RKP 281-290
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281
[Put away your sword.]
Erebus said.
"You'd better not move until you accept my conditions,"
Taehyun retorted with a threatening tone.
Following physical combat, psychological warfare.
Among the monsters, giants tend to be particularly hot-tempered.
Even if Erebus is among the more rational of giants.
He couldn't maintain his composure with his brother facing death.
[Didn't I tell you to put away your sword!!]
Crackling.
Crackling.
Lightning struck Erebus's body in various places as he became agitated.
The ground evaporated from the embedded lightning.
'With that level of attack, even super-fast regeneration won't be easy.'
Not impossible, but.
'Like the effects of "Devil's Saliva" and "Devour," it was easy to predict that the speed would slow down.
Taehyun clicked his tongue and thrust his sword.
Towards Aether's neck.
Sizzle.
Sizzle.
He channeled the poisonous magic emanating from 'Devil's Saliva' into the greatsword made with 'Apostle of Darkness.'
The combination of the two skills could easily melt even the tough muscles of a giant.
[……!!]
Erebus is among the top-ranked subordinates of the Grand Duke.
He couldn't possibly not know Belzebub's power, and he flinched.
It doesn't matter how Rosaria's contractor wields the power of another Grand Duke.
Only one thing matters now.
If left as it is, that sword will melt his brother's skin and cut off his head.
A severed head would never regenerate.
For the first time since Orgal killed Typhon in the past, he felt a chilling dread.
And that too.
[From a mere human….]
That dread calmed Erebus's excited emotions and restored his reason.
[I understand. I won't move.]
"Good. Don't make me say it twice."
Smirk.
Taehyun continued, wearing a smile as if dealing with a child.
"And?"
[I accept your proposal.]
Erebus said, gritting his teeth.
It was a choice he made, putting aside his pride.
"You're wrong, Erebus. Since the situation has changed, shouldn't the conditions be new?"
Taehyun shook his head and flicked his greatsword.
[…….]
Anger surged at his audacity, but only for a moment.
Erebus became aware of the situation and opened his mouth.
[State the new conditions….]
"The spoils you can take are the same. If you win, I'll hand over this castle and the others."
Rosaria's 5th and 4th Castles.
Taehyun was referring to those two places.
"Conversely, if I win, Erebus. I'll take you."
Take him, who leads the remnants of the giants.
That meant he would bring all the giants under his command.
[Puh… Puhuhuhu…. You're talking nonsense.]
Sparks flew from Erebus's massive body, which was heaving at the absurd remark.
The anger he had been trying to control exploded, and he couldn't control his power.
"You seem to be mistaken. You don't have a choice."
With those words, Taehyun thrust his sword forward once again.
Ting.
[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Addiction (SS) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
Sizzle.
The deadly magic flowed through Aether's neck, and soon the massive body was dyed purple.
He had infiltrated 'Devil's Saliva' using the skill 'Addiction.'
Although it was a skill that had already been fused and disappeared.
As Taehyun's magic control became more skillful, it could be used in this way.
'Kasim Zolt. I feel a little closer to that guy's method.'
At the same time, he could understand how high a level of magic control Riki Halis had possessed in her lifetime.
Before he knew it, one-fifth of Aether's massive body had been poisoned with purple.
Erebus shouted without realizing it at the unbelievable speed of the poisoning.
[Didn't I tell you to stop!!]
"Answer."
This time too, the victory in the psychological warfare belonged to Taehyun.
[I accept… that proposal….]
Erebus answered as if spitting it out.
Sparks flew from the guy's red eyes as he said that.
"Good. That's a good boy."
As if not caring about the opponent's fighting spirit.
Smiling.
Taehyun's red eyes curved like a crescent moon.
Before the new duel began.
Taehyun entrusted the near-death Aether to Muron.
Although she had suffered successive attacks from Erebus and Taehyun, and from Aether.
It was nothing compared to Aether's condition after being attacked by Taehyun.
"Keep him safe. If you make a mistake this time too, you'll have to pay the price."
At Taehyun's chilling words.
[…I understand.]
Just like Erebus did a moment ago.
Muron had no choice but to answer as if spitting it out.
"If we had started right away, the match would have been decided by now. You came back unnecessarily."
Contrary to his words, Taehyun had a satisfied expression.
Muron's defeat.
Aether's participation.
The battle with Erebus, who had accepted his proposal.
All situations are as planned.
[In the name of the giants, I will tear you apart. And I will chew and eat every single corpse.]
"You're saying things you can't take responsibility for so casually. Just keep your promises."
[That is what I should be saying.]
Buzzzzzz.
With a spark, Erebus's massive fist aimed for Taehyun.
It felt like a meteorite approaching at lightning speed.
Ting.
[Skill Shadow Apostle (SS) has been activated. Locating position.]
Whoosh.
Taehyun's body was sucked into the darkness.
He widened the distance.
That was something Erebus was expecting.
Buzzzzzzz.
The current that was emitted from the guy's massive body scattered in all directions.
Not only to approach.
It was to detect where Taehyun was hiding.
And.
[There?]
Bang.
Wherever the guy's fist landed, the terrain changed.
On the other hand, Taehyun was in a state of desperately running away.
The chase comes down to how quickly you can read the other's patterns.
The lightning scattering to where he can move with 'Apostle of Darkness'.
Erebus's eyes, having preempted all the positions, caught Taehyun.
Crack.
Taehyun's body, which had guarded, was thrown back.
SS-rank skill 'Beast Transformation'.
'Stone Skin' that has grown to SS rank.
New Korean Ancient Martial Arts 3rd Form Vajra.
Even though Taehyun had strengthened his body with the martial arts he had learned, there was a considerable impact.
'These giant guys are all….'
Just by swinging them easily, they have power comparable to techniques.
Erebus was special among those giants.
'Not only strength stats but also speed stats are tremendous.'
A guy with high strength and stamina to begin with, even taking on the attribute of lightning, is like a monster with wings.
A shadow loomed over Taehyun, who was being thrown back.
It was Erebus's fist, like a meteorite.
'I can't get hit.'
But I can't block it either.
Ting.
[Skill Dragon's Wrath (SS) has been activated.]
Grrrr!!
[……!!]
The fist faltered for a moment at the suddenly emitted aura.
Ting.
[Skill Stealth (SS) has been activated.]
[Skill Apostle of Darkness (SS) has been activated. Locating position.]
Taehyun widened the distance once again.
'The stat difference is too big to engage in close combat.'
But that means.
'It also means it will be a good trial to grow.'
Ting.
[Skill Blood Frenzy (SS) has been activated.]
The dark red magic subsided, and blood-colored magic bloomed.
[A great power awakens. Strength increases. Strength becomes 375 (385).]
[A great power awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina becomes 380 (390).]
[A great power awakens. Speed increases. Speed becomes 375 (380).]
[A great power awakens. Magic increases. Magic becomes 540.]
'Beast Transformation' and 'Blood Frenzy'.
Taehyun stacked the two skills that could raise his stats.
And.
Chinese Ancient Martial Arts 1st Form Explosive Force.
Erebus's fist and Taehyun's fist collided.
Bang.
With a roar, Taehyun's body was thrown back.
Crackle.
The body stopped only after rolling across the ground several times.
Taehyun regenerated his broken body and continued the attack.
Chinese Ancient Martial Arts 2nd Form Inch Punch.
Chinese Ancient Martial Arts 3rd Form Palm Strike.
Chinese Ancient Martial Arts 4th Form Revolving Strike.
Erebus's fist and Taehyun's fist collided, and they bounced off each other repeatedly.
Chinese Ancient Martial Arts 5th Form Penetrating Force.
Crack.
There was a feeling from Penetrating Force.
'This is it.'
[……!!]
Erebus also seemed surprised for a moment when Taehyun didn't bounce off.
And.
Chinese Ancient Martial Arts 6th Form. Divine Force.
Bang!!
Crackling.
Erebus was pushed back a little by the colliding fists.
Ting.
[Strength has increased by 1.]
[Stamina has increased by 1.]
[Skill Blood Frenzy (SS) proficiency has increased.]
[Skill Beast Transformation (SS) proficiency has increased.]
A message window appeared.
He couldn't help but smile at the expected result.
"What are you doing? Not coming in."
Taehyun induced Erebus's next attack.
Because it is difficult to control the body that has begun to boil.
[A human who clashes fists with me.]
It's absurd.
Among the top-ranked subordinates of the Grand Duke.
It is impossible unless it is a Beastman or Dragon.
But that impossible thing was happening before his eyes.
"If you don't come in, I'll go."
Whoosh.
A moment after Taehyun's body disappeared.
Crack!!
New Korean Ancient Martial Arts 1st Form Taebaek.
Taehyun's hand blade struck Erebus's neck.
At the same time.
Crackling.
Electricity struck Taehyun's body.
Ting.
[Stamina has increased by 1.]
Taehyun's face, biting his lip tightly.
It was as if he was enjoying the pain.
Kim Taehyun.
A human whose name is known even in the deepest parts of the Abyss.
When I first heard the news that he had survived the Grand Duke, I thought it was luck.
Otherwise, it was difficult to understand how a human, who is treated as a bug, could survive the Grand Duke.
Even though he was targeted by many Grand Dukes, he was still alive.
But now it was different.
I don't know how a human can have such a great vessel.
He is strong.
So strong that he threatens me, a direct descendant of the Grand Duke.
Buzzzzzzz.
Crack.
Erebus thought so as he watched Taehyun, who continued his attacks without stopping even while taking his power.
Even Muron couldn't come to his senses after being hit by it once.
Taehyun was constantly attacking without caring about the series of powers.
[An ominous body.]
Erebus evaluated Taehyun's body, which had just completed regeneration.
It can no longer be called super-fast regeneration due to the influence of the power.
Nevertheless, the regenerated torso was mixed with the bodies of demons, beastmen, and vampire monsters.
Taehyun took a step forward, not caring about the electricity flowing through his body.
New Korean Ancient Martial Arts 6th Form Sipjin.
Crash.
Erebus's body staggered.
Following that.
Whoa.
New Korean Ancient Martial Arts 7th Form Pyeongwon.
The tightly clenched fist and the straightened palm had already reached Erebus's waist.
Roar!!
The principle of rigidity, the fist, and the principle of the eight trigrams, the palm.
Even though the two techniques were superimposed, Erebus did not vomit blood.
Just.
Buzz.
The power that covered Erebus's body subsided.
This is because a slight reversal had begun due to Taehyun's attack.
"Hoo."
Taehyun finally stopped attacking and took a breath.
How many times had he repeated ancient martial arts and super-fast regeneration?
If it weren't for Belzebub and Jormungandr, he wouldn't have even dreamed of such a rough method.
'But thanks to that, I've raised my stats enough.'
Erebus's lightning has the power to endanger even SSS-rank monsters.
Taehyun's body, which endured that power, had stamina stats that were higher than expected.
"Shall we finish it now?"
Ting.
[Unique Skill Devour (SS) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
'Eye of the Superior' and 'Heart of the Superior' interlocked, and various parts of the guy's massive body were dyed red.
[Why is a guy like you Rosaria's contractor?]
It is unknown.
At the same time, Taehyun's red eyes, which were scanning him, felt unpleasant, unlike before.
A predator with prey in front of it.
It was a feeling he had never experienced in his long life.
"Don't worry. I won't eat you all."
Crack.
The magic of Devour revealed its teeth towards Erebus.
Chapter 282
Ancient martial arts.
The essence of martial arts, honed and refined for killing since ancient times.
Its target was clearly humans before the advent of Awakened beings, but...
Now.
The two ancient martial arts used by Taehyun are clearly directed at monsters.
Crack.
Korean Ancient Martial Art: White Wolf.
Chinese Ancient Martial Art: Mountain Shatter.
The two ancient martial arts are mixed and refined within Taehyun's body, reborn anew.
Its power, for a moment...
Even surpassed the colossal strength of Erebus generated from his tough tendons.
Snap.
Crackle. Crackle.
[...]
The giant's fist and the human's fist collided.
But it was the giant's fist that shattered.
Erebus looked at his regenerating arm.
It was still at a speed worthy of ultra-fast regeneration.
But compared to before...
[It's noticeably slower.]
Erebus readily acknowledged his condition.
The reversing mana felt as if it would crush his heart at any moment.
[Interesting technique.]
Erebus said lowly.
He had faced countless beings so far.
He had crushed them all with overwhelming power and speed.
The giant's blessed physique could shatter any enemy, and his blessed authority gave wings to that power.
But...
[To be pushed back by such a trick.]
"There's more than one or two guys who went to the afterlife thinking like that."
[Is that so.]
Erebus readily corrected his thoughts.
He acknowledged that his concept of the human race was wrong.
Certainly.
The human before him.
Kim Taehyun's power surpassed the rank of existence.
Not only was an individual human using the power of multiple Archdukes, but he was also toying with himself, a top-tier monster.
