Awesome Shut-In Necromancer

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Now that I think about it, there were actually plenty of clues by this point.

Through various events, I had gathered quite a few hints and could roughly outline the situation regarding this dungeon crisis linked to Earth.

However, prior to the Gideon incident, I lacked the strength to take active measures.

‘Now, there’s nothing holding me back.’

With the information from Serejia, I gained assurance about many things, and I had already regained all my powers.

No, in fact, during the process of climbing up from rock bottom once again, I had gained even stronger power than before.

‘I’m in better shape than I expected.’

And right now, I was looking for Shin Do Yoon to take care of the matter that was weighing on my mind the most.

I didn’t deliberately bring along other comrades. There might be a situation where I would need to unleash all my strength in battle.

Rustle.

Thud.

Thud.

“You’re here quickly.”

“…What on earth do you want?”

Since his memory was erased, Shin Do Yoon now only recognized me as Seo Ha’s family and Korea’s S Rank Hunter.

Thus, he wouldn’t remember this place where we had our first secret meeting.

‘Of course, only if all of it wasn’t a lie.’

The backstory of this dungeon crisis had been somewhat confirmed. However, one individual related to it remained who I hadn’t fully identified.

The mysterious figure who contacted the Returner, Shin Do Yoon, instigated Lee Ji Cheol’s murder, and sought to obstruct Hades.

I had come here today to strike a deal with that guy.

“Doesn’t this ring a bell?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You shouldn’t be clueless.”

In fact, I had already caught a whiff of the identity of whoever was behind Shin Do Yoon.

It was only natural. After hearing various stories from Serejia, the answer became painfully clear.

‘Though she shared all the details, Serejia never once mentioned anything about awakening or the status window.’

It was the same with the memory I had glimpsed from the martial artist. The dungeon crisis and the existence of the massive Gate were consistent, yet strangely, elements like the status window couldn’t be found.

What could this imply?

‘The Awakened Ones and the status window should be considered completely separate from the dungeon crisis.’

When I think about it, the paths diverge from the start. The dungeon crisis was a process of invasion and a harmful element for us, while the status window could be said to be entirely the opposite.

While the status window could lend a hand, it did not inflict harm.

‘Rather, it’s reasonable to see it as a countermeasure against the dungeon.’

And there was only one being capable of doing that.

There exists a god here who does not welcome the invasion of enemies.

I suspect that this is the same being backing Shin Do Yoon.

“Why have you been so quiet since a while ago?”

“If you just called me to chit-chat, I think I’ll take my leave now.”

Shin Do Yoon was still playing dumb.

That demeanor was too natural to be seen as an act, but unfortunately, I already held a conviction.

“Let’s not drag this on. I came here on precious time.”

At first, I just thought I had lost the trail.

The fact that a god from Earth had achieved its objective and wiped out the useless memories of Shin Do Yoon seemed clear.

But upon further thought, there was indeed a sense of incongruity.

Why was it specifically Shin Do Yoon?

There were more powerful Returners like Choi Ha Min, and as I mentioned previously, it was nearly impossible for Shin Do Yoon to stop Hades with his abilities.

However, amidst those flowing thoughts, I noticed one peculiar point.

‘So, in the end, did Shin Do Yoon fail?’

No.

If you really scrutinize it, he was close to a perfect success.

Although he got beaten badly by Lee Ji Cheol, he subsequently ensnared me, causing Lee Ji Cheol to collapse, which led to me having continued clashes with Hades.

In the end, he even took down Heinrich and Gideon, so in essence, Shin Do Yoon’s backing achieved everything it desired.

At a glance, it seemed like Shin Do Yoon had done nothing, but in another sense, he had gathered everything he could.

“Isn’t that a bit strange? Can everything in the world align so perfectly?”

Seeing it that way, several questions were also resolved.

Because he never intended to fight directly, Shin Do Yoon’s lack of power wasn’t an issue; rather, that very aspect made him the optimal position to pull me in.

At that time, I was in a position where I couldn’t just let him die—thanks to the commonality of being fellow Returners and the information about the beings entangled with him.

However, in that case, there was one aspect that bothered me.

His actions were too natural and perfect to be deemed intentional.

