63 days left until Alvorna's Rite of Asecension]

[2 days left until the Odyssey’s commence]

His stay in Sargasso was a fruitful one as far as he knows. With all honesty, it probably is dreary that he might never get to experience something like this in his world.

Seeing the merfolk moving freely while under the cerulean light cast by the sun through the seawater which removes a lot of the harshness it may have otherwise. The towering spires with bioluminescent glow and the architecture that is designed to withstand the immeasurable depth otherwise. Sargasso is as much like a metropolis of usual which explains the feeling of both familiarity and wonder it may have.

Still, he didn’t exactly spend the last 3 days just sightseeing and nothing else. Since the Odyssey is about to come up, he decided to also try to investigate with Karim about potential places that the Odyssey might also go through using both the knowledge of his world’s version and this world’s recorded history.

During his three-day stay, Jihoon took every opportunity to familiarize himself with the city and its inhabitants. He explored the grand libraries of Sargasso, poring over ancient texts that detailed the history of the Odyssey. The librarians, impressed by his genuine interest and respect for their culture, were more than happy to assist him in his research.

Thank the little goddess for the universal language comprehension, he silently remarked in his mind.

Armed with this knowledge, Jihoon decided to take a proactive approach as he quickly scout out together with Karim on some of the location.

Within the purview of his expectation, he managed to discover a few locations within his limited time that is similar to what the Odyssey of his world entailed. Both in actual places and similar veins.

First is the Isle of Sirens, a haunting inlet of waters where the water itself seemingly sings. According to the top magicians of Sargasso’s royal court and the Sea Witch herself, the Isle of Siren is a case of magic formation formed from the nature itself. The mana flows here circulated in the same method that induced bewitchment and enchantment that once caught no few merfolk during ancient times before any proper investigation is made.

Today, it is a recognized trail of willpower where one of the Odyssey’s trails involve its contestants tied up while a ship circle around in the area. Those who can remain of themselves the longest earn their victory. Don’t worry, at lest a method to clear up the bewitchment exist with ease of use for the medical department of the Odyssey.

Second, is the Cave of Cyclopes which is an underwater cave with an ‘eye’ that glows deep inside. It is unclear to him how a test of strength and cunning will take place here since there’s no actual cyclopes that exist here.

Third is the Whirlpool of Charybdis, a treacherous area with powerful currents all leads, direct and form toward a certain massive vortex that would normally spell destruction to lesser vessels. The trail of Odyssey involving it has the contestants maneuver through the entire area with a rowboat only. If the boat gets caught in this dangerous current, they will immediately be rescued but also disqualified from continuing.

There are many others that he has yet to find to complete the entire journey of Odyssey but with his given limited amount of time, he decided that this is already the best he could prepare for otherwise. He doesn’t expect every part of the Odyssey to be translated into a competitive event perfectly.

“Time to make our way to the athlete village, I guess…”. Jihoon said as he signals the boat driver that he hired to make the return.

As Jihoon and Karim returned from their scouting expedition, the bustling energy of Sargasso had shifted. The city was now abuzz with excitement as contestants from various races arrived for the Odyssey which already presented itself a few weeks prior.

Their boat glided through the water, approaching the newly constructed athlete village that bore a striking resemblance to the Olympic villages Jihoon remembered from his world. A sense of nostalgia occurred even though he himself was just a spectator back then. There are things that people don’t realize that they have lost until it struck them unopposed.

Upon disembarking, Jihoon was immediately met with a diverse set of participants all over Absence joining the competition. Merfolk of various colorations mingled with other aquatic races he had never seen before. There were also other races from many other regions of Absence who were also participating and were granted abilities to compete, although it is rather unclear that they have yet gotten used to or not.

As Jihoon made his way through the village, he couldn't help but notice the curious and sometimes skeptical glances thrown his way. Whispers followed in his wake, and he caught snippets of conversation:

"Is that the guy I’ve been hearing about? I heard he's competing alone."

"How did he even qualify? This is supposed to be a team-based competition event."

"Maybe he's just here for show. No way he can actually compete with that overwhelming disadvantage."

The atmosphere of camaraderie that typically characterized such gatherings seemed to falter whenever Jihoon passed by. Many of the other contestants viewed him as an interloper, an anomaly in their carefully structured competition.

A group of merfolk athletes, their scales shimmering with iridescent hues, openly stared as Jihoon walked by. One of them, a muscular merman with a shock of blue hair, called out, "Hey, land-dweller! You lost? The spectator area is that way."

Jihoon paused, thinking about how to respond for a moment before decided that… "Not worth it”, is what he thought before he decided to go on despite their talking behind his back. Actions speak louder than words and he would show it at the competition to silence any criticism otherwise.

As they continued toward their assigned quarters, Jihoon couldn't shake the feeling of being an outsider. The fact that he had joined the Odyssey with the Merfolk King's personal endorsement was not common knowledge. While people still follow the method of fair play, the feeling of constantly being underestimated by others still nag him in uncomfortably.

Normally, a typically written protagonist would certainly make a scene upon hearing it. Or a self-centered and egoistic someone would try to take advantage of it because apparently, they never outgrown their 8th grader syndrome.

Reaching their lodging, a modest but comfortable bubble-dome structure, Jihoon turned to Karim. "Well, that was... interesting," he said with a wry smile.

Karim nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Remember, Jihoon, perception can be a powerful tool. Let them think whatever they want for now. You'll have your chance to prove yourself soon enough."

As Jihoon settled into his temporary home, he could hear the excited chatter of other contestants through the translucent walls of the bubble-dome. The Odyssey was about to begin, and despite the cold reception, Jihoon felt a surge of determination.

He may be an outsider, but he was here to compete, to fulfill his promise to Aquarius, and to uncover the secrets that lay hidden beneath the surface of this underwater world.

