RKP 181-190

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Okay, here's the translation:


Episode 181


Cody Cruise, the strongest player in the world.


He looked uncharacteristically weak.


'Great Duke Orgal… even this man is wary of him.'


On one hand, it was understandable.


Taehyun, too, would have been busy just trying to survive if he had faced him.


This feeling was something only Taehyun and Cody Cruise, who had survived encountering the Great Duke, knew about in the entire world.


"That doesn't change anything."


"......"


"Our goal isn't to fight the Great Duke, but to find other players and confirm if they're alive or dead."


Only then did Cody Cruise's eyes meet Taehyun's.


A pair of crimson eyes.


Eyes symbolizing a Great Duke Contractor, dyed red.


"Just as you survived the Great Duke, so did I."


Neither of them had shown all their skills yet.


In other words...


They each had a hidden card that allowed them to survive facing the Great Duke.


"I see. I was showing weakness."


Cody Cruise shook his head.


He finally remembered that the man before him was the only player he acknowledged.


"...The path is treacherous even beyond the warp gate. I'll go first."


"As you wish."


Cody Cruise took the lead and went through the gate.


Because the gate was unstable, Taehyun waited another 5 minutes.


'I hope he's safe.'


The events in Guangzhou and Jeju Island came to mind.


Ricky Hallis.


He owed her a debt from Jeju Island.


'I hope it doesn't come to the worst-case scenario.'


She was originally destined to die in Guangzhou.


He was the one who twisted that fate.


He hoped she wouldn't meet the same end as other players.


After 5 minutes passed...


Taehyun went through the gate.


The deepest part of the Abyss.


A hidden area that ordinary monsters couldn't even dare to approach.


That's where Orgal's castle was located.


[What happened to the rat?]


Great Duke Orgal.


He, also known as the Demon Beast King, asked in a low voice.


Soon, the monster in charge of managing the castle bowed and entered.


[They say they've driven it to the outer walls of the castle.]


[It's taking longer than I thought.]


[I-I'm sorry…. It's just that it has so many strange talents….]


The creature in charge of managing the castle was also an SS+ rank monster, but…


It couldn't dare to look Orgal in the eye properly.


[Tricks… it resembles that lowborn Rosaria.]


[I'll take care of it myself.]


The monster answered, slamming its head on the floor.


Just then.


"While I was out, something interesting happened."


A man entered Orgal's room.


[Have you come, Contractor?]


The man who approached Orgal bent one knee.


Coincidentally, it was right next to the monster who had its head on the ground.


"Indeed. There are many interesting creatures in the deepest part."


Even though the man spoke in New Korean...


Orgal had no difficulty understanding it.


Because the man had already offered many New Koreans as sacrifices.


[Did you meet Asmodeus?]


"Unfortunately, he had already left the area. But instead..."


The man took out the severed heads of three monsters from his backpack.


[……!!]


The monster who was bowing had its eyes wide open.


Each of them was the same rank as it.


"These are Asmodeus's subordinates. This should be enough as a greeting."


Orgal flicked his thick fingers.


Srrrk.


The magic power emanating from his hand wrapped around the blood-soaked heads.


The remaining magic power was absorbed by Orgal.


Conversely, his brown magic power settled on the heads.


The eyes, which had lost their vitality, flashed red.


It was like the head of a taxidermied beast.


[Add these to the collection.]


At Orgal's command, the monster carefully moved the heads.


The heads of the four humans who had recently invaded the castle.


It was right next to them.


The man who confirmed the faces of the humans showed interest.


"Interesting. They actually reached this place?"


[Do you know these creatures?]


Orgal's indifferent crimson eyes turned to the man.


"They're among the top ten in the human world. But for you to be their opponent... they were unlucky."


[Kekeke. It's ridiculous that lumps of meat are competing.]


The Great Duke's mockery included not only the intruders but the entire human race.


But the man wasn't bothered or angry.


Because, as he said, even an SS-rank player was no different from a meal to the Great Duke.


"I'll catch the ones you haven't caught yet."


The man said as he got up.


Orgal wagged his finger.


[No. There's no need for that.]


"......?"


[Would it be right to steal the credit of the one who was chasing them until now?]


"Indeed, a thought befitting a lord."


The man smiled and answered.


[I will give you a new order.]


"Give it."


[New intruders have entered. Bring their heads.]


'Another SS-rank player?'


This is not a place that ordinary players can find.


Currently, there are 11 SS-rank players in the world.


Four of them are dead, and one is about to die.


And another intruder.


'From today, humanity will regress greatly.'


It wasn't important to the man anyway.


"Understood."


The man quickly left the room.


Beyond the gate was an endlessly 펼쳐진 field.


And far away.


There was a huge castle that seemed to exist only in the Middle Ages.


'Do Great Dukes have similar tastes?'


Taehyun, recalling that Rosaria's castle was similar, gathered his magic power.


Because there was no point in being caught before he even started.


"This way."


Cody Cruise, who had already completely suppressed his presence, gestured to Taehyun.


Taehyun followed him and hid behind a rock.


Five giant ogres were wandering around the entrance to the castle.


'It's not difficult to deal with them, but...'


He thought of the succubi in Rosaria's castle.


As soon as they hunted them, there was a high probability that other monsters would swarm over them.


"How did you get in last time?"


Taehyun asked quietly.


"I killed ten half-ogres who were the existing guards and went in."


"......"


At Taehyun's dumbfounded expression.


Cody Cruise smiled bitterly.


"Back then, I didn't know that place was Orgal's castle. I just thought it was a pack at best."


"So what about now?"


"I'll use this."


Cody Cruise took out a scroll from his bag.


The words 'Hide' were written on the edge of the scroll.


It was an invisibility scroll.


"Invisibility... the most basic method of infiltration."


He said, pushing the scroll to Cody Cruise.


"......?"


"My skills will be more sophisticated."


"...Is that so."


Cody Cruise put one back in and tore the scroll.


Ssssk.


His body disappeared, and


Ssssk.


Taehyun also became invisible simply by covering his body with magic power.


Avoiding the eyes of the giant ogres, the two quietly infiltrated the castle.


There was no need to open the door.


There was no door in the castle that seemed to be able to accommodate tens of thousands of people.


About 5 minutes had passed since the two had entered the castle.


Ting.


['Great Power' is in effect. Magic power usage is restricted.]


With a simple message, the two people's invisibility was released.


"It looks like we've been caught."


"Looks like it."


They had expected that they wouldn't be able to continue using this method.


The two covered their bodies with magic power at the same time.


Unfortunately or fortunately.


There were no traces of monsters immediately.


Just as Taehyun was about to suggest that they split up and search.


"I didn't expect a celebrity to visit."


"......!!"


"......!!"


Taehyun and Cody Cruise.


The two turned their heads in the direction of the voice.


Taehyun was especially surprised.


'New Korean?'


The source of the voice.


There was a man on the second floor balcony.


A face that looked to be in his mid-thirties.


The man was shining red eyes there.


'I've never seen him before.'


He glanced at Cody Cruise.


He also had a look that seemed like he had never seen him before.


"I was just going to cut your heads off and go back, but..."


The man jumped to the two of them.


"Since you are famous people, I should greet you. I'm Min Jihong, the guild leader of the Akseong Guild."


Smiling.


It was the moment when the man smiled.


Cody Cruise sent a sword strike.


Taehyun thought the man would block or dodge it.


But.


Kwaaaa.


With a pure white glow, a dark sphere floated in the air.


'That's... a black hole...?'


A dark sphere.


The black hole swallowed the sword strike as it was.


It was three times bigger than what was used with the scroll.


The two were at a loss for words at the unexpected situation.


"It seems like you know this skill from your reaction."


"Who are you?"


Cody Cruise asked in a low voice.


"Didn't I tell you? It's Min Jihong."


Min Jihong sneered.


"......"


This time, Taehyun pulled out Valhalla and sent a sword strike.


Swaeaeaeek.


Even though it was clearly aimed at Min Jihong.


Kwaaaa.


The sword strike was sucked into the black hole as it was.


'It's on a different level than what was used with the scroll.'


Moreover, the additional effect of 'Black Hole' is skill cancellation.


If that black sphere floating in the air wasn't eliminated, the skill would be useless.


At that time.


A message appeared in front of Taehyun's eyes.


[Skill usage detected. You are affected by Black Hole (S). Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]


'Oh ho.'


He naturally thought that a message would appear saying that the use of 'Apocalypse' was impossible.


'But if this is the case, things are different.'


Taehyun quietly called Cody Cruise.


"Cody. I have a good plan."


"Let's hear it."


"Please deal with him. I'll find Ricky in the meantime."


"......"


"I guess you haven't figured out the situation yet. Both of you. You can't get out of here."


Kwaaaaa.


The magic power emitted by the black hole became stronger, and attraction occurred.


Jijijijik.


"Can you do it?"


Taehyun asked, resisting being pulled in.


"Let's give it a try."


"Good."


Taehyun immediately released his magic power.


Kwaaaaaaa.


Crimson magic power spread around.


Most of them were sucked into the black hole.


"You're wasting magic power unnecessarily."


Another 'Black Hole' was created.


The suction power became stronger.


'As expected, this guy is not ordinary.'


At first glance, he seemed to have similar skills to Taehyun and Cody Cruise.


And red eyes.


The fact that a human is confidently walking around here means that


He was Orgal's contractor.


'Who cares.'


Ting.


[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated. Specifying the target. Magic power consumption has been accelerated.]


Hwaaaak.


Darkness fell on the area.


And at the moment when all kinds of skills were about to hit the man.


"Didn't I say it was useless."


Another black hole was created in the air.


Kwaaaaa.


Three black holes swallowed the darkness.


[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been canceled. It cannot be reused. Cooldown: 22 hours 7 seconds.]


The darkness disappeared in an instant.


And.


"This guy..."


"Hmm..."


The crimson eyes of the two surprised men met.


Taehyun was nowhere to be seen.


Episode 182


Magic dwelled in the talisman.


Squeak.


In the blink of an eye, the monster's head was severed.


Thud. Thud. Thud.


Following the grotesque sound of the head rolling on the floor.


Thump.


The monster's torso, having lost its balance, collapsed.


Pat. Pat. Pat.


Taehyun swiftly passed by the fallen monster.


Normally, he would have devoured the corpse, but there was no time for that now.


'Hopefully, it's not over there.'


The distance was quite far.


Nevertheless, the presence felt from within the castle seemed to suffocate him.


"Grand Duke Orgal."


Taehyun spoke the name of the castle's owner.


Just that alone seemed to make all the hairs on his body stand on end.


'Before that guy moves, I need to get out of here.'


Whoosh.


Taehyun's Valhalla once again emitted sword energy.


The head of an unidentified monster was cleanly severed.


There was no longer any need to conceal the infiltration.


With his mana fully released, Taehyun's senses pinpointed the locations of the monsters throughout the castle.


A thousand S-rank monsters and over a hundred SS-rank monsters.


'About ten SS+ rank monsters...'


Fortunately, the SS+ rank monsters were scattered throughout the massive castle and not moving.


Thump.


A faint explosion shook the castle.


The source of the explosion was the direction he had come from.


'It's started.'


The man who identified himself as the leader of the Malignant Guild.


It was the aftermath of Min Jihong and Cody Cruise unleashing the power of the 'Grand Duke's Contractor.'


It was a mana collision that resembled two SS+ rank monsters clashing.


Meanwhile, in the direction Taehyun was headed.


An equally unusual explosion was occurring there as well.


'Ricky Hallis. Fortunately, she seems to have the strength to fight back.'


[Stop, you insec...]


Squeak.


Slicing down another monster that blocked his path.


Taehyun increased his speed.


"What the... F*ck...!!"


Ricky Hallis cursed as she controlled her mana.


Boom.


Two mana energies collided, causing an explosion.


"Human. Quite. Capable."


It was clumsy but undeniably English.


Behind the scattered mana.


A massive lizardman revealed itself.


It was no ordinary lizardman.


It was the being that ruled over countless lizardmen, the SS-rank monster Lizard King.


"F*ck..."


A monster was speaking her native language.


Ricky Hallis's cursing was not a surprising reaction.


She hurriedly reached into her handbag.


A potion came out.


Just as she was about to pour the potion into her mouth.


"Where do you think you're going."


The Lizard King swung his halberd while speaking clumsy English.


Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.


A few strands of her hair were cut off by the lightly swung halberd.


"Cannot. Eat. Mana. Liquid."


The Lizard King smirked.


He didn't know exactly what was in the potion.


But he knew that if she drank it, things would get troublesome.


"Now. Come. Head immediately. Cut off."


The Lizard King proposed a deal.


"Crazy bastard."


Ricky Hallis activated a skill without a second thought.


Ding.


[Skill Energy Compose (S) has been activated. Target identified. Mana consumption is accelerating.]


Boom.


A green mana orb was created in the air.


Squeak.


