Chapter 221: #Space God Yu Il-Shin! (1)

“Oh?” Ant Emperor gave Yi-Shin a look of disbelief at his declaration. “So, the only way you can beat me is by begging for faith and dangling salvation like bait? How pathetic."

Kwaaaa!

He clenched his fist, exuding powerful divine power. “Look, faith is built on sheer force and terror, and that pathetic scrap of divine power you begged for earlier proves it!”

“

Tsk.”

Yi-Shin clicked his tongue in dismay.

The faith he gained after revealing his face was negligible—at best, a hundredth of Earth’s population, about tens of millions. However, Yi-Shin needed a trillion followers to attain the High-tier god status.

Even the Hunters, dying from the plague, looked at Yi-Shin as if he were a madman. Zan Le Mang was probably the only one who fell for his half-hearted effort.

Swoosh!

𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Suddenly, Ant Emperor vanished—or rather, moved so fast that even a god’s eyes, let alone high-speed cameras, couldn’t track him.

“

Argh!”

Ant Emperor reappeared, slamming his fist into Yi-Shin’s abdomen.

Baaam!

With a deafening sound no flesh and bone should ever make, Yi-Shin bent at his waist.

“

Bleeergh!”

Yi-Shin vomited blood mixed with shredded entrails.

Ant Emperor clicked his tongue in disappointment. “What a disgrace. You aren’t even worth my time.”

“

Keke

.”

“What’s so funny?”

“I wasn’t expecting much, anyway...”

A little power was better than none. Besides, revealing his face and giving that ultimatum was just one of Yi-Shin’s methods. With blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, Yi-Shin let out a ferocious laugh. He grabbed Ant Emperor’s arm, still lodged in his abdomen.

“Now for the real deal.”

I’ll admit that you’re strong, Insect Emperor.

“Skill Sharing, Sung Mi-Na!”

But what about your mentality?

“Ultimate skill, Mental Space.”

“What?”

Tzzz! Swoosh!

Suddenly, Ant Emperor’s vision was swallowed by darkness. At the same time, the sensation of being absorbed washed over him.

Moments later, Ant Emperor scanned his surroundings with wary eyes.

“Where am I?”

He found himself in a vast expanse of darkness, and instinctively knew that this wasn’t reality.

“This is the mental space I created with my follower’s skills. I usually use this to practice what I learned from Demon Lord and All-Cutting Heavenly Sword.”

Yi-Shin spread his arms wide.

Chalala!

Then, like a training program from an action sci-fi movie, a bunch of weapons manifested around him.

“Since this is my domain, it’s worth a shot against a High-tier god like you.”

“

Kekeke, kehahaha!

” Ant Emperor laughed, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

Ruuumble!

The mental space shook like an earthquake at his laughter.

“Interesting. Trying to come up with a solution with the few brain cells you have left?” Ant Emperor taunted Yi-Shin with his index finger. “Come, let’s see how well your desperate attempt works against me.”

“You insolent worm, I’ll rip your mouth out!”

Yi-Shin pulled a spear and a Chokutō from the ground, pointing them at his opponent. He knew he had less than a two percent chance of winning. Now, there was only one strand of hope left.

Do something while I keep him busy here, Main Body!

Then, a voice rang in his head.

-Leave it to me, you braggart alter ego!

***

On the Forty-Fourth Floor of the Tower of Warriors, in the Great Cosmic Empire...

I was on the beautiful planet called Ilyxia, home to Empress Esméralda.

Swoosh!

The escalator disk flew us at tremendous speed to the Empress’ great hall.

Director Fil-whateverhisnamewas warned me, “Lord Yu Il-Shin, I understand that you’re a great god’s incarnate, but Empress Esméralda is still the pinnacle of the universe, so please show some courtesy.”

I nodded dryly. My mind went to the reality, where Yi-Shin was taking my place.

He did a marvelous job for an alter ego with such a nasty temper. I was taken aback when he suddenly revealed his face and made a world declaration. The little Sam-Shin was also incredible. For the sake of Zan Le Mang, he dauntlessly stood up against the fearsome emperor.

Compared to them, what have I achieved so far? I filmed a movie in God-Maker to gain more followers but grew too complacent, thinking the Gods’ Sacrificial War was still a distant event.

I should’ve been more prudent. I underestimated Ant Emperor’s power. Not only did he reach High-tier god status sooner than expected, but he also devoured other malevolent gods along the way. Although time passed differently in God-Maker, the clock was ticking. Even if I was late, I had to finish what I started, no matter what.

“We’ve arrived in the great hall. Lord Yu il-Shin and Director Filtekus Chikiria, please enter.”

Ruuuumble!

The guards pushed open the massive doors.

“Oh, you’ve finally arrived!”

A dazzling light poured out, accompanied by the voice of a woman more melodious than any musical instruments.

“The incarnation of the great and merciful Lord Yu Il-Shin, whom Warrior Il-Ho serves—it’s an honor to see you in person!” Empress Esméralda approached me with a radiant smile

She, who was once an octopus, had become the most beautiful woman in the universe. The press swarmed around us, and shutter clicks went off rapidly.

“Your Majesty Esméralda! Please greet the people of the Great Cosmic Empire!”

“Lord Yu Il-Shin! What blessing will you bestow upon Her Majesty Esméralda?”

“Where is the savior of the Great Cosmic Empire, Warrior Il-Ho?”

Questions came in like a barrage.

