RKP 231-240

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Episode 231


Kasim Zort attacked AHO, and a new phase unfolded.


People began to question:


Why do the Minds spread the Gray Disease?


Why are the Minds unaffected by the Gray Disease?


The World Player Association, beyond national borders, declared war on the Minds.


As if in response to that action,


Terror attacks occurred one after another in the United States, followed by England, France, Russia, and Germany.


In an unprecedented period of chaos caused by the Minds, where players hesitated,


China announced its ambition to become a great power.


They declared the "One Belt, One Road" initiative


to dispel rumors that China was behind the Minds.


Nearly a thousand players who newly received S-rank licenses,


led the way in killing countless Minds.


The world was astonished by China's potential, which had been considered to be waning.


The number of S-rank awakeners is steadily increasing, and the frequency of issuing S-rank player licenses is also increasing.


Even so, the number of S-rank players China possesses is far greater than the combined total of S-rank players in other major powers.


The United States, with three SS-rank players, and Shin Korea, with one SS-rank player.


Perhaps because everyone knows that the relationship between the three countries is not good,


the three countries naturally began to be compared for the next world hegemony.


China, with its limitless growth potential from its massive population.


The United States, still the world's strongest power.


Shin Korea, which has grown solidly while strengthening its internal affairs.


Around the time when the world's attention was focused on these three countries,


the World Player Association officially announced that Ji Jin-hee, Park Sung-jin, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Kwak Si-yang had become top-tier S-rank players.


This was to emphasize that the Shin Korea Player Association and the World Player Association maintained a strong relationship.


At this time when Shin Korea's power is greatly increasing,


Tae-hyun, the one who can be called the strongest, was not found anywhere on Earth or in the Abyss.


Kwaaaa!


Tae-hyun crossed the gate.


He used the skill 'Portal' to reverse summon to where Rozaria was.


'Reverse summoning is getting quite familiar now.'


Perhaps because his magic stat had grown rapidly,


the strain on his body had decreased significantly.


When he opened his eyes, he saw Rozaria being massaged by succubi.


[Contractor, you came faster than I expected.]


Rozaria looked at him with a calm expression.


Actually, many things had happened while Tae-hyun was away,


but she also knew that time flowed differently in the Abyss and on Earth, so she didn't take it seriously.


Tae-hyun nodded and looked at her arm.


The arm that had been torn off by Orgal was completely regenerated.


"Is your power 'completely' back?"


[Didn't I tell you? It wouldn't take long.]


"That's a relief."


Only then did Tae-hyun look around.


Various types of monsters were withered and dead.


It was clear at a glance that Rozaria had done it.


[Those are Orgal and Igmun's underlings. They dared to invade my castle.]


"..."


Just looking at the appearance of the monsters, they didn't seem like ordinary S-rank or S+ rank.


No, if they had come all the way here to invade,


'Are they at least SS~SS+ rank monsters?'


Rozaria was already considered one of the weakest among the Archdukes.


She had been injured by Orgal, and rumors had spread that her surroundings were weak because her aides had been sent to the battlefield.


It was only natural that higher-ranking monsters would think it was a good opportunity.


But.


'How foolish.'


No matter how Rozaria is evaluated as the weakest among the Archdukes,


that's only for those who are at the level of Archdukes.


In reality, there is an unbridgeable gap between an Archduke and an SSS-rank monster, even if they come in droves.


'A higher-ranking monster should know that much... Why...?'


While Tae-hyun was pondering over the incomprehensible actions,


Rozaria spoke first.


[Ah, you wouldn't know, would you? One way for a non-growth type being to grow is to covet the magic power of someone with a higher rank than themselves. A strong monster would never give its body to a weak monster, would it?]


"......!!"


A way for non-growth type monsters to grow was something he had never thought of.


On the other hand, Rozaria giggled and continued.


[The territory war is a good opportunity for them to grow. They were trying to harm the injured me and take a seat.]


And now, their plan had failed, and they had all become good medicine for Rozaria.


'Not all higher-ranking species are omnipotent.'


Tae-hyun was newly realizing that there was not much difference between humans and higher-ranking monsters.


"Good information. So, what happened to Typhon?"


[I'm already narrowing down the range through Orgal's subordinates. At least it doesn't seem like he was sealed in the main castle.]


That meant more time was needed.


It was within the range he had expected.


"I see."


Tae-hyun said that and turned his gaze to the succubi who were massaging Rozaria's tentacles.


[Hmph~ It seems you have other business. You may leave now.]


[Yes, Queen.]


[Kyaruru. Rest well.]


[Call us again. Kyarurururu.]


When the succubi left, only Tae-hyun and Rozaria remained in the huge hall.


[Speak.]


"I met the one who calls himself Hazad's contractor on Earth."


[Hoo. Hazad made a contractor?]


Rozaria looked surprised.


He was the one who reigned as the Dragon King after the Demon Dragon King Baal.


She thought that he would not make a contractor due to his arrogant personality unique to the dragon race.


"He told me some things I had never heard before."


At those words, Rozaria's expression changed subtly.


[What kind of things?]


"Hazad said he would kill you."


As soon as she heard Tae-hyun's words,


[Ahahahahaha.]


Rozaria burst out laughing.


[Archdukes are always aiming at each other. There's nothing to make a fuss about.]


That wasn't wrong.


Tae-hyun had the same thought when he heard Asisat Avi's words.


"And he said that increasing contractors is to pass through the gate leading to Earth?"


[Yes. There's no harm in expanding the territory.]


"Rozaria."


Tae-hyun quietly met her eyes.


[Hmm?]


"Are you also aiming for 'King'?"


[......]


A moment of silence passed.


[Is there any reason why I shouldn't?]


"I had many thoughts after meeting Hazad's contractor."


So far, excluding Jang Lin-pung, the other contractors.


Cody Cruz. Min Ji-hong. Kasim Zort. And even Asisat Avi.


They acted as if they knew more information than Tae-hyun, even though they were contractors of the same Archduke.


Some of it might be information they obtained on their own, but the biggest difference was.


'How much information the Archduke exchanges.'


In that respect, Rozaria was not completely subordinate to Tae-hyun.


She occasionally gave him useful information, but most of it was obtained in a give-and-take manner.


Rozaria never took the initiative to inform him first.


Why?


Tae-hyun had thought about it countless times.


She was at a disadvantage in the territory war, so she should have been opening up a lot of information to Tae-hyun.


'Does she not trust me?'


No. But she had saved Tae-hyun's life several times.


Even at the cost of losing one of her arms.


In other words, he could only suspect that she had some other purpose.


Even though they had a contract.


'In the first place, monsters and humans cannot coexist.'


Tae-hyun quietly used his skill.


Tting.


[The skill Eye of the Superior Species (S) has been activated.]


It was to not miss even the slightest change in Rozaria.


Tae-hyun asked again.


"Archduke Rozaria. What is your real purpose in contracting with me?"


[......]


A moment of silence.


What broke the silence was Rozaria's laughter.


[Puhup... Haha... Hahahahaha....]


"......"


[Why should I tell that to the contractor?]


"There's nothing more dangerous than an unreliable alliance. Depending on your answer, I may terminate the contract."


Tae-hyun said firmly.


It would be a shame to lose Rozaria as a power, but


'If I can't handle it, I have to cut it off here.'


[Oh my, you really are a heartless man. In this respect, you're similar to the King.]


"The answer?"


[My answer is the same as before. But I can promise one thing. I will not do anything that will harm the contractor. Of course, that includes that place called Earth.]


"......"


It was an ambiguous answer.


[Hehe. Do you need more assurance than this? I'm starting to feel a little resentful.]


It was pressure to answer quickly without thinking.


'What a fox.'


Tae-hyun, having made up his mind, opened his mouth.


"I was rash this time. I apologize."


[You really are a quick-witted man. So? Don't tell me you came back just to ask that.]


Rozaria knew.


That the problem Tae-hyun had mentioned before could not be solved in this amount of time.


That there was something he had to solve in the Abyss.


"Beelzebub. I need his power."


[Hmph~ You're asking for more and more difficult requests.]


Rozaria took it to mean that Tae-hyun wanted to make a summoning pact with Beelzebub.


Tae-hyun corrected the request.


"I can't make a summoning pact with someone who already has a contractor, can I? Rather, I need a few drops of his blood."


In other words, he was asking her to tell him a way to draw blood from Beelzebub.


[Ahahaha, if it's that, it's not difficult.]


As if reminded of a fun memory,


Rozaria burst out laughing once again.


[Beelzebub. He is the one who lost to the King in the past and begged for his life to survive.]


Beelzebub.


[He is an Archduke who survived from the previous generation along with Lucifer.]


The Archdukes of the previous generation.


Rozaria mentioned names that Tae-hyun had never heard before.


Baal, Lilith, Behemoth, Balrog, Diablo, Leviathan.


In addition to these, several other monsters who had reached the rank of Archduke.


All of them were removed for defying the King's will, and she told him that Beelzebub and Lucifer were cases where they begged the King for their lives to survive.


"The previous generation... They're seriously old-timers?"


Considering that time in the Abyss is different from Earth,


The past time of the two Archdukes was not a scale that Tae-hyun could fathom.


[Yes. They are special among the Archdukes.]


"So, what's the way to get blood from him?"


[Reveal that you are the key chosen by the King.]


"Reason?"


[He is someone who once kneeled before the existence of the King. To borrow the words of humans, he has a great trauma.]


The word trauma was not immediately understood.


Trauma to an Archduke.


Because it's an absurd word.


But Rozaria's thoughts were different.


[I can still vividly remember the way he trembled when he saw His face. Ahahaha.]


"Just mentioning the King's name... I feel like he might die."


[Hehe. You just need to have the power to touch his trauma.]


'Complete hypnosis?'


But if he used that skill on an Archduke, it would be Tae-hyun who would have his mind collapse.


Rozaria, reading Tae-hyun's thoughts, shook her head.


[The power that the contractor uses is only a small part of the power that I possess.]


Rozaria's tentacle wrapped around Tae-hyun's body.


And.


Tting.


[A huge power permeates. Magic power increases by 10.]


[A huge power permeates. Charm increases by 10.]


The stats went up at once.


The message didn't end there.


[Normal skill Complete Hypnosis (S) is transformed into Ataraxia (S).]


"This is...?"


[Now you look a little more like 'us'.]


Rozaria smiled with an unknowable expression.


Episode 232


Feeling Rosaria's meaningful gaze, Taehyun checked his status window.


Name: Kim Taehyun


Age: 20


Rank: S


Strength: 342 Stamina: 341 Speed: 335 Magic Power: 495 Charm: 265


Fatigue: 12%


Remaining Magic Power: 355/495


[Unique Skill]


Devour (SS) - Can devour a desired target. Yokai Power: 120


[General Skills]


Ataraxia (S) - Dominates the opponent's mind. Yokai Power: 90


Blood Frenzy (S) - Activates physical abilities. Yokai Power: 100


Eye of the Superior (S) - Pierces through the opponent. Yokai Power: 10


Apocalypse (S) - Creates an infinite field. Yokai Power: 200


Dragon's Fury (S) - Emits magic-enhanced Haki. Yokai Power: 100


Beast Transformation (S) - Morph the body. Yokai Power: 170


Energy Compose (S) - Materializes energy made of magic power. Yokai Power: 60


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


Memorize (S) - Activates recording magic. Yokai Power: 300


Portal (S) - Creates a warp gate with set coordinates. Yokai Power: 100


Dark Apostle (S) - Controls darkness made of magic power. Yokai Power: 80


[Summon Skills]


Rosaria (S) - Summons the succubus queen Rosaria. Yokai Power: 300


Hazard (S) - Summons the Dragon Lord Hazard. Yokai Power: 11000


Igmune (S) - Summons the Vampire Lord Igmune. Yokai Power: 550


Orgal (S) - Summons the Beast King Orgal. Yokai Power: 7800


Beelzebub (S) - Summons the Demon King Beelzebub. Yokai Power: 10000


Jormungandr (S) - Summons the Demon Sea King Jormungandr. Yokai Power: 9000


Typhon (S) - Summons the Giant King Typhon. Yokai Power: 99999


“……!!”


Unlike usual, there was a significant change.


'Complete Hypnosis has been modified into 'Ataraxia', and the magic power and charm stats have increased.'


That was a huge number for Taehyun at this point.


"If this is possible, please do it quickly."


Taehyun complained as if he didn't dislike it.


He was satisfied.


Unexpected growth.


A sense of exhilaration that he was getting stronger beyond his limits permeated throughout his body.


[Hehe. Wouldn't that depend on you? It seems like this is the limit for your current body.]


Rosaria said, her red eyes shining.


Just as Taehyun could read the opponent's magic power flow with 'Eye of the Superior', she could vividly see the flow of magic power flowing through Taehyun's body.


Taehyun knew it too.


The magic power stat that rose by 10 right now.


Even that much was precarious, like dropping ten drops of water into a full glass.


Even knowing that fact, he said these words simply because of the sense of accomplishment he felt with each growth.


'Even though Rosaria is reluctant to exchange information, she wouldn't intentionally delay my growth.'


She only hoped that Taehyun would find his own way according to the King's arrangement, and would welcome any opportunity for growth with open arms.