The Lizard King's halberd instantly sliced through the mana orb.


'This isn't enough.'


The opponent was an SS-rank monster.


An attack made without enough time.


'Won't be a major blow.'


Ding.


[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been activated. Target identified. Mana consumption is accelerating.]


She used another skill, slowing the Lizard King's approach with the mana orb.


Vines of mana clung to the Lizard King's body.


"Useless. Act."


The Lizard King cut off the vines with his halberd.


But countless vines were already attaching themselves.


Squeak. Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.


The Lizard King swung his halberd non-stop.


It was enough time for Ricky Hallis to complete her incantation.


She reached out her hand.


A small tree began to grow behind the Lizard King.


It was a technique she had used in Jeju Island before.


"......!!"


The Lizard King finally realized the seriousness of the situation.


A thickness and mana incomparable to the vines.


All sorts of tendrils extending from the tree wrapped around the Lizard King's body.


Crack.


The tendrils constricted the Lizard King's body and snatched away the halberd.


[Insect dares.]


Fsssss.


Mana flowed out of the Lizard King's body.


The tendrils that touched the mana repeated oxidation and regeneration.


"Try... Withstanding this!!"


[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been enhanced. Target identified. Mana consumption is accelerating.]


Boom.


Rustle. Rustle. Rustle.


The Lizard King's body withered like a mummy.


[......!!]


He felt the abundant mana rapidly depleting.


"Figured out the situation now?"


Ricky Hallis taunted as she took out two potions from her handbag and drank them.


A mana potion and a fatigue potion.


The potions mixed and tasted bitter, but the taste didn't matter.


'I need to get out of here quickly.'


Quite some time had passed since she was trapped in Grand Duke Orgal's castle.


It felt like about a week had passed.


'Damn... I never thought this place would be Orgal's castle...'


She recalled the moment she entered this place.


The deepest part of the dungeon, where not much had been revealed yet.


She, who had been granted a Legend-rank item, began exploring it.


Since much was unknown.


There would be many merits to gaining the first foothold.


As a specialist in mana control, she had detected a peculiar mana wave.


It was a smooth process, from using skill application to find the hidden castle.


She had brought thousands of potions and scrolls.


She thought it would be enough even if the exploration took a long time.


It didn't take an hour for that thought to change.


Top-tier monsters chased after her.


They drove her away with clumsy English.


She belatedly realized that this was the Grand Duke's territory.


It was a continuous use of skills and escape.


She relied on potions and scrolls to endure every moment.


And.


Even that was gradually reaching its limit.


Fatigue potions only lowered the stats in the status window to allow her to use skills.


Potions and scrolls alone could not completely eliminate mental fatigue.


'I need to hold on a little longer.'


Five SS-rank players had come to rescue her late.


She had witnessed four of them get their heads chopped off.


But fortunately, Cody Cruise had escaped safely.


'There was definitely a reaction from the gate a little while ago.'


A short-range warp gate created before infiltrating the castle.


It wasn't as elaborate as a skill, but it was made to be able to pass through the barrier placed around here.


A little while ago, someone had passed through that gate.


She hoped that Kim Taehyun was among them.


Boom.


New mana surged from the Lizard King's body.


It was a force received from Orgal, however faint.


That powerful force was being quickly sucked away.


[Kaaaaaa!!!]


A giant tree grew, and the surrounding area gradually formed a forest.


No matter how SS-rank it was, mana couldn't be infinite.


'I'll turn you into a mummy like this.'


Throb. Throb. Throb. Throb.


Ricky Hallis poured out all her mana.


About a minute passed.


Drip. Drip.


Blood flowed from her nose and ears.


It was an early symptom of backlash.


The Lizard King was not unscathed either.


The sturdy armor-like muscles shrank, and his mana stat dropped to S-rank.


'A little more... I need to lower it a little more.'


Even weakened, it was still S-rank mana.


In her current state, it was necessary to degrade him to at least a B-rank monster.


Ding.


[Skill enhancement has reached its limit.]


[Skill enhancement has reached its limit.]


[Skill enhancement has reached its limit.]


Unwelcome messages popped up one after another.


Nevertheless, she did not reduce the mana injected into the skill.


Drip.


Bloody water flowed from her eyes.


[Insect dares...!!]


Thump.


The Lizard King took a step towards her.


His mana had fallen to the level of an A-rank monster.


For an SS-rank monster to degenerate into an A-rank monster.


It was a critical situation for a monster like the Lizard King.


Even so.


[I'll kill you.]


Thump.


The Lizard King took another step forward.


He had degraded the SS-rank monster to A-rank level.


She was not normal either.


'Not enough...'


A forest had already formed around her.


That meant that the amount of mana sucked from the Lizard King was enormous.


Even so, he was.


Approaching steadily, step by step.


Boom.


Ricky Hallis enhanced her mana once again.


The Lizard King screamed.


At that moment.


[To be in such a state by a mere insect.]


"......!!"


Ricky Hallis hurriedly flew backward.


A giant spear was plunged into that spot.


It belonged to the SS-rank monster, Schester.


"Cough."


Ricky Hallis coughed up blood.


Not only had she used mana to its limit, but her control had become incomplete due to Schester's interference a moment ago.


A backlash was beginning.


Clang.


She barely managed to dodge the spear thrown by Schester.


The Lizard King, who had already raised his halberd, was right in front of her.


'Damn it...'


She unknowingly closed her eyes tightly.


She thought the halberd would quickly strike down on her neck.


But why.


She didn't feel any pain.


"I'm glad I wasn't too late."


"......!!"


She opened her eyes at the familiar voice.


Thump.


The Lizard King's body, with its head cut off, was collapsing.


Schester belatedly thrust his spear.


Grind.


[......!!]


Schester's spear was blocked by the man's dagger, and they were struggling.


She identified the man's face.


'Kim Taehyun...!!'


"I'll finish this quickly."


Clang.


Taehyun swung Valhalla with force.


Schester's spear was deflected upward.


And.


Ding.


[Skill Eye of the Superior (S) has been activated. Identifies the opponent's movements.]


Taehyun's eyes turned red.


He could see the magic stone in Schester's body.


The red flow around that magic stone.


He could see the monster's mana lines.


'This way.'


Taehyun's Valhalla pierced Schester's vital point.


Stab.


It was instantaneous.


Thump.


The SS-rank monster Schester knelt.


[What...]


Taehyun used the next skill without delay.


Ding.


[Unique Skill Devour (S) has been activated. Target identified.]


Crunch.


[Unbelievable...]


Before Schester could understand the situation.


Crunch.


The mana of Devour devoured him.


"......"


She couldn't understand the monster's words.


But just like the two monsters that had already become lumps of meat.


Ricky Hallis couldn't believe it either.


[Your Strength has increased by 1.]


[Your Mana has increased by 1.]


[Your Speed has increased by 1.]


[Your Strength has increased by 1.]


It was a pleasant message to hear at any time.


"Kim Taehyun... How did you get here..."


She asked, belatedly regaining her senses.


"I came to repay the debt from Jeju Island."


Taehyun smiled brightly and tore a scroll.


183


"You're saying you took care of all the pursuing monsters?"


"Yes. There were quite a few. You did well to shake them off."


Taehyun praised in a dry tone.


Ricky Haris wore a dumbfounded expression.


That was because there were at least 100 monsters chasing her.


Among them were a few SS-rank monsters.


Taehyun was saying he had taken care of all those monsters.


"There's no time to be standing around. More monsters will be coming after us soon."


Taehyun brought her back to reality.


The number of monsters sensing how vast the castle was continued to increase.


"Give me a minute."


Tear.


Tear.


Ricky Haris tore two scrolls.


A magic recovery scroll and a healing scroll.


It had been difficult to use scrolls to shake off the pursuing monsters.


But now, thanks to Taehyun, a reliable ally, she could use them without worry.


Ricky Haris sat down on the floor and closed her eyes.


Whoosh.


Green magic rose from her body.


The magic that had been backflowing earlier began to subside little by little.


For an ordinary player, a minute wouldn't be enough, but...


Ricky Haris was rapidly recovering her battered internal organs.


Even Taehyun was impressed by her incredible magic control.


'Fortunately, things seem to be resolved well on this side... the problem is Cody Cruz.'


They were definitely quite a distance apart.


Even so, the shockwaves from how much he was attacking were reaching here.


'The guild leader of the Malice Guild is the owner of a black hole...'


That was information that even Taehyun from his past life didn't know.


Even more shocking was the fact that he was as strong as Cody Cruz.


As befitting the owner of a skill that could even cancel 'Apocalypse.'


Min Jihong, who had unleashed the power of the Great Duke Contractor, seemed to be holding his own against Cody Cruz.


'Min Jihong... I should ask Nightwalker about him.'


Shadow is a half-breed, so that's one thing.


But Min Jihong was clearly a Shin-Korean.


It was strange that someone like that hadn't been known until now.


Unless Nightwalker had intentionally hidden the information.


While Taehyun was sorting out his thoughts for a moment, Ricky Haris succeeded in calming the backflow.


She wouldn't be able to use skills right away, but she seemed to be able to move her body without difficulty.


"You can move now."


Ricky Haris stood up and said.


"Do you know where we are?"


"Isn't this Great Duke Orgal's castle?"


Taehyun spoke the name of the castle's owner.


"Really... are you bold... or reckless..."


"Preferably the former. What happened to the other players?"


"They're all... dead."


Taehyun nodded.


It was what he had already expected.


The two ran quickly.


Everywhere they looked, they saw the corpses of monsters Taehyun had taken care of.


Most of them were S-rank and S+-rank.


'What a waste.'


He wanted to devour every single one of them if he could.


But if he delayed any longer, there was a high chance that more monsters would swarm them.


'We need to get out of here before Orgal moves.'


Fortunately, the guy must be glued to his seat.


The massive magic reaction wasn't moving from inside the castle.


It was when Taehyun and Ricky Haris had been running for about five minutes.


[Your fleeing figures are no different from living meat.]


"......!!"


"......!!"


The two stopped simultaneously.


It wasn't of their own volition.


It was as if their bodies had frozen and wouldn't move.


[Inferior race. So you can understand my words.]


With difficulty, Taehyun turned his head to where there was a humanoid monster.


He was only 2 meters tall, but he had a muscular body, and three horns curved on either side of his head.


Two tusks, like elephant ivory, protruded sharply.


More than anything.


The magic he felt was so immense that it felt like he couldn't even breathe.


'Why is this guy here...'


He shouldn't have been here.


The guy who should still be inside the castle was standing right in front of them.


[Did you dare try to detect me with your insignificant magic? Contractor of Rosaria.]


At the monster's question.


"Great Duke... Orgal..."


Ricky Haris muttered involuntarily.


It was when Taehyun was about to unleash his magic.


Ding.


[Magic use detected. Afflicted by 'Immense Power'. Resisting with mysterious power. Partially successful resistance. Magic penetrates. Speed decreases.]


['Immense Power' is in effect. Strength reduced by 30.]


['Immense Power' is in effect. Stamina reduced by 30.]


['Immense Power' is in effect. Speed reduced by 20.]


['Immense Power' is in effect. Magic reduced by 10.]


In an instant, the strength drained from his body.


"Ugh..."


Ricky Haris spat out a curse.


The cold sweat that flowed down for a moment was enough to soak the floor.


Apart from the messages, the trauma was revived.


Her body trembled.


She remembered the four SS-rank players who had died at Orgal's hands.


If Cody Cruz hadn't bought them time back then.


She would have died too.


"It's... over..."


It was an unlike her surrender.


She was pathetic.


She was ashamed of herself for having briefly believed in survival.


The being in front of her was someone they couldn't face even if Cody Cruz and Kim Taehyun were both there.


If she relaxed even for a moment.


It felt like her body would burst at any moment.


That's when Taehyun blocked her.


"Ricky. I'll buy you some time."


"No... it's no use..."


She could clearly see it too.


That Taehyun's body would burst in an instant.


That Taehyun's neck would be torn off by that outrageous hand.


"The debt from Jeju Island."


Taehyun spat out, pulling up his magic.


Whoosh.


In an instant, a complete magic release was achieved.


The skill cooldowns had already been resolved with potions and scrolls.


"Let's just call it even with this."


"......!!"


Ding.


[Skill Apocalypse(S) has been activated. Target is specified. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


Hwaaaa.


Darkness descended on the Great Duke's castle.


Before rising to the position of Great Duke.


Orgal was called the Beast King.


That was because he was the pinnacle of all beast-type monsters.


To get to that position, he had trampled on countless 'competitors.'


To Orgal, who was like that.


A human who hadn't even reached SSS-rank by human standards.


[Inferior creature.]


Was nothing more than a meal.


Nothing more, nothing less.


[What is this flimsy power.]


Orgal asked as he looked at the chains wrapping around his body.


Taehyun strengthened his skill without answering.


Ding.


[Skill Apocalypse(S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 100%]


Hwaaaa.


