Lynch realized he had fallen into the greatest predicament since transmigrating to this world.
It was merely an unconscious roar without any deliberate malice or target, like a beast king ruling over a mountain while patrolling its domain.
Yet the pressure inherent within it stirred a fierce resistance in Lynch—a natural rage born when a superior entity's majesty is challenged.
Even Lynch hadn't expected such a visceral reaction from himself. For the first time since transmigrating, he felt a deep dissonance within his body.
Even as a spirit body, it was still a replica of a mortal frame. Under the crushing pressure of a higher existence, this mortal body trembled in humble terror, instinctively wanting to slump and prostrate itself. This was the nature of living beings in the mortal world, akin to a beast confronting its natural predator—completely stripped of any capacity to resist or flee, collapsing limp to await impending death.
Yet the soul of a transmigrator burned with fury. The pride and experience forged from walking alongside deities made it impossible for him to bow before an alien entity. If a single roar could force him to his knees, he would despise himself, unfit to ever call himself a transmigrator again. Behind him stood not only the Crimson Lady, but also the collective knowledge and wisdom accumulated through thousands of years of his homeland's history. How could he possibly bow his head and break his back here?
Thus, Lynch stood motionless on the spot, every muscle in his body trembling slightly. The Yithian in his mind seemed to be saying something, but Lynch had no time to pay attention; he was locked in a fierce battle.
The dissonance between body and soul was ignited under this overwhelming pressure, plunging both sides into a desperate tug-of-war. Whether to obey instinct and bow like a mortal creature, or follow a transmigrator's true heart and stand tall—for Lynch, there was only one answer. It had never been a question; the only issue was whether he could achieve it.
After all, the body was foreign to him, harboring far too many lingering mortal instincts from its original owner. Completely mastering it wouldn't be easy. He had to thoroughly eliminate the subtle dangers left behind by the original body and allow his transmigrator will to take total control over this physical frame.
And it had to be right now.
The body's instincts struggled continuously—suppression, panic, terror, and all manner of negative emotions surged back into his consciousness, attempting to force his spirit to yield to mortal duty and submit to physical instinct.
However, I refuse.
There is no middle ground between yielding once and yielding forever. I will never fall back.
Lynch gripped his cane tightly, pressing it firmly into the ground. He funneled his entire will throughout his body, concentrating it into the muscles of his waist and legs. Expending every ounce of strength, he straightened his legs and back, standing as rigid and erect as a spear.
You are already dead. I am the one who has taken this body this far. You were merely a loser who succumbed to your fate. As a loser, your consciousness, your instincts, your weakness, and your humility can all disappear forever! Watch closely—I will never be as weak as you were.
Gritting his teeth to endure the backlash of his instincts, Lynch felt his body grow increasingly hazy and his vision warp into darkness. Yet he anchored himself with total willpower, refusing to yield a single inch.
A gentle sigh echoed in his mind as a red moon slowly rose within his consciousness, casting its soft light upon Lynch's dazed spirit. But Lynch jerked his head violently:
“Go back.”
The crimson moon paused, wavering with hesitation.
“This is my battle. You are not allowed to interfere. If I rely on you to pull me through this time, there will only be a next time. I must win this victory through my own strength.”
The crimson orb hesitated briefly before slowly fading from his consciousness: 【Mm.】
Burn the bridges. I have no retreat left.
“Awoooo~~~”
Another wolf howl resounded, far closer this time. The terrifying pressure surged exponentially, placing a near-tangible weight upon Lynch's chest that left him gasping for air. Yet through sheer grit, defying his body's intense resistance, he slowly lifted his leg.
At this very moment, Lynch realized that unless he took this step, he would forever retain the heart of a mortal and never walk the path of immortality. Only by casting aside mortal weakness and humility—truly viewing himself as a traveler trudging along the path of immortality—could he ever hope to reach the seat of the supreme.
Then bring it on, mortal instincts! Let me show you the will of a transmigrator! I fought to the very last breath back then, and I will not bow now! This is my body, and my will reigns supreme! You are nothing more than mere instinct—so sit down and obey!
His warped legs and feet trembled and shuddered, yet he persevered, inching forward step by step. Every movement was sheer agony, but once a step was taken, there was no going back.
“Awoooo~~”
Yet another roar shook the expanse, now right in front of him. Within the hazy blue glow in the distance, a massive shadow emerged.
Just as the silhouette parted the thin mist and entered his field of view, Lynch's foot planted itself on the ground.
Thump.
Leaning on his cane, his body remained as straight as a spear. Lynch stood proudly, a faint smile on his lips as he faced the looming shadow. Endless joy surged within his heart.
“I succeeded. I didn't lose to my id, and I didn't bow to mortal instinct.”
【Yes, Lynch. You have successfully taken the second step on the path of immortality.】
“Only the second step?”
【Mm. Unlocking Divine Authority was the first step—that was merely locating the path of immortality. Only by relinquishing your self-concept as a mortal have you truly stepped onto the path of immortality and gained the qualification to forge toward the supreme. If you had continued to view yourself as a mortal, even if you mastered all of the red moon's Divine Authority, you would merely be a slightly stronger mortal.】
“It seems I had many opportunities before—facing Mordiggian, facing the Swelling Daughter, and even facing Glaaki, the Inhabitant of the Lake. Yet I missed them all. Even when I eventually took action against them, I was merely borrowing your strength rather than placing myself on equal footing. I wasted those chances.”
【That was not your fault, and it is not too late now. Congratulations, my neighbor. This journey is leading into a new world, and I will eagerly stay by your side to witness every piece of scenery with you.】
“As you wish, Lady Luna. I will give my all to take in the view at our final destination with you.”
【The honor is mine.】
While the soft voice still lingered in his ears, the colossal dark silhouette shattered the blue light and mist, appearing right before Lynch.
It was a giant wolf as gargantuan as a small mountain.
Its ash-white body was half-ethereal and half-solid, drifting uncertainly. Its sharp fangs gleamed brightly, and its eyes radiated dazzling light, the pupils swirling like whirlpools that seemed to conceal a vast galaxy within.
No wonder it sounded like a howl—it really is a giant wolf.
Lynch looked down at his hands, then up at the approaching giant wolf, suddenly realizing a problem.
Wait... Why hasn't it been distorted into a spiraling strand? Why is it in a standard wolf form?
“It maintains this form through the distortion of angular time. Once removed from that distortion, it would naturally assume another state—though I assure you, you would not wish to see it,” the Yithian's voice resonated in Lynch's mind once more. “You seemed somewhat off just a moment ago, but fortunately, you have recovered. This is Mulsith-ha, the Lord of Tindalos.”
Lynch gave a subtle nod. The slightest trace of fear and hesitation had vanished from his heart. Offering a calm, faint smile to the giant wolf standing right before him, he removed his hat, bowed, and performed an elegant greeting.
“Emissary of the Yithians, follower of the Crimson Lady, and Lynch Levive from the mortal world—here to keep our appointment.”
Rate on N.U.