That's why he had to ask.
[What is that arrogant form?]
The dark crimson mana that Taehyun was newly emitting.
The purpose of the 'something' that mana created.
Erebus asked again, staring at the hideous maw.
[What is that disgusting power?]
Just facing it made his hands and feet tingle.
It was a feeling he had never experienced except for the former Giant King or the Beast King who had forced him to kneel.
Taehyun knew that feeling better than anyone.
A bitter smile naturally formed.
"Don't worry. I won't eat everything."
Crack.
Dark crimson mana spread around the maw.
A vast field made of mana.
Or a range that could be called a swamp for hunting prey.
[…!!]
Erebus's giant body flinched.
All mana has a corresponding effect.
But that maw was like...
Appearing instantly and expanding its range as if its form was not fixed.
An existential power that was comparable to the 'source power' of an Archduke.
He could tell instinctively.
That 'thing' was beyond his ability to handle.
At the same time, another possibility came to mind.
Beings who had elevated their existence to the Archduke level with their own power.
The war waged by those called the next Archdukes.
[You... don't tell me...]
Erebus didn't finish his sentence, but moved his body first.
That instinct saved Erebus.
Crack!!
Because he was able to avoid it by giving up one arm.
Snap. Crack.
[What is this...]
Erebus was speechless.
Eating the arm of a giant, and even his own arm?
Giants have muscles that are tougher than any other monster except for dragons.
He had never seen anyone covet the flesh of giants except for Orgall.
Kim Taehyun.
Was the human before him Orgall?
Suddenly, he remembered the day he lost the Domain War in the past.
Typhon was defeated after a long war, and the giant race was massacred.
His own appearance kneeling before him to save his kin.
Squeeze.
Erebus's fist clenched with force.
Bang.
His last remaining arm exploded as a price for ignoring the mana backlash.
Grind. Grind.
Both arms slowly began to regenerate.
His boasting ultra-fast regeneration and lightning were sealed.
Erebus let out a hollow laugh as he looked at the unidentified maw that was gulping down his arm.
On the other hand, the person who started the whole thing.
Taehyun's expression wasn't bad.
Because of the message that appeared before his eyes.
Ding.
[Devoured a massive amount of mana. Strength increased by 1.]
[Devoured a massive amount of mana. Health increased by 1.]
[Devoured a massive amount of mana. Speed increased by 1.]
[Devoured a massive amount of mana. Mana increased by 1.]
His stats went up by 4 with just one arm.
It would be strange if he wasn't satisfied.
"You're more delicious than I thought, you know?"
[...]
Such words didn't match the ominous power.
From Erebus's point of view, it was not strange to feel that he was being mocked.
[Nonsense...]
Crackling. Crackling.
Despite the backlash, Erebus forcibly pulled up his mana.
The price was not light.
Bang!! Bang!!
His limbs, which boasted a strong body, exploded from the inside.
Tendons and muscles were severed and regenerated repeatedly.
Whether it was his body or his mind.
The moment one side couldn't hold on, he would self-destruct.
Nevertheless, he didn't hesitate to pull up his mana.
Because he knew it as well.
The way to calm down a body that had started to backfire in a short period of time.
That was to regenerate it anew.
Buzz.
Eventually, lightning, no different from the original, bloomed from Erebus's body.
"That's hot."
It was a method that Taehyun hadn't even thought of.
It was a moment that Min Jihong and Kasim Zort hadn't overcome either.
Erebus overcame it with his overwhelming stamina, mana, and regeneration.
Even the current Taehyun.
'It would be difficult to imitate.'
So there could be no lie in the praise for the giant.
'I can only devour about a third of it.'
Taehyun analyzed the guy's body visible through his red eyes.
The situation would tilt the moment he used Devour.
But.
'It's a pity.'
Suppressing such an opponent in that way.
It was no different from throwing away a better opportunity to come.
Meanwhile, the lightning flowing from Erebus's body grew stronger.
The area shook with lightning that was twice as strong as before.
The giants, the incubi, and Myuron who were watching were the same.
They realized.
Why the incubi were considered the weakest among the monsters.
Why the giants reigned as rulers along with the dragons.
If they had clashed from the beginning, the castle would have been shattered, and most of the incubi would have already met their deaths.
Myuron was no exception either.
Grind.
Myuron, who was suppressing Aether, gritted his teeth.
[What is... that power...]
Erebus alone was already a difficult being for him to handle.
But why was that human.
Why could the contractor of the lord he served endure so carelessly?
That ominous 'dark crimson mana' that was not Rozaria's, what was it?
It was when everyone was focusing on the ominous power that Taehyun was using.
Suddenly.
Fizzle.
The mana boiling in Taehyun's body subsided.
Because he had canceled the skill 'Devour'.
Buzz.
Several strands of lightning scattered from Erebus's body and struck around Taehyun.
[What are you doing?]
Was he mocking him?
It was a reaction mixed with such threats.
But Taehyun's thoughts were different.
"I admit it, Giant. You're the strongest monster I've ever faced."
Except for the Archdukes.
He didn't deliberately say such things out loud.
There was no need to stimulate him.
Even the current guy.
He was difficult enough for Taehyun who didn't use Devour.
'How much of a monster is Typhon?'
What is the real power of Orgall who defeated such a Typhon?
'There's no end to it.'
Taehyun shook his head slightly.
The more he grew.
The more he carried out the Domain War.
The more he realized the overwhelming power of the Archdukes.
'I must not stop growing. I must abandon the idea of trying to make every fight easy.'
The reason he canceled 'Devour' was because he thought there was more to learn from him.
He raised his head and looked at the existence like a disaster.
It felt like confronting a huge disaster.
"Please teach me a lesson."
Tzzzz.
Crackle.
'Blood Frenzy' and 'Beastification' were further strengthened.
Erebus realized what Taehyun was trying to do.
Against himself who had regained his authority.
He was trying to clash with force once again.
His huge body shook.
[Arrogance pierces the sky. It's a great power, but the price of causing a Domain War will be great.]
And.
The end would be the destruction of the incubi.
Taehyun chuckled at Erebus's declaration.
"Are you giving me advice from a ruined position? Or have we grown fond of each other while fighting?"
[Puhahahahaha.]
Erebus burst out laughing once again at Taehyun's mockery.
Crackling. Crackling.
Lightning swept past the surroundings.
He calmed his shaking body and fixed his giant red eyes.
[It's a pity. If you were the contractor of our giant race, it would have been a great help.]
It was a statement he could make because he recognized Taehyun as a warrior.
Similarly.
"I agree."
If the giants were incorporated into the incubi, they would be able to raise the power that is evaluated as the weakest to some extent.
The incubi who are weak in physical abilities but excellent in mental control.
The giants who are weak in mental abilities but whose innate strength has been proven.
The moment the powers of the two races are combined.
The Domain War would face a new situation.
[That's ridiculous. Did you intend to subjugate us from the beginning?]
The conditions of the ridiculous bet.
The mysterious power experienced a while ago.
Erebus, who belatedly understood the picture Taehyun was drawing, shook his body.
Who other than an Archduke could do such a thing against him?
Most of all.
[Even if you suppress me. It will be difficult to gain the loyalty of my other brothers.]
"Is that assuming that you might lose to me?"
[I admit it. You're not someone who is easy to deal with.]
His defeat was only the defeat of one person.
It would not harm his kin.
He was drawing a line.
It was not something he had not expected.
That's why.
"Let's add one more condition."
[Say it. But there will be no more being played by your cunning tongue.]
"Tartaros."
Wriggle.
There was a reaction to Erebus's giant body.
Taehyun did not miss that moment.
"I'll tell you about his news."
[Nonsense...]
"As a bonus, I'll tell you how to revive Typhon."
[…!!]
Taehyun was convinced.
Erebus had no choice but to bite the bait he had thrown.
One condition was added to the battle between Taehyun and Erebus.
If Erebus won, he would be given the news of Tartaros and the method of reviving Typhon in addition to the two strongholds.
On the other hand, if Taehyun won, the giants would be incorporated into the incubi and would follow Taehyun's orders.
It was a seemingly ridiculous condition, but.
The bait was too sweet.
[Swear on Rozaria's honor.]
"Rozaria's honor... I'll bet it dozens of times over."
[...]
Erebus was speechless as he watched Taehyun place the honor of the Archduke too easily.
But a promise is a promise.
[Don't die. I have to hear about my brother and father.]
Buzz.
The battle continued with Erebus emitting lightning.
Bang.
Taehyun's body flew away.
'Blood Frenzy'.
'Beastification'.
Korean Ancient Martial Art: White Wolf.
Chinese Ancient Martial Art: Mountain Shatter.
He mixed and clashed with everything.
Even so.
[Did you think I'd fall for it twice?]
Thud.
Taehyun's body bounced weakly.
'He's still a monster.'
Taehyun acknowledged Erebus's potential.
It wasn't that he had become weaker.
It was just that Erebus had grown even stronger in a short period of time.
The two baits he had set as conditions and the humiliation of having his life threatened by a human.
Complex emotions had pushed Erebus to his limit.
It was a battle that would have ended a long time ago if it wasn't for the grown 'Eyes of a Higher Being'.
But.
'That's the same for this side.'
Taehyun, who had rolled on the floor, rushed at him again.
Ding.
[You have endured a great power. Strength increased by 1.]
[You have endured a great power. Health increased by 1.]
[You have endured a great power. Speed increased by 1.]
No Name's voice heard in his ear.
Was sweeter than ever.
Giant race.
Even among the most ferocious abyss monsters.
A race that stands at the pinnacle of physical ability.
They are currently on a path of decline after being defeated by the Beastmen led by Orgal.
But that is only a result of the Giant King's defeat and the small number of giants.
The individual combat power of each giant was still rated as top tier, like the Dragon race.
To Erebus, who leads such giants and is called the next Giant King,
Crack. Crunch.
Taehyun's ancient martial arts landed relentlessly.
[Unbelievable.]
He couldn't shatter the leg with one blow, but
Cracks formed in the supporting bone.
Erebus chuckled as he chased after Taehyun, who escaped like a rat.
Erebus's eyes are also those of a supreme being.
That's why he could see it.
The remnants of the Archdukes flowing from Taehyun's body.
Igmun, Orgal, Beelzebub, Hazard.
The magic power of the four Archdukes.
Even if it's from the Archdukes, it's insignificant compared to what the top subordinates possess.
However.
The 'source of power' that must be fiercely fought was properly fused within the dark crimson magic.
It was the result of his blessed giant body being destroyed every moment.
It was also the reason why Erebus couldn't finish Taehyun even while using the power of thunder.
Bang.
Taehyun's arm, which was escaping, exploded from Erebus's thunder.
It was the price of engaging in close combat regardless of the thunder surrounding his body.
After experiencing it once, it's natural not to even think of trying it again.
"Damn, that hurts."
Taehyun grumbled and rushed towards Erebus's feet once more.
Chinese ancient martial arts, 5th form: Penetrating Strength.
Wham.
After landing just one attack,
Bang. Bang.
Arms and legs exploded one by one.
Taehyun frowned as he watched his limbs regenerate.
He thought he had gotten used to it after being abused by Beelzebub and Jormungandr.
But the pain of his body exploding and regenerating was something he couldn't get used to.
As soon as the regeneration was complete, Taehyun rolled his body.
Erebus's foot slammed down in that spot, and Erebus's red eyes flashed for a moment.
He had finally caught Taehyun's movements.
[You!!]
Pazzzik. Pazzzik.
Erebus's fist struck Taehyun's body, which was trying to attack from behind.
Wham!!
Despite guarding instantly, both of Taehyun's arms exploded.
He sacrificed his arms to save his entire body.
Even those flying arms.
Crack. Crack.
They were quickly regenerated at super speed with crimson magic.
How can that body be human?
How can that magic be from a mere contractor?
[Fuhuhu.]
Erebus couldn't help but laugh.
Rozaria, the weakest of the Archdukes.
It was only recently that he had disregarded the succubus race she led.
In the past, she was someone who survived wars by exploiting the Giant King's self-interest.
He thought she had finally gone mad when he heard that she had started a territorial war with a human contractor at the forefront.
That she couldn't withstand the pressure from the Archdukes alone without the Giant King.
So, she was making a last-ditch effort before she died.
Even when he met and fought Muron, that thought hadn't changed.
The succubus race was still weak, and Rozaria, who had such creatures under her, wouldn't be able to maintain her position as an Archduke for long.
But Kim Taehyun.
After several encounters with this damn human in front of him.
Those thoughts had completely disappeared.
Human.
Insignificant insects that exist to be trampled on by them, the demons.
An insect that he thought he could kill at any time if he wanted to.
Was raising his fighting spirit in front of the leader of the giant race.
That figure was nothing short of a warrior.
Enough to remind him of his former king, Typhon.
His competitive spirit was boiling.