The magic concentration surrounding the area thickened.


Rumble.


Gravity intensified.


Crack.


The force of the chains binding Orgal's body intensified.


Crack. Crack.


After 10 seconds.


Orgal's expression contorted.


It wasn't from pain, but from anger due to disappointment.


Orgal's muscles swelled.


Snap.


With just that, the chains that had been restricting his body shattered.


[What is this crude magic.]


Bang. Bang.


Orgal struck the air with his fists.


Crack. Crack.


With just that, cracks appeared in Apocalypse.


[What is this pathetic technique.]


Bang.


Orgal stomped his foot.


The entire castle shook, and Apocalypse was dispelled.


"......!!"


Taehyun quickly distanced himself.


It was an absurd power.


'Fortunately, she managed to escape...'


Ricky Haris was nowhere to be seen.


Apocalypse's role was enough to get her to escape.


Orgal reached out his hand.


[I'll give you one more chance. If you disappoint me this time too.]


Buzz. Buzz.


Vast magic gathered on his thick fingers.


Before Taehyun could even react.


Zap.


The fired magic bullet grazed Taehyun.


And.


Kaboom!


A massive explosion, unlike anything before, shook the castle.


[You will be burned like the guy who just ran away.]


"......"


Great Duke Orgal declared Ricky Haris' death.


A new message appeared before Taehyun's eyes.


['Immense Power' is in effect. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance failed. Skill use is impossible. Skills available: 5/8]


It was similar to when he faced Rosaria.


Only then did he realize that Orgal was playing with him.


He could have sealed his skills from the beginning.


Yet he was toying with him, mentioning Apocalypse and Ricky Haris.


Taehyun hurriedly checked the available skills.


'That's a relief, at least.'


He had more skills available than before.


Unique skill 'Devour.'


General skills included 'Complete Hypnosis', 'Blood Frenzy', and 'Eye of the Superior Species.'


And summon skill 'Rosaria' was available.


Using 'Complete Hypnosis' on the Great Duke would be tantamount to suicide.


Facing him once again, he could be sure.


With Orgal's appearance, there was nothing Taehyun could do.


So the remaining card was.


'Rosaria. I have to summon her.'


Ding.


[Skill Eye of the Superior Species(S) has been activated. Target's movements are specified.]


Taehyun's eyes turned red once again.


[Red eyes, huh. A regrettable choice.]


Orgal raised his hand towards Taehyun.


Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.


Similar magic to what he had aimed at Ricky Haris a moment ago gathered.


The difference was.


The point where the magic gathered wasn't one, but three.


Taehyun, watching Orgal's movements, took out a top-grade magic potion.


It happened in an instant.


Zap. Zap. Zap.


He barely managed to avoid two of the flashes.


Zzzap.


But one flash that he couldn't avoid evaporated his arm.


"Ugh..."


Taehyun groaned at the burning pain.


Grin.


Orgal's lips curled up.


[That choice was wrong.]


'Damn it...'


In a brief moment, five magic bullets were aimed at him.


Swallowing the pain.


Taehyun activated the next skill.


Ding.


[Skill Blood Frenzy(S) has been activated. The body is activated.]


A familiar message appeared as crimson magic bloomed.


[Immense power awakens. Strength increases. Strength is now 290.]


[Immense power awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina is now 290.]


[Immense power awakens. Speed increases. Speed is now 290.]


[Immense power awakens. Magic increases. Magic is now 400.]


Crack.


The evaporated arm was regenerated with a monster's arm.


[Isn't that power Igmun's?]


Orgal burst out laughing.


He had thought he was a contractor of Rosaria, but he was using Igmun's power.


It felt like the fading interest was reviving.


[Suffer as you may. It'll be the same in the end, with only your head remaining.]


Zzzap.


Five flashes engulfed Taehyun.


Okay, here's the translation of Chapter 184 into English:


Chapter 184


Using 'Blood Frenzy' drastically increased his physical stats.


Even so, dodging all five flashes was impossible.


Tssss. Tss. Tss.


Taehyun sacrificed an arm and a leg to avoid three flashes.


Crackle. Crackle.


The evaporated arm quickly began to regenerate.


Both arms had become those of a monster.


[How amusing.]


Orgal rarely laughed, but he did now.


Red magic power.


It was the power symbolizing Grand Duke Igmun.


Taehyun, who he thought was Rosaria's contractor, was using Igmun's power.


The unexpected situation made the corners of his mouth lift.


His contractor, Min Jihong.


It was the same expression he had when he first encountered that amusing insignificant being.


[Puhuhu. Weren’t you Rosaria's contractor?]


Orgal asked with a chuckle.


Instead of answering.


Taehyun reached into his Infinite Backpack.


He grabbed a magic power potion.


Moving quickly, he poured the potion into himself.


He could feel his magic power slowly recovering.


[How persistent.]


Orgal raised his hand again.


Ten magic power bullets were fired at Taehyun.


In an instant, one arm and two legs evaporated.


Crackle. Crackle. Crackle.


It was ultra-high-speed regeneration that surpassed even the Saintess' skill.


The magic power that seemed to be recovering was drained again in chunks.


He grabbed a new magic power potion in his hand.


Glug glug glug.


Taehyun haphazardly poured the potion into his mouth.


[......]


Orgal finally stopped attacking.


[I can't understand it.]


He asked, watching Taehyun drink the potion without a break.


In his eyes, what he was doing now was useless.


Just because he contracted with a Grand Duke.


Humans cannot fully use that power.


To use a strong power, you need a vessel worthy of it.


The human body is a paltry structure compared to monsters.


Even if you are a Grand Duke contractor, you are only slightly better than SS-rank monsters.


Nothing more, nothing less.


But why.


[Why don't you fight back against me?]


Glug glug glug.


Taehyun poured in another magic power potion.


Orgal continued.


[Why don't you run away from me?]


Gulp. Gulp.


Taehyun emptied his second magic power potion and reached for the third.


Orgal sighed at the sight.


He was indulging him this much to feel the joy of crushing an insect.


He was giving him a chance to struggle.


But Taehyun was neither attacking nor running away, just drinking potions all the time.


And he was using Igmun's power for regeneration.


[I'm getting angry.]


Just as Orgal was about to crush Taehyun, having lost interest.


Something flashed through his mind.


Considering the nature of the Grand Duke race, it was an absurd hypothesis.


But it was a sufficient hypothesis to explain Taehyun's actions in front of him.


[Insignificant creature. Are you perhaps trying to summon Rosaria?]


“……”


Taehyun answered the question by pouring in the potion.


Orgal asked again.


[Are you buying time? Are you trying to gather the magic power needed for summoning while keeping your life from me?]


Gulp. Gulp.


Taehyun emptied his sixth magic power potion.


[Puh... Hahaha.]


Orgal burst into maniacal laughter.


He was convinced.


He was sure that the insignificant being in front of him was trying to summon a Grand Duke.


[How amusing. Did that lowly bitch make a summoning covenant with a human?]


Not everyone who contracts with a Grand Duke gets the summoning skill.


And that's not all.


Humans need a considerable amount of magic power to summon, but to maintain the summoning skill, they need a mental strength higher than that of a superior species.


'Not enough yet.'


Taehyun looked at the magic power in the status window and took out a new potion.


Usually, this much Demon Magic would have been gathered long ago.


But the drop in stats, as well as the magic power consumed by skill maintenance, was more significant than he thought.


He was barely able to maintain his magic power in the 200s by drinking potions.


It was far short of the 300 magic power needed to summon Rosaria.


'I can't do it like this.'


Taehyun, who quickly recognized reality, racked his brains.


A way to temporarily bind Orgal and seek magic power recovery.


One plan came to mind.


'I might die.'


Gulp.


It was a plan that would cost him his life with the slightest mistake.


Meanwhile, Orgal approached Taehyun.


Just approaching him gave him the illusion that his whole body was paralyzed.


[I'm getting more and more curious. What did you use to persuade that lowly thing?]


"That's something."


Taehyun stepped back and used a skill.


"Find out for yourself."


Ting.


[Skill Dragon's Wrath (S) has been activated. Target is specified. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]


Krrrrr.


The unique aura of the Dragon race was emitted from Taehyun's body.


Normally, it would be a force that would blow away the opponent's mind.


Orgal flaunted his well-being by laughing.


[Are you even imitating a dragon whelp? Show me more. Show me more.]


Excited, Orgal reached out to Taehyun.


Just as his muscular hand was about to grab his neck.


Ting.


[Skill Transformation (S) has been activated. Specifies the area to imitate.]


Thump.


Taehyun slapped Orgal's hand away.


[Hahahahaha.]


Orgal burst into maniacal laughter as he looked at Taehyun's arm that had slapped his hand away.


It was a grotesquely swollen arm that could not be considered human.


The problem was with that arm.


He could feel his magic power, however weak, emanating from it.


[You are indeed an interesting piece of meat.]


Crackle.


Orgal's arm began to swell.


But its overwhelming presence was not comparable to Taehyun's.


Ting.


[Enhance skill Transformation (S). Magic power consumption is accelerated.]


Crackle crackle.


Another arm swelled.


He used 'Blood Frenzy' and 'Transformation' at the same time.


He could see his strength stat rising rapidly.


Taehyun rushed into Orgal's arms.


[That too. It's the wrong choice.]


A giant arm was swung at Taehyun.


It was a speed that was not proportional to its size and bulk.


Taehyun twisted his body and barely avoided the attack.


Boom.


"......!!"


One arm exploded from the wind pressure alone.


At the same time, the exploded arm quickly regenerated.


Taehyun's two hands grabbed one of Orgal's arms.


Ting.


[Unique skill Devour (S) has been activated. Target is specified. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]


A dark red swamp was created under Orgal and Taehyun's feet.


A huge mouth opened from there.


Chewwwww.


It was a devouring skill that was activated by pouring out all the remaining magic power.


"This is the first time, right?"


[This is....]


Orgal's expression, which had been interesting all along, changed.


Like Rosaria and Igmun, he was reminded of forgotten memories.


[Could it be....]


"Yeah."


Ting.


[Unique skill Devour (S) has been enhanced. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]


"It's the power of the king."


'Blood Frenzy'. 'Transformation'. And 'Devour'.


The dark red magic power, amplified by the three powers, devoured Orgal.


"Hah... hah...."


Thump. Thump. Thump.


Rolling.


Two empty magic power potions were thrown to the floor.


Taehyun ran out of the castle, panting.


'Thank goodness.'


It had been 30 seconds since he escaped from Orgal.


No monsters had blocked his path during that time.


If there had been, it would have been troublesome.


It would have been useless to minimize magic power consumption by deactivating all skills.


A brief battle.


He used all the skills that he would normally use as hidden cards.


That's how he knew.


That Orgal had not taken any significant damage.


That there was an even bigger gap than he had thought.


He had only taken advantage of the moment when Orgal was surprised to see 'Devour', and had fortunately escaped.


'Just a little further now...'


That's what he thought as he looked at the status window.


Pshew. Pshew. Pshew. Pshew.


Four flashes passed by.


No, it was a magic power bullet that moved at an unbelievable speed that made him feel like it had passed by.


In an instant, both arms and legs evaporated.


It was only natural that Taehyun, who had lost his limbs, collapsed.


"Keuh...."


A mouthful of blood gushed from his mouth.


Since he had deactivated 'Blood Frenzy', ultra-high-speed regeneration was no longer taking place.


Bleeding was starting from his insensible limbs.


[That was certainly. It surprised me.]


A chilling voice was heard from afar.


Thud. Thud. Thud.


10 seconds? No, had it been 5 seconds?


Orgal revealed himself.


It was a body without a single wound, even though it had been completely swallowed by Devour.


[I apologize. You weren't just a simple bug.]


Kugugung.


A huge sense of pressure crushed his defenseless body.


Taehyun gritted his teeth.


Belatedly, the pain of his limbs burning came.


[That you would be the key chosen by the king.]


'Key?'


Even in his fading consciousness, he could hear Orgal's voice clearly.


Suddenly, Orgal burst into maniacal laughter.


[Keuk... Hahahahaha.]


It was laughter that made the castle resound.


Blood was leaking from his ears.


His eardrums had been destroyed.


The human body, unprotected by magic power.


In front of a Grand Duke, the pinnacle of monsters.


Taehyun's situation now seemed no different from that of a bug.


[I won't kill you.]


So said Orgal, picking up Taehyun, who was left with only his torso.


Orgal, who grabbed his neck, flashed his red eyes.


[Tell me. Where is the king now?]


Ting.


[Magic power usage detected. Affected by 'Great Power'. Resists with mysterious power. Partially successful in resistance. Magic power that was not resisted penetrates.]


He could feel Orgal's magic power penetrating his body.


Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate.


Crackle. Crackle.


The bleeding stopped and his body began to regenerate.


[Tell me. What did the king give you?]


Orgal put strength into the hand that was holding his neck.


