Chapter 1361: Designed Transcendence (38)

Piiing-!!

A sharp, tearing sound that brushed past the leaves and vanished.

The faint sound of wind piercing the air and disappearing could be heard from afar.

A noise like someone drawing a bowstring, cleaving the wind and splitting space.

Lennok was watching Evelyn practice archery in the quiet forest.

“…”

Evelyn, holding a black longbow larger than her own body, aimed at the air and drew the string.

Every time the Ascendant standing behind her offered advice, Evelyn carefully adjusted her posture.

A strange practice, repeating only the motions of lifting and lowering the empty longbow, without nocking an arrow.

But with each repetition, Evelyn’s presence grew deeply subdued, becoming as calm as the surface of a lake.

Whooooosh…!!

A sense of unease, as if the very stature of her being was elevating with each moment she delved deeply into archery training.

Lennok, being an outsider, couldn’t discern it, but it was clear that this training was beneficial to Evelyn.

“The promise to oversee Evelyn’s archery. I didn’t expect you to keep it even after the job was done.”

Lennok, who had been watching Evelyn practice for a while, finally spoke.

“She didn’t seem to have good feelings towards you. Did she accept learning archery?”

“Matters of emotion are irrelevant. Regardless of how things turned out, it was the price I offered first.”

The Ascendant, who had appeared behind Lennok at some point, spoke.

Dadam overseeing Evelyn’s practice, and another Dadam appearing behind Lennok.

However, no one was surprised, despite two Ascendants being present in one place.

This place was none other than within Dadam’s Thought World. A space-time where an Ascendant’s will was law.

“Fortunately, Evelyn Marcia’s aptitude is excellent, so the transmission won’t take long.”

“It seems results are already starting to show?”

“That child clearly distinguishes between what she’s good at and what she’s not.”

Dadam said.

“She recognizes her weaknesses and uses her strengths to compensate. In the process, she also knows how to keep her specialties from fading.”

“…”

“Even after transcending the Hierarchy, possessing such wisdom is not easy. In many ways, she doesn’t seem like a transcendent.”

Evelyn Marcia was an archer with more prodigious talent than anyone Lennok knew.

At the same time, she was a highly skilled technician capable of engaging in close-quarters combat with high-level superhumans, even with just one arrow.

Dadam was saying that Evelyn’s near-omnipotent combat ability was a skill born from her wisdom.

“My role is simply to teach her archery and sharpen her strengths further. With just that, she’ll be able to aim even higher.”

“You speak as if you’ve become a teacher.”

“When I was younger, I was interested in education, and I’ve taught many prodigies.”

Dadam said so, lightly shaking her hands.

“But guiding someone like you is a first, even for me.”

“…”

This moment, seeking Dadam to learn the manifestation of the Thought World from an Ascendant.

Lennok sought her out despite the Director’s previous warning, and for good reason.

Even if Lennok contained a switch that could hasten destruction, he couldn’t control it without first acquiring it.

There was no reason to shy away from learning or instruction out of fear of mastering the Thought World or being unable to bear its repercussions.

Moreover, the Director’s warning to Lennok wasn’t to avoid mastering the Thought World, but to be cautious.

‘If I use the will of the Rebellious Thought World obtained through the Mirror, I can neutralize it once, even in the worst-case scenario.’

Lennok’s eyes, calm and bright, toyed with the black ring on his finger.

‘When such an opportunity arises, I should try it at least once myself.’

The power imbued in the ring was a miracle that could summon the past just once. It was the ‘past self’ itself, obtained through the Mirror.

Using this method, even if the switch were activated as the Director warned, he could revert it once as if it had never happened.

“It seems Evelyn’s training isn’t finished yet. Will you have enough time to proceed with this simultaneously?”

“Within the Thought World, the division of consciousness is as free as breathing.”

Dadam said, slowly letting her hands fall.

“Overseeing her training together isn’t difficult, so don’t worry about my instruction being neglected.”

“…”

A world governed by the laws set by an Ascendant. Here, she reigned and existed almost like a deity.

As Dadam proclaimed, overseeing both Lennok and Evelyn and imparting her teachings simultaneously would be effortless for her.

It was a fresh realization of how monstrous an Ascendant truly was.

The situation only ended peacefully because Dadam’s objective was solely to meet the Director; if she had truly intended to confront Lennok, things would have been entirely different.

“If you still have doubts, would you like to try here?”

The Ascendant asked, as if sensing Lennok’s thoughts.

