Chapter 21: End of Monarch of Beginning
With the vast majority of Japan now cleared of rampant gate breaks, monstrous incursions, and towering giants, a semblance of order began to reassert itself. The Japanese Hunters Association scrambled to restore control, and the government, recognizing the staggering contributions of Markus and Jinwoo, extended official rewards and honors. While Jinwoo politely declined the accolades, Markus, ever the pragmatic, "suggested" instead an isolated stronghold, proposing that a remote base in Okinawa Prefecture would best serve his ongoing operations and secure a future foothold.
In the newly stabilized Kanto region, Markus and Jinwoo arranged a clandestine meeting. Their armies, composed of disciplined legions of undead, hybrids and shadow soldiers, moved in perfect synchronization. Within mere hours of their rendezvous, the two necromancers had pushed through the remaining obstacles and now stood a km before the massive S-Rank gate, a towering portal of raw, otherworldly energy. Across Japan and beyond, global media outlets maintained uninterrupted live broadcasts of the operation. Massive screens in public squares and on the sides of buildings flickered with images of the two figures, Markus and Jinwoo, standing side by side, their imposing forms framed by the disciplined ranks of their respective armies. The S-Rank gate's ominous glow provided a dramatic backdrop, as each necromancer's army demonstrated lethal efficiency in clearing any resistance. The scene was epic in scale, an awe inspiring picture of lethality and death, or undeath it this particular case.
Anchors from across Europe and North America provided running commentary on the unfolding spectacle. "Tenebris and Jinwoo have become the vanguards of a new age," declared one anchor with a mixture of admiration and urgency. Another noted, "Their coordinated assault on the S-Rank gate is not just a military maneuver, it's a declaration that the balance of power in this world is shifting dramatically." The broadcast left viewers with an indelible image of two legendary figures poised at the threshold of undying force.
Online, the reaction was electric.
[Global Forums – Live Discussions]
HunterNet Thread: "The S-Rank Gate: A New Epoch!"
ShadowEmperor01: "The sight of Markus and Jinwoo standing together, with their legions behind them, is the epitome of raw power. They're setting a new standard!"
NecroGod99: "These necromancers are rewriting history. Their armies, the precision of their tactics, there's no force on earth that could counter them. Though who do you think will win?"
FireLord88: "I'm both in awe and terrified. Their might is undeniable."
HunterFanGirl: "I've never seen anything so epic. This is the future of our world!"
BattleMage82: "Absolutely game changing. They're not just fighting monsters; with these forces they can shape the destiny of nations. New MMO games should have these classes or I'll protest."
The fervor of public debate was underscored by cinematic clips circulating online, closeup shots of hybrid Beru's fierce clashes with enemy forces, versus Shadow Beru's wild scenes of decimation. Shadow soldiers engaging in fluid, deadly maneuvers, and undead legions advancing with ghostlike speed. Observers compared the efficiency of their forces, with some proclaiming the superiority of the disciplined hybrid and undead formations while others lauding the raw, unyielding power of the shadow summons. The spectacle inspired both admiration and speculation, as fans and experts alike debated which necromantic faction might ultimately secure the upper hand.
Markus and Jinwoo stood side by side before the looming S-Rank gate, their eyes fixed on the colossal Titan that barred their path. The giant, unmoving and resolute, was an imposing figure outfitted with a mysterious shield that deflected every attack from Jinwoo's shadows with eerie precision. While Jinwoo remained uncertain about the Titan's true nature, suspecting it might be a high-ranking boss, Markus, with his transmigrated insight, recognized it for what it was: a mere sentinel designed to slow them down.
The Titan's shield pulsed with a cold, indifferent energy, effortlessly neutralizing any offensive efforts launched by Jinwoo and his spectral warriors. Its unyielding presence instilled a sense of dread, even among those who had faced countless monstrous foes. Yet Markus's mind, honed by years of experience and meticulous study of the System, discerned that this was no true adversary, it was merely a guardian meant to serve as a barrier, not the ultimate challenge.
Overhead, helicopters circled the S-Rank gate like vultures, while news agencies and government officials broadcast live images across massive screens in cities worldwide. Reporters, their voices tense with anticipation, described the scene as one where the fate of a nation hung in the balance. Japanese government representatives watched with bated breath, hoping that this confrontation would finally herald an end to the chaos that had engulfed their country.