I had requested them in advance through the director, along with state-of-the-art cameras and psychic-powered individuals linked to the Great Cosmic Empire’s network. They worked tirelessly to broadcast this historic meeting between a god and the empress to the empire’s people.

However, I wouldn’t follow Yi-Shin’s example. I wasn’t arrogant enough to believe they’d become my followers through words alone. Hence, I decided to go all out.

I turned to the empress, who was smiling graciously at me. “Empress Esméralda.”

“Lord Yu Il-Shin has spoken!”

“

Ooh!

The god’s incarnate spoke!”

All the attention in the universe gathered on me. I shut my eyes tight. This moment would likely be a dark stain on my history that I'd carry to my grave!

Sorry, Il-Ho!

“—please!”

I screamed at the top of my lungs to Empress Esméralda.

Her beautiful face began to distort in real-time.

***

-

Hahaha!

Is that all you’ve got?

-Shut it, you insect!

Baaaam!

Fissures spread across the mental space as Ant Emperor and Yi-Shin clashed. The subspace trembled violently, on the verge of shattering. Despite their fierce battle, their real bodies remained as still as statues.

Hunters from the organizing committee, who had stayed outside the arena and remained relatively unscathed, attempted to attack Ant Emperor.

“Now!”

“Aim for the vital point!”

However, Ant Emperor’s arm, bearing the Gods’ Sacrificial War mark, glowed.

-How dare you lowly cretins interfere in the battle presided by the war god!

Pow! Swoosh! Plop!

The Hunters’ heads exploded, spraying blood as their bodies crumpled into a heap. The horrifying sight was broadcasted live, terrorizing people worldwide. Even Sung Mi-Na was no exception.

“U-Unni, will Mr. Yu be okay?”

“He must be fighting the monster in his mental space. It’s the best solution in this situation. We must believe in him...”

“Wait! Unni, look at that! The monster’s tail is moving.”

“What? No way!”

One shouldn’t be able to move when their consciousness was bound in a mental space. Yet, true to her sister’s words, the monster’s tail twitched, launching venomous, stinger-like spikes.

Clang!

The spikes slowly yet surely stretched at the frozen Yi-Shin, aiming for his heart.

“Unni! Mr. Yu is in danger!”

Sung Mi-Na’s expression contorted. Her eyes fell on another Yu Il-Shin, who was asleep in the waiting room.

Before stepping onto the arena, Yi-Shin had pressed his thumb on his forehead.

-Proliferating Thumb of God.

A sleeping Yu Il-Shin appeared out of thin air, shocking the Sung sisters. Yi-Shin entrusted him to them, saying,

“If the emperor attacks me, don’t counterattack. Instead, take him away with you. Got it?”

Recalling his words, Sung Mi-Na bit her lips hard. She had to make a decision.

“Unni! I can’t stay still any longer!”

Pzz!

-

Krrr!

Electricity surged all over Sung Mi-Ri, taking the shape of a ferocious, howling Lightning Beast. She was about to charge through the wall and jump onto the arena.

“Mi-Ri! No!”

However, Sung Mi-Na stopped Sung Mi-Ri.

“Mi-Ri, wait a minute.”

A man’s voice, with a holy ring to it, rang in their ears.

“M-Mr. Yu?”

Yu Il-Shin was finally awake. He gave off a different aura from the Yu Il-Shin in the arena.

Tzzz!

He was enveloped with dazzling white light, with a halo floating over his head and pure white wings on his back, reminiscent of an angel.

“Thank god, I’m not too late.” Yu Il-Shin looked at the monitor, then said, “Skill Sharing, Choi Bong-Shik’s Ruler of Space.”

Swoosh!

***

Ant Emperor’s deadly stinger went for Yi-Shin’s heart, but my hand caught it at the last second.

At the same time, the mental space collapsed.

“

Huh?!”

“

Urk?”

Yi-Shin and Ant Emperor’s eyes opened in a flurry. Both of them quickly took a step back like startled cats.

“There are... two of you?” Ant Emperor was bewildered.

“You! What the hell is that?!” Yi-Shin was also taken aback by my dazzling aura and wings.

Ding! Ding!

-----

[Quest: Produce a Thrilling Premium Blockbuster Movie that will Shake the Galaxy!]

New quest updates have arrived from the Great Cosmic Empire!

-----

[Europa Daily]

Breaking news! The star of

Space God

, Yu Il-Shin, has unexpectedly proposed to Empress Esméralda of the Great Cosmic Empire! Her Majesty Empress Esméralda was said to be engaged to Warrior Il-Ho! A god, a warrior, and an empress. The beginning of a love triangle that transcends status?

-----

[Neikao Network]

In truth, all of this was just a smokescreen. Yu Il-Shin’s real lover was revealed to be Warrior Il-Ho! Some planets have issued statements, expressing their enthusiastic support for the forbidden love between the god and warrior!

-----

[Space Solar Federation Communications]

Breaking News! The blockbuster Space God has achieved record-breaking sales, temporarily crashing the Great Cosmic Network! Due to its massive box office success, Space God II has been officially confirmed. Director Filtekus Chikiria revealed that the sequel will feature a showdown against a formidable insect lord—a rare evil god favored by High-tier gods! However, the appearance of Warrior Il-Ho remains unconfirmed.

-----

God-Maker rang incessantly, causing Yi-Shin to frown.

“What the hell have you been doing?”

I blushed with embarrassment. “Nothing! I just did some noise marketing to attract followers!”

I crossed my ring and thumb from both hands together. “Healing Ring Finger of God! Proliferating Thumb of God!”

Now, witness the miracle my dark history had wrought!