Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Master of All Techniques (2)

As I suspected, the old man harbored a deep ‘resentment’ to teach someone. He had a desire.

In truth, it wasn’t that there were no suitable candidates.

According to his memories, many talented individuals existed even in the mysterious other world.

If he had gathered them and split the teachings, he could have passed on his knowledge to future generations.

But the old man had a desire. A singular legacy. He wanted one person to inherit his vast abilities and knowledge.

[The skill ‘Memory Recreation’ (S-rank), has ended.]

—Flash!

The peculiar déjà vu vanished. The scenery changed again.

[The ‘Master of All Techniques’ is staring at you.]

“Hah!”

I felt a suffocating gaze.

It wasn’t just a saying; the pressure was so intense that I could barely breathe.

But.

I smiled.

I felt like a perverted psycho for smiling in this situation, but I couldn’t help it.

Because I see hope now.

The old man’s initial words when he saw me were dismissive. He said I was worse than Gi Soyul and wasn’t worth his time. He wanted to throw me out quickly.

However.

That old soul was now clearly staring at me. He hadn’t violently subdued me and tossed me out like he did with other hunters and Gi Soyul.

That alone gave me hope.

Soon, the old, white-haired man’s mouth opened.

“You.”

I felt an overwhelming presence. Was this the immense power of someone who stood at the pinnacle of a world?

“Did you peer into my soul? Interesting fellow.”

[The ‘Master of All Techniques’ is curious about you.]

“Yes, I did...! Hah!” I immediately replied.

It was hard to open my mouth, but I tried to speak as loudly as possible.

Gi Soyul had given one single chance. In other words, this was a one-life challenge.

If this old man is indeed looking for a disciple...! If I can inherit his vast power and knowledge...!

It must be me. I can’t let anyone else take it. If I missed this chance, I would regret it forever.

I instinctively knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If I could have this old man who even toyed with rankers as my master, it would be the greatest fortune!

“However.”

The old man’s voice, the ‘Master of All Techniques,’ was somewhat cold.

He stared at me for a moment before shaking his head.

“Other than being somewhat interesting, you have nothing. You’re worthless. You lack everything to contain my knowledge.”

“Hmph!”

The old man’s aura grew even stronger.

My whole body trembled as if I were being electrocuted.

This can’t be. I can’t let it end like this. I have to persuade this old man somehow. Even if my whole body melts from enduring it.

“No, Elder!” I opened my eyes wide and stared directly at the old man. “If you continue like this, you’ll never find a disciple! You’ll remain a ghost forever, unable to resolve your resentment! People will remember you as a stubborn ghost filled with obstinacy and bullheadedness!”

“What?”

The old man’s aura became fierce at my provocation.

“You insolent brat. I’ve spared ants like you with my boundless generosity. Do I need to break one of your legs for you to come to your senses?”

“Wait! Please listen! You’ve mastered all techniques. The people of this world struggle to master even one in their lifetime!”

“Hmph, impossible. The world is vast, and time is long. Surely, there will be another genius like me.”

The old man’s self-praise momentarily stunned me. But I had gained time. The old man was clearly having a conversation with me. That alone was a significant achievement.

“Look at the woman who came in earlier. Can you believe she is one of the strongest in this world?”

The method might be unknown now, but that alone should make their ‘potential’ evident.

“From Bonehead 1 to Bonehead 10, these ten have unique abilities. It’ll be easier for you to teach them. Do you want a single successor? Don’t worry. Even if all these grow, I’ll be the only one to inherit it all!”

It could be nonsense. But this was my only answer. They were all I had, my ‘unique authority.’ They were essentially me.

It’s a risk worth taking.

The old man had to choose. Would he live in regret forever? Or would he take the second-best option?

“What do you think? These undead grow. They don’t feel pain, so they’ll be more enduring than anyone and more challenging than anyone because they’re fearless, making them the best students. They’ll take your advice and teachings without hesitation.”

“...”

The old, white-haired man remained silent. He stared at the skeletons with a blank expression, lost in thought.

“...”

So I stayed silent, too. I instinctively knew that saying more wouldn’t change his decision. The old man moved based solely on his judgment.

I quietly waited for his choice.

“Oho.”

Finally, a smile tugged at the old man’s lips.

“How amusing... The successor I sought wasn’t human but undead.”

“...!”

He stepped forward slowly and gently touched the skeletons with a calm gaze.

“Their potential is truly immense. They must have been exceptional warriors in life. I’ve always wanted such disciples. Why only now... tsk.”

His reaction was awe-inspiring. Was this how it felt to win the lottery?

It turns out my skeletons’ potential was impressive enough for the old man to praise them.

“Teaching more than one is a bit tricky, but... fine. I suppose I must compromise.”

The fierce pressure had vanished. Now, I could see the surroundings.

That’s right. This place was the snowy mountain where the old man’s life had ended.

[You have fulfilled the hidden condition.]

The place was soaked with his resentment and also the place where he would release that resentment.

[This is the hidden condition for ‘Stage: An Elderly Man with White Hair Filled with Deep Resentment’!]

The old man’s gaze returned to me. He seemed very pleased.

—Gulp.

As I swallowed, he spoke.

“I’ll trust your words. I’ll trust the determination in your eyes. So promise me. No matter what trials come, you’ll inherit all I possess. You’ll leave a mark of ‘me’ somewhere in this world.”

[Condition: His recognition]

– To be recognized by the transcendent of another world, ‘Master of All Techniques,’ you must reach a certain level.

– Convince him.

I felt the desperation in his tone. How badly must he have wanted it for his resentment to linger even after death?

“I won’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’ll inherit it no matter what,” I replied sincerely.

“Good.”

The old man responded cheerfully.

[Congratulations!]

[You have cleared the ‘Stage: An Elderly Man with White Hair Filled with Deep Resentment’!]

Ah...

I was overwhelmed.

Is this real? Did I clear this dungeon that even a ranker couldn’t? Did I clear it on my first try? Truly?

—Thud!

As the tension released, my legs gave out.

[Receiving clear rewards!]

Honestly, this was the day I would gain the greatest fortune of my life.

[You have exhausted all your energy!]

[Your body has reached its limit!]

“...”

And soon, I lost consciousness.