Something Keeps Appearing in My Subspace - Chapter 25
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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25. Spring Tide (1)
“Association President!”
“Cough!”
The Association President was in the middle of swallowing water when the Secretary burst through the door, causing him to choke.
My throat and white dress shirt were soaked, but I was too busy coughing to care.
“Seo-ung, how many times do I have to tell you to knock before—”
“That’s not important, sir! A report just came in—atmospheric mana density instability is becoming severe!”
“What?”
The Association President forgot all about choking, startled by the news.
Atmospheric mana density instability was not a situation to be taken lightly.
As evidenced by Earth’s continuously rising mana density since the Gate Incident, higher density meant more difficult Gates would appear.
But if atmospheric mana density became unstable, the probability of “Discharge-type Gates” appearing would skyrocket.
“We’ve confirmed with allied nations, and they’re all reporting the same results.”
“Don’t tell me it’s similar to what happened five years ago?”
“It’s not similar—it’s an exact match.”
Park Seo-ung spoke gravely. This was what had occurred five years after the Gate Incident.
As mana density instability intensified, sporadic and irregular Discharge-type Gates had opened across the globe.
The chaos didn’t last long, but because it was unexpected, the damage was severe.
It was also the moment when the illusion that society had stabilized five years after the Gate Incident shattered.
Afterward, as mana density rose another tier, Gates became harder, and people’s anxiety grew.
“Small-scale Discharge-type Gates have been observed appearing and disappearing in the United States.”
“That’s trouble over there.”
Just as small tremors precede major earthquakes, when small Discharge-type Gates appear and vanish, something bigger is coming.
Still, Korea couldn’t rest easy either. It was possible our turn simply hadn’t come yet.
“Bring me the advance team’s Gate schedule. Cancel all entries scheduled for today and tomorrow.”
“Yes, sir!”
Watching Park Seo-ung dash out, the Association President sighed heavily.
I’d already grasped that mana density was rising recently. But for something like this to happen again…
‘Once this aftermath passes, how much harder will the Gates become…’
My worries deepened in that moment.
* * *
“What are you?”
I instinctively stepped back in caution, but the crystal sphere spoke in a calm tone.
-I am an intelligent magical lifeform created by the Previous-Previous Princess through magic.
An intelligent magical lifeform created by the Previous-Previous Princess? Like an AI? A magical AI?
I couldn’t hide my bewilderment at this unexpected answer.
“Wait, so everything in here was left behind by the Previous-Previous Princess?”
-A partial affirmation.
“Partial affirmation?”
-Not all items. There are also items from before her time, and items left by the Previous Princess.
Though it wasn’t Korean, the meaning came through perfectly clear. I wondered if it was some kind of translation magic, like what happened before.
-However, what the Previous-Previous Princess left behind accounts for over 90% of it.
It seemed the Previous-Previous Princess was the first to prepare something in the Subspace for future generations.
“If there were previous ones, does that make me the fourth Princess?”
-At minimum, the fourth. You could be the fifth or beyond.
Hmm. The last message definitely said the Princess profession was the world’s hope, but….
At least four or more Princesses failed to overcome the erosion.
Moreover, the Previous Princess before me would have arranged all of this too. Is mana erosion really that dangerous?
And wasn’t the Previous-Previous Princess skilled enough to create a magical AI?
As anxiety about the future crept in, a sudden question occurred to me.
“Wait, if the Previous Princess also used the Subspace, how did items meant for me still remain?”
-Confusion. Why don’t you understand that? Didn’t you hear the message left by the Previous-Previous Princess….
Chuton’s words stopped. Then blue light swept through the Subspace briefly before speaking in a bewildered voice.
-Based on the items in the current space, I would estimate this is a second-tier space. Could the current Princess have a level 2 Subspace?
“Yeah. Why?”
-It’s astounding. How did you obtain an item imbued with divinity with only a level 2 Subspace?
“Uh, is that difficult?”
I scratched the back of my head, and it seemed like it probably was.
Now that I thought about it, I’d never heard of anyone having items related to “divinity” even while working as an unawakened Hunter.
-Affirmative. It’s not merely difficult. To awaken me, an “itemized divinity” is required.
“What’s an itemized divinity?”
-It refers to items imbued with divinity obtained from within a Gate, not the divinity of that world itself. I was designed to awaken through such objects.
Is that different?
Now that I thought about it, I could roughly understand. Just as I’d encountered an evil god, there must be worlds where gods existed.
-And the established theory is that itemized divinity can typically be obtained from Gates of level 50 or higher.
“Level 50? But I’m supposedly a Princess, and I got it from a transformed Gate?”
-You’ve experienced great fortune. While Princesses do often transform Gates, obtaining divinity from such places isn’t easy.
In other words, I’d been lucky.
-To continue answering your earlier question, items prepared for a novice Princess are mostly stored in the fifth-tier space.
Hearing more, the Previous-Previous Princess had left various items in the fifth-tier space for future generations.
The reason for the fifth tier was concern about unqualified individuals misusing them.
When a Princess judged herself unable to overcome mana erosion, she would redistribute those items to the next generation.
In other words, the secret techniques I’d obtained were the result of the Previous-Previous Princess’s legacy being redistributed by the Previous Princess.
‘So the Subspace is like a repository connected to the world experiencing Gate incidents, a kind of inheritance?’
I’d felt it since first awakening and raising the Subspace, but this was the moment it became certain—I’d hit the jackpot.
As the Subspace level increased, more precious things would pour out from within it.
“Then you were also created for the next Princess, meaning for me?”
-Affirmative. The Previous-Previous Princess who created me judged that overcoming the trials would be difficult through mere item inheritance alone, so she left me behind.
