Marshall Beru.
As he uttered the words, countless scenes of carnage he had endured flashed through his mind. Far beyond, in the distant outer universe. There, the Shadow Legion stood against an endlessly surging tide of enemies, slaughtering them mercilessly. But the Shadow Monarch leading them, not satisfied with mere destruction, extracted the souls from all those corpses, transforming them entirely into his own legion. At that great spectacle, the army of the Outer Gods was utterly horrified. They had invaded with a force that could surely overwhelm in an instant, yet their strength was being endlessly stolen in real-time. That was why the invasion, expected to end quickly, had continued as a tense tug-of-war for so long.
However, there was a fact they were utterly unaware of…
The corpses whose souls were extracted by the Shadow Monarch's authority? What happened to those soulless husks after that? Surprisingly, not many of them had pondered that far. The war was that fierce, and even if someone had noticed, they would eventually die and become a corpse themselves. And in the end, all those corpses were either horrifically mutilated and left to float in space, or they scattered, becoming cosmic dust without even leaving a form behind.
But in truth, that wasn't the end.
There was Beru. Even in that fierce war, Beru was the Shadow Soldier who fought more busily than anyone else. And while Beru fought, intoxicated by madness, whenever he saw those corpses before him, he would opportunistically stuff them into his mouth, chew, and swallow. Those endless corpses floating in space. All those shattering remnants, endlessly 'devoured' and absorbed as his own power. That was the Predator of the Battlefield, the Irregular of the Outer Gods War, Beru. And the result…
Grin—
[Do you know, O Outer God? Just how many dregs of your kind I have chewed and swallowed until now… How much do you think has accumulated within me?]
Beru's eyes gradually became steeped in madness. Recalling all those moments while glaring at the Outer God, he was overtaken by the madness of the battlefield. The diverse skills absorbed by consuming countless soldiers of the Outer Gods, digested as his own power. To Beru, those were merely secondary.
The true power of Beru's 'Predation' ability was the capacity to see through and grasp the essence of what abilities the Outer Gods' soldiers used, how they utilized their power. That was why Beru was the Shadow Legion's strongest strategic weapon, acknowledged even by Sung Jinwoo. A soldier capable of flexibly responding to any situation—that was Beru!
[What other insect knows as much about your powers as I do!]
Fwaaaaaaah—!
From Beru's entire body, mana of innumerable colors began to pour out in all directions. Red, blue, purple, gold…
At the sight of that power's true nature, a flicker of bewilderment appeared in the Outer God's eye.
[This power is…?]
Surprisingly, it was a familiar energy!
[Exactly, if you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles!]
All sorts of energies used by the soldiers of the Outer God began to erupt from Beru's body simultaneously.
Flash!
[Knowledge is power itself!]
At that moment…
Fwoosh—
The true nature of the transparent energies flying through the dimensional wall came into Beru's sight at a glance. Simultaneously, he identified the 'vital point' of every single attack.
[Skill: Vital Strike Lv.Max]
[Active Skill.]
[Dagger Exclusive.]
[You have learned how to attack efficiently.]
[Finds the enemy's vital point and inflicts a fatal wound.]
[Kieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek—!]
Swish-swish-swish-swish-swish-swish-swish-swish!
[Marshall Beru uses 'Skill: True Slaughter'.]
Beru's claws, whipping at a dazzling speed, began to slice apart all of the Outer God's attacks. Just like Sung Jinwoo. He found the 'vital point' of each of those formidable attacks and inflicted fatal damage.
[Young Master, do you see!]
Swish-swish-swish-swish-swish-swish-swish-swish!
[Not just swinging daggers at high speed, but finding the target's vital point is the beginning of 'True Slaughter'!]
With that lesson, Beru's 'Slaughter' grew even faster. Its power and speed multiplied exponentially with each successive attack. And eventually, it was merely a clash of light against light. So beautiful it seemed like the collision of countless starry trajectories.
[What is this…!]
At this point, the Outer God couldn't help but be greatly bewildered. What was this disgrace! For its own authority to be cut apart by a mere creature!
But what wounded its pride even more was the fact that all of humanity on this planet was witnessing this entire situation. It had initially unfurled the 'gaze' for the purpose of inflicting absolute fear and despair upon all life on this planet, but now, that gaze, had conversely resulted in showing its own shameful appearance to these insignificant beings. Thanks to that, all of humanity on Earth was watching Beru's battle, unable to close their mouths.
"Wh-what… is that…"
"That black magical beast is…"
"Good heavens. Against a god…"
It was simply wondrous. Beru's appearance, slaughtering the attacks of that absolute being as if it were a one-sided massacre, was in itself hope.
"Please…!"
"Have strength…!"
"Just a little more…!"
Everyone began to cheer with one heart. That tremendous battle, which they couldn't even dare to follow with their eyes. Beru, the black magical beast, blazing with dark energy and performing dazzling feats! But…
[How dare you!]
The fury of the Outer God, feeling shame at the reactions of all those people, was far greater!
…!