He was being played by that guy's cunning tongue and had made a bet.
But regardless of the bet, he wanted to clash with everything he had.
He wanted to see all the power that guy was hiding.
So.
[Human, use Rozaria's power.]
Erebus, who had stopped attacking, said that.
The lightning that had been devastating the area had stopped.
He had given Taehyun a chance.
Whether to use Rozaria's power.
Or to use that ferocious power from before.
He had given him the authority to show all his power.
But.
Taehyun, covered in blood all over his body, shook his head.
From his red eyes, which had awakened the power of a supreme being in a human body, intense light leaked out in streaks.
"Not yet."
Immediately after that.
New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, 6th Form: Plains.
Crack!!
Chinese Ancient Martial Arts, 6th Form: Divine Transformation.
Wham!!
Erebus's giant body faltered from Taehyun's surprise attack.
Thud.
The defenseless giant body couldn't withstand the shaking and simply collapsed.
[Fuhuhu. So strength is more important than words.]
Erebus's fallen body shook.
He could see Taehyun leaping.
He could see him concentrating magic power on his massive arm, aiming for his neck.
Skill 'Beast Transformation'.
That arrogant attack where he could feel Orgal's magic power.
Regardless of his feelings, he knew that if he allowed the attack, a considerable shock would sweep through his body.
Erebus's magic power reversed.
[That power isn't just yours.]
His red eyes flashed for a moment.
KWAOOOOO.
Brown magic power rose from his giant body.
Ting.
[You withstand a massive force. Health increased by 1.]
[You refine a massive magic power. Magic power increased by 1.]
[You compress a massive force. Strength increased by 1.]
[You contain a massive force. Speed increased by 1.]
Messages appeared in succession.
Each one was satisfactory.
Wham!
The reason Taehyun could smile even though his arm was flying away from Erebus's lightning was because of that.
'As expected of the next Giant King. Just fighting him makes my stats increase non-stop.'
He could say with certainty that even if he fought Muron and Aether, the other supreme beings watching from that corner, he wouldn't be able to expect this much stat increase.
It meant that Erebus had a different level of strength even among SSS-rank monsters.
'Maybe he's similar to Asmodeus.'
Asmodeus in the memories Rozaria had shown him.
His power hadn't reached the level of an Archduke yet.
But he certainly had one of the top powers among the supreme being monsters.
Erebus, whom he was currently fighting, was the same.
'The battles from now on will be on a different level than before.'
Wham!!
Erebus's fist, which read his movements, struck Taehyun's body.
The guarded arm repeatedly broke and regenerated in an instant.
A pain that felt like it would blow his mind.
Crack.
Crimson magic flowed out in streaks from Taehyun's tightly clenched red eyes.
'I can still endure it.'
In the past, he would have used Predation immediately to overcome the crisis.
But he couldn't use that method anymore.
He had learned a lot from Jormungandr, whom he had met before.
The power he used, Rampage.
He realized while going back and forth between life and death in that fight.
That relying only on Predation would ultimately prevent him from surpassing the Archdukes.
That he needed to accumulate more proper stats to control the rampaging power.
'The King told me to surpass even the Archdukes.'
That thought wouldn't be wrong.
The boundary between life and death.
A mentality and body that had already transcended the vessel of a human.
Before he knew it, Taehyun had taken a step towards the realm that the past King had stepped on.
He himself didn't know it, though.
'I'll raise my stats as much as possible here.'
Wham!!
New Korean and Chinese ancient martial arts.
The techniques reborn from the awakened body struck Erebus's body.
And suddenly.
KWAOOOOO.
Brown magic power rose from Erebus's body.
'This is…!!'
It was the moment Taehyun stopped moving due to the familiar power.
[Will that arrogance still remain in the face of this power?]
Swaaaaa.
A fist like a meteor was swung.
'Lightning' and 'Enhancement'.
The massive arm surrounded by the two authorities covered Taehyun.
'I have to block it….'
It was instinct.
'Blood Frenzy', 'Beast Transformation', 'Magic Power of Predation', 'Stone Skin', 'Ancient Martial Arts'.
He mobilized everything he could to defend.
That choice saved his life.
Wham!!!
Thud.
Taehyun's body, with half of it blown away.
Fell powerlessly to the ground.
Crack. Crack.
Igmun's crimson magic regenerated his body.
Thump.
Taehyun, who placed his hand on the floor, raised his body.
For a moment, but.
'I lost consciousness.'
The shock was even greater because he never thought he would use two authorities.
If Erebus had added a follow-up attack and pushed him there.
'It would have been dangerous.'
He blamed himself for his mistake for a moment.
A question arose.
'Didn't he finish me? Or couldn't he finish me?'
The question didn't last long.
"That power also has a risk."
Pazzzik. Pazzzik.
Taehyun said as he looked at Erebus's swollen right arm.
It was surrounded by lightning, but.
He could clearly see it with his enhanced 'Eyes of the Supreme Being'.
Destruction and regeneration were being repeated.
Just by overlapping the two authorities.
"I know that feeling well."
He said that and checked his condition.
Except for the fact that his magic power was at its limit due to repeated super-speed regeneration and skill use, there was no problem in continuing the battle.
[Amazing. I can't believe you even endured this.]
Erebus said that sincerely.
Orgal's magic power that he had planted while making him his subordinate.
He had even used that power, enduring the humiliation.
But he had failed to cut off his tenacious vitality.
The reason he hadn't used his power until now wasn't just because of his pride.
Erebus was the existence who would lead the revival of the giant race.
Even his chosen strong body was burdened by containing two authorities.
He rolled his huge red eyes and looked at his arm.
The destruction and regeneration being repeated was like looking at Typhon's.
In the meantime, he could see that Orgal's authority was trying to devour his own authority.
As Taehyun said, it wasn't a skill he could use for long.
But.
[Fuhuhu. It's enough time to turn a human like you into mincemeat.]
Crack.
Erebus's left arm swelled up.
At the same time, destruction and regeneration became even faster.
"You're quite the macho man."
Taehyun clicked his tongue and racked his brains.
'This isn't a difference that can be overcome in close combat.'
He had raised his stats enough.
From now on, it was time to do his best for victory.
While watching Erebus use the authority of enhancement on his two legs.
Taehyun reorganized his power.
Ting.
[Skill Energy Drain (SS) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Pazzzzzz.
[Cough.]
[Gasp.]
Sharp chains tightened around the bodies of Muron and Aether, who were far away.
At the same time, Taehyun's magic power began to fill up quickly.
Following that.
[Skill Eyes of the Supreme Being (SS) has been synchronized with Heart of the Supreme Being (SS).]
[The characteristic 'Insight' of Skill Eyes of the Supreme Being (SS) is enhanced.]
[The additional effect 'Canceller' of Skill Heart of the Supreme Being (SS) is activated.]
[The cooldown of Skill Apocalypse (SS) has been released. 200 magic power has been consumed.]
Due to the effect of 'Heart of the Supreme Being', the cooldown of all skills was released.
Ting.
[Skill Apocalypse (SS) has been activated. Target is specified. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]
Darkness fell, specifying the prey.
All of this happened while Erebus was controlling the two authorities.
[Another one of these tricks.]
Rustle. Rustle.
Kugugugung.
Chains and gravity, and all sorts of miscellaneous magic were mixed together.
Erebus said that as he looked at 'Apocalypse' that was restricting him.
It was a skill he had already broken once.
Now that he was even stronger.
He thought he could break this much without difficulty.
Of course, Taehyun had no intention of letting that happen.
"You better concentrate."
KWAaaaaaa.
Taehyun's red eyes, which raised crimson magic power, were unusual.
With those words.
Wham.
A giant using two authorities.
A human using multiple authorities.
The bodies of the two transcendent beings mixed.
And the end of that was.
"Look into my eyes."
Ting.
[Skill Ataraxia (SS) has been activated. Target is specified. Magic power consumption is accelerated.]
As always.
It was Rozaria's skill.
Episode 284
Rozaria's Authority: Mind Control.
The skill inherited from that power, "Ataraxia."
The moment Taehyun's crimson eyes flashed, a muddy battle began within the mental world.
Tzzzzzzzz.
Two tentacles sprouted from his back.
The tentacles, emitting the same purple magic as Myuron's, struck Erebus's body.
With just that, one of Erebus's arms was severed.
This was because Taehyun deliberately targeted the shoulder, where the Authority of Enhancement was not fully controlled.
Kaaaak.
Erebus let out a sound that was somewhere between a scream and a roar of anger.
The inside of 'Apocalypse' shook, and just as he was about to initiate super-fast regeneration...
Poof.
The two tentacles wrapped around the severed shoulder.
And then...
Ding.
[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been activated. Target locked.]
Chiiiiik. Chiiiiik.
Purple magic was injected through the wound.
Even though the poisonous magic began to hinder the super-fast regeneration, it only slowed it down; it couldn't stop it completely.
'Such enviable toughness.'
Just as Taehyun was about to control the tentacles...
Kwajik.
Erebus grabbed the tentacles on his shoulder.
Pajijijijik.
The Authority of Lightning flowed through the tentacles.
"......!!"
The power was incomparable to before, and Taehyun's body was instantly charred black.
Ding.
[Skill Energy Drain (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Tzzzzzzzz.
Erebus's magic was sucked in through the tentacles he was holding.
[A massive amount of magic has been absorbed. Magic +1.]
[You have withstood the massive amount of magic. Health +1.]
"Hhuk...!!"
With a deathly groan.
Kwaduk. Kwaduk.
Crimson magic enabled super-fast regeneration, withstanding the lightning.
'At this rate, I won't be able to hold out.'
He had already used all the skills that could be considered finishing moves.
Even so, Erebus's health showed no signs of decreasing.
If a battle of attrition continued, Taehyun's health would naturally be the first to bottom out.
However.
Taehyun had already decided to face him without using Devour.
He didn't want to reverse that decision because of this.
'To subdue him definitively... I need to shake his mentality.'
The deliberation wasn't long.
Taehyun charged into his arms once again.
Pajijik. Pajik.
Just approaching him made his body tingle from the lightning sparks.
Fortunately, only messages about his stats decreasing popped up.
The misfortune of his body exploding as before did not happen.
This was because Taehyun's strength had become even greater after entering the mental world.
Of course, even so.
Except for his Magic stat, he didn't have a clear advantage in any other stat.
Ding.
[Skill Apostle of Darkness (SS) has been activated. Specifying the form.]
[Skill Apostle of Darkness (SS) has been enhanced. Specifying the location. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Sssssssst.
The creation of a giant scythe and its movement above Erebus's shoulder happened simultaneously.
Kwajik.
The scythe struck Erebus's shoulder.
Kkaang!!
Not even the slightest gap was created.
Ding.
[Skill Demon Transformation (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Bulkkeun.
Taehyun's arm muscles bulged even more massively.
And once again.
Kkaang!!
He swung the scythe with all his might.
Very slightly.
Erebus's toughness allowed a gap.
Ding.
[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been activated. Target locked.]
[Skill Poisoning (SS) has been activated. Target locked.]
Chiiiik. Chiik.
Chiiiiiiik.
Purple magic flowed through the scythe into his body.
At the same time, electricity flowed through Taehyun's body, which was holding the scythe.
Kwajik.
Erebus didn't miss the opportunity.
He grabbed Taehyun with his other hand.
[It's over.]
Erebus said something he shouldn't have.
Eudeudeuk.
Taehyun's limbs began to be crushed by the powerful grip.
The speed at which his bones were being crushed would be faster than the recovery speed of super-fast regeneration.
At that moment.
"Tartarus is dead."
Taehyun calmly spoke the truth he had been hiding.
Those words slowed Erebus's movements.
[......]
Taehyun continued, speaking to the silent Erebus.
"It was a truly great battle. Just like you are now."
For a very brief moment.
Taehyun didn't miss the giant crimson eye twitching.
And belatedly.
Pajijijijik.
Lightning sparked from Erebus's hand that was holding Taehyun.
He was agitated.
'Got him.'
Taehyun, groaning from the burning pain, widened his crimson eyes greatly.
Ding.
[Skill Proficiency of High-Species Eyes (SS) has increased.]
[Skill Proficiency of High-Species Heart (SS) has increased.]
In those eyes, he could see that Erebus's magic flow was starting to accelerate.
This confirmed it.
He loses his characteristic poker face whenever his brothers are involved.
A weakness that can shake the opponent's focus.
Taehyun wasn't naive enough not to exploit that.
Ding.
[Skill Dragon's Fury (SS) has been activated. Target locked.]
Krrrr!!
Draconic power was emitted from the human body.
That power, for a very brief moment.
Stopped Erebus's agitated body.
Taehyun escaped from his grasp using 'Apostle of the Gate'.
Lightning belatedly chased after him, but he had already distanced himself.
[Is your bag of tricks running dry? Rozaria's Authority is nothing special either.]
