The rumbling of the earth continued.
Thud!
Thud!
The rumbling grew stronger with each passing moment. Each time it did, instinct sounded an even louder warning of danger.
Something was approaching.
A massive threat capable of annihilating existence.
Instinctively, Gloki realized that the looming threat was directed towards him.
So, what exactly was this massive threat?
Gloki knew the answer.
It wasn’t his own knowledge. It was the subconscious of the ancient slime, existing since time immemorial, that knew of this presence.
“The Guardian of Balance.”
An entity overseeing the balance of the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension. A transcendental species existing alongside him since ancient times.
That entity was targeting him.
Normally, the Guardian of Balance was an immovable entity. Its awakening meant that the balance of the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension was severely disrupted.
“However, the balance of the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension has not been disrupted.”
So, there was only one answer.
If there was a threatening presence capable of severely disrupting the balance, then the target was him.
“Why? Gloki is still weak. Gloki is nothing but a small slime.”
The reason was unknown. But it was clear that a threat was approaching, and a solution needed to be found.
Gloki rode atop the body of the giant wasp general, soaring high into the sky. And within his influence, he destroyed every wasp.
There were truly many. They were countless.
But could all these wasps defeat that menacing rock giant?
Could they even scratch that insane rock that defied even the hardest of materials?
No, they wouldn’t stand a chance.
That opponent didn’t even succumb to his skills. If he dared to attempt parasitism or absorption, he would be consumed, becoming part of that giant rock.
“There is clearly a way.”
The immediate solution that came to mind was the evolution of his species.
Having accumulated unused components for so long, Gloki had many within his body. If he used them all on the giant wasp, he could surpass the limits of his species and become even stronger.
However, even if he did this, he couldn’t be certain of victory.
He was the leader of his forces. Counting on slim odds was the lowest of lows among the strategies.
“A retreat in terms of strategy?”
Yes, let’s assume he retreats. Where would he retreat to?
Somewhere in the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension?
Even if he went, that rock giant would relentlessly pursue him. The Guardian of Balance would never cease its activity until it resolved its own mission.
“If I make the Five Kings and the Guardian of Balance fight each other?”
In that case, there was a possibility. But the issue was whether they would fight for him.
Even if they helped him, the Five Kings wouldn’t gain anything. They wouldn’t want the current balance they protected to be disrupted. They would rather help the Guardian of Balance than him.
“For now, it’s a strategic retreat.”
He called for his master. He strongly requested to be summoned to Earth. Then, Taehyung summoned Gloki.
Pop!
Gloki disappeared.
And the rumbling ceased.
With a step-by-step gait, the rock giant stopped in its tracks.
***
Taehyung scratched his head.
“So, you’re in danger right now?”
“Yes.”
The Guardian of Balance. A powerful transcendental species was targeting Gloki.
“How strong is it?”
“I don’t know. But it’s definitely incredibly powerful. It might not be weaker than the Five Kings.”
“Then, it’s unreasonable to confront it head-on.”
Taehyung stroked Gloki sitting obediently on his knee. Gloki whimpered softly.
“Even if it returns to its original form, can’t it win?”
“Probably not. While Gloki is powerful, it’s weaker than the Five Kings. As I said, the Guardian of Balance is not weaker than the Five Kings.”
“Ah, right.”
But fortunately, that rock giant wasn’t attacking Earth.
“If we can’t deal with the opponent, we should just crush it to Earth. Isn’t that right?”
“That could be a solution. But it’s a last resort.”
That was only the last line of defense.
The dimension of Earth was saturated. Most of the continents were already occupied by humans. If Gloki expanded his influence here, he would inevitably have to compete with them.
But even if he competed, there was not much to gain.
The Abyssal Chronicles Dimension was richer in mana than anywhere else. But Earth didn’t have as much mana as the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension.
Gloki was ambitious. The Abyssal Chronicles Dimension was full of opportunities. He didn’t want to give up on such a honey-soaked land.
“Um, what do you think?”
Taehyung was considering what to do with the reward he would soon receive.
But perhaps that should be put on hold for now.
Didn’t they have priorities?
“Master, can I use this computer?”
“Huh? You know how to use a computer?”
“Yes, I do. I’ve seen you do it many times.”
“Oh, right. Well, go ahead then. I’m not doing anything right now. But what are you going to do?”
“Search for information.”
Gloki bounced on Taehyung’s forehead and then leaped onto the computer desk.