In other words, this level of stat increase meant that it was the maximum that his current body could contain.


"I definitely feel stronger, but can I buy time from Beelzebub with this skill alone?"


Taehyun asked, examining the newly transformed skill 'Ataraxia'.


[Of course not. If you meet Beelzebub believing only in that, it will be difficult for you to meet me again.]


'I guess so.'


Even if his stats increased and his skills were strengthened, it would be arrogant to think that he could buy time against a Great Duke.


Rosaria was pointing that out.


"Well, I expected that."


Taehyun accepted it readily because it was an answer he had expected to some extent.


Rosaria was satisfied with Taehyun's attitude.


She was worried that he might think that he could take on a Great Duke with this much growth.


[You've met Igmune and Orgal. You certainly understand faster.]


"It's experience gained with my life."


The power they briefly encountered was not something that could be evaluated by rank.


Even Taehyun, who had higher stats than awakeners of the same rank.


'The rank of the awakener must be at least SSS' to be able to consider fighting.'


Even that was only for the special existence called Kim Taehyun.


[Contractor. You remember what my authority is, right?]


How could he forget?


The skill 'Complete Hypnosis' created with her authority.


How many minds and monsters had he shattered with it?


"Mind control. It's registered as Ataraxia now."


[Ataraxia. A pleasant-sounding term.]


Rolling her tongue as if savoring the word, Rosaria continued.


[You can think of it as my power, which had been subtly permeating you, has become 'a little' stronger.]


"A little..."


He hadn't used the skill yet, but he could feel it vividly.


Ataraxia.


He knew that if he used this skill, he could enthrall even SS-rank monsters without having to expend much effort.


'Of course, it would be difficult for the strong ones among them.'


It was a great harvest compared to when he used to make the opponent nearly comatose or take advantage of their exhaustion.


"Does even this skill not create an opening against Beelzebub?"


The essential condition for a lower-ranked being to mentally dominate someone with a higher rank than themselves.


That was to take advantage of the opponent's weakness.


However, there was no way that a being of the Great Duke's level would show Taehyun a weakness.


Especially when looking at Rosaria's attitude in evaluating Ataraxia.


'It's difficult to create an opening no matter what skill I use, including Devour.'


Taehyun concluded that.


'Do I have to find another way?'


It was when Taehyun was thinking that.


[There's no need to be so discouraged. The contractor seemed to have considerable talent in mind control even before contracting with me.]


"......?"


Taehyun had a look of not knowing what she was talking about.


[The numerical values that humans call stats. Isn't there a charm stat among them?]


"Huh... I suspected it."


Taehyun let out a hollow laugh at the unexpected mention.


There were many who had awakened mental skills.


But naturally, what influenced their skills was magic power.


Many studies had been conducted, but the charm stat was merely a numerical representation of a person's charm.


It was a stat that was of no use to Taehyun, who was a combat-type player.


But that charm stat.


'It's used like this?'


It was only natural for Taehyun to make an absurd expression.


'The charm stat that had been slowly rising is now at 265.'


It was close to the four main stats of a decent SS-rank player.


He could confidently say that it was the highest in the world.


"So, are you going to teach me a proper technique?"


[It's closer to a trick than a technique. It seems that the contractor prefers close combat.]


That was not wrong.


Until now, 'Complete Hypnosis' had only been used to extract information from the opponent or create an opening.


His main combat method was striking using swords or ancient martial arts.


Unlike other Great Duke contractors, he did not rely heavily on the Great Duke's power.


That was possible because Taehyun had the absolute power of 'Devour'.


[Would you like to try?]


"I want to make one thing clear."


[Tell me.]


"I don't have much time."


The time in the Abyss flows faster than on Earth.


What if Taehyun obtains Beelzebub's power but the Gray Plague has already engulfed the Earth?


It would be more beneficial to find and deal with Kasim Zort or Min Ji Hong, even if it meant some sacrifice.


[Don't worry. Don't you have a Personal Space, contractor?]


Taehyun realized that Rosaria was talking about the inner world.


"But there..."


There was a doppelganger.


Recently, he had been cooperating with Taehyun, but there was always the possibility.


'That guy is likely to recognize Rosaria as an enemy.'


[Are you worried about me? You're such a cute man.]


Saying that, Rosaria came closer to Taehyun.


[There's nothing to fear.]


He simply made eye contact with Rosaria.


Just with that.


Tring.


[Skill Ataraxia (S) has been activated.]


Hwaaaaaaak.


The skill was forcibly activated.


The vision was reversed.


What appeared before his eyes was Taehyun's previous life.


A life as a non-awakener.


A series of helpless lives.


He trained and made a name for himself as a porter to overcome it.


Eventually, the end was a helpless death at the hands of Asmodeus.


Asmodeus's attacks lacerated his entire body.


His limbs were torn off, but they did not regenerate.


Taehyun screamed at the vivid pain.


One second felt like one year.


Puh-uhng.


The circuits in his brain, unable to withstand it, were severed.


How much time had passed?


When he opened his eyes again, Igmune appeared.


Devour was torn to shreds in front of his blood-colored magic power.


Before Taehyun could even try to dodge, his long fingernails pierced Taehyun's heart.


It felt as if he had become meat skewered on a skewer.


Jju-uk. Jju-uk.


Taehyun's crimson magic power, his vitality as a human, was sucked away through his fingernails.


Once again, it felt like one second had become one year.


In the frozen world, only Taehyun's body and brain seemed to be shriveling.


Years passed.


Puh-seok.


Taehyun faced a mummified, withered death.


It was a helpless end.


Next to appear was Orgal.


He had reduced his overall size compared to before, as if he had controlled his magic power.


Koo-oong. Koong.


The space vibrated every time he walked.


When Taehyun used Beast Transformation, his muscles swelled.


Compressed muscles.


He increased his size to match the one with bursting muscles.


Following ancient Chinese martial arts, ancient Shin Han martial arts hit.


There was no shaking at all.


Kwajik.


Taehyun's skull was blown off by a fist that he lightly swung.


It happened before Taehyun could even react.


His mind snapped back.


"Heok... Heok... Keuk..."


Taehyun opened his eyes, gasping for breath.


A vast desert.


And a red sky.


It was Taehyun's inner world.


In front of Taehyun, kneeling on the ground, was a queen with numerous tentacles.


[Next is Beelzebub. Your entire body will melt away, but... will you try?]


"Haa... Haa..."


Taehyun silently caught his breath.


[Now that you have received the power of the King. It is the weight that the contractor must bear. If you can't endure it, even now...]


"...No. I can handle it."


Taehyun pressed on the floor and straightened his knees.


Even if he felt the same pain as in reality, it was still the mental world.


He had confidence in his mental strength.


"Let's go right away."


Taehyun said, his red eyes shining.


[Indeed, you are my contractor.]


Smile.


Rosaria's red eyes flickered once again.


Thud.


Taehyun collapsed.


Even though it was an illusion, he could not withstand Beelzebub's poisonous magic power.


[Hmm... I guess we should rest a bit before doing it.]


Saying that, Rosaria lightly waved her hand.


It was because a new movement was detected.


A light breeze lifted Taehyun up and sent him far away.


[A guest has arrived.]


Rosaria's red eyes narrowed slightly.


A man could be seen walking from far away.


Taehyun in another form.


It was the doppelganger.


[This is the first time for me, isn't it?]


Rosaria greeted him with a smile.


The familiar power was felt from the doppelganger, not the incomplete power that Taehyun possessed, but the magic power closer to the original form.


However, the doppelganger did not seem to want to get close to him.


[Greetings are unnecessary. I wish you would get out of my domain?]


[Hmm. Well, I don't mind. But you have quite the arrogant mouth.]


Saying that, Rosaria lightly waved her arm.


Whoo-oong.


The wind that blew in the inner world at that moment.


Ssweek.


Cut the doppelganger's body like a sharp sword strike.


No, it should have cut him in the first place.


But.


Kwajik.


The doppelganger stretched out his arm.


An arm that resembled that of a monster easily blocked Rosaria's attack.


The doppelganger tilted his head and clenched and opened his hand.


And.


[Did you say Rosaria?]


[That's right?]


The corner of the doppelganger's mouth curled up bitterly at Rosaria's haughty answer.


[You. You're weak?]


At the unexpected provocation.


Rosaria's red eyes twitched.


Episode 233


I regained consciousness.


A splitting headache made me instinctively frown.


'Damn… feels like my brain's about to explode.'


Enduring skills is the body's job, but activating them is the mind's.


In that sense, this kind of overload that pushes the brain to its limit wasn't welcome.


It felt similar to when I overclocked all the skills in No Name's Personal Space.


If I hadn't fainted, my brain might have really exploded.


It made me realize once again how terrifying Rosaria's mind control was.


'Rosaria…?'


Forcing my heavy eyelids open, I looked for her.


Thump. Thump.


Unlike the blurred vision.


The sound of explosions was vivid, as if they were happening right next to me.


'Explosions…?'


My mind raced quickly through the headache.


This place was Taehyun's inner world.


If explosions were happening in such a place, there could only be one reason.


'Doppelganger…!!'


Just a moment ago, my mind had been dazed and confused.


But the thought of the Doppelganger instantly jolted my mind and body awake.


Thump. Bang.


Unlike the sound of explosions that seemed so close.


I could see the figures of the Doppelganger and Rosaria far away.


They seemed to have been fighting for quite some time already, as cracks were visible in the space all around them.


It meant that a massive amount of magical power was clashing, exceeding Taehyun's mental strength to maintain the inner world.


Whoosh. Whoosh.


Boom. Boom. Boom.


Rosaria's numerous tentacles pierced the floor, aiming for the Doppelganger.


I could instinctively tell.


Each and every tentacle contained power that wouldn't be strange even if it was an SSS-rank monster's ultimate technique.


But the Doppelganger easily dodged or deflected those attacks with his monster-like hands.


The explosions I had been hearing were coming from there.


'Damn it… why did that damn guy have to pop out again.'


It wasn't that I didn't expect something like this to happen.


It was just that I had some expectation that Rosaria knew about the Doppelganger's existence and wouldn't interfere, as she came here with confidence and it was related to the growth of the vessel.


However.


Boom!!!


My expectations were shattered as the two collided fiercely.


'He's really someone you can't associate with.'


I clicked my tongue as I watched the guy raging like a madman.


He didn't seem to care whether Rosaria was Taehyun's ally or not.


She was just an uninvited guest who had invaded his territory, and a delicious prey.


'He won't stop… unless one of them dies.'


He nonchalantly defended against the tentacles closing in from all directions and the swirling winds.


Contrary to my expectations, the battle was tilting in favor of the Doppelganger.


His growth was unbelievable compared to when I fought him before.


I had recently sent Igmun's clone into the inner world, but it was the first time I was seeing the battle between a Great Old One and the Doppelganger directly.


'I never expected him to overwhelm her to this extent…'


Did he become stronger by following me?


Or.


'Is he… getting closer to his original power?'


Gulp.


The battle of Great Old One-level beings was unfolding before my eyes.


Just watching it would be an invaluable experience, but at least for now.


'I have to stop them.'


Rosaria and the Doppelganger.


To Taehyun, they were helpers and hidden cards, essential for future battles.


Just as I was about to move, after organizing my thoughts.


The Doppelganger's red eyes, which had been deflecting Rosaria's tentacles, met Taehyun's.


[Stay out of this.]


The Doppelganger's index finger was pointed at Taehyun.


Just that alone.


Thump. Thump. Thump.


"……!!"


I placed both hands on the floor due to the pressure I felt.


Of course, I couldn't straighten my knees.


It was already a heavy enough attack just with that.


Swish. Swish. Swish.


Chains, materialized out of nowhere, began to wrap around my body.


"……!!"


Strength drained from my body as it touched the 'Chains of Binding'.


With just a gesture from him.


'Apocalypse' was created against Taehyun, the owner of the skill.


Rosaria also noticed that Taehyun had awakened due to the Doppelganger's actions.


[Oh dear. To be distracted with me in front of you.]


Slash.


Rosaria's tentacle cut off the Doppelganger's arm, which had been aiming at Taehyun.


Following that.


Thud.


Two tentacles, thinned like threads, pierced the Doppelganger's body.


They were about to tear his body in half.


[You're getting cocky.]


Crack.


The Doppelganger severed the tentacles with his remaining hand.


Crack.


The severed arm regenerated quickly.


A darker and redder magical power than before.


It was a monster's hand that Taehyun had regenerated using 'Blood Frenzy'.


Whoa.


Whoa.


The two beings unleashed their magical power.


Crimson and dark purple magical power unfolded, forming their respective domains.


Crackle. Crackle.


The cracks in the space deepened.


At first glance, it was the same phenomenon as with Igmun.


However, one thing was different: the Doppelganger's magical power was amplified even more than before.


[You're better than that clone, but only just.]


The Doppelganger's hand pointed to the sky.


Thud. Thud. Thud.


[……!!]


Rosaria's eyes wavered at the sight of the blood greatswords falling from the red sky.


Blood Sword.


It was Igmun's technique.


Its sharp blade cut through her domain and severed her tentacles.


[So this is all you've got.]


As if savoring the state of the butchered prey, the Doppelganger wore a sinister smile.


