The Player that Can’t Level Up

Chapter 263: The Coup

Sun Won frowned because the man's answer was odd.

A childs father? Sun Won thought in frustration. Did the man, who also looked like a monk, want to have a deep, meaningful conversation with another monk?

Although Sun Won was annoyed, he didnt act disrespectfully. He asked, Whom may you be, Sir? I am but an ignorant monk, so I cannot understand you.

The chilling energy this man gave off was extraordinary. It wasnt something one could gain by merely leveling up; only a wise man could gain it through enlightenment.

I didnt know there was a man who could give off such energy in this world, Sun Won wondered in awe.

The man finally stood up, and Sun Won was again reminded of how familiar this man looked.

Who was he?

Frustration filled Sun Won because he just couldnt figure out where he had seen this man before.

The man shyly looked away and mumbled, As I said, Im just a childs father.

With a short shrug, he added, He hasnt acknowledged me yet, but I hope to become his father.

It was obvious this man was a Buddhist monk, so how could he have a child? Was he an apostate monk?

What child is he talking about? Sun Wons train of thought stopped when he felt subtle but distinct energy. Whoever was approaching them was giving off this energy on purpose.

Knowing who it was, Sun Won bowed deeply toward the newcomer and gave him the fist-in-palm salute.

Sun Won announced, Greetings to the true master of the Shaolin Temple.

No. Gi-Gyu shook his head as he walked up to Sun Won with Tao Chen. Gi-Gyu stopped in front of the mysterious monk and added, Im not the master of Shaolin Temple.

Oh! Sun Won turned toward the stranger in confusion. Suddenly, Sun Won realized that he had made a mistake. This man could be an enemy, which meant he had unintentionally put Gi-Gyu in danger.

Sun Won tried to make a move.

However, Gi-Gyu announced, That man is the real master of this temple.

The announcement shocked Sun Won, and he froze on the spot.

Tao Chen turned toward the mysterious monk with interest and mumbled, Oh, so this is the gentleman.

I am the man who wants to become this childs father The monk returned the fist-in-palm salute. He seemed uncertain about how to introduce himself. He glanced at Gi-Gyu before continuing, I am no longer a monk, therefore Please call me Jayavarman.

Jayavarman? Gi-Gyu felt confused but nodded. He knew the monk as Bodhidharma, so why had he introduced himself using an unfamiliar name?

H-huh?! Sun Won jolted and shuddered. His eyes widened, and his jaw dropped to the floor.

B-Bodhidharma! Sun Won gasped. Jayavarman was Bodhidharmas name before he became a monk. He was the Khmer Empires king before he became a monk. Sun Won had finally recognized the man. He looked familiar to Sun Won because Sun Won had seen a portrait of him. The portrait wasnt a one-to-one copy of the man, but Sun Won was certain of the mans identity now.

How?! It looked like Sun Won was about to faint.

***

Sagrad was Bodhidharmas consciousness, and Gi-Gyu had captured it. He had synced with Bodhidharma, but there was one problem: The monks soul wasnt perfect.

Ive never experienced anything like this before, Gi-Gyu explained.

Bodhidharmas soul wasnt in perfect condition, just as he had said. It was a mere fragment of the original left for future generations.

Gi-Gyu didnt have much experience with dealing with fragments. On top of this, he had never formed an Ego using just a fragment. Therefore, his sync with it wasnt normal. And he also couldnt give it a normal physical body.

After discussing the problem with his Eden beings, Gi-Gyu had accumulated all the remaining God power in the secret room and left. It was then that Gi-Gyu realized that the clay soldier couldnt move despite being synced with him because it didnt have consciousness.

On the other hand, Bodhidharma, also synced with Gi-Gyu, couldnt move because he didnt have a physical body. So, in the end, Gi-Gyu injected Bodhidharma into the clay soldier, and everything worked out.

So that clay soldier protecting the space was Sun Won whispered.

That was originally my body. My consciousness lived in the room, while my physical body remained outside to protect it, Jayavarman answered.