Gloki chirped. Soon, a slender arm-like appendage emerged from its body.
“Wow, what’s this?”
A sudden appearance of a hand?
There were definitely no related skills.
Gloki immediately began manipulating the mouse and keyboard with its newly formed hand.
“…”
Skillfully turning on the power, turning on the internet, and typing on the keyboard…
“Wow…”
Taehyung stared blankly at the scene.
“A slime using a computer, unbelievable.”
“Amazing.”
Taehyung immediately took out his phone.
This had to be recorded!
Whether Taehyung said anything or not, Gloki paid no attention and continued to tap on the keyboard and click the mouse.
At the same moment. Somewhere in the frigid forest northeast of the Revenant’s Basin.
Inside a cavern so vast that even giants could enter, there resided a massive wolf.
The colossal wolf, peacefully resting, suddenly sprang to its feet.
“Has the feared moment arrived?”
Fenrir, the Wolf King, emerged from the cave.
He was greeted by the chilly breeze and warm sunlight. Stretching himself, he leaped into the air.
The enormous wolf soared.
Well, not exactly soared, but leapt so high that it could be mistaken for flying. Landing gracefully at the highest peak of the mountain.
The summit was Fenrir’s favorite spot, where he would sit and admire the vast forest below.
Today, as usual, Fenrir sat in the same spot, yawning as he glanced down below.
The Revenant’s Basin was peaceful. But it wouldn’t remain so in the future.
For the stone giant, devoid of both blood and tears, had awakened.
“Oh, this is troublesome. I’d rather just ignore it,” he muttered to himself.
With a mighty roar, Fenrir’s howl echoed far and wide.
“My son, come forth.”
His will echoed with the howl, and soon, a large silver wolf approached.
“Son, what do you wish to do? They are undoubtedly friends of your friend, the High Orc.”
“Woof! Woof!”
It was an affirmative bark. Fenrir chuckled and licked his son’s silver fur with his tongue.
“Now, what to do?” Fenrir pondered.
Normally, it wouldn’t be something he’d bother with. But these creatures were related to his son’s friend, the High Orc.
Where exactly did his son’s cherished friend stand in all this?
The sworn ally of a tribe believed to have been wiped out had reappeared. As such, matters related to them were important to Fenrir.
A companion of the ally was in danger. How could he stand idly by?
Besides, they were friends of his son’s friend. By extension, they were friends of his son. If his son’s friend was in danger, as parents, they couldn’t just watch.
“Oh well, can’t be helped.”
“Woof! Woof!”
The silver wolf let out a rough bark.
Though it sounded fierce to others, to Fenrir, it was his son’s way of pleading.
“Alright, calm down and wait. Don’t worry, we’ll intervene when necessary,” Fenrir assured.
“For now, it seems safe. Let’s observe the situation. We can’t rush into everything, can we? Sometimes, even I have to endure bleeding,” he added, gazing down the mountain with a meaningful look.
—
“Well, did you make any progress?”
“Not a hundred percent satisfactory, but there was progress. It had meaning.”
Gloki had returned to his original small, round form.
“The internet is truly a remarkable invention. I wish we had something like that in Revenant’s Basin.”
“Well, you know… science isn’t exactly advanced there.”
It’s not like they had magical engineering like in Afroxia.
“Maybe there’s still hope.”
“The odds?”
“Fifty-fifty.”
“Not bad odds, then?”
“Win or lose.”
“…”
Taehyung was at a loss for words.
“Well, it’s true. Ultimately, it either works out or it doesn’t.”
“I’m going back.”
“Why?”
“No time to waste. We’ve got a showdown to attend.”
“Well, alright. If it gets too dangerous, I’ll summon you again.”
Taehyung dismissed him.
Gloki vanished into the light.
“…”
Taehyung felt he couldn’t just stand by either.
As a summoner, he had to come up with a plan.
How to stop the stone giant.
—
Thunk!
Thunk!
The ground shook. The stone giant showed no signs of stopping its rampage.
As soon as he returned, Gloki led about a hundred giant bees somewhere.
They moved west, then further west. They finally arrived at a massive gorge.
With towering cliffs on either side, the valley below didn’t seem visible.
“Higher.”
The bees ascended.
“Higher. Higher.”
They flew higher until even the giant gorge was below them.
Then they ascended a bit more. And there, something incredible appeared.
Shrouded in dense fog, there was something floating.