In her raised hand, a long, silver branch now rested.

“It seems we could have a match right now, in the way you desire.”

“…No. I’ll pass.”

Lennok, who had briefly pondered, shook his head with a bitter smile.

“I don’t know if I could stop in time if I fought a complete Ascendant. It’s better not to even start.”

From meeting the Ascendant who came to Vulcan, conducting the Ascension Ritual, to meeting the Director.

He felt that the series of events had flowed smoothly, but looking back, there seemed to have been quite a few dangerous moments.

An Ascendant who had gained legitimate qualifications. If Lennok began to exert his power against a complete Level 9, could he stop in time?

If he failed to control his power for even a moment, disaster would literally strike the outer districts.

However, the Ascendant’s expression, upon hearing Lennok’s words, changed in a subtly unfitting way.

“Not even starting because you might not be able to control your power once you begin fighting… What a truly battle-crazed reason.”

“…”

“It’s also strange that you’re trying to restrain yourself despite being so bloodthirsty. Were you someone who pursued aesthetics or artistry in battle?”

“Enough irrelevant talk, let’s begin.”

Lennok dismissed the Ascendant’s words and stepped aside.

“How exactly is the manifestation of the Thought World achieved? I have an idea, but I want to hear it directly from an Ascendant.”

“I’ve mentioned it a few times before. The Thought World is the process of imprinting an individual’s ideology onto the world to alter its laws.”

Dadam extended her hand.

“Because you alter the world with your answers, all laws existing within the Thought World operate solely according to the Ascendant’s standards. For example…”

Crackkkk…!!

Instantly, the grass beneath the Ascendant’s feet split open, and a young tree trunk burst forth.

The small sapling, not even reaching her knees, grew as if time accelerated with a single gesture from Dadam.

Soon, it transformed into the shape of a colossal ancient tree, piercing through the center of the Thought World, and soared majestically.

Kugugugugu…!!!

“It’s possible to adjust and overwrite the world’s laws solely through will, without special spells or authorities.”

“…This is.”

Lennok looked up at the giant tree that had grown before him, a strange expression on his face.

It wasn’t just a matter of growing a large tree and embedding it here.

The existence of a divine tree, imbued with more transcendent vitality than any plant or animal Lennok had ever seen.

Not only its roots and branches, but every single leaf held an immense life force that surpassed high-level superhumans.

An overwhelming power that seemed to enrich the world just by taking root in the Thought World and existing in this space-time.

The mystical aura emanating from the ancient tree before him was, clearly—

“You’ve noticed, it seems. This is a sapling of the World Tree.”

The Ascendant said, as if it were nothing.

“It is the star’s navel, rooting beyond the mantle into the outer core, drinking lava as it grows, permitted to flourish only in a single world.”

“…”

“A concept that shouldn’t exist because of the broken navel of Larabelly, but it’s possible within the Thought World. This space-time forms an equivalent unit, like a separate world.”

Dadam slowly closed her eyes, bringing her hands together as if to cover them.

“The world is the standard, and the standard is myself. Because I design laws based on concepts I deem inherently right, the Thought World is like a small world.”

“…”

“There are disadvantages to the pinnacle of authority that a Seeker can reach. Because it uses the caster’s values as a standard, the laws within the Thought World cannot be changed arbitrarily and persist even if unwanted.”

Dadam explained.

“Once manifested, it functions as an equivalent unit to a world, making it extremely difficult to cancel or retract. Know that this power cannot be intentionally designed with combat in mind.”

“The fact that some parts cannot be conveniently changed is similar to a Domain.”

Lennok replied, slowly loosening his body.

“Let’s start practicing right away. Could you at least roughly explain the sensation of manifesting the Thought World?”

“The feeling of overwriting your will onto an entire star is relatively accurate. The moment you transcend the horizon of perception and lose control, you cover that vastness and burden with transcendence, shaping it into the form of a world.”

“…”

[What are you talking about?]

Davi grumbled, as if she couldn’t understand, but Lennok didn’t reply.

Instead, he simply fell deep in thought, as if replaying Dadam’s words.

“So, it’s not about controlling sensation, but rather establishing a space-time reference point based on transcendence in a state where control is completely let go. It feels abstruse.”

“But without embracing such immensity, it cannot be called a world.”

Dadam gestured towards Lennok.

“Since your excellent insight seems to have understood the explanation without difficulty, you may begin immediately. Manifest it.”