As he said that, two kinds of magic mingled in Erebus's body.
Taehyun quietly watched that scene.
Two Authorities.
'Element' and 'Enhancement'.
With that power, he seemed to be moving unaffected in both the mental world and Apocalypse.
'That's cheating.'
Contrary to his words, Taehyun had also become familiar with several Authorities.
'Shall I try it?'
If successful, it would become a stepping stone to reverse the situation.
If he failed, the situation would shift rapidly against him.
And Taehyun didn't dislike this kind of gamble.
Ding.
[Skill Apostle of Darkness (SS) has been activated. Specifying the form.]
[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been activated. Target locked.]
A greatsword exuding a strong aura of poisonous magic was created.
'This isn't enough.'
From now on was the key.
Taehyun canceled the 'Rampage of Blood' that he was wearing.
This was to concentrate even more on magic control and inflict a fatal attack.
Ding.
[Skill Rampage of Blood (SS) has been activated. Target locked. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
The difference from before was that the target of 'Rampage of Blood'.
Was not Taehyun himself, but the greatsword exuding purple magic.
Tzzzzzzzz.
Crimson magic permeated the greatsword.
Pajujeuk. Pajuek.
For a moment, sparks flew as purple magic and crimson magic collided.
[Skill Proficiency of Rampage of Blood (SS) has increased.]
[Skill Proficiency of Apostle of Darkness (SS) has increased.]
[Skill Proficiency of Devil's Saliva (SS) has increased.]
Taehyun ignored the messages and looked at the giant blood sword that had been completed before him.
The technique of Igmun used by the doppelganger in the mental world in the past.
'Finally.'
He had reached that level with his own power alone.
The power was beyond comparison because he had mixed in Belzebub's magic as well.
[Not a bad last attack, it seems.]
Kung. Kung. Kung. Kung.
Pajik. Pajik. Pajijik.
Erebus walked towards Taehyun.
'Apocalypse' seemed to shake with each step he took.
[However. It seems you have neglected defense in order to concentrate on the attack.]
Erebus, who had noticed that the crimson magic that had been rising from Taehyun's body, the super-fast regeneration that had been acting as Igmun's magic, had disappeared, smiled and picked up speed.
Taehyun was smiling as well.
'Neglected defense, you say.'
Of course.
Because he intended to end it with this attack.
That is to say.
'You won't even be able to approach.'
Ding.
[Skill Apostle of the Gate (SS) has been activated. Specifying the form. Specifying the location.]
A giant gate swallowed the blood sword.
And then.
Kwaaaaaaa.
Right above Erebus.
A new gate opened in the empty air.
[......!!]
Erebus hurriedly twisted his body.
Kwajik!!
The blood sword pierced Erebus's chest by a hair's breadth and struck the ground.
Kuuung.
[Kaaaak...!!]
Erebus knelt down, screaming with venomous anger.
He tried to pull out the sword while shouting, but...
Ding.
[Skill Devil's Saliva (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Chiiiiiik. Chiiiiiiiik.
Purple magic began to erode Erebus's pierced chest.
It was an extraordinary feat that only Taehyun, who had inherited all the power of Igmun and Belzebub, could do.
"The situation has tilted."
Ding.
[Skill Apocalypse (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Output: 100%]
Chwareureuk. Chwareureureuk.
Giant chains wrapped around Erebus's body.
Ding.
[Skill Lord's Aura (SS) has been activated. Target locked.]
[Skill Chains of Binding (SS) has been activated. Target locked.]
[Skill Energy Drain (SS) has been activated. Target locked.]
'Energy Drain' was being activated to the limit.
'There's no problem with magic.'
Taehyun poured out all his skills.
After countless skills tore apart the giant's toughness.
Kuuung.
The level of Erebus's eyes, which had been pulled down, met Taehyun's.
Purple magic rose from Taehyun's body.
Once again, in the mental world.
It was time to use the Authority on him.
With magic that was incomparable to before.
"Look into my eyes. Erebus."
Ding.
[Skill Ataraxia (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
"All of this is real."
[Skill Memorize (SS) has been activated.]
"And you will obey me."
Erebus's crimson eyes, which met Taehyun's crimson eyes, began to blur.
The nightmare began.
Taehyun, who had released 'Apocalypse', breathed out a sigh.
In front of him, Erebus was kneeling and not moving.
His characteristic lightning had disappeared, and the two arms that had exploded as a price for using Orgal's power showed no signs of regenerating.
Above all.
The giant crimson eyes, which were looking down, were unfocused.
It was because he was trapped in the illusion that 'Ataraxia' was showing.
"I won."
Taehyun said quietly.
[What is this...]
[Ah... Brother...]
Myuron and Aether, who were watching the scene.
The two top-tier demon creatures had an unbelievable expression.
From the castle.
The nightmare clan's cheers echoed.
Erebus woke up from the repeated replay of memories.
That was possible because he had sincerely admitted defeat.
[Puhuhu... I... lost...?]
Erebus chuckled in vain as he realized that he was kneeling.
His massive body shook.
He had submitted to Orgal and prolonged his life.
He thought there would be no more defeats.
[Yes. I lost.]
Erebus murmured with a bitter voice.
"Don't be too disappointed."
Erebus's gaze turned to Taehyun.
The mental world.
It was there that he finally realized.
That the contractor of Rozaria was only superficial.
That he was a being chosen by the king who had pacified the Abyss in the distant past.
A being called the key.
He made up his mind to revive the Giant King.
He also confirmed how Tartarus had met his end.
So.
[Eat me.]
"Okay."
Ding.
[Unique Skill Devour (SS) has been activated.]
For a moment, crimson magic rose from Taehyun's body.
Jjeoeoeoeok.
A mouth large enough to swallow the giant body was created.
[For the Giant King...]
Taehyun shook his head at the words that seemed to be awaiting death.
"No. Everything is for me."
[Target has been locked.]
Kwaduk!!
Erebus's body was torn off powerlessly.
Aether and the giant clan members who were watching let out a mixture of pain and resentment.
In proportion to that.
The nightmare clan's cheers grew even louder.
Episode 285
With the message that a massive amount of magic power had been devoured.
Multiple stats increased.
Before him knelt the chieftain of the giant race.
[Why?]
Erebus asked, looking at his severed limbs.
The giant race's authority, element.
The beast race's authority, amplification.
Even with using two authorities, he was defeated.
It was an undeniable defeat, and Erebus cleanly admitted it.
Taehyun's insidious power, which he had been hiding all along.
He had realized where the source of 'devouring' came from.
Not only was it comparable to the Dukes' authorities, but it was also...
The power of the one who had placed all that power under his feet.
If Taehyun followed through with what he had shown with 'Apocalypse' and 'Memorize,'
He should have been sacrificed to resurrect the Giant King.
But why?
Why stop at just this?
[Are you looking down on me?]
Erebus asked.
Many Incubus were watching from the front, and giants were watching from the back.
Considering what Taehyun had done so far, it wouldn't be strange if this was an action to shame him.
However.
"That's not the case."
Taehyun shook his head and spoke sincerely.
The battle was already over.
Erebus had knelt and given his life for the revival of the giant race.
In that situation, devouring Erebus entirely would be...
'A foolish act.'
Even if Taehyun were to devour Erebus's entire body here, the stats he could gain would be limited.
So, as originally planned,
It was more beneficial to solidify the power structure and keep the giant race under his control.
'If I were to be greedier...'
It would be impossible to command the giant race, who were emanating murderous intent from behind.
There was a limit to loyalty forced by power.
He needed to win their hearts.
Even if they were not humans but demons.
Taehyun was of that mindset.
'I've gained enough stat boosts.'
His body was in bad shape as a result of spamming countless skills.
He hadn't checked his status window yet, but he could tell just by the aura he felt.
That he had achieved great growth once again.
That he had become an existence comparable to the top-tier demons.
It wasn't forced, like with Belzebub or Jormungandr.
It was a result achieved voluntarily.
That's why he felt even more proud.
"Erebus, I hope my sincerity has been conveyed."
[......]
Erebus seemed lost in thought and remained silent.
He seemed to have forgotten even the regeneration of his limbs, as if lost in thought.
Silence fell on the battlefield.
Gulp.
Muron and the near-death Aether swallowed hard.
The giants and Incubus watching from both sides were no different.
They knew.
That their fate would be determined by Erebus's answer here, by Taehyun's attitude.
Erebus's silence did not last long.
[Are everything you showed me true?]
The way he addressed Taehyun had changed from 'you bastard' to 'you.'
Taehyun's lips curled up, knowing the meaning of that.
"Think about that yourself. What's your answer?"
[...You give me something to ponder.]
Erebus snorted.
Taehyun had used two skills.
He had infiltrated his mind with 'Ataraxia' and replayed the recorded memories with 'Memorize.'
Depending on Taehyun's intentions, there was some 'exaggeration' and 'production,' but...
The essence he wanted to convey was clear.
To resurrect the Giant King Typhon and lead the domain war to victory.
To inherit the king's power and lead the race war to victory.
There was no way that meaning had not been conveyed to Erebus.
[I have seen your ambition.]
Crack. Crack. Crack.
Fzzzzzz.
Sparks flew from Erebus's body for a moment.
The severed limbs began to regenerate.
[You...!!]
Muron, who had been watching all along, revealed his fighting spirit.
He thought Erebus was about to resume the battle.
But.
[The giant race will follow Kim Taehyun. We will follow you.]
Erebus, his limbs regenerated, prostrated himself.
And.
Thud.
He slammed his giant head on the ground.
He swore allegiance, just as he had done to Orgal in the past.
The difference from that time was that it was not forced by power.
The difference was that it was a voluntary act.
And following such Erebus.
Thud. Thud. Thud. Thud.
Aether and all the giants watching took the same posture.
A giant race that seemed to have come straight out of mythology.
The feeling of receiving their oath of allegiance wasn't so bad.
"Today's promise. You won't be disappointed."
Taehyun said as if making a vow.
Ding.
[The skill Memorize (S) has been activated. 'Fragment of the Race War' has been recorded.]
The smile that appeared at the pleasant message was a bonus.
The defense was successful.
The Incubus, who were facing the giant race led by Erebus, had suffered little to no damage.
Taehyun and Muron, who had participated in the battle, had sustained considerable injuries, but
As befitting those with the power of the top-tier race, they showed monstrous recovery power, and the 5th district was in a festive mood.
[This battle is just the beginning!! Everyone, strengthen your defenses!!]
Muron shouted sharply at the relaxed Incubus.
[Kyarururu.]
[Muron-nim, you're so scary, kyarururu.]
[Kyarururu. We want to rest too.]
[We miss Rosaria-nim. Kyarururu.]
[Kyarururu. Me too.]
[You guys...]
Just as Muron was about to shout at his still reckless subordinates again.
"It's okay. Just for today."
Taehyun, who had finished recovering, said with a smile.
The atmosphere among the Incubus heated up at Taehyun's appearance.
[Kim Taehyun...]
Muron watched the scene and could only grind his teeth, unable to say anything else.
Because he knew.
That this war was all thanks to Taehyun.
If it weren't for Taehyun, the 5th district would have been taken by the giant race and would have been massacred.
[Damn it.]
Muron muttered a curse under his breath.
It was directed at himself, not anyone else.
Taehyun, who he thought was outside of the war, had incorporated the giant race into the force without a single casualty.
[At this rate, I'm unqualified to be the district lord.]
"Don't blame yourself too much. Erebus was a monster."
Taehyun said, looking at the giant race resting outside the castle.
[Is a human trying to comfort me?]
Sizzle.
Muron revealed his hostility with a murderous face.
He looked so childish.
"It's sarcasm, you idiot."
[You...!!]
Taehyun laughed at Muron, who was emitting his fighting spirit.
He thought that he had received the recognition of Erebus, whom he had met as an enemy,
But he hadn't received the recognition of Muron, who was an ally.
[Muron-nim is angry!!]
[Kyarururu!! Why are you venting on us!!]
[Everyone run, kyarururu.]
The Incubus, unable to withstand Muron's fighting spirit, hid in the corners of the castle.
"Perfect."
He said, looking around.
Only Taehyun and Muron remained.
He had to return to Rosaria's main castle soon.
If he were to make time to resolve the relationship with Muron, now was the only time.
"Muron. You still know that I'm the commander of this district, right?"
[You...]
"I'll give you one last command."
[What are you trying to do...]
...to do?
Before he could finish those words.
"Defeat me."
[Do you think I can't do it!!]
Purple magic power rose from Muron's body.
He had realized what Taehyun was trying to do.
To dare to bet on mental domination against an Incubus.
[I'll make you lick my feet.]
"That wouldn't be bad either."
Ding.
[The skill Ataraxia (SS) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
"Of course, it's impossible, but."
With a bitter smile.
The different purple magic powers merged into one.
[Cough...]
Muron let out a painful groan.