I wriggled my body.


The chains wrapped around my body rattled, tightening their grip even more.


'At this rate… it's really dangerous.'


Contrary to my expectations, Rosaria was clearly being pushed back.


Her tentacles were being cut off, and her arms had already been blown away several times.


The Doppelganger, too, had his limbs severed and his body pierced several times, but.


That was all.


Compared to Rosaria, whose magical power decreased each time she regenerated, he wasn't taking any damage.


'If he uses Predation… the tide will turn drastically.'


Even as I had that thought.


Crack.


The jaws of Predation were created beneath Rosaria's feet.


Crack.


She quickly dodged, but a quarter of her tentacles were torn away by Predation.


[Tsk.]


Rosaria clicked her tongue and regenerated her tentacles.


To her, the tentacles were no different from parts of her body.


A considerable amount of magical power was reduced by the high-speed regeneration.


This was Taehyun's inner world.


There was a limit to the magical power she could use.


At this rate, she wouldn't last even 10 minutes.


'Move.'


I stirred my body to break free from the tangled chains.


I couldn't muster any strength in my body.


In addition to the skill 'Chains of Binding', 'Energy Drain' was working in overlapping layers.


A considerable amount of magical power was being sucked into the Doppelganger.


'This crazy bastard is using other people's skills as he pleases…'


I gave up my grumbling and racked my brain.


As before.


No matter how many there were.


'He knows all my skills inside out.'


He had neutralized me with just 'Apocalypse' and 'Energy Drain'.


This much leeway was only possible because Rosaria was dealing with him.


'It's impossible to use Predation. I have to escape Apocalypse… in a way he can't imagine…'


Perhaps because I had a history of devouring myself once before.


The tightly sealed Predation showed no signs of being activated.


Not just Predation.


'Blood Frenzy', 'Eye of the Higher Species', 'Apocalypse', 'Dragon's Wrath', 'Beast Transformation', 'Energy Compose', 'Energy Drain', 'Memorize', 'Portal'.


All the skills that had grown with Taehyun had been rendered unusable.


It was being completely controlled to the point where I was confused about who the real owner of the skills was.


'All that I can use is…'


Only the recently registered 'Apostle of Darkness' and 'Ataraxia'.


It was a difficult situation.


It was too far away to help Rosaria with 'Ataraxia', and I could only materialize weapons with 'Apostle of Darkness' for now.


To escape.


'I have to use Apostle of Darkness as a movement skill.'


To do that, I needed to have a thorough understanding of the skill first and foremost.


'Think, Kim Taehyun.'


Just as I had applied Ricky Hollis's skill to create 'Portal'.


'Figure out how the shadow was able to move like that with Apostle of Darkness. Think.'


It was an even worse environment than when I created the gate in the labyrinth.


At that time, I could still use other skills.


'Think, Kim Taehyun.'


Using the two skills, 'Ataraxia' and 'Apostle of Darkness'.


A way to escape this place.


'Increase the understanding of Apostle of Darkness, a way to escape this place in a way that the Doppelganger didn't expect.'


At that moment.


Crack!!


At the eerie sound, I raised my head.


I saw half of Rosaria's tentacles being devoured.


The magic of Predation, as if the seal had been lifted, was toying with Rosaria, the delicious prey.


Of course, Rosaria wasn't just taking it.


[Explode.]


Boom!!


The Doppelganger's half-body exploded at her words.


The power that only those who have reached the ultimate in mind control skills can use.


Word Decree.


'Word Decree?'


One skill came to mind in my head.


The Saintess's second skill, 'Holy Revelation'.


'Ataraxia' has the authority of mind control.


Just like Rosaria did.


What if I could put power into my words?


'This is it!!'


At the sudden realization, I closed my eyes.


I could vividly feel the magical power being sucked out through the 'Chains of Binding'.


Although it was being sucked out, it was also being quickly replenished.


The magical power of Rosaria that the Doppelganger had devoured.


It was enough magical power to activate one or two skills.


Soon, the timing came.


Crack.


At the same time as Rosaria's tentacle was devoured, magical power filled my body.


Ting.


[Skill Ataraxia(S) has been activated. Specifying target.]


It felt like I heard such a sound in my ear.


'Become a shadow.'


I gave myself the command.


I could vividly feel the darkness that surrounded me, forming the Apocalypse.


It's not enough.


Once again.


Ting.


[Skill Ataraxia(S) has been enhanced. Specifying target.]


'Melt into the shadow.'


Ting.


[Skill Apostle of Darkness(S) has been activated. Specifying location.]


Along with the feeling of powerlessness as the magic was drained.


Swoosh.


My body melted into the darkness.


Crack. Crack. Crack.


Three mouths, opened grotesquely.


The magical power of Predation surrounded Rosaria.


It was a position that even she would feel was dangerous this time.


[You should just die now, right?]


The Doppelganger said with a sinister smile.


[Truly arrogant. The Contractor seems to be dozens of times better than you.]


She said primly, as if she didn't like it.


[Are you done talking?]


The jaws of Predation narrowed the distance with Rosaria.


At that moment.


The corners of Rosaria's lips twitched.


[I think that's what I should be asking.]


[……?]


It was when the Doppelganger was about to ask what nonsense she was talking about.


Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.


Rosaria's remaining tentacles were embedded around the Doppelganger.


Four tentacles wrapped around the Doppelganger's arms and legs.


[What a futile attempt….]


It was the moment when the Doppelganger giggled and tried to expand the range of Predation.


Swoosh.


[……!!]


In front of his eyes.


Taehyun, who should have been suppressed, appeared.


Before he could even react.


"Get lost."


Taehyun's red eyes flashed.


Ting.


[Skill Ataraxia(S) has been activated. Specifying target.]


[Skill Ataraxia(S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerating.]


The Doppelganger's face contorted at the reversing vision.


Episode 234


Tae-hyun opened his eyes.


What he saw wasn't the red sky, but the ceiling of the castle.


He was out of the mental world.


'Did it... work?'


Just as Tae-hyun thought that,


Ting.


[Adapting to the immense power. Magic increases by 1.]


[Adapting to the immense power. Charm increases by 1.]


[Adapting to the immense power. Stamina increases by 1.]


Three messages appeared before his eyes.


"Heh..."


A hollow laugh escaped him.


Stats that were hard to raise even by 1 on Earth were skyrocketing as soon as he came to the Abyss.


On the other hand, he also felt that it was stingy compared to the crisis he had just faced.


'Humans are truly fickle.'


Just as Tae-hyun was about to chuckle,


[You're awake, I see.]


"Rosaria."


He murmured the name of the woman who appeared in his sight.


Rosaria looked no different from before entering the mental world, as if she hadn't been in battle at all.


[That last one. It was quite good.]


"......?"


[Why are you so surprised?]


With a sweet smile, she snapped him back to his senses.


"Could it be that it was all... an illusion?"


[Hehehe. Did you really think this one would fall for that?]


Rosaria burst into laughter as if amused by Tae-hyun's reaction.


Hundreds of tentacles writhed behind her.


"......"


One of the tentacles wrapped around his body.


Tae-hyun watched silently, as he didn't even have the strength to move a finger.


[No need to be nervous.]


Swoosh. Swoosh.


The purple magic flowing through the tentacles quickly replenished his energy.


The tentacles felt like a warm touch, and his body became languid as if he were taking a half-bath.


It was as if he had mixed and drunk a fatigue recovery potion and a healing potion.


"Two more training sessions and my mind will collapse."


Before he knew it, the fatigue accumulated in the mental world had melted away like snow.


[Hmm. It seems you've gained a new understanding.]


'A new understanding, she says.'


Tae-hyun knew that what she was referring to was not 'Ataraxia' but 'Apostle of Darkness.'


Because it was the first time he had shown such a movement skill during combat.


"Yeah. Thanks to you."


It wasn't just that the skill's proficiency had increased.


Following the creation of the skill 'Portal,' he had even made 'Apostle of Darkness' his own.


It would take a little more time to use it perfectly, but.


'For now, this is enough.'


It was hard to believe that it was an illusion, as the sensation from that time was still vivid.


The darkness of the Apocalypse and the crimson magic of the Doppelganger.


Tae-hyun had clearly moved by riding and melting into the darkness.


'The reason he was called a shadow must also be because he moved by riding the darkness.'


He would have to think a little more about the application to long-distance movement like warp, but he had his own plans for that as well.


[Rest a little more. There's no point in overdoing it.]


Rosaria knew how much of Tae-hyun's mental power had been consumed.


She was planning to resume training after sufficient rest.


But Tae-hyun's thoughts were different.


"What are you talking about? That was just a warm-up."


Contrary to his words a moment ago, 'Two more training sessions and my mind will collapse.'


Tae-hyun shook his head and got up.


Rosaria clicked her tongue at the sight.


[It's not always good to overdo it.]


"I told you. I don't have time."


Ting.


[Skill Eye of the Superior Species (S) has been activated.]


Tae-hyun, with his eyes turned red, unleashed his magic.


It was because he thought that this time, he would not be swayed by her and would do it properly.


[You truly are a man I never tire of.]


Rosaria's red eyes flashed.


Once again.


The skill 'Ataraxia' was activated.


The torture called training continued nine more times after that.


Each time, it was followed by pain that felt like his mind was collapsing.


It wasn't for nothing.


Rosaria's mental manipulation ability was at a level that Tae-hyun couldn't define.


And when he regained consciousness after finishing the last, tenth training session,


Ting.


[Adapting to the immense power. Charm increases by 1.]


[Adapting to the immense power. Magic increases by 1.]


[Adapting to the immense power. Stamina increases by 1.]


[Skill Apostle of Darkness (S) proficiency has increased.]


[The demonic power of skill Apostle of Darkness (S) is being readjusted.]


[Skill Ataraxia (S) proficiency has increased.]


[The demonic power of skill Ataraxia (S) is being readjusted.]


[The demonic power of summoning skill Rosaria (S) is being readjusted.]


New changes came to Tae-hyun's stats and skills.


Not only 'Apostle of Darkness' and 'Ataraxia,' which he had trained as his main skills, but also the demonic power of his summoning skill 'Rosaria' had decreased.


"Haa... Haa..."


Tae-hyun lay down in his place, gasping for breath.


Rosaria's tentacle wrapped around his waist and began to heal him.


His exhausted mind and body could not keep up with the recovery power.


[Contractor. You seem to need rest.]


What Rosaria was talking about was not forced recovery through magic, but natural rest that took time.


"Yeah. I'm a little... tired."


[Hehe. A little, you say.]


Thud.


Contrary to his words, 'a little.'


Rosaria smiled sweetly as she watched Tae-hyun fall asleep in no time.


[You truly are a cute child.]


Rosaria placed her hand on Tae-hyun's head.


Whoosh.


A more fundamental magic, different from when it passed through the tentacles, permeated Tae-hyun's body.


Tae-hyun didn't know it, but his mental limit had greatly increased due to the past ten training sessions.


Beyond helping with rapid recovery, when he woke up,


[The growth you like will have progressed even further.]


Rosaria's hand, saying that, trembled slightly.


[......]


She quietly looked at her trembling hand as never before.


The ten training sessions in the mental world.


She had told Tae-hyun that they were all illusions, but that was not true.


The Doppelganger she had first met.


That guy's existence was not what she had intended.


She hadn't used her full power in fear that the mental world might collapse.


[Even if this one fought with all her power, it would be difficult to guarantee victory...]


She estimated the outcome of the battle.


What if such a guy completely took over Tae-hyun's body and gained a physical form?


Shivers.


Just the thought made her skin crawl.


It was an emotion she had never felt since becoming a Great Duke, not even when facing Orgall and Igmun.


[The King has planted a terrifying one. The contractor's path of suffering is clearly visible.]


Rosaria stroked Tae-hyun's head and muttered.


Tae-hyun woke up two days later.


He had never woken up once and had devoted himself to mental recovery.


Surprisingly, his physical abilities had once again increased during that short time.


[These children will guide you to the entrance of Beelzebub's domain.]


At Rosaria's words, two succubi stepped forward.


[Kyaruru. We know the way well.]


[What's your relationship with the Queen?]


The succubi, poking him here and there as if looking at a strange object.


Without realizing it, he chuckled.


'Succubi and Grand Succubi are just as active.'


These guys, who are only A-rank right now, will soon become S+ rank Grand Succubi.


Thinking about it, he could once again feel how amazing authority was.


[Keep in mind. If the conversation with Beelzebub goes wrong, summon me.]


Rosaria said with an expression like she was dealing with a child.


"Okay."


Contrary to his words.


'I won't call Rosaria anymore.'


Tae-hyun had already made up his mind on his own.


He had summoned her in Orgall's castle and inflicted considerable injuries.


Now that the domain war had begun, he couldn't put her in such danger again.


'No matter what happens, I'll handle it with my own hands.'


The skill 'Ataraxia' enhanced by Rosaria's authority, and even the truth of the past she had told him.


Even if this method didn't work, he had prepared Plan B.


"Then. See you later."


Tae-hyun left Rosaria's castle with the succubi.


Guangzhou, China.


A man was staying in the place where the Guangzhou Research Institute used to be.


It was Kasim Zolt.