With a deep breath, Jihoon began to prepare himself mentally and physically for the challenges that lay ahead. The Odyssey was about to begin, and he was ready to face whatever it might throw his way.

Time passed, and when he stepped outside his quarter again, it was already late afternoon with the period of twilight about to enter its period. Thinking that he probably should check up on his own skill again, he mentally checked his System again.

______-----{////\\\\}-----______

Name: Jihoon Hyunwoon

Level: 46

EXP: 112/622

Class: None

+Physical Attributes:

-STR: 13

-END: 14 (+2.8)

-AGI: 14

-DEX: 13

+Non-physical Attributes:

-INT: 10.2

-CHA: 4

-MAG: 30

Attribute Points: 16

+Weapons:

-Judgement of Light (Decayed) – Halberd

+Musical Prowess: Early-Expert

+Active Skill:

-Doppelganger (Expert)

-Mana Attunement (Intermediate)

-Light Magic (Intermediate)

-Judgement of Light – Halberd (Novice)

+Passive Skill:

-Agony Resistance (Novice)

+Song Magic:

-Forgotten Melody (Intermediate)

-Glint of Cold Steel (Intermediate)

-Belief (Intermediate)

-Exceed! (Intermediate)

-RiET-949 (Intermediate)

-SPIKA (Intermediate)

-Alvorna (Expert)

-Restia. (Expert)

------_____{\\\\////}_____------

Now that he thought about it, when was the last time he wrote another Song Magic? Inspiration has been eluding him now that his focus on the Odyssey overtakes anything else in priority. He can only think that this will be enough because he has too little faith in hope at this current moment.

Moving on from that line of thought, he thinks about sharpening his own skill a bit more so that he doesn’t feel too rusty when the Odyssey begins.

At the training ground, he saw numerous other races of Absence training and sparing with one another with their skills. Some more mastery-based things and some more magical-oriented. With him entering the competition solo, everyone here is his opponent and vice-versa.

As Jihoon observed the other contestants training, he couldn't help but feel the weight of his unique position. Being a solo participant in the Odyssey came with its own set of rules and expectations, which he had been briefed on earlier.

In team-based events, Jihoon's performance would be measured against the combined efforts of entire teams. His scores would be multiplied to compensate for the lack of teammates, effectively making him a one-man team. This adjustment was meant to level the playing field, but it also raised the stakes significantly.

For the other contestants, this meant that losing to Jihoon wasn't just losing to an individual - it was equivalent to being defeated by an entire team. The implications were clear that any team that fell short of Jihoon's performance would face a severe blow to their overall standing in the competition.

This dynamic created a palpable tension in the air. While solo participants weren't unheard of in the Odyssey's history, they were rare enough to be considered anomalies. And Jihoon, being not just solo but also a human in a predominantly aquatic competition, stood out even more.

As he made his way to an open area to begin his own training, Jihoon could feel the eyes of other contestants following him. Their gazes held a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and poorly concealed hostility. The pressure was immense - every team saw him as a potential threat to their success.

But he already has gotten used to hostility, having already confronted rogue Hunters in his world as a mere F-rank at the time make all of this felt like a childish tantrum at worst.

A group of selkies paused their sparring session to watch as Jihoon began his warm-up exercises. One of them, a lithe female with sleek grey hair in her bipedal transformed state, muttered to her companions, "Can you believe it? If we lose to him, it's like losing to four opponents at once."

He had a look at the general line-up of the participants and teams assembled for the Odysseys. Apparently, the Selky is basically the seal version of merfolk, living in the northern tundra sea at the far north of Absence, otherwise known as the Solros Winter Wonderland where its majority population is the Beastfolk, followed by the ice fey, then vampires, wyverns and all that excels in icy environment.

Attuned more to the frigid ice of their home rather than the merfolk’s water-based element, their transformed state apparently was far less punishing in effect considering how much that woman is running her mouth while the merfolk in transformed state couldn’t vocalize anything at all.

There are many numerous rivers that spread their paths and interconnect across all of Absence. One could eventually make their way from Solros to Calphennis strictly in a water route if they wanted to.

Her teammate, a burly male, snorted in response. "Let's make sure that doesn't happen then. No way I'm letting some land-dweller show us up in our own element."

They’re not even Calphennis’s native. Jihoon remembered with certainty that seals strictly live in frigid poles and not tropical. Where do they even get the gall to act like this?

Jihoon pretended not to hear these comments, focusing instead on his training. He knew that the animosity, while not openly displayed, was simmering just beneath the surface.

He looked at many other participants in their respective training and focus on the trails ahead of them. He quickly recalls the various races that reside in Absence and in the four axis of direction that spread from the center of it.

The Southern Coastal Sea of Calphennis, resides numerous aquatic races.

The Western Mystic Forest of Alberenth, resides the fair folk and all that similar.

The Northern Winter Wonderland of Solros, resides the hardy and adapted to the frigid environment.

The Eastern Land of Shadow, Atria, where resides the specters that ‘haunt’ the lands.

Near the selkies, he spotted a group of merfolk from Calphennis. Their scales shimmered in various hues of blue and green, and their movements in the water were graceful and effortless. They are the majority opponents that he will no doubt come across and face during the trials. Their physical stats gauged by the System essentially scored over 3-digit at minimum and that fighting them without making use of Song Magic is a different hell of his own.

Further along, Jihoon's attention was drawn to a team of fair folk from Alberenth. Their ethereal beauty was striking, even in the aquatic environment. They seemed to be practicing some form of water manipulation that involved intricate finger movements, causing small whirlpools to form and dissipate at will. Their pointed ears twitched slightly as they concentrated, which Jihoon knows atypical of his world’s usual fantasy story.

