TRPM 274

chapter 274

As Oracle said, the Awakener system, like the Black Mist, is composed of ether.

If a large-scale spell were used, as Oracle mentioned, to erase ether from this world, then along with the Black Mist, the Awakener system would inevitably disappear as well.

But…

‘That doesn’t mean the abilities of Awakeners would vanish.’

Are an Awakener’s powers made of ether?

No, they aren’t.

Sure, for a person to awaken, the Awakener system might need to do something to someone qualified to awaken. But the power that Awakeners possess is not ether.

In other words, even if the creation of new Awakeners becomes difficult, the existing Awakeners would not lose their powers.

‘Well… Rachel, who has been extending her lifespan by converting ether into innate vitality… won’t be able to extend it any further.’

Still, since she already accumulated a reserve of innate vitality, it won’t be a major problem.

Anyway.

“(Even if the Awakener system disappears, that doesn’t mean an Awakener’s power disappears.)”

That’s the important part.

“(…Do you think I’m someone who strengthened the Awakener system? Well, there probably isn’t anyone who knows the system as well as you do.)”

Oracle said that.

…It does bother me a little that until recently, I didn’t even fully understand the functions added after the Awakener system was strengthened, but I’ll let that slide. If I keep my mouth shut, the two people in front of me won’t know.

“(Artist, are you saying I should have chosen the second option? That I should have performed a large-scale spell that is theoretically possible?)”

“(Well…)”

A spell that erases ether from this world. Surely, a spell that could erase all ether on Earth is only theoretically possible. Such a spell would usually require sacrifices of things similar in value—or greater—to the ether present in this world.

Of course, if it’s the Grand Sorcerer beside Oracle, maybe the necessary sacrifices could be reduced in ways I don’t know. Even so, erasing all ether on Earth would still be extremely difficult.

That must be why Oracle reacted the way she did.

But that’s not what I want to talk about.

“(What I want to say is: don’t act like you know everything just because you can see the future.)”

Were there really only three ways to erase the Black Mist?

Impossible.

Even I, by myself, have a method to erase the Black Mist from this world.

It’s the Sammae Evolution.

By burning ether through Sammae Evolution, I can erase the ether that makes up the Black Mist. I can’t incinerate the Black Mist instantly with this method, but Sammae Evolution isn’t a last resort that requires risking my life.

If I continue using Sammae Evolution, eventually, I could erase the Black Mist from this world.

‘Of course, using Sammae Evolution continuously tires me out, so this would only be possible after I grow stronger.’

But Oracle has another way.

Oracle is a true space-time user. Unlike me, who regresses due to the system, she could eventually regain her power naturally.

What if she returns to the past before the Black Mist occurs, prepares in advance, and erases the still-weak Black Mist at the moment it appears?

‘She could definitely erase the Black Mist.’

Since the Black Mist never occurs, Dr. Jacob wouldn’t create the Awakener system, and Awakeners would never exist. But Oracle alone could erase the Black Mist. She just needs time to develop the strength to regress.

And for her, as a space-time user, developing her power over time is not a problem.

“(There are more ways to erase the Black Mist than you say. You’re just ignoring them.)”

I considered suggesting to Oracle that she regress and erase the Black Mist, but I decided against it. She has probably thought of that herself.

“(…)”

Oracle remained silent, perhaps feeling a twinge of guilt. As I expected, she had considered it. But she didn’t choose that path. That method could save humanity, but it would also condemn her to despair. She alone would know she saved humanity.

Oracle intends to save humanity but not at the cost of sacrificing everything she has. Of course, I feel the same.

But there’s a big difference between her and me.

“(I don’t blame you for not wanting to sacrifice yourself.)”

Anyone would naturally fear sacrifice. Even with the noble goal of saving the world, it’s understandable. So I can understand why Oracle didn’t choose to regress.

But…

“(You must not take it for granted to sacrifice others.)”

One must not force one’s own fears onto others. Moreover, her plan to eliminate all humans on Earth to naturally erase the Black Mist also had flaws.

“(Didn’t it occur to you to establish your organization on Mars and the Moon, beyond the reach of the Black Mist… and move all humans there?)”

If she had the technology to build bases on Mars and the Moon and travel between them and Earth, then although it might take time, relocating everyone from Earth would not be impossible. High-ranking figures like President Richard would have cooperated.

“(That…)”
“(Don’t make excuses about time. No matter how long it took, the relocation could have been completed before the Black Mist pushed humanity to the brink.)”

