I Became an Illegal Cheat User

133 – Breaking Through the Demon Realm (1)

“Master, we have arrived.”

Tera’s voice, piercing through my thoughts.

At that voice, I wrapped up my review of the plan I had been contemplating. I opened my eyes, which I had kept closed, and saw the massive wall of violet beyond the windshield.

Violet mist, commonly known as the mist of death.

It has engulfed the entire north, and our destination is near.

The distance is approximately 300 meters.

A safe distance calculated based on the speed at which the mist is expanding.

Of course, it wouldn’t matter if we ventured further into that safe distance. In fact, it would save us time entering the mist.

The rate at which the mist spreads is exceedingly slow.

Moreover, since Tera—specifically, Battle Maid Unit 1—and the Golem Unit 1 that we rode here will be left behind, there’s no concern for the safety of As and Asuka.

As the mist advances, we can simply pull the golems back.

But that’s only if the current situation remains stable, a typical scenario.

The reason I set and maintain a safe distance is to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.

For example, a sudden change in the mist.

Right now, the mist is moving at a pace akin to a sluggish slug. But there’s no telling how long that will last.

At any moment, it could suddenly speed up or expand its range in the blink of an eye.

Given that the mist of death is anything but a normal phenomenon, I cannot make any guarantees.

Thus, we must be prepared.

So that we aren’t swept away if the mist suddenly descends upon us.

“As, it’s time to wake up.”

“Umm…”

Tera gently stroked As’s head.

At that soft touch, As let out a whiny sound. She struggled to get up, instead turning to the side and burying her face deep into Tera’s belly.

At that adorable action, Asuka, who was watching from the side, clasped her cheeks and silently squealed with happiness.

And Tera…

“…”

Quietly, without a word.

Gently, gently.

She continued to stroke As’s head.

Seeing Tera like that, I couldn’t help but smile.

He had every reason to be like this; right now, Terra was not the image she had always shown.

Not the calculating, cold demeanor of an AI.

On the surface, she appeared as an expressionless maid.

But inside, she was filled with confusion like an ordinary person, unable to grasp what to do in this unfamiliar situation.

As evidence, right now in my line of sight was—

[Master…, what should I do in a situation like this?]

Terra’s message, filled with perplexity and seeking answers, was visible.

“First, let her sleep a bit longer. I have no intention of entering the fog right now.”

Just as I told Terra.

Before entering the fog, there were various experiments to conduct.

The ability of the holy sword Sacred, the disregard for the fog of death.

I needed to find out what would happen if that effect didn’t work, how the fog would affect our equipment, and especially whether firearms would function normally within the fog.

Of course, with Astra’s equipment transformation, there was no need to worry about gear.

The same went for the others.

The members entering the fog alongside me.

Arthur and Lee Seoyeon wield weapons of S-rank.

Unlike ordinary items, they possess an ‘indestructible’ effect that prevents durability from being damaged, so there was no need to worry about the fog affecting their gear.

And Noah… well.

He does have the spear called ‘Aradwar,’ but Noah is a pseudo-contractor.

Since Noah’s mother, Gloria, is still the true contractor, he cannot use it unless he is on Earth.

But there’s no need to worry too much.

As you know, before being a ‘Saint,’ Noah is an ‘Inquisitor.’

He can wield divine power freely, and with just his fists and his own body, he is more than capable of serving as a weapon against evil.

So why not enter right away and conduct experiments?

That’s because of my combat style.

Arthur, Lee Seoyeon, and Noah, along with their peers.

They all handle one or, at most, two weapons. They don’t use more than three. And all their weapons are cold weapons.

In contrast, I handle various weapons.

Especially firearms that others don’t pay much attention to.

Thus, my combat methods are diverse.

Firepower drop using explosives like grenades.

Handguns, miniguns, and the newly acquired grenade launcher and anti-material sniper rifle. Precision shooting with various firearms in the right place at the right time.

Of course, in between all that, there are teleportation, telekinesis, infinite items, and super accuracy. Skills and various cheats are laid down as a basic foundation, but still.

This round.

In this place where the game has become reality, I must prepare for various situations as much as I utilize various skills, weapons, and strategies, unless an unexpected situation arises.