Through discernment with his INT 10, Jihoon recognized those elves as naiads. They’re freshwater nymphs, presiding over rivers, streams and brooks. And that they’re basically minor goddesses, often depicted as overwhelmingly beautiful and associated with the nature and fertility.

Using [Observant] on them gets him the average MAG stats of roughly 300-ish because the overwhelming difference in stats and levels resulted in the rest of the digits just redacted in question marks. Like 3?? Or something closely like that. Even the weakest amongst them is Advanced in Water Magic proficiency and with only the merfolk princess before as the measuring benchmark, he knew that he was up for something punishing if he had to cross their path eventually.

Then moving onto the contestants from the distant north tundra, he saw people with wolf ears and fang sparring with one another with ferocity and tactic equal as Jihoon could hardly caught onto their attack patterns. With speed and dexterity that leaves one following the afterimage, Jihoon can only guess that their AGI and DEX exceeds 3-digit, which is quickly confirmed by using [Observant]

Moving on toward the participants from Eastern Land of Shadow, he noticed a team of fox-tailed Youkais or kitsunes as they would otherwise be called. Their multiple tails swirling around them like living mist. Dressed in what seems to be like traditional kimono garbs, they practice their own illusion magic as shimmering image created in the water for a moment before dispelled. Their movements were precise and calculated, each gesture imbued with mystical significance.

Jihoon silently used [Observant] on them, and despite all blanketly classified as Youkai, the kitsunes have their own racial ability called [Irresistible Allure] which makes their charm needs far less exertion to take effects. If anyone is a bit weak-willed or has too little control of their own mentality, they would probably get themselves reeled by the kitsunes in front of their nose. And their MAG stat is in the 3-digit too.

With all honesty, Jihoon would probably be lucky to even defeat one of them, let alone the entire team.

After having seen nearly everyone in the village, Jihoon felt like the weight of expectation would just crush him altogether. And in the contest, would he even get the chance to make use of Song Magic? Certainly not and that if his [Doppelganger] is exposed to the wider public, he would likely lose his few and sole advantage that he has should his path eventually cross the Matriarch of the Harpy.

Quickly leaving the premise of the athlete village into the forest nearby, Jihoon cast his [Doppelganger] as a copy of him appeared in his decided location. The training method unique to him with this skill though now with greater difficulty added because of it now being ranked as Expert.

His training method is to have himself tested by his own Doppelganger, something that has no human hindrance or hesitation in its decision making and analyzing. It has every skill that he has and learned manually outside of the System’s intervention. And it will use all of said skills to the utmost maximum efficiency and effect. Disparity of stats be damned as it could overcome target stronger than multiple of what it has.

“What was my record again, right… 22 seconds. Nowhere close to even considered as its equal or peer”. Jihoon muttered as the Doppelganger looked the same, and dressed the same as him looked blankly at him as it awaits his instructions.

He had no better mentor than that of himself at the apex. Even if it is the most brutal one that he had the displeasure of having.

As Jihoon stood face-to-face with his Doppelganger in the secluded forest, a mix of emotions washed over him. The clone, an exact replica down to the last detail, stared back at him with an unsettling blankness in its eyes. Jihoon couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease at the sight of his own face devoid of emotion.

"You're the best and worst of me," Jihoon muttered, his voice barely above a whisper. "Everything I could be without the burden of hesitation or self-doubt. My potential made manifest."

The Doppelganger remained silent, awaiting instructions. Jihoon knew that behind those lifeless eyes lay a ruthless efficiency, a version of himself stripped of human limitations. It was both inspiring and terrifying.

"Twenty-two seconds," Jihoon repeated, clenching his fists. "That's how long I've managed to last against you. Not even half a minute against my own potential."

He took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "But I have to keep pushing. I have to get closer to that ideal, or I don't stand a chance in this Odyssey."

With a determined nod, Jihoon called upon his Light Magic, focusing his energy into his palm. A spear of brilliant light formed in his hand, its tip gleaming with piercing intensity. "Piercing Glare," he named the technique.

As if mirroring his actions, the Doppelganger manifested its own light spear, the movement fluid and instantaneous. There was no hesitation, no build-up. Just pure, efficient execution.

"Begin," Jihoon commanded, and in that instant, the forest clearing erupted into a flurry of motion.

The Doppelganger moved with blinding speed, its light spear a blur as it thrust towards Jihoon. Jihoon barely managed to parry the first strike, the clash of light against light sending sparks flying. But before he could counter, the Doppelganger was already launching its next attack, each movement precise and calculated.

Jihoon found himself on the defensive, desperately trying to keep up with the relentless assault. He knew every move his clone was making, could anticipate each strike, yet the sheer speed and perfection of execution left him struggling to respond.

Seconds ticked by, each one feeling like an eternity as Jihoon fought to hold his ground. But inevitably, a misstep, a fraction of a second too slow, and the Doppelganger's spear found its mark. The light construct dissipated harmlessly upon contact, but the point was made.

Panting heavily, Jihoon glanced at his wrist device. Eighteen seconds. He'd fallen short of his previous record.

A growl of frustration escaped his lips as he straightened up, facing his impassive doppelganger once more. "Again," he demanded, readying his stance. "I have to do better. I have to be better."

As the Doppelganger reset its position, Jihoon pushed aside his disappointment, focusing on the lessons learned from each defeat. He knew that each failure brought him one step closer to his goal, to bridging the gap between his current self and his potential.

With determination renewed by discipline, Jihoon formed another light spear.

"Begin," he commanded once more, throwing himself back into the brutal training regimen, determined to surpass his limits and prove himself worthy of the challenges that lay ahead in the Odyssey and against its far more talented participants.

Soon, the golden hour approaches and the many other participants stopped their training to take a break. Strangely, their talk of the day is nowhere to be seen which is Jihoon who had so brazenly entered the competition solo against all these trained individuals.