No matter how much I thought about it, I only got a sense of him being a clueless fool, rather than an actor.

However, that perfection instilled a solid doubt in me.

“Humans can’t perform such a flawless act.”

But what if he were not human?

From the beginning, Shin Do Yoon’s backing was merely a hypothesis.

The truth was known only to Shin Do Yoon himself, and I had never verified it with my own eyes.

In a sense, that, too, could be just an illusion.

‘Had it not been for Gordon’s story, I might have overlooked this completely.’

Gordon believed he was a Lich who had chosen a half-immortal life, but that wasn’t the case at all.

So what’s different over here?

The moment I recognized that fact, what I had vaguely believed was suddenly felt all too strange.

“Does that so-called being with whom you made a contract really exist?”

“……”

Shin Do Yoon didn’t respond to my question. He realized it was meaningless to stammer out an answer.

“Guess that’s the answer then.”

The moment I felt assured of that, Shin Do Yoon’s demeanor changed.

From just a Hunter with mediocre A rank power, he became an existence that felt solemn.

After a moment of silence, Shin Do Yoon quietly spoke.

“…Surprising. I didn’t think I had made any mistakes.”

“The problem was how perfect it was.”

In the end, a sigh of resignation followed.

And finally, the truth I had been waiting to hear tumbled out of his mouth.

“Yeah. You’re right.”

“……”

“I am the creator of the system.”

That was a truly blatant declaration.

“I created Hunters and established the Association. I have been guarding Earth from the grasp of powerful enemies all this time.”

And.

“You’ve probably guessed, but I’m also the one who bound your powers.”

“…With such honesty, you’re starting to make me angry.”

“Forgive me. As you already know, it was necessary.”

Of course, I knew that. Even if it was forcefully revealing his identity, it was clear that he was acting for the sake of Earth.

“So, it seems like there’s a reason you went through this much trouble to get in touch with me.”

Of course. If that weren’t the case, he wouldn’t have bothered to reveal the facts first.

And it seemed Shin Do Yoon had a rough idea of the reason.

“You’ve tested the waters so far; you know we’re not really enemies.”

“Indeed. I thought your nature held some lingering anxiety, but once I peeled back your shell, you were surprisingly devoted.”

That was only natural. No matter how it turned out, this place was my hometown and my home.

Wouldn’t I have to do something against those trying to invade it?

“Then let’s not act inefficiently by moving separately.”

Given that we both recognized we were not enemies, there was no reason to hesitate before a powerful invader known as a high god.

If I could receive his help as a god of Earth, it would be a huge advantage. Shin Do Yoon would also require more cards for what lay ahead.

There was no option to refuse. Slowly approaching me, Shin Do Yoon extended his hand for a handshake, seeking a gesture of peace.

“…Let’s work well together.”

“That’s what I hoped for.”

To be honest, if I were to express my true feelings, I wanted to slap him at least once, but it wasn’t the kind of anger that would ruin matters.

Moreover, compared to that, there was far more important business left to attend to.

“Well then, will you return my original body now?”

“…What do you mean by that?”

“What do you mean what? I want my body back.”

Shin Do Yoon frowned, as if he truly couldn’t comprehend.

I tilted my head in bewilderment at his reaction.

“Do you not know my original form? I want to revert back to that state.”

“Why would you ask me that? I don’t know anything about it.”

“You’re saying it wasn’t your doing?”

Naturally, I thought it was Shin Do Yoon’s action, leading me to feel flustered and reconsider.

However, there was no need to think. If it wasn’t Shin Do Yoon, then there was only one person capable of that.

‘…This half-hearted good-for-nothing is the real deal.’

I grabbed my forehead, barely managing to quell my anger as I sorted out the remaining matters with Shin Do Yoon.

Upon returning home, I found Serejia calmly sitting on the sofa, eating ice cream and watching a drama with Seo Ha.

With my eyes twitching at that sight, I went up leisurely behind Serejia and asked.

“…Is it good?”

“Yes. Treats from Earth are definitely spectacular. I’ve never tasted something this smooth before.”

“I see.”

“Eek!”

Immediately, I snatched it away, cast a gigantification spell, and placed it upside down on Serejia’s head.

Now was the time to punish the one responsible for all my hardships.