Meanwhile, on the western side, the companions had gathered after learning of the arrival of reinforcements—700 fighters led by a commander from the Scorpion Council known as "Scorpion: Shadow and Light."
The western region was densely wooded, with forests stretching for several kilometers, making it an ideal location for concealment and setting ambushes, as well as a place to rest, recover energy, and strategize on their next moves and what to avoid.
Grey, Roichi, Jian Yi, Armin, and Tom scouted the area, searching for any potential enemies.
The search lasted several minutes before they returned to their meeting point, where Lucy, Beatrice, and Previka were waiting.
As for Nicholas, Christian, Kazuhiro, Leon, Inuyasha, and Gowther, they had formed their own separate group, claiming they wanted to engage the Scorpion organization's followers currently on the island.
To the others, this was an obvious lie; however, Jian Yi and his companions—having already witnessed what these individuals were capable of—simply let them do as they pleased without objection.
Furthermore, Gowther had reached the "Boundless" level and had successfully activated the "Assassination Concept" wing.
Nicholas, Christian, Kazuhiro, Leon, and Inuyasha were "Rulers of the Trees of Existence" and had attained the fourth level of their respective wings. It was inconceivable that entities unable to even transcend the boundaries of the "Fantasy World" could defeat beings who had reached such a level.
In truth, their only reason for coming to this world was simply to relax. None of them—neither Nicholas, Christian, Kazuhiro, Leon, nor Inuyasha—had any intention of intervening in current or future events.
And even if they were to intervene, what could they possibly do other than bring everything to an end?
A single click would suffice to erase the entire fantasy world, wiping its very fabric—along with every entity within it—from existence. The same holds true for Yuta, who serves as the ruler of the entire "Ruler's Path," rendering the sacred rulers of the "Trees of Existence" mere kings or dukes by comparison.
---
Inside a medium-sized house—constructed within a cavern by Beatrice to serve as an operational hub—the companions gathered to plan their response to the arrival of reinforcements, led by a commander from the Scorpion Council known as "Scorpion: Shadow and Light."
Inside the base, Previka sat on a sofa, sipping a strawberry-chocolate milkshake.
Over the past few months, Yuta had leveraged this world's technological backwardness to establish several companies within the sector.
Thanks to the advanced technology he introduced, the process of grading students' midterm exams had become far more efficient. Furthermore, he had developed surveillance tools that allowed the world's inhabitants to observe daily events unfolding on Jigwa Island, among various other applications.
Jian Yi, Tom, and Ryoichi stared intently at a 3D map composed of aether—a construct created by Grey during a brief, frenzied outburst.
Their gazes remained fixed on the model of Jigwa Island, contemplating the red, green, blue, yellow, and gray dots scattered across its surface. The red dots represented members of the Scorpion Organization and were categorized into several types, each distinguished by a specific shade:
First: Red Dots
- Standard Red: Denotes members of the organization; only 116 remain out of the original 435.
- Maroon (Wine Red): Denotes deputies of the organization; only one remains—Rowan, who previously fought against Grey and Ryoichi.
- Blood Red: Denotes the leader of the unit that initially attacked Jeju Island: Prismil, the Crimson Scorpion.
- Blackish-Red: Denotes a reinforcement force of 700 fighters currently held outside the island by a barrier that prevents them from entering via teleportation. The dome they erected proved to be a double-edged sword; it not only trapped the students on the island—preventing them from leaving—but also blocked the organization's own forces from entering.
- Cold Red: Denotes the leader of Council Unit 5, known as the "Shadow and Light Scorpion," who is leading a support mission to assist the organization's members already on Jeju Island.
- Dark Red: Denotes members of the Scorpion Organization who perished in battle. Their dots vanish once their bodies are transported back to the organization's headquarters, ensuring no information can be extracted from them—a necessary precaution, given the existence of healers capable of resurrecting the dead.
Second: Yellow Dots
The yellow dots represented the students and were divided into three categories:
- Standard Yellow: Denotes students who are currently engaged in combat against members of the Scorpion Organization. - Mottled Yellow: Represents students who have finished their battles against the organization's followers, whether through the assistance of professors or by utilizing their own unique abilities.