It was land floating in the air.
“Wow…”
Watching, Taehyung couldn’t help but be amazed.
Floating land. How was that even possible?
“That way.”
They went in. And there, a huge white bird flying in the sky appeared.
“Albatross of the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension.”
The Celestial Albatross. A mysterious bird with the ability to fold space and leap. An unknown phantom species.
Here, the Floating Isle was the habitat of the Celestial Albatross.
“Attack.”
The hundred giant bees charged. The Celestial Albatross, sensing intruders, swiftly took flight.
The giant bird’s body shimmered. Gloki knew what it meant.
It was a precursor to space folding. It was trying to escape to an unknown place.
But Gloki didn’t let the fleeing Celestial Albatross get away.
When it got close enough, he leaped. Instantly, two elongated, transparent arms protruded from Gloki’s body.
Bounding forward, he extended his arms as far as he could.
Gotcha.
Like a rubber band, he stretched out and slipped into the giant bird’s massive beak.
[Gloki attempts to seize control of the Celestial Albatross’s body!]
[Seizing control. 01%.]
[Seizing control. 02%.]
The giant bird thrashed about, causing Gloki’s consciousness to waver even more.
Though this giant bird’s combat power was low, it was by no means a weak entity. It was an unquestionable superior species.
Gloki needed to focus its mind. Only then could it succeed in absorption.
It commanded immediately. Giant wasps, obeying Gloki’s command, flew in and hindered the thrashing of the albatross of the abyss by sticking to its body.
Still, it thrashed about. The giant wasps were thrown off wildly. About twenty of them were crushed to death.
Those sacrifices proved helpful to Gloki.
[Physical control in progress. 99%]
[Physical control in progress. 100%]
[Physical control complete.]
[Gloki is exploring the components of the abyssal albatross.]
It took quite a while. It was challenging to find the desired components.
Then, finally.
The desired component was found.
[Gloki has found the component ‘Mystic Power.’]
[Gloki absorbs the discovered component.]
Soon after, the body of the abyssal albatross began to glow with a bright light.
Arghhh!
[The absorbed component is too powerful!]
[There is a change in summon Gloki.]
Gradually, changes began to occur in Gloki’s small body.
The rumbling of the earth continued.
Thud!
Thud!
The rumbling grew stronger with each passing moment. Each time it did, instinct sounded an even louder warning of danger.
Something was approaching.
A massive threat capable of annihilating existence.
Instinctively, Gloki realized that the looming threat was directed towards him.
So, what exactly was this massive threat?
Gloki knew the answer.
It wasn’t his own knowledge. It was the subconscious of the ancient slime, existing since time immemorial, that knew of this presence.
“The Guardian of Balance.”
An entity overseeing the balance of the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension. A transcendental species existing alongside him since ancient times.
That entity was targeting him.
Normally, the Guardian of Balance was an immovable entity. Its awakening meant that the balance of the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension was severely disrupted.
“However, the balance of the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension has not been disrupted.”
So, there was only one answer.
If there was a threatening presence capable of severely disrupting the balance, then the target was him.
“Why? Gloki is still weak. Gloki is nothing but a small slime.”
The reason was unknown. But it was clear that a threat was approaching, and a solution needed to be found.
Gloki rode atop the body of the giant wasp general, soaring high into the sky. And within his influence, he destroyed every wasp.
There were truly many. They were countless.
But could all these wasps defeat that menacing rock giant?
Could they even scratch that insane rock that defied even the hardest of materials?
No, they wouldn’t stand a chance.
That opponent didn’t even succumb to his skills. If he dared to attempt parasitism or absorption, he would be consumed, becoming part of that giant rock.
“There is clearly a way.”
The immediate solution that came to mind was the evolution of his species.
Having accumulated unused components for so long, Gloki had many within his body. If he used them all on the giant wasp, he could surpass the limits of his species and become even stronger.
However, even if he did this, he couldn’t be certain of victory.
He was the leader of his forces. Counting on slim odds was the lowest of lows among the strategies.
“A retreat in terms of strategy?”
Yes, let’s assume he retreats. Where would he retreat to?
Somewhere in the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension?
Even if he went, that rock giant would relentlessly pursue him. The Guardian of Balance would never cease its activity until it resolved its own mission.
“If I make the Five Kings and the Guardian of Balance fight each other?”
In that case, there was a possibility. But the issue was whether they would fight for him.