Crackle.


Blood flowed from his mouth as his neck bones cracked.


At the same time, Orgal's magic power restored Taehyun again.


[Next time, I'll cut out your eyes.]


Taehyun whispered at Orgal's stinging words.


It was so small that the sound could not be heard.


[Oh, my. You can't speak if I'm holding you like this, can you? Come now....]


Slither.


The grip on his neck weakened.


[Yes. Tell me again.]


Orgal brought his face close to Taehyun's.


Raising the corners of his mouth at the clue to the king that he would hear after a long time.


But the words Taehyun spat out were not what he had expected.


Kaak.


"Ptooey."


Taehyun's saliva splattered on Orgal's face.


And.


"Rosaria..."


[......]


Ting.


[Summon skill Rosaria (S) has been activated.]


Purple magic power bloomed from Taehyun's body.


[You really are a contractor who can't have a day without trouble.]


Rosaria, who was already holding Taehyun, said.


In her other hand, she held one of Orgal's arms.


It was the hand that had grabbed Taehyun's neck.


[Rosaria. How dare that lowly thing set foot in whose castle?]


[Orgal. I am not in a good mood right now.]


[What...?]


[Hmph. As if Igmun breaking my castle wasn't enough... Did that beast-like being make my contractor like this?]


[Puhuhuhu.]


Orgal chuckled again.


He felt like all the pieces of the puzzle were finally being put together.


[I thought it was strange from the moment you made a summoning covenant with a piece of meat. How dare you hide the king's traces from me? How long did you think you could hide it?]


Rosaria clicked her tongue at Orgal's question.


[Didn't I tell you? I am. Not. In a good mood.]


Purple magic power bloomed from Rosaria's body.


Kugugugung.


Orgal's castle shook more than ever before.


[Stress is not good for beauty. I hope that beast-like being will accept it.]


[How dare you...!!]


With his roar, Orgal's arm regenerated.


The explosion of brown magic power was the beginning.


As the magic power of the two Grand Dukes collided, the speed at which the castle was destroyed accelerated.


Episode 185


The Beast King Orgal.


A Grand Duke who rules the Abyss.


His castle was crumbling.


By none other than another Grand Duke of equal standing.


By Rozaria.


Orgal gnashed his teeth as his castle crumbled.


Rozaria was considered one of the weaker Grand Dukes.


However.


The term "weaker among the Grand Dukes" didn't mean she could be easily defeated.


Just as Orgal was known as the King of Beasts.


Rozaria was also the Queen of Succubi.


She would undoubtedly have hidden skills.


Stagger.


Suddenly, Orgal's massive body faltered.


In that gap.


Slash.


One of Orgal's arms was severed.


It was the price for briefly meeting Rozaria's crimson eyes.


Crack.


The severed arm quickly regenerated.


For a being of the Grand Duke's caliber, super-fast regeneration was nothing special.


That's why it was unexpected.


[Close combat with me, of all people.]


Rozaria, the weakest in close combat among the Grand Dukes, was attacking him.


A battle tactic he couldn't have imagined before.


[I'm not in the mood to play with beasts.]


Thump.


Rozaria waved her hand, and magic exploded.


[You've decided to die, haven't you.]


Orgal had been concerned about his castle being destroyed, but he couldn't ignore it any longer.


The two Grand Dukes clashed once again.


The castle's outer walls shattered into pieces.


The briefly interrupted consciousness returned.


'…….'


Magic was gathering in Taehyun's body.


Not Igmoon's, not Orgal's, not even Taehyun's, but Rozaria's magic.


As if a mother caressing her child.


The purple magic swirled within his body, restoring him.


The magic that seemed about to backfire quietly filled its place.


Suddenly, Rozaria's voice echoed in his mind.


[You've finally come to your senses. Contractor.]


Taehyun looked around.


Even with his crimson eyes open, he couldn't see anything.


All he saw was darkness.


'Rozaria?'


He spoke her name, but no voice came out.


But that seemed to be enough for Rozaria.


[Yes. The place where the Contractor is, is the Personal Space. A space made of my magic.]


'I owe you my life.'


Rozaria clicked her tongue at his relieved expression.


[Tsk tsk. You've grown quite a bit, but you tried to face Orgal? You're not in your right mind, after all.]


'I didn't intend to face him. I just tried to buy some time.'


[Still shameless as ever. Well, that's the Contractor's charm, though.]


'Your voice doesn't sound good.'


[I don't have much time to stay in Orgal's castle.]


'What's the situation?'


[I'll buy you 10 minutes in your time. Get out of here in that time.]


'...I'm in your debt. Are you going to be alright?'


[How dare you worry about me.]


'…….'


The magic lingering in the Personal Space clung to Taehyun's body.


Beyond instantly restoring him to his original condition.


Ting.


[Speed has increased by 1.]


[Stamina has increased by 1.]


[Magic has increased by 1.]


[Strength has increased by 1.]


…….


Beyond the invisible sight.


The sound of his stats rising could be heard.


[Now.]


Whoosh.


With Rozaria's voice, the surroundings brightened.


Sight and other senses returned.


The castle was shaking in a way that couldn't be compared to before.


“……”


Taehyun began to run towards where Cody Cruz was.


It was about 30 seconds after he started running that he found Ricky Hallis.


Orgal's magic bullet, like lightning.


A technique that Taehyun couldn't completely avoid even with 'Blood Frenzy' and 'Eye of the Superior Species'.


It was only natural that Ricky Hallis, exhausted as she was, couldn't evade it.


"Ricky…."


Taehyun quickly took out a scroll and tore it.


A white light enveloped her body, but it didn't heal her.


Orgal's magic that had evaporated her lower body.


That powerful magic remained in her remaining body.


It was only because she controlled her magic that she was still alive.


He was about to take out a new scroll.


Ricky Hallis, who opened her eyes, opened her mouth.


"It's already too late. There's less than a minute left."


“……”


Her eyes, facing death, looked clearer than ever.


The voice was the same.


A voice so vivid that it was hard to believe she was dying.


It seemed she was burning her last life force for this moment.


"So, you really survived. From that monster."


"Didn't I say? That I would buy time."


"Heh heh. That's right. I should have… trusted you a little more."


She raised her hand.


A blue ring was on her raised index finger.


"The ring…."


It was an item that exuded an extraordinary aura at a glance.


'Could this be….'


Ricky Hallis, who read his eyes, nodded.


Unlike her calm expression.


Blood foam was forming in her mouth.


"Please… to the Chairman… the contents…."


Taehyun, who understood the meaning, nodded.


And at the same time as he took off the ring.


Thud.


Her arm drooped down.


Her breath was cut off.


The magic of Orgal that remained in her body devoured her.


"I will fulfill your request."


Taehyun, who stood up, reached out his hand.


Ting.


[Unique skill Predation (S) has been activated. Targeting the object.]


Crack.


Over the surrounded magic of Orgal.


The magic of Predation swallowed Ricky Hallis.


Crunch. Crunch.


Taehyun started running again.


Soon, a new message appeared.


[Skill Energy Compose (S) has been registered.]


[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been registered.]


Apart from his bitter expression.


His head started to throb more and more.


It only took 2 minutes to reach where Cody Cruz was.


Because he moved by breaking the wall, not the length of the castle itself.


As expected, Cody Cruz was using the power of the Grand Duke Lucifer.


Against him, who was using gray magic, Taehyun felt a familiar power from Min Ji Hong.


The magic of Orgal that had pushed Taehyun to the brink of death just a while ago.


'So that guy is Orgal's contractor.'


It was a surprise attack that wouldn't have worked normally.


But Min Ji Hong wasn't in normal condition either.


Thwack.


Min Ji Hong, who was kicked by Taehyun, was pushed back.


"Oh, the dog that ran away has come back again."


He tried to act like he had leeway, but Taehyun didn't care.


"Orgal moved. Ricky Hallis died, and she confirmed the deaths of the remaining players."


"I see."


"The mission is over. We're getting out of here right now."


Taehyun said, releasing his magic.


Cody Cruz nodded.


"It won't work like that."


Min Ji Hong raised his hand.


Whooooosh.


It was a black hole of a size he had never seen before.


A strong attraction pulled the two people.


Cody Cruz frowned.


It was because of this skill that he hadn't been able to settle the score until now.


Taehyun understood the situation at once.


"I'll deal with him."


Quaaaaa.


The released crimson magic transformed into the form of Predation.


Craaaaaack.


A giant maw swallowed the black hole.


"What?!"


Before the flustered Min Ji Hong could react.


Taehyun took the next action without delay.


Chinese Ancient Martial Arts 5th Form. Penetration Strike.


Clang.


A fist covered with enough magic was launched towards Min Ji Hong.


He was planning to blow his head off as it was.


But.


Clunk.


"……!!"


Min Ji Hong knocked away Taehyun's fist with an unbelievable movement.


"Korean Ancient Martial Arts 5th Form. Goryeo. It's a technique that's a counter to Penetration Strike."


Thwack.


The two kicked each other and retreated.


At the same time.


Cody Cruz's skill exploded.


Rising Sun.


Whoooooosh.


Light flashed between the two.


It wasn't a technique that could be avoided just because you had crimson eyes.


"This way."


Cody Cruz grabbed Taehyun's arm and ran.


About 5 minutes had passed since Taehyun and Cody Cruz escaped from the castle.


Orgal revealed his battered appearance.


[Contractor. Surely you didn't let them get away?]


His expression, holding one of Rozaria's arms, wasn't good.


Not only was the castle shattered to pieces.


It was because he failed to completely end Rozaria's life.


"Hahaha. I'm sorry."


Min Ji Hong shrugged his shoulders, bursting into laughter.


[How dare you make that face. Do you want to die?]


Orgal grabbed Min Ji Hong's neck.


Squeeze.


"Keuh… hehe… But you can't be proud either."


[Don't speak carelessly with that insolent mouth.]


Orgal growled at the sight of him mocking himself.


"Hehe… I put a mark on one of them. Your subordinates must be chasing him hard by now."


Orgal released the hand that was holding Min Ji Hong.


Thud.


[Kim Taehyun. Bring Rozaria's contractor before me.]


"Oh dear… I guess I have to hurry to stay alive."


Min Ji Hong, who had recovered some stamina, quickly disappeared.


[The key has appeared….]


Just a moment ago.


The face of Taehyun, whom he had been playing with, came to mind.


A human who used the power of Grand Duke Igmoon, was Rozaria's contractor, and used the power of the 'King'.


[Becoming the King of the Lower World is me, Orgal.]


Kugugung.


A huge magic dwelled in Orgal's crimson eyes.


Deep Layer Safety Zone.


Player Paul Becker, belonging to the Blazer Guild, yawned.


The place he was currently guarding was the Safety Zone of District 30.


As it was quite deep even in the deep layers, there weren't many players coming and going.


'Even if it's a sweet job, being bored can't be helped.'


He put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it.


The vast wilderness spread out under the red sky.


Even if you just stepped out of this Safety Zone, S-rank monsters would be swarming.


That's why there weren't many ways for an A-rank player like him to pass the time.


He unfolded the newspaper that was rolled up in his waist.


The world was buzzing with the story of Cody Cruz and Kim Taehyun.


"To think this man would stand shoulder to shoulder with Cody Cruz…. If I had known this would happen, I should have gotten an autograph."


He had met Taehyun once before.


It was when he was in charge of the gate in District 22.


His face flushed as he recalled what he had said to Taehyun.


At that time.


Kugugugugugu.


The ground shook.


"What is it. Are they fighting among themselves again."


It was a common sight for monsters to fight for territory in the deep layers.


"But even so, the numbers seem quite significant."


He was estimating the number by looking at the smoke rising in the distance.


"Uh…?"


As the rising smoke got closer, he could see it clearly.


"Oh my god…."


Thousands of monsters were filling the air and ground.


A frightening army that he might see in his dreams.


It was a quantity that was beyond imagination.


Paul Becker dropped the cigarette he was holding.


While he was in a panic and couldn't do anything.


Crackle.


Two men entered the Safety Zone.


"Hey!! Activate the gate right now!!"


It was Taehyun who shouted in neither polite nor impolite language.


"I, identification…."


Paul Becker unknowingly asked back like a habit.


"Don't talk nonsense!! Just activate the gate!!"


Cody Cruz shouted in anger, following him.


Only then did Paul Becker understand the situation.


"Ah, there's still more time needed until the gate is activated…."


"Damn it!!"


"Where's the closest Safety Zone from here?"


"District 2…29…."


"Guide us!!"


Taehyun shouted once again, and Cody Cruz picked up Paul Becker.


Taehyun and Cody Cruz, who made eye contact, started running towards District 29.


About 3 minutes passed.


Thousands of monsters swept through the empty District 30.


How likely is it that every newspaper in the world would have the same front page?


It was an era of constant incidents and accidents.


Something that seemed impossible was happening right now.


Early morning, Earth time.


