Chapter 114 - Episode 17. 500 Years of Destruction (1)
Chapter 114: Episode 17. 500 Years of Destruction (1)
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「Why the ‘Metaverse’ again? Why is the Metaverse, which existed five hundred years ago and even a thousand years ago, now revered as though it were a new world?
The paradise of gods. Virtuality made real.
It sounds nice. Yet in the end, is it not still someone else’s Worldview? Why do they all abandon their own Worldviews to seek a world of illusion?
This is what I believe.
Have the gods of the Abyss given up on becoming ‘gods’?」
From 『The Metaverse Trap』 by Pierre, the God of Madness
* * *
When Jaehwan had read Mulack’s 『Record of the Abyss』, and when he had seen Mulack’s name in the All-Time Score Ranking, he had considered the possibility. Hearing it directly made it feel more real.
Mulack had come here to discover how to reach the end of the Tree of Illusion.
And at the end of this 〈Metaverse〉 was a being that knew the Tree of Illusion’s secret.
“Can I meet them if I reach the final floor?”
“If you can climb that far, then yes.”
Vertus clapped lightly and pointed toward the tower’s ceiling.
“So please do not destroy the tower carelessly as you did earlier. The repair costs are more substantial than you might think.”
“Wouldn’t it be much faster to break my way up?”
“You will pay a price for destroying the poor gods’ playground.”
“Poor? The gods?”
“You would not understand what this world means to the gods.”
Jaehwan did not. Nor did he particularly want to.
“I heard you came to this tower to rescue a friend.”
“You know my friend?”
“I do not. But the gods on the upper floors might. And they will not be pleased with your actions right now.”
Jaehwan’s expression hardened for the first time.
“I did not come here to carry out childish assignments.”
“Your assignments are a comfort to someone. This is the only place where gods and Followers can escape those tiresome Sanctuary Wars.”
“You want me to be a clown?”
“I mean you should become a hero.”
Jaehwan’s hand moved toward his sword hilt.
“If I bring the whole thing down, those lofty gods will crawl out on their own.”
Vertus watched him impassively, then looked up at the ceiling. The trace of Jaehwan’s World Stab still remained there. World Force that had pierced the first floor’s ceiling, flown upward, and passed through even the Waystation.
“I acknowledge your power. It is extraordinarily rare for someone to pierce the 〈Metaverse〉’s ceiling. But it is not unprecedented. The top scorer on the first floor several hundred years ago did something similar.”
“Several hundred years ago?”
For a moment, Jaehwan wondered if they meant Mulack.
“Yes. When a Commander of Rupture came here, they did the same thing you did.”
Rupture.
Come to think of it, Yu Seolha’s name had been on the All-Time Score Ranking. She had also been called Rupture’s leader.
“I heard one of Rupture’s members participated in this round as well... In any case, no matter how strong you are, there cannot be an exception to the tower’s rules...”
Vertus’s expression stiffened mid-sentence. Their pupils shook erratically. Jaehwan realized they were looking at something other than him.
Fragments of messages appeared through Jaehwan’s Understanding. They seemed to be messages the gods had sent through some secret route.
「...upper... floors of the tower...」
“What? Are you serious?”
Vertus muttered in disbelief before looking at Jaehwan. Though reluctant, they continued.
“There is a god who wants you sent upward. They say they will pay for a Premium High Pass.”
“What? Really?”
It was Runald, already emptying his seventh cup of tea, who answered in Jaehwan’s place. As Runald coughed and spat out tea, Vertus lightly wiped their mouth with a handkerchief before continuing.
“This is rare... It seems quite a few gods are interested in you. A promotion offer has also arrived for you from the upper floors.”
“They are giving us a promotion too?”
“What is a promotion?”
Runald answered Jaehwan’s question.
“Um, it means they will put advertisements on us.”
“Advertisements?”
“To put it simply, they want to make you this season’s Metaverse mascot.”
Runald turned to Jaehwan, visibly excited.