Tremble.
His arms and legs trembled.
No, it wasn't just his body that was trembling.
The mind of the top-tier demon was trembling.
The overwhelming fear and dread that could only be felt when facing a Duke.
It was the result of that forgotten emotion taking over his mind.
"Is it because you're an Incubus? You held out pretty well?"
Taehyun said nonchalantly, looking down at Muron.
As if he was looking at someone inferior to him.
Nevertheless, Muron couldn't say anything.
Looking at Taehyun's smiling face reminded him of the monster he had faced in the mental world earlier.
"Don't be too scared. That guy is an existence that even the Dukes can't do anything about."
Even the Dukes can't do anything about it.
Muron was fed up with Taehyun saying those words so casually.
He could finally understand.
Why Rosaria cherished her contractor so much.
How the Incubus, who had barely managed to maintain the districts, could have started the domain war.
[You have...been harboring such an existence all along...]
Before he knew it, Muron's tone had become respectful.
Taehyun laughed loudly at the quick change in attitude.
There were some guys like Erebus who couldn't be subdued with power,
But there were also guys who would lower their tails after seeing such overwhelming power.
"It's going to get busy from now on. Battles that you can't handle alone will continue. You'll have to join forces with Erebus."
Even though he had sworn allegiance to Taehyun.
To join forces with a different species, the giant race.
That was like humiliation to a top-tier demon.
Even so.
"Your answer?"
[I will follow.]
Muron did not hesitate even a little at Taehyun's question.
In a different sense from Erebus.
It was absolute obedience.
Ding.
[The skill Apostle of the Gate (SS) has been activated. Locating.]
It was Rosaria's main castle, which he had visited several times.
It was not difficult to calculate the coordinates.
Fzzzzzz.
Sparks flew from Taehyun's body as he passed through the gate.
He had simply moved from the deepest part to the deepest part.
Even so, the laws of the Abyss were in effect, and he felt as if his whole body was being crushed.
[You've returned.]
As soon as he passed through the gate, he heard Rosaria's voice.
"Yeah."
[You are a man who is more amazing each time I see you. You've become more handsome in a short time.]
Rosaria, who had noticed Taehyun's changes, raised the corners of her lips.
She knew he had succeeded in the defense without even asking.
As if praising him.
One of Rosaria's tentacles stroked Taehyun's head.
Taehyun grabbed that tentacle and pulled it down.
"There are many things to tell you."
[Hehe. You're shy. Come closer.]
Taehyun and Rosaria looked at each other.
[Before I knew it, you have eyes so deep that they make my heart flutter.]
"That's a horrible thing to say."
Taehyun ignored her words and released his magic power.
Purple magic power rose.
Once again, 'Ataraxia' was activated.
[The giant race... You've made an interesting move.]
"If Typhon is resurrected, we'll need forces."
[It sounds like you've already succeeded in the resurrection.]
"Or haven't I?"
[AHAHAHAHAHA.]
Rosaria laughed at Taehyun's confidence.
The place where Typhon's body was sealed was Orgal's 2nd district.
Not only were there many top-tier and upper-tier demons, but
If Orgal wanted, he could come even at the cost of taking on multiple risks.
A castle that even the Dukes dared not enter lightly in case something went wrong.
To think that a human would speak so casually about such a place.
[It seems that you are the only one who can make me laugh.]
"High risk, high return. Now that we've got the giant race, there's no need to delay the plan any longer."
Taehyun shrugged and replied.
[Even if we leave out the demons of the 2nd district. We'll have to keep Orgal's attention away in order to take Typhon's body out completely.]
It was not good for Rosaria to move already.
Igmund and Belzebub would be looking for opportunities.
In other words, her help could not be expected.
[Of course, you have a plausible plan?]
Rosaria asked with a smile.
A way to divert the attention of the demons of the 2nd district and Orgal, and to awaken Typhon's sealed body.
Just listening to it made her dizzy.
"Well."
Taehyun had lived for decades in New Korea, which was wary of other countries.
"It's easy."
That adaptability was not much different even in the deepest part.
Okay, here's the translation:
Episode 286
Abyss's deepest depths.
The king of the demon race, who commands twenty castles.
Grand Duke Orgal's main castle where he resides.
It was largely destroyed by Rosaria's rampage the other day.
No traces of battle could be found in the quickly restored castle.
And.
Numerous monsters who were hostile to him.
In a huge room where their heads were displayed, Orgal was talking to someone.
Red and yellow odd eyes twinkled beyond the gate facing him.
[It's been a while since you contacted me first.]
It was Jormungandr, the owner of the odd eyes, who said that.
[Is there something wrong with that?]
[Of course not. Isn't the gate made so you can contact me anytime?]
At Jormungandr's words, Orgal's muscular body shook.
[Yeah. You really have a lot of talents.]
There was even a bit of sarcasm mixed in those words.
Gate.
Unlike Orgal, who has been training the power of strengthening, Jormungandr knew how to use various tricks.
He could deceive the laws of the Abyss and contact places far away like now.
If he could bear a little trouble, he could move from the Demon Sea, his original territory, to the deepest depths.
The location was no different even if it was another dimension other than the Abyss.
For example, the Earth where insects live.
[Jormungandr. King of the Demon Sea. Are you hiding something from me?]
At Orgal's question, Jormungandr's odd eyes narrowed.
He knows.
What Orgal wants to ask.
[Orgal. That's not like you. This one doesn't like troublesome conversations.]
At Jormungandr's words, Orgal shook his body once again.
[Heh heh. That's right. That's why you haven't made a contractor yet, right?]
[…….]
[Why did you hide about the key? I thought we were a pretty good alliance?]
At Orgal's question, a giggle was heard beyond the gate.
He couldn't help but laugh at the obvious question.
[Oh, excuse me. It's such an absurd question.]
[…….]
Orgal waited for Jormungandr's next words.
[This one doesn't need to report every action to you. Besides, this one wasn't the first to hide it, right? You were the first to come into contact with the 'key' apart from Rosaria. Does that answer your question?]
[Your tongue is still sharp.]
Orgal said, no longer hiding his discomfort.
[Those are harsh words.]
Kugugugu.
The magic power conveyed from beyond the gate.
It seemed to shake the castle just with that.
Orgal, who was enduring that power without any defense, burst into laughter.
[Puhuhu. Did you get hit by the key and take it out on me?]
Orgal said sarcastically.
He already knew that Jormungandr used his power to go to Earth and contacted Kim Taehyun.
Even though there was no contractor, Min Ji Hong, humans who inherited his power even slightly reported it.
Other Grand Dukes say Orgal only knows strength.
In reality, Orgal was more interested in the affairs of the surroundings than any other Grand Duke.
Despite the risk, he gave a considerable amount of power to his contractor, Min Ji Hong.
And the fact that he took in the giants he might kill at any time showed that fact.
[Then the alliance is broken.]
[Be careful, Jormungandr. After Rosaria and Igmun, you might be targeted next.]
Orgal said, putting magic power into his voice.
Despite the eerie warning, Jormungandr's laughter crossed the gate.
[Indeed. Your confidence is still the same as when you defeated the Giant King. But you should be careful too.]
[Puhuhu. I'll take you on anytime. I was getting bored because I didn't have any opponents.]
Jormungandr clicked his tongue at Orgal's attitude.
[Foolish one. I'm not talking about me.]
[What are you talking about?]
Orgal's momentum became sharp.
He instinctively realized that something he didn't know had happened.
[There's news that the giants have gone under Rosaria.]
[…….]
Orgal was silent at the unexpected words.
Jormungandr is excellent at grasping information about various parts of the deepest depths due to the nature of his power.
So, unless he said it with the intention of deliberately deceiving, it must be true.
[It seems you haven't heard about it yet.]
Jormungandr laughed heartily, confirming Orgal's reaction.
[As a former ally, let me give you some advice. Don't ignore the power of the key.]
The gate that had been maintaining its shape disappeared.
It meant that Jormungandr would no longer maintain the alliance with Orgal.
[Unbelievable.]
That's how Orgal described the current situation.
The demon race is born with a strong body like the giants.
Among them, Orgal is the king of the demon race who was born with the power of strengthening.
It seemed natural at first glance that he ignored the other Grand Dukes.
[Damn king.]
Orgal growled.
A demon made up of numerous races.
Among the many who call themselves the king of each race, only a select few demons reach the rank of Grand Duke.
And.
The ruler of the lower world who puts even such Grand Dukes under his feet.
Lower world king.
Orgal found it difficult to control the rising anger every time he thought of that hateful being.
That's because he's the person who's restricting Orgal's actions.
If it weren't for the damn law the king made, he would have had a one-on-one fight with the Grand Dukes long ago to prove his strength.
Orgal recalled the battle with Typhon a long time ago.
[A lot of time has passed.]
It was when Orgal, who unified the demon race, was wielding his power in the deepest depths as the highest-ranking demon.
Typhon, who ruled the area, was strong and unstoppable.
And arrogant.
He was complacent about his innate strength despite the small number of individuals.
The war lasted a long time.
Not only that.
If Jormungandr, who wanted a new flow, had not supported Orgal.
It was so fierce that both the demon race and the giants would have been annihilated.
[He was a strong and tenacious being.]
Orgal smiled with satisfaction, recalling the fierce battle at that time.
The Abyss's law cannot take the lives of the Grand Dukes.
The king does not block the 'struggle' which is the essence of demons, but he does not want the power of the lower world to decline.
Before Orgal formed a force.
It was said that several Grand Duke-level demons who ignored the king's law and started a war had disappeared like that.
Not being able to completely kill someone who was once an enemy.
That was a very burdensome task for Orgal as well.
Around that time, this thought came to mind.
What if he could have the Grand Duke under his command?
What if he could completely take that power?
What if he put all the Grand Dukes under his feet as the king did?
Then, wouldn't he be able to grab the lower world king by the neck?
Rebellion.
Or revolution.
That's why Orgal sealed Typhon's body, which was as good as dead.
The second castle closest to the main castle.
He imprisoned the guy's body from which he extracted the magic stone in the basement there.
And he slowly began the erosion work with his magic power.
Not enough with that, he accepted the remnants of the giant race, dreaming of a great plan someday.
He thought that a direct descendant of the giant race who inherited the power even slightly would be helpful.
In particular, Erebus is a giant born with a presence that even Orgal acknowledges.
Even if it's not Typhon, if it's him.
If it was that powerful giant, it would be easy to trample the top retainers of other Grand Dukes.
He judged that even that alone would be a good force.
But for that guy to go under Rosaria?
[Nonsense.]
Not only Orgal but also other Grand Dukes would think so.
Unless Rosaria herself stepped out, there was no one who could match Erebus.
Even Kim Taehyun, the key, would not be Erebus's opponent.
At that time, one of the retainers came.
[Is there news from Erebus?]
Orgal asked.
[No. It's news that the twentieth castle has fallen and an emergency support request from the nineteenth castle.]
Twentieth castle.
That was the last castle in Orgal's territory.
Of course, the location was also farthest from the main castle.
Such a place was captured, and the nineteenth castle sent a support request.
None other than the highest species who inherited his power.
[Who's the opponent?]
[It's Succubus Queen Rosaria.]
[That bitch is moving herself. Are you sure?]
[I can't believe it either, but... they say it's definitely Rosaria.]
The retainer bowed his head again and answered.
He also knew that it was crazy for a Grand Duke to move to capture a castle.
Especially Rosaria is the weakest of the Grand Dukes.
Even though it's to expand her territory.
If she moved recklessly, even her main castle could be attacked in reverse.
[Puhuhu…. Has Rosaria finally gone crazy?]
Orgal, who was not in a good mood due to Jormungandr's warning, shook his body.
Rosaria.
Whatever her intentions are.
[If a Grand Duke has moved, I should go out and greet her in person.]
[If so?]
[Prepare for departure.]
[Hmph~ How boring.]
Chwaaak.
At Rosaria's gesture, the body of the highest species was torn apart as it was.
[Kyaruru. Queen~ Are we taking this castle too?]
[This place is too far~ Kyaruru.]
[I like it here better~ Kyarururu.]
The incubi following Rosaria walked around, laughing everywhere.
It was the nineteenth castle among the twenty castles owned by Orgal.
That also meant that the twentieth castle had already been captured.
Normally, it would be impossible with the power of the incubus race.
With the Grand Duke participating, the power was incomparable.
[Rosaria-nim. At this speed, we can capture up to the 17th castle before Orgal arrives.]
One of her retainers.
Grand Succubus Knight approached and reported.
[It seems so.]
[Are you okay?]
The retainer asked, checking her mood.
The incubus race owns five castles.
None of them are unimportant.
Not only when invading Igmun's territory before.
Recently, Rosaria's activities outside have been frequent, which is not suitable for the rank of Grand Duke.
That's the same for Rosaria too.
[How can I be okay when I've left my house empty?]
