I Became an Illegal Cheat User – Chapter 135

—————————————————————–
Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: FusionX
—————————————————————–

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

 
“Master, we have arrived.”

Terra’s voice pierced through my thoughts.

At that voice, I finished reviewing the plan I had been contemplating. And I opened my eyes, looking at the massive wall of purple fog beyond the windshield.

Purple fog, commonly known as the Death Fog.

Our destination, which occupied the entire North, was close.

The distance was approximately 300 meters.

The optimal distance, calculated based on the fog’s expansion rate.

Of course, it wouldn’t matter if I went closer. Rather, it would save time entering the fog.

The fog’s expansion rate was extremely slow.

Moreover, since I would be leaving behind Terra, or rather, one Battle Maid and the golem we rode here, there would be no problem with As and Asuka’s safety.

We could simply move the golem back as the fog advanced.

But that was assuming the current situation remained unchanged, a normal situation.

The reason I set and maintained an optimal distance was to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.

For example, a sudden change in the fog.

Currently, the fog was moving very slowly, like a snail crawling. But I didn’t know how long that would last.

It could suddenly accelerate or expand its range in an instant.

As it was called the Death Fog, I couldn’t make any assumptions.

So, I had to be prepared.

So that we wouldn’t be swept away if the fog suddenly surged forward.

“As, time to wake up.”

“Mmm…”

Terra gently stroked As’s hair.

At that gentle touch, As let out a whimpering sound. She didn’t wake up easily. Rather, she turned her body and buried her face deeper into Terra’s stomach.

Asuka, watching from the side, clutched her cheeks, expressing her silent joy at As’s adorable action.

And Terra…

“……”

…just silently…

Stroke, stroke.

…continued to caress As’s hair.

I chuckled at Terra’s behavior.

After all, the current Terra wasn’t like the Terra I had seen before.

Not the calculating, cold, AI-like Terra.

Her outward appearance was that of an expressionless maid.

But inside, she was filled with the confusion of an ordinary person, unsure of what to do in this unfamiliar situation.

As proof, I could currently see…

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

…Terra’s message in my field of vision, asking for a solution, looking quite perplexed.

“Just let her sleep a little longer. I’m not planning on entering the fog right away.”

As I had told Terra…

Before entering the fog, there were several things I wanted to test.

The holy sword Sacred’s ability, Death Fog Negation.

What would happen if it didn’t work, how the fog affected equipment, and especially whether firearms would function normally inside the fog.

Of course, with Astra, which could transform into other equipment, there was no need to worry about equipment.

The same applied to the others.

Those entering the fog with me.

The weapons Arthur and Lee Seo-yeon used were Rank S.

Unlike ordinary items, they had the “Indestructible” effect, so there was no need to worry about the fog affecting their equipment.

And Noah… well.

Although he had the holy spear, Aradwar, Noah was a temporary contractor.

Since his mother, Gloria, was still the main contractor, he couldn’t use it unless they were on Earth.

But there wasn’t much to worry about.

As you know, Noah, before being a Saint, was an Inquisitor.

He could freely wield holy power, and his two fists, his body itself, were sufficient weapons against evil.

But why wasn’t I entering right away and conducting experiments?

It was because of my combat style.

Arthur, Lee Seo-yeon, Noah, and my classmates.

They all wielded one, at most two, weapons. And the weapons they used were all melee weapons.

On the other hand, I used various weapons.

And they were firearms, which others didn’t pay much attention to.

So, my combat methods were also diverse.

Bombardment using explosives like grenades.

Precise shooting using various firearms like pistols, miniguns, and the newly acquired grenade launcher and anti-materiel rifle.

Of course, Transfer, Telekinesis, Infinite Items, and Super Accuracy, skills and various cheats, were the foundation, but anyway…

In this turn.

Since I used various skills, weapons, and strategies in this world where the game had become reality…

Unless it was a sudden situation, I had to be prepared for various scenarios.

No matter how slow and tedious it was.

Like tapping a stone bridge before crossing.