Well, setting aside the Previous Princess’s failure, the situation was endlessly favorable for me.
Even without this help, I would have eventually faced what they call mana erosion.
It was far better to rely on the items left behind by the Previous-Previous Princess and the assistance of Chuton, an intelligent magical lifeform.
Chuton had mentioned that divine essence could be obtained as items from Gates of level 50 and above.
‘That means he’s experienced something beyond that.’
Earth’s current vanguard hadn’t reached level 60. This meant I could obtain higher-quality information than the vanguard itself.
Though our meeting with Chuton was unexpected, what I needed to do now was clear.
“Then, tell me. What is mana erosion? What will happen going forward? What do I need to do?”
The world had transformed into something like a game overnight. Through the Previous-Previous Princess, I’d learned it was called ‘mana erosion.’
It was only natural to feel curious about what it actually was.
-Negation. That is not possible.
However, Chuton’s response was far from what I’d anticipated.
“Why?”
-Your Highness currently lacks the qualifications.
* * *
Despite pressing further on the incomprehensible reason, Chuton merely repeated that I “lacked the qualifications.”
I pondered why qualifications were necessary when I was already a princess, then soon nodded in understanding.
“Is mana erosion perhaps that dangerous?”
-Question. Why do you think so?
“Because you’re afraid I’ll give up if I learn the details?”
I’d felt it from the start. Seeing that the Previous-Previous Princess who created this had failed, and the Previous Princess who inherited her legacy had also failed, mana erosion was clearly no trivial matter.
The fact that items were left in the fifth space was evidence of that.
“If I gave up and sold the items inside for leisure time with whatever remains, you wouldn’t speak freely about it, would you?”
-…I cannot provide an answer.
Even without a response, I would have assumed as much, but the delayed reply gave me certainty.
My curiosity about the erosion remained, but it didn’t matter. I’d learn eventually.
“So there’s nothing you can tell me?”
-Negation. Direct explanation of the erosion is impossible at present, but other matters are not. My purpose is your growth. I can offer guidance toward that end.
“Fine. Then what should I do?”
-Before my advice, could you show me your current status window, Your Highness? I need to confirm your exact level.
I opened my status window without hesitation.
[Lv18 Princess(空主), Han Hye]
Strength: 25
Agility: 25
Stamina: 25
Spirit: 20
Mana: 35(+10)
Bonus Points: 10
Skills: Subspace(S-rank) Lv2, Leap(A-rank) Lv1, Flame Resistance(A-rank) Lv2, Cockfighting(C-rank) Lv2, Imperial Basic Swordsmanship(E-rank) Lv4, Cold Resistance(E-rank) Lv1, *Wind Slash(Lv1)
And upon confirming my status window, Chuton….
-What in the….
He couldn’t hide his astonishment.
—This is an Level 18 status window? I can hardly believe it. What kind of Gates has the current Princess cleared to achieve such growth?
“Hmm. Is that so?”
—This is no time to be indifferent. Based on current stats, your level is approaching the early thirties. Neither the Previous Princess nor the Previous-Previous Princess demonstrated such growth.
The fact that I could detect astonishment in that mechanical voice made me realize just how exceptional my growth rate truly was.
—Of course, the Previous-Previous Princess raised me to level 70, and the Previous Princess encountered me at level 50, but their stats at those times were strength and agility….
I’d noticed something since earlier.
This intellectual magical lifeform called Chuton had a tendency to speak at considerable length.
“Wait. Never mind that.”
I had no desire to know the detailed stats of the Previous-Previous or Previous Princesses. There was no need.
It was enough that I was superior.
“So, what do I need to do to grow stronger?”
—Based on your current growth trajectory, I believe it would be better if I refrained from offering advice….
Sincerity resonated in Chuton’s words, so I hurriedly waved both hands.
“No, you still have to tell me.”
After a brief silence, Chuton continued.
—First, before I speak, I must inform you that my methods could potentially be more harmful to you. The reason is that your growth compared to the Princesses I previously served….
“Hold on.”
—Why do you stop me?
It seemed I’d be spending considerable time with this one, and if things continued like this, I’d go mad from frustration.
“First, there are some corrections needed. Change your speech pattern and let’s clarify how we address each other.”
—Question. Is there a reason to change speech patterns and forms of address? First, that won’t aid your growth, and changing how I address you is entirely meaningless….
Listening to this, I felt another sigh building.
“No. It matters.”
—Pardon?
“You need to keep your words concise. I have a condition where I weaken when I hear lengthy speeches.”
—Is that truly the case?
“There’s no way you can’t change your speech pattern or forms of address, right?”
—That is not the case. The Previous-Previous Princess only required my assistance regarding mana erosion, but in other matters, I was designed to help you….
“Please.”
—Ah, concisely. My apologies.
I exhaled softly. Perhaps it’s because it’s an intellectual lifeform. It seemed it would take time to correct.
“Right. So keep your words as concise as possible, please. And instead of calling me Princess, call me Han Hye.”
—Yes, Han Hye.
I paused briefly before continuing.
“And from now on, your name is Chunbae.”
—…?
Chuton. A name given in another world, so it couldn’t be helped, but it lacked a certain resonance when spoken.
Chunbae, on the other hand—what a warm and affectionate name.
“Chunbae. Now tell me again, briefly and concisely. What do I need to do and how should I do it to grow stronger faster?”
I waited eagerly for his response. Chunbae had already spent time with two other Princesses before me.
The Previous-Previous Princess had created it at level 70. Chuton had experienced beyond that.
The current highest level on Earth hadn’t reached 60.
In other words, it was fair to say that Chuton was a living Gate strategy guide.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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