The deepest part of the Abyss.


A place where ordinary players couldn't even set foot, and where major powers competed to acquire new knowledge.


It was due to an incident that occurred in that unknown territory.


'Over 200 Abyss Safety Zones Destroyed.'


'Fortunately, casualties limited to about 100.'


'Abyss Expert Says: Never before have thousands of monsters moved as a group.'


'Kim Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz blamed for the Safety Zone attacks.'


'Chairman Ji Jin-hee and Chairman Kevin Lee announce intentions to hold a joint press conference.'


'Kim Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz's secret life in the depths.'


'Have South Korea and the United States touched the Abyss's forbidden zone?'


It was an unprecedented situation since the Abyss exploration began.


Especially the deep levels, where players from various countries and guilds were active, were fiercely competitive and involved numerous interests.


With so much information generated, each Safety Zone was naturally important.


Two hundred such Safety Zones in the depths were overrun by monsters.


Information circulated that Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz had angered the monsters, and the blame soon focused on them.


It was a stark contrast to their recent portrayal as the hope of humanity.


Countries and guilds affected by this incident demanded explanations from the two nations.


The World Player Association intervened in response to the continuous media bombardment.


South Korea and the United States.


Although allies, they were now also in a competitive relationship.


Therefore.


Chairman Ji Jin-hee and Chairman Kevin Lee.


The news that they would hold a joint press conference drew a large crowd of reporters.


Outdoor press conference room owned by the World Player Association.


Two men appeared there.


South Korean Player Association Chairman Ji Jin-hee and American Player Association Chairman Kevin Lee.


Hundreds of camera shutters clicked.


The two chairmen sat down with stern expressions.


"Now, we will adhere to the schedule and take questions."


An employee from the association emphasized the order.


This was to prevent any possible accidents.


The first question was granted to an American reporter.


"This question is for both chairmen. Regarding the 'rampage' of monsters in the deep levels, there are rumors that Cody Cruz and Kim Tae-hyun are the cause. Is this true?"


A straightforward question.


But that's why it was expected.


The two chairmen made eye contact.


When Ji Jin-hee nodded, Kevin Lee brought the microphone to his mouth.


"It is true."


The reporters had expected some kind of excuse.


But the two chairmen's agreement led to a barrage of follow-up questions.


"Many Safety Zones have been destroyed due to the monsters' 'rampage.' How do you plan to address the damage?"


Ji Jin-hee took the microphone.


"We are currently exploring solutions through the World Player Association. As it happened during an operation, the three associations will do their best to manage the situation."


"Operation? Are you saying that this rampage was caused by an 'operation'? What kind of operation specifically?"


"It was a search and rescue operation. The monsters' rampage occurred during that process."


"Search and rescue?"


The reporters stared sharply at Ji Jin-hee.


Ji Jin-hee sighed and looked at Kevin Lee.


They had discussed it in advance, but from now on, Kevin Lee would have to answer.


Kevin Lee nodded and took the microphone again.


"Recently, five SS-rank players went missing."


"What? SS-rank?"


"That's absurd..."


The press conference room was instantly filled with commotion at Kevin Lee's words.


Eleven SS-rank players.


Regardless of nationality, they were considered the world's greatest power.


And five of them went missing?


It was natural for the reporters to be dumbfounded.


Kevin Lee sighed once and began to explain.


The first missing person, Ricky Hallis.


And the disappearance of allied players Alex Watson, Daniel Green, Dominic Gavrant, and Urijah Simon.


Then, the problematic second investigation team, which included Cody Cruz and Tae-hyun, was mentioned.


An explanation of the Archduke Orgal was essential there.


The reporters were shocked but typed even faster.


"So, that Archduke... Kim Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz can't handle him either?"


"That's right."


"Then all the monsters that destroyed the Safety Zones are..."


"Subordinates of the one called Orgal. Including the number of unidentified monsters, we think there are at least tens of thousands."


"Good heavens..."


"Crazy..."


"God damn..."


Everyone who heard Kevin Lee's explanation had the same thought.


As if it wasn't enough that the world's number one and two had to run away.


The number of monsters that one Archduke commands is tens of thousands, and many of them live in the deepest part of the Abyss.


It was a reality they wanted to deny.


"Then, what happened to the remaining SS-rank players who went missing?!!"


"Ricky Hallis, Dominic Gavrant, and Urijah Simon from the United States. Alex Watson from France. Daniel Green from England. The second investigation team confirmed the deaths of all five people."


A sigh erupted, and the press conference room was once again filled with commotion.


Most of the assembled reporters expected to cut down and flatter the two chairmen.


But the deaths of five SS-rank players had been confirmed.


Only then did they realize the weight of this press conference.


"Then, is it possible that the Archduke monster could invade Earth?!!"


"Is the recent frequent Gate Breaks related to the Archduke?!!"


"Is the World Player Association taking measures?!!"


From responsibility for the Safety Zones in the deep levels to dealing with the invasion of monsters.


The direction of the press conference changed in an instant.


"At this time, we cannot be certain of anything. However, our United States and South Korea have reaffirmed our strong alliance and will work together on the association's inherent duty of ensuring human safety and subjugating monsters."


The first ally.


That was tantamount to acknowledging that they were a country with power equal to the United States.


"The Ministers of Defense of South Korea and the United States have agreed to meet as soon as possible. At that meeting, a new US-ROK alliance will be concluded."


After a few more questions, the press conference ended.


At the same time.


Special articles about the unknown existence, Archduke Orgal, poured out.


Online and offline, regardless of country, many people denied the facts.


Rumors circulated that South Korea and the United States had created false information to avoid responsibility.


Then.


SS-rank players who were members of the first investigation team.


Dominic Gavrant, Urijah Simon, Alex Watson, Daniel Green.


The heads of the four people were found.


Those who had claimed it was false information bowed their heads.


Conversely, South Korea and the United States gained justification.


South Korean Alchemist headquarters.


"Is this the last one?"


Tae-hyun drank the potion that had just been delivered to the VVIP room.


It was a special potion made directly by Seo Sang-ik.


The reaction came immediately.


Ding.


[Your Stamina has increased by 1.]


'It's worth the money.'


Tae-hyun opened his status window.


Name: Kim Tae-hyun


Age: 20


Rank: S


Strength: 289 Stamina: 290 Speed: 289 Magic Power: 405 Charm: 220


Fatigue: 30%


Remaining Magic Power: 405/405


[Unique Skill]


Devour (S) - Can devour the desired target. Demonic Energy: 100


[General Skills]


Complete Hypnosis (S) - Hypnotizes the target. Demonic Energy: 100


Blood Frenzy (S) - Activates physical abilities. Demonic Energy: 200


Eye of the Higher Being (S) - Sees through the opponent. Demonic Energy: 10


Apocalypse (S) - Forms an infinite field. Demonic Energy: 200


Dragon's Wrath (S) - Emits magic-enhanced aura. Demonic Energy: 100


Beast Transformation (S) - Transforms the body. Demonic Energy: 200


Energy Compose (S) - Materializes energy composed of magic power. Demonic Energy: 60


Energy Drain (S) - Absorbs the opponent's magic power. Demonic Energy: 60


[Summon Skills]


Rosaria (S) - Summons the Succubus Queen Rosaria. Demonic Energy: 300


Hazard (S) - Summons the Dragon Lord Hazard. Demonic Energy: 11000


Igmun (S) - Summons the Vampire Lord Igmun. Demonic Energy: 7700


Orgal (S) - Summons the Beast King Orgal. Demonic Energy: 8000


Beelzebub (S) - Summons the Demon King Beelzebub. Demonic Energy: 10000


Jormungandr (S) - Summons the Sea of Demons King Jormungandr. Demonic Energy: 9000


It was an absurd increase in stats, but it was understandable given his recent actions.


This was because he had devoured a considerable number of SS-rank monsters in Orgal's castle.


It wasn't just the stats that had changed.


New skills, 'Energy Compose' and 'Energy Drain,' had been registered.


He had devoured her to free her from Orgal's magic power, but.


For some reason, two of the three skills she possessed had been registered.


'Is it the influence of a strengthened Devour?'


Recently, he had devoured quite a few beings who called themselves higher beings.


Every time he did, his stats increased steadily, and the power of Devour was also growing in proportion to the magic power he could wield.


Tae-hyun closed the status window.


The press conference of Ji Jin-hee and Kevin Lee was playing on the screen installed in the VVIP room.


Tae-hyun's gaze was fixed on Ji Jin-hee's stern expression.


There were mountains of things he wanted to ask him.


Nevertheless, now that he had recovered from his injuries.


The reason he wasn't looking for him first was because there was something more important to do.


The legendary-grade item Ricky Hallis had, the Memories Ring.


The ring had the effect of increasing physical abilities just by wearing it, but.


It was a legendary-grade item.


'It can't just have that much functionality.'


He had directly commissioned Seo Sang-ik to examine the ring, and today was the day the results would come out.


The rebroadcast of the press conference on the screen became noisy.


This was because Chairman Kevin Lee had revealed the existence of the Archduke.


'This wasn't the situation in my past life.'


In the world before Tae-hyun regressed, the United States and China competed, pouring resources into military expansion and Abyss exploration.


Gate Breaks and Dungeon Breaks occurred frequently, but the existence of the Archduke had never been revealed.


Rather, it was only much later that SSS-rank monsters were revealed.


'At this rate, South Korea will inevitably be dragged along by the United States.'


The United States, the world's strongest nation, would have its first ally, an equal partner nation.


That alone would make other nations envious, but Ji Jin-hee and Tae-hyun were not satisfied with just that.


To become a completely neutral country.


South Korea needed its own weapon that could counter the scale of the United States.


The legendary-grade item would be a clue to that end.


At that moment, Seo Sang-ik's face appeared on the screen.


[Player Kim Tae-hyun. The results are out.]


Seo Sang-ik's face looked haggard.


"Did something happen?"


[Really... you brought a terrifying item...]


"......?"


Seo Sang-ik sighed.


[Legendary-grade item 'Memories Ring.' If this ring had fallen into someone else's hands... many people would have died.]


Episode 187


"What… do you mean?"


When Taehyun asked Seo Sang-ik, he raised an arm.


"……!!"


Seo Sang-ik was also an S-rank player.


Although he was a non-combat player, his physical stats surpassed those of a high-level A-rank player.


That Seo Sang-ik's arm was withered.


It resembled a mummy.


"What happened?"


Taehyun asked again.


[Legendary-grade item. It truly has a terrifying power, as much as it's unknown. It became like this just from activating the item.]


"Just… from activating it?"


Seo Sang-ik nodded.


[If I had been any slower to react, it wouldn't have ended with just one arm. Thanks to that, I learned the general operating method, though.]


Seo Sang-ik showed a weary smile.


At this moment.


He was not Guild Master Seo Sang-ik, but the foremost researcher of Shin-Hanguk, Seo Sang-ik.


“…I caused unnecessary damage.”


[No. This much is common in the experimental process. Rather, I should apologize first. Wasn't Kim Taehyun's request for the item's hidden ability?]


Taehyun nodded.


[I used enhancement stones… but I didn't have enough magic to fully activate it. However.]


Swish.


Suddenly, Seo Sang-ik appeared in the VVIP room.


He had used a warp gate within the guild.


"You might have another way."


Seo Sang-ik handed over the ring that Taehyun had requested.


Taehyun brought the ring to his index finger.


Swish.


The ring's size increased to fit his finger's thickness.


"If you wear it, your stats will increase. But to unleash the item's true performance, you need to inject at least 300 magic power. Only then will the item recognize its user."


"300, huh… that's a surprising amount."


At this point, it was an item difficult to handle except for Taehyun and Cody Cruz.


'Or perhaps the future Sarah Collins.'


Taehyun wore the ring.


Ding.


[Strength has increased by 10.]


[Stamina has increased by 10.]


[Speed has increased by 10.]


[Magic power has increased by 10.]


Without paying attention to the stat increases, he poured magic power into it.


Kwaaaaaaa.


A considerable amount of magic power was drained, and a feeling of exhaustion washed over him.


'300 to activate the item… I hope it's worth that much.'


Even in his past life, there was little information about legendary-grade items.


It was just that the World Player Association invested a large sum to produce a small quantity, and for some reason, production was banned.


There was almost no information about the Memories Ring.


Then, a new message appeared before his eyes.


Ding.


[Skill Memorize (S) has been registered.]


Taehyun's eyes widened.


A skill was registered just by wearing the item?


'And an S-rank skill at that?'


Seo Sang-ik, who was anxiously watching from the side, handed over a magic potion.


He wasn't particularly surprised, as if he expected Taehyun to succeed.


He was just curious.


Legendary-grade item.


The 'special effect' of the Memories Ring.


"Is there… anything special about it?"


"It certainly lives up to its legendary name. A skill has been registered."


"Oh! What kind of skill is it?"


Seo Sang-ik showed interest.


He expected some special effect, but a skill?