Even if they helped him, the Five Kings wouldn’t gain anything. They wouldn’t want the current balance they protected to be disrupted. They would rather help the Guardian of Balance than him.
“For now, it’s a strategic retreat.”
He called for his master. He strongly requested to be summoned to Earth. Then, Taehyung summoned Gloki.
Pop!
Gloki disappeared.
And the rumbling ceased.
With a step-by-step gait, the rock giant stopped in its tracks.
***
Taehyung scratched his head.
“So, you’re in danger right now?”
“Yes.”
The Guardian of Balance. A powerful transcendental species was targeting Gloki.
“How strong is it?”
“I don’t know. But it’s definitely incredibly powerful. It might not be weaker than the Five Kings.”
“Then, it’s unreasonable to confront it head-on.”
Taehyung stroked Gloki sitting obediently on his knee. Gloki whimpered softly.
“Even if it returns to its original form, can’t it win?”
“Probably not. While Gloki is powerful, it’s weaker than the Five Kings. As I said, the Guardian of Balance is not weaker than the Five Kings.”
“Ah, right.”
But fortunately, that rock giant wasn’t attacking Earth.
“If we can’t deal with the opponent, we should just crush it to Earth. Isn’t that right?”
“That could be a solution. But it’s a last resort.”
That was only the last line of defense.
The dimension of Earth was saturated. Most of the continents were already occupied by humans. If Gloki expanded his influence here, he would inevitably have to compete with them.
But even if he competed, there was not much to gain.
The Abyssal Chronicles Dimension was richer in mana than anywhere else. But Earth didn’t have as much mana as the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension.
Gloki was ambitious. The Abyssal Chronicles Dimension was full of opportunities. He didn’t want to give up on such a honey-soaked land.
“Um, what do you think?”
Taehyung was considering what to do with the reward he would soon receive.
But perhaps that should be put on hold for now.
Didn’t they have priorities?
“Master, can I use this computer?”
“Huh? You know how to use a computer?”
“Yes, I do. I’ve seen you do it many times.”
“Oh, right. Well, go ahead then. I’m not doing anything right now. But what are you going to do?”
“Search for information.”
Gloki bounced on Taehyung’s forehead and then leaped onto the computer desk.
Gloki chirped. Soon, a slender arm-like appendage emerged from its body.
“Wow, what’s this?”
A sudden appearance of a hand?
There were definitely no related skills.
Gloki immediately began manipulating the mouse and keyboard with its newly formed hand.
“…”
Skillfully turning on the power, turning on the internet, and typing on the keyboard…
“Wow…”
Taehyung stared blankly at the scene.
“A slime using a computer, unbelievable.”
“Amazing.”
Taehyung immediately took out his phone.
This had to be recorded!
Whether Taehyung said anything or not, Gloki paid no attention and continued to tap on the keyboard and click the mouse.
At the same moment. Somewhere in the frigid forest northeast of the Revenant’s Basin.
Inside a cavern so vast that even giants could enter, there resided a massive wolf.
The colossal wolf, peacefully resting, suddenly sprang to its feet.
“Has the feared moment arrived?”
Fenrir, the Wolf King, emerged from the cave.
He was greeted by the chilly breeze and warm sunlight. Stretching himself, he leaped into the air.
The enormous wolf soared.
Well, not exactly soared, but leapt so high that it could be mistaken for flying. Landing gracefully at the highest peak of the mountain.
The summit was Fenrir’s favorite spot, where he would sit and admire the vast forest below.
Today, as usual, Fenrir sat in the same spot, yawning as he glanced down below.
The Revenant’s Basin was peaceful. But it wouldn’t remain so in the future.
For the stone giant, devoid of both blood and tears, had awakened.
“Oh, this is troublesome. I’d rather just ignore it,” he muttered to himself.
With a mighty roar, Fenrir’s howl echoed far and wide.
“My son, come forth.”
His will echoed with the howl, and soon, a large silver wolf approached.
“Son, what do you wish to do? They are undoubtedly friends of your friend, the High Orc.”
“Woof! Woof!”
It was an affirmative bark. Fenrir chuckled and licked his son’s silver fur with his tongue.
“Now, what to do?” Fenrir pondered.
Normally, it wouldn’t be something he’d bother with. But these creatures were related to his son’s friend, the High Orc.
Where exactly did his son’s cherished friend stand in all this?