The poison was so strong that ordinary players would not dare to approach him.


But for him, Beelzebub's contractor, this level of poison had no effect.


"Hong Kong has been captured."


"That was fast."


"The Gray Plague has already spread, and most of the players have been neutralized."


At his subordinate's report, Kasim Zolt let out a sinister laugh.


The Gray Plague.


Thanks to this disease, created using Venom's magic, the world became a place where demons roamed freely.


That was because most of his subordinates could avoid the disease by undergoing demonization surgery.


"Deliver this to Black Hole."


Kasim Zolt handed over a purple liquid in a potion bottle.


"This is...?"


"It's Venom's magic further enhanced. He will understand my words immediately."


"Understood."


The subordinate opened the gate and disappeared.


Watching the closing gate, the corners of Kasim Zolt's mouth went up.


The source of the Gray Plague was Venom, an SS+ rank demon.


And what he had just handed over was the enhanced residual magic of Venom.


If it had been injected into Venom while it was still alive.


'It would have evolved into an SSS rank demon.'


Soon, a gate that even SSS rank demons could pass through would be created.


A man came to Kasim Zolt's mind.


'Kim Tae-hyun. Now that I think about it, he's been quiet lately.'


The contractor of Rosaria, who had shattered his heart twice.


To capture him alive, he needed to receive a little more of Beelzebub's power.


'Once this is over, I should meet Lord Beelzebub once.'


The day he would take Kim Tae-hyun's heart was not far off.


Thinking that, his body was burning and he couldn't stand it.


[Kyaruru. We can only go this far.]


[If we go any further, it's war. Kyarururu.]


Unlike their laughing words, the succubi's faces were stiff.


"That's enough. Go back now."


Tae-hyun, who sent the succubi back, stepped into Beelzebub's territory.


He had only taken one step, but he was suffocated by the poison.


At the same time.


Ting.


[Magic use has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Cursed Poison.' Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]


[Magic use has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Ominous Poison.' Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]


"The welcome is excessive."


The castle was still a long way off, but it was already like this.


Tae-hyun clicked his tongue and released his magic.


He remembered what Rosaria had said just before leaving.


[Attracting Beelzebub's attention and being invited to the castle. That's the first thing the contractor has to do.]


This was Beelzebub's domain.


To reach the guy in the castle, he would have to go through countless demons.


He might even have to face an SSS rank demon.


Kwargh.


Crimson magic spread out over the purple swamp.


Ting.


[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been activated. Searching for target.]


Numerous demons were detected.


Ting.


[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


Swoosh. Swoosh.


Pazzzzz.


He couldn't see them yet, but.


He could feel several demons withering away.


Far away, he could feel a large number of S rank demons approaching.


"Shall we cause some trouble?"


Tae-hyun, whose eyes had turned red, pulled up his magic and used the next skill.


235


[A mere bug dares to…]


[Eat you alive…]


Each of the monsters had a ferocious appearance, but their momentum didn't last long.


Whether the opponent was an S-rank or an SS-rank.


Unless a high-ranking demon lord's minion showed up, they were no match for Taehyun.


Tring.


[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]


Swooosh. Swooosh.


Taehyun stared at the two SS-rank monsters being drained of mana and rendered helpless.


For creatures in the deepest part of the abyss, they were quite useful.


Right at the very top of the SS-rank tier.


Just below the SS+ rank, which they called minions.


"It's about time the ones above start coming."


It had been roughly two hours since he entered Beelzebub's territory.


In that time, Taehyun had captured a hundred monsters.


Most of them were S to SS-rank monsters.


If he wanted to, he could easily deal with the SS-rank monsters in front of him, but he was slowly fighting them to attract other monsters.


It looked like he was monster fishing.


Just then, he felt a new monster approaching from afar.


It had an aura befitting an SS+ rank.


"Bingo."


Tring.


[Unique Skill Predation (SS) has been activated. Target is selected.]


Crack.


Crunch. Crunch.


The two already incapacitated SS-rank monsters were swallowed by Predation's jaws.


Tring.


[Mana increases by 1.]


'Two SS-rank monsters for 1 stat... stingy.'


Thinking that, he looked at the monster in front of him.


It was 3 meters tall and had bulging muscles.


It was so big that he had to look up to see its two horns.


[Kuhahaha…!! Intruder, kneel!!]


The monster shouted, exuding fighting spirit.


It knew.


It knew how many monsters the human in front of it had devoured here.


On the other hand, Taehyun was unfazed by the SS+ rank monster's venom.


'Not all demons are small.'


Rosaria's succubi, Igmun's vampires, Orgal's beastmen, Lucifer's angels, Jormungandr's sea serpent people, Hazard's dragons, Typhon's giants.


Just as there were many high-ranking demon lords in the Abyss.


There were also many forces and races they were rallying.


Among them, most of the demons had ferocious forms, befitting their names.


Their size was also smaller than the beastmen, sea serpent people, or dragons.


The monster in front of him broke that stereotype.


'It's ferocious.'


Just as Taehyun was about to use 'Energy Drain'.


The large monster opened its mouth.


[Rosaria's contractor. You know where you are and what you're doing, right?]


The monster seemed to have already heard about Taehyun's identity, as it had a nonchalant reaction.


"Of course I know. Tell your boss to come out."


Quietly controlling the released mana, Taehyun replied with an indifferent expression.


[I should tear that mouth apart right now. But I won't kill you. Lord Beelzebub is waiting.]


"That's kind of you to say."


The moment the monster raised its arm, Taehyun used his skill.


Tring.


[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been activated. Target is selected.]


Just as the mana, transformed into tentacles, was about to touch the monster's body.


Thud.


The monster deflected the skill without dodging.


[I am Kelhelam, minion of Lord Beelzebub. You think a trivial technique will work on me….]


Tring.


[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated. Target is selected. Mana consumption is accelerated.]


Whoooooosh.


Darkness descended on the area.


And.


Tring.


[Unique Skill Predation (SS) has been activated.]


Crack.


A huge mouth spread wide across the ground.


[What…!!]


The expression on the face of the SS+ rank monster, who had identified himself as Kelhelam, changed to one of disbelief.


It felt it instinctively.


The dark mana dominating the area and the dark red thing under its feet.


The two unknown forces were far beyond its expectations.


[How can a mere bug….]


The monster's words trailed off.


Crunch. Crunch.


Because Predation's mana was tearing at the monster's legs.


"No one with that much to say...is ever any good."


[Kuhaaa…]


Kelhelam tried to scream, but Predation didn't allow it.


Crack!!


Predation's jaws tore at the monster's head.


Minions don't die easily as long as the magic stone exists.


Instantly, its sturdy arms and legs were torn off, and half of its body was swallowed.


Tring.


[Mana increases by 1.]


Seeing the message that appeared in front of him, Taehyun's lips curled up.


"I'm not going to kill you right away."


Saying that, Taehyun controlled Predation.


The mana that seemed ready to devour the monster subsided.


[Lord Beelzebub won't let this…]


Kelhelam, who had regenerated his head, tried to intimidate him.


But Taehyun didn't allow it this time either.


Swish. Swish.


Chains rose from the darkness.


Stab. Stab. Stab.


They were embedded in Kelhelam's body.


"Don't worry. I won't let you get bored."


Tring.


[Skill Energy Drain (S) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]


"You have to hold out until the next one comes, right?"


[Why is a mere bug like you….]


Looking down at Kelhelam, whose muscles were starting to shrink.


Taehyun let out an evil laugh.


It was after he had devoured three more of Beelzebub's minions after Kelhelam.


This time, a proper one appeared.


'Is this one an SSS-rank monster?'


It was less than 2 meters tall.


A small physique for a higher-ranking monster.


The mana it felt was only at the SS+ level, but instinctively, it felt like Blodia.


[Human. Lord Beelzebub is looking for you.]


The monster, who didn't even reveal its name, said that.


This time, Taehyun didn't attack rashly.


The invitation to the castle was what he had been hoping for.


[Follow me.]


The moment it said that.


Whoosh.


Purple mana erupted from the monster's body.


The flickering mana soon formed the shape of a gate.


The monster crossed the gate without saying anything.


Swish.


The monster's presence disappeared in an instant.


"A gate...."


It was a gate created by the enemy.


Where it was connected to, whether there was a trap or not.


It was common sense to doubt it first before crossing, but.


'This level of risk is within the expected range.'


Now that he had decided, there was no need to hesitate.


Crunch.


Covering his entire body in mana, he crossed the gate.


At the same time.


Tring.


[Mana usage has been detected. You are caught in the 'Great Power'. Resisting with mysterious power. Partially successful in resistance. Mana penetrates. Speed decreases.]


[Mana usage has been detected. You are caught in the 'Great Power'. Resisting with mysterious power. Partially successful in resistance. Mana penetrates. Vision is reversed.]


His body became heavy and his vision was flipped.


['Great Power' is in effect. Strength decreases by 20.]


['Great Power' is in effect. Stamina decreases by 20.]


['Great Power' is in effect. Speed decreases by 20.]


['Great Power' is in effect. Mana decreases by 20.]


'Quite the chaotic... welcoming greeting.'


Even with the mana covering him, it was a sense of pressure that weighed down on his entire body.


But that was all, there were no attacks that could threaten his life.


Taehyun tried his best to manage his expression and looked around.


It wasn't much different from Rosaria's castle.


It just felt more gloomy than any castle he had ever seen.


The monster that had opened the gate was kneeling, and in the distance, there was an empty throne where someone could sit.


'Where's Beelzebub….'


That's when Taehyun thought that.


[Welcome to your death. Rosaria's contractor.]


An unfamiliar voice reached Taehyun's ear.


At the same time.


Stab.


"……!!"


An unidentified thorn pierced Taehyun's chest.


Cough.


Blood poured from his mouth.


Taehyun turned his stiffening head.


The monster with glowing red eyes was smiling there.


The Demon Lord Beelzebub.


The claws of the one also known as the King of the Devils were digging into his chest.


Tring.


[You are affected by the skill 'Root Poison (SSS)'. Resisting with mysterious power. Partially successful in resistance. Mana that could not be resisted penetrates. Poisoning begins.]


Thud.


Taehyun knelt on one knee from the dizziness.


Shudder. Shudder. Shudder.


His body trembled from the rapidly spreading poison.


Even though he resisted with Predation, it was still this much.


Beelzebub looked down at Taehyun's appearance with a sinister gaze.


[Kelbrahm. Cut off his limbs.]


At Beelzebub's words.


The monster that had brought Taehyun here, Kelbrahm, approached.


Unlike before, he could feel fighting spirit from his body.


"Your taste is... unique. Did you want to...watch the execution in person?"


Taehyun forced his lips to move and released mana.


Kwwaaaaaaa.


Dark red mana spread throughout the area.


But it didn't reach Beelzebub and his minions.


Because his body's condition had fallen below half from the surprise attack.


Taehyun didn't care and used a skill.


Tring.


[Skill Apocalypse (S) has been activated. No target is selected.]


[Skill Eyes of the Superior (S) has been activated.]


Whoooooosh.


Darkness descended on Beelzebub's castle.


[A cute little trick.]


Beelzebub commented while looking at the darkened surroundings.


Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.


Regardless of the gravity of 'Apocalypse', the minion moved its feet.


In order to turn Taehyun into a pile of meat in one go, according to Beelzebub's order.


SS+ rank mana was still leaking from its body.


Just like Blodia.


'It can't become an SSS rank without certain conditions.'


Taehyun quickly finished analyzing it.


Thanks to Beelzebub not breaking Apocalypse, the buff wasn't canceled, but his physical stats had been greatly reduced due to the monster's gaze and poison.


'There's no point in dragging this out.'


Taehyun didn't have many options.


Tring.


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


[The Great Power awakens. Strength increases. Strength is now 350 (351).]


[The Great Power awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina is now 350 (351).]


[The Great Power awakens. Speed increases. Speed is now 350 (351).]


[The Great Power awakens. Mana increases. Mana is now 475 (476).]


Crimson mana mixed into the dark red mana.


Taehyun's red eyes became even darker.


'Apocalypse' and 'Blood Frenzy'.


Even with two skills stacked, the buff effect wasn't great.


Crunch.


Taehyun's entire body was strengthened.


'I'll end it in one shot.'


Swish. Swish. Swish.


Tring.


[Skill Apostle of Darkness (S) has been activated. Target location selected.]


The moment Taehyun's body seemed to be sucked into the darkness.


Swish. Swish. Swish.


Taehyun appeared right behind the minion.


And.


The 7th Form of Ancient Korean Martial Arts. Plains.


The tightly clenched fist and straightened hand touched the body.


Crack!!


Kelbrahm's body began to swell.


The mana inside its body was flowing backward.


[Hooh.]


Beelzebub watched the scene with interest.


He had lived for a long time, but this was the first time he had seen an attack like this.


The minion stopped moving to control the reversing mana.


Taehyun wouldn't miss that brief opening.


"Beelzebub! Watch carefully!!"


Tring.


[Unique Skill Predation (SS) has been activated. Target is selected.]


Crack.


The jaws of Predation, shaped from dark red mana, showed its teeth.


[……!!]


Beelzebub's expression hardened at the unexpected situation.


Without hesitation.


Predation's jaws swallowed the minion.