It was an effect that had never been reported before.


He wanted to tell him to use the skill right away.


But unable to dare to urge him, he was feeling anxious when Taehyun chuckled.


"Your eyes are telling me to activate the skill."


"Haha… was it too obvious?"


"You've suffered because of me. I need to pay the price properly."


After drinking the potion.


The rapidly filling magic power was about half full.


The required magic power for the skill 'Memorize' was 100.


'How much magic power will it take to maintain the skill?'


Taehyun drank another potion and used the skill.


Ding.


[Skill Memorize (S) has been activated.]


[There are stored records. Record selection is not possible. It will be played randomly.]


Hwaaaaaaa.


A light that was so bright he couldn't open his eyes swallowed the surroundings.


Like a film reel.


Numerous memories flowed through Taehyun's mind.


They were memories after Ricky Hallis wore the 'Memories Ring.'


Kevin Lee, the chairman of the Association, was seen facing Ricky Hallis.


"Humanity's update. When is the next plan?"


"It hasn't been long since the SS-rank Awakened appeared. According to the original plan, it would take 10 years, but…."


"But?"


Ricky Hallis playfully asked.


"Kim Taehyun. At his pace, it will be shortened much faster. I'm looking at 3 years."


"Ahahaha. Something that would take 10 years in 3 years. You're amazing."


"You look happy. Kim Taehyun is someone who might become our enemy."


"Huhu. From a human perspective, isn't that a good thing?"


"……."


Kevin Lee was lost for words at her audacity.


As she said, Shin-Hanguk was an allied country and a competitor, but in the end, they were comrades resisting the monsters.


"Your next mission has been assigned."


"Oh my. You give me good things and you're so fast."


Ricky Hallis said, stroking the Memories Ring on her finger.


"We've decided to explore the deepest layer. You can take as many people as you want."


"There's no need to increase unnecessary sacrifices. I'll move alone to test the ring's ability."


"…I understand."


The screen changed.


'This is…'


It was a somewhat familiar background.


Ricky Hallis, having completely erased her presence, was hiding behind a huge pillar.


Where her gaze reached, Orgal was visible.


With the heads of monsters displayed around him, Orgal was talking to someone.


[Jormungandr. Your movements are sluggish.]


[It's something I've failed at once. There's no harm in being careful.]


[Belzebub and Lucifer. Are you looking at me the same way as the losers of the past?]


[There's no need to be hasty. Our time is infinite, isn't it?]


[If I had known you were such a slow guy, I would have contacted Igmun or Hazard first.]


Orgal clicked his tongue and said.


[Clclcl. Since we've joined hands, just wait a little longer. It's not easy to select decent vermin.]


[I'll give you a year. Find a contractor within that time.]


[Shin-Hanguk, was it? What's the origin of the vermin you chose?]


[Yes. He's a very interesting guy. Even though he's vermin, he accepts my power quite well.]


Orgal chuckled, thinking of Min Jihong.


He was a guy who hunted superior species even before receiving his power.


If he was polished a little, he would be good to use as a direct subordinate.


[Hmm… I should take note. More than that, Orgal. You're more insensitive than you look.]


[What nonsense are you talking about?]


[Clclcl. Can't you feel the intruder?]


[…….]


Orgal's movements stopped for a moment.


And.


[Indeed. A rat has sneaked in.]


Towards Ricky Hallis, who had hidden her presence.


Orgal's crimson eyes flashed.


Ding.


[All magic power has been consumed. Skill Memorize (S) has been deactivated. Cool-down: 19 hours 20 minutes]


With a familiar sound, the surroundings became bright again.


Taehyun looked around.


Seo Sang-ik was staring at Taehyun with a blank expression.


"Th, that just now…."


Seo Sang-ik stammered.


He had never seen a Great Old One, nor could he understand the words of the monsters.


But he could clearly feel the power they possessed.


His whole body trembled just from seeing Orgal in his memory.


"It seems like I've gotten caught up in something interesting."


Contrary to his words, Taehyun's expression was not good.


'Even if the update of humanity is like that… the Great Old One, Jormungandr.'


It was a name he had heard before.


It was impossible to summon him with his ridiculous demonic power, but somehow he was registered as a skill.


'Are those guys looking for a Great Old One contractor? Why…?'


Even a Great Old One contractor couldn't compare to the power they possessed.


There would be many skilled people like Taehyun among their subordinates.


Taehyun drank two of the potions that were available.


The cool-down time of the skill 'Memorize' was rapidly decreasing.


'Should I meet Rosaria?'


The only Great Old One who was friendly to Taehyun.


The Queen of Succubi, Rosaria.


She might know something.


But before that.


'I should see the Chairman.'


Ricky Hallis's request and meeting Rosaria would be after that.


"Thank you for your hard work."


Ko Tae-wook said, receiving a signature on the report.


"Thank you. I'm a little… exhausted."


Ji Jin-hee was known to be busy even normally.


In that situation, his workload increased several times in cooperation with the United States and the World Player Association.


It was no exaggeration to say that he was surviving on potions now.


"Speaking of which, how is Taehyun's condition?"


Ji Jin-hee recalled when Taehyun and Cody Cruz crossed the gate.


He had only heard it in reports, but the reaction at the time was a mess.


What would have happened if the gate connected to Greece hadn't been activated?


Just imagining it made him dizzy.


"You know Taehyun's recovery power well, Chairman. I've confirmed that he's at the Alchemist headquarters now. He seems to have gotten stronger."


"Huh… getting stronger every time he overcomes a near-death experience… at this rate, I won't live out my full life."


"I have something to report, but would you like to rest a little and listen?"


"It's not something that can be avoided by delaying it. Tell me now."


Ko Tae-wook, recalling the contents of the next report, gave a bitter smile.


"First, it's about the Taesan Guild established by Vice-Chairman Lee Jung-soo. Although they have laundered their identities, it has been found that many of them have a history of assault."


"Hmm… that guy is finally crossing the line. What about Shadow?"


"He's such an elusive guy…. Guild Master Yoo Ah-young hasn't caught his tail yet either. But…."


"Hmm…? Did you catch some other clue?"


"I couldn't pinpoint Shadow's location, but…."


Ji Jin-hee's expression hardened as he realized something was wrong.


"…Tell me."


"Min Jihong. Besides the fact that he's the guild master of a malignant guild… it seems he has a contract with the Great Old One, Orgal."


"Haa… so it's finally… coming to this. Should I have killed him with my own hands back then…."


Ji Jin-hee smiled bitterly and muttered.


"It's not your fault, Chairman. Stopping his pursuit was an unavoidable choice at the time. More than that, how do you plan to explain it to Taehyun?"


"It's something that can't be hidden anymore. If Taehyun wants… I'll have to tell him the truth as it is. Of course… I don't intend to say it first."


"I agree."


The expressions of the two people who recalled the past were filled with determination.


At that time.


A secretary came in with a knock.


"Chairman. Player Kim Taehyun has arrived."


Ji Jin-hee and Ko Tae-wook welcomed Taehyun, who had come without a word.


"Taehyun…!! Are you okay?!!"


"It's been a while, Taehyun."


At the welcome, Taehyun nodded lightly.


"You're both here. That's good."


"Haha. Is there something you want to say? Just say it. I'll grant all of Taehyun's requests."


Ji Jin-hee replied confidently.


He was prepared to tell him the password to the secret vault if Taehyun wanted.


But.


"Min Jihong, the guild master of the malignant guild. Who is that guy?"


"……."


"……."


At the unexpected question.


The two of them remained silent.


Episode 188


Deepest part of the Abyss.


Grand Duke Orgal's castle.


Kwaang. Kwaang.


Explosions erupted in the still-unrepaired castle.


It was an overwhelming magical power, incomparable to any other monster.


Crack. Crack, crack, crack.


Cracks began to appear in the castle, and countless monsters trembled.


Their lord.


The magical power that Orgal emitted was beyond compare, even for high-ranking species.


And surprisingly.


It wasn't a monster enduring that power.


A human.


An Earthling they called an insect.


"Orgal-nim. Are you trying to kill me?"


Min Ji-hong sneered, unfazed by his battered body.


Orgal's lips curled up at the brazen attitude.


[If you fail a mission, you must be punished accordingly. In your words, 'education' would be a suitable term.]


Orgal approached, his muscles twitching as if about to burst.


Min Ji-hong sighed and activated a skill.


Kwaaaa. Kwaaaa. Kwaaaa.


Three black holes appeared in the air.


An attractive force that even high-ranking monsters couldn't resist pulled at Orgal.


However.


Whoosh.


He merely swung his hand lightly.


With just that, the three black holes vanished.


"......"


Min Ji-hong used the opportunity to step back quickly.


He knew that 'Black Hole' was a top-tier skill on Earth, but to the Grand Duke, it was just an amusing toy.


Rather, he had achieved his goal by delaying Orgal's approach even for a moment.


He unleashed the magical power of the Grand Duke Contractor.


A message appeared, indicating that his physical abilities had been activated.


Orgal, reflected in his red eyes, clicked his tongue.


A reaction as if he was doing something pointless.


But it was a meaningful action for Min Ji-hong.


[Flailing about, are you? Are you so afraid of dying?]


"If I don't do this much... it will be difficult to prove my worth."


[Puhuhu. Your mouth is still alive.]


Orgal said so, raising his hand.


Kiiiiing.


A dozen or so mana bullets were created in the direction his thick finger pointed.


It was the technique that had recently driven Riki Harris to the brink of death and left Tae-hyun half-dead.


[I promise you. If you withstand this attack, I will spare your life.]


Orgal said with a smirk.


Gulp.


Min Ji-hong swallowed dryly without realizing it.


'This is really telling me to die.'


Judging from his personality as he had grasped it so far.


Orgal was more certain about rewards and punishments than anyone else.


He gave rewards commensurate with the merits to subordinates who completed their missions.


And he mercilessly took the lives of subordinates who failed.


Min Ji-hong had contracted with Orgal by succeeding in a mission, but now he was on the verge of death as a punishment for failing a mission.


'There's nothing more suitable for leading a group than the emotion of fear.'


Overwhelming fear.


That was a method of governance that worked for lower-ranking monsters as well as higher-ranking monsters and top-ranking monsters.


A malignant guild to which many minds belonged.


Min Ji-hong himself was the guild master there.


It was a fact he knew better than anyone else.


'I can't die like this.'


Fully unleashed magical power began to resist.


Some magical power was condensed to form a barrier, and some magical power clung to his body, becoming armor.


Crackle. Crackle.


A dozen or so mana bullets displayed their power as if they were about to tear space apart.


It was impossible to avoid them all.


'To survive… I'll need luck too.'


A flash-like magical power engulfed Min Ji-hong.


[You used my power, but you certainly have a tenacious life.]


"Cough... Keugh..."


Blood gushed out of Min Ji-hong's mouth as he groaned.


Only two mana bullets hit him.


Yet his lower body and right arm had evaporated.


He would have died long ago if he hadn't been a Grand Duke Contractor.


Orgal looked down at Min Ji-hong, who could no longer move.


An insect.


His inability to move or escape made him look exactly like an insect whose legs had been removed.


Orgal reached out his hand towards Min Ji-hong.


[I commend you. This is the reward for daring to oppose me and surviving.]


Kwareureureureuk.


The brown magical power that had been eroding Min Ji-hong's body intensified.


Magical power began to run out of control forcefully.


A painful groan flowed from Min Ji-hong's mouth.


Crack. Crack, crack.


Min Ji-hong's body regenerated rapidly.


After a while.


'This is…'


Min Ji-hong, who had regained his senses, looked around his body in disbelief.


Regenerated arms and legs.


At first glance, it had the shape of a human.


But the brown skin, bulging blood vessels, and muscles were incomparable to those of humans.


He felt it all over his body.


An energy that couldn't even be compared to before…


'Is this the body of an SS-rank monster…?'


[Now you look a little less like an insect.]


Orgal bared his teeth as he looked at the hybrid he had created.


"I thought you were punishing me."


Min Ji-hong, who had come back from the dead, asked with suspicious eyes.


[Of course. My thoughts haven't changed. That is, if you don't seize the opportunity given to you.]


"......"


[Prove your worth.]


"Give me your orders."


Min Ji-hong knelt respectfully before him.


[Bring me the runaway Kim Tae-hyun.]


The Grand Duke was taking an interest in a human other than himself.


But he didn't ask again.


Because he knew the consequences that action would bring.


"This time, I won't disappoint you."


[Puhuhu. Are you confident?]


"With this power… a revolution will come to both the Abyss and Earth."


Orgal burst into laughter at the confident reply.


[Good spirit. Leave.]


With those words.


Min Ji-hong disappeared from the castle.


"You were hiding an incredible fact."


Tae-hyun said, looking at Ji Jin-hee, who couldn't meet his eyes.


"I'm sorry."


Ji Jin-hee hung his head.


Go Tae-wook was the same.