She recalled the giants she had placed in her main castle.
Erebus, Typhon's direct descendant.
If it's the remnants he leads, they could endure for a while even if the other guys attack at a good timing.
[Erebus is now following the Queen's orders... but he's also the one who attacked the 5th castle. It's better to return to the castle quickly...]
She seemed worried about leaving her house to someone else and coming out like this.
The retainer couldn't hold back his advice.
[I agree. But we will advance to the 17th castle like this.]
[If so.]
[Yes. This lady must tie Orgal's feet for a while.]
[…I understand. I'll prepare to move right away.]
The retreating retainer shouted and began to drive the naive succubi.
She watched that scene for a while.
[Contractor. Move quickly.]
Rosaria murmured quietly.
Org, the king of the orcs.
SSS rank according to human standards.
A being of the highest species according to the standards of demons.
Second castle of Orgal's twenty castles.
One of the highest-ranking retainers in charge of managing the castle.
[Rosaria is rampaging…. She must be crazy.]
He muttered, receiving the report from his subordinate.
For a Grand Duke to move, leaving the main castle, means that he has prepared his territory for invasion.
If it was another Grand Duke, he would have thought that they had made some great preparations.
He would have suspected what was behind it.
But if the target is Rosaria, the story is different.
There can't be such a being in the incubus race.
Besides, Erebus is attacking the 5th castle, so it wouldn't be strange to accept the current news as a surrender.
[Did that contractor guy instigate it again this time?]
Kim Taehyun.
A human who survived even after invading the Grand Duke's castle.
[Either way, it's a crazy act.]
At that time.
Something flashed across Org's red eyes.
It was faint, but clear.
[Hu…man…?]
Seogeok.
Before Org could completely put the target into his mouth.
His neck was cut by something sharp.
At the same time.
Chiiiik. Chiiiik.
Poisonous magic power interfered with ultra-high-speed regeneration.
It was an instant.
Seuseuseut.
Taehyun, whose stealth was released, revealed his appearance.
"It's not a crazy act."
Taehyun canceled the huge scythe that had cut Org's neck.
If the two skills 'Apostle of Darkness' and 'Demon's Saliva' are overlapped and maximized, even an SSS-rank demon can be subdued in an instant.
It was already confirmed in the battle with Erebus, and the power was truly satisfactory.
Ttiriring.
[Unique skill Predation (SS) has been activated. Target is specified.]
Jjeoeok.
Kwaduk!!
Predation's jaws swallowed Org's corpse.
He instantly erased the guy's existence from the castle.
Watching that scene.
"It's a perfect plan, you know?"
Taehyun smiled bitterly.
Okay, here is the translation of the provided Korean text to English:
Episode 287
The magic of Predation engulfed the demon's body.
Orc King Orge.
Taehyun didn't even know his name, but...
He possessed power comparable to an SSS-rank monster by human standards.
Though he was no match for giants like Erebus and Aether, or Muron, who inherited Rozalia's authority.
Even after devouring such a being...
'No stat increase, huh?'
After a brief moment of annoyance.
Taehyun used 'Stealth' again.
Ding.
[Skill Stealth (SS) has been activated.]
Swish.
Enveloped in crimson magic, his immense presence vanished instantly.
Compared to when he faced the Majin in the past, his skill was on a completely different level.
'Definitely, obtaining the heart of a superior species has improved skill efficiency.'
For this operation, mastery of several skills was crucial, and...
'The Heart of a Superior Species' was what allowed him to maximize their performance.
Taehyun was currently in Orge's Second Fortress.
It would have been ideal to infiltrate cleanly using 'Apostle of the Gate,' but...
This was the fortress closest to the Grand Duke's main base.
It was surrounded by several other fortresses, and multiple layers of barriers were in place.
'If I use 'Apostle of the Gate'...'
'There's no way beings of the highest caliber wouldn't notice.'
Therefore, Taehyun had no choice but to breach the fortress directly, while concealed.
The skill 'Stealth' had difficulty completely concealing him from the eyes of superior demons.
However, now that it was an SS-rank skill, with mastery of magic control reaching its peak, it could evade not only the red eyes of superior demons, but also...
If he was careful, it could even avoid the eyes of the highest-ranking ones.
Sometimes, when he couldn't completely avoid their gaze, he would silently eliminate them.
'Still, it's fortunate.'
Taehyun took out a potion and drank it before moving on.
He had eliminated dozens of demons since entering Orge's territory.
Most of them were superior species, and there were a fair number of the highest caliber as well.
If he hadn't received rough information from Erebus, such a clean sweep wouldn't have been possible.
'He's as useful as he is large.'
A satisfied smile appeared as he thought of the giants guarding Rozalia's main base.
Erebus had once been under Orge's command.
Thanks to that, he was able to infiltrate from the 10th Fortress instead of the 20th, using secret routes.
The coordinates of Orge's main base, which Ricky Hallis had accidentally discovered in the past, were also of considerable help.
In various ways, the plan was proceeding smoothly.
How much time had passed?
Now that the potions he brought were running out.
Taehyun had reached the midway point of the Second Fortress.
'Damn, it's huge.'
He had already been inside the Second Fortress for quite some time, but he hadn't reached his destination yet.
'I need to finish things on my end as quickly as possible.'
Just as Taehyun possessed information about Orge's fortresses.
There was no way the other Grand Dukes and demons didn't know the coordinates of Rozalia's fortress.
In particular, Rozalia's territory was the smallest among the Grand Dukes.
If they knew Rozalia wasn't at the main base, the demons might ignore the other surrounding fortresses and target the main base first.
The main base was guarded by remnants of the giant clan.
And Rozalia's highest-ranking demons guarded the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th fortresses.
They could buy some time, but...
Ultimately, they wouldn't last long without Rozalia.
Because of the lack of personnel, Rozalia had to return to completely defend the fortress.
But that Rozalia was probably...
'Must have passed the 19th Fortress by now.'
Taehyun recalled what the demons he had passed had said.
They ridiculed the fact that the Grand Duke had abandoned her fortress and was on the front lines.
Especially since Rozalia, the weakest of the Grand Dukes, was taking such a stance.
It was a cruel fate.
Whether it was Taehyun, who had reached the pinnacle of power by human standards.
Or Rozalia, who had reached the position of Grand Duke in the demon realm.
Despite their power, being ridiculed was commonplace.
But.
'The days of being ridiculed won't last much longer.'
If this plan succeeded, the Succubus Clan would have forces comparable to any Grand Duke's faction.
Taehyun calmed his magic and expanded his senses.
To listen to the footsteps and voices of the demons.
Now that he was close to his target, he needed to be more careful.
If Rozalia's information was correct, Typhon's corpse would be somewhere in the fortress.
'The most suspicious place is the fortress's underground.'
The problem was that he didn't know how deep the Second Fortress's underground was.
So from now on...
'It's a race against time.'
Ding.
[Skill Heart of a Superior Species (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Stealth (SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Stealthily and quickly.
Taehyun moved.
Orge's Second Fortress.
Being closest to the main base, it housed more demons than other fortresses.
Not only the number of individuals, but also their quality, was different.
No less than five of the highest-ranking demons, who could serve as fortress lords elsewhere, resided there.
And Gort was the one who had been given the role of commander among these formidable demons.
Ogre King Gort.
In the past, during the territorial war.
He was the one who led the Beastkin with Orge in the deepest depths.
The club he wielded was made from the bones of giants, and his hobby was steaming and devouring members of other races.
As always, he was steaming a demon he had caught outside with his club and tearing apart the tenderized meat.
Gort frowned at his subordinate's report.
The Grand Duke leading the Succubus Clan.
It hadn't been long since the report of Rozalia, who had captured the 20th Fortress, had arrived.
Orge, who had received the message, had been reported to have passed the 10th Fortress a short time ago.
But now the Succubus Clan was rampaging in the 18th Fortress?
Their advance was faster than expected.
At this rate, the two Grand Dukes would meet around the 16th Fortress.
[They've invaded up to the 18th Fortress. That Rozalia bitch must have finally gone crazy.]
[That's right.]
His subordinate responded to Gort's mutterings.
Because other strong individuals from different races, like Gort, did not acknowledge the birth of a Grand Duke from the Succubus Clan.
[After allowing several attacks on the main base, she must be out of her mind.]
Kekekeke.
Gort shook his muscular body and burst into laughter.
Because that thought was obvious.
Unlike individuals, the leader of a race must also be mindful of morale.
It must have been an attack caused by her weak subordinates failing to defend properly.
But the Grand Duke was the one who had to oversee everything.
She couldn't just sit still after allowing several attacks.
She had to choose.
Whether to focus on defense and seek minimal safety.
Or to invade the territories of other Grand Dukes and maintain her dignity as a Grand Duke until the end.
And what she chose was the current situation.
Ignoring the dignity of a Grand Duke and leaving her fortress.
Daring to attack the great king who rules the Beastkin with her meager forces.
Orge's fortresses one by one, a bad move.
[Gort-nim. The Beastkin have also suffered significant damage from Rozalia's rampage.]
[Kekekeke. Yes, it seems that bitch didn't become a Grand Duke with just her meager skills.]
Contrary to his unwillingness to admit it.
He knew that Rozalia possessed power that could not be compared to the highest-ranking demons.
No matter how weak, a Grand Duke was still a Grand Duke.
She would be able to capture several fortresses single-handedly.
The fortress commanders also knew that it was best to avoid direct confrontation with her, a Grand Duke.
The commander of the 20th Fortress foolishly fought back, and his entire force was torn to shreds along with the fortress by her tentacles.
The commander of the 19th Fortress was clever.
He sacrificed himself to buy time, and bought a little more time for Orge to arrive.
And by now.
Rozalia would be caught in a new dilemma.
If she had even a little bit of reason left, she would flee before the Beast King arrived, and if she was out of her mind, she would continue to advance and encounter Orge.
Even if she belatedly came to her senses and retreated to her main base, defense would not be easy.
Orge would lead his followers and push all the way to Rozalia's main base.
Rozalia only had five fortresses, whereas.
Orge was currently advancing with all his highest-ranking followers from the 5th Fortress onwards.
[It's the first time I've envied the other guys since I was given a fortress.]
Gort did not hide his regret.
It was an emotion that came from not being able to witness the moment when Rozalia's territory was trampled on.
The moment when that cunning queen was dragged from the seat of the Grand Duke.
But he was the commander of the Second Fortress.
He had to carry out Orge's solemn mission along with the other highest-ranking individuals stationed in the fortress.
The Giant King was sealed in the deepest basement of the fortress.
His mission was to guard the body that could not die even in death.
Gort clicked his tongue.
[Tsk. How many people can target this place.]
What could they do with that body?
[If we take the Succubus Clan's fortress this time, we will be released from our mission. Gort-nim is Orge-nim's best warrior, isn't he?]
His subordinate said sweet words to Gort, who could not easily let go of his regrets.
The best warrior.
Those words made Gort feel good.
Among the highest-ranking demons who followed Orge, his martial prowess was one of the best.
That was why he had command over the other individuals here right now.
[Yes. I should ask him to give me Rozalia's main base this time. With that fortress, even Igmun's territory... ]
Before Gort could even utter his happy fantasy.
Another subordinate rushed in.
[What's wrong?]
[Gort-nim. It seems an intruder has entered.]
[What?]
Gort had an absurd expression on his face at the unexpected report.
Taehyun clicked his tongue and quickened his pace.
'Stealth' had been deactivated long ago.
'I can't believe there's someone with such developed eyes.'
Taehyun recalled the red eyes of the demon he had devoured a moment ago.
He wasn't that powerful for a highest-ranking individual, but he had four red eyes.
'Stealth' was deactivated as soon as it was seen by the red eyes, and Taehyun, who was a step late, couldn't stop him from shouting with magic imbued in his voice.
It was a bonus that he used a lot of magic in the process of suppressing him.
Thump, thump, thump.
Taehyun stepped on the fortress wall, which was neither a staircase nor a slope, and descended.
One hour? Two hours?
How long had he been running down this path leading to the underground?
Behind him, dozens of demons were emitting killing intent.
All of them were superior species.
Some of them seemed to be the highest-ranking individuals.
'It's no use fighting them.'
This plan was a race against time.
The most important thing would begin after finding the place where Typhon's body was sealed.
Entering the Second Fortress and finding the passage to the underground was as planned.
Was that all?
'I also confirmed that Typhon's corpse is in the deepest part of the fortress.'
He used 'Ataraxia' on the highest-ranking individual a moment ago.
He confirmed from the fragments of his memory that what they were guarding was Typhon's body.
How long had he been running?
Ding.
[Quest 'Giant King's Magic Stone' has been generated.]
'……!!'
[Success Reward - Summon Skill Giant King Typhon (SS) Demon Magic Fluctuation.]
Following the emerging message.
Strength entered the legs that were running.
Chapter 288
Quest Message.
