same face and voice as Yekaterina. She was asking about her life and her end. She was asking him to talk about the emotions that Mason himself hadn’t yet fully processed.

Mason felt a sharp pain as if a dagger had pierced his heart.

“…Stop.”

Mason abruptly cut off the conversation.

“I’ll be leaving if our business is concluded.”

“There’s been a change of plans, so I won’t need to ask you for anything right now. Do as you please.”

Mason rose from his seat.

Seowangmo narrowed her eyes as she watched Mason’s retreating figure.

‘He’s strong. Stronger than anyone I know.’

Seowangmo secretly tried to use the Soul Absorption Technique and the Internal Energy Suppression Technique to strike at Mason’s mind and Internal Energy.

However, Mason’s fortified mind repelled the Soul Absorption Technique, and his overflowing energy absorbed the Internal Energy Suppression Technique.

It wasn’t surprising. There were times when no martial arts worked.

What was truly surprising was that Mason wasn’t even aware of the Soul Absorption Technique and the Internal Energy Suppression Technique.

Like hammering a mountain, like pouring a bucket of water into the ocean. Seowangmo’s power had dissipated without any effect.

He hadn’t mastered an Internal Energy Cultivation Method.

However, he possessed a stronger defense than any Internal Energy expert.

‘Variables are enjoyable.’

Especially when you’re on the losing side.

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As Mason walked out of Gyujanggak, someone approached him.

“…”

It was a familiar face. Not to the point of being close, but a face he had seen before.

‘President Nam Junsik.’

The President of the 21st century.

And perhaps…

“Are you the President?”

“How did you know?”

“You look like it.”

The President cleared his throat and said,

“My apologies for the late introduction. I am Nam Junsik, the 20th President of the Republic of Korea.”

“Oztalon.”

Mason tried to shake hands, and the President clasped his fists in a bow.

Mason smiled bitterly.

It was a moment that reminded him of Chong Daolong.

“I came here because we have a distinguished guest. Indeed, your appearance is extraordinary.”

For Murim practitioners, dodging or deflecting attacks was fundamental. A soft armor worn under their clothes or gauntlets that doubled as weapons were the extent of their defensive gear.

They probably had never seen anyone wearing heavy armor like Mason.

“I came here because I have business. I’d appreciate it if we could get straight to the point.”

The President seemed momentarily flustered, but then he grinned.

“I like your directness. Let’s talk while we walk.”

“Alright.”

The President and Mason started walking.

People were going about their business haphazardly throughout the destroyed old palace. The President spoke quietly.

“What did you talk about with Seowangmo?”

“We talked about finding an Internal Energy Cultivation Method, and I said I’d give her one if she helped me fight Seo Yeonhee.”

“An Internal Energy Cultivation Method? You mean an Internal Energy Cultivation Method, not a martial art?”

“Yes.”

“Why do you need that? If you consume monster cores, your Internal Energy will soar.”

“There are people who need it.”

Mason said curtly.

“What kind of proposal are you going to make?”

“I’ll give you the secrets of an Internal Energy Cultivation Method.”

“I heard that deciphering secrets is difficult.”

“I can interpret it for you. It’s a secret from my sect, the Capital Defense Command.”

Mason narrowed his eyes.

“I heard you haven’t mastered an Internal Energy Cultivation Method.”

“That’s right. I haven’t. It’s inefficient. But I didn’t say I don’t know it.”

“Alright. Then what do you want from me?”

“Hunt a monster with me.”

“What monster?”

“A Class A monster. The Black Tortoise. And you’ll hand over its core to me. If you do that… I’ll give you the Capital Defense Command’s Internal Energy Cultivation Method.”

“What’s its performance?”

“Internal Energy Yield of 3. Decent performance with high stability. As befitting a military martial art shared by a large number of people, its versatility, not being picky about talent or physique, has also been proven.”

Mason fell into thought for a moment.

He looked towards Gyujanggak.

‘Seowangmo is planning to fight Seo Yeonhee.’

She was probably planning to use Mason as a pawn. As promised, she wouldn’t make him kill, but her plan ultimately meant war.

Even if Mason’s hands didn’t get bloody, there would be many casualties. Regardless of his favor towards her, Seowangmo’s proposal made Mason uncomfortable.

And, come to think of it, wasn’t the favor he had for her actually a favor for Yekaterina?

Compared to that, how simple and straightforward was the proposal to fight a monster?

“Alright.”

So Mason made up his mind.

“I’ll take your side.”

The President grinned.

“I like your directness.”

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The President brought three warriors with him.

“Let me introduce you. This is Erica, the leader of the Entertainment Workers’ Union. She’s an expert in illusions and seduction techniques. And this is Suzuki, the leader of the Transportation Workers’ Union. He’s a master of Lightness Skill and kicking techniques. And lastly, the Venerable Taoist of the Metal Workers’ Union, the pinnacle of the 12 Korean Labor Unions…”

“…Ronan?”

The Venerable Taoist of the Metal Workers’ Union made a puzzled expression.

“Do you know me?”

The President also made an intrigued expression.

“What’s this, Ronan? You two know each other?”

“No, Mr. President. This is our first meeting.”

The Venerable Taoist looked at Mason.

“It’s true that my name is Ronan MacLeod, but this is the first time I’ve met you. How do you know my name?”

“I just… heard it through rumors.”

Mason made a bitter expression.

Seeing people he knew appear as people who didn’t know him was more unsettling than he had imagined.

Especially because they were people he had failed to protect.

“…After seeing that Dragon Bone Greatsword.”

The Venerable Taoist looked at his cherished sword.

“Well, it’s an unforgettable weapon.”

The Venerable Taoist looked at Mason.

“Would you tell me your honorable name?”

“I’m…”

Mason made a bitter expression.

“…I’m Oztalon.”