Chapter 167
'I've only just taken the first step...'
At the pinnacle of this realm, he would be able to project his power to everywhere his eyes could see, and even beyond to unseen parts of the world.
But as mentioned, he had just taken the first step.
He couldn't completely transcend the rules of the world yet.
'At best... my physical body and internal energy will be the current limit.'
Even so, this alone marked a significant change.
'From now on... I'll be able to handle Extreme Force.'
Extreme Force was, as the name implied, power that had reached the limits of energy manipulation.
Naturally, it wasn't called the pinnacle of force without reason.
'It's on a completely different level compared to ordinary force manipulation.'
Ordinary force manipulation involved drawing out multiple strands of energy like threads and binding them together into a single form.
While inefficient, this was the only way to handle internal energy due to the limits of the dantian - in other words, a kind of rule of the world.
However, if one could transcend that rule by ascending to the Life and Death Realm, there was no need for such cumbersome processes. One could condense all the internal energy at once.
The efficiency itself was different, and the resulting benefits were innumerable.
First, with unnecessary steps eliminated, the speed of force manifestation became much faster compared to before.
Second, the cutting power and destructive force were on a completely different level.
There was no need to elaborate on the difference in power between force created by layering multiple strands of energy and Extreme Force formed by releasing a large amount of energy at once, creating a steel-like thickness.
From the start, the durability and destructive power of thread versus steel were clearly different.
In other words, ordinary force manipulation could never penetrate defensive techniques or block attacks made with Extreme Force.
'With Extreme Force... I could even pierce through demonic energy wielded by high-ranking demons.'
It meant he could inflict wounds even on demonic energy equivalent to or greater than that of Eclipse, the boss monster of the Black Gate.
Of course, the benefits gained from reaching the Life and Death Realm weren't limited to Extreme Force.
'Since I can transcend the rules themselves... I can handle martial arts more efficiently.'
Although limited by the constraints of his physical body and internal energy, being unbound by rules meant he could manipulate his energy in whatever form he desired.
He could not only handle existing martial arts more diversely and powerfully but also execute techniques that were previously impossible due to being bound by rules.
'Even if additional Black Gates like this one appear...'
He would be able to protect the nation of Korea and his loved ones.
He could ease his worries a little.
Thanks to this, Lee Seong-jun rose from his seat with a slight smile on his face.
* * *
A few hours earlier, while Lee Seong-jun was cultivating to advance to the Life and Death Realm.
At the Kanmon Bridge in Shimonoseki City, elite hunters ranked A or higher from across Japan were gathering.
Not only SSS-rank hunters but also those at the ranker level - Japan's key combat forces - were assembled in one place.
While not 100% of Japan's hunter forces, over 80% of their strength was gathered here.
This was the best defensive position Japan could currently establish at the Kanmon Bridge.
However, the faces of the Japanese hunters showed no trace of ease.
In fact, they were filled with strong anxiety.
"The Black Gate monsters that destroyed downtown Kitakyushu have entered the Moji district."
"At their current marching speed, they'll reach the Kanmon Bridge within 20 minutes at the latest."
In truth, even 20 minutes was an optimistic estimate.
The monsters from the Black Gate were already visible to the eyes of SSS-rank and above hunters, who had superhuman abilities, as if they had almost arrived across the sea.
However, Daniel had not yet completed proper preparations despite this.
"Sigh... Why did they suddenly increase their marching speed? Damn it."
Perhaps because they possessed intelligence?
The Black Gate monsters ignored the evacuated cities and advanced much faster than initially expected, marching towards the Kanmon Bridge.
Thanks to hasty preparations, they could deal with it to some extent, but it was inevitably inadequate compared to the original plan.
"Those damn bastards..."
As Daniel cursed, frowning deeply while staring at the monsters across the sea, Tendo, standing beside him, cautiously spoke up.
"...I think it would be better to retreat for now and devise a new strategy rather than engaging with inadequate preparations."
Since it could turn into a major battle, all citizens residing in Kitakyushu had been evacuated.
Therefore, only hunters remained in the vicinity.
This meant they could retreat without casualties if they withdrew immediately.
It was arguably the wisest decision that could be made at present.
However, unfortunately, Daniel kept shaking his head.
"Don't speak so easily... This is a matter of my honor, Daniel Graham's honor."
He had proudly declared at the earlier press conference that they would annihilate all the Black Gate monsters at the Kanmon Bridge.
If they were to tuck tail and run now, it was obvious what kind of articles would flood the media.
'...My reputation would hit rock bottom.'
Normally, he might have been able to dismiss it as something that would pass with time and claim a mental victory.
However, with Korea's and Lee Seong-jun's recent achievements in blocking the Black Gate widely spread across the world, the situation was different.
'If we retreat here, I'll inevitably be compared to that Lee Seong-jun.'
This alone was enough to severely wound his pride, and in the worst case, his qualifications as a Guardian might even be questioned.
'After all I've done to obtain this position as a Guardian...'
It was absolutely unacceptable.
While Daniel was firmly making up his mind, Tendo, the head of the Japanese Hunter Association, wasn't backing down easily either, as this involved the lives of numerous hunters.