It had been silent ever since Artisan Kim Jong-ho's upgrade.
Even after the battle with Jörmungandr, the status window had shown no response.
Likewise, throughout the many fortresses of Orgal, and even during the infiltration of the Second Fortress, no quest had appeared, but now suddenly one was created?
'The status window has never lied before.'
The implication was clear.
'Typhon's body isn't far away.'
A smile crept onto Taehyun's face.
Everything was going according to plan.
The monsters' pursuit was fiercer than expected, but this level of risk was still within the realm of anticipation.
'I'll break through this encirclement and reach the Giant King's body. Once I reach it, I can set the stage...'
Just as Taehyun was re-examining his plan,
KWAANG!!
Suddenly, the fortress wall right next to him crumbled, and a powerful hand shot out.
Taehyun, who had been focused solely on moving forward, instinctively recoiled.
Gooooo.
Before him stood a monster wielding a massive bludgeon.
A creature over two meters tall, filled with muscle.
'A Highest-Rank.'
Moreover, its aura was different from any he had encountered so far.
This wasn't just due to the 'Eyes of the Highest-Rank'.
His developed senses,
Or his instinct for danger.
He knew instantly that this monster was a commander-level figure in the fortress.
[Could that rat have been a human?]
Gort muttered, resting his bludgeon on his shoulder.
Gleaming red eyes scanned Taehyun's body.
Rosaria's attacks on other fortresses.
A human's sudden infiltration of the Second Fortress.
Gort's mind raced.
[Could you be... Rosaria's contractor?]
Tring.
[The skill 'Eyes of the Highest-Rank' (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
Taehyun didn't reply, but instead amplified his red eyes.
He was planning to exploit Gort's openings and escape this place.
But why?
'...I can't see any openings.'
He couldn't see any way to escape from the creature who was just standing there.
Nor did he think he could deceive its eyes by using skills right away.
It was just a moment's pause.
But that time allowed the monsters chasing Taehyun to arrive.
Ahead was a Highest-Rank monster with no visible openings.
Behind, an unknown number of Upper-Rank monsters were forming a siege.
[You're already thinking about using petty tricks.]
Hwoong.
Gort swung the massive club he was holding.
Despite being a light swing, the speed was extraordinary.
Tring.
[The skill 'Apostle of Darkness' (SS) has been activated. Identifying shape.]
Kwajeek!!
"...!!"
The greatsword Taehyun hastily created was easily shattered, even though it would have been worthy of a Legendary rank by human standards.
[Fphuhu. Judging by your crude skills, you're definitely Rosaria's dog.]
Gort assessed after watching Taehyun's skill.
It reminded him of Min Jihong, who had come to him claiming to be Orgal's contractor.
Min Jihong, who had challenged Gort claiming to learn a thing or two, was only able to escape the fortress after his limbs were crushed and parts of his body were eaten.
Though he never asked to be spared.
He saw Min Jihong's face overlapping with Taehyun's before him.
Of course, that presumptuous Shinhanguk language was also the same.
"Dog? That's harsh, isn't it?"
Taehyun shook his aching hand and began to gather mana.
He could tell just by clashing weapons once.
That the monster was an Erebus-level powerhouse.
If he had enough time and a suitable stage, he would have considered it a good opportunity for growth.
But right now, being chased.
He needed to use serious skills.
Tring.
[The skill 'Apocalypse' (SS) has been activated.]
[The skill 'Stone Skin' (SS) has been activated.]
[The skill 'Heart of the Highest-Rank' (SS) has been enhanced.]
Kwaaaa.
Kwaddeudeuk.
Giiiiing.
Three skills were activated in quick succession, making Taehyun's movements more agile.
Hwoong.
Taehyun ducked, barely avoiding the monster's club.
He felt a shockwave so intense it made his skin tingle.
[I'll crush you just like that guy.]
"Bullshit."
Tring.
[The skill 'Eyes of the Highest-Rank' (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
He could clearly see the mana flowing within the monster's body.
Incredibly trained muscles.
A natural strong body.
An immense inherent power flowing within.
Combined with the authority of enhancement granted by Orgal.
If he used all that power, he wouldn't be this weak.
By now, Taehyun should have been slammed into the fortress wall several times.
But Gort, excited by a rare prey.
'Isn't using his full power.'
The enemy's carelessness always creates opportunities.
This wasn't a bad situation for Taehyun.
Tring.
[The skill 'Beast Transformation' (SS) has been activated. Specifying the transformation area.]
Kwaddeudeuk.
[Hooh, that power, could it be...]
"Shut up."
Taehyun, who had instantly strengthened his arms and legs, readied himself.
Shinhanguk Ancient Martial Arts, Sixth Form: Plains.
He evaded the club that Gort was swinging.
And stepped forward, taking a forward stance.
And,
Taehyun's leg, which had expanded to a comparable size to Gort's.
A kick, like the roar of a beast, struck Gort's abdomen.
Kwajeek!!
"[...!!]"
The monster's massive body staggered from the unexpected power.
But that was all.
'Was it too light?'
Beast Transformation and Ancient Martial Arts.
Even so, he couldn't completely push the monster away.
That difference allowed Gort an opening to swing his club.
[You!!]
The moment the club was about to be swung towards Taehyun's skull below.
Tring.
[The skill 'Dragon's Fury' (SS) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]
Krrrr.
Gort's body froze, overwhelmed by the aura emanating from Taehyun's body.
Once again, it was Taehyun's turn.
Chinese Ancient Martial Arts, Sixth Form: Divine Realm.
KWAANG!!
His beast-transformed fists once again struck Gort's abdomen.
This time, he felt something.
"If we are talking about power, Erebus was much heavier. In terms of bulk."
Taehyun taunted, creating distance.
It was natural for Gort's face to twist.
Upper-Rank monsters are able to learn languages by chewing on human brains.
Gort, as a monster who has lived for a long time, has eaten a few humans from Shinhanguk.
So, for him, who knew the Shinhanguk language, Taehyun's words from earlier were ridicule.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Daring to compare himself, the great demon of the Beast Clan, with the fallen Giant Clan.
The expression on Gort's face could be described as malevolent.
[Daring to compare this body to the Giant Clan. A bug chirping without knowing its place.]
Taehyun couldn't help but laugh at the sight of him snorting and snarling.
"I don't think someone who's so scared of the Giant Clan that they're guarding it should be saying that."
[You, could it be...]
Gort swallowed his next words.
The Giant King Typhon.
Information about that being, who was sleeping beneath the fortress, was not something a mere human should know.
"Judging by your expression, it seems I'm right on the money."
For Taehyun, who had already mastered psychological warfare, dealing with a monster was nothing.
Gort's distorted face trembled for a moment.
[Fphuhuhu.]
Soon, the monster burst into laughter.
He had completely understood the situation.
Rosaria's reckless actions and.
The reason why the contractor before him had infiltrated the fortress alone.
[I can't believe it. I didn't think there would be anyone who would try to realize such a reckless idea.]
Gort, who had been muttering to himself, continued.
[Is Rosaria crazy?]
"Of course not. She's more sane than you think."
[...]
At that moment.
The monsters who had been watching for an opportunity behind Taehyun expressed their intention to participate.
[Lord Gort. We will handle...]
[Don't interfere.]
[But the fortress has been infiltrated...]
[This bug is my prey. I won't tolerate anyone who interferes from now on.]
"How kind of you."
[Bug. I've heard that Lord Orgal is looking for you.]
Although it wasn't known that Taehyun was the key.
The other Dukes had also issued orders for the arrest of Rosaria's contractor, who was recklessly running rampant.
[I should offer you to the King and demand a reward.]
Pshik.
The corners of his lips naturally rose at the opponent's arrogance.
"Your dreams are too big for your vessel."
Tring.
[The skill 'Apocalypse' (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
Contrary to his words, the opponent was an Erebus-level powerhouse.
There was no room for leisure.
'I'll go all out from the start.'
[The skill 'Lord's Aura' (SS) has been activated. Not specifying a target.]
Kugugung.
The mana emitted from Taehyun's body spread throughout the fortress.
Overwhelmed by the oppressive aura, the monsters unleashed their mana to break the Apocalypse.
No matter how strong Taehyun had become, they were not beings to be taken lightly.
Some of the monsters endured the aura, broke the chains trying to bind them, and shrieked to destroy the domain of darkness.
'There are a damn lot of them.'
Tring.
[The skill 'Energy Drain' (SS) has been activated. Targeting subject.]
Chwarararak. Chwararararak.
The chains wrapped around like tentacles.
Pajeujeujeujeu.
Jjuuuk. Jjuuk.
Several monsters who couldn't resist vomited mana as they were.
Mana began to fill up in an instant.
Taehyun didn't miss the opportunity.
Tring.
[The skill 'Energy Drain' (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[The skill 'Chains of Binding' (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[The skill 'Poison' (SS) has been activated.]
[The skill 'Heart of the Highest-Rank' (SS) has been enhanced. Additional effect 'Canceller' has been activated.]
Before, he would have had to endure the overload of all these skills with his mental strength.
But the mana stone seated in Taehyun's chest.
The second heart, repeating contraction and relaxation, faithfully performed its role in the skills used as if they were fired randomly.
Just by that action, he was easily handling the skills from earlier and even rapidly resolving the skills' cooldowns.
At that time.
[Unbelievable. How can a human do this much?]
Casually brushing off the 'Apocalypse' overload.
A huge monster approached Taehyun.
The Highest-Rank monster, who was ordered to protect the Second Fortress alongside the commander Gort.
Bert, known as the Troll King and working as one of Orgal's confidants.
[Bert, he's my prey. Don't interfere.]
Gort said, revealing his hostility.
[Gort. It's clear you are the commander, but face the situation.]
Bert continued, pointing to the monsters who were flustered by Taehyun's skill.
[If this goes on, the fortress will collapse.]
[Don't worry. One arm and one leg each will satisfy me.]
[Tsk. Your eccentric personality is acting up again.]
Bert said that and swung the club, which was about twice the size of Gort's.
Ignoring Gort's warning, he targeted Taehyun.
Tring.
[The skill 'Apostle of Darkness' (SS) has been activated. Specifying the location.]
Seuseuseuseut.
Taehyun's body melted into the darkness, evading the attack.
He reappeared in a place away from the two Highest-Rank monsters.
[Judging by the rat-like tricks, you are definitely Rosaria's contractor.]
[Bert, you!! Didn't I say he was mine!!]
[Quiet. Lord Orgal's orders take precedence.]
Bert flinched at the word Orgal.
Recalling the order of the lord, the excited blood began to cool.
[Come here. Didn't I say I would spare your life?]
[There's no need to struggle. I'll just take your arms and legs.]
After taking a moment to chuckle at the sight of the two monsters saying gruesome things casually.
"I'll have to push myself a little."
Tring.
[Unique skill 'Devour' (SS) has been activated. Not specifying a target. Not specifying a form.]
Jjeoeok. Jjeoeok. Jjeoeoeok.
Huge mouths revealed their teeth everywhere in the Apocalypse.
The number was dozens.
[Hooh.]
[Impressive.]
Gort and Bert showed an interested reaction.
Unlike the Dukes.
It was a reaction that could be shown because they had never directly experienced Devour.
"Eat them all."
Taehyun ordered indifferently.
His red eyes were arrogant, like those of a king.
Alright, here's the translation:
Episode 289
Ogre King Gort.
Troll King Bert.
In the past, these two apex species were monsters vying for dominance over a portion of the deepest part of the Abyss.
Immense strength and regeneration.
While not quite on par with the giants.
They possessed bodies just as formidable, leading to a kind of rivalry.
If Orgal hadn't subjugated them, they would never have resided in the same castle.
Their boundless pride in their own power.
That's why they didn't evade the unknown maw.
The magic of gluttony.
It didn't take long for them to realize that this action was a mistake.
Crack!!
Crack!!
[……!!]
[……!!]
These were the strongest bodies in their respective ogre and troll tribes.
Bodies comparable to those of giants, torn apart so easily.
Gort and Bert simultaneously widened their eyes.
[What is this….]
Even apex species were not immune to shock when faced with the unexpected.
Unlike the bewildered Bert, Gort was the first to regain his senses.
Crack.
He unleashed Orgal's power within him, a brown magic.
His already robust, muscular frame grew even larger.
His physical abilities were boosted beyond measure.
Crack.
He compressed his muscles to their limit.
And then.
The club, swung with tremendous force, collided with the approaching maw once more.
Bang!!
Crack, crack, crack.
The teeth of gluttony, formed of crimson magic, gnawed at the club as if to shatter it.
Bert, realizing the situation, belatedly intervened.
Crack.
His already massive body grew even larger.
[You!!]
Similarly channeling brown magic, Bert's club struck down on the maw of gluttony.
Bang!!
This time, it had an effect.
The crimson magic that had been about to devour Gort's club and tear off his arm lost its shape and scattered.