“Jaehwan-nim! I think we are finally doing well! You saw Belkain’s Followers earlier, right? They all received promotions too.”
Jaehwan recalled Belkain’s Vicegerent and Apostles. If that was all the effect a promotion had, it was worse than having none.
More messages arrived.
[Alliance ‘Fire’ wishes to provide you with a ‘promotion’.]
[Alliance ‘Mogi’ wishes to provide you with a ‘promotion’.]
[Alliance ‘Oblivion’ wishes to provide you with a ‘promotion’.]
“It seems they have already arrived.”
With Vertus’s words, a merciless barrage of messages followed.
[The promotion benefit Alliance ‘Fire’ wishes to offer is ‘2 million trust’.]
[However, during the promotion period, you must spend 70% of that trust on products designated by ‘Fire’.]
...
[The promotion benefit Alliance ‘Mogi’ wishes to offer is ‘1.5 million trust’.]
[However, during the promotion period, you must spend 50% of that trust on products designated by ‘Mogi’.]
...
Several more similar messages had arrived as well. Jaehwan finally understood the situation.
“My god, two million trust, Jaehwan-nim!”
Runald’s mind seemed to go blank upon seeing the sum. He panted heavily.
“Amazing. Even after working as the first floor’s Attendant, this is the first time I have presented a promotion like this.”
“Is it that impressive?”
“It is far beyond impressive. You will become this season’s 〈Metaverse〉 mascot. The souls of the Abyss will watch your path to success and flock here once more. To explain promotions in greater detail...”
The benefits differed slightly by Alliance, but their terms were generally similar.
For instance, if Jaehwan received two million trust in promotion funds from Alliance ‘Fire’ as a lump sum, their condition was that he had to reinvest 1.4 million of it into products they made.
“In short, products like these.”
[Displaying the chance-based products sold by ‘Fire’.]
[A chance-based Skin acquisition event is currently in progress.]
A screen appeared alongside the messages. So that was what they meant by a Skin. It was the Part Belkain’s Vicegerent had used earlier.
“It is a type of costume. Once you equip a Skin, your appearance changes to match the selected Skin, and you can use the abilities contained in that appearance.”
For example, the ‘Poseidon’ Skin contained a Setting that allowed its wearer to use powers related to waves, while the ‘Thor’ Skin held a Setting that allowed powers related to lightning.
Jaehwan scrolled down the list.
[‘Thunder God Thor’ Skin] HOT!
[‘God of Flames Ignis’ Skin] HOT!
Some of the Skins bore names of gods Jaehwan knew well, gods famous even on Earth. He wondered if they might be gods of the Abyss as well. Others seemed unique to 《the Abyss》.
Then Jaehwan stopped while browsing the Skin list.
[‘Demon King of Salvation Kim Dokja’ Skin] NEW!
Kim Dokja?
What a strange name.
Out of curiosity, Jaehwan opened the details page.
+
<Item Information>
Name: Legendary New Skin ‘Demon King of Salvation Kim Dokja’
Description: A Skin modeled after a powerful being currently making a name for itself in the outer universe beyond the Tree of Illusion.
Additional Options: Movement speed and attack speed increased by 40%.
Supporting Setting: 「Salvation」
* Collect two Legendary Skins to attempt the fusion of a Mythical ‘Demon King of Salvation’ Skin.
+
“Wow, Jaehwan-nim. Let’s draw one too.”
Runald clearly wanted a new Skin. Yet they needed Alliance support to try for one. Jaehwan asked,
“I do not understand. Why go through something so troublesome?”
If they wanted to give him a Skin, they could just give him one. If they wanted to give him money, they could simply give him money. Why give him money and make him purchase a Skin himself?
“Because gods will watch you purchase those products on a broadcast and follow suit.”
Only then did Jaehwan understand what the promotion was.
“Isn’t this unfair competition? I think I saw something earlier about the tower being fair.”
“...That is not something Jaehwan-nim needs to concern himself with. It is not a disadvantageous offer for you at all. If you accept a promotion now...”