- Pale Yellow: Represents students who have perished. These markers would vanish shortly after appearing, as the Academy employed a sacred form of teleportation magic—far superior to standard portal effects—to transport the students.
Third: Blue Markers
Blue markers were reserved for the professors and were further categorized into four types:
- Standard Blue: Represents professors currently assisting students in their fights against the followers of the Scorpion Organization.
- Sky Blue: Represents professors who have concluded their respective battles.
- Cold Blue: Represents professors patrolling the island in search of students still engaged in combat with the organization's followers.
- Dark Blue: Represents professors who died while attempting to rescue students. These markers would also disappear a few seconds after appearing.
Fourth: Green Markers
Green markers were specific to the protagonists, indicating their own current locations as well as the positions of their companions scattered across Gigua Island.
Fifth: Gray Markers
Gray markers represented dungeons and were divided into four categories:
- Standard Gray: Represents dungeons that have been opened and cleared of all monsters.
- Darkened Gray: Represents dungeons that remain open and have not yet been sealed.
- Reddish-Gray: Represents dungeons that have been sealed but are set to detonate after a specific amount of time.
---
After spending several minutes studying the map—a three-dimensional model of Jijua Island—Ryuichi spoke calmly, leaning against the table upon which the model rested:
"The enemy's reinforcements will arrive in just fifteen minutes. Does anyone have any ideas?"
Silence descended for a few seconds, before Tom broke it in a calm, steady tone:
"I have an idea that could buy us some time until the reinforcements from Versalkin Academy arrive."
Pointing to several locations on the model of Jijua Island, Tom continued:
"The plan consists of three parts.
Part one: Use waves of monsters to scatter the members of the Scorpion Organization.
Part two: Gather all the remaining students—currently 220 out of the original 560—along with 47 of the 132 professors.
Part three: Attempt to shift the fighting toward the outer regions of the island. Since these areas are constantly shifting and transporting people to zones devoid of certain types of energy, I know this will lead to some casualties—but I have something that can help us mitigate that. Any objections?"
Everyone listened to Tom with rapt attention. Although some might have wanted to challenge parts of the plan, now was not the time.
The window of opportunity was far too narrow; with only fifteen minutes left, there simply wasn't enough time to debate every detail.
Jian Yi, who had been gathering his thoughts on everything that had transpired and what he had heard over the past few days, raised his hand—drawing everyone's gaze toward him once again. Jian Yi said:
"There's no need to take the risk of moving the students and professors to areas outside the island. There is someone who can help us: Seok, from the third class of the Elite Division.
I've heard from some students that he possesses a unique ability involving the creation of 'domes,' which can serve various purposes depending on his intent. From what I've gathered, he doesn't use these domes solely for defense or containment."
Jian Yi's words caught everyone's attention.
How could domes be used for anything other than defense? After all, they were accustomed to thinking of domes exclusively as tools for containment or protection—not for other functions.
As these questions swirled in their minds, Ruichi spoke up, his tone reflecting the general bewilderment:
"What do you mean by that?"
Jian Yi took a deep breath; he knew that what he was about to reveal might sound implausible, yet he decided to continue regardless.
"According to what I've heard, the domes he creates have the power to heal. He can manipulate all natural elements within their boundaries, and he's also capable of 'energy evacuation'—meaning he can strip a dome of all *qi*, mana, or ambient natural energy.
That's everything I've heard about his abilities. There are even claims that he was responsible for the destruction of half the city of Madinki—though the reason remains unknown to this day. That is precisely why we need him right now."
Silence fell following Jian Yi's statement; the information they had just heard came as a complete shock.
To possess such an ability made him a truly formidable—and terrifying—individual. He is considered a natural enemy to all combatants, from rank F all the way up to the rank of "Master of Rulers," without exception.
Nevertheless, they did not make his existence a cornerstone of their plan; the probability of his death remained high—especially since the number of students who had reached the "Master" rank was small, while most first-year students were of the "Legend" rank.
Consequently, the likelihood of his demise was indeed high.
Grey spoke calmly as he wiped the remaining blood from his sword and returned it to its sheath:
"We must find him before anything happens to him—that is, if he's even still alive."