[How dare you!!]
Bang!!!
Gort's fist sent the devouring magic, which had been hungrily snapping its jaws, flying away.
It was instantaneous.
The magic of gluttony, which had been targeting the two monsters, was suppressed by the Authority of Enhancement.
[Insects….]
[Using magic like this?]
The horror of tearing apart the arms of apex species.
If this was happening to them, what about the others?
Sure enough.
Their red eyes could see the bodies of countless monster races being torn apart.
A single high-ranking monster without the Authority of Enhancement was no match for this ominous magic.
Whirr.
Boom.
Crackle.
Some of them seemed unable to overcome not only the 'Gluttony' created by Taehyun but also the 'Apocalypse'.
Grind.
Gort ground his teeth at their pathetic state.
To be so easily manipulated by a human they treated as less than an insect.
Bert felt the same way.
Kaaa!!
Kyaa!!
As the two apex species roared, the Apocalypse began to shake.
Crack. Crack, crack, crack.
Whirr. Whirr.
Cracks formed in the 'Apocalypse', and the 'Chains of Binding' were torn to shreds.
It didn't take long for the darkness, once shaken, to disappear completely.
Swish.
Where the darkness had been, dozens of monsters lay writhing, their limbs torn off.
About a fifth of the monsters chasing Taehyun had died in the previous attack.
[A sinister power.]
[This isn't Rozaria's.]
The two apex species acknowledged the danger of the power Taehyun had used.
Something finally dawned on them.
Apex species monsters.
And the Archdukes who reigned above them.
They all called themselves kings.
But the true king of the Abyss was only one.
The Underworld King.
The Authority, which manifested transcendent power, was the same.
The ingrained truth of the Abyss, which had been forgotten in the face of Orgal's transcendent force, resurfaced.
The Underworld King's Authority was above that of all Archdukes.
There was a legendary saying that floated around the Abyss.
[The key inheriting the king's power.]
[Will change the Abyss.]
It was a saying that had been circulating since ancient times, but no one took it literally.
Legends were believed to be unrealistic.
Ordinary monsters.
Even high-ranking or apex species, had never seen the Underworld King.
But Orgal was different.
A king who united the monster race, subjugated the giants, and rose to the rank of Archduke.
He had always longed to find the key.
Thus, he did not hesitate to accept a human insect as a contractor.
He constantly hunted monsters to keep other races under his feet.
And now.
Gort and Bert understood why their lord was so interested in Rozaria's contractor, even to the point of sharing power with humans.
[Rozaria's contractor!!]
[You are the key….]
Gort and Bert, who had been shouting, momentarily lost their words.
Taehyun's skill, 'Apocalypse,' was shattered.
But the key that should have been there was gone.
Their gazes simultaneously turned to the lower level.
The reason they were guarding this place was because the giant king Typhon's body was sleeping in the lowest level.
If the key had sought this place, there must be a reason.
[Bert!!]
[Hurry!!]
Realizing that the lowest level was not far from here, the two apex species hurriedly chased after Taehyun.
Taehyun gritted his teeth against the throbbing headache, increasing his speed.
Ding.
[Skill proficiency of the Superior Species Heart (SS) has increased.]
[Additional effect 'Canceller' of the skill Superior Species Heart (SS) is activated.]
[Cooldown of skill Apocalypse (SS) has been released. 190 mana has been consumed.]
'How long has it been since the skill was forcibly canceled…'
Taehyun chuckled at the released cooldown of the skill.
Since obtaining the second heart, Taehyun's body was becoming more and more infused with mana.
Although it was the power of monsters.
This was also a necessary power to reach the king.
He had no intention of refusing with the paltry mindset of upholding morality.
'Good. Mana is sufficient.'
After checking the status window, Taehyun used the skill again.
Ding.
[Skill Apocalypse (SS) has been activated.]
Kwaaaa.
Taehyun's domain was created in the area leading to the lowest level.
It wasn't just 'Apocalypse' that had its cooldown released.
Ding.
[Unique skill Gluttony (SS) has been activated. Transforming form.]
Crack. Crack.
Maws of gluttony concealed their presence and lay dormant throughout the darkness.
It was to slow down the pursuers.
Now that his identity had been revealed, he had no intention of conserving his skills.
The apex species monsters he had encountered earlier.
Assuming they were Erebus-level monsters.
'I won't last long.'
So he had to reach at least Typhon's body before encountering those guys again.
Suddenly.
Thud.
The underground that seemed to stretch on forever came to an end.
"……!!"
There was a huge cavern there.
The dungeons of S-rank or higher that Taehyun had seen so far.
It was so large that it wouldn't be strange to call it a temple-level scale.
It felt like a dwarf stepping into the world of giants.
And that wasn't just a feeling.
"Finally found it."
Taehyun muttered, looking at the massive body in front of him.
Its limbs were severed, and it was wrapped in unknown restraints, but he could be sure.
The being in front of him was definitely.
"Typhon."
It was definitely the giant king Taehyun was looking for.
'It's the same.'
A massive body surpassing the 10-meter Erebus.
The magic stone destroyed by Orgal.
The large hole in the chest created when that magic stone was extracted.
Although he couldn't feel it, the body from which the magic stone had been removed.
It looked exactly the same as what he had seen in Tartarus's memory and heard from Erebus.
'Did he somehow preserve it with Orgal's mana?'
Taehyun turned his gaze to the shackles that wrapped around the giant's body.
Even the mana of Orgal that Erebus emitted wasn't this concentrated.
Since there was no magic stone, it would naturally not regenerate.
And yet, it was as if in preparation for the worst.
It was a device that seemed to be there to prevent super-speed regeneration.
Pfft.
He laughed without realizing it.
'What were you afraid of, Orgal?'
The Archduke's body, with its limbs severed and in pieces.
There was no magic stone to infuse it with mana.
An ordinary apex species monster would have met its death.
That was the same for Erebus.
Taehyun wouldn't be any different either.
Even so.
Taehyun was certain that Typhon was not dead.
Before infiltrating the castle.
The law of the Abyss that he had heard from Rozaria.
The secret of the restraint placed by the king.
'In the Abyss, you must not kill a monster that has grown to the level of an Archduke.'
If the restrictions were ignored.
'The price would be annihilation.'
It was difficult to become an Archduke-level monster, but it was also difficult to defeat another Archduke.
Therefore, it was a restriction that most apex species monsters did not know about.
'Orgal must have been afraid too.'
Otherwise, it was difficult to understand why he would preserve the body, even using his own mana, and have his subordinates guard it.
After organizing his thoughts, Taehyun released his mana.
Kwaaaaa.
Crimson magic filled the huge clearing.
As if reacting to Taehyun's mana.
Ding.
[Quest 'Magic Stone of the Giant King' has been accepted.]
[Progress - 0.1%]
The status window reacted once again.
Just as Taehyun was feeling satisfied.
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
Kugugugugu.
Bang!!
The passage Taehyun had passed through seemed to shake, and then two monsters appeared.
It was Gort and Bert.
'Apocalypse' with 'Gluttony' stacked on top.
Their appearance after passing through the field, which could be called a trap, was battered.
[I'll kill you!!]
[Key!!]
The two monsters, convinced of Taehyun's identity, released their fighting spirit.
Their battered bodies were quickly regenerating at super speed.
'Two Erebus.'
Even in a situation that could be called a crisis.
Taehyun's composure did not diminish at all.
This was also a situation within his expectations.
Ding.
[Skill Superior Species Heart (SS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Energy Compose (SS) has been activated. Specifying shape.]
[Skill Apostle of the Gate (SS) has been activated. Specifying target. Specifying location.]
[Skill Energy Drain (SS) has been activated. Specifying target.]
The magic stone shaped by 'Energy Compose'.
Shortly after the magic stone was absorbed into the gate.
Swish.
The incomplete magic stone moved to the hole that had been pierced in Typhon's chest.
With just that.
Ding.
[Progress - 0.5%]
The message Taehyun had been waiting for appeared before his eyes.
[What are you trying to do!!]
[How dare you in front of us!!]
Unlike their words, Gort and Bert.
The two apex species monsters felt a chill at Taehyun's actions.
They couldn't know the message that had appeared to Taehyun.
But the key of the Underworld King had come into contact with the Archduke's body, which had lost its existence.
They could at least guess at the danger that would arise from that action.
"Judging by the way you're barking like a dog, I guess my guess was right."
Crack. Crack.
Crack.
The two monsters, wrapping their bodies in Authority, targeted Taehyun simultaneously.
2 vs 1 against an Erebus-level apex species monster.
A difficulty he had never attempted before.
Even so.
'I'm sure of it.'
He was confident that he could revive the giant king here.
And cripple Orgal's forces.
Okay, here's the translation:
Episode 290
Orgal's 17th Fortress.
Originally, a massive fortress signifying the Archduke's territory stood here.
However, the fortress, which should have been displaying its grandeur, was now partially destroyed and occupied by succubi.
[Keuh…!!]
[I'll kill you….]
[Daring to be succubi….]
Remnants of the fallen 17th Fortress.
From lower-level monsters to higher-level ones.
Various beastkin were groaning and exuding fighting spirit.
But the battle was already tilting against them.
The commander of the 17th Fortress couldn't buy even a moment of time against the Archduke's overwhelming power.
And the beastkin were unable to escape properly due to being mind-controlled.
What followed was tragic.
Rosaria's succubi clung to the beastkin, who couldn't even use their full strength, and began to suck their mental energy.
Aiming for growth by taking the magic power of stronger monsters.
That's why the more monsters survive numerous battles, the stronger their power becomes, and the more their strength is maximized.
[Kya-ha-ha.]
[I think I've gotten stronger~ Kya-ha-ha.]
[Kya-ha-ha, me too~]
Beastkin who are evaluated as stronger than themselves.
By stirring up the minds of such individuals and devouring their thoughts.
The succubi of Rosaria were achieving rapid growth.
[Queen. The time spent here is getting longer.]
One of the Grand Succubus Knights, who had been watching the scene, reported with a worried face.
Not just her.
Dozens of familiars of SS~SS+ grade, who had followed Rosaria, were all concerned about the current situation.
They hadn't lingered this long in the 20th, 19th, and 18th fortresses they had captured so far.
Back then, Rosaria had only advanced.
As if she were about to charge into the main fortress at any moment.
But for some reason.
After quickly capturing the 17th Fortress, she was showing a leisurely attitude, releasing her troops to deal with the remnants.
As if she were waiting for someone.
The familiars' thoughts were not wrong.
[I will stop my advance here.]
[…Then?]
One of the familiars asked.
[As soon as the children have dealt with the remnants, prepare to retreat to the main fortress.]
As if stating an obvious fact, Rosaria said nonchalantly.
[Queen, what are you….]
Just as the familiar, who didn't understand, was about to ask again.
[Rosaria!!!]
Far away.
A thunderous shout was heard from a place they couldn't even see.
[……!!]
[……!!]
[……!!]
The immense magic power contained in the voice.
The familiars' bodies stiffened as they realized the magnitude of that power.
Beast King Archduke Orgal.
They instantly recognized that it was the voice of the being who should have been in the main fortress.
[How could he be so fast….]
Orgal's main fortress was quite a distance away from here.
The current speed was unexpected.
But Rosaria had a relaxed face, as if she had anticipated it.
[That beast-like fellow. His voice is still loud as ever.]
Clack. Clack. Clack.
After laughing for a while, Rosaria's tentacles struck the ground.
Each time, cracks appeared on the ground.
She was also an existence of a different level from ordinary high-ranking species.
[Queen, what should we….]
[If this continues, a full-scale war with Orgal….]
The familiars waited for an answer, watching Rosaria's mood.
Hoping that the plan might change since Orgal had arrived sooner than expected.
[It's earlier than I thought, but it's something I expected. Withdraw the children right now.]
[Then….]
[I'll buy time. In the meantime, you all retreat to the main fortress.]
[……!!]
The familiars were momentarily speechless at the resolute order.
Abandoning their master and fleeing?
That was an absurd idea.
Soon regaining their senses, they raised their voices.
[No way!!]
[We will be with you!!]
[We will buy time!! Queen, you….]
Even with loyalty that she would normally be satisfied with, Rosaria clicked her tongue.
[Tsk tsk. You all can't handle those ferocious guys.]
Unless it was someone like the giant Erebos.
The succubi's power was too insignificant to buy time against those beastkin.
Only Rosaria and a few of the top-ranked familiars, who had transcended the limitations of the species, could face that large army and the Archduke.
That was why she had only brought ordinary familiars, not the top-ranked ones, from the beginning.
Rosaria was in a situation where she had finished everything.
The experience of subjugating beastkin would elevate the succubi to Grands.
Accelerating the growth of Grand Succubi to higher-ranked species and higher-ranked species to top-ranked species.
[Don't worry. Although it will be a bit overwhelming, I