It was a skeleton in the Association's closet that they had been hiding until now.


Min Ji-hong.


The owner of the skill Black Hole, shrouded in mystery.


The guild master of the malignant guild.


The contractor of Grand Duke Orgal.


That alone was a resume that could be counted on one hand.


But.


"I never dreamed that he would be the Association President's adopted son."


Tae-hyun calmly spoke a new fact.


"I'm sorry… It's all my fault for not finishing things properly."


Ji Jin-hee bowed his head once again.


Go Tae-wook watched the scene with a complicated expression.


Tae-hyun felt the same.


'The Player Association President and the malignant guild master… you really never know what will happen in a person's life.'


The connection between Ji Jin-hee and Min Ji-hong went back about twenty years.


It was when Ji Jin-hee was active as an active player.


A sudden B-rank Gate Break occurred.


Ji Jin-hee discovered a young boy in that place where everyone had been killed.


Surprisingly, even the corpse of the monster that was the cause of the Gate Break was not found.


That day.


It was because of the boy who awakened in front of his parents' death.


That boy was Min Ji-hong.


S-rank skill Black Hole.


Hostility towards monsters.


Ji Jin-hee recognized Min Ji-hong's potential at a glance.


He thought that he might become the first national-level player in New Korea, surpassing himself.


It wasn't just for that reason.


Ji Jin-hee secretly adopted Min Ji-hong as his adopted son.


Under his guidance, Min Ji-hong grew rapidly.


After seven years, he was almost equivalent to an S-rank player, mid-level.


Min Ji-hong wanted to obtain a license as soon as possible and leave for the Abyss.


Because his hatred for the monsters who killed his parents was strong.


However, at that time, the system was structured so that minors could not obtain licenses, and Ji Jin-hee also emphasized that it was not yet time.


Mediocre power and hatred.


Because he had watched many players crumble in similar situations.


Ji Jin-hee acted as a strict father, and Min Ji-hong quietly built up resentment.


The incident happened suddenly.


An A-rank Gate Break appeared in the middle of downtown Seoul.


Min Ji-hong, who happened to be at the scene, single-handedly stopped the Gate Break and attracted the attention of the guild.


A report was immediately submitted to the Association.


The Association wanted to test the skills of the promising player who would become an important force in New Korea in the future, and Min Ji-hong responded to the condition, demanding that he obtain a license.


B-rank players and A-rank players selected as test players collapsed powerlessly.


Kwon Kang-hyuk and Park Seong-jin stepped forward, watching.


They were two rising rookies who had just obtained an S-rank license.


If he surpasses them.


The Association would have no choice but to issue an S-rank license.


Min Ji-hong had already grown to the level of an S-rank player, high-level.


In front of the skill 'Black Hole', Kwon Kang-hyuk and Park Seong-jin were powerless.


He did his best to trample on the two.


The Association was pleased with the emergence of a new talent and tried to issue an S-rank license to Min Ji-hong.


It was Ji Jin-hee who stopped it.


The reason was that Min Ji-hong was not yet mature enough to go to the Abyss.


Betrayal of a trusted person.


Min Ji-hong, whose magical power control was not yet perfect, was furious and lost his reason.


The runaway Min Ji-hong reached the top level of S-rank player that day.


The first unofficial national-level player in New Korea.


That power knocked down everyone there.


Kwak Si-yang, Yoo Ah-young, and Go Tae-wook were no exception.


Min Ji-hong ran to Ji Jin-hee for the last time.


But Ji Jin-hee was also the one who held the number one ranking.


Min Ji-hong became half-dead for the first time, and Ji Jin-hee also suffered considerable injuries.


It was an injury that would shorten his player life by nearly ten years.


It's a runaway, but it's a power that reached the top of S-rank.


The best players in New Korea rushed in, but Min Ji-hong succeeded in taking out the Association's secrets at the end of the rampage.


After that, he disappeared into the Abyss using the warp gate.


It was an unknown fact considering the external image of the Player Association.


And a few years later.


The malignant guild was established.


A bad guild with many mines mixed in.


An unknown guild master.


Information came in that Min Ji-hong was affiliated there.


He was a man who had once been pushed as the future of the Association.


The Association classified all information about Min Ji-hong as confidential.


Night Walker was the same.


Min Ji-hong seemed to be slowly forgotten.


Until Ji Jin-hee became the new Association President and Min Ji-hong's malignant guild joined hands with the Samhaphoe.


And back to the present.


Min Ji-hong had become a Grand Duke Contractor and was plotting something.


'Association President's fault… you never know how a person's destiny will turn out.'


He didn't feel like pitying him.


"It's already irreversible."


"I'm sorry… I'll share all the information I've gathered so far. I need to… rest for a while."


"I'll let you know about future information."


The two nodded at Go Tae-wook's words.


Ji Jin-hee got up heavily and left the room.


The wounds he had suffered from Min Ji-hong in the past throbbed as if they were aching.


As soon as Ji Jin-hee left completely, Go Tae-wook's report began.


"Due to the influence of the friendly match, the malignant guild and the Samhaphoe are almost dissolved. But recently, I caught the movements of the Shadow."


"Shadow. That guy has a tenacious lifeline."


Go Tae-wook nodded.


"Tae-san Group Vice Chairman Lee Jeong-soo."


"......"


Tae-hyun paused at the unexpected name.


Go Tae-wook continued, unconcerned.


"And he's behind a pseudo-religion called 'New Thousand Ri Eyes'."


"Vice Chairman Lee Jeong-soo, well, that's because of the Tae-san Guild… But what's New Thousand Ri Eyes?"


It was a religion he had never heard of even in his previous life.


"The leader doesn't seem to be anything special… But recently, the diseases they're spreading are unusual."


Tae-hyun's eyebrows twitched at the word disease.


Okay, here is the English translation of chapter 189:


Chapter 189


‘A disease...’


It was Taehyun, who lived a different life than now.


In his previous life, the first thing that came to mind when he heard the word "disease" was 'Venom of the Gray Disease'.


And the disastrous epidemic that guy spread.


Although, ultimately, Ricky Hallis lost her life for another reason.


Taehyun personally dealt with Venom himself.


At that time, a new hypothesis came to Taehyun’s mind.


If Ricky Hallis's death was predetermined, and that death could not be prevented…


Could it be that Venom's epidemic also couldn't be prevented?


In his previous life, he prevented the epidemic in advance by killing Venom.


But what if...


'What if the Guangzou Research Institute's sample fell into the Shadow's hands?'


A chilling thought gave him goosebumps.


"That's certainly... the first time I've heard of that."


"That's probably because we're moving secretly."


"I don't have a good feeling about this."


"I was planning to take care of it soon anyway. We've secured enough evidence and witnesses. We're just setting the date."


It was just like Go Taewook to handle things like that.


Currently, Shin-Hanguk's power is much greater than before.


If it wasn't for strong individuals like Shadow or Min Jihong, the association's power alone would be enough to handle it.


"Since the matter is what it is, the Four Great Guilds will also cooperate. Are you thinking of participating?"


"I'm afraid it's difficult right now."


"……?"


Go Taewook had a puzzled expression.


He thought Taehyun would be eager to jump in, given his usual reactions.


However, there's an order to things.


"I need to go to America first."


Now that he had a rough understanding of Min Jihong.


It was time to fulfill Ricky Hallis's request.


Kevin Lee, the president of the American Player Association.


The expression on his face as he drank his coffee was not good.


"Cody, how are you feeling?"


"I'm not that bad."


Cody Cruise put down his coffee cup and answered indifferently.


"Don't push yourself too hard. I know the backlash from using the Duke's power is significant."


"……."


Kevin Lee's voice contained not only concern but also disappointment.


It was because he hadn't revealed the fact that he was a Duke contractor to himself, the association president.


If it hadn't been for the battle with Orgal.


He wouldn't have told him in the end.


"It's not like we can afford to rest any longer."


Cody Cruise said calmly.


"……."


"I suppose not."


It was Michael Gore who spoke.


He understood the current situation better than anyone.


That's why all the more.


The fact that Ricky Hallis wasn't here weighed heavily on him.


No, it's not just her.


Ricky Hallis. Dominic Gavrant. Uriah Simon.


America has lost three SS-rank players.


Moreover, they were ranked 2nd, 3rd, and 4th after Cody Cruise, all of whom were considered top-tier powerhouses.


Currently, the only SS-rank players remaining in America are Cody Cruise, Montel Jackson, and Sarah Collins.


If Cody Cruise were to show weakness in a situation like this.


'America can no longer claim to be the world's police.'


That's why he attended the meeting with an imperfect body.


"The United States of America may be facing an unprecedented crisis."


Kevin Lee said quietly.


He regretted it belatedly.


Sending Ricky Hallis alone to the deepest part.


Dispatching two investigation teams even though he knew the Duke was involved.


The choice that greatly reduced the power of its allies, Britain and France.


"Haa."


He sighed softly.


Of course, it wasn't without gains.


He experienced firsthand that the Duke's forces were more powerful than he thought.


He confirmed that Min Jihong from Shin-Hanguk possessed power equivalent to Cody Cruise.


He also confirmed the possibility that Kim Taehyun might be stronger than Cody Cruise.


But that's it.


The damage was too great compared to the information gained.


What if an SS-rank gate break occurs in a situation like this?


They would also suffer significant damage.


"It seems they've silenced the media for now."


Michael Gore changed the atmosphere.


The fault for losing the safety zone in the deep layers lay with Taehyun and Cody Cruise.


It happened during their escape.


"Because of that, we had no choice but to reveal information about the Duke."


Kevin Lee said in a self-deprecating voice.


Information about the Duke was a secret known only to a few great powers.


Although it was already in the past, the value of the information was beyond imagination.


"It couldn't be helped."


Michael Gore comforted Kevin Lee.


If they hadn't emphasized the fear of the absolute existence of the Duke.


America and Shin-Hanguk would have undoubtedly lost their standing in the international community.


"What happened to the Legend-grade item?"


Cody Cruise, who had been listening quietly, asked.


"We couldn't find it. We're planning to end the deep layer search as of today."


"...Is that so."


"Did you say that Kim Taehyun confirmed Ricky Hallis's death?"


Cody Cruise nodded.


While he was facing Min Jihong, Taehyun moved alone and conveyed Ricky Hallis's death.


He also felt Orgal's immense magical power.


He had no choice but to believe Taehyun's words.


"Maybe Kim Taehyun knows its whereabouts."


"Has there been any contact from Chairman Ji Jinhee?"


"He's currently undergoing intensive care, so it's difficult to reach him."


The Legend-grade item, 'Memories Ring'.


The user of the Memories Ring is supposed to learn the skill 'Memorize'.


Although it's an S-rank skill.


Memorize is not a particularly great skill in terms of combat.


However, the value of the skill varies greatly depending on the user.


Ricky Hallis was undoubtedly the world's best magician, and the 'Memorize' she activated had an immeasurable value in the abyss where communication equipment didn't work.


A valuable item and personnel that could guarantee world hegemony for decades to come.


That was 'Memories Ring' and 'Ricky Hallis'.


"Can't we make a new one?"


"It's already an item that was miraculously created. Even if we help with financial support, the artisans who made the item can't guarantee that it will have similar performance."


In other words, it was a unique item in the world.


"Even if the item is like that... Ricky must have found out a lot of things... It's a shame."


Michael Gore muttered.


She spent a considerable amount of time in Orgal's castle.


Just obtaining that information would be a great help for future plans.


Perhaps because America had already lost three SS-rank players.


That information was particularly disappointing.


"Cody."


"Yes?"


"Kim Taehyun. How long do you think it will take for him to surpass you?"


"……."


Kevin Lee and Michael Gore's gazes focused.


"At the current rate, it won't take five years."


"I see... What are Sarah's chances of catching up to Kim Taehyun?"


"We'll have to aim for at least 10 years."


"In the end, within five years, we have to either bring Kim Taehyun to our side, or turn the tables. We have to take a gamble."


"We need to throw bait."


It was when Michael Gore was speaking meaningfully.


Knock knock.


The secretary came in with a knock.


"Chairman, Player Kim Taehyun from Shin-Hanguk has arrived."


"……!!"


"……."


"……?"


"He requests to see you now. What should we do?"


The three people exchanged glances.


The deliberation wasn't long.


"Bring him in."


Soon after, the number of people in the chairman's office increased to four.


"Welcome. Hero of Shin-Hanguk."


"Spare me the pleasantries."


"……."


It was an audacious attitude, but no one said anything.


It's because they are in a position to recruit a man named Kim Taehyun.


Taehyun had also finished assessing the situation.


"I came because of Ricky Hallis. Her request."


The faces of the three people twitched simultaneously.


"Ricky... made a request?"


"There was something she asked of me. Before that, I would like to propose a deal."


"Tell... me."


Taehyun raised his hand.


A blue ring was sparkling.


"That's...!!"