Grey, Beatrice, Lucy, and Previka rose from their spots and headed toward the rest of their companions.
Their gazes remained sharp as they studied the model of Gigua Island for a few moments before departing; the battle was nearing its end.
---
Reinforcements from both sides were imminent. On one hand, a force of 700 fighters from the "Scorpion" organization was advancing, led by one of the commanders of the Scorpion Council—a figure known as "Scorpion: Shadow and Light," who held the designation "Number 5."
These numbers signified one's standing within the Scorpion organization; the closer a commander's number was to one, the higher their status within the Council.
The figure known as the "Heaven-Shattering Venerable" served as the central entity that bound the various parts of the organization together, exerting control over them all. Yet, no one ever mentioned him when discussing the Scorpion organization. They would often speak of its pincers, tail, legs, and eyes—yet rarely did anyone mention its body, which is represented by "Scorpion No. 1."
The leader of the diabolical Scorpion organization embodied the eyes—the eyes that observe every other part of the organization, dictating what should move and when.
He is ever-present, yet simultaneously absent; for eyes do not engage in direct, face-to-face combat.
"Scorpion: Shadow and Light" represents one of the two pincers—clamping down on enemies so that the tail may strike them down. This is illustrated by the relationship between Scorpions No. 3 and No. 4 on one side, and Scorpion No. 5 on the other; "Scorpion: Shadow and Light" and "Scorpion: Light and Shadow" serve to support the "Black and White Scorpion."
If this signifies anything, it is that "Scorpion: Shadow and Light" possesses a terrifying level of power—ranking among the five strongest individuals in an organization whose roots permeate the entire fantasy world they inhabit.
Such an achievement is staggering, and it is only natural that his arrival would stir the great powers into action.
From their perspective, it was logical for Reinhardt—the strongest human—to step forward to confront "Scorpion: Shadow and Light."
This alone confirms that he is an adversary who cannot be taken lightly—to say nothing of the reinforcements, a force of 700 fighters, who arrived to bolster the 116 operatives already stationed on the island of Gijua. Meanwhile, Seok and Suho were resting inside a concealment and isolation dome—one that Seok had crafted specifically for them—allowing them to catch their breath following a battle against a sudden, surprise wave of monsters.
Had they not possessed such unique domes, they would have perished long ago.
After all, both Seok and Suho were ordinary commoners; they harbored no sense of pride that might drive them to die for the sake of honor or dignity.
They had grown accustomed to groveling to get what they needed, and to fleeing whenever they were unable to face a confrontation.
To them, running away was never a source of shame; on the contrary, they took pride in their ability to survive.
While having the courage to fight is admirable, it takes even greater courage to cast aside one's honor and reputation—and to endure the judgment of others—all for the sake of survival.
Inside the dome, the healing energy was incredibly dense, drawing in restorative power from the surrounding environment; it made Seok and Suho feel as though they were floating in mid-air.
Their wounds healed with remarkable speed, and their strength began to return.
As they were only at the "Master" rank, their power remained limited—unlike those who had reached the "Expert Ruler" rank, who possessed an inexhaustible supply of energy.
Warriors pass through four fundamental stages in their evolution.
The first stage begins upon reaching F-rank, where they first learn to harness their internal power.
The second stage is reached upon attaining the rank of "Novice Ruler"—the pinnacle of the ordinary human realm.
The third stage is reached at the "Expert Ruler" rank, marking the zenith of the realm of superhumans.
The fourth stage begins at the "Master of Rulers" rank, from which one may ascend toward the "Boundless" rank.
These four stages represent the most significant milestones in any being's evolution—a progression from an ordinary human to one capable of wielding internal power, and ultimately to an entity capable of unleashing their full, absolute potential. Beyond that, he transforms from a mere human into an entity possessing terrifying power—one capable of transcending the limits of his own energy, rendering his strength boundless.
Ultimately, he evolves from a being with infinite energy into an absolute entity, one that surpasses the laws and concepts of his own world, opening the door to true transcendence and ascension.
Today, he walks upon the earth; tomorrow, he roams among mountains and rivers; and thereafter, he rises above all else, reaching a pinnacle where nothing can halt his progress.