No matter how slow and frustrating it may be.

With the heart of someone tapping before crossing a bridge.

Thinking this, I stepped out of the car and grimaced at the foul smell that hit me the moment my feet touched the ground.

And the same went for the four who got out of the car with me.

“I didn’t notice it in the car, but this fog is really unpleasant.”

“That’s to be expected. Death energy is a harmful aura to humans. But with that much death energy gathered to the point of appearing as fog, it’s only natural for a person to have a rejection reaction just from seeing it.”

“Ugh… it feels like the air is dirty.”

“……disgusting.”

Arthur, Noah, Asuka, Lee Seoyeon.

All of them shared the same negative impression of the fog.

Well, it couldn’t be good.

Just looking at it made me frown, and the stench carried by the wind was terrible, so there was no way anything good could come to mind.

While I was thinking this, the inventory next to me activated. For the record, I didn’t open the inventory myself.

“Master, I’m ready.”

The sub-core of my system, now an artificial intelligence. Now, it has become a maid.

Tera, who gained permission to use the inventory as of yesterday, opened it.

‘To think it can open and close the inventory without my will…’

This is… quite something.

Convenient.

‘I should have given it permission sooner.’

Of course, since I only learned yesterday that I could grant inventory access, my current thought is nonsensical.

Yet, having such a thought is simply… a complaint.

A small complaint about the past days when I could open the inventory comfortably just by thinking.

‘Now that it can do that, I’ll stop complaining at least this much.’

I organized my thoughts and glanced to the side.

“Master, are we departing?”

Tera’s question, cradling the drone in her arms.

At her inquiry, I examined Tera’s attire.

A large sniper rifle on her back.

A grenade belt at her waist.

A holster tightening around her thigh.

And… a ring-shaped Aegis on her right ring finger.

‘…Why, among all the fingers, is it the ring finger?’

Can’t she feel the intense gazes of Arthur, Asuka, and Lee Seoyeon, the three women?

The moment I thought that, a message appeared in my view.

[Isn’t it fun?]

Ah, just for the sake of fun?

‘You’re going to get into big trouble.’

Not even a person, but a golem.

Moreover, everyone knows that because of my ability to summon infinite items, I can pull out items without limit.

If they realize that I’ve been teased like this…

‘It could end up being dismantled right there.’

[It’s fine. They won’t destroy my body.]

…The way she confidently speaks makes me wonder if she has some belief in something. Or perhaps a way to control them.

‘Well… even if that’s not the case, they probably won’t break Tera.’

They are all highly intelligent women.

They wouldn’t swing a knife just because they’re displeased.

‘Lee Seoyeon too… right?’

She would.

The Lee Seoyeon from the game and the current Lee Seoyeon are quite different, so there shouldn’t be any problem.

…I believe that.

I nodded, affirming my trust in Lee Seoyeon.

In any case, I’ll let Tera handle the consequences of provoking the three women who wear rings on their ring fingers.

“Ten minutes. Not a second more, not a second less—exactly ten minutes. Stay in the fog for that duration. And when the time is up, come straight out.”

“Yes, understood. Is there any other instruction?”

Another instruction.

‘Ah, I almost forgot something important.’

I need to gather information about the enemy.

When in the fog. The so-called minions of the Demon King.

I almost forgot that I also need information about the demon race or monsters.

“Information on the enemy… Yes, understood. I will do my best to collect as much information as possible when I encounter them.”

“But don’t overdo it. The main objective is to confirm the effects of the fog on the equipment.”

“Yes, I will follow my master’s orders.”

Tera bowed politely. And the moment she lifted her head.

With a sound of footsteps, Tera shot toward the fog.

[Entering the fog shortly.]

[Estimated entry time: 5 seconds.]

As indicated by the message that appeared in her field of vision.

Tera’s body was already close to the fog.

‘…I saw it yesterday, but her movements are really fast.’

Unlike a human, a golem without talents or skills.

Yet, her movements are those of a top-tier assassin.

…The golem creator.

What on earth have you made?

What captivated you so?

While I was momentarily lost in such thoughts.

[Master, entry complete.]

[Starting to confirm the peculiarities of the fog now.]

A message from Tera indicated that she had entered the fog.

Now that I’ve received the entry report.