Unwilling to let the spectacle drag on, Markus decided to act decisively. Drawing deeply on his mastery over elemental and telekinetic powers, he focused his will on conjuring a massive plasma lance. a searing spear forged from the raw, volatile union of lightning and fire. In a single, unwavering thought, the plasma lance burst forth, hurtling toward the Titan's head with unimaginable speed, its fiery brilliance illuminating the darkened sky.
Using his telekinetic might to steady the weapon mid-flight, Markus ensured that every joule of energy was directed with pinpoint accuracy. The plasma lance slammed into the Titan's head, the impact sending shockwaves as the massive guardian crumbled under the force. A hybrid of agility, brutality and efficiency rose in its stead. In that breathtaking moment, the gate's guardian was vanquished, clearing the path forward and leaving the world to marvel at Markus' unyielding resolve and tactical brilliance.
Markus's eyes gleamed with satisfaction as he observed the new hybrid, this gentleman could lead his Bane Lords, "with a shave and a suit no one will recognize him" he murmured. The S-Rank gate, its pulsating energy a challenge yet to come. Global media continued to broadcast the scene live, and as the cameras panned across the battlefield, viewers saw the meticulous formations of undead legions moving like a tide of death. The display was not just a military operation, but a grand spectacle, a declaration that Markus and Jinwoo were the new arbiters of power in a world teetering on the brink.
Earlier that day, as the siege on the Kanto region reached a fever pitch, Markus was called upon to address the media directly. In an exclusive interview, he was asked about the condemnation by religious groups of his necromantic methods. With a calm, confident smile, he replied, "I hope with all my heart that they never find themselves in need of forces like mine. For I will never be in a place where my skills, magic and my ability to protect, is condemned." His statement sent shockwaves across the digital realm, and soon hashtags like #ShadowSavior and #Necromancer began trending globally, as fans and critics alike debated the implications of his words.
In the midst of it all, Markus and Jinwoo, their forces arrayed in disciplined, awe-inspiring formations, stood together before the colossal S-Rank gate. The world watched, transfixed by the sight of these two necromancers, icons of raw, unyielding power and deathless march, ready to forge a new order in the chaos. Their legions, from spectral Wraith Lords to formidable Vampire Lords, Dragons darkening the sky, Bane Lords with their colossal sizes moving like castles. A breathtaking display of military parade. It was a moment that transcended mere battle; it was an epic turning point, marking the dawn of a new era in the hunter world.
Markus and Jinwoo entered the S-Rank gate in unison, their determined expressions set against the towering colorons of the entry hall. Laughter of the Monarch was heard by both. While Jinwoo moved forward to inspect Marcus was following behind him. The Monarch of the Beginning, a titanic figure bound by ancient mana absorbing chains was laughing as he was feeling the energy of another monarch. Markus lingered in the shadows. He knew that while Jinwoo gets his questions answered and attempted to free the monarch and glean its secrets, this was his moment to exploit the situation. Hidden in plain sight, Markus activated his Copy ability, his mind already mapping out how he could enhance his own Portal Manipulation skill by absorbing the monarch's arcane essence.
As Jinwoo engaged in a deep, introspective dialogue with the imprisoned monarch, the massive figure's sorrowful gaze met the lingering presence of Markus. He can feel the different energies withing him. The skills he copied from Shadow Monarch and the ability "The Fragment of Brilliant Light" should not be in one being. The monarch's voice echoed throughout the cavernous chamber: "You are unnatural... you are wrong." The words cut through the charged silence like a blade, and for a moment, Jinwoo faltered, absorbing the gravity of the monarch's bitter explanations of the war between Rulers and Monarchs added to his confusion. The painful history of enslavement has not broken this Monarch. Yet Markus, ever calculating, recognized the significance of this moment: the chance to seize power without sharing the spoils.
In that critical juncture, as Jinwoo's mind wrestled with the revelations and the torment of legacy. His eyes gleamed with cold determination as he surveyed the monarch, who still clung to the vestiges of a lost era. The titan's ancient chains, symbols of a punishment meant to curtail a once unbridled force, now seemed like mere obstacles in Markus's path. Every fiber of his being pulsed with the promise of victory, EXP he was determined to claim solely for himself.
Without warning, Markus unleashed a devastating combination of elemental prowess. Drawing nearly half of his mana pool. He called lightning, fire and metal, he used the partly destroyed chains. Formed a colossal plasma lance, a radiant spear of searing hot energy, and sent it hurtling toward the monarch with pinpoint accuracy. The force of the attack struck the titan squarely in the chest. As the plasma lance impaled the monarch, it held the monstrous figure in place long enough for Markus to ensure that every last bit of its life was abolished, leaving the creature shattered and broken.