Crunch. Crunch.


"I didn't come here to die."


Leaving behind the message that his stats had increased.


"I came to make a summoning oath. King of Devils."


Taehyun's declaration of war followed.


Episode 236


"You... what is that power? How could..."


Taehyun could see Belzebub's crimson eyes wavering.


It was clearly a different reaction than with Rosaria, Orgal, or Iggmun.


Rosaria's second statement came to mind.


[If he still fears the 'King', even seeing the 'King's power' used by a contractor will make him tremble.]


Furthermore.


[My authority is most effective when the opponent's mind is shaken. That is the right time to use Ataraxia.]


The right time she spoke of.


That time was now.


Taehyun's crimson eyes flashed.


'The opportunity came sooner than expected!!'


Originally, he was planning to find an opening and use Devour directly.


His current Devour wouldn't deal significant damage, but the plan was to remind him of his trauma just by showing the King's power.


However, Belzebub was showing an opening just by seeing one of his many servants, Kelbram, being devoured before his eyes.


It was a sloppy appearance for a Great Duke, but on the other hand, it was a sign of how much trauma he had.


Ting.


[You endure the skill Source of Poison (SSS). Stamina increases by 1.]


A message appeared that he didn't know whether to be happy or sad about.


'I don't have much time either.'


Taehyun steadied his trembling body against the spreading poison.


Belzebub's eyes turned to Taehyun.


[What... are you... Why is Rosaria's insect...]


"Key."


[...!!]


"Or, I guess you could call me the King's proxy."


He had already been acknowledged as a Key by several Great Dukes.


'The word proxy isn't wrong either.'


He forced himself to keep a poker face and raised the corners of his mouth.


'It would be bad if I showed weakness here.'


Taehyun wasn't foolish enough not to exploit the other's weaknesses.


As expected, Belzebub's expression noticeably hardened.


[Nonsense.]


The monster contorted his hideous face and snarled.


"It's not nonsense, Demon King. I've come to make the covenant of summoning under the King's orders."


With those words, Taehyun once again flared up his crimson magic power.


[...!!]


Belzebub flinched at that alone.


Ting.


[You endure the skill Source of Poison (SSS). Stamina increases by 1.]


[Poisoning has exceeded a certain level. Stamina consumption is accelerated.]


'The speed at which the poison is invading is faster than expected...!'


If he hadn't boosted his physical stats with 'Apocalypse' and 'Rampage of Blood', he would have passed out a long time ago.


There was no more time to spare.


'I'm going to go for a quick victory.'


Ting.


[The skill Apocalypse (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


[The skill Eye of the Superior (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


Kugugugung.


Swish. Swish.


The monster, visible through the enhanced 'Eye of the Superior', showed no movement.


Even though darkness was pushing away the surrounding poison, unlike before, he didn't seem to be able to resist.


Chains of Binding wrapped around him, one layer after another.


It was when Taehyun had halved the distance between him and the monster that he moved.


[How dare you...]


Chiik.


[How dare you...!!]


Chiiiiik.


The Chains of Binding melted away without a trace from the suddenly emitted poison.


And not only that.


Chijijijik.


With a sound like space melting away, the enhanced Apocalypse was instantly dispelled.


It was a counterattack he had expected.


Taehyun immediately used the next skill.


Ting.


[The unique skill Devour (SS) has been activated. Target identified. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


Tearrrrr.


The maw of Devour surrounded Belzebub.


1 second. 2 seconds. 3 seconds.


Several seconds passed, but the tearing sound unique to Devour was not heard.


'A failure.'


Puhaak.


Belzebub revealed himself, bursting out of Devour.


[How dare you!!!]


The monster cried out as if lamenting.


On the surface, there were no wounds.


But the mental stress must have been considerable.


It was a bonus that he had been able to close the distance with Belzebub a little further, thanks to the brief opening created by Devour.


[I'll kill you.]


Belzebub raised a trembling hand.


Chijik.


Just like Orgal had done.


Violet magic power gathered on the monster's nails.


Just watching the toxic magic power condense caused pain in his crimson eyes.


And.


Just before the magic power on the nails was about to be released.


Ting.


[The skill Apostle of Darkness (S) has been activated. Location identified.]


A feeling of powerlessness and liberation spread throughout his body as magic power drained.


Ssssst.


Taehyun's body melted into the shadow beneath his feet.


[Come here!!]


The poison exploded around Belzebub, who shouted.


He was furious that Taehyun had mocked him and ran away.


The barrier formed by Belzebub's magic power was still active within the castle.


Normally, there would be no need to doubt that Taehyun couldn't escape, but.


Right now, he was unable to think properly due to the trauma and anger towards the 'King'.


[Come back!!!]


The castle walls cracked at Belzebub's cry.


But there was no need to search for long.


Just as he had suddenly attacked from behind.


Ssssst.


Taehyun appeared behind Belzebub.


It wasn't stealth, but shadow movement.


Taehyun's tightly clenched fist and straightened palm touched Belzebub's back.


Tearrrrr.


[...!!]


The 7th form of the New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, Plains.


Ji Jinhee's ultimate technique unfolded through Taehyun's body.


And as expected.


'It didn't budge.'


He hadn't been able to prepare properly, but Plains was only used to further incite his anger.


From now on, it was time to show the results of his training with Rosaria.


Ting.


[The skill Ataraxia (S) has been activated. Target identified.]


[The skill Ataraxia (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


"Look into my eyes, Belzebub."


Taehyun's crimson eyes flashed, and.


Ting.


[The skill Memorize (S) has been activated. Target identified.]


[A saved record exists. The record will be forcibly replayed.]


Hwaaaaaaaak.


Light that was too bright to open his eyes swallowed the surroundings.


The past memories that Belzebub had tried to forget were replayed.


What was being replayed through 'Memorize' was not Taehyun's memory.


It was the distant past.


The time when the King was walking the path of tyranny to subjugate the Great Dukes.


It was the memory of Rosaria, who was by his side as an SSS-rank monster.


She had used her authority to plant the memory in Taehyun's Memorize.


The Belzebub in the memory was more hideous than now, and the King's appearance was younger than Taehyun knew.


Kwajik.


[Keuhak...]


Belzebub, struck by the King's blow, groaned.


Drizzle.


Purple pus flowed from the broken epidermis.


"I guess you can't understand with words, Belzebub."


The King looked down at the Great Duke and asked.


The crimson eyes looking at Belzebub.


The gaze contained within was chilling.


[How dare an insect like you... look down on me!!]


Puhaak.


Poison was scattered from Belzebub's body.


Cursed magic power that could even melt the Great Duke's flesh.


But.


Chiiiiiiik.


The crimson magic power surrounding the King's body burned away all the poison.


"Didn't you hear how Diablo died?"


With those words, red magic power swirled anew from the King's body.


Tearrrrr.


It was Devour on a scale incomparable to Taehyun's.


"Let's start by eating those wings."


Kwaduk!!


Belzebub's first wing was torn off powerlessly.


Hwareureuk.


Flames of magic power bloomed in its place.


It was to hinder the ultra-high-speed regeneration unique to the Great Dukes.


"Choose. Whether you will submit to me and wage war against the Upper Realm. Or."


The King gestured once more.


Kwaduk!!


As the second wing was torn off, Belzebub let out a groan mixed with pain and humiliation.


The King continued nonchalantly.


"Whether you will end your life as prey like this."


It was a humiliating proposal for him, who was born as a top-tier monster.


Belzebub suddenly burst into maniacal laughter.


[Keuk... Keuk heuk... I heard you killed the already berserk Diablo? If you strike me, you won't even dream of war with the Upper Realm!!]


The corners of the King's mouth went up at Belzebub's attitude.


"Still, you're more sensible than that Diablo guy."


The King's crimson eyes flashed.


Kwahhhhhh.


New magic power dwelled in the King's eyes.


"I have prepared a gift for you."


[How dare you... You won't be able to subjugate...]


The King didn't allow Belzebub to finish his words.


Kwaduk!!


At his gesture, Devour ate Belzebub's body.


Only the head remained.


The King picked up Belzebub, who was only a head.


"Look into my eyes, insect."


[Don't try...]


"You will submit to me."


[Stop...]


"Only then will you find peace."


Shortly after.


Belzebub, who had been screaming, began to beg for his life.


[You endure the skill Source of Poison (SSS). Stamina increases by 1.]


[Poisoning has exceeded a certain level. Stamina consumption is accelerated.]


Tremble tremble tremble.


Taehyun ignored the rising messages and reached into the Infinite Backpack.


Magic potions. Healing potions. Fatigue potions, Detoxification potions, etc.


He had drunk all sorts of potions, but they had no effect against the poison that was devouring his body.


Taehyun looked at Belzebub in front of him.


The monster who had fallen victim to Ataraxia was still not moving.


Unlike with Iggmun, this was the Great Duke's main body.


Normally, it would never have worked, but the monster's mind was already greatly shaken by just the King.


On top of that, there was the memory that Rosaria had planted.


Right now, just like in the past.


He must have been tasting the humiliation of his body being torn apart countless times and the pain of his mind collapsing.


'Still, I can't afford to relax.'


Taehyun quickly took out another potion bottle.


It was a potion bottle specially made by the Alchemist.


Gray disease of Venom that was raging on Earth.


It was specially prepared to contain Belzebub's blood, which could be said to be the source of that disease.


Ting.


[The skill Beastification (S) has been activated. Specify the imitation area.]


Kwadudeudeuk.


One of Taehyun's arms swelled greatly.


Following that.


Ting.


[The skill Apostle of Darkness (S) has been activated. The form has been specified.]


Ssssst.


A dagger was materialized in the massive hand.


Taehyun stabbed the standing Belzebub in the back with the dagger.


Geugeuk.


'Beastification' had increased his strength, and 'Apostle of Darkness' had created a weapon no different from a unique item.


Even so, it felt like scratching steel rather than skin.


Even though 'Rampage of Blood' was activated.


Ting.


[The skill Beastification (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


[The skill Apostle of Darkness (S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


Only after Taehyun enhanced the two skills.


Puuk.


The dagger was embedded in Belzebub's skin ever so slightly.


That was enough.


Drizzle.


Taehyun put the purple blood that flowed down into the potion bottle.


'Now all that's left is to get out.'


It was the moment when Taehyun, who had put the potion back into the Infinite Backpack, was about to use 'Portal'.


Puuk.


"...!!"


Piercing his chest.


He could see the nail sticking out.


"Cough..."


Taehyun struggled to turn his head.


There.


[I'll... kill... you...]


Was the awakened Belzebub.


237


Thud.


Taehyun vomited blood.


The poison had permeated more than he thought; it was a mix of red and purple.


[You have withstood the skill ‘Poison of the Root (SSS).’ Health increases by 1.]


[Poisoning has exceeded a certain level. Health depletion is accelerated.]


[Health has reached its limit. Physical abilities are reduced. Skill usage is restricted.]


Besides this, the message ‘Health has reached its limit’ rang in his ears several times.


Cough. Cough.


Taehyun coughed up blood, trying to focus his blurring vision.


‘The skill definitely worked.’


The moment he saw Predation, Beelzebub was shaken more than expected, and the memories Rosaria had implanted in the past also disturbed his mind.


It was no ordinary ‘Ataraxia.’


Although Taehyun had activated the skill, it unfolded with power akin to Rosaria's authority.


So he needed to hold him for at least another minute.


‘Why….’


His body trembled from the incomprehensible situation and the encroaching poison.


His shaking red eyes turned towards Beelzebub, who had fully regained his mind.


As Taehyun had expected, the variable was Beelzebub.


[It’s been a long time.]


Thwack.


Beelzebub’s extended claws pierced Taehyun’s abdomen anew.


“Cough….”


Taehyun looked like meat skewered on a skewer.


Beelzebub’s face, looking at that sight, contorted like that of a vicious fiend.


[That was an unpleasant experience.]


Thwack, thwack, thwack.


Two claws pierced Taehyun's legs.


Beelzebub's magic was forcibly injected into Taehyun's legs.


And.


Boom!!


Unable to withstand the immense magic, his body exploded.


Just as Taehyun was about to start 'Hyper Regeneration' with a groan.


Fssst. Fssst.


Purple magic seeped into the area where regeneration was just beginning.


It was as if the king in his memory was interfering with Beelzebub's hyper regeneration.


[From your eyes, I sense Rosaria. That damned woman's magic.]


Beelzebub's expression was unpleasant as he said that.


It was as if the king's command to 'submit' still echoed in his head.


For an immeasurable time.


It was an unforgotten edict.


If he had remained at his past level.


If he was still cowering at the king's command.


[I would have succumbed again.]


Beelzebub emanated an unprecedented amount of fighting spirit.


Undeniably.


It was more magic than Orgal, Igmun, or Rosaria that Taehyun had met so far.


‘This guy… he’s grown….’


Taehyun realized the variable that Rosaria and he had overlooked.


Just as Rosaria, who was an SSS-rank monster, had become a duke.


Beelzebub hadn't been just playing around either.


[Someday, I will definitely.]


Thwack.


Another of Beelzebub's claws pierced Taehyun's chest.


As he extended his claws, Taehyun was slammed into the wall.


Beelzebub approached Taehyun.