“Hey, I heard the sounds of clashing somewhere in the forest. Maybe that nepobaby is in there somewhere”. A beastfolk pointed his thumb toward the forest while keeping a snide expression on his face.

Suddenly, something completely flew out of the forest with great force and too sudden for anyone to notice or detect whoever that person was. And as said figure landed in the seawater, someone steps out of the forest.

It was Jihoon, or more exactly his Doppelganger with the blank expression on his face that shows no distinct emotions at all. But none of the contestants there knows about that. All they know is that a certain person they mocked about so much underneath has just stepped up, seemingly about to confront them.

"Did you see that? Something just flew out of the forest!" a merfolk exclaimed.

A selkie scoffed, crossing her arms. "Probably just some fancy trick to try and impress us. As if we'd fall for such obvious showboating."

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The beastfolk who had pointed out the forest earlier sneered. "Looks like the nepobaby wants attention. Let's see if he can back up his little stunt."

A burly minotaur or more of a huge man with bull’s horns stepped forward, towering over the Doppelganger. "Hey, human," he growled, cracking his knuckles. "Think you're tough now? Let's see how you handle a real opponent."

The Doppelganger's empty gaze settled on the minotaur, its lack of reaction unnerving some of the onlookers. Without warning, the minotaur lunged forward, aiming a powerful punch at the Doppelganger's face.

In a fluid motion that seemed almost impossibly fast, the Doppelganger sidestepped the attack. Its hand shot out, fingers imbued with Light Magic precisely targeting a cluster of nerve points on the minotaur's extended arm. A sharp, controlled jab sent waves of pain through the minotaur's limb, causing him to bellow in agony.

“Native of Calphennis’s coastal land… Large build, larger need for veins and blood flow” The Doppelganger muttered lightly beneath his breath, too light for even the most perceptive amongst them to notice.

Before anyone could react, the Doppelganger had already moved again. It swept the minotaur's legs destabilized from the influx of agony from under him without resistance, then applied pressure to specific points on his back as he fell with Mana-attuned speed. The minotaur crashed to the ground, his muscles spasming uncontrollably.

The entire exchange took less than five seconds. Minimum efforts to incapacitate a target without lasting injury since the Odyssey’s draw near.

Gasps and shocked murmurs rippled through the crowd. The minotaur, known for his incredible strength and durability, lay groaning on the ground, unable to rise.

"What... what did you do to me?" he managed to grunt out, his eyes wide with a mix of pain and fear.

The Doppelganger didn't respond, its blank gaze now sweeping across the other contestants. Its stance shifted subtly, ready to engage anyone else who might challenge it.

Sensing the rising tension, a group of selkies moved to surround the Doppelganger. "You think you can take us all on, human?" one of them snarled.

The Doppelganger's eyes flickered from one opponent to another, its thoughts rapidly calculating weaknesses and optimal attack patterns for each race present.

“Attunement with the frigid tundra, easy to succumb under heat”. The Doppelganger thought to its own as it prepares for disadvantaged combat.

Meanwhile, the real Jihoon was frantically swimming back to shore. He had just managed to surface after being unceremoniously launched into the water by his own Doppelganger during their training. He should have known that he stood absolutely no chance if they had gone full unrestraint, but he just has to try and now he is paying the price for it.

Spitting out seawater, Jihoon's eyes widened as he took in the scene unfolding at the training grounds. "Oh no," he muttered, realizing the potential disaster brewing. His Doppelganger, with its lack of restraint and perfect combat efficiency, was about to take on the entire athlete village. And knowing the animosity brewing, the chance of him being disqualified even before beginning the Odyssey now suddenly become real.

Jihoon redoubled his efforts to reach the shore, knowing he had to stop this before it spiraled completely out of control. As he swam, he could hear the sounds of combat erupting in front as he approached, punctuated by cries of shock and pain. Jihoon can only wince because this isn’t the exact impression that he had in mind to show everyone.

Cutting the distance of a few dozen meters in just seconds with his 2-digit physical stats which is already beyond measure of human physical peak. A merfolk got thrown out into the sea while his face seemingly pales from being overwhelmed in pain. Using [Observant], he checked up on the victim’s status which only showed as fainted, but the injury sustained is none.

He remembered that he received Acupuncture lesson and treatment and Karim from a while ago as preparation for the Odyssey but his Doppelganger just weaponize everything that it received and has with ruthless efficiency that it is unbelievable unless he directly witnessed it.

The training ground had become a battlefield. Unconscious bodies of various races littered the area, all in states of induced paralysis or pain, yet without lasting injuries. The Doppelganger stood at the center, its movements precise and economical as it faced off against the remaining contestants.

A ring of opponents had formed around the Doppelganger, trying to coordinate their attacks. Jihoon watched through his clone's eyes as a naiad attempted to ensnare it with water tendrils, while a kitsune launched illusory duplicates to confuse it. Simultaneously, a beastfolk with snow leopard-like features dashed in for a high-speed attack.

But the Doppelganger moved with uncanny prescience despite massive gap in stats. It sidestepped the water tendrils moving with speed that breaks sound barrier without flinching, dispelled the vivid illusions with a burst of Novice Light Magic which deconstructs it, and intercepted the charging beastfolk with a perfectly timed counter with precision into fraction of a fractioned second.

Each movement flowed seamlessly into the next, as if the Doppelganger was performing a deadly dance that it had rehearsed a thousand times already.

Jihoon's eyes widened as he began to understand the true extent of his Doppelganger’s abilities that just never mentioned at all. It isn’t reacting to physical attacks, it is reading the intent behind them. Every shift in stance, every flicker of the eyes, every tensing of muscles. The Doppelganger interpreted these signals with inhuman accuracy, always staying one step ahead of its opponents.

