Possessing Nothing Novel (쥐뿔도 없는 회귀)

Chapter 110 - Mimics

It crashed through the Doppelganger's Defense Aura like it was nothing. Lightning Annihilation required a combination of strength and power. The Lightning Annihilation of his subconscious was one of the most burdensome techniques to perform using Lee Sungmin's real body. He had pierced through his Poisonous Vein, breaking through to the next level. His body had become incomparably powerful as compared to before, but it was still burdensome to perform all of the Nine Heavenly Spear techniques.

But not now. His body, now additionally supported by Heoju's powers, was enough to reach the level of martial arts that he had in the world of his subconscious.

The Doppelganger's body was greatly pushed back. It did not vomit blood or groan in pain. The monster moved forward to counterattack despite suffering a blow that would have been fatal had it been a human. It was a desperate attempt of an attack, with all thoughts of safety abandoned.

'My arms...!'

He could feel his muscles rupture from the Lightning Attack just now. His weak hand tried to release the spear, but Lee Sungmin tightened his hold on it while biting his lip. While recovering the outstretched spear, he attacked and moved back. The Doppelganger, with a gaping hole on its chest, spread out its arms.

Kwakwakwa!

A black force swirled around the Doppelganger, making it look more calamitous than the person. The turbulent torrent of power swept through the surroundings. Lee Sungmin resisted using his inner strength and Heoju's power.

[Amazing. That bitch... It isn't even the real person and can still wield that much power? Is she really human?]

Heoju smiled and said. Lee Sungmin could feel Heoju's powers coursing through his veins. His heart beat like crazy, and he gasped for air. He felt his stiff arms healing and strength returning to his legs.

'Can I win?'

[It depends on what you do. I'm just lending you my power. or... Are you willing to hand over your body?]

Asked Heoju.

[If you pass your body over to me, I can even turn a ha'penny into a meatball. I can win even if the original person herself comes. What will you choose?]

He kept asking. It seemed like he was tempting him, but also it seemed like he was testing him at the same time. Lee Sungmin couldn't tell what Heoju was trying to achieve from his question.

But the answer had been fixed from the beginning.

'I have to do it.'

[Hahaha! You're going to do it relying solely on your power? In the end, what use is there for that pointless pride?]

'That's right. It's because of my pride. My body is too weak. I could give it to you, but there is something I want to do. I can't give you my body yet.'

Lee Sungmin thought while gritting his teeth. The Doppelganger's strength and Wijihoyeon's strength would be different. However, he was sure of one thing. The 2100 years he spent practicing in his subconscious were not meaningless. It was vague, but he could see a way to fight the transcendental strength that Wijihoyeon had reached.

He knew because he had already experienced it. He would not have to struggle in this way if he could reach the level of martial arts that he had reached in his subconscious. Lee Sungmin was sure about that. At the same time, he felt a sense of anticipation and accomplishment.

The 2100 years were not meaningless.

[What a peculiar... fellow.]

Heoju was sympathetic to Lee Sungmin's feelings. Heoju had no body, but was tied to a huge mass of power. It was now that those powers entered Lee Sungmin's body from the armor. Heoju, who was partially assimilated to Lee Sungmin, had not possessed Lee Sungmin's body, but even then, he could tell what Lee Sungmin was feeling with no need for words.