With her organization’s technology, it could certainly have been done.

But she didn’t choose that path. The people in her organization acted like they were the chosen ones.

“(You just dreamed of being at the top in the future.)”

She simply enjoyed being treated as the leader of the organization on Mars. If she wanted to move everyone from Earth to Mars, she would have had to give up her leadership to someone like President Richard, who has strong public trust. She just didn’t want that.

“(You’re a hypocrite hiding behind the cause of humanity’s salvation.)”
“(…)”

Oracle couldn’t refute that. She knew she wasn’t entirely righteous.

“(Tsk… Aren’t you tormenting a child too much, Artist?)”

At that moment, the Grand Sorcerer intervened.

“(This child has seen humanity’s destruction since childhood. She’s terrified, yet she’s still been brave. What she’s done so far is courageous enough.)”
“(Grand Sorcerer…?)”

Oracle didn’t expect the Grand Sorcerer to intervene and take her side, so she looked surprised. I was equally shocked.

“(Grand Sorcerer… you…)”
“(Tsk… Artist, it seemed you were subtly trying to break Oracle’s spirit and mess with her mind… That won’t do.)”

Ah, so he noticed.

“(Oracle, you’re still a child. You don’t need to heed what Artist says. Just do what you want.)”
“(…Is this some kind of spell?)”

The Grand Sorcerer usually speaks in terms related to spells. Oracle probably assumed that what he just said was related to magic. But his words were different.

“(No.)”
“(…?)”
“(This time, I purely want to support you. Tsk…)”

Artist… that guy has consumed too much filth. He’s no longer interesting to watch. But you, still unrefined, are a joy to see.

“(It’s been so long since I’ve been interested in something not magical… Oracle. I’ll help you with everything you want to do. Do as you wish.)”
“(…)”

Hearing that, Oracle nodded. She then looked at the photos containing my soul and spoke.

“(Artist. You may be right; I might be a hypocrite. It seems I can’t walk the same path as you.)”

She swallowed nervously and continued.

“(I was afraid of you. You, who seem to possess space-time abilities that my foresight can’t anticipate… the flaw in my life that appeared as if you were destined to be the protagonist because of your ability to see the future.)”

At the same time, she placed her hope in me. Perhaps I could save humanity in a way different from hers.

“(…Not now.)”

Right now, I’m not afraid of you.

“(So, I can speak now.)”

Artist, you save humanity the way you think is right. I will save humanity the way I think is wrong.

“(…Of course, if you interfere…)”

I’ll completely exclude you.

“(…Tsk.)”

Hearing Oracle’s declaration, I clicked my tongue. I had planned to manipulate the moment she weakened, but the Grand Sorcerer ruined it completely. Instead, Oracle’s resolve hardened, giving her motivation to act seriously.

‘Well… still…’

Learning Oracle’s ultimate goal is quite a gain.

“(If that’s how it is, it can’t be helped.)”

Still, it’s true that I lost out a little.

“(Then, before leaving…)”

So giving a small gift as I leave isn’t bad.

“(A gift.)”

I manipulated space-time to open a rift in the air and threw something in front of Oracle and the Grand Sorcerer.

How did I do it? Even though my soul is currently out of my body, it’s not completely disconnected. I manipulated my body in the soul state to cut space, create a rift, and throw an object from pocket dimension into it.

“(Hm? This is….)”
“(A small artifact with pocket dimension? Why…?)”

They immediately recognized the artifact I threw.

[Ah, this is a pocket dimension cube that opens when solved.]
[I bought it with a card linked to my account.]

I had bought it as a souvenir when visiting the Awakener Market. It’s not expensive, so the space inside is small…

Click…!
Click…!

Oracle began solving the cube without suspicion. I had thought when buying the cube:

[When the cube is solved, the gift inside might pop out… Seems possible…]

And inside the cube is something neither of them expected.

Click…!
“(Ah, it’s solved.)”

The moment Oracle completed the cube…

Kwaaa…!

Magic energy burst out from inside the cube. Dangerous magical energy, far more hazardous than typical poison or curse, unless one is skilled in magic like Yeon Mirae.

“(Kya?! What is this…!)”
“(Tsk… How malicious.)”

I laughed at them. Then I decided to leave Oracle with a lesson.

“(One piece of advice, Oracle. Don’t accept gifts from others recklessly.)”
“(T-This… profit…!)”
“(Well, then.)”

With that, I exited the photos containing my soul and returned to my body. The last thing I saw before returning was Oracle, her face red with anger.