This precognitive ability gave the Doppelganger a consistent window of preparation time, regardless of how fast or strong its opponents were. It didn't matter if an attacker had triple-digit stats; the Doppelganger always seemed to move just before they did, turning their own strength and momentum against them.

Through the Doppelganger’s vision, Jihoon obtained the insight of just how increasingly more absurd his Doppelganger really is. And the fact that it now has his stats mean it goes beyond than just distraction but can substitute for him in immensely dangerous situations that would have done him in in instead.

As he watched, a selky attempted to blindside the Doppelganger from behind as its focus is kept in front by everyone else in the perimeter. But before the attack even began, the clone had already started to pivot, its hand moving to intercept the blow at the perfect moment and proceed to use said selky as a meat shield against said onslaught of attacks. Although they have stats to tank it, it is technically their fault that they tried to intervene.

Jihoon felt a chill run down his spine. The ability to read intent isn’t something even supernatural. It is literally just within his physical ability yet so overwhelmingly powerful that it isn’t remotely fair.

He knew he had to act fast. The longer this continued, the greater the risk of serious injury or his disqualification from the Odyssey. With renewed urgency, Jihoon sprinted towards the fray, determined to put an end to this demonstration before it spiraled even further out of control.

"I need to stop this," Jihoon muttered, pushing himself to run faster. "But how do I counter something that can read my every intention?"

All eyes laid upon the Doppelganger as no one noticed the presence of the real Jihoon. But that’s perfectly acceptable because he soon formulated a plan to redeem himself. Since he can’t exactly undo the situation, salvaging it is the best he could do. And if there’s anything that his Light Magic can do best, it would be representation.

Grabbing the ether phone in his pocket that despite being soaked still functions perfectly somehow. Karim purchased this thing for him so that they could discreetly communicate with one another. With a quick dial, Jihoon made his call toward the wood elf who still sleep so soundly in his quarter, oblivious to the chaos outside.

As Jihoon approached the chaotic scene, he quickly dialed Karim's number on his ether phone. After a few rings, a groggy voice answered.

"Jihoon? What's going on?" Karim mumbled, clearly just woken up.

"No time to explain fully," Jihoon spoke rapidly. "I need you to bring my electric guitar to the training grounds immediately. And Karim... you'll need to play it."

There was a pause on the other end. "Play it? Jihoon, I don't know how to-"

"Trust me," Jihoon cut him off. "Just get here as fast as you can."

Ending the call, Jihoon focused on his plan. He needed to create a spectacle, one that would clearly differentiate him from his Doppelganger and hopefully salvage the situation.

As Jihoon neared the crowd, he saw Karim arriving, looking bewildered and clutching the electric guitar. Using his Light Magic, Jihoon established a mental link with Karim, similar to the one he had with his Doppelganger. That’s the specialty of his Light Magic which he understood consciousness as constant rapid-firing flashes of light. That’s the understanding of the brain in his world which translates to him able to obtain minor bodily control of others through the unseen stream of light.

"Karim," Jihoon projected his thoughts inside the wood elf’s mind. "Don't freak out. I'm going to control your movements to play the guitar. Just let it happen naturally."

Before Karim could respond, Jihoon stepped into view, drawing gasps from the crowd as they saw two identical versions of him.

"That's enough," Jihoon called out, his voice ringing with authority. The Doppelganger turned to face him, its blank expression unchanging.

Jihoon nodded to Karim, who hesitantly raised the guitar. Through their mental link, Jihoon began to play, his fingers moving Karim's with precision. A powerful riff echoed across the training grounds, drawing everyone's attention.

Not of something already exists within his reserve of Song Magics. Something special that makes the distinction between each song clearly.

A battle against oneself. And it deserves something much more special than just a special theme. Jihoon’s thought quickly tries to compose a central motif that the song will build its foundation upon. In the split second that stretched for eternity, a glint flashed in his eyes.

Key signature: G minor. A key filled with discontent, uneasiness and worry. Like the gnashing of teeth, it is a key signature of resentment. His decided time signature is typical 4/4.

G~ F~|G~~~|G F Bb A|G F Eb F| G F Bb A|

As the introduction melody swelled, Jihoon recognized that this is the first time he is composing a Song Magic on the fly and in the heat of combat. Performing multitasks at once isn’t his forte but perhaps there might be something to be found when one confronts one’s own self.

With the motion of his hand, multiple blades and spears of incandescent light formed above as the contestants around quickly dispersed knowing something is about to happen.

Intermediate-class Light Magic – Golden Hour

Once they did so, those weapons lanced toward the ground and a circular perimeter formed by them as a formation of light is created as they surround the Doppelganger at its center. It is about 5 meters wide in diameter but that’s enough for the purpose of his action. Because after all, quite a convenient timing that the sky is also in its Golden Hour state too.

One hour of the Golden Hour, that’s all he needed. With a burst of speed, he lanced toward the Doppelganger with his own spear of light manifested and directed toward it. Weaving a melody that spoke of duality, of facing one's own potential and limitations.

G F G~| C+ Bb A G| A F C+~|

F+ Eb+ D+ C+| D+ C+ Bb+ A+| B+ C+ D+ F+| Eb+ D+ C+ Bb+| D+ C+ Bb A| G~~~|

With the central motif devised, Jihoon confronted his own Doppelganger in a domain of twilight glow. Attention poured all over him as Karim struggled to even grasp the notes that he even played.

“Mirror Match”. Because there can be no harsher opponent than your own self.

G~ Bb~| C+ Bb A G| A F C+~|

F+ Eb+ D+ C+| D+ C+ Bb+ A+| B+ C+ D+ F+| G+ Eb+ G+ Bb++| A++~~~|

The assembled contestants watched in awe as the two Jihoons battled, neither gaining a clear advantage. The real Jihoon knew he couldn't win outright, but that wasn't his goal. He needed to show his skills, to prove that the earlier display wasn't just some trick of sight.