“…If understanding meant I could manifest it immediately, I wouldn’t be taking this much time.”

Lennok replied, flabbergasted, then instantly drew forth his magic from where he stood.

Wooosh-

The resonance of magic fiercely rotating within his body spread with a heavy roar, like an airplane engine.

Instead of unleashing vast amounts of magic like an ocean, he perfectly circulated and amplified it, not spilling a single drop.

Simultaneously, monochromatic ripples burst forth from Lennok, beginning to engulf Dadam’s Thought World.

Fwaaaaash!!!!!!

The prelude to deploying a Domain, overwriting reality with one’s will.

He expanded the Ideological Domain, which projected space-time, to the very limits of his perception.

“Just extending one’s will creates this scale… It’s incredible.”

Dadam exclaimed.

“The density is unbelievably high, even without infusing a primal Mind Imprint. How enormous must his consciousness be for this to be possible?”

“…”

Kwoooooh!!!!

Without answering the Ascendant, he concentrated, extending his will to the very limit of his senses.

He inflated, covered, and amplified the fluctuating monochromatic universe until it reached the limits of his perception.

Around Lennok, the sky and ground flooded with monochromatic hues, and just as they stretched to the very edge of the horizon—

“…No good.”

Whoosh!!

The monochromatic Ideological Domain unraveled as if it were a lie, and Lennok opened his eyes.

“It seems you’ve found a problem.”

Dadam asked with an unexpressive face.

“No matter how skilled a caster, one cannot be satisfied with the first attempt. What part did you find impossible?”

“I don’t understand what it means to transcend the limits of perception. The more I extend my will, the more it gets caught by my senses and perceived.”

“…?”

The Ascendant tilted her head, and Lennok spoke with a troubled expression.

“It seems my talent prevents me from grasping the limits of my cognitive abilities. Since there’s no end to my senses, transcending that boundary feels impossible.”

“…”

“In reality, I can’t extend it infinitely due to mana and mental fatigue, but my aptitude makes it difficult to actually feel the limits of cognitive ability.”

At his preposterous answer, the Ascendant, for the first time, fell silent.

With an unexpressive face that betrayed no emotion, Dadam, who had been about to speak, finally said:

“You have a remarkable knack for speaking very… presumptuous words as if they were nothing. I’ve guided many transcendents, but this is a first.”

“…”

“To be able to boast about your talent to an Ascendant… I understand you are a monster who will truly be remembered in history.”

“I’m merely trying to view the situation objectively. Just now, my will attempted to overwrite your Thought World and even the outer districts beyond it.”

Lennok spoke as if he hadn’t heard Dadam’s words.

“If I had purposefully unleashed my magic to expand it, it might have reached beyond Vulcan. But ultimately, this is meaningless.”

“…”

“Pointlessly increasing the size of the domain only wastes the Mind Imprints that would fill it. I don’t know if I can reach transcendence this way.”

The core of Thought World manifestation, as Dadam explained, was the so-called transcendence of sensation.

The moment one transcends the limits of their senses, nearing an immeasurable infinity beyond control.

A method of recreating the entire Ideological Domain around one’s transcendence to create a single world.

To put it simply, it’s like repeatedly destroying and creating oneself in relation to one’s primal Mind Imprint to become an Ascendant.

However, Lennok’s talent as a wizard was so absurdly immense that intentionally transcending the limits of his senses was impossible.

It was a paradox arising because his innate cognitive and receptive abilities as a caster had already reached a transcendent level.

“…”

Did Dadam, with her unique transcendent insight, also understand Lennok’s words?

The Ascendant, instantly devoid of emotion, fell into thought with an unexpressive face.

“It seems there’s been some misunderstanding.”

Dadam said.

“Do you know why I am teaching the manifestation of the Thought World here?”

“Wasn’t it to teach both Evelyn and me simultaneously?”

“No. You’re completely mistaken.”

The Ascendant shook her head.

“I don’t expect perfection from the start. I’m only imparting teachings because you possess transcendence; it’s not possible for you, who isn’t yet an Ascendant, to achieve great success from the very beginning.”

“In most cases, I was perfect from the start, though.”

“…What I meant was that you don’t need to overwrite an entire star with your will from the beginning.”

Dadam raised her hand and pointed at the ground she stood on.

“You just need to expand your will enough to overwrite a single world. Isn’t there such a small world here that makes that possible?”

“…Surely not?”