The clay soldier was Bodhidharmas physical body. This way Gi-Gyu could inject the fragmented Ego into it without fear of rejection. Finally, Bodhidharma had a body and could descend into the modern world.

I cant believe that Bodhidharma has returned. Sun Won was in awe. This had to be a historical event for all the monks and Chinese people.

Gi-Gyu said to Sun Won, Please keep this a secret. I dont want to cause a big turmoil. And although he will still follow Buddhism, he doesnt want to live as a monk in this life.

In fact, Jayavarman wanted to follow Gi-Gyu. Apparently, he wanted to fulfill his role as Gi-Gyus Ego and father.

This troubled Gi-Gyu.

Is it really okay to think of Bodhidharma as my father? Gi-Gyu wondered. Although both Bodhidharma and Kim Se-Jin were copies of the same creature and had lived similar lives, they were obviously two different men.

Bodhidharma seemed to have guessed Gi-Gyu's thoughts. With a kind smile, he explained, I will think of you as my son, but thats just me. Please do not feel burdened by it. And if you feel uncomfortable, I will keep this to myself. I will be careful.

Thats not it. I just AnywayGi-Gyu turned toward Sun WonI hope you can keep this to yourself.

O-of course! Sun Won rose quickly in excitement. He acted like a child, making it hard to believe he was the Shaolin Temples head monk.

Sun Won performed the fist-in-palm salute again and greeted, It is an honor to meet you, Bodhidharma.

Bodhidharma nodded with a generous smile, and Sun Won looked like he was about to cry joyfully.

Haa Gi-Gyu sighed.

Sun Wons current demeanor was alarming. The restrictions that once limited Sun Won had been lifted. He would no longer lose his memories because the secret room had ceased to exist.

Shockingly, the Shaolin Temples real master and progenitor, Bodhidharma, had returned. Sun Won looked like he was going to pee his pants.

Gi-Gyu solemnly told Sun Won, We must execute our plan flawlessly.

Of course! Sun Won replied enthusiastically.

Gi-Gyu closed his eyes after taking one last look at Bodhidharma. He wanted to chat with the monk, but it would have to wait. Gi-Gyu wished for Bodhidharma to stay in China and take care of the Shaolin Temple.

-If that is what you wish, I will.

Gi-Gyu suddenly heard Bodhidharmas voice in his head.

Ah. Gi-Gyu remembered that this man was now his Ego.

Monk. Tao Chen, who had been keeping quiet, called out to Bodhidharma.

With the same kind expression, he looked at Tao Chen.

Tao Chen requested, May I ask you for a spar? You invented Shaolinno, you invented what is known as Chinese martial arts

Before Tao Chen even finished his sentence, Bodhidharma replied, Of course.

A sharp look appeared in the monks eyes.

All of Kronos copies were born as him and led similar lives, but I guess because they werent exactly the same. Their personalities varied.

They had a few differences, but they all had one thing in common: They loved their sons.

Quite unlike the original.

***

Hahaha An awkward laugh escaped from the gate that floated in front of Gi-Gyu like a mirror.

It was from Old Man Hwang.

Old Man Hwang muttered, So Bodhidharma is a past version of your father. And every copy left something for the others down the line.

The elderly blacksmith seemed in disbelief as he continued, Bodhidharma has become

Indeed.

Your Ego and is currently with you in the Shaolin Temple.

Yes, he is currently sparring with Tao Chen. Suddenly, Gi-Gyu seemed to have remembered something. He added, Bodhidharma is actually sparring with many other players too. He seemed both pleased and saddened by the changes in his martial arts. And he was shocked by the existence of players.

Hahaha Old Man Hwang laughed, still in disbelief.

Gi-Gyu could understand how he must be feeling. Even as he explained what had happened, he felt like it was all a dream.

If anyone else had told me this story, I wouldnt have believed them, young man, Old Man Hwang muttered.