Song Magic alone isn’t enough to overcome a foe that knows nought of the disparity of power. But his Intermediate Light Magic, Golden Hour is the trump card to overcome someone who seemingly always one step ahead in planning. The only way is to make the Doppelganger unable to plan properly against him.

G F G~| C+ Bb A G| A F C+~|

F+ Eb+ D+ C+| D+ C+ Bb+ A+| B+ C+ D+ F+| Eb+ D+ C+ Bb+| D+ C+ Bb A| G~~~|

The central harmony refrained once again. But the intensity of the battle still continues to scale without stop.

Golden Hour in its principle is an amplification circle which makes every spell of Novice to Intermediate-class gain increased potency of its output despite using only the same amount of mana cost. Using the method of synthesis and total connection of the previous building blocks that brought him to this point, he could potentially apply Advanced-class level of power using only Intermediate-class spells.

Much like the actual Golden Hour, where it occurs in the earliest hour of dawn and the final hour of dusk. This duel between them is like that between an old veteran and an aspiring greenhorn. Both are giving their all for there is nothing to lose at the end of the day.

As the battle raged on within the golden perimeter, Jihoon's mind raced, formulating his strategy constantly. The many other contestants watched in awe as he is the only one who managed to last against the Doppelganger longer than ten seconds without being instantly incapacitated.

The Doppelganger lunged forward, its movements precise and deadly. Jihoon dodged, his body seeming to blur as he moved.

Suddenly, Jihoon's form shimmered, and multiple images of him appeared, each one indistinguishable from the original. The crowd gasped as a dozen images of Jihoon charged at the Doppelganger from all directions.

Golden Hour Metamorphosis. Novice-class Light Magic - Afterimage

Intermediate-class Light Magic - Mirage Reflection

G~ Bb~| C+ Bb A G| A F C+~|

F+ Eb+ D+ C+| D+ C+ Bb+ A+| B+ C+ D+ F+| G+ Eb+ G+ Bb++| A++~~~|

The Doppelganger, reading the intent behind each image, began to strike out in a sweeping blow, attempting to dispel the illusions all at once. But as its light-imbued fist passed through one of the images, another landed a glancing blow on its side.

"You can't dispel light with more light," Jihoon's thought echoed to himself. "Each image is a construct of focused light, as real as it is illusory."

The Doppelganger doesn’t show any emotion or reaction at all, which only further amplifies the eeriness that it conveys unintentionally.

With that, Jihoon continues to press his advantage.

G~ F~|G~~~|G F Bb+ A+~ G F~| Eb F~ G| F~ Bb+ A+|G F Eb F| G F Bb+ A+|

The introduction melody refrained again. The Doppelganger still seemingly wield the upper hand despite the overwhelming number of mirages it is pit against. Having discarded the idea of reading his intents which now easily falsified through manipulated illusions in this boundary.

Yet with the same stats as he is, the Doppelganger continues to push onward no matter the adversity. Pushing the utter limit of his limited stats, even miracle is claimed through herculean efforts and decisive actions.

Soon, even the mirages that Jihoon conjures do nothing to overturn the state of their duel.

G~ F~ |D~~~| D~ F~| G~ Bb+~| A+~~~| G A+ Bb+ C+| Bb+~ A+~| A+ B+ C+ F+| Eb+~ D+~|

Longer notes duration started to convey the looming sense of hesitation in Jihoon’s mind. All of these shows of force yet when it matters, the Doppelganger continues to stand like an insurmountable wall that just make light of all his efforts. As if everything has already been anticipated in its train of thought already.

Then, the worst possible thing happened. It is now also utilizing Golden Hour to also create its own Intermediate-class Light Magic much like Jihoon did.

Golden Hour Metamorphosis. Novice-class Light Magic – Piercing Glare

As the battle approaching its climax, the Doppelganger suddenly shifted its strategy. Jihoon's eyes widened as he recognized the familiar stance, realizing too late what was about to happen.

The Doppelganger's voice, an unsettling echo of Jihoon's own, rang out for the first time. In a blinding flash, a barrage of light spears, far more potent than their Novice counterparts, erupted from the Doppelganger's form.

"Intermediate-class Light Magic - Radiant Onslaught"

The enhanced Piercing Glare, now transformed into a devastating area-of-effect attack despite limited solely in this domain of light, it swept through all of Jihoon's mirages like a tidal wave of light. Each illusion shattered then dispersed, unable to withstand the sheer intensity of the assault. Jihoon, caught in the midst of his own technique, took the a significant brunt of the attack.

Pain lanced through his body as he was thrown backwards, feet skidding across the ground. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he teetered on the edge of consciousness.

G~ F~ |D~~~| D~ F~| G~ Bb+~| A+~~~| G A+ Bb+ C+| Bb+~ A+~| A+ B+ C+ F+| Eb+~ D+~|

The thought of using the System command to disengage the Doppelganger then flashed through his mind. It was a quick and easy way out of this increasingly dangerous and frustrating situation. At this point, he’ll just come clean that he has gone overboard with his method and that-

Jihoon’s thought ceased as an unfamiliar power flows through him.

"Hold on, human!" a gruff voice called out. Jihoon felt a surge of invigorating energy flow through him as a beastfolk shaman cast an Ice-based healing spell. His body was still shaking from that agonizing precision blow that shut him down in mere seconds.

"Don't give up now!" This time, it was a naiad, her Water Magic soothing his injuries and restoring his stamina.

One by one, contestants from various races stepped forward, lending their support. Healing magic, protective barriers, and empowering enchantments surrounded Jihoon, rejuvenating his battered body and spirit.

