Chapter 26

The original owner of the Phantom Body Trait I possess, Severed Shadow.

She, who also held the position of a boss character in the fourth installment of the Exorcism Academy Series, had one peculiarity.

• Damn, Severed Shadow keeps reviving even after you kill her once.

• The real fight starts from phase 2. The Phantom Body Trait is seriously broken;

• When I first played and saw her health bar, I thought there wouldn’t be a phase 2, but reality…

Exorcism Academy 4 was a sequel notorious for its exceptionally brutal difficulty throughout the entire series.

And even within that notoriously difficult fourth installment, Severed Shadow was considered one of the particularly tough bosses to clear.

The reason was simple.

‘Because the second phase that begins after the first victory is overwhelmingly powerful.’

As mentioned, the soul of one who possesses the Phantom Body Trait belongs to the shadow. That is, it meant the source of life was not the physical body, but the shadow.

‘Therefore, the moment life departs from the physical body, the immense power contained within the shadow surges in to fill that void.’

A state where the boundary between body and shadow is disrupted, causing the vast energy that had been lying hidden to overflow. That was the second phase of the Phantom Body Trait.

‘Frankly, it was half a gamble.’

But there was a basis for it.

Having lived with the trait for a long time, my mastery of the Phantom Body Trait itself was superior even to Severed Shadow’s.

So, I didn’t think the second phase, which applied to Severed Shadow, would be impossible for me.

In the original work, Han Kangyoon ultimately died, but that was likely because he failed to unlock the Phantom Body Trait. In the Exorcism Academy Series, the setting was that an Unopened Trait only imposed penalties on its possessor, offering no beneficial effects whatsoever.

Slither.

Glancing down, my shadow was undulating with a ferocious momentum, as if possessing its own will. It was definitely the second phase I knew.

‘Anyway, that’s the enemy.’

Even at a glance, it was clearly extraordinary.

It seemed Choi Dowon and Baek Jieun had been taken down without even inflicting significant damage.

‘Appraisal.’

【Keuseundae】

▶Level 64

▶Stats

【Health : A+】

【Monstrous Power : S】

【Art Formula : A】

【Mental Strength : B】

▶Traits (7/10)

【Battle Qi Gluttony (S)】

【Emotion Devouring (S)】

【Grudge Specter (B+)】

【Shock Absorption (B+)】

【Output Enhancement (B-)】

【Monstrous Strength (C+)】

【Strong Body (C-)】

‘…I’m dead.’

It’s a definite S-Rank level Specter. An opponent difficult to even hold off unless a Special-Rank Exorcist arrives. Stiffening my expression at its imposing presence beyond my expectations.

‘Damn, did my plan fail?’

But right then, the form of Keuseundae, which had been standing dazedly, began to distort as if wavering.

Realizing my final move had taken effect, I used Appraisal once more.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding.

【Keuseundae】

▶Level 64(49)

▶Stats

【Health : A+(B+)】

【Monstrous Power : S(A-)】

【Art Formula : A(B-)】

【Mental Strength : B(C-)】

▶Traits (7/10)

【Battle Qi Gluttony (S)】 【Locked】

【Emotion Devouring (S)】

【Grudge Specter (B+)】

【Shock Absorption (B+)】 【Locked】

【Output Enhancement (B-)】

【Monstrous Strength (C+)】 【Locked】

【Strong Body (C-)】

‘…Success. It’s definitely weakened.’

Due to my interference, most of the four Sacrifices failed to fulfill their roles.

And before the Cursed Technique transferred from Han Seoa could be completed through me, I expended my life force to the limit using the Forbidden Art of Life Substitution.

Naturally, there would have been a corresponding loss in the energy required for resurrection as well.

In other words, even if the ritual was somehow activated, it was not in a complete state.

“…O-oppa.”

“I told you it would work out fine.”

I lightly tapped the head of Han Seoa, who was approaching me with an incredulous look.

With just a light activation of a technique, the exhausted Han Seoa easily fell into sleep.

“Fierce Wolf.”

Whoosh!

The remaining one, excluding the one Spirit Dismissed by Choi Dowon.

As I sent a mental command, the Fierce Wolf that leaped from the shadow disappeared into the forest, taking Han Seoa and the other two with it.

‘I thought it would attack immediately.’

Keuseundae.

A Specter comparable to S-Rank, buried beneath Yeongwoldo.

But now, weakened, it’s unexpectedly hesitant to approach, instead probing me.

Probably due to the imperfect resurrection, it’s likely unable to make rational judgments.

Nevertheless, it must be sensing to some extent.

That my current state is far from ordinary.

‘Appraisal.’

Ding.

【Han Kangyoon】

▶Level 29(36)

▶Stats

【Health : C+(B-)】

【Spiritual Power : C(A)】

【Art Formula : C(C+)】

【Mental Strength : C(A+)】

▶Traits (3/10)

【Phantom Body (S)】

【Intracranial Spell Repository (B)】

【Life Returner (B-)】

Thanks to the power contained within the shadow gushing forth completely, my stats are temporarily experiencing an explosive surge.

‘Gained another trait too.’