With that thought, I stepped out of the car, and as soon as my feet touched the ground, I frowned at the foul smell.

And the four people who followed me out of the car did the same.

“I didn’t notice it while inside the car, but this fog is truly unpleasant.”

“That’s only natural. Death Qi is a harmful energy to humans. With so much Death Qi gathered to the point of being visible as fog, it’s only natural for humans to have an adverse reaction just by looking at it.”

“Ugh… the air feels dirty.”

“…Disgusting.”

Arthur, Noah, Asuka, and Lee Seo-yeon.

None of them had a good impression of the fog.

Well, that was only natural.

With a smell so foul it made you frown just by looking at it, and carried by the wind, there was no way they would say anything good about it.

As I was thinking that, an inventory activated beside me. For your information, it wasn’t me who opened it.

“Master, I’m ready.”

Terra, the sub-core and AI of my System, now a maid…

…who had obtained permission to use the inventory yesterday, had opened it.

‘She can open and close the inventory without my permission…’

This…

…was convenient.

‘I should have given her permission sooner.’

Of course, since I only learned yesterday that I could give her permission to use the inventory, that thought was ridiculous.

Nevertheless, I had that thought because… it was a complaint.

A small complaint about the past, when I could open the inventory just by thinking about it.

‘I can do that now, so I should stop complaining.’

I organized my thoughts and looked to the side.

“Master, shall we depart?”

Terra asked, holding a drone in her arms.

At her question, I examined Terra’s attire.

An anti-materiel rifle on her back.

A grenade belt around her waist.

Holsters strapped to her thighs.

And… an Aegis ring on her right ring finger.

‘…Why the ring finger of all fingers?’

Didn’t she feel the intense gazes of Arthur, Asuka, and Lee Seo-yeon?

As I thought that, a message appeared in my field of vision.

[Isn’t it amusing?]

Ah, just for fun?

‘You’re going to get in big trouble.’

She was a golem, not a human.

Moreover, everyone knew I could take out an unlimited number of items because of my Infinite Items ability.

So, if they realized she was being teased…

‘…she might be dismantled on the spot.’

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

…Seeing her confident response, it seemed she had something she was relying on. Or perhaps a way to control them.

‘Well… even if she didn’t, they wouldn’t break Terra.’

They were all intelligent women.

They wouldn’t draw their swords just because they were displeased.

‘Lee Seo-yeon too… right?’

Probably.

The Lee Seo-yeon in the game and the current Lee Seo-yeon were quite different, so there shouldn’t be any problems.

…I believed so.

I nodded, reaffirming my faith in Lee Seo-yeon.

Anyway, I would let Terra deal with the consequences of provoking the three girls by wearing a ring on her ring finger.

“Ten minutes. No more, no less, just ten minutes. Stay in the fog for that long, and then come right back out.”

“Yes, I understand. Are there any other instructions?”

Other instructions…

‘Ah, I almost missed something important.’

Enemy information.

The enemies inside the fog. The so-called Demon King’s subordinates.

I almost forgot to obtain information about the demons or monsters.

“Enemy information… yes, I understand. I will gather as much information as possible if I encounter any enemies.”

“But don’t push yourself. Your main objective is to confirm the fog’s effect on equipment.”

“Yes, I will follow your orders, Master.”

Terra bowed politely. And the moment she raised her head…

Tap-

With the sound of her feet moving, Terra shot towards the fog.

[Entering the fog shortly.]

[Estimated time of entry: five seconds.]

As the messages appearing in my field of vision indicated…

…Terra’s body was already nearing the fog.

‘…As I saw yesterday, she’s really fast.’

A golem, unlike a human, had no talents or skills.

And yet, she moved like a high-ranking assassin.

…Golem creator.

What on earth did you create?

What were you thinking?

As I was momentarily lost in thought…

[Master, I have entered.]

[Commencing confirmation of the fog’s special properties.]

…a message arrived from Terra, reporting her entry into the fog.