[I woke up after dozing off, and all kinds of ridiculous things are happening.]
Andersen’s voice reached him.
[Who says they are supporting whom right now?]
* * *
It took about thirty minutes for the situation to be settled.
[Absolutely not. Got it? I will earn my own money and spend it myself! I cannot accept support from those bastards!]
‘I get it, so keep it down.’
Ignoring Andersen’s noisy complaints in his head, Jaehwan and the other two stood at the entrance to the next floor.
“Are you really leaving just like this?”
“Yes.”
In the end, Jaehwan rejected every promotion offered by the Alliances.
[The gods of Alliance ‘Fire’ find your choice amusing.]
[The gods of Alliance ‘Mogi’ are dumbfounded by your choice.]
[Many gods find your choice strange.]
[The God of Flames ‘Ignis’ takes interest in your choice.]
Receiving the support of unknown gods would have been one way to climb the tower quickly, but it was not Jaehwan’s style in the first place. He also did not know what ulterior motives might be hidden behind those promotions.
After thinking for a moment, Vertus nodded as though they understood.
“Well, that choice is not bad either. The longer you go without choosing a sponsor group, the greater your value will become.”
“Think what you want.”
“Still... please. Do not destroy the tower anymore.”
Jaehwan nodded lightly.
He did not trust Vertus’s words completely, but if Yoonhwan was being held by the Alliance, breaking his way up the tower could provoke the gods.
For now, it was safer to reach the seventh floor, where the Doll Auction was being held, without drawing too much attention.
“You refused the gods’ sponsorship, but please accept a reward. It is given only to high scorers on the first floor.”
Vertus snapped their fingers, and the space to Jaehwan’s left opened. A small display stand appeared, holding Parts such as coats and combat suits.
Jaehwan chose a black combat suit with the most ordinary-looking design.
+
<Item Information>
Name: Reinholtz’s Combat Suit-Cape Set
Grade: S-grade
Description: A new line from the high-grade god Reinholtz, consisting of a combat suit and cape. A 〈Metaverse〉-exclusive Part.
Additional Settings: 「Premium Durability」, 「Daily Waterproofing」, 「Excellent Elasticity」, 「Self-Repair」, 「Shock Absorption」, 「Quick Change」
+
The options were fairly useful. The attached Settings were not bad, its appearance was simple, and most importantly, it resembled the combat suit he had often worn in the 《Tower of Nightmares》.
“At least I will not be naked for a while.”
[Hey, I am offended.]
When he lightly pressed a button on the combat suit, it wrapped around his entire body like a snake with a click.
[The soul recognition for the dressing and removal button has been completed.]
It seemed he could change clothes easily through that button.
Andersen gave a lecherous laugh.
[You can take it off quickly. Very quickly...]
When Jaehwan looked beside him, Runald had apparently received a reward too. He was wearing a cute combat suit with a design similar to Jaehwan’s.
“My work is done. Your additional reward has just been issued as well, so please check it.”
[You have acquired 2,000 trust as an additional reward.]
[You have acquired a ‘Floor 6 Entry Pass’.]
“Can I go straight to the sixth floor?”
“A god purchased a Premium High Pass for you. You may bring one Ally as well. They said they will not accept payment, so you can simply go up.”
Jaehwan did not know which god it was, but he had no intention of rejecting a timely favor he needed.
“Please take good care of Andersen-nim.”
Jaehwan gave a slight nod and disappeared beyond the door. Runald followed after him.
Even after they vanished, Attendant Vertus stood looking in that direction for a long time.
How much time passed after that? Someone arrived at the Waystation with the elevator’s chime.
“Has Beginner left?”
“Yes, just now.”
“And they did not accept a single promotion?”
“Yes.”
“They really are an interesting person.”
Rene stood where Vertus turned. Vertus hurriedly spoke.
“Um, but the broadcast...”
“Do not worry. I turned it off.”
“Really?”