At that height, he gains the ability to redefine everything—whether it exists or not.
This was the dream of every being who understood the true nature of power and genuine transcendence.
---
A faint smile appeared on Suho's face as he looked at Seok, who appeared exhausted from expending his energy to manifest various domes—some designed for healing, others for the dissipation of energy and elemental forces.
In a tone that blended relief with a touch of mockery, Suho remarked:
"I always forget that you possess such abilities. They are truly terrifying."
A cold, thin smile touched Seok's lips as he listened to Suho. He replied in a calm, yet simmering, tone:
"Yes, I know. Despite possessing a power never seen in any previous generation, I am still not treated with the same regard as the scions of the dukedoms or those of high social standing.
In this world of ours, talent alone counts for nothing." Even a pig, if fed the finest rare resources, could soar through the skies; yet for those of us with a low social standing—no matter how brilliant we may be—our light will never extend beyond the place where we were born, no matter how hard we try.
The world's gaze is reserved solely for those in positions of power, or those connected to individuals of high social status.
You will never see a beggar honored by the authorities simply for achieving a high score; such recognition is reserved exclusively for the children of the social elite."
Suho remained silent, unable to find a response.
Despite possessing unique abilities—ones unseen in any previous generation—Seok remained marginalized by the Academy.
He was treated no differently than any other student his age—as if he were entirely ordinary—even though he had reached the rank of 'Master' despite, by society's standards, lacking any significant talent.
His admission to the Versalkin Academy—specifically into its elite division—stood as the greatest achievement of his life.
Students there consumed rare, high-grade resources to bolster their strength, which enabled those at Versalkin Academy to attain remarkable power at a very young age.
As for those who rely on 'Qi' as the foundation of their strength, development is relatively easy and requires few resources in the early stages; however, it fails to provide the same advantages offered by other power systems. This situation persists until they reach the SSS++ rank, at which point things become significantly more difficult, as resources begin to play a crucial role in one's development.
A body that does not receive the necessary care will never develop as it should.
This holds true for those who rely on Qi or Mana as the foundation of their power—individuals who might train in the wilderness or borrow books from libraries to hone their abilities.
For those whose power is rooted in the cultivation of their "roots," a *dantian*, or a "primordial sea," the situation is different; failing to train properly from the very beginning leaves them lagging behind, placing them at a disadvantage compared to those who started earlier or progressed faster.
Throughout his time at Versalkin Academy, Seok remained marginalized, which led him to conceal his true capabilities from the other students.
If Versalkin Academy itself showed no interest in him—focusing instead on the scions of the great dukedoms and their associates, all of whom possessed terrifying talent—what could he possibly expect from anyone else?
In his view, any offer of support could easily turn into a form of exploitation by the very person who claimed to want to help him or appreciate his talent.
For this reason, he persevered, relying solely on his own efforts to reach the elite division.
As for his success on the written examination—where he achieved a score of 97%—it was the result of staying awake for days on end, barely sleeping at all, while using his own abilities to heal his body and restore his energy so that he could continue his studies.
Every success he attained, and everything he did to survive up to that point, was the result of his own unaided effort. No one helped him; even with Soho by his side, each had to rely solely on himself. His failure would not affect Soho in any way, just as his success would not directly impact him.
He had to endure marginalization, a lack of trust, and the various hardships he faced in life—all because, in the eyes of society, he possessed nothing more than an ordinary talent.
Securing the resources needed to study at the Versalkin Academy had been an incredibly difficult challenge.
Yet, there was one source of relief: he did not have to pay any tuition fees to attend the Versalkin Academy.
The academy was so immensely wealthy that it required no funding from anyone—not even from the Empire itself.
It sat atop more than twenty massive spiritual springs, in addition to the vast treasures that Zhao Li and Alessandra had amassed during their lifetimes in this mundane world.
For once, it felt as though the world had decided to show him a shred of compassion.
But that same world soon crushed him again, casting his abilities aside as if they were worthless—tossing them into the trash to ensure the spotlight remained fixed on those of higher social standing, leaving him to languish in the shadows, no matter how great his talent might truly be.