"In exchange for fulfilling Ricky's request, I would like you to acknowledge my ownership of the Memories Ring."


"……!!"


Taehyun demanded a Legend-grade item as a condition for participating in the second investigation team.


He even made a Awakened's Oath, but since Ricky Hallis died, Taehyun also failed to complete his mission.


So, in order to officially obtain the item, he needed to make a new promise.


'Of course, I don't intend to return it willingly even if they refuse.'


Taehyun had prepared Plan C, even considering the possibility that they would refuse.


'There's no good to be had from turning Kim Taehyun into an enemy here.'


It would be more beneficial to lure Taehyun and keep him as a friend of America.


Kevin Lee nodded.


"I understand. I will acknowledge your ownership. If you want, I'll write an official certificate of transfer later."


"I swear on my honor."


Michael Gore pounded his chest as if agreeing.


Taehyun smiled at the situation that was proceeding smoothly.


"Ah, one more thing."


"What... else?"


"You'll also have to tell me about the 'Update of Humanity'."


Once again.


A change occurred on the faces of the three people.


The Update of Humanity.


That's information that can't even be compared to the Duke.


It's something that only a very small number of people in America would know.


"Don't tell me you even peeked into Ricky's memories...?"


Kevin Lee asked with a sullen expression.


"What will you do?"


Kevin Lee and Michael Gore exchanged glances.


It was information that they were going to use as bait to tie Taehyun to America anyway.


It's a little earlier than expected, but if they can tie him down for sure.


'It's not a bad deal.'


Kevin Lee nodded after organizing his thoughts.


"I accept that offer. However, there are conditions on this side as well."


"Things you learned through Ricky. And you want me to be America's strength."


'……!!'


He's completely reading his mind.


'A guy like this... was really a minor until last year?'


"What will you do?"


Taehyun added slyly.


Kevin Lee didn't have many options.


"Let's make an Awakened's Oath..."


Taehyun and Kevin Lee made an Awakened's Oath.


Michael Gore and Cody Cruise quietly watched the scene.


Duke Orgal.


Duke Jormungandr.


Their planned invasion of Earth.


Taehyun excluded information about Rosaria and Igmun, and told them everything he had learned through Ricky's memory.


If they, led by the Duke's contractor, really invade Earth?


At this point in time, the country that could exert the greatest influence was America.


Igmun. Orgal. Jormungandr. Beelzebub. Lucifer. Hazard.


"Hehe... There are at least six Dukes."


"It's hopeless."


"……."


"Then it's my turn now."


The Update of Humanity.


Taehyun mentioned what he had seen in Ricky Hallis's memories.


"Don't worry. We also intend to keep our promise firmly."


Kevin Lee said, getting up from his seat.


"It's better to see it directly than to hear it. Let's move to another place."


"Is there someone else you're going to meet?"


Taehyun asked, wondering about the sudden change of location.


"It's not a person."


"……?"


Kevin Lee chuckled at the look on his face that seemed to say, "What nonsense are you talking about?"


"It's a god."


Episode 190


"You said... 'God'?"


Taehyun asked again.


"You look like you don't believe it."


Kevin Lee said, and Michael Gore and Cody Cruz didn't seem surprised either.


'They're not joking, are they?'


But God?


What an absurd thing to say.


Even as he thought that, the four of them diligently moved through the association building.


They arrived at a room located on the 50th floor.


They had already gone through several stages of identification just to get here.


Perhaps that's why.


The room only contained a few mana stones.


Kevin Lee, the association president, approached the mana stone installed in the center and infused it with mana.


That was the signal.


Wooooooong.


The mana stone vibrated, and mana was transferred to another mana stone.


After rotating like that several times, a warp gate was created in the middle of the room.


'I've never seen anything like this before.'


It was a level of technology that even Taehyun in his previous life hadn't experienced.


Kevin Lee called out to Taehyun.


"Come in. The gate will close soon, so you have to hurry."


Kevin Lee, Michael Gore, and Cody Cruz crossed the gate in order.


'God, huh...'


To confirm the unbelievable truth.


Taehyun followed them through the gate.


"Where is this?"


Taehyun asked, looking around.


Everything was pure white.


"I can't tell you that much."


"......"


"Wasn't our agreement about 'humanity's update'?"


Kevin Lee slyly threw out a new bait.


It meant that if he wanted to know more, he would have to pay the price.


Taehyun also had no intention of doing a losing business.


"I suppose so."


Taehyun kept looking around as he followed the three of them.


'Maybe it's another dimension.'


Somewhere between Earth and the Abyss.


It felt like they were right on the border.


Had they been walking for about 10 minutes?


'......!!'


He felt a huge amount of mana coming from the front.


An existence that wouldn't be strange to be called a Grand Duke's.


Nevertheless, the other three didn't seem particularly surprised.


Instinctively, he could tell that it was related to that "God."


They walked for another 10 minutes.


He couldn't help but ask about the scene in front of him.


"What... is this?"


"Didn't I tell you? It's God."


Kevin Lee replied with a smirk.


'This... is God...?'


It was a huge mass of light, easily exceeding 10 meters.


Behind the mass of light, which formed a human shape, were things like wings.


He could tell when he got closer.


This.


This mana far surpassed that of a Grand Duke, something beyond a monster.


"Congratulations, player Kim Taehyun. With this, you're on the same boat as us."


"What... are you saying...?"


Taehyun asked, unable to take his eyes off the mass of light.


Michael Gore and Cody Cruz were looking at him with understanding expressions.


Kevin Lee was the same.


"Let me introduce you. The source of mana and the existence that created the status window system. The God who realizes humanity's update. 'No Name'."


As if introducing their country's guardian deity.


He said, spreading his arms.


Unlike the surprised Taehyun, the three had calm expressions.


They were the top executives of the American Player Association.


It was only natural that they had known about 'No Name' for a long time.


On the other hand, the regressed Taehyun felt like he had been hit hard on the back of the head.


This was information that not even he in his previous life, nor a guild could obtain.


That's why he couldn't help but ask.


"So this is really God...?"


He had forgotten honorifics, but Kevin Lee didn't mind.


Because the scene in front of him was an existence that could completely change a person's values.


'The existence called God is like that.'


Kevin Lee smirked.


Now that he had even revealed the No Name card.


He was planning to completely pull Taehyun to the American side.


"From his ability perspective, yes. The status window system that cannot be explained by science. The one who created that is 'God'."


"I need a more detailed... explanation."


Taehyun, who had managed to regain his composure, asked again.


Kevin Lee nodded.


Any human being becomes ordinary in front of God.


The strongest, who discussed being the best in the world, and the intellectuals were the same.


The 모습 that Taehyun was showing now was not much different from the 모습 they had shown.


"Back then, humans couldn't handle skills like they do now."


President Kevin Lee's explanation began.


It was a story passed down from his predecessor.


And from the predecessors before that.


One day, when the Abyss was discovered and humans were suffering from the invasion of monsters.


God.


An unknown existence appeared here in Washington D.C.


Under his influence, humanity obtained the status window system and awakened skills.


It was a moment that could not be explained scientifically.


The first discoverers.


They grew rapidly, and the United States, where God took root, produced more excellent awakeners than other countries.


At this point, Taehyun had to ask.


"Then the update of humanity is..."


"Yes. The moment God's power spreads to the world. It means upgrading the status window system."


"......"


Expanding the limits of the status window system?


It was a series of amazing stories.


A story that would be pointed at and called a pseudo if religious people said it.


But the person who was saying that was the head of the American Player Association, and the unbelievable object was right in front of him.


He couldn't just brush it off.


'No Name? God? This is driving me crazy. I'd rather believe that Grand Dukes mate.'


That's what Taehyun was thinking.


[You are a little different.]


"......!!"


A voice with a medium-low tone and an unidentifiable gender.


The language of monsters was heard in his head.


Taehyun looked around.


"I guess you're wondering where this place is."


Kevin Lee was giving an expression as if he had caught on.


Taehyun ignored Kevin Lee and expanded his senses.


[Don't worry. Only you will hear my voice.]


"......"


Only then did Taehyun look at No Name.


It seemed that the other three definitely couldn't hear the voice.


More than anything.


'Is this guy... reading my mind?'


The "King" he met before the regression had that ability.


As he was thinking, the voice was heard again.


[It's a very simple principle, so don't be surprised. You, who regressed with the power of the King.]


In that word.


Taehyun couldn't help but be surprised.


God uses the language of monsters?


'That's ridiculous.'


That alone was enough to doubt the existence in front of him.


Knowing about the "King's power" and "regression" was another matter.


[Monster, huh. That's not wrong either.]


No Name, who had read Taehyun's thoughts again, made the first move.


Meanwhile, President Kevin Lee was injecting mana into God.


The way to communicate with God was to send a specific signal with S-rank mana.


Clearly, there should be some reaction by now.


But God was just bouncing off his mana and showing no reaction.


The only member that had changed from before was Kim Taehyun.


'Could he have contacted God?'


No. That can't be.


God had never tried to talk to anyone who had visited this place before.


Kevin Lee also met God through the former Player Association President.


Only after becoming the Player Association President did he gain the "authority" to talk to him.


That's why he told Taehyun about the existence of God.


Since God was in America anyway.


Taehyun, who had seen the existence of God with his own eyes, would have no choice but to cooperate with America.


But the situation happened suddenly.


Mana rose from God's body.


It wasn't just radiance.


It was white, dark, and dazzling nonetheless.


"What is this...!!"


"......!!"


The other three were also embarrassed.


Michael Gore and Cody Cruz were waiting for Kevin Lee's orders.


Taehyun instinctively wrapped his body in crimson mana.


[So much has been twisted due to your regression.]


Taehyun's body, who couldn't even open his eyes properly, twitched once again.


[Why are you so surprised? If you've already met the King, you should have experienced this much power.]


God mentioned the King once again.


This guy knows the King.


And in considerable detail.


Taehyun couldn't help but ask.


'Are you also... a "King"?'


Beast King Orgal. Demon King Beelzebub. Succubus Queen Rosaria. Vampire Lord Igmun.


They are all the ones who call themselves Kings.


So God.


It wouldn't seem strange if the guy in front of him was a King somewhere.


But.


Taehyun's expectations were greatly off.


[That's not a word that suits me. I'm just an observer.]


'Observer?'


[How is it? Did you get the life you wanted?]


The last moments of Taehyun's previous life came to mind.


SSS-rank monster Asmodeus.


The day he met a powerless death by that guy and regressed with the power of the King.


The life of a player that he couldn't achieve in his previous life.


He decided to become the best player in the world.


And now.


Since he was shoulder to shoulder with Cody Cruz, who was the best in his life, he had achieved his goal to some extent.


'What does me achieving my goal have to do with you?'


[Great power has been used for you. It's natural that a corresponding price is needed.]


'Price?'


[It seems like the time has come to break the chain of reincarnation.]


'What are you talking about?'


He was bewildered by the incomprehensible words.


Measures were being taken against God's sudden action.


"Player Kim Taehyun, let's get out of here for now."


Kevin Lee took the lead.


"......"


The space was already shaking.


Taehyun couldn't easily take a step.


"Let's get out. Even we can't guarantee survival if we're trapped here."


Michael Gore added an explanation.


"......"


Even so, Taehyun remained unmoved.


"Why are you doing this?"


Even Cody Cruz had a puzzled expression.


Because Kim Taehyun he knew was not reckless enough to act like this in a place like this.


But for Taehyun, the opinions of the three were no longer important.


[Do you want to know the truth? Then unleash your mana.]


"Player Kim Taehyun!"


Michael Gore started shouting at the unresponsive Taehyun.


Unleashing mana in this place now is the same as antagonizing the United States.


'But I don't know when I'll be able to come here again.'


The 고민 didn't last long.


Kwaaaaaaa.


Crimson mana rose from Taehyun's body.


"K, Kim Taehyun player, what are you doing...!!"


"Withdraw your mana."


"It's a rash action."


Taehyun did not withdraw his mana despite the warnings of the three.


"I. I need to know the truth."


"This action now..."


Cody Cruz was about to say something.


"......!!"


"What is this...!!"


The surrounding air began to change.


The density of the air began to change due to the mana.


The source of the mana was God.


Crack. Crackle.


Cracks appeared in the space.


At this rate, the warp gate, the only entrance, would disappear.


If they can't get out now.


'I can't guarantee survival.'


Even so.


Kwaaaaaaa.


Taehyun maximized his mana.


The spatial distortion was accelerated by colliding with No Name's mana.


"Let's get out... even if it's just us."


Kevin Lee gave the order with difficulty.


It was already getting hard to breathe.


Michael Gore and Cody Cruz agreed.


'Kim Taehyun, what are you thinking?'


Taehyun's eyes were already dyed red.


"Cody!! Hurry!!"


Cody Cruz belatedly left the space at the shouts of Kevin Lee and Michael Gore.


Closed space.


Only Taehyun and God remained there, glaring at each other.

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