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Jihan~

Upon arriving at the Sword Palace, Sophia waved cheerfully at Seong Jihan the moment she saw him.

I watched the last match against Japan. How about it? You need me, dont you?

Well, not really.

Why not!? There arent many supporters like me. Plus, in the Golem Duel, my gift will be as effective as if its SSS-rank, right?

Sophias SS-rank gift, Trinity, enhanced all buff effects threefold.

In a map like the Golem Duel, where only buffs and heals are applied, her gift proved even more effective than its original grade.

Just tell me to come, and Ill naturalize immediately! Ive gotten better at speaking Korean too.

Its fine, really.

Sophia, having been with the Daegi guild for a while, had quickly climbed to the Diamond League, surpassing her previous capabilities.

In the United States, they were preparing for her possible recruitment as a supporter once her level rose slightly more.

Actually, if it werent for the USA national teams criteria of only choosing those above level 245,

Sophia would have been selected long ago.

Thump! Thump!

Watching this from the side, Yoon Seah nudged Seong Jihan in the ribs.

Uncle Sophia wants to come over so much, bring her now! If the USA team recruits her first, itll be harder to get her!

I wont bring her.

I dont get it With her, isnt it a confirmed win for Korea in the Champions League?

Thats what Im saying! We can win for the first time as a third world country!

Winning the Champions League.

Although its value had declined since the inauguration of the Space League in 2020,

it remained a goal every player dreamt of and sought to achieve.

Yoon Seah couldnt understand why her uncle was stubborn when a shortcut to victory was right before them.

As Yoon Seah patted her chest in frustration, Seong Jihan spoke up.

I dont want to poach talent from another country.

Why?

Think about your dad.

Ah Dad was enchanted, but this is her choice!

Thats right! I just want to come to Korea because I like you, Seong Jihan!

Thats why its troublesome.

Sophias one-sided favor.

For Seong Jihan, who might have to face death at any moment as the Martial God, there was no room to accept it.

Besides, shes even more aggressive than in my past life.

For now, its overlooked as theres distance between Korea and the USA.

If she naturalizes to South Korea and they got closer, itll be harder to push her away.

Plus, I cant tell Sophia to leave her family and come to Korea just for the Champions League.

Its about time I become independent anyway! My parents will surely understand!

It doesnt matter. I wont accept it even if you come.

Wow thats so mean! Didnt you say youd accept me if I become the top supporter?

Compete for the top spot first, then.

Huh why let this opportunity slip

As Seong Jihan rebuffed the eager SS-rank supporter, Yoon Seah felt a tinge of regret.

With Sophia in the national team, victory seemed within grasp.

Sigh Usually, youd be the one asking me. Thats a pity. What if I get recruited by the USA team?

Well, nothing can be done then. So was the urgent matter about naturalization?

Sophia cast a sidelong glance at Seong Jihan, trying to change the subject, then wore a serious expression.

No. My personal desire for naturalization is separate

Then what is it?

Ive received a revelation.

A revelation, you say?

Yes.

A revelation.

Even for a Priestess class, could such a thing be possible?

Looking puzzled, Seong Jihan listened as Sophia lowered her voice.

Priestess Jeanne Darc appeared in my dream.

Jeanne Darc?

Jeanne Darc was the priestess who had led France to victory but ended up condemned to the flames.

I never heard Sophia mention Jeanne Darc in my previous life.

Why would she suddenly appear in her dream now?

Initially, Seong Jihan thought it was another difference from his previous life.

So, Jeanne Darc says shell help lighten the burden of the priestess engulfed in the void.

As Sophia began to describe the revelation of Jeanne Darc, he felt a strange sense of dj vu.

If its the priestess engulfed in the void, it must refer to his sister, Seong Jiah.

And to lessen her burden

It sounds similar to what Pythia said.

Pythia claimed that upon awakening Gilgameshs authority, the fifth Annihilation Technique, she would help lift the burden of the Witch of The Void, Seong Jiah.

Now, Jeanne Darc in Sophias dream was saying something in a similar context.

Till then, Seong Jihan was skeptical.

And, Jeanne Darc stated that if you hear about this, you will know what it means.

And?

She declared confidence in you keeping your promise and said shed prepare a space in advance for it.

Is that so?

Yes. She intends to pass the Holy Flame to me for that purpose.

By now, he was convinced of Jeanne Darcs identity.

Was Jeanne Darc, Pythia?

Nostradamus, Jeanne Darc.

He wondered since when had the Prophet undertaken the role of a priestess.

Since her actual power was water rather than fire, shes preparing to transfer the energy she accumulated to Sophia, isnt she?

Seong Jihan recalled Pythias power.

The intensity of the flames in the fallen sanctuary of Apollo.

Such a potent force, being passed on to Sophia just like that?

The Holy Flame Wont it be dangerous?

Ah! Are you worried about it?

Of course.

Hehe. Dont worry! Jeanne Darc said she couldnt pass too much at once. She said it will build up slowly, so Ill have time to adapt easily.

Sophias face brightened as Seong Jihan showed concern.

Yoon Seah watched her from the side, shaking her head.

Sophia Honestly. Getting pleased by just one word from him, what will you do in the future? Youll end up being led around by him!

Its okay. I want to keep being led around by him!