The selkie who had earlier sneered at him now stood at his side, her expression determined. "You've shown us something extraordinary today. We can't let it end like this."

Jihoon looked around in amazement. The very people who had doubted and mocked him earlier were now rallying to his aid. Their faces showed not just support, but a newfound respect.

In that moment, Jihoon realized he couldn't take the easy way out. These contestants had set aside their initial animosity, offering their help unconditionally. To simply disengage the Doppelganger now would be an insult to their gesture of goodwill.

Absence is still a civilized place after all. Had he repaid their kindness with insincerity then he is truly unforgivable. People may dislike one another at the time. But when the cards are placed down, they will not hesitate to put aside the meaningless trifles to help with all they have.

Slowly, Jihoon stood up, bolstered by the combined magic of his fellow Odyssey participants. He faced his Doppelganger once more, a determined glint shown in the corner of his eyes.

"Thank you," he said, his voice carrying across toward the people around. "You've reminded me of something important that I should have and never forget”

CCCC| DDDD|EbEbEbEb|FFFF| CCCC| DDDD|EbEbEbEb|DDDD|BbBbBbBb|

CCCC| DDDD|EbEbEbEb|FFFF| CCCC| DDDD|EbEbEbEb|DDDD|BbBbBbBb|

The notes that he thought in his mind played as if they were trembling. The urgency of the situation is undeniable, he has no concrete solution to rely on. In music theory terms, this is a tremolo. Used explicitly to create tension or to work in place of percussion.

Turning back to the Doppelganger, Jihoon readied himself for the next round. The easy way out was no longer an option. He had to see this through, not just for himself, but for everyone who now stood with him.

C~~~|F Eb D Eb |D C Bb~|Bb C D Eb |F~ G A+|C+++|

With the bridging part for the resolution complete, the entire Song Magic that Jihoon mentally composed in his mind is finalized as he maneuvers to the very beginning introduction melody once more. The foreboding introduction played out again, as he prepares to confront his own Doppelganger at a losing game that he has no choice but to overcome.

The definition of insanity is to do something again and again while expecting something different to occur.

So instead of trying to reach the impossible height out of his reach. Jihoon chose a different approach yet unquestionably more dubious whether it will work or otherwise.

The Foolish Old Man Moves Mountains approach.

Jihoon charged at his Doppelganger with reckless abandon, his Light Magic blazing around him. The Doppelganger responded in kind, meeting Jihoon's attacks with equal ferocity.

"Let there be Light!" Jihoon called out, unleashing a blinding flash of light. The Doppelganger countered with "Prism Refraction," dispersing the attack to harmless level.

The two clashed repeatedly, light spears, blades and constructs colliding in dazzling displays of power. However, it quickly became apparent that Jihoon was outmatched. For every blow he managed to land, the Doppelganger struck back twice as hard.

"He can't keep this up!" a naiad exclaimed, her face etched with great concern.

A selkie nodded grimly. "But look at his determination. He refuses to stay down!"

Wave after wave of supportive magic spells flowed into Jihoon from the surrounding contestants. Healing spells knitted his wounds, protective barriers absorbed some of the Doppelganger's blows, and empowering enchantments bolstered his flagging strength.

Despite this constant support, Jihoon's condition grew increasingly dire. His body was a canvas of bruises and cuts, his breathing ragged and labored. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his legs trembled with each heavy step.

"How is he still standing?" a beastfolk warrior marveled, his voice a mix of awe and concern.

Unbeknownst to the onlookers, Jihoon's [Agony Resistance] skill was working overtime. Each crushing blow from the Doppelganger, each searing burst of Light Magic that tore through his defenses, only served to strengthen his ability to endure pain. The torturous experience of the Body Reconstruction Liquid had prepared him for this moment, allowing him to push far beyond normal human limits.

As the battle approached the one-hour mark, the golden light of the domain began to flicker and fade. The Doppelganger, despite its emotionless facade, showed signs of weariness. Its movements, once lightning-fast and precise, had slowed fractionally.

Jihoon, on the other hand, looked like a man who should have collapsed long ago. His body was a testament to the brutal beating he had endured, yet his eyes burned with an indomitable will. Each time he was knocked down, he rose again, driven by a determination that defied logic.

"This is insane," a kitsune muttered, her tails swishing nervously. "He looks half-dead, but he just won't stay down."

The minotaur who had been the first to fall to the Doppelganger earlier nodded grimly. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like he's becoming stronger the more he gets beaten."

As the last remnants of the Golden Hour began to fade, Jihoon stood face to face with his Doppelganger. Both were battered and exhausted, but while the Doppelganger's blank expression remained unchanged, Jihoon's face bore a grim smile of triumph.

"You may be the perfect version of me," Jihoon rasped, his voice barely above a whisper, "but there's one thing you can't replicate. The will to keep going, no matter how hopeless it seems."

With the last of his strength, Jihoon prepared for one final clash, ready to prove that sometimes, it's not perfection that wins the day, but the sheer, stubborn refusal to give up.

Jihoon lunged with all the remaining strength that he could muster. The Doppelganger did the same as if they are both approaching for the killing blow upon each other.

No hesitation, no fear, no restraint. All or nothing. Many thoughts ran through his mind but there was only one driving force behind it all.

______-----{////\\\\}-----______

You have pushed your own mentality to your limit

Innate Skill unlocked.

------_____{\\\\////}_____------

______-----{////\\\\}-----______

Deadly Obsession

Classification: Innate Passive Skill

Status: (Lv. 1)

Effect:

-Lv. 1: Reduce the effect of injury on physical performance

by 75%. Can perform 150% of maximum physical limit.

-Lv. 2: ???

-Lv. 3: ???

Description:

When the user's will is pushed to the brink, their body and mind enter a state of desperate obsession, granting enhanced physical abilities to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. However, this power comes at a great cost - the user's own well-being.