[I've been waiting for the day to plunge these claws into the king's heart.]


Beelzebub growled, his red eyes gleaming.


Rosaria's contractor was before his eyes.


This arrogant little creature must be the key chosen by the king.


Although the power was incomparable, the 'Predation' from a moment ago was definitely the same as the one the king had used.


But just because you use the 'king's power' doesn't mean anyone can become king.


[I will offer you as a sacrifice to shake off these dirty memories.]


Fwoosh.


Purple magic erupted from Beelzebub's body.


Not only the surrounding structures but also the outer walls of the castle began to melt.


Cough. Cough.


Regeneration was not happening, and his whole body was being eroded by poison.


‘I didn’t know I would be so battered….’


Like other duke contractors.


Taehyun's vitality was also quite tenacious.


He had become a strong body that wouldn't die even if his limbs were torn off.


But right now.


Death seemed to be looming before his eyes.


‘I have to get out of here somehow.’


Thinking that, he used the skill ‘Portal.’


He was thinking of being reverse summoned to where Rosaria was.


But.


[The skill Portal(S) has been activated.]


[The skill Portal(S) cannot be used.]


[The unique skill Predation(SS) has been activated.]


[The unique skill Predation(SS) cannot be used.]


'I knew it.'


Skills were canceled without any warning.


Before Taehyun knew it, the magic that Beelzebub had surrounded the castle with had been strengthened.


[Where are you going?]


Hehehe.


Beelzebub laughed coarsely as he looked at Taehyun.


Thwack!!


"Ugh…."


Taehyun groaned at the newly pierced claws.


The claws pierced right next to the heart.


If it had been slightly off, hyper regeneration or anything else would have stopped his life activities.


[Don't worry.]


Thwack, thwack, thwack.


Beelzebub's claws pierced in as if surrounding the heart.


'Is this crazy bastard really going to kill me?'


But.


Contrary to Taehyun's thoughts, his body was being filled with magic.


Not the original crimson magic, nor Rosaria's purple magic.


It was Beelzebub's purple magic.


[A huge amount of magic has been injected. Magic increases by 5.]


[An ominous power has been injected. Endure the ominous power. Health increases by 5.]


"……!!"


He was momentarily surprised by the message in his ear.


Crack. Crack.


The stopped hyper regeneration started again.


One difference was that it was being done with purple magic, not the original blood-red magic.


[Didn't I tell you not to worry?]


Beelzebub gave a bitter smile as he watched Taehyun being reborn as his kin.


[I won't kill you easily.]


If he was just Rosaria's contractor, he would have played with him and killed him.


He already had a usable contractor, and no matter how hard he struggled with a human body, there was a limit to growth.


But the little creature in front of him was different.


The key.


An existence with the power of the king.


Even though Rosaria had already laid claim to him.


At least it was possible to torment him without killing him.


[I will erase all traces of that bitch.]


Before he knew it, all the magic in his body was filled with Beelzebub's magic.


His hair and face turned purple.


Even so.


Only the same red eyes were telling that Taehyun's will had not been broken.


[What is that look?]


Beelzebub stared intently at Taehyun.


A will to grow.


Burning passion and determination.


Looking at Taehyun's face, he was reminded of the king's young appearance in the past.


Red eyes that imitated them despite being a mere creature.


Even the arrogant look in them was exactly the same, which he disliked.


It was different now.


The creature was not the king, and he had become stronger.


[You will give me great pleasure.]


As the king had done to him.


[I will cut you countless times.]


[I will soak you in poison countless times.]


[I will chew you up and spit you out countless times.]


[Your death will not come to pass until I allow it.]


It was like a curse.


Before he knew it, Taehyun's limbs had been completely regenerated into those of a demon race monster.


Slicing.


Beelzebub cut off one of those arms.


Squeak. Squeak. Squeak.


[Isn't that a good sound?]


Slicing. Slicing. Slicing.


Crack. Crack. Crack.


The process of cutting off and regenerating limbs was repeated several times.


Even Taehyun, who was used to hyper regeneration due to 'Blood Frenzy'.


The unique poison of Beelzebub made him feel like his mind would fly away at any moment.


The good thing was that the poison that had been eating away at his body no longer had any effect.


It was a change that started after Beelzebub's magic ravaged every part of Taehyun's body.


Rather, now that the limbs of a demon race monster had been created, the strange phenomenon of increasing health and magic stats was happening.


Of course, even so.


Taehyun had to escape from his hands.


[The skill Dragon's Wrath (S) has been activated.]


[The skill Dragon's Wrath (S) cannot be used.]


[The skill Energy Compose (S) has been activated.]


[The skill Energy Compose (S) cannot be used.]


[The skill Energy Drain (S) has been activated.]


[The skill Energy Drain (S) cannot be used.]


Beelzebub burst into wild laughter as he watched Taehyun spam skills.


[It's a useless act. Why don't you try summoning Rosaria? I'll allow that much.]


"You'll… regret it?"


Boom!!


His limbs exploded once again.


[Tsk, tsk.]


Beelzebub clicked his tongue.


Did he really think.


That someone like Rosaria could win in his castle?


Even if Rosaria had fully recovered from the wounds she had suffered from Orgal, it was a foolish thought.


Beelzebub's hideous face wore a cunning smile unique to the demon race.


[I promise. If you summon that bitch, I will kill her and make you my new contractor.]


'Bullshit.'


He knows it's a lie.


Even so.


"Okay. Not a bad offer."


Taehyun readily accepted Beelzebub's offer.


[Come on. Summon her quickly.]


Beelzebub returned the claws that had been piercing Taehyun to their original state.


Thud.


Taehyun's transformed body fell to the floor.


It was Taehyun who had summoned Rosaria in Orgal's castle before.


After that incident.


He thought he would never summon her again in the opponent's home ground.


'It's enough.'


The magic provided by Beelzebub was filling his body.


A stage more suitable for Plan B than ever before was prepared.


[The summoning skill Igmun (S) has been activated.]


Whoosh.


For a moment, the magic that had been filling his body quickly drained out.


Blood-red magic rose from Taehyun's body.


Blink.


Beelzebub blinked his round eyes.


Clearly, the bug in front of him was Rosaria's contractor.


And the magic he had just used seemed to be sufficient to summon a duke class.


But why.


[Is it you who appears?]


Beelzebub asked, glaring at the being in front of him.


A man with pale skin and blonde hair.


He was Igmun, called the Vampire Lord, who ruled over a part of the Abyss.


[…….]


Igmun also looked around with an absurd expression.


His red eyes turned to Beelzebub and Taehyun, who was sprawled out.


He understood the situation in an instant.


Where he was.


Who had summoned him.


[How absurd.]


Igmun shook his head.


For a human who had not formally contracted to summon him.


This was a different dimension of the problem than using his magic.


[I didn't expect to see you again… but I certainly didn't expect it to be like this.]


Originally, it was absurd for a human to contract with two dukes.


It was difficult to accept magic of different properties, especially duke-class magic, into the body.


The only one who had succeeded in that was the king of the Abyss.


Only he, with the power to devour everything, was unique.


[Has the key also inherited the power?]


[Igmun. You are an uninvited guest, so stay out of this.]


Beelzebub growled, regaining his composure.


Taehyun ignored Beelzebub's words and met eyes with Igmun, who was looking at him.


"Igmun. Hit Beelzebub."


Igmun and Beelzebub both had absurd expressions.


After a moment of sorting out his thoughts, Igmun shook his head.


[Key. You're scheming. Don't think everything will go your way.]


[Well thought out. Igmun. I will let you go this time.]


As Beelzebub said that, his claws aimed for Taehyun.


He was thinking of soaking his mind in poison so he couldn't play tricks again.


But.


Clang.


Igmun's extended claws struck down Beelzebub's claws.


Beelzebub's face distorted.


[You. What is the meaning of this?]


[Don't touch him. He is my prey.]


[…You are courting annihilation.]


Rumble.


Leaving Taehyun behind.


The magic of the two dukes clashed.


Taehyun, watching the scene, quietly raised the corners of his lips.


Episode 238


Purple magic and crimson magic clashed once more.


'Kugh...'


Taehyun groaned softly.


Taehyun, known as the best among the players.


His limbs were being blown away simply by the collision of magical energy.


But it's a different story if that magical energy is produced by a Great Duke.


Just like the castles of Rosaria and Orgal.


The clash of the two Great Dukes' powers had already destroyed a significant portion of the castle.


'Should I be amazed?'


Taehyun regenerated his flying limbs while keeping a close eye on the two Great Dukes' movements.


They were creating this level of chaos without taking any damage.


Belzebub, the owner of the castle, was also impressive, but...


'Igmun is on a completely different level compared to before.'


It was on a different level from the incomplete forms he had seen in Hong Kong or the Temple of Blood.


This time, it wasn't just an avatar; he was summoned with a significant portion of his power.


Of course, he was still slightly pushed back by Belzebub because he wasn't the real body.


'Is this what it feels like to be a shrimp caught in a whale fight?'


Taehyun thought as he completely regenerated his body.


The purple magic that Belzebub had forcibly injected.


Perhaps it was because he had adapted to that venomous magic.


The poison that had been ravaging his body had completely disappeared.


No, his stats had actually increased, making his body feel stronger than when he first arrived.


Even with that body, he was only managing to regenerate and stay out of the way.


'The important thing now is to maintain Igmun's summoning.'


Just like when he first summoned Rosaria.


His head throbbed as if it would explode.


Unlike Rosaria, with whom he had a formal contract, summoning Igmun still placed a significant burden on the summoner.


It was better to observe and find a good time to escape than to clumsily join the fight.


'I need to get out of here as soon as the goal is achieved.'


Otherwise, he would either get caught up in the fight between Belzebub and Igmun, or be captured by the winner.


Either way, it wouldn't be good for Taehyun.


Kwaang!!


The two Great Dukes' magic clashed again.


Belzebub used his magic to pull Taehyun back towards him, and Igmun's crimson magic countered that force.


[Vampire bastard... Have you decided to become a minion of a mere mortal!!]


Belzebub shouted, annoyed by the constant interference.


[That is none of your concern, Bug King.]


Igmun smirked and retorted.


Like other Great Dukes.


Belzebub and Igmun were not friendly.


Rather, Belzebub, a seasoned Great Duke, didn't like the newly appointed Great Dukes Igmun, Rosaria, Orgal, and Jormungandr.


'Just like Rosaria said.'


He was hostile to everyone except Lucifer, who had survived by submitting to the King, and Hazard, who ruled the dragon race in place of Baal.


'Yeah, fight like dogs, Igmun.'


The corners of Taehyun's mouth lifted.


He expected that Igmun wouldn't move as he wanted.


Likewise, he expected that he wouldn't leave Belzebub alone.


The process had been somewhat twisted, but it was ultimately proceeding as he had envisioned.


One thing.


His ultimate goal in coming here.


The only exception was that he had lost the potion bottle containing 'Belzebub's blood.'


'The variable is painful.'


The Bag of Infinity had melted away while he was being attacked by Belzebub.


The contents inside were also gone.


From now on, magic and stamina recovery depended solely on Taehyun's control.


'I need to find a gap to replenish magic with Energy Drain... and extract Belzebub's blood again. Or at least get a body part to make it worthwhile.'


Easier said than done.


To jump into this pandemonium and achieve his goal was tantamount to risking his life.


While Taehyun, who had enhanced the 'Eyes of the Superior,' was waiting for an opportunity.


Suddenly, Igmun turned around and looked at Taehyun.


A sinister smile hung on his lips.


[I can see right through your thoughts.]


Ttaak.


Igmun snapped his fingers.


Pupuput.


"......!!"


Blood swords pierced Taehyun's limbs.


It happened at a speed he couldn't even perceive.


[I'm playing along, but quietly wait for your disposal, key.]


Igmun, emphasizing that he had the upper hand, faced Belzebub again.


'Damn it...'


Taehyun cursed inwardly.


It felt as if he had been hit by 'Chains of Restraint,' and magic was draining out through the embedded blood swords.


At this rate, even if an opportunity arose, he wouldn't have enough magic left to use his skills.


Kwaang.


Another explosion erupted in the area.


Whether Igmun had used some kind of technique, Belzebub's body was torn to pieces.


When he looked up, Igmun was already approaching.


[Just because you summoned me with the King's power doesn't mean you can act like my contractor.]


As he said that, magic gathered at Igmun's fingertips.


Giiiiing.


A cross-shaped blood sword was created.


He could instinctively tell.


'If I get hit, it's over.'


He wouldn't die because he was using 'Rampage of Blood.'


'But escape is also out of the question.'


He had to avoid that attack at all costs.


With that thought, Taehyun moved his body.


But all he could do was squirm because of the blood swords embedded in his limbs.


Chiiiik.


Just as the red cross was about to be engraved on Taehyun's forehead.


Puuk.


Belzebub's fingernail, stretched from afar, pierced Igmun's chest.


The cross that seemed about to be engraved on his forehead quickly disappeared.


[Blood clot. Daring to act up in my castle without knowing your place.]


Puhwaak.


The magic that Belzebub spewed from his hand enveloped Igmun's body.


[......!!]


Igmun's pale skin turned purple.


He was poisoning a Great Duke.