“Just extend your will enough to perfectly overwrite and encroach upon my Thought World.”

Dadam said.

“By doing so, you will be able to learn the sensation of overwriting and recreating a single world.”

“…”

“Of course, this is merely an incomplete method, and to properly manifest a Thought World, you would eventually need to target an entire star.”

Dadam, looking at Lennok, tilted her head with her characteristic unexpressive face.

“But wouldn’t this alone be a great advancement for you right now?”

“…I’ll try it right away.”

Fwaaat!!!

There was no reply.

Monochromatic ripples rapidly expanded and spread, covering the sky and ground.

But this time, instead of extending to the city limits, it was confined to the goal of overwriting Dadam’s Thought World.

He overwrote the world constructed by the Ascendant, and on top of it, completely recreated space-time based on transcendence.

Lennok manifested it by redesigning and constructing the world’s laws based on the transcendence he acquired—Extreme Lightning.

Kwoooooooh!!!!!

His consciousness felt as if it were being sucked in, accelerating somewhere.

His perfectly controlled senses had, at some point, escaped Lennok’s will.

All functions and mechanisms that make life life-like faded and grew dim.

All wills and ideologies that make existence exist were amplified and inflated.

The horizon of thought.

The moment he transcended the limits of matter and flesh, gained ultimate reason, and descended into reality.

Crackkk…!

In the void of darkness where nothing existed, blue flames erupted.

“…Unbelievable.”

For the first time, undisguised awe appeared on the Ascendant’s face.

“How could he, with just two attempts, already grasp the fundamentals—”

An unrealistic result, incomprehensible even after having witnessed Lennok’s talent during the Ascension Ritual.

Even the archer who had gained transcendence by emptying her inner self and discarding her heart could not conceal her astonishment.

Just as both the past and present Dadam were struck with disbelief and horror at this moment—

“…No. Wrong.”

Lennok, abruptly turning his gaze, lowered his stance while channeling his magic at full power.

“Step back. This is…!!!!”

[Whoooosh-!!!!!!]

At that moment, an anomaly occurred within the universe where darkness had blossomed.

A chilling roar that shook the soul. A horrifying, ominous sound that made even the Ascendant flinch.

A golden flash streaked across the universe, and a twisted kaleidoscope flickered, punctuating space-time in an instant.

A dark blue thunder-star, struck down from beyond the universe, shattered the Ideological Domain to pieces and burst forth.

Kwoaaaaaaang!!!!!!!

“…!!!!!”

Pure power, transcending all limits, descended, shattering reality like clay, unable to contain itself.

The Ideological Domain shattered and scattered like glass, and even Dadam’s Thought World, revealed beneath it, was crushed.

The landscape of the Primeval Forest, which had overwritten the undeveloped district, cracked and crumbled, burning, trampling, and evaporating the verdant vegetation.

With an intense shockwave, everything that had existed there was utterly obliterated as if stomped out of existence.

Kwaaaang!!!!!!

“Aargh!!! Wh-what?!!!!”

Evelyn, who had been concentrating deeply on the other side of the prairie, was swept up by the shockwave and tumbled over.

Regaining her balance instantly, she was pushed to Lennok’s feet and snapped her head up.

“W-what?! What is this?!!!”

“…”

Evelyn babbling with wide eyes, and Lennok slumped on the ground.

In the center of the shattered, burnt forest, Dadam stood blankly, her expression rigid.

“…It seems that mastering the Thought World will require a more cautious approach.”

The Ascendant slowly raised her gaze and spoke.

“Within you, there is already a world so twisted that it cannot be controlled.”

“…”

Unable to answer the Ascendant’s words, Lennok painfully turned his gaze.

Because he could understand what Dadam meant by those words.

The moment he grasped the clue of the Thought World and pulled it into reality, Lennok also realized:

Lennok’s answer was the kaleidoscope of infinite possibilities itself.

That drawing a world that embraces all things under creation meant also encompassing possibilities that Lennok would never have chosen.

The [Other Side] of the kaleidoscope, which was about to descend into this space-time simultaneously with the Thought World’s manifestation.

One of the worst possibilities Lennok had seen in the Mirror, one he would never choose.

Kugugugu…!!!!

The colossal World Tree, standing in the center of Dadam’s Thought World, was struck by lightning and burst into flames.

An unknown image carved into the surface of the withered tree amidst the heat that transcended all limits.

A black whale, monstrously distorted like a demon, was staring intently at the Ascendant.