Ascension Through Skills-Chapter 441: 86th Floor, The World of Armaments (3)

“Are you trying to create a weapon that surpasses mortality?”

“Exactly. That’s why I’ve taken up residence in the domain of the Blacksmith God.”

Kosrun tightened his grip on the hammer in his hand.

“I know myself well. I can never surpass mortality. I lack the talent and the sheer stubbornness for that. But the weapons I create—they might be different.”

A twisted smile spread across his face.

“To forge a weapon that transcends mortality, like the Blacksmith God, with this mortal body... My work will be remembered across the entire universe. Don’t you think that’s worth dedicating a lifetime to?”

“I don’t think it’s possible.”

Having ascended to the position of the immortal, Taesan knew this well.

Immortality was fundamentally different from mortality.

Those who had not reached that level could not comprehend what it truly entailed. No matter how much effort Kosrun put in, it was hard to believe he could create such a weapon. Even Kosrun didn’t deny it.

“Well, you’re right. It’s something close to impossible. But it’s my desire. And I have no intention of giving up on it. For that, there’s no place better than this.”

This place was overflowing with exceptional materials. It was true that Kosrun could hardly find a better location than here.

“I’m trying to find the answer step by step, one method at a time. The quest I’m giving you is part of that process. There are weapons here that even I can’t handle. I want to use them as materials to craft something greater, so I need you to bring them to me.”

Taesan nodded. The quest was accepted.

Kosrun explained with a satisfied smile.

“There’s the Burning Red Staff in the west, the Frostbound Blade in the north, and the Bloodstained Whip soaked in cruelty in the east. Subdue those weapons and bring them to me. Once you’ve brought them all, I’ll reward you.”

“Understood.”

“Then go.”

Taesan left the cave.

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Shrouded in layers of darkness, he began to move.

***

Taesan moved directly toward his target.

Thanks to Lerazie’s domain detection, he had already pinpointed the locations of the exceptionally powerful weapons. His first destination was the west.

There, a staff spewing flames hovered majestically in midair.

The roaring flames engulfed everything, dominating the space itself.

Taesan stepped into the fiery domain. The staff, sensing him, reacted immediately with hostility. Violent flames lashed out, surging toward him.

[You have activated Marcocias’s False Flame.]

Physical flames materialized in the world.

In an instant, the false flames overwhelmed those released by the staff, consuming the entire space.

The staff trembled, seemingly flustered.

Taesan walked calmly toward it and seized it.

Boom!

Flames spiraled violently around Taesan, as though the staff’s will sought to burn him to ashes.

“Stay still.”

Taesan exerted his will.

The raging fire died out instantly, as if doused by water. The staff, which had been resisting, quieted in submission.

The power contained within the staff was immense, enough to challenge even Diana. But for Taesan, it was insignificant.

“I hope the King’s Sword puts up more of a fight.”

Muttering to himself, Taesan moved quickly.

In no time, he subdued the Frostbound Blade of the north and the Bloodstained Whip of the east.

The quest felt less like a challenge and more like a casual stroll. With everything gathered, Taesan returned to Kosrun.

Kosrun’s eyes widened.

“Already?”

“Here.”

Taesan displayed the three weapons. Once unruly and resistant, they now lay docilely on the cave floor.

“They’re... real.”

Kosrun stared at Taesan with awe.

“Even the strongest individuals can’t gather them this quickly. Could it be... you’ve surpassed the boundary?”

Taesan nodded silently.

Kosrun let out a breath of disbelief.

“That’s incredible. Truly incredible.”

He touched the weapons, his fingers lingering over them.

“With this, I can’t afford to create anything subpar. Crafting a weapon that even an immortal would value... this could be an extraordinary experience for fulfilling my wish. Wait here. I’ll get everything ready.”

Kosrun hurried deeper into the cave.

Taesan waited for him to return.

As he passed the time, someone approached him.

[Hello?]

It wasn’t Kosrun. It was a ghost.

The ghost, who had briefly left Taesan, had returned.

Taesan asked calmly, “Have you made peace with yourself?”

[More or less.]

The ghost’s voice was subdued.

[I’ve decided not to stay in the labyrinth anymore.]

The ghost had chosen to leave the labyrinth and move on to where the dead were meant to go.

“Are you sure about that?”

If the ghost desired, it could remain in the labyrinth. While complete death seemed inevitable, lingering here could have been a preferable alternative.

There was even the faintest, almost impossible chance that the ghost’s destroyed world could be saved.

[It’s fine. This is enough.]

But the ghost spoke calmly.

[My first journey was to save my world.]

The ghost had entered the labyrinth to fight for its destroyed world. It endured the trials, grew stronger, and fought relentlessly.

But in the end, it was killed by Societ.

That marked the end of its first journey.

[And my second journey was with you.]

The ghost had accompanied Taesan, witnessing his struggles, determination, and values. It cheered for him, grew anxious for him, and empathized with him.

At the conclusion of this quest, the ghost’s second journey had come to an end.

[At first, I thought about staying in the labyrinth. But when I realized that I’d still be separated from you no matter what, the idea lost all meaning.]