Igmun didn't just stand still.


Puuk.


Igmun's fingernail pierced Belzebub's chest.


[The key is mine. Bug King.]


Pajeujeujeujeu.


The crimson magic spewing from Igmun's body began to absorb Belzebub's magic.


Poison and absorption.


Watching the two authorities in a tense battle.


'Bastards. You should have done that from the start.'


The corners of Taehyun's mouth lifted slightly.


From now on, it would be a race against time.


Rosaria is not summoned in Belzebub's castle.


That was a prerequisite that Taehyun had already envisioned the moment he decided to go to Belzebub.


He had heard about Belzebub's trauma, and although he had become stronger by obtaining Ataraxia.


Taehyun knew that he couldn't face Belzebub with that alone.


He already knew from several encounters that his petty tricks wouldn't work.


He checked his status window several times.


And he found it.


The summoning skill 'Igmun,' with the Devilish Magic power reduced to a precarious level.


In the Temple of Blood, Taehyun devoured Blodia, and the Doppelganger devoured Igmun's avatar.


As a result, the Devilish Magic power had greatly decreased, and the gradually accumulated magic stats had met the conditions for summoning Igmun.


'Considering the maintenance magic, it's precarious, but...'


He thought that he could somehow manage it by making good use of 'Apocalypse,' 'Rampage of Blood,' and 'Energy Drain.'


And with a mix of variables and expectations, Taehyun succeeded in painting the picture he had been envisioning.


Kugugung!!


Kwaang!!!


The two Great Dukes Igmun and Belzebub, who had once targeted his life.


They were now targeting each other's lives.


He remembered what Rosaria had said about the authorities of the Great Dukes.


[Authorities of the same kind as Belzebub or Orgal are not compatible with Igmun. That is why Igmun, despite his martial power, cannot guarantee victory even if he fights all the Great Dukes.]


But that was true when they were on equal footing.


This was Belzebub's castle, where he could exert his maximum power.


The Demon King was spewing venom as if he would devour Igmun right away.


It was such a terrible venom that even Taehyun's body, which was far away, was melting.


It was amazing that Igmun was not dying even while directly receiving that attack.


Igmun was resisting by absorbing Belzebub's magic, but surprisingly, Belzebub's magic seemed endless.


At this rate, it seemed that Belzebub's venom would melt his entire body before he could absorb the magic and regenerate.


Peoseok.


"......!!"


Taehyun looked at his own body.


Two of the four blood swords embedded in him had disappeared.


That was proof that Igmun had no more room to spare.


'The balance must not be broken.'


If Igmun disappeared, it was obvious who would be targeted next.


Peoseok. Peoseok.


Soon, all the blood swords embedded in his body disappeared.


Kwaddeuk. Kwaddeudeuk.


Taehyun's body began to regenerate at high speed.


Before long, all the magic that had been filled with Belzebub's was gone.


Igmun's crimson magic had filled it.


[Did you think you could defeat me with such a clumsy body?]


Kkik. Kkik. Kkik.


Belzebub, who had seized the victory, burst into a grotesque laugh.


[Be grateful that this is your castle.]


Igmun sneered as if he didn't like it.


Before he knew it, half of his blonde hair was dyed purple.


Each Great Duke's castle is prepared to maximize the power of their true self.


In that regard, the miasma scattered throughout Belzebub's castle.


That venomous magic was giving Igmun a disturbing shock just by touching him.


[Killing you here won't kill you, but it's quite a sight. Wait. My army will soon invade your castle. It's been a while since a Great Duke's seat has been vacant.]


Belzebub said, chuckling.


Igmun's face distorted.


As he said, he wouldn't be annihilated even if he died here, but there were risks.


If his true body left in the castle weakened, and Belzebub decided to attack?


In the worst case, he might have to engage in a life-or-death battle.


[Leaving only your head to decorate...]


Belzebub was about to tear off his neck after the last taunt.


Puuk.


Something burst out of Belzebub's chest.


[......?]


[......]


The two Great Dukes expressed doubts about the sudden situation.


It was Taehyun who broke the atmosphere.


"I told you, Igmun. Let's join hands."


Ttiriring.


[Skill Energy Drain(S) has been activated. Target is specified.]


[Skill Energy Drain(S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


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


[Skill Energy Compose(S) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]


Kwaaaaaaa.


The magic bullet that absorbed Belzebub's magic and quickly increased in size.


Kwaaang!!!


It struck Belzebub's back as it was.


It was hastily used, but it was as powerful as an SSS-grade monster's secret technique.


Even that attack only managed to shake Belzebub's body.


But it was an excellent opportunity for Igmun.


Kwaddeuk.


Igmun's hand, strengthened with crimson magic, tore off Belzebub's arm that was piercing his chest.


Not to be outdone, Belzebub also tore off Igmun's arm that was piercing him.


In an instant, two arms lay on the floor.


The two Great Dukes created distance and began high-speed regeneration.


[You're not useless.]


Kwaddeuk.


Igmun, who said that, drove out the miasma from his body.


The scent of blood stung his nose from the crimson magic that burned the miasma.


"I'll create an opening. Land a big one."


Kwaaaaaaa.


Dark crimson magic rose from Taehyun's body.


He had already recovered enough magic by absorbing Belzebub's magic for a short time.


The fact that Belzebub's magic surrounding the castle had weakened while the two were fighting was a bonus.


Ttiriring.


[Unique skill Devour(SS) has been activated. Target is specified.]


Jjeoeoeoeok.


The magic of Devour swallowed Belzebub.


[How dare you!!!]


Towards Belzebub, who was furious.


The giant blood sword that Igmun created.


The cross that judges demons came down.


Chapter 239


The dukes' castles were located in key positions at the deepest levels.


Among them, Beelzebub's castle was a place where even SSS-rank monsters could not easily set foot due to its poison and evil energy.


That place, which no one had been able to invade for a long time, was now...


Quarararara.


Collapsing more than ever before.


At the center, Beelzebub's purple magic power, Igmun's blood-red magic power, and Taehyun's crimson magic power were chaotically mixed.


[These... insignificant things...!!]


Beelzebub, who had repelled Taehyun's Devour and had half of his body blown away by Igmun's blood sword, shouted angrily.


Daring to cause such a commotion in his castle?


Even if one of them was a duke, it was a situation that he would never have allowed under normal circumstances.


However.


Crack. Crack. Crack.


The crimson magic power that was trying to devour him without rest was irritating.


It was not difficult to actually break it.


Only.


[King….]


The face of a forgotten, colossal existence kept coming to mind.


Was it because he had not completely overcome it yet?


Or was it because of the increasingly powerful Devour?


Every time Devour tried to swallow him, his body involuntarily flinched.


Igmun's blood sword did not miss the opportunity and pierced him.


Slice.


One of the carefully crafted blood swords cut off one of Beelzebub's wings.


[It cuts off so easily, like a bug!!]


Igmun shouted, bursting into rare laughter.


Just a moment ago, he had assumed defeat.


The reversed situation now drove him mad.


Igmun glanced at Taehyun, who was controlling Devour in the distance.


Even when he saw him at the 'Blood Temple' before, he wasn't this strong.


Key.


Kim Taehyun had grown incomparably since then.


Of course, he was nothing compared to that 'monster-like' guy he saw in the mental world.


Still, he was now strong enough to fight alongside him and push Beelzebub back.


[Beelzebub. Today, I will take at least half of your body here!!]


Igmun declared confidently and drew up his magic power.


Swoosh. Swoosh. Swoosh. Swoosh.


Hundreds of blood swords were created in various places.


Each one contained the power to blow away an SSS-rank monster.


Taehyun, who was maintaining Igmun's summoning, groaned in pain as his brain burned.


Beelzebub was not just watching idly either.


Whoosh.


The poison that had been spreading everywhere became denser.


Magic power and space began to melt in the poison.


Crackle. Crackle.


Just by manifesting his skills, sparks flew and cracks appeared.


Gulp.


Taehyun instinctively swallowed his dry saliva.


'This... I can't get caught up in this.'


Taehyun canceled Devour and used the skill again.


Ding.


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


Suck. Suck.


Just by absorbing the magic power spread throughout the area for a brief moment, over 400 magic power was replenished.


'Apocalypse won't withstand this space even if I use it. Then….'


The optimal skills for surviving in this chaos came to mind.


Ding.


[Skill Superior Species' Eyes (S) has been enhanced. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]


[Skill Beast Transformation (S) has been activated. Specify the imitation area.]


[Skill Dark Apostle (S) has been activated. The form has been specified.]


He enhanced the 'Superior Species' Eyes', which had been enhanced to see the flow of magic power, even further.


He increased his health stats by enlarging his body with 'Beast Transformation'.


He protected his body by creating a shield with 'Dark Apostle'.


And.


He used 'Stone Skin' and the White Wolf's 'Adamantine' to strengthen his body once more.


This was the best defense Taehyun could do right now.


Just then, an explosion occurred.


Sizzle.


Rip.


Beelzebub's magic power melted his body, and Igmun's magic power stole his life force.


Flesh, muscles, and bones melted and regenerated repeatedly.


Taehyun held onto his sanity in the tearing pain.


The castle collapsed in the explosion.


It was a technique that could tear each other apart, but the two dukes were not satisfied with just that.


Swish.


Igmun caressed the newly grasped blood sword.


Formed from his own blood, its power contained an unparalleled force.


Beelzebub was the same.


Crack.


He pulled out a bone that had sprouted from his reptile-like body.


Thud. Thud. Thud.


An eerie sound echoed each time the two weapons collided.


The two dukes had lived for countless years.


Lost in a trance in the long-awaited battle, the two dukes regained their senses when...


Beelzebub lost two wings, and Igmun, who did not have the advantage of the castle, lost both arms.


Sizzle.


Beelzebub's burning poison interfered with Igmun's ultra-fast regeneration.


Stab. Stab. Stab.


Beelzebub's nails were embedded in Igmun's body.


The victory was finally tilting.


[Wait patiently with your neck out. I will find you.]


Beelzebub said as if ordering.


[Hehehe. Your bluff is excessive. Come if you can.]


Then.


The two dukes, who had been mocking each other, felt something was wrong.


Igmun turned his head.


He couldn't see it.


Beelzebub expanded his senses.


He couldn't feel it.


The human who should be here.


The key that had created the current situation.


The existence of Kim Taehyun.


[…….]


[…….]


It was about a minute after Taehyun had escaped the castle.


Swish.


Thud.


Taehyun, who suddenly sprang from the ground with 'Dark Apostle', staggered and grabbed the ground.


He grasped the sand of the abyss.


'Did I get out?'


It was hard to believe that he had been in Beelzebub's castle just a moment ago.


Taehyun looked around.


'Dark Apostle' could only move to places where darkness resided.


Especially for long-distance travel, it could only move to places that were pre-marked unless the sight was out of reach.


The place Taehyun had marked was the place where he had first caused a ruckus in Beelzebub's territory.


But.


"Did I fail?"


Judging from the looks of it, he seemed to have moved to a different location in the middle due to poor condition.


Just as Taehyun was about to use 'Energy Drain' to explore the surroundings.


Throb.


He grabbed his head in the brain-grinding pain and grabbed the floor again.


It was happening because he was maintaining Igmun's summoning.


However, it was difficult to cancel the summoning.


Igmun had to hold out while Taehyun completely escaped this place.


"Buy me some more time."


He grabbed his throbbing head and stood up.


In his hand was Beelzebub's torn-off arm.


Taehyun had taken it out with him before he escaped after Igmun tore it off.


He had lost the potion bottle that originally contained Beelzebub's blood, so he took it out as a second-best option.


Sizzle. Sizzle.


Just holding it was devouring Taehyun's body.


It was a different level of toxicity than what Beelzebub injected with his nails.


It was the magic power that would have swallowed him long ago if he hadn't covered the hand holding it with magic power.


Ding.


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


Suck. Suck.


Taehyun absorbed the magic power for a brief moment.


Just that quickly filled the magic power depleted by using the skill.


Not only that.


[A huge amount of magic power has seeped in. Magic power increases by 1.]


A stat increase just from absorbing it for a brief moment?


He wanted to devour it right away, but it was difficult until he developed a vaccine for the gray disease.


Taehyun grabbed his throbbing head and used the next skill.


At that time, Rosaria was trampling on one of Beelzebub's territories.


It was because she knew that Beelzebub's gaze would be drawn there because of Taehyun.


It was also an action authorized by Taehyun, who volunteered to be the bait.


Beelzebub's dying minions spouted out obvious lines.


[Beelzebub-nim will... you year….]


[Shut that mouth.]


Stab. Stab. Stab.


Rosaria's tentacles were stuck in the monster's body.


Poof.


It was a pretty useful minion among Beelzebub's minions, a being that could be called an SSS-rank monster in Taehyun's standards.


The monster, who had been deprived of all magic power in an instant, died as it was.


[Hmm. It's quite sweet magic power.]


[Kyahahaha. Queen's skin has gotten better.]


[Kyahaha. Queen, our skin has gotten better too.]


[Queen, is this ours now? Kyahaha.]


The succubus, grand succubus, succubus knight, and grand succubus knights who moved with her burst into laughter.


They had grown rapidly due to the victory in this battle.