For a very brief moment, it felt as if the Earth had trembled. And then began the storm of gazes!
Ruuuumble!
Kuuuwoooooooong!
The enraged eye of the Outer God narrowed, furious at Beru, and at Sung Suho, hidden unseen behind him. Even more tremendous authority constricted the Earth. As that immense influence covered the entire planet, all the lands and skies cried out.
"Uwaaak!"
"S-save me…!"
"Keoheok!"
As a result, the people of the world, who had been watching the entire battle live through the sky, fell into chaos once again, screaming. Still, thanks to the people having awakened at least minimal abilities through the Tower of Trials, the damage was on the less severe side. Among them, some non-Awakened who hadn't played the game yet ended up wetting themselves, vomiting, or even fainting on the spot. An immense dimensional earthquake had covered the entire globe. But…
Kwaaaaaaaaaaaaaah—
Even so, the number of people who endured this terrible fear with their own will was far greater than expected. Though their nationalities and races were different, though the amount of mana and skills they each possessed varied greatly…
…they were all 'Sung Jinwoo.'
[Solo Leveling Ragnarok]
Because through that game, they were all players proudly granted the name 'Sung Jinwoo.'
"Kuk…"
"Krrrk…!"
Therefore, they ultimately endured. Gritting their teeth, they overcame the immense fear. Forcibly holding up their trembling legs that felt like they would collapse at any moment. Bravely lifting their heads. And without taking their eyes off the hellscape unfolding beyond the sky, they stared at that absurd battle. With expressions more of indignation than fear. Knowing that even in this situation, there was nothing they could do.
"…That's why we must watch even more."
"Though we cannot fight alongside."
"Because I… am 'Sung Jinwoo 132'."
Even if it was an indirect experience through an avatar, they were all challengers of the Tower of Trials, following the path 'Sung Jinwoo' had walked!
[Kieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!]
Kwa-boom! Kwa-kwa-boom!
Shweeeeeeeeeeeeeek—!
Even if they themselves were powerless, they had to watch that battle to the end. They had to. That desperate and vast, historic battle, watching him confront a god to prevent the apocalypse that had arrived at their doorstep.
Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat-tat!
[Heh, beautiful.]
And at that time, Thomas Andre, too, was looking up at the sky, a grin on his lips. He was the first player, 'Sung Jinwoo 2,' to be granted the name 'Sung Jinwoo.' And at the same time, as a human who had proudly inherited the Primordial Darkness and become the King of Giants, Monarch of Conquest.
[Watching this makes my blood boil.]
He began to move.
[This time, I can't just suck my thumbs…]
Boom!
The Yuri Orlov he had been fighting had vanished somewhere as soon as he became a sacrifice, as if his job was done. So there was nothing more for him to do here. And watching this grand, historic battle from the sidelines like a powerless spectator, just like back then, was not an option. Because he was not powerless now.
[Shall we get going?]
Boom!
Thus, the King of Giants, Monarch of Conquest, instantly crossed over to the Arctic base where the actual battle was taking place. Upon arriving, the place that had once been the research facility was already gone without a trace. On the pure white Arctic land, only the battle between the colossal eye and Beru raged fiercely. He glanced at the Outer God's eye; its bewilderment was clear. But Thomas Andre, having become a Monarch, felt the emotion beyond that gaze. He clicked his tongue with a displeased expression.
[He's being complacent. Well, is it any surprise? That thing is only fighting with a single eye.]
That's right. Just one eye. The main body hadn't crossed over directly; it was an existence that could exert this much power with just a single gaze. That was the being they were fighting, the Outer God Itarim.
Beru was fighting extremely well against it, but it also meant he was struggling so much just to fight a single eye. Moreover, Beru's great power was structured to gradually deplete his mana over time… A difficult fight, by the looks of it. At this rate, there was no chance of victory. If things continued this way, while all of humanity watched with hope, the Earth was fated to be devoured whole by that Outer God. Knowing that outcome clearly, the Outer God was being complacent. The resistance of this land's creatures was unexpectedly fierce, causing surprise, but ultimately, it was only a matter of time.
[But what happens if I join in?]
Boom!
The first thing Thomas Andre did upon arriving at the Arctic base was not to help Beru, nor to attack the Outer God. He quickly found Suho. The place where he was, hidden by the tremendous battle, was invisible. The Outer God also didn't pay any mind to him. No, in the first place, it was realistically impossible. Beru was shredding all of the Outer God's 'gazes' pouring towards Suho.
Right now, Beru was truly acting as Suho's protector. He had been perfectly hiding Suho from all of the Outer God's vision until now. But Thomas Andre was different. The Outer God's eye quickly discovered his existence, a 'Monarch' who had just arrived here.
[This too is interesting.]
The Outer God licked its lips, and looked at Thomas Andre. It couldn't help but be interested. Like Suho, Thomas Andre was also strange. A peculiar existence that harbored the Primordial Darkness within a human body.