I need to review and refine the plans I had thought of until Tera comes out in 10 minutes.

‘…No, that’s not it.’

Rechecking the plan.

Before that, I need to confirm something else first.

“How much of our strength has returned?”

The constraints of discipline.

First, we need to confirm how much has been lifted.

“Oh, now that you mention it.”

Noah clenched and unclenched his fist as if just realizing it.

“We were under restrictions on our powers.”

“…That’s right. Thanks to Yoo-jin’s golem, we arrived comfortably and completely forgot about it.”

“Exactly. Even when bandits or monsters appeared, the golem would crash in, bang, bang! There was no need for us to exert our strength.”

As Asuka said.

Under normal circumstances, during our journey toward the mist of death, we would have naturally recognized the lifting of our power restrictions through battles with bandits and various foes. Additionally, through the trials of the holy sword, As’s strength would have increased.

But because of my existence, all the situations that discipline intended have vanished.

The trials of the holy sword no longer impose unreasonable or abnormal challenges if As does not wish for them.

Only trials focused on the growth of a child appropriate for their age are given.

And the journey.

The enemies we should have encountered along the way.

Thanks to the golem that can transform into a car, we passed them all. To be precise, it would be correct to say that the golem dealt with them all.

As a result, we are only now confirming the sealing of talents and skills that discipline had restricted.

“Upon checking, I think I can exert about 70% of my strength, if not all.”

Arthur, who had been closing his eyes and reflecting on his state, nodded at Noah’s words.

“I’m similar to Noah. 70%… to be exact, I think I can exert the strength I had just after entering the academy.”

“……I’m the same as Arthur.”

The strength of just entering the academy.

That means roughly the power between mid-tier and upper-tier has returned.

‘Even though we’re near the mist, only 70% of my strength has returned… Does that mean the remaining restrictions will all be lifted when we meet the Demon King?’

Or perhaps they will be released step by step.

Entering the mist, 10%.

Meeting the Demon King’s subordinates, like the Four Heavenly Kings, another 10%.

And the remaining 10%.

Finally, meeting the Demon King will release all restrictions.

It seems it could unfold like that.

‘Discipline seems to have put some thought into balance.’

The laws of the world, if it were a game, the operator has put in some effort.

As I was thinking this, Asuka spoke in a flustered voice.

“Uh, why is it that… only half of my power has returned…?”

Hmm, maybe that’s because.

“Isn’t it because you’re not in a combat role?”

The role assigned to Asuka was ‘the cherished one of the Blossom Guild.’

Not a combat-related role, but a support role that provides financial backing from behind the scenes.

Given that, her power restrictions would likely be less relaxed than those of the others.

As I explained this, Asuka nodded as if she understood.

“…Hehe, even though it was decided that I would remain in the mist, I was hoping my power would return.”

Indeed.

If her power restrictions were lifted like Arthur’s, she could handle unexpected situations with more ease.

“Unfortunately, it can’t be helped.”

I placed my hand on Asuka’s head. Then, I gently ruffled her hair.

“Still, don’t think badly of yourself for not being helpful. Just being out there with As is already a great help to us.”

As I said this and continued to pet her head, Asuka lowered her face, her cheeks flushed. After a moment of hesitation, she murmured.

“…Yes, I will.”

She replied in a small voice, agreeing.

At her response, I smiled and nodded. Then, after ruffling her hair a few more times.

‘Status window.’

I checked the powers, talents, and skills I could currently use.

‘Being the last descendant of the fallen Count Yggdrasil was ambiguous. It seems this role is considered a combat role after all.’

About 70% of my abilities had returned, similar to Arthur’s. And the talents and skills were…

Demon Slayer (S).

Indomitable Will (S).

Manifestation of Thoughts (S).

All restrictions were lifted except for the S-rank talents and skills.

‘This should be enough.’

Having S-rank abilities would be even better, but…

With just the things that are now unbound, I can sufficiently take down even the highest-tier corruptors.

Crack.

I clenched my fist tightly.

I savored the power that had returned to me, significantly stronger than when I first entered this hidden world.

Ten minutes spent checking that returned power.

[10 minutes elapsed.]

[Master, I will return.]

A message from Terra, who had entered the fog of death, appeared in my view.