With the echo of his assault fading into silence, Markus stood in the aftermath, his eyes cold and calculating. He had not only silenced the ancient monarch with ruthless efficiency but had also claimed the monumental EXP from the kill, without sharing a single drop with Jinwoo. As Jinwoo continued to process the painful truths of the encounter, Markus's heart beat with unyielding ambition. In that moment, he knew he had secured yet another decisive advantage in his relentless march toward ultimate supremacy.
As the S-Rank gate shimmered and faded into nothingness, a collective sigh of relief swept over Japan. The catastrophic nightmare that had once threatened to engulf the nation seemed to vanish before the eyes of the world. Helicopters belonging to the Japanese Hunters Association and military forces descended gracefully onto the scene, while generals, elite hunters, and agents emerged from their positions. They gathered in solemn groups, their expressions a mixture of gratitude and disbelief, to pay tribute to the heroes who had turned the tide in the darkest hour.
In the aftermath of the battle, the atmosphere was charged with both jubilation and cautious optimism. News channels broadcast live images of exhausted soldiers and relieved citizens watching as the massive gate disintegrated into a burst of fading light. General officers and top-ranking officials expressed their admiration in formal statements, acknowledging that the combined might of Markus and Jinwoo had not only saved countless lives but had restored order to a land once on the brink of chaos. The world watched in awe as Japan slowly began to piece together its shattered reality.
After a couple of days of stabilization and healing, Jinwoo quietly departed Japan, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and unwavering courage. His exit, almost as understated as his arrival. Meanwhile, Markus received a formal accolade from the government, a vast, strategic location in the Ada district of Okinawa Island was awarded to him. This isolated stronghold was seen as the ideal base for his ongoing operations, a testament to his unparalleled contributions and a promise of future dominion.
Markus, regarded the award with quiet satisfaction. The newfound territory on Okinawa not only offered him a secure haven from which to launch further operations but also symbolized Japan's official recognition of his transformative power. As he looked out over the horizon from atop of his lightning dragon, Markus smiled for a job well done. His mana pool enlarged, enough to sustain his heavy use and his army's regeneration, his portal manipulation able to tear the reality to the gate worlds even though they are cleared. Fully aware that his journey was far from over. The world had witnessed a miracle, and now, with this stronghold at his command, he was poised to reshape the future of the hunter world on his own uncompromising terms.
On his way to Korea, atop one of his lightning dragons, Markus had long anticipated the International Guild Conference, a global summit where the world's most powerful hunters would converge. Both he and Jinwoo were expected to be the invitees from Korea this year. Yet beneath the surface of this momentous occasion lay a brewing storm: national-level hunters were now facing threats from the monarchs, and many of them will be eliminated. They do not have the "Fragment of the Brilliant Light" Markus, sighed the author of the Solo Leveling was really favoriting Korea. The only other skill these so called national level hunters have that he may want was, "Spiritual Body Manifestation" he already copied it from the Monarch of the Beginning and was planning to extract copies of this and other rare powers from the monarchs, Thomas Andre, and Liu Zhigang, knowing that such enhancements could evolve the skill to something better.
In a dramatic display that could only be described as cinematic, Markus landed his sleek Lightning Dragon atop the towering KHA headquarters. The dragon's scales flashed with bolts of electric brilliance as it alighted silently on the rooftop, a clear signal to all who watched that the he had returned. Despite the obvious spectacle, the dragon's arrival had set off a flurry of cameras and startled whispers. Markus made his way purposefully to the president's private office, his presence commanding respect and quiet awe. His demeanor was calm and collected, a stark contrast to the chaos unfolding around him.
Inside the KHA headquarters, Markus reported his return with measured authority. He explained that his mission in Japan had been a resounding success, one that had cleared the rampant chaos from Kyushu and beyond, and that his strategic withdrawal was now complete. As he spoke, his eyes gleamed with the promise of future conquests and further enhancements to his formidable array of skills, skills that he planned to refine by copying additional monarch abilities, including Portal Manipulation, to ensure that his dominion could stretch across worlds, and realities. The president, visibly impressed yet cautious, nodded in acknowledgment as Markus's words signaled a sharp rise in Korea's influence in Politics and Hunter related international positions.