------_____{\\\\////}_____------

As Jihoon and the Doppelganger lunged towards each other for their final clash, time seemed to slow. In that fractional moment, a translucent blue screen flickered in Jihoon's peripheral vision, displaying the System status.

But Jihoon's focus was singular, his mind consumed by the desperate need to overcome his perfect mirror image. He didn't spare even a glance at the notification, his eyes locked onto his opponent as they hurtled towards each other.

The Doppelganger, a being of pure efficiency and calculated precision, had never known desperation. It had never felt the primal surge of adrenaline that comes from pushing beyond one's limits, the raw human instinct to survive against impossible odds.

In that moment, as their final attacks were about to connect, Jihoon tapped into something primordial within himself. His body, battered and broken as it was, suddenly moved with a speed and power that defied his current state. The effects of his newly awakened Innate Skill manifested, though Jihoon remained oblivious to its existence.

The state of his mind was a maelstrom of emotions, a whirlwind propelled by desperation, determination, and a primal need to uphold his sincerity even if it is the most illogical course of action. He refused to lower his standard and depth that he would inevitably go. To him, it is a taste similar to addiction, Just one taste and the rest of the act suddenly become easier.

In the heart of the maelstrom of conflict, Jihoon and the Doppelganger were locked in a desperate struggle, each one determined to overwhelm the other. Their movements had become a blur, a dance of light and shadow that defied the mortal eye.

As the two forces collided, the very fabric of the Golden Hour domain began to falter. The domain of light flickers unstably, signaling the impending collapse of the constructed dueling ground. But neither Jihoon nor the Doppelganger paid any heed. Their sole focus was on the battle at hand, a clash of self whose importance transcended all matters physical.

Time itself appeared to bend to his newfound focus, granting him an eerie clarity amidst the chaos. In this moment, Jihoon knew with absolute certainty that he would not, could not, be defeated.

With a guttural cry, he poured the last of his strength into his Light Magic, his body wreathed in a blinding aura. The Doppelganger responded in kind, its own light-infused attack colliding with Jihoon's in a cataclysmic burst of energy.

Jihoon moved into his punching motion. His swollen fist wreathed in luminous essence. The Doppelganger did the same as if it tacitly understands his thought down to the sentiment despite not showing any of it.

The following impact shook the very ground beneath their feet, sending shockwaves rippling outward. The onlooking contestants were forced to brace themselves against the sheer force of the clash, their expressions a mix of awe and apprehension.

The earth had trembled, and for a heartbeat, everything seemed to hang in suspension. Then, with a blinding flash, the golden domain of light shattered, dispersing in a shower of sparks.

When the dust finally settled, Jihoon and the Doppelganger stood facing each other, both swaying on their feet. The Doppelganger's blank expression remains like always but something akin to disbelief seems to have found its way on that ironclad face, while Jihoon's face bore a weary, but triumphant, smile.

His fist, briefly exceeding his own Doppelganger and his personal limit had pierced through the impenetrable boundary that the Doppelganger set for its own with its ruthless efficiency. It lay squarely on where supposedly the center of his chest is. It is blow that would have put himself down, but the Doppelganger is stoic to the point it shrugged off a fatal blow by force of will.

The other contestants watched in stunned silence, unable to comprehend what they had just witnessed. The sheer intensity of the clash, the raw power that had been unleashed, left them in a state of awe and trepidation.

The Doppelganger lay down its own guard, the look in its own eyes admitting its own defeat to its own original. Seemingly somewhere deep inside that stoic gaze, Jihoon too shared that sentiment.

Soon, the Doppelganger dispersed into a different kind of light that is different than that of incandescent which further made distinct the difference between the Light Magic of his and that which make up the System.

The battle has ended, and Jihoon still remain uncertain if he really did solve the animosity or just replaced his problem with an even bigger one. Not that he could remain conscious for any longer as [Deadly Obsession] is wearing off now that he has completed his task.

Then… a System notification flashed in front of him.

______-----{////\\\\}-----______

Host has defeated their own Doppelganger

Doppelganger Ranked up! Expert -> Master

------_____{\\\\////}_____------

______-----{////\\\\}-----______

Doppelganger

Classification: Illusion Magic

Rank: Master

Effect:

-Create up to 3 duplicate clones that share base stats of the user,

can interact with mundane objects with equal proficiency as the user.

Can't utilize System [Skills]. Stats can't be enhanced by external effects.

User could customize the appearance of the Doppelgangers if one wished

No duration limitation. Cooldown: 3 hours.

------_____{\\\\////}_____------

The little goddess that gave him this System still observes him. That’s the only reason why the timing of this [Skill] rank up is just that convenient and that she decided that she must reward him for his effort to go up and beyond without her intervention. It wasn’t even in his intent to ever defeat the Doppelganger at all but… he’ll accept since it is his effort after all.

______-----{////\\\\}-----______

Mirrored Resentment

Classification: Song Magic

Rank: Intermediate

Effect (MAG 30):

-+150% to all physical attributes.

The closer one is to death, the stronger this effect (Max: 900%)

--------____{\\\\////}_____--------

And here’s the Song Magic that he just made. And already he could imagine the next disgusting combination that he could make with his Song Magic. Though this particular effect is hard to use, but inferring from the current state he is in, he probably is going to make use of this a lot more often than he is going to believe.

Combined with the awakening of [Deadly Obsession]. It truly seems already determined that he will never escape from any fight unscathed anymore. Every meaningful fight is going to the tooth and nail of his until he has nothing left to scrape by.

With all that said, Jihoon let himself drifted to unconsciousness as the contestants around quickly gathered toward him. Karim who has been playing his electric guitar by command for 1 hour non-stop was the unsung hero of the whole situation. Yet the attention poured only to Jihoon himself.