The sworn ally of a tribe believed to have been wiped out had reappeared. As such, matters related to them were important to Fenrir.
A companion of the ally was in danger. How could he stand idly by?
Besides, they were friends of his son’s friend. By extension, they were friends of his son. If his son’s friend was in danger, as parents, they couldn’t just watch.
“Oh well, can’t be helped.”
“Woof! Woof!”
The silver wolf let out a rough bark.
Though it sounded fierce to others, to Fenrir, it was his son’s way of pleading.
“Alright, calm down and wait. Don’t worry, we’ll intervene when necessary,” Fenrir assured.
“For now, it seems safe. Let’s observe the situation. We can’t rush into everything, can we? Sometimes, even I have to endure bleeding,” he added, gazing down the mountain with a meaningful look.
—
“Well, did you make any progress?”
“Not a hundred percent satisfactory, but there was progress. It had meaning.”
Gloki had returned to his original small, round form.
“The internet is truly a remarkable invention. I wish we had something like that in Revenant’s Basin.”
“Well, you know… science isn’t exactly advanced there.”
It’s not like they had magical engineering like in Afroxia.
“Maybe there’s still hope.”
“The odds?”
“Fifty-fifty.”
“Not bad odds, then?”
“Win or lose.”
“…”
Taehyung was at a loss for words.
“Well, it’s true. Ultimately, it either works out or it doesn’t.”
“I’m going back.”
“Why?”
“No time to waste. We’ve got a showdown to attend.”
“Well, alright. If it gets too dangerous, I’ll summon you again.”
Taehyung dismissed him.
Gloki vanished into the light.
“…”
Taehyung felt he couldn’t just stand by either.
As a summoner, he had to come up with a plan.
How to stop the stone giant.
—
Thunk!
Thunk!
The ground shook. The stone giant showed no signs of stopping its rampage.
As soon as he returned, Gloki led about a hundred giant bees somewhere.
They moved west, then further west. They finally arrived at a massive gorge.
With towering cliffs on either side, the valley below didn’t seem visible.
“Higher.”
The bees ascended.
“Higher. Higher.”
They flew higher until even the giant gorge was below them.
Then they ascended a bit more. And there, something incredible appeared.
Shrouded in dense fog, there was something floating.
It was land floating in the air.
“Wow…”
Watching, Taehyung couldn’t help but be amazed.
Floating land. How was that even possible?
“That way.”
They went in. And there, a huge white bird flying in the sky appeared.
“Albatross of the Abyssal Chronicles Dimension.”
The Celestial Albatross. A mysterious bird with the ability to fold space and leap. An unknown phantom species.
Here, the Floating Isle was the habitat of the Celestial Albatross.
“Attack.”
The hundred giant bees charged. The Celestial Albatross, sensing intruders, swiftly took flight.
The giant bird’s body shimmered. Gloki knew what it meant.
It was a precursor to space folding. It was trying to escape to an unknown place.
But Gloki didn’t let the fleeing Celestial Albatross get away.
When it got close enough, he leaped. Instantly, two elongated, transparent arms protruded from Gloki’s body.
Bounding forward, he extended his arms as far as he could.
Gotcha.
Like a rubber band, he stretched out and slipped into the giant bird’s massive beak.
[Gloki attempts to seize control of the Celestial Albatross’s body!]
[Seizing control. 01%.]
[Seizing control. 02%.]
The giant bird thrashed about, causing Gloki’s consciousness to waver even more.
Though this giant bird’s combat power was low, it was by no means a weak entity. It was an unquestionable superior species.
Gloki needed to focus its mind. Only then could it succeed in absorption.
It commanded immediately. Giant wasps, obeying Gloki’s command, flew in and hindered the thrashing of the albatross of the abyss by sticking to its body.
Still, it thrashed about. The giant wasps were thrown off wildly. About twenty of them were crushed to death.
Those sacrifices proved helpful to Gloki.
[Physical control in progress. 99%]
[Physical control in progress. 100%]
[Physical control complete.]
[Gloki is exploring the components of the abyssal albatross.]
It took quite a while. It was challenging to find the desired components.
Then, finally.
The desired component was found.
[Gloki has found the component ‘Mystic Power.’]
[Gloki absorbs the discovered component.]
Soon after, the body of the abyssal albatross began to glow with a bright light.
Arghhh!
[The absorbed component is too powerful!]
[There is a change in summon Gloki.]
Gradually, changes began to occur in Gloki’s small body.