Their quest was over.

Taesan would one day return to Earth, while the ghost would remain in the labyrinth.

[With that thought, I saw no reason to stay. I don’t need a third journey. My adventure ends here.]

“...You’ve done well.”

Taesan knew the ghost would leave before his return to Earth.

The presence that had always been by his side, offering information, assistance, and idle chatter, would disappear.

That absence would leave a significant void for Taesan as well.

But the ghost had made its decision. Any argument on Taesan’s part would feel empty.

Taesan remained silent. The ghost stayed by his side quietly.

“I’m ready!”

Kosrun burst in, loudly announcing his return with a cheerful grin.

“I’ve got an idea of what to make! Now, tell me what you want, and I’ll tailor it to your needs...”

His voice trailed off.

His gaze was fixed, not on Taesan, but on the ghost.

“...A soul?”

“So, this is the first time you’ve seen him.”

[You must be Kosrun, right? You must’ve come here after me. This is my first time seeing you.]

The ghost spoke curiously. Kosrun, on the other hand, seemed startled.

“Why is there a soul here?”

“He was a labyrinth contractor like you. His contract has ended.”

“A wizard contracted with the dead in the labyrinth? But in that case, he should’ve returned to where he belongs. Why is he still here?”

Taesan answered Kosrun’s question, explaining the transcendental being’s involvement and how it had allowed the ghost some additional time. He also elaborated on the ghost’s story.

Kosrun fell silent after hearing the explanation.

“So now, he’s a free soul... A remarkable adventurer in life...”

Kosrun murmured to himself, lost in thought.

The ghost showed no interest in Kosrun. To him, Kosrun held no significance since he was leaving the labyrinth.

But Kosrun’s next words caught the ghost off guard.

Kosrun smirked, his voice burning with fervor.

“Ghost, how about becoming a weapon?”

***

The ghost was momentarily stunned by the unexpected remark.

[...What kind of nonsense is that?]

Finally regaining his composure, the ghost dismissed Kosrun’s words outright. Becoming a weapon? Who in their right mind would accept such an offer?

“I’m completely serious. Would you consider becoming a weapon as a soul?”

[Why would I ever agree to that? Are you asking me to get trapped in some object? Stop spouting nonsense.]

“You wouldn’t be trapped! You’d become the weapon!” Kosrun shouted passionately.

“It’s a concept where your soul would embody a weapon as its form, allowing you to be reborn! You’d retain your complete will, able to act independently! And you’d grow even stronger! Strong enough that one day, you might even surpass mortality!”

His voice rang out, brimming with fervent madness.

[...What the hell are you even talking about?]

The ghost had not been present during Taesan and Kosrun’s earlier conversation, so he couldn’t grasp the full context of Kosrun’s words. Realizing this, Kosrun took a deep breath and began explaining more calmly.

[So, you want to create a weapon that surpasses mortality. What does that have to do with turning me into a sword?]

“Because, in the end, I’m just a mortal,” Kosrun replied with a click of his tongue.

“I don’t truly understand the concept of immortality. No matter how much effort I put into it, I can’t create a weapon that transcends mortality.”

Humans could study how birds fly and even replicate it with technology, but they could never fully understand the bird’s instincts or feelings. It was impossible to craft something of a higher realm through mere imagination.

“But what if I crafted a weapon that, like a human, could grow stronger on its own? A weapon with a fully independent will. Don’t you think such a weapon could one day transcend mortality?”

Kosrun smirked.

“There have been artificially created beings that reached the immortal realm. It’s not entirely impossible.”

“That’s your goal, then?” Taesan asked.

“My only desire is to witness one of my creations transcend mortality. Nothing else matters to me.”

[Then why not use the weapons outside? They all have wills of their own, don’t they?]

The weapons in the labyrinth each had their own sense of will. But Kosrun shook his head.

“The weapons here lack intelligence. They’re closer to beasts driven by instinct. That’s not enough. What I want to create isn’t an ego sword. An ego sword is nothing more than a blade with a mind.”

His eyes burned with passion, his voice trembling with raw desire.

“A truly free entity, a perfect lifeform in the shape of a sword—that’s my dream.”

A lifeform in the form of a weapon.

That was Kosrun’s ultimate aspiration.

“But to achieve that, it needs a complete, independent will. That’s always been the hardest part. I’ve been stuck at that hurdle... until you showed up.”

His eyes, filled with unrestrained ambition, fixed on the ghost.

“You are a completely free soul, unbound by anything.”

Thanks to Exireia’s power, the ghost was neither confined to the labyrinth nor forced to move on to the afterlife.

“Don’t misunderstand me. Becoming a weapon doesn’t mean you’d lose yourself. You’d retain your will and continue making your own choices. The only difference is that your vessel would no longer be a physical body but a weapon.”

Kosrun pressed on.

“If you wanted, you could travel the world alone. Or you could stay with someone you wish to follow.”

[...]

The ghost had already made his choice between two paths: he had refused a third journey.

But now, a new option had appeared before him.

“What do you think? Interested?”