Chapter 39

For the plan to work, I first needed to separate Seo Jiha and Gangcheol.

However, that was a significant challenge.

‘All the methods I can attempt now carry great risk.’

It was a given. In fact, if I didn’t have knowledge of the entire series, it would have been a task so difficult I wouldn’t have even been able to attempt it.

To try and do this with my current, insufficient specs—anyone seeing it would likely curse me for being out of my mind.

‘But, I have no choice.’

After having Yoo Ain guard the entrance to the hospital room, I approached the bedside where Seo Jiha lay asleep, with Seo Jian by my side.

“What should I do?”

“I need Natural-Type Sorcery. I’ll teach you the Art Formula, so assist me with it.”

There were three crucial things.

Separating Gangcheol’s main body from Seo Jiha’s physical form. Then, transferring the detached Gangcheol into the Cheongsimok. And finally, protecting Seo Jiha’s body throughout the process.

The likely reason Seo Jiha’s body was so damaged was its inability to withstand the immense Fire Energy contained within Gangcheol’s body.

Just looking at her Life Returner Trait made it clear. Seo Jiha had undoubtedly survived countless life-threatening crises, knowingly or unknowingly, until now.

“During the ritual, the Fire Energy within her body will run wild. You need to suppress it with your Water Qi.”

“…Understood.”

While Seo Jiha, the subject of the ritual, was important, Seo Jian’s role was equally crucial. If she got caught up in the flow of Fire Energy, everyone present could be in danger.

“Then I’ll begin.”

The Cursed Technique I could handle best right now was none other than a Forbidden Art.

Therefore, I would now use a forbidden ancient sorcery to split Gangcheol’s soul in half.

‘The soul Forbidden Curse that appears later in Part 3.’

The Sorcerer who used that Art Formula literally divided their own soul and transferred it into two separate bodies.

And using that Trait, they deceived everyone and caused incidents.

‘The situation is different, but it can be sufficiently utilized in a case like this.’

First, split Gangcheol’s soul in half, then transfer only one half into the Cheongsimok.

One might wonder if there’s a reason to go to such lengths, but to be more precise, it was the only way.

‘Gangcheol’s soul has been attached to Seo Jiha’s body for a long time for its resurrection.’

It’s highly likely it has already mixed to some extent with Seo Jiha’s soul. Frankly, completely separating Gangcheol was difficult to consider possible, given the difference in the size of the souls themselves.

However, it wasn’t impossible to detach and transfer a portion of it.

‘If the Fire Energy eroding her body decreases, Seo Jiha’s symptoms should ease somewhat.’

It was a plan worth attempting.

I took a small box from my pocket and immediately opened the lid.

【Water Dragon Herb】

▶ A seaweed imbued with abundant water energy. Shows excellent effects in enhancing Spiritual Power and affinity for water-element attributes.

One of the remaining Spiritual Elixirs I had obtained from Cheong Soha months ago.

I originally brought it thinking I’d give it to Seo Jian as the time seemed right, but given the circumstances, I planned to utilize it differently.

“Can you extract the Water Qi contained here and directly infuse it into Seo Jiha? It doesn’t have to be perfect; just let it seep near her heart.”

“…I’ll try.”

Whoosh.

About ten minutes passed. Seo Jian, who had been sweating profusely with both hands placed on the Water Dragon Herb and Seo Jiha’s chest, opened her closed eyes and spoke to me.

Ssshh.

“It seems roughly done.”

With that, all preliminary preparations were complete.

I drew up the Spiritual Power within my body and simultaneously began burning the vengeful spirits bound inside me using the Soul Combustion Trait.

Whoosh.

Fwoosh!

The timing was fortunate. If I hadn’t obtained the Soul Combustion Trait, I surely would have lacked Spiritual Power.

“Hoo.”

Taking a deep breath from the surging Spiritual Power, I burned more vengeful spirits.

What I was about to use was, strictly speaking, a high-difficulty Forbidden Art. Therefore, I needed to replenish my Spiritual Power as much as possible without holding back.

Fwoosh.

Fwooosh.

Finally, when Spiritual Power filled me to the point of being hard to contain, I began constructing the prepared Art Formula and slowly channeled it into Seo Jiha’s body.

“Spirit Devouring Formation, Soul Spirit Gluttony.”

An Art Formula I had also used in the previous fight with Kongsami.

First, I would use this to stimulate and draw out the soul of the lesser dragon Gangcheol hiding within Seo Jiha’s body.

For an ordinary person, their mind would begin to burn from this process alone, but with my limit-level Forbidden Technique Value, I was sure I could endure it.

‘…Found it.’

Whoosh.

A soul with a foreign feel, holding its breath amidst Seo Jiha’s soul.

Just from the momentary contact, I could sense its ferocity and immense power.

And as I began to seriously stimulate Gangcheol, vast amounts of Fire Energy began to emanate from within Seo Jiha’s body.

Fwooosh!

“H-heup.”

“Ugh.”

Seo Jian and I simultaneously flinched. After a brief moment of checking the situation, Seo Jian immediately began using an Art Formula to neutralize the Fire Energy.

Whoosh.

Pssshhh.

Thanks to the effect of the Water Dragon Herb infused into her body, she was still maintaining stability, but if the ritual dragged on, who knew what would happen. I had to finish this as quickly as possible.

‘Huup.’

Fwoosh.

I activated the Soul Combustion Trait once more to increase the output of the Art Formula.

Then, a definite reaction gradually began to occur.

Thump.

Thud.

Thud.