And shortly after.

“Return complete.”

Terra returned through the inventory. But her appearance was…

“…not in great shape.”

She was quite damaged.

Just ten minutes ago, her maid outfit had been pristine.

Now, it barely covered her modesty.

But that wasn’t particularly important. Clothes can be changed or retrieved again.

However, the reason I said she was ‘quite damaged’ was because.

“Surely, the body was made of adamantium and mithril, right?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“But those metals have turned black….”

The metals, which currently possessed the highest durability and mana conductivity, had all turned into a color resembling poisoned silver, except for the right side of her face.

“Master, all the weapons we took have been lost.”

“…Of course they have.”

If adamantium and mithril have turned black, there’s no way the modern Earth-made weapons would remain intact.

I let out a small sigh at Terra’s obvious statement and replied.

“The fog of death… is a more dangerous area than I thought.”

Given its ominous name, I had expected some danger, but I never imagined it would be this perilous.

Goodness, a poison strong enough to discolor the strongest metals.

At this rate, a human body made of flesh and blood would melt away the moment it entered the fog.

‘It has been confirmed through this experiment.’

Sacred Sword, Seikrid.

I realized that the weapon’s ability to ‘ignore the fog of death’ was absolutely necessary.

“Ha… this is troublesome.”

My combat options had drastically diminished.

My combat power had plummeted.

“Tera, how long did it take for the equipment to corrode?”

“The heavy sniper rifle took 30 seconds. The pistol took 10 seconds. The grenade took 7 seconds.”

“Considering the time it took to disintegrate, it seems to be a matter of volume.”

But why did the grenade take 7 seconds?

I looked at Tera, filled with questions.

“That’s likely due to the divine power inherent in the grenade.”

Tera, emerging from the inventory with her sleek form, provided the explanation.

“Because of the divine power….”

In that case, could I seek help from Noah?

‘…No, that won’t work.’

No matter how much divine power Noah possesses, second only to Gloria, he couldn’t infuse all my firearms and golems with divine energy.

Let alone maintain that divine power during combat? Unless it was Gloria, that would be impossible.

‘If this continues…, I’ll have to discard most of the strategies I had in mind.’

Surely, there would be countless enemies within the fog.

As soon as I thought that, I asked Tera.

“Tera, the enemies? Did you see any signs of them?”

“No. From the moment we entered the fog, I searched all around for the full 10 minutes, but I didn’t see any enemies, not even small creatures.”

“You didn’t see anything….”

That means they wouldn’t appear unless it was a special situation, not a typical one.

For instance, if the effect of the Sacred Sword Seikrid’s ‘ignore the fog of death’ was in play, or some other special circumstance.

‘This is really becoming a problem.’

The uniqueness of the fog revealed through this experiment.

Rapid corrosion of matter.

Because of that uniqueness, most of my equipment had been sealed away.

Which means I could no longer use the explosives I relied on when there were many enemies, nor could I utilize the mini-gun’s multiple shots and concentrated fire through telekinesis.

‘If this is the case…, the only weapon I can use is ‘Astra.”

There’s no helping it now.

I have no choice but to make the most of Astra’s abilities and its shape-shifting.

“Haah.”

I let out a deep sigh and tried to organize my thoughts. Once my mind felt somewhat clearer, I turned to Terra and asked,

“So, Terra, is this the end of the special characteristics you’ve confirmed?”

Please tell me this is the end.

I looked at Terra with desperate eyes.

But unfortunately,

my fervent wish did not come true.

“No. There’s one more.”

“…What is it?”

“There is no mana.”

Ah, seriously.

“On top of that, the mana consumption has doubled.”

Mana consumption doubled?

In a place with no mana, it doubled?

“Ha, that’s insane.”

A curse slipped out along with my sigh.

To my reaction, Terra replied,

“It seems that since it’s a fog made of a contract, it has such peculiar characteristics.”

“…Yeah, it does seem that way.”

This truly is a region that is not just unfavorable to humans…, no, it’s beyond unfavorable; it’s downright repulsive.

‘Regulation, this is insane.’

To defeat the Demon King in a region filled with debuffs?

With just a holy sword? And with a child in tow?

