The 31st Piece Overturns the Game Board

Chapter 104

Mirei had hidden many things from Seol thus far.

And she still wanted Seol to trust her and continue the experiment? If a hundred transferees were asked this question, all one hundred of them would refuse.

Ill do it.

What?

I told you, Ill do the experiment.

Like always, Seols decision went against expectations.

- I cant believe he fell for her

- He should just run away, though Malacus was fucking scary

- Doesnt matter~ Hell just shit on him with the Exceptional Skill.

- Doesnt matter~ It wont work on him~

- Doesnt matter~ Can you guys stop?

- Doesnt matter~ Ok.

Well, alright. If youve already decided, theres no need to waste time. My hideout is over there.

The house was made out of lumped-together trees. Even if the vegetation around the house was covering it, the house was built way too carelessly.

Dont you think that its too obvious?

"I used some tricks so that the hunters wouldnt see it even if they looked at it head-on. Well at least it has worked so far.

Mirei stretched and continued talking.

There isnt much time left until they find us. Especially Malacus, he doesnt know when to give up. I just got the short end of the stick, having him chase me Regardless, theyll likely find this place soon."

Then, are we starting the experiment right away?

Were not. We might be short on time, but theres still one important thing left before we can begin.

What?

This experiment wont be successful if youre the only person ready. Your partner needs to be ready, too. Also, you dont even know how this experiment works. Now that Im saying it out loud, youre a dude without backup plans. Did you really agree to it when you dont know what wed be doing?

- Ill do it.

- The experim What?

Seol asked her a question.

Well, I had a rough idea. You want me to do something while Im in the false-death state, right?

Exactly. Im glad that you can at least read between the lines. Youre ready for death, huh? Alright, then Ill explain exactly how it will progress.

Mirei began by asking Seol a question.

What do you think is waiting for you after death?

I dont know.

Yeah, and I, someone who has died before, dont know either. I'm also sure that your shadows dont remember, either. We have no idea whether the dead drift endlessly in a void or if theres a world exclusive to them, since we cant remember.

She smiled then placed a hand on the tense Seols shoulder.

Dont worry, though. Based on the instruction manual, the False-Death Inducing Device wont actually kill you. It just brings you close to death, then makes you dive into your deep consciousness.

Deep consciousness?

Basically, its the deepest, darkest part of you. Something that isnt expressed logically, but with your heart. Anyway, theres a small side effect during that process

Ha. There are side effects, too?

Yeah. Basically, its difficult to enter your deep consciousness because its so painful. It succeeds maybe one every one hundred attempts?

...Didnt you say were short on time?

Tadah! Thats why I needed this medicine.

Mirei flashed Gunts Sleeping Medicine.

Youre not feeding me that, are you?

Yeah, I am.

- And for that reason, Im out.

- The experim What?

Gunts medicine puts people to sleep before turning them into smelly, pus-covered monsters.

And right now, Mirei was trying to feed that medicine to Seol.

Are you out of your mind?

Calm down. Why do you think its called Medicine? I acquired a small amount of this medicine last time and analyzed it. Based on my research, you wont experience any side effects as long as you can wake up from sleep on your own. So, as long as you can control it, this medicine wont only be an effective sedative, but also the best painkiller.

Like you said, isnt that only if you wake up?

Are you not going to wake up then? Youll die if you dont wake up.

Its not like I can wake up just because I want to, though.

Dont worry so much. The False-Death Inducing Device and this medicine synergize well with each other. They cover each others weaknesses.

I dont think its that simple, but alright, what now?

Mirei put up a finger.

First, youll take this medicine and dive into your deep consciousness using the False-Death Inducing Device.

She then put up another finger.

Also, it wont be just you, but also one of your shadows.

My shadow?

Yup. This experiment tests whether the shadow and shadow summoner can coexist, after all.

Why just one, though?

Oh, thats an easy question. Its because the False-Death Inducing Device is for two people.

Ah

We could forcibly try including more shadows, but because we dont know what side effects would occur if we do that, well just have to pretend that option doesnt exist.

I understand. What next?

She then put up three fingers.

Your deep consciousness, like how I mentioned earlier, will bring out any terrible regrets or memories you have. It will also try to keep you there. If you can escape, the experiment will end.

Its much simpler than I thought.

"It isnt. It's like saying, 'Ill conquer the world,' which is different from actually accomplishing it. Now, while I prepare the experiment, I need you to choose which shadow youll enter there with."

Understood.

* * *

Karen, Karuna, and Jamad.

The three of them left the hideout with Seol, all with dissatisfied looks on their faces.

Im telling you, we couldnt leave the Shadow Space the moment that hunter bastard showed up.

Master, hes dangerous. I wont be able to protect you.

As this was their first conversation after being hunted by Malacus, it was obvious that the conversation revolved around that.

Master, do we have to do this? Can we just not do it?

I agree with Karen. While facing the Shadow Hunters again is certainly dangerous, right now, this experiment is much more dangerous.

Seol nodded.

I know. But thats why we have to do it.

How come?

Because this will be a huge stepping stone to reach my goals.

...I guess we have no choice then. Lets do it.

There was no time for them to go back and forth like this.

The moment Seol finished preparing, the experiments would begin immediately.

We have to choose wholl go with me. All of you heard about what the experiment entails, right?

The shadow who would enter the deep consciousness with Seol would have to die once more.

I dont want to die again

Now that youve mentioned it, what does it feel like to die?

Are you curious about that, Master?

Of course, after all, Im about to die right now.

Hm So, if I have to describe it its like the ground you were walking on suddenly disappeared.

It was a hard to describe feeling.

Karen continued trying to describe it, bringing her hand to her chin.

Its like swoosh boom it kind of feels like nothings supporting you?

So what supported you disappearing What else?