Rene did not answer and only stared at Vertus. After hurriedly checking the broadcast channel, Vertus finally sighed.
“You seem to find that concept entertaining, God of Fate.”
Rene stroked a broadcast drone that flew in from somewhere as though it were a pet. The drone gave a thin mechanical whine as though pleased, then suddenly malfunctioned and drifted away from Rene.
Rene approached the tea table, where the refreshments still lay, and put her lips to the tea Jaehwan had been drinking.
“Mmm. Beginner smell. I love it.”
“Why did you sponsor that person with a Premium High Pass?”
“Who knows?”
Rene hummed as she stirred the tea with a teaspoon.
“As you know, you must not interfere with this tower. If the Alliance gods learn of it...”
“Do you think I am afraid of them?”
For a brief moment, it felt as though time in the tower had stopped. A giant pendulum seemed to tilt and collapse. The floor of the Waystation trembled as though it were about to give way.
Even Vertus, who had not yielded to Andersen’s threats, could not help adding this time.
“The Seven Divine Thrones may learn of it.”
The Seven Divine Thrones. The seven gods who had reached the pinnacle of the 《Abyss》.
“Do you still intend to interfere?”
Rene silently snapped her fingers. The distant drone began projecting images into the air. Countless screens appeared one after another.
The first floor, second floor, third floor, fourth floor... the seventh floor.
Passengers diligently climbing the tower and gods sponsoring them filled the screens. They were broadcasts from 《Little Brother》, transmitted by the passengers climbing the tower.
“Do you not think it is such a waste?”
“Pardon?”
“That so many Followers are trapped inside a tower like this, chasing meaningless goals.”
“They need this ‘world.’ This is the only Paradise where they can live.”
The passengers on the screens hunted monsters or carried out assignments for a while, but soon opened System windows one by one to attempt Skin draws or purchase package Parts.
“Now then, 10,000 trust loaded! I am attempting a new Legendary Skin draw!”
As they poured trust crystals in as though addicted, Rene said,
“You call that Paradise?”
“Paradises like that exist too.”
“The Metaverse lost its first value long ago.”
“It is already too late. You experienced this five hundred years ago as well.”
Five hundred years ago, there had nearly been a revolution in this tower. Yet it had failed, and the tower’s system had never wavered since.
“You know how many high-grade gods died then, God of Fate.”
“I do. That is why I am going to try something different this time.”
“Is that why you sponsored that person?”
Jaehwan, entering a new floor, appeared on the screen.
“There is no chance that person will reach the final floor.”
“Do you really think so?”
At Rene’s question, the monument standing at the Waystation’s entrance made a faint scraping sound. Looking closer, Vertus saw that new letters had been carved at its top.
+
<All-Time Floor 1 High Score Ranking>
1. Maiad van Declan,
2. Mulack
3. Yu Seolha
4. Jin Eunsae
+
The first-place record had not changed once in several hundred years.
Vertus silently studied it.
Was it an illusion? A low vibration seemed to be coming from somewhere. It felt like the wheels of a bus that had traveled in only one direction for a long time were beginning to twist ever so slightly.
Would this bus have a final stop as well?
Vertus looked at Jaehwan on the screen.
He was only one soul. Could that single soul truly stop this enormous bus? Could he accomplish what no god had been able to do?
Vertus was afraid to think about it. Because they were afraid, they had to speak.
“If he were not Andersen’s Vicegerent, he might have been able to.”
“What do you mean?”
“He will not be able to go up to the seventh floor.”
Rene’s eyes narrowed at those words.
“What did you do? You were not acting on the Alliance’s orders, were you?”
“It is nothing like that. Have you forgotten what is on the sixth floor?”
“...”
“If he truly is Andersen’s Vicegerent, he will not be able to simply pass through that place.”
Vertus looked up at the ceiling. The rift left by Jaehwan’s Stab. Beyond that rift, they could see exactly where the Stab had stopped.
“He will destroy himself there alongside his god.”
Footnotes:
Chapter discussion