Mount Somi.
It had appeared countless times in novels. In those tales, beings soared through the sky with swords, living as immortals.
Novak didn't know if there were actual immortals of such realms in Mount Somi, but it was clear now that the mountain itself existed. Still, that's all he could confirm for now. In his previous life, when Kepler had expanded to dozens of times its original size, countless hidden locations and unknown landscapes gradually surfaced.
Some entities from other worlds even descended upon Kepler, much like the Plague Sect, which came to make investments and grow its influence.
Such sights had become commonplace in later generations.
However, in his past life, Novak hadn't heard much about Mount Somi specifically.
There were various professions and talents—like 'Ancestral Spirit Jumpers', there's also Shamanic Powers granted by the Demon Gods. But the sword immortal, despite its prominence, was something Novak didn't know much about.
Now, he had a vague sense that his presence here might alter the course of history once again.
And that prospect thrilled him.
The group of four chatted briefly before setting out, making their way from the mountain's summit down toward the path that lay ahead of them.
Mount Somi!
In the legends, it was an awe-inspiring immortal mountain. Now, before their eyes, white clouds and mist slowly curled around the towering peaks and dense forests. It stood in stark contrast to the other mountains around it. At the start of the mountain road, a slowly spinning vortex beckoned, as if drawing them in.
Clare led the group to the front and cautioned in a hushed voice:
"Brother White, Meimei, Miroku, be careful. My mission warns that this place is extremely dangerous!"
No need to state the obvious, Novak thought.
After all, which nightmare-level Secret Realm could be considered safe?
However, seeing the fairy-like mountain wrapped in mist and clouds piqued his interest even more. If the mountain road was already a nightmare-level dungeon, then what challenges awaited them atop Mount Somi itself?
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[You have entered the exclusive Nightmare-level dungeon: 'Somi-masen Mountain Road.']
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Stepping into the vortex, it seemed as though nothing had changed. They found themselves at the foot of the mountain, and before them lay a long, winding road that stretched endlessly upwards.
The group exchanged glances, and without wasting any time, Novak took the lead.
The mountain road stretched on and on, and the four of them fell silent, concentrating as they began their ascent.
Yet, after walking for five minutes, nothing happened. No enemies, no traps—just the endless road ahead.
Novak glanced at Clare, suspicion creeping in. Was this place really as dangerous as she claimed?
Just as the thought crossed his mind, a sharp, metallic clanging sound echoed through the air!
Lightning cracked across the mountain path, as quick as a flash of thunder. Instinctively, Novak turned and raised his hand to block the incoming attack.
But in the blink of an eye, the bolt of lightning pierced through his palm without resistance!
Had it not been for that sudden movement, which slowed the speed of the lightning, Novak's neck—and the people behind him—would have been pierced by the strike.
Sensing that Novak's palm was rapidly healing, the lightning appeared almost dissatisfied, halting mid-air.
It was then that Novak got a clearer look: it wasn't lightning at all, but a dagger, no longer than a forearm.
The short sword now hovered in the sky.
"A flying sword?" Novak was momentarily stunned.
The creatures in this dungeon bore no resemblance to the powers or creatures he had encountered before. This unfamiliarity left him uneasy.
Clare tightened her grip on the sword in her hand. Just then, a gust of wind surged.
A talisman floated into the air.
'Thunderstrike!'
It was as if a bolt of lightning erupted from the talisman, crashing down on the flying sword spinning above them.
Novak glanced over at Miroku. The power behind the talisman was impressive, but against this lightning-fast flying sword, it clearly wasn't enough.
As the thunderbolt descended, the flying sword nimbly dodged, leaving Miroku visibly pale. If even the first creature they encountered was this formidable, how dangerous was this dungeon?
Clare and Miroku exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes drifting to Novak's now fully healed palm. Both felt a chill creep through their hearts.
Novak, however, looked up at the still-spinning flying sword with a growing sense of intrigue. An idea was forming in his mind.
Before entering this dungeon, Novak had been contemplating whether he should delve into the abyss again after completing a certain task. His telekinetic powers had already been enhanced by the T-virus, but he still lacked something—a collective method, a way to weaponize his power.
In his previous life, Novak had seen many telekinetic masters who possessed immense mental strength. The most effective way they wielded this power was by finding sharp, easy-to-control weapons, which they could manipulate to unleash devastating attacks. Relying solely on mental force or thought control without weaponry, he knew, wasted much of the potential lethality of telekinesis.
Ian, for instance, used his mental powers to control several daggers, attacking with precision and deadly force. Novak had once considered pursuing something similar, but such weapons were rare to come by, so he had given up on the idea.
Unexpectedly, this dungeon presented a perfect opportunity—a chance to acquire something truly fitting!
If a weapon could pierce his body so effortlessly, its sharpness was unquestionable.
The atmosphere grew tense. The flying sword continued to circle above them, while Clare and Miroku found themselves glancing anxiously at Novak.
Seeing the 'focused' look on Novak's face, both felt a deep unease.
If even Novak—the White Emperor—couldn't stop this weapon, then they were in real trouble.
No one, not even Clare, had anticipated that the monster on the mountain road wouldn't be some grotesque creature, but rather a miraculous flying sword.
What should they do?
But before they could act, the flying sword suddenly made its move, darting once again towards Novak.
Everything happened too fast.
Clare's green steel sword shimmered with a cold aura, and in Miroku's hands, several talismans appeared. One burst open immediately, and the four of them were instantly encased in a protective golden light.
'Golden Light Talisman!'
Even with the shield of the talisman, Miroku felt uneasy. This flying sword was unnaturally sharp—terrifyingly sharp.
But then, just as the sword neared Novak, it came to an abrupt halt.
Miroku and Clare watched in disbelief as Novak calmly reached out and touched the chilling blade.
Incredibly, the sword lowered its tip, as if yielding to Novak's touch, like a shy bride offering herself to her husband.
Novak glanced curiously at the golden light shield around him and Miroku.
Miroku blinked back at him, and for a brief moment, the tension dissolved into awkward silence.