Honestly, that was all I felt when I died. I was furious, the world around me turned red, and before I realized it, I lost consciousness. That was it.

Do you remember anything else? Like an afterlife or something?

You believe in something like that? Hm Well, it could exist. I just dont remember. Or maybe my memories were erased?

Karuna spoke after Karen.

Its the same for me, as well. My world turned black, and my head felt clear for a second before I lost consciousness entirely. Nothing felt particularly special.

I agree. Theres nothing special about dying. Its the fate of all living creatures, after all.

Jamad as well

As Seol combined their statements, he realized that he didnt need to worry too much about what would happen afterward.

Ill experience it one day anyway.

As Seol thought, Karen spoke up.

Ill Ill do it.

What?

The False-Death Inducing Device or whatever it was called Ill enter it with Master.

No, Karen. Anyone but you.

Karuna?

Karuna was opposed to Karen.

Why?

Did you not hear? Itll bring back your most painful memories. What memory do you think would be brought up if you go in that?

......

The memory of the usurpers taking Jin from her.

It was clear that it would be that, but could Karen overcome it?

She wasnt confident that she could.

Thats why Ill go.

No, you cant go either.

This time, Jamad refuted Karuna.

I dont remember anything other than what happened in Montra. Thats why

What if the deep consciousness pulls out something youve forgotten?

Then

If it brings out something youve forgotten to hurt you, you might also fall.

That wont happen

Are you sure that wont happen? This isnt just your life on the line, but all of ours.

......

Jamad stood up.

Ill go.

What?

Jamad!

I remember everything Ive been through since I was born. I can overcome any memories that may be used to hurt me. After all, I overcame them once already.

......

No complaints, right? Then its decided. Ill do it.

- Theyre all begging to die wtf

- But if I was the summoner in this situation and my summons were acting like this, Id be touched.

- Get out of my way! Im going to be the one that dies!

Mirei notified Seol that the experiment was ready, prompting Seol and Jamad to enter the wooden house.

The device looks rather eerie.

I agree.

She awkwardly laughed at Seol and Jamads complaints, then proceeded to bind their bodies with steel chains, securing them further with a lock.

What are you doing, woman?

It might get troublesome if you move around and accidentally break the device before you escape.

Hmph! Theres nothing that I, Jamad, cant escape.

Regardless, let me warn you both before you enter.

What is it?

You will see each others most terrible memories. Through that, you will understand each other. However, you mustnt help each other haphazardly.

Why not?

"If you haphazardly intervene in their memory to help them, not only could your partner succumb to their memory but also you. And if that happens, youll both die."

Seol looked at the Sleeping Medicine.

Knowing how dangerous it was, it was hard for him to put a good expression on his face.

Mirei, seeing that, spoke to Seol.

Trust me. This might be for my research, but its also a good opportunity for you. I want you to know that I would never intentionally harm you.

...Okay.

[You have acquired Mirei, the Shadow Summoner as a helper.]

[Mirei, the Shadow Summoner is a Heroic rank.]

[Helpers have a chance of appearing in all Adventures.]

[They will help you differently based on their favorability toward you.]

After saying that, she became listed as Seols helper. Seol, seeing that message, confidently nodded.

Gulp Gulp

Seol and Jamad both drank the Sleeping Medicine.

Hummmmm

The False-Death Inducing Device ran.

Crackle

Seol could feel himself drifting from reality.

Now, I hope you enjoy your time in the sea of oblivion and emptiness.

Crackle

Zap!

With the sound of a bulb popping, the world turned to black.

Beeeeeeeeeep

- What the hell? Why are we left behind here?

- God damn it I should just go to sleep.

- I knew this would happen, fuck

* * *

Drip.

Drip.

It sounded as if water was dripping down in a dark and clammy room.

[[Davurg, the Plateau's End, asked you a question. How do you respond?]

1. This was not my will.

2. You are correct, Davurg. You will die today, right here.

3. Davurg, please, calm down.

4. It is unfortunate that things have become like this. However, wouldnt you agree that you are at fault, too?

]

Option 2. Ill choose option 2.

Yeah. Weve come this far. We should see it through to the end with Davurg, right?

A good choice! Hahaha!

Seol nodded back.

Before Seol realized it, a snowman mask had covered his face.

Seol returned to his heyday, back when he was a winner who hadnt experienced defeat.

Seol saw multiple options.

Option 1. Ill go with option 1.

Alright!

This is perfect!

Lets go option 3.

"Looking at it again, I don't think hes made a single mistake!"

At this rate

Option 5.

Option 7.

In the end, Seols piece had successfully landed an attack on Davurg.

[[Davurg pleads for mercy. It's a completely unexpected situation. What end will you grant him?]

1. There is no mercy. Finish it.

]

Option 1.

Of course! There will only be trouble in the future if we spare him now.

I cant believe Davurg is dying here! He killed so many of my pieces!

I never thought Id see Davurg die with my own eyes.

Everyone, come watch this! Snowmans about to kill Davurg!

No way! Davurg is going to die?

Where?! Where are

It was

It was always like this.

He was always surrounded by them, receiving endless praise and basking in eyes filled with admiration.

There were also individuals who waited for his fall and were envious of him, too, though.

However, that didnt matter to Seol. Something that small didn't matter.

I just have to enjoy it.

The piece started moving.

Crackle

Huh? Now that I think about it

Crackle

It felt like Seol was on the verge of recalling a certain memory.

Troll a small troll

It was the memory of a small troll, a long time ago

It was a memory of being with that troll

Whats wrong, Snowman?

Seol gave a big smile.

Its nothing. Just for a second, I

Crackle

The memory of helping that troll.

I just felt like I had forgotten something. Its probably just in my head, though. Lets continue.

Alright!

Thud!