Now that I had received the entry report…

I had ten minutes to review and refine the plan I had formulated until Terra came back out.

‘…No, wait.’

Reviewing the plan…

I had to check something else first.

“How much of your power has returned?”

The restrictions imposed by the rules.

Confirming how much they had been lifted was the priority.

“Ah… now that you mention it.”

Noah, as if just remembering, clenched and unclenched his fists.

“We were under power restrictions, weren’t we?”

“…We were. I completely forgot about it thanks to Lee Yu-jin’s golem.”

“That’s right. Even if bandits or monsters appeared, the golem just bam, bam! Rammed into them, so there was no need to use our power.”

Just as Asuka said.

Originally, according to the rules’ intention, we would have naturally realized the lifting of the power restrictions while fighting various enemies, such as bandits and monsters, during our journey to the Death Fog. And As’s power would have increased through the holy sword’s trials.

But because of me, all the situations intended by the rules had disappeared.

The holy sword’s trials no longer imposed unreasonable or abnormal trials unless As wished for them.

Only trials focused on a child’s growth, appropriate for her age, were given.

And the journey.

The enemies we should have encountered during the journey.

Thanks to the golem, which could transform into a car, we had bypassed them all. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say the golem had taken care of them all.

So, we only realized the lifting of the seal on our talents and skills, which had been restricted by the rules, now.

“After checking, it seems I can use about 70% of my power, if not all of it.”

At Noah’s words, Arthur, who had been meditating with her eyes closed, nodded.

“I’m similar to Noah. 70%… to be precise, I think I can exert the same level of power as when I first entered the Academy.”

“…Me too, same as Arthur.”

The same level of power as when they first entered the Academy.

That meant their power had returned to roughly between mid-high rank and high rank.

‘Even near the fog, only 70% of their power has returned… does that mean the rest of the restrictions will be lifted when we encounter the Demon King?’

Or perhaps they would be lifted in stages.

10% upon entering the fog.

10% upon encountering the Demon King’s subordinates, like the Four Heavenly Kings.

And the remaining 10%.

Finally, all restrictions lifted upon encountering the Demon King.

It could be something like that.

‘The rules are paying attention to balance.’

The laws of the world, the game’s administrator, had put some thought into it.

As I was thinking that, Asuka said in a puzzled voice,

“Huh? Why has only half of my power returned…?”

Hmm, perhaps…

“Maybe it’s because your role isn’t combat-related?”

The role Asuka had received was “Beloved Daughter of the Blossom Merchant Guild.”

It was a support role, providing financial assistance, not a combat-related role.

So, her power restrictions would have been lifted less than the others.

After I explained that, Asuka nodded as if understanding.

“…Hmm, although I decided to stay outside the fog, I was hoping my power would return.”

I see.

If her power restrictions had been lifted like Arthur and the others, she would have been able to handle any unexpected situations more easily.

“It’s a shame, but it can’t be helped.”

I placed my hand on Asuka’s head. And stroke, stroke.

“But don’t think you’re not helpful. Just being with As outside is a great help to us.”

As I said that and stroked her hair, Asuka blushed and lowered her head. And after a moment of hesitation…

“…Okay.”

…she replied softly.

I smiled and nodded at her response. And after stroking Asuka’s hair a few more times…

‘Status Window.’

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

‘I thought it was ambiguous because it was ‘Last Descendant of the Fallen House of Yggdrasil,’ but it seems this role is also considered combat-related.’

Like Arthur and the others, about 70% of my stats had returned. And my talents and skills…

Demon Slayer (S).

Indomitable Will (S).

Mental Image Manifestation (S).

Except for the Rank S talents and skills, all restrictions had been lifted.

‘This is enough.’

Although it would be better if I had the Rank S abilities…

What was currently available was enough to deal with even the highest-ranking Fallen.

Squeeze.

I clenched my fist.

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

After spending ten minutes checking my returned power…

[Ten minutes have passed.]

[Master, I will return now.]

A message appeared in my field of vision, from Terra, who had entered the Death Fog, saying she would return.