Something like the sound of a massive creature’s heartbeat struck my ears.

And the expression of Seo Jiha, lying on the hospital bed, contorted as she began to show signs of agony.

Fwooosh!

“Ugh……”

The amount of Fire Energy being emitted also increased noticeably. Gangcheol’s soul had recognized us and begun to react.

Seeing Seo Jian starting to frown, I proceeded without delay to the next stage of the ritual.

Whoosh.

Zzzzzzzzzz!

Gangcheol’s soul, caught in the Soul Spirit Gluttony Art Formula, was instinctively trying to devour my soul and mind.

So, seizing that opening, I had to split Gangcheol’s consciousness in half and transfer it into the Cheongsimok.

Throb.

Throb.

‘Kgh.’

As expected, it’s tougher than I thought. Even with the full benefit of my Forbidden Technique Value correction, my head was already starting to ache severely.

Enduring it somehow, I began to deploy the next prepared Art Formula.

Whoosh.

Tzzzzzzz.

“The Art of Soul Splitting.”

Originally, it was an extremely dangerous sorcery, both difficult to master and use, hence designated as a Forbidden Art.

However, since it was an Art Formula I had used at least once in the game, I could understand its content and structure through my Intracranial Spell Repository Trait.

Therefore, I was sure I could succeed.

Fsssssh!

Zzzzzzzzz─!

The atmosphere vibrated, and a cry akin to someone’s scream pierced my ears.

But Gangcheol’s soul was not yet split. It was merely filled with rage, unleashing even more power.

Whoosh.

“The Art of Soul Splitting.”

Zzzzzzzz─!

My head throbbed even more. The recoil from using the Forbidden Art was also affecting me.

But right now, the one having the hardest time was Seo Jiha, who was enduring this impact. I couldn’t complain.

Whoosh.

Fwooosh.

Having replenished the consumed Spiritual Power with the Soul Combustion Trait again, I recited the Incantation Trigger for the Art Formula once more.

“The Art of Soul Splitting.”

Psssh.

Zzzzzzzzzz!

This time, the reaction was quite significant. It definitely took damage. As expected, Gangcheol’s soul wasn’t in a very intact state either.

However, perhaps sensing instinctive danger from the last strike, an explosive amount of Fire Energy began to erupt from Seo Jiha’s body.

Fwoooooosh─!

Crack!

Crash!

“…Ugh.”

Thud.

The equipment inside the isolation room began to break one by one. Simultaneously, Seo Jian also slumped in her seat, sweating profusely.

A quick glance showed her condition was quite dangerous. It seemed her limit was approaching.

‘…Just a little more push is needed.’

As if sensing my urgency, someone within the shadows began to react. It was Kongsam.

“Come out.”

Fwoosh!

Somehow creating an opening, I Summoned it from the shadows. As if waiting for this moment, Kongsam inhaled and began absorbing all the nearby Fire Energy.

Huuuup.

Ssssssss.

Come to think of it, Fire Goblins also have a knack for handling Fire Energy. Delighted by this unexpected fortune, I once again poured all my strength into activating the sorcery.

Whoosh.

“The Art of Soul Splitting!”

Fsssssh!

Zzzzzzzzz─!

I realized it intuitively. Success.

And as if to prove it, the distinctly clearer lament of a soul resonated within the isolation room.

[Kieeeek─!]

I couldn’t miss this moment. I hurriedly took the Cheongsimok hanging around my neck out from under my clothes and placed it near Seo Jiha’s heart.

Whoosh.

Gangcheol’s soul, split in half, was in an extremely unstable state.

The half still attached to Seo Jiha’s body would gradually stabilize, but the detached half couldn’t do so.

And one of the materials of this Cheongsimok was a fragment of a Yeoijoo.

Naturally drawn by the familiar power, Gangcheol’s half-soul was sucked into the Cheongsimok and settled there.

It was quite close, but ultimately, it was a success.

“…Hoo. Huh. Is that it?”

“The procedure succeeded. Fortunately, it seems Seo Jiha endured as well.”

I hadn’t noticed at all while concentrating, but now I saw my clothes were completely soaked with sweat. It meant I had overcome an equally arduous obstacle.

“Kongsam.”

“…Burn it.”

Huuuuup.

Having Kongsam completely absorb the remaining Fire Energy in the surroundings, I tried to get up but caught Seo Jian, who staggered and was about to fall.

Thump.

“Are you okay?”

“…….”

Leaning against me and exhaling, Seo Jian eventually uttered just one sincere word.

“Thank you.”

For some reason, it carried a slightly different resonance from all the words of thanks I had heard until now.

“How is Jiha’s condition?”

“According to the attending physician, she has improved significantly. You don’t need to worry too much.”

Several hours had already passed since finishing Seo Jiha’s treatment.

Outside was completely dark, and Seo Jian and I were recovering our depleted stamina and resting.

‘Half of Gangcheol still remains within Seo Jiha’s body, but at that level, it shouldn’t be an immediate problem.’

Until now, her condition hadn’t improved due to the Fire Energy eroding her body, but Seo Jiha’s body, having adapted to it to some extent, would probably be able to handle it sufficiently.

So now, only one problem remained.

‘Somehow blocking the enemy.’

I also considered having everyone avoid the place altogether, but that was indeed impossible right now.

Since Gangcheol’s soul, which had been mixed into her own body, had been forcibly torn out, Seo Jiha needed absolute stability for the time being.

In other words, it meant we ultimately had no choice but to face the enemies here today.

‘…We just have to try.’

A battle where we might even lose our lives was now right before us.