If Regulation were not a principle but a living being, if it were something I could confront, I would have punched it in the face. If that were impossible, I would have unleashed a torrent of curses right in its presence.

It’s that absurd.

The situation where I have to fight in the fog of death.

‘…Honestly, even a top-tier superhuman would find this impossible.’

Fighting in a region devoid of mana, especially one where mana consumption is doubled.

No matter how powerful a transcendent being just one step below the highest tier, they would surely perish.

Let alone us, who have barely reached the upper tier and are not even close to the highest level—are we expected to do the same?

It’s no different from being told to go in and die.

But unfortunately.

And at the same time, fortunately.

We have a way to overcome such an unreasonable situation.

My cheat, infinite items. And the mana recovery potions in my inventory.

We can recover our mana with potions.

Of course, due to the peculiar nature of the mist and its rapid corrosion, the potions could be lost immediately.

However, the reason I came to think this way is because of the ability of the Holy Sword, Sacred.

Ignoring the mist of death.

Though I haven’t experienced it yet, I anticipate that the holy power of the sword will envelop my body.

Like a protective shield.

As such, the items I carry on me will also be affected.

In other words, it means immunity to rapid corrosion.

‘But there’s no guarantee that this will apply to the bullets fired.’

Excluding Astra, I shouldn’t expect to use firearms.

With that thought, I pulled out two mini cases filled with the pill-shaped mana recovery potions that Kalli had given me, which I had modified myself.

Then, I took out an additional case containing holy water given to me by Cardinal Remilia, and distributed them to Arthur, Lee Seoyeon, and Noah.

“Yoojin, what is this…?”

Noah asked, his voice laced with curiosity as he opened the case. I explained to him why I had given it to him, as he confirmed the mini bottle of holy water inside.

“Noah, what I gave you is the holy water that Remilia gave me a while back. The ones I gave to Arthur and Lee Seoyeon are mana recovery potions.”

“Oh… that’s great. With this, I won’t have to worry about lacking holy power.”

“Exactly, with just this, even in a mana-less region, you’ll be able to recover your mana and holy power. So make sure you don’t lose them.”

“Don’t worry. Even if it costs me my life, I’ll definitely hold onto it.”

“…Arthur, don’t go that far.”

If you lose it, there’s nothing you can do.

Don’t risk your life over mere consumables.

I let out a small sigh and shook my head. Then I caught sight of Lee Seoyeon.

“……The item that Yujin gave me…, this is definitely a collector’s piece.”

I could see Seoyeon Lee exhaling heated breaths while tightly gripping the case with both hands.

“…Seoyeon, why are you acting like this too?”

You know about my cheat.

If I receive another replica, the one I already have will disappear.

So why…, why are you acting like this?

“Just eat it.”

I was told to eat it if I was low on magic, so why…

You say you’ll risk your life to keep it, that you’ll definitely collect it.

I felt a sense of fatigue wash over me.

Even though the cheat, the infinite magic power, was activated.

“Ha.”

It’s a complete mess.

&

The complete mess was resolved.

After telling Arthur and Seoyeon twice, three times, “What I gave you is just for magic recovery. So don’t risk your life, don’t collect it, just eat it,” I finally saw them putting it into their pockets, not some strange place.

Now that all preparations were complete.

“Please…, come back safely, everyone.”

With As’s earnest wish and blessing.

The ability of the holy sword Sacred, the ‘Ignore Death’s Mist’ effect, was applied to my body.

‘As expected.’

The items I had on me were also affected.

My thoughts were correct. And what I had thought together was too.

‘…It’s not being applied.’

The newly taken out items.

Equipment, ammunition, and various items.

The ability of Sacred was not applied.

‘It can’t be helped.’

As I thought earlier, I had no choice but to rely on Astra.

And, fortunately amidst the misfortune.

A pistol or a minigun.

The bullets entering Astra, transformed into a weapon,

retain the S-grade ‘indestructible’ effect intact.

For me, whose firepower has drastically diminished,

this is nothing short of a ray of light.

‘With this, I’ll do my best.’

Thinking that, I let out a small sigh.

And as I steadied my mind.

Swish!

Activating the Atlas Armor.

“Let’s go.”

The fog of death.

I launched my body toward the demon realm.