And a moment later…

“I have returned.”

Terra returned through the inventory. But her appearance…

“…She’s in pretty bad shape.”

She was badly damaged.

The maid outfit that had been pristine just ten minutes ago…

…was now barely covering her body.

But that wasn’t important. I could just give her other clothes or get her new ones.

But the reason I said “badly damaged” was…

“I’m sure… her body was made of adamantium and mithril, right?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“But those metals have tarnished black…”

The metals with the highest durability and mana conductivity were now tarnished black, like silver tarnished by poison, except for her right cheek.

“Master, all the firearms I took with me have vanished.”

“…That’s only natural.”

If even adamantium and mithril tarnished black, there was no way firearms made of modern Earth metals would remain intact.

I sighed softly at Terra’s obvious statement.

“Death Fog… it’s more dangerous than I thought.”

I had expected some danger, as befitting its ominous name, but I hadn’t expected it to be this dangerous.

Seriously, a miasma so potent it could tarnish even the strongest metals.

That meant a human body, made of flesh and blood, would melt instantly upon entering the fog.

‘This experiment has confirmed it.’

The holy sword, Sacred.

That its Death Fog Negation ability was absolutely necessary.

“Ha… this is troublesome.”

My combat options had drastically decreased.

My combat power had plummeted.

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

“The anti-materiel rifle took 30 seconds. The pistols took 10 seconds. The grenades took 7 seconds.”

“Judging by the time it took for them to vanish, it seems to be related to their volume.”

But why did the grenades take seven seconds?

As I looked at Terra with a questioning gaze…

“That’s probably because of the holy power contained within the grenades.”

…another Terra, with a pristine body, emerged from the inventory and explained.

“Because of holy power…”

Then could I get help from Noah?

*…No, that wouldn’t work.*

Even if Noah possessed an immense amount of holy power, second only to Gloria, he couldn’t imbue all my firearms and golems with holy power.

Moreover, having to constantly maintain holy power during battle? Impossible, unless it was Gloria.

‘Then… I have to discard most of the strategies I had in mind.’

There would surely be countless enemies inside the fog.

With that thought, I immediately asked Terra,

“Terra, what about the enemies? Did you see any?”

“No. I wandered around from the moment I entered the fog until the ten minutes were up, but I didn’t see any enemies, not even a small creature.”

“Didn’t see any…”

That meant they only appeared under specific circumstances, not normal ones.

For example, under a special circumstance like being under the effect of Sacred’s Death Fog Negation.

‘This is truly troublesome.’

The special property of the fog I had discovered through this experiment.

Rapid corrosion of matter.

Because of that property, most of my equipment had become unusable.

That meant I couldn’t use grenade bombardment, which I used when there were many enemies, or concentrated fire with miniguns using Telekinesis.

‘Then… the only firearm… no, the only weapon I can use is Astra?’

If that was the case, it couldn’t be helped.

I had no choice but to rely on Astra’s ability, Form Transformation, as much as possible.

“Phew.”

I sighed deeply, organizing my thoughts. And when my mind was somewhat clear, I asked Terra,

“So, Terra, is that all the special properties you confirmed?”

Please tell me that’s all.

I looked at Terra with pleading eyes.

But unfortunately…

My wish didn’t come true.

“No. There’s one more.”

“…What is it?”

“There is no mana.”

Seriously?

“And mana consumption is doubled.”

Mana consumption doubled?

In a place with no mana?

“Ha, crazy.”

A curse slipped out along with a sigh.

At my reaction, Terra said,

“Since the fog is made of Death Qi, it seems to have those special properties.”

“…Yes, it seems so.”

It was a truly disadvantageous… no, beyond disadvantageous, a truly abhorrent place for humans.

‘Rules, this is crazy.’

Telling me to defeat the Demon King in a place filled with debuffs?

With just a holy sword? And accompanied by a child?

If the rules were a living being, not just laws, a being I could meet, I would have punched it in the face. If that wasn’t possible, I would have cursed it to its face.