Ugh. Seriously Whats so great about the uncle?

Why? Hes the worlds greatest warrior. The coolest in the world.

Sigh. Forget it.

Yoon Seah gave up on advising Sophia.

Whats the point of playing hard to get when shes so straightforward?

Well, even if you say that, I dont plan on dragging her around.

Its okay. Youll see my face often from now on! Youll naturally be drawn to me.

Arent you going to the United States?

Sophia responded to Seong Jihans question by smiling bright and open while spreading her palm.

Whooosh!

Then, a small white flame sprouted lively from her hand.

Jeanne Darc said that to fully transfer her Holy Flame, I need to be near the Abyss.

The Abyss in North Korean land, you mean?

Yes. She mentioned that preparations must be made here for a definite sharing of the burden

Expecting Seong Jihan to awaken the abilities of Gilgamesh early, thats why Pythia was diligently making preparations.

Seong Jihan mused,

Shes really keen on it. We havent even found a clue on our side yet.

The fifth Annihilation Technique, associated with the Wood attribute.

He knew about its elemental alignment, but beyond that, there wasnt a lead to follow.

Yet, on their end,

Expectations were that Seong Jihan, who completed the Ice Heaven Sword Rain quickly, could also swiftly achieve it.

So, it seems I need to stay in Korea a little longer to accept the Holy Flame~

Oh, Sophia. Is the Korean national team coming too?

Yes initially, I planned to stop everything once Seong Jihan asked.

Flick!

Sophia twisted her body as the Holy Flame, unable to sustain itself long, extinguished in her palm.

Are you okay, Sophia?

Ah indeed its challenging. I need to get used to managing this fire; Ill consider the next steps afterward.

Pythias flame.

Even Seong Jihan had to counter it through Ice Heaven Sword Rain before it became quenchable.

For Sophia to inherit and wield such power wouldnt be an easy task.

Sophia winked at Yoon Seah.

Its most important to receive Jeanne Darcs flame right now, right? For your mother and for the elder brother too.

Hmm, elder brother?

Yeah. Its not just for husbands and older sisters; you can call them elder brother too, right?

Saying that, she tilted her head with a smile.

But isnt elder brother something men call each other? Why is a woman using elder brother?

Well, um Anyway! Since my elder brother acknowledged me as his sister-in-law. I need to do my best too!

Brimming with determination, Sophia clenched her fists.

Yoon Seah, grateful for her efforts to save her mother, thought, Seah. You can call her auntie in advance.

Nah,Im fine!

She felt goosebumps at the thought of calling her friend auntie.

Seong Jihan. Ill borrow one of the rooms in Sword Palace then~

Fine with me. The building owner is Seah anyway.

Ah. Thats right~ Sophia. Want to go see the rooms? Ill give you the best one!

Sure, lets go!

Still, it was nice of her to offer help in saving Seong Jiah.

Thus, Yoon Seah decided to personally show Sophia the best room in the Sword Palace and they left.

Left alone, Seong Jihan spent a moment quietly observing the house and thought,

Since Pythia is so keen, I need to hasten my training on Gilgameshs authority.

The fifth Annihilation Technique associated with the Wood attribute.

Wondering how to attempt it, an idea struck him.

Ill try utilizing the energy of life.

The World Tree could be considered the epitome of the Wood attribute.

Could there be an intersection with the Wood attribute and the life energy it held?

In the absence of clues, its worth a shot to try anything.

With that, Seong Jihan began his attempt at the fifth Annihilation Technique, skipping the usual order.

* * *

Meanwhile,

In the Abode of the Martial God,

Dongbang Sak, an old man with a white mane, stroked his beard while holding his smartphone.

Pythia has she lost the will to fight?

The Korea vs. Japan match ended at 3:2.

The scores alone showed a close game.

But it was the Japanese coachs luck in card selection that narrowly edged the game.

In terms of power, Japan was no match for Korea.

Although the supporter Mizuhara Aoi showed a strong fire power in the first game.

She had been quiet since the second.

Through the Eye of Divination, she must have seen something in him

Then,

Flash!

As Pythia appeared from the vast void, Dongbang Sak took his eyes off the smartphone and looked at her.

Pythia why did you spare him?

I saw something amazing in him.

You were supposed to teach him a lesson.

Ill leave that to you.

With that, Pythia spread out one finger.

Dongbang Sak, can you defeat Seong Jihan in one minute?

One minute?

Yes. On a full power basis.

Dongbang Sak twisted his beard, lost in thought.

Full power has the fighting spirit of the Eye of Divination disappeared?

Why?

You know well, if I use full power, it will end in a single strike.

Dongbang Sak said nonchalantly.

As certain and routine as the sunrise from the east.

That wouldnt be a lesson, would it? I wouldnt have fun either.

Still! I made a bet with him. If he lasts a minute, Ill have to give a free prophecy.

You crafted quite the trick what did you get in return?

If I win, hell tell me all his martial art names.

Hmm

The name of the martial art.

Behind Dongbang Sak, the Taiji symbol appeared.

Initially rotating clockwise, the black and white pattern of the Taiji,

If you tell me too, Ill use my full power.

Good.

then began to rotate counter-clockwise.

I guess Ill have to bring out the Taiji Demon Sword after a long time.

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