But that was all. The Outer God had already been aware of his existence since it had taken the entire Earth into its vision. And thanks to Thomas Andre killing the sacrifice he had prepared, Yuri Orlov, hadn't he been able to manifest his authority freely in this universe like this? So it didn't matter if he joined the battle now. The result would be the same anyway.
Primordial Darkness? A Monarch? So what? He was a 'god.' Though they were called Monarchs, ultimately, they were merely created beings.
[I shall devour you first.]
Ruuuumble!
Instantly, a portion of the gazes that had been facing Beru sharply changed direction, shooting towards Thomas Andre like lightning. Beru didn't bother blocking those attacks. What mattered to Beru was only Suho's safety. And Thomas Andre didn't expect any help either. He could block this much on his own.
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Thomas Andre swung his two fists, clad in full-body armor, deflecting the lightning bolts of gaze one by one. While doing so, he met the Outer God's eye looking at him and grinned wickedly.
[Hey. Didn't you feel something strange? You're a bit slow on the uptake, maybe it's because you only have one eye?]
[…?]
At Thomas Andre's incomprehensible words, a flicker of confusion passed through the Outer God's eye. Then, following its gaze, lightning bolts from various angles rained down on Thomas Andre again.
Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!
He deflected those gazes again with his two fists and continued to taunt.
[I just arrived, but the Monarchs of this dimension aren't just me, you know.]
[…?]
[Guess what. Where Do you think they are all now?]
At those words, the Outer God's eye widened. Come to think of it, that was true. He had been so preoccupied with watching the ant in front of him struggle not to die that he hadn't thought of it. According to the information shared by the apostles he had sent first, the 'Monarchs' of this dimension weren't just one or two. And until now, they had been combining their strength to…
[…?]
Come to think of it, where were all those Monarchs and what were they doing now? In a situation where it wouldn't be enough for them all to gather here and try to stop him…
[Too late.]
Then, Beru, who had been shredding the gazes of the Outer God right in front, suddenly bared his teeth and growled. That word was directed at the Outer God, and at the same time, it was also a rebuke towards Thomas Andre, who had just arrived here. Knowing that, Thomas Andre glibly made an excuse for Beru's words.
[Don't be so angry. I came as fast as I could.]
Thomas had finally found him. The place where Suho was, was behind the numerous gazes Beru had cut down. The 'blind spot' under the lamp, the only place on Earth the Outer God couldn't see. Thomas Andre strode towards the place where 'Sung Suho and all the other Monarchs' were gathered, a place thoroughly protected.
[Yo, am I too late?]
"Welcome."
[Slowpoke.]
[You're on time.]
[Grrr!]
At those words, Suho, along with all the Monarchs gathered around him, answered disjointedly. Their reactions were varied, but their appearances were similar. They were all suppressing the blazing fighting spirit in their entire bodies to the best of their ability. Waiting only for the arrival of the final piece of Suho's plan, Thomas Andre. And the moment he finally joined them, Suho's eyes flashed with a pure white energy, as if he had been waiting.
"Then let's begin right away."
At that moment, all the Monarchs, who had been hiding behind Beru, waiting for his arrival, simultaneously revealed all the power they had been suppressing.
Kwaaaaaaang—!
At that timing, Beru, who had been blocking the gaze with all his might, was finally thrown back, unable to withstand the Outer God's power.
Fwaaaaaaah—!
At that moment, as if a curtain was drawn, their forms were fully revealed to the Outer God's vision for the first time. The sight that Beru had been hiding with all his might until now.
[…?!]
The Outer God's eyes widened. There, all the Monarchs of this dimension were gathered around Suho. They were all the successors who had proudly overcome Nidhogg's trial and received the Primordial Darkness. And at the same time, they were the next generation of Monarchs, united with one heart and one mind around the priest named Sung Suho.
"Domain Expansion."
[Using Skill: 'Monarch's Domain'.]
Fwaaaaaaah—!
At Suho's single word, a 'pure white shadow' spread out in all directions, centered on his feet. Though that shadow originated from darkness, it was the pure white abyss itself, born from the World Tree. It spread beyond just the site of the Arctic base, covering all the land 'visible to the eye,' vast enough to cover the entire Arctic continent, the size of the World Tree. And at the center of that pure white. Suho's deep pupils boldly 'met' the Outer God's eye and he opened his mouth.
"Be careful when you gaze into a monster. If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you."
Those words were a famous quote from a philosopher's book, and at the same time, Madam Norma Selner's prophecy. Suho, along with all the Monarchs, glared at the Outer God's eye, putting a period to that prophecy.
"And from now on."
Suho declared.
"I shall become your White Abyss."
Flash!
At that moment. The entire world turned pure white. At least, that's how it looked in the Outer God's vision. Beyond that pure white abyss, Suho used a Shadow Power that only he could wield.
"All of you, arise."
At that firm command, something stirred within all the Monarchs Suho had created one by one until now. Originally, Monarch-level beings had no shadows, but the Primordial Darkness dwelling within them responded to Suho's authority. And all that darkness, following the will of the Guardian of the World Tree, Monarch of Transcendence, Sung Suho…
"Arise, Shadow Nidhogg."