That’s how ridiculous it was.

The situation of having to fight inside the Death Fog.

‘…Honestly, even a top-ranking superhuman couldn’t do this.’

Fighting in a place with no mana, a place where mana consumption was doubled.

Even a top-ranking superhuman, possessing immense power, one step below a Transcendent, would die.

Moreover, how could we, who weren’t even top-ranking, who had just reached high rank, do it?

It was no different from telling us to go in and die.

But unfortunately…

At the same time, fortunately…

We had a way to overcome such an unreasonable situation.

The cheat I possessed, Infinite Items. And the mana potions in my inventory.

We could just recover our mana with potions.

Of course, there was a possibility the potions would vanish instantly due to the fog’s rapid corrosion property.

But the reason I thought it was possible was because of the holy sword Sacred’s ability.

Death Fog Negation.

Although I hadn’t experienced it yet, I assumed it was an effect that enveloped the body with the holy sword’s holy power.

Like a protective barrier.

So, the items carried on the body would also be affected.

In other words, they would become immune to the rapid corrosion.

‘But there’s no guarantee it would apply to fired bullets.’

I shouldn’t expect to be able to use firearms, except for Astra.

With that thought, I took out two mini cases filled with pill-shaped mana potions, improved by me, which Kali had given me, from my inventory.

And I also took out a case containing holy water given by Cardinal Remilia and distributed them to Arthur, Lee Seo-yeon, and Noah.

“Lee Yu-jin-nim, what is this…?”

Noah asked, opening the case. And as he confirmed the mini bottles filled with holy water, I explained why I gave them to him.

“Noah, what I gave you is the holy water Cardinal Remilia gave me before. And what I gave Arthur and Lee Seo-yeon are mana potions.”

“Oh… this is good. With this, I won’t have to worry about running out of holy power.”

“That’s right, with this, you can recover your mana and holy power even in a place without mana. So, make sure you don’t lose them.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep them safe, even if it costs me my life.”

“…Arthur, don’t go that far.”

If they were lost, it couldn’t be helped.

Don’t risk your life for mere consumables.

I sighed softly and shook my head. Then, I saw Lee Seo-yeon…

“…Something Yu-jin gave me… I’ll definitely keep this.”

…holding the case tightly in both hands, her breath hitched.

“…Lee Seo-yeon, why are you doing this too?”

You know about my cheat, right?

That the previously duplicated item disappears when you receive another duplicate.

So why… why were you doing this?

“Just drink it.”

I gave it to you to drink if you run out of mana, so why…

Saying you’ll protect it with your life, that you’ll definitely keep it… why?

I felt a sense of weariness.

Despite having the cheat, Infinite Stamina, activated.

“Sigh.”

This was a complete mess.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

The complete mess was resolved.

Only after repeatedly telling Arthur and Lee Seo-yeon, “What I gave you are simply for mana recovery. So don’t risk your life for them, don’t keep them, just drink them,” two or three times, did I see them put the cases in their pockets, not somewhere strange.

Now that all preparations were complete.

“Please… come back safely, everyone.”

With As’s earnest wish and blessing…

…the holy sword Sacred’s ability, Death Fog Negation, was applied to our bodies.

‘As expected.’

The effect also applied to the items we were carrying.

My assumption was correct. And so was the other thing I had been thinking about.

‘…It doesn’t apply.’

The newly retrieved items.

Equipment, ammunition, and various items.

Sacred’s ability didn’t apply to them.

‘It can’t be helped.’

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

But fortunately…

The bullets used for Astra, transformed into firearms like pistols or miniguns, retained their Rank S “Indestructible” effect.

It was a ray of hope for me, whose firepower had been drastically reduced.

‘I’ll have to make do with this.’

With that thought, I sighed softly.

And as I steeled my resolve…

Whirr!

I activated Atlas Armor.

“Let’s go.”

I launched myself towards the Death Fog.

Towards the demonic realm.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

[Your Text Here]