Return of the Sword God-Rank Civil Servant novel Chapter 45

**Digitization.**

It is the name of the unique ability in the cyber system among the many abilities in the world. Its effect is to transmit a player's mind onto the net.

That was the only effect of Digitization, and it was an extremely rare ability that had only manifested in two people worldwide.

Of course, initially, no one knew how amazing Digitization was.

In fact, no one even knew it existed.

‘That was until Overload appeared.’

**Overload.**

He, along with Seogiwon, was one of the only two people in the world with a cyber system ability. He was also the owner of Digitization.

Overload was an elite graduate of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, which might explain his sharp intellect. He quickly realized how powerful Digitization was.

With this understanding, Overload spent about ten years preparing and eventually used Digitization to take control of all the Earth’s network systems, creating an unprecedented situation.

Suho shook his head as he recalled that time.

‘Thinking about it again, it was really absurd.’

It truly was an unprecedented event.

After all, Overload had literally taken control of all the electronic systems on Earth—the entire planet.

At first, everyone thought it was impossible.

However, Overload confidently took control of all the network systems and eventually held the world hostage using nuclear weapons from various countries. At that time, people thought the world would end because of Overload, not the Gates.

Even though the world was undergoing massive changes and the player system was born, modern society still relied heavily on the internet network systems.

So, Overload arrogantly called himself the Overlord of the Earth and the ruler of the planet.

And then appeared Seogiwon.

Seogiwon asked, “Why? What do you mean?”

“Because only you can prevent the future disaster.”

“A disaster?”

Seogiwon’s eyes widened at the mention of a disaster.

If it were someone else, he would have laughed and dismissed it as a joke.

But the man in front of him was none other than Suho Ahn—the talk of the town and the ultimate issue maker.

Moreover, wasn’t it Suho who had found him and rescued him when neither the police nor the Association could?

Suho continued, “Yes, in the near future, a man-made disaster will threaten the world. Someone with the same ability as you will emerge in another country.”

“...Ah!”

The moment Suho said this, Seogiwon immediately understood.

He knew how powerful his ability was.

‘In fact, Seogiwon had already used his ability to escape on his own.’

How did he escape?

It was simple.

Like Overload, Seogiwon had undergone a mental awakening due to the excessive stress of being imprisoned for a year. Using his Digitization ability, he called the police and escaped.

Of course, afterward, he fled during the police investigation.

He had become disillusioned with being involved with people and was sick of it.

After that, he disappeared.

With Digitization, erasing one’s traces from the world was an easy task.

But just when it seemed like he would live in hiding forever, Overload appeared, forcing Seogiwon to resurface.

Seogiwon realized then that only he could stop Overload.

So, he uploaded a self-written autobiography to the internet, like a will, and chose to perish with Overload.

Unlike Suho, who had been quietly living his life, Seogiwon decided to end Overload—the immensely powerful being who had declared himself a god and ruler of the planet.

Seogiwon became known as Meteor because of his sacrifice.

He had ended Overload.

‘But this time, neither the birth of Overload nor Seogiwon’s death will happen.’

Suho had planned it so.

Suho continued, “Seogiwon, through my ability, I can foresee future events. That’s why I was able to clear the Tower of Trials and the Sealed Gates. And that’s why I need you. This world will eventually be destroyed by the Gates and the system, and I can’t stop it alone. So, Seogiwon, will you join me?”

Seogiwon’s eyes began to tremble, as if struck by an earthquake.

Not only was he surprised that he had been rescued by such an unexpected person, but now, that person was offering to make him a partner.

Moreover, the reason was something grand.

The world is going to be destroyed?

Perhaps that’s why.

Seogiwon felt his head might explode.

It was hard to logically accept this absurd situation.

But...

[ The Ring of Emotions reacts to the target's strongest emotions. ]

[ Absorbing emotions of ‘Black’. ]

[ Absorbing emotions from the target. ]

As Seogiwon’s emotions became unstable, Suho immediately activated the Ring of Emotions.

Seogiwon’s mind cleared up miraculously, and he could think calmly again.

‘What should I do?’

Seogiwon found it difficult to make a decision.

But that hesitation didn’t last long.

There were three reasons for this.

The first reason was that while he was imprisoned, he had once sworn that if he could escape, he would sacrifice his soul to a demon.

The second reason was that he felt too guilty to refuse Suho, who had saved him.

After all, Suho was his savior.

And the final reason was...

‘There’s someone like me...’

Seogiwon swallowed nervously.

He knew exactly what his ability was capable of.

So, he vaguely understood the type of disaster Suho had mentioned.

That’s why he couldn’t refuse.

Seogiwon had always been a kind-hearted person, overflowing with altruism.

After much deliberation, Seogiwon couldn’t help but answer.

“...I... agree.”

A slow response.

But he had given his permission.