Well But didnt you already feel something? asked Gi-Gyu. Old Man Hwang and his other Egos should have felt a powerful addition when Gi-Gyu synced with Bodhidharma.

Yes, I did. Anyway, is everything going well over there?

Yes, Gi-Gyu answered.

Tao Chens coup would begin tomorrow. This coup would last only a day, so it would also end tomorrow. The Chinese people had suffered enough. They were screaming for help, and although they didnt even know what or who Andras was, they wouldnt hinder Tao Chens coup. Much of the public was already on his side.

The only thing left to do is get rid of the current president and replace him with a new one, Gi-Gyu explained. It was a simple plan, and what would happen afterward wasnt his problem.

Whatever happened to China was none of Gi-Gyus business.

Old Man Hwang nodded in agreement. Indeed, you shouldnt have to worry about that.

Unlike Gi-Gyu, the blacksmith seemed worried about the people of China, though.

Many things will change, I suppose, Old Man Hwang whispered. However, the blacksmith and Gi-Gyu knew the change had begun long ago. What Gi-Gyu was about to do would only further push them toward the inevitable.

Just then, an arrogant voice called out, Hey.

It was Lou who had remained in Eden to recover and train. Lous goal was apparently to become strong enough to defeat Gi-Gyu, who had unified with Jupiter.

Scratching his cheek awkwardly, Lou asked, So how are you feeling?

Gi-Gyu grinned and replied, Im fine. After taking Gods power from the temple, I feel much more stable now.

Hmm Lou thought for a moment. It looks like my guess was correct.

I guess so.

Much of your God power must have been used to deal with Jupiter. The rest is probably somewhere in your body.

Gi-Gyu agreed with Lou.

Lou continued, Not only that. The Chaos energy inside you Im guessing part of Gods power was used to suppress it. But when Jupiters seal disappeared He trailed off.

Gi-Gyu continued for him. Gods power must have lost its purpose. So it probably dispersed; consequently, I couldnt feel it anymore.

And every time you used your power, nothing would be left to suppress Chaos, leaving you feeling overwhelmed every time.

Gi-Gyu nodded in agreement. His guess was the same as Lous theory.

There was actually one proof to support this theory.

Now that you have gained more of Gods power, your body has learned to suppress Chaos again.

Yeah, replied Gi-Gyu.

The problem was

Lou warned, You better hurry up and find the new portion of Gods power you have gained and get good control over it.

Lou was in his childs form, so the serious expression on his face looked awkward. Then again, he wasnt really a child.

Lou continued, You shouldnt have any big problems now or in the future. If and when Chaos tries to swallow you whole, Gods power will show up and stop it. But the problem is

Gods power wont make an appearance unless something dire happens.

Exactly. You might end up experiencing the same symptoms as before during your future battles.

This could be very dangerous for Gi-Gyu.

However, Gi-Gyu nodded, relieved that he at least had an explanation for what had happened.

Well Ill be waiting here, so hurry up and call for me. Lou sounded impatient.

Has he become even more powerful? Gi-Gyu became curious, but this wasnt the time to find out.

Gi-Gyu nodded, ready to close the gate. Tomorrow was the big day, so he needed to make some preparations. But Lous voice stopped him from leaving.

Hey.

Yes?

Umm Lou asked cautiously, Is Kronoss copy really that powerful?

Gi-Gyu laughed. Was Lou worried he would no longer be the second-strongest creature after Gi-Gyu? Or was he just curious as a fellow fighter like Tao Chen?

Behind Lou, El stood and cheered for Gi-Gyu, Good luck, Master!

Her voice sounded especially encouraging today. Gi-Gyu couldnt wait to finish his business here and return home.

***

The Chinese presidential palace was located in the Central South Sea.

Please come this way! The players dispatched to protect the civilians ushered the non-players to safety.

Around the presidential palace, the biggest barrier in history appeared. This would be the center of Tao Chens coup.

However, inside the presidential palace, the Chinese President smiled mysteriously and whispered, Theyre later than I expected.