I know about the Life Returner Trait. A trait obtainable with a certain probability when one returns alive from an unavoidable death situation.

It has a decent effect of enhancing life-sustaining power, allowing one to endure wounds, illnesses, or various physical limits better than others.

‘Overall, my specs have inflated quite a bit.’

While I don’t know the exact figures, at this level, the growth margin was far greater than that of Severed Shadow, the trait’s original owner.

‘There will be aftereffects from the second phase later, but thanks to this, I have a chance.’

Of course, even with this, my specs still don’t match up to the professors’. And it’s certainly not enough to face Keuseundae, originally S-Rank, even if its resurrection was imperfect.

It’s just hesitating to move rashly in an unfamiliar situation. If Keuseundae realizes that, it will undoubtedly charge immediately.

But, with this much, it was worth a try.

From the beginning, I had never once fought relying on my own specs in the battles so far.

“Mind Fox. Phantom Wood Hungry Ghost. Doodoori.”

Whoosh!

[Kking.]

[Guuuu…]

[Gguek!]

In response to my call, three Shikigami leaped forth from the shadows undulating all around.

‘This won’t be enough.’

Of course, this isn’t the end. The two most powerful Shikigami I possess still remain.

“Old Man Tree Specter. Great Peak’s Molt.”

Whooshaaak—!

As the shadow surged, a giant humanoid Shikigami, resembling a fusion of a rhinoceros and a goblin, leaped out.

It was the last of the trump cards like Mind Fox and Doodoori.

The one called the molt shed by a mountain, Great Peak’s Molt.

[Groooooo.]

Even its low roar distinctly gave the sensation of the very atmosphere trembling.

On the shoulder of that massive body, the Old Man Tree Specter I had contracted before was perched as if it were a king.

[Kehihik.]

A quick glance suggested the battle at the central hall was nearing its end. Time was quite tight.

‘If it absorbs suitable nourishment, Keuseundae will gradually regain its original power.’

Human lives or the Spectral Energy of other Specters—nourishment is realistically scattered all over the place.

Therefore, I had to prevent the situation where Bihyeong retrieves Keuseundae, restores it, and returns it to its complete state.

‘Nothing special about it.’

Anyway, the so-called second phase doesn’t last that long.

A short decisive battle.

I had to settle this quickly.

“Old Man Tree Specter.”

As I called its name, Old Man Tree Specter shook its head with a reluctant expression.

Even at a glance, the opponent looked immensely powerful. Naturally, it wouldn’t want to fight.

But anyway, Old Man Tree Specter’s soul is completely bound to me.

“If you don’t want to die first, quickly cast a Curse.”

[Kehik.]

Finally conceding, Old Man Tree Specter reluctantly signaled the start of the battle.

Fsssh!

Normally, no matter how weakened, Old Man Tree Specter’s Curse wouldn’t have been very effective.

But Keuseundae let out an agonized shriek.

Because with its soul bound to me, Old Man Tree Specter also received the adjustment of the Forbidden Technique Value.

[──!]

Uttering an incomprehensible sound, Keuseundae closed the distance at a nearly invisible speed.

But Great Peak’s Molt, which had received instructions beforehand, blocked it.

[Groh!]

Kwaang!

Great Peak’s Molt’s entire body was now swirling with a fiery red light. To tell the truth, it was indeed combusting.

‘About ten minutes, I suppose.’

I previously referred to Doodoori as a consumable Shikigami.

But in a sense, Great Peak’s Molt has an even shorter lifespan than Doodoori.

For only ten minutes, it burns its own body to pour out power beyond its limits—a true short-decisive-battle-type Shikigami.

Naturally, during those ten minutes, it can exert power stronger than any other Shikigami I possess.

Kwaaang!

Ujigeun!

After a brief contest of strength, Great Peak’s Molt, pushed back by Keuseundae, smashed through several trees and was slammed into the ground.

But that was enough.

[──!]

[…Guuuu.]

Whoosh!

Mind Fox emitted a wave of malicious thoughts, disturbing Keuseundae’s nerves, and in that opening, Phantom Wood Hungry Ghost spewed black mist, just like it did with Cheong Haram.

I wasn’t idle either.

“Illusory Dream.”

Hooong.

The Cheong Family’s unique Intermediate-Rank Barrier Technique, Illusory Dream.

Keuseundae, trapped within it, instantly shattered the Barrier with one hand. Simultaneously, enduring damage, it plunged into the black mist and ambushed Phantom Wood Hungry Ghost.

Kwaak!

[…Guuuu!]

Phantom Wood Hungry Ghost, with weak durability, vanished on the spot, but in that opening, Old Man Tree Specter’s Curse struck again. Great Peak’s Molt, having regained its senses, also charged immediately.

[Kehik!]

[Grooo!]

Kwaang!

Perhaps annoyed by Old Man Tree Specter dealing the most damage, Keuseundae, even while locked in the contest of strength, emitted a vicious Spectral Energy and shot a Curse at Old Man Tree Specter.

[──!]

But on this side, there is the Counter-Type Shikigami Doodoori.

[Gguek!]

Ggulleong.

Taking a deep breath, Doodoori sucked in the Curse and shot it back at Keuseundae with even greater force.