[Silly. We don't have the capacity to protect this place. Kyahaha.]


[Is that so. Kyahahaha.]


[That's right. Let's go back now.]


[Kyahahaha. I understand.]


[Everyone prepare. Kyahaha.]


Looking at the retreating succubi, Taehyun came to mind.


She had fewer SSS-rank subordinates than other dukes.


Even those were scattered and could not move to protect the few territories they had.


She, who was evaluated as the weakest among the dukes, could wage a territory war so boldly because of Taehyun.


He, who had been chosen by the king, had already become as strong as her top subordinates.


[Hmm. It's taking quite a while... Surely he hasn't been caught, contractor.]


Although Taehyun was a hero of reversal.


His opponent was a duke.


Even she would have a hard time staying alive if she charged into the duke's castle alone.


The king's power, Taehyun's movement skill.


Even considering the fact that Beelzebub had trauma towards the king, it was an extremely dangerous plan.


It was Taehyun who was pushing forward with that dangerous plan without any hesitation.


[Queen!! We're ready to go back!!]


A grand succubus approached and reported.


[Yes. Let's go.]


Just as hundreds of succubi were about to move.


Whoa!


Suddenly, a gate was created in front of her.


[This is….]


The magic power emanating from the gate was clearly that of a demon.


It was not the faint aura that her subordinates had, but the dense magic power that could only be felt from Beelzebub himself.


[Retreat!!]


Rosaria ordered her subordinates.


If the opponent was Beelzebub, her subordinates would be annihilated in an instant.


No one but herself could face Beelzebub.


Just as her tentacles, surrounded by purple magic power, were about to bombard the gate.


From the gate, which she thought would first come out with Beelzebub or his top minion.


A small human revealed himself.


It was Taehyun, holding Beelzebub's arm.


[Contractor?]


"I came to the right place this time."


After saying that, Taehyun slumped down.


He had to use 'Portal' more than ten times to get here.


Both arms had already become those of a demon monster due to the part of Beelzebub's body he was holding.


Rosaria scanned Taehyun's appearance, which was different from when she left.


Just that made it easy to guess what had happened.


[Did you achieve your goal?]


"Ah. I brought this at least."


Taehyun said, holding up Beelzebub's arm.


Following the arm he was holding, even his neck was turning purple.


[Yes. You worked hard.]


Tap.


One of the tentacles knocked off Beelzebub's arm that Taehyun was holding.


Just that made Taehyun, who had escaped the poison, look much more comfortable.


And.


Stab.


Rosaria's tentacle pierced Taehyun's abdomen.


"Gasp…."


Taehyun's eyes, which had twitched for a moment, slowly closed, and soon became limp.


Rosaria's other tentacles wrapped around Taehyun.


[Rest well.]


Rosaria opened the gate to return to the castle.


It had been 14 days since Taehyun had left Earth.


Episode 240


A colossal dragon stood before me.


Judging by the unique characteristics of the dragon race, fitting the color of its scales,


The one before me, possessing all the powers it symbolized, was undoubtedly a being worthy of the name, a Demon Dragon.


The Archduke from No Name's memories.


The first Archduke, the Demon Dragon King Baal.


Its body was so immense it could obscure the red sky of the Abyss.


The master of that enormous body opened its mouth.


[The Lower Realm cannot defy the orders of the Upper Realm.]


An irrefutable Draconic utterance.


The target of that utterance was a single man.


Standing tall beneath the red sky of the Abyss, a human no taller than 2 meters.


With crimson eyes and scarlet hair.


A being emanating flames of mana from every inch of its body.


He was the king who had conquered the Lower Realm after Baal's departure and become its new ruler.


Taehyun stood right beside that king.


'Your Majesty!!'


Just as Taehyun was about to shout involuntarily.


Surprisingly, it was the king who spoke first.


"Was the Regression satisfactory?"


"......!!"


Taehyun opened his mouth at the sight of the king turning and smiling.


'Just what are you... what are you doing here...!!'


But, as always, no sound came out.


Looking at Taehyun, the king spoke.


His every word etched itself into my mind.


"He was human, but not human. He was not a demon, but more demonic than any demon."


The flames that had only been red turned blue.


"I thought I could sever this ill-fated bond if I became the Overlord of the Abyss."


The blue flames turned pure white.


"I hope you walk a different path than I did."


The pure white flames turned black.


And then.


"Do not limit yourself. Transcend humanity, surpass the Archdukes."


The king's entire body was engulfed in black-red flames.


Whoosh.


Flames erupted, the same flames that had caused even Belzebub to scream in Rosaria's memories.


Red. Blue. White. Black. Black-red.


As brilliant as the diverse colors, as scorching as the diverse colors.


Baal unleashed a burst of laughter and expelled a breath.


A tremendous power that made it feel as though the Abyss itself was shaking.


The corners of the king's mouth curled upward as he faced that power.


"Go."


Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh.


The flames erupting from the king's body intensified.


A portion of the intensified flames transferred to Taehyun.


"Go and complete your journey, Kim Taehyun."


A deafening roar erupted.


Space vibrated, and the red sky began to crumble.


It was the power that had stopped Baal and made even the Archdukes of the Lower Realm tremble in fear.


But to Taehyun, that power was.


A flame warmer and more comforting than anything else.


Ding.


[A tremendous power awakens.]


[Your Rank is being readjusted.]


It felt as though such a voice could be heard from somewhere.


Taehyun opened his eyes.


The gaping ceiling alone was enough to tell him that he was in Rosaria's castle.


'I seem to be losing consciousness far too often these days…'


That thought crossed his mind as he sat up.


It was something that wouldn't happen on Earth.


That's because there are few Players or Minds left who can even exchange blows with Taehyun.


Other than Archduke contractors like Cody Cruz, Kasim Zolt, Min Jihong, and Asisat Evie, no one would be able to withstand even five exchanges.


Yet, whenever Taehyun came to the Abyss, he was pushed close to his limit.


It wasn't just the Archdukes.


The fact that there were still quite a few monsters surpassing Taehyun was a major factor.


'For stable growth, I'll have to face SSS-rank monsters.'


It was also a reason why he had to wrap up things on Earth as soon as possible and come to the Abyss.


'Still, my stats have increased a lot in a short period of time.'


Originally, Taehyun had come to the Abyss for Belzebub's blood.


But by getting entangled with Rosaria, Belzebub, and Igmun.


His stats had risen considerably.


Now, he could even consider going on a proper hunt for subordinates, not just SSS-rank monsters.


And that wasn't all.


'It wasn't a dream.'


Taehyun's Awakener Rank, which had been stuck at S for a long time, had risen to SS.


Just as he was about to examine his status window properly.


[You were lying down for quite a while this time.]


Swoosh.


Rosaria's tentacles, which had approached before he knew it, wrapped around his body.


Taehyun shuddered involuntarily at the sensation he couldn't get used to.


[Hehe. It's like watching a cute puppy.]


"You say scary things so casually."


Taehyun said that and moved his body.


His limbs had been blown away and regenerated countless times by Belzebub.


The last time, it was definitely a body representing the demon race among monsters, but Taehyun's body had returned to its original state as if nothing had happened.


'Does it return to normal over time?'


That was different from Min Jihong, who had accepted the body of a monster.


While he was thinking that, Rosaria opened her mouth with a sulky expression.


[Hmph. You've set up quite an audacious plan. Did you not trust me?]


'Did she read my memories?'


No matter how good Taehyun's recovery was, there were wounds that time couldn't heal.


The fact that he could move now was probably because Rosaria had injected mana to heal him.


Reading the memories of the unconscious Taehyun.


It would be nothing to her.


"That's not it. I just judged that weakening Igmun and Belzebub's forces simultaneously would be advantageous."


Taehyun replied as if it were nothing.


She also knew.


That it wasn't that he didn't trust her, but that he had simply chosen the side that would be more beneficial in the territory war.


Even so, the reason she felt this way was because she saw the king's figure overlapping with Taehyun's.


[Contractor. I would be sad if you died.]


"......?"


[I wouldn't have the face to see the king afterward.]


"What…"


'That's your problem.'


Taehyun didn't bother to say the rest out loud.


[So. I gained something, but it seems your purpose has failed?]


Rosaria drew in the air with her hand.


A rift formed in space, and a subspace gate opened.


Thud.


Belzebub's arm that Taehyun had brought fell out.


[Truly an unclean arm. Bringing this was probably a fallback plan?]


"Yeah."


Taehyun readily admitted and reached out to Belzebub's arm.


Sizzle.


Purple mana bloomed, and poison seeped into his fingertips.


It felt as though Belzebub was exuding fighting spirit from just one arm.


'He brought something like this without a scratch.'


Taehyun clicked his tongue and took his hand away.


The situation was so urgent that he had picked it up knowing it would eat away at his body.


But if he were told to hold it again now, he would decline.


[It's really poisonous. How did you even bring something like this?]


Rosaria, too, didn't seem to think differently from Taehyun, and frowned as if looking at something dirty.


"Don't say that too much. It would have been bleak if I hadn't salvaged even this."


It was perhaps a bigger harvest than he had originally thought.


Having a whole arm instead of a few drops of blood would be easier to study.


'If Alchemist sees this, they might faint.'


It was an Archduke's arm, after all.


Those madmen might discover things that Taehyun couldn't see.


[So what are you going to do with it?]


"I'll have to take it to Earth. I'm going to hand it over to some decent guys."


Enough materials were prepared.


If it was Alchemist, led by Seo Sangik, they would be able to achieve results quickly.


But.


[It's impossible.]


Rosaria said with a resolute expression.


Taehyun tilted his head at the unexpected reaction.


He had thought that she would be happy to get rid of something she didn't like.


[You're mistaken. What I mean is that you can't take that hideous thing through the gate. At best, you'll only be able to take it to the depths.]


"......!!"


In that moment, the words of Asisat Evie flashed through Taehyun's mind.


That the rank of monsters that could cross over to Earth would increase as the Archduke contractor's magic grew stronger.


"Are you saying that even just one arm can't cross over?"


[It's not just one arm. The contractor is taking the 'Law of the Abyss' too lightly.]


"The Law of the Abyss?"


[Hmph.]


Rosaria's expression changed back to a seductive one.


"Of course, you're not going to tell me."


[Don't be disappointed. You'll find out little by little.]


"That's not true."


It wasn't an empty promise.


Taehyun really wasn't disappointed.


He had already found an excellent informant in Asisat Evie.


'I'll have to meet her again soon.'


He had crossed over to New Korea after saying he would contact her again.


He had a feeling that there might be more things he needed to use her for than he had expected.


[So what are you going to do? Just in case, let me tell you, there's no point in drawing blood from that arm.]


"What? Why?"


Taehyun asked, flustered.


If he couldn't take the arm as it was, he was actually planning to take some skin or muscle fragments separately.


But Rosaria just laughed without answering.


Taehyun's flustered appearance, which was always so confident, was a great source of amusement for her.


'Rosaria wouldn't lie about something like this.'


Taehyun stared silently at the arm, which was exuding poison.


Devouring it would definitely lead to a considerable increase in stats.


But to do that.


'It's too precious.'


It was like trading Taehyun's stats for a vaccine against the Gray Plague.


As long as the Gray Plague wasn't resolved, the Minds would run rampant, and that would disrupt his future plans.


But going back to find Belzebub again would be utter madness.


'The same trick won't work twice.'


This time, there was a high probability that he had gritted his teeth and strengthened his defenses.


Just as Taehyun was racking his brains with those thoughts.


[Alright. I'll help you since you've helped me achieve a great victory. Devour that guy's arm.]


Taehyun sighed at the disappointing answer.


"That won't be of much help."


[Why are you so intent on using Belzebub's stuff?]


"What…?"


[Venom, was it? The guy you defeated.]


Taehyun nodded.


[The contractor has grown so much that he can't be compared to then. Surely, if it was someone you were able to defeat in the past.]


Rosaria looked at Taehyun's eyes for a moment and continued.


[Wouldn't you be closer to Belzebub's subordinate now? If the current contractor were to devour that hideous thing, he would be able to use a part of its authority.]


"......!!"


Crack. Crackle.


The magic of Devour tore apart Belzebub's arm.


As if satisfied with the long-awaited delicacy.


Devour was cleanly consuming every single poisonous finger.


'Devour, you seem to be chewing more carefully than usual.'


Just as Taehyun was having thoughts that didn't suit the situation.


The message he had been waiting for popped up.


Ding.


[A portion of the 'Source of Poison' has been devoured. Resistance to poison increases.]


[The 'Immense Mana' has been devoured. Health increases by 10.]


[The 'Immense Mana' has been devoured. Mana increases by 10.]


[The yokai power of the Summon skill Belzebub(SS) is being readjusted.]


[The general skill Paralysis(SS) has been reregistered.]


[The general skill Paralysis(SS) has been changed to Demon's Saliva(SS).]


"......!!"


His eyes widened at the superior effect.


He was somewhat aware that his stats would increase and the yokai power of his Summon skill would be readjusted.


But for the skill 'Paralysis', which he had used to create the Apocalypse, to be reregistered?


And not only that.


'It was registered as a new skill?'


Calming his trembling heart.


Taehyun hurriedly opened his status window.

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