"If that's the concern, our association and the government will ensure that articles are published in a way that doesn't damage your reputation, Daniel-sama."
"Shut up! Your influence is limited to just Japan as a country!"
They wouldn't be able to block all the negative articles pouring in from around the world.
In the end, negative stories would spread, and he would inevitably be compared to Lee Seong-jun.
"Please reconsider once more... Don't you realize that if we fight in this state, many hunters will die?!"
"Damn it... What do you want me to do?! If we hadn't held that press conference, we could have pulled back the front line! I didn't even want to do it, but you guys begged me to! This whole situation is entirely your fault! If you have any conscience, you should be prepared to endure some casualties!"
Daniel, who had been shouting with profanities, hardened his expression and declared:
"Before it's too late, we need to establish the lacking magic formations now. Don't let anyone in."
As soon as he finished speaking, Daniel turned his back and walked towards a nearby tent.
Only the Japanese hunters remained.
"Association President..."
The eyes of several Japanese hunters looking at Tendo were filled with indescribable desperation.
However, there was nothing Tendo could do at this point.
He could only swallow a sigh inwardly.
'...How foolish I was.'
When the Foreign Minister brought up Daniel, he should have stopped it by any means necessary.
'Even if... I had to fly to Korea, swallow my pride and dignity, and kneel before them and Lee Seong-jun, I shouldn't have brought in Daniel.'
Due to a moment's decision, the future of Japan - their hunters - would lose their lives.
'Is this the reality of those without power...?'
It was too miserable.
Above all, the most pitiful thing was that even though he could clearly see the cruel outcome, he couldn't change anything with his own abilities.
'I can't overrule Daniel's opinion... nor can I stop the Black Gate.'
In the end, the only choice Tendo had now was to follow Daniel's orders.
'If there's no choice anyway... I'll do the best I can.'
Even at the cost of his life, he would minimize the casualties among the hunters.
"I have no intention of forcing those present here... However, I will head to the frontlines to ensure that the future of our Japan doesn't fade away in vain. If there are any who wish to join me in this cause, please follow."
In a brief moment, a few hunters who had been watching cautiously left their positions.
However, compared to the original number gathered, it wasn't many.
From the start, all the hunters gathered here were either guild leaders or high-ranking officials of the association - the elite of Japan's elites.
It was unlikely that their resolve would crumble in a situation like this.
In fact, they immediately accepted Tendo's will and nodded their heads.
"We'll follow you."
"Come to think of it, our preparations might be somewhat lacking, but they're not entirely non-existent."
"We can definitely hold them off."
The hunters, each steeling their resolve in their own way, immediately set off.
Step. Step.
Just as Tendo and the hunters reached the frontline.
Thud. Thud.
With thunderous footsteps, a black wave approached within about 1 km distance.
As the Japanese hunters and the monsters locked eyes in mid-air, the tension escalated.
"Kraaang-!"
With the roar of a massive monster, the horde of monsters charged all at once.
At last, the war had begun.
* * *
Back to the present, at Yongsan The Hill.
"Master!"
Lee Seong-jun lightly waved his hand in response to Park Seon-woo's enthusiastic welcome, as Wi Ji-kang and Yoon Min-su quickly approached him.
However, unlike Park Seon-woo earlier, they couldn't immediately raise their voices.
They could only stare at Lee Seong-jun, muttering words that sounded like lamentations.
"So, this is the realm of Life and Death I've only heard about."
"Ah... I truly congratulate you."
Having reached the Half-step Reversal realm, there was no actual energy that could be felt.
However, the presence itself was clearly different.
It felt like facing an enormous mountain, a giant.
Just looking at him instinctively pressed down on their entire bodies with an overwhelming pressure.
Even the members of the Guardians, known as the world's protectors, couldn't emit such an aura.
Having directly witnessed Lee Seong-jun's overwhelming majesty, they somewhat knew he would reach the Life and Death realm soon.
However, it far exceeded their expectations.
'It's too fast, even for him.'
To be completely honest, Wi Ji-kang wondered if he was dreaming.
This was because he had heard anecdotes about Nicholas Holt, who ranked second among the Guardians members, when he reached the Life and Death realm.
'...Even that Nicholas spent a full 30 days in his inner world.'
Yet Lee Seong-jun had reached the Life and Death realm just a day after beginning his cultivation.
He had overcome the barrier with apparent ease.
In other words, for Lee Seong-jun, the barrier of the Life and Death realm wasn't that high.
'It means he can still grow much further.'
It was clear that he would soon conquer the world and ascend to the position of an absolute ruler.
He would undoubtedly become a being to be revered.
Naturally, Wi Ji-kang, as one of his closest associates, would also be able to gain significant benefits.
However, he couldn't just be happy about it.
'Great power tends to attract people.'
The stronger he became, the more talented individuals from around the world would gather to pledge their loyalty to his lord, Lee Seong-jun.
To avoid being pushed aside by these newcomers, he too had to continuously train and grow.
'I must attain skills that won't bring shame to my position as his closest aide.'
As Wi Ji-kang and Yoon Min-su, standing right beside him, were inwardly burning with determination and setting their goals, Lee Seong-jun, with a calm expression, moved his lips and asked a question.