[Ggueooeok!]

Whoosh!

Doodoori, having accumulated damage from the previous battle with Old Man Tree Specter, was finally Spirit Dismissed after that one counterattack, melting away as if dispersing.

But the effect was significant.

[──!]

Because Keuseundae began staggering, letting out a sharp shriek.

It had definitely taken a hit.

Seizing the opportunity, I began pouring on a fierce assault alongside my Shikigami.

[──!]

[Kehik.]

“Fear-Bringing Delusion.”

Fsssh!

Keuseundae, being pummeled by the onslaught of attacks, barely gathered its strength and slammed the ground.

Kooong!

Then, the earth surged from all sides, covering me, who was commanding the Shikigami.

It seemed to be one of the Art Formulas it possessed as its original Specter form.

“Wall of Azure Heavens.”

Hooong!

But I, who had been anxiously waiting for an attack, swiftly succeeded in deploying a defensive Art Formula. The moment I took a proper hit even once, everything would be over, so I couldn’t afford to let my guard down.

Keuseundae, its crucial move having missed, was struggling to exert its power.

If there was an opportunity, it was right now.

‘Old Man Tree Specter.’

Old Man Tree Specter, having sensed my will, began preparing the most powerful Curse it could use.

And I, having also finished preparations, began reciting an Incantation, filling it with the overflowing Spiritual Power.

“…Mangraedohon Banhaldogeo.”

Spiritual Power began to swirl violently around me, and Great Peak’s Molt, which had been maintaining the contest of strength, dyed its entire body red and, while holding onto Keuseundae, ran off somewhere.

[Grooo—!]

Thud!

Kooong!

Thud!

Even as its body was torn apart by Keuseundae’s fierce resistance, Great Peak’s Molt stubbornly succeeded in pushing its opponent into the intended place.

Right inside the earthen mound from which Keuseundae had emerged.

Immediately after, Old Man Tree Specter’s Curse, unleashed with all its might, was shot towards Keuseundae.

[Kehik!]

[──!]

Great Peak’s Molt, which had been suppressing Keuseundae, reached its limit and began to vanish.

But in return, Keuseundae was left with a perfect opening, unable to even defend against the attack.

Right at that timing, I recited the Incantation Trigger for the high-level technique I had prepared.

It was a ritual to appease spirits and send souls back.

The complete opposite domain of the resurrection technique, Reverse Soul Summoning, that revived Keuseundae.

“Reverse Soul Return to Ashes.”

Fsssh.

Hooong!

[───!!]

Keuseundae, taking it head-on, let out a groaning sound as if its soul were being pulled out and flailed about.

Its body, shrouded in black mist, gradually cracked and crumbled.

The hastily constructed flesh could no longer contain that soul.

Watching that spectacle, I softly called the last Shikigami that had been hiding all along.

“Earth Rat.”

Kooong.

Kwagwang!

With the sound of the ground collapsing, Keuseundae, along with the earthen mound, disappeared straight into the earth.

While I couldn’t completely destroy its soul, with this, it won’t emerge into the world again.

‘Unless someone summons it again, that is.’

Frankly, I was lucky.

Above all, the fact that the Battle Qi Gluttony Trait, which swells its own power by using the opponent’s attacks as nourishment, was in a Locked state was a huge factor.

‘Even in a greatly weakened state, it was this much.’

Being S-Rank, it likely originally possessed reason as well. But due to the imperfect resurrection, it seemed only the instinctual aspects awakened first.

If only I could contract it, it would have been a great asset, but unfortunately, the timing isn’t good. I’m already about to face the aftereffects of the second phase soon. Attempting to contract such a powerful opponent without proper preparation would be far too risky.

‘I’m tempted, but right now, it’s not even certain if I could handle it or not.’

Basically, since it’s an existence of a higher grade than me, if it were to regain the reason it hadn’t awakened, there’s no telling what would happen. If fate wills it, there will be another opportunity someday.

‘…Speaking of which, my side is almost annihilated.’

I lost all Shikigami except for Mind Fox, Old Man Tree Specter, and Earth Rat.

But, nevertheless, I ultimately succeeded in the gamble. I, who was supposed to die here, survived, and Han Seoa, who became the substitute, also survived.

‘With this, my future has changed.’

A victory obtained by pouring out everything I had, a step forward just as precious.

But, it wasn’t completely over yet.

Feeling the strength gradually draining from my body, I swiftly constructed a new Art Formula.

‘Art of Clairvoyance.’

Hooong.

Surveying the surroundings with expanded vision, as expected, I saw Bihyeong confronting the protagonist Yoo Haon and his party.

Having fought repeatedly with the faculty and escaped, Bihyeong’s condition wasn’t good, but the state of Yoo Haon’s party was even worse.

Originally, Bihyeong should have left the island after Yoo Haon’s final blow with his awakened Demon-Suppressing Trait. But now, Yoo Haon doesn’t possess that Demon-Suppressing Trait to deliver that one blow.

“Old Man Tree Specter.”

[Kehik?]

“Prepare just one more final blow.”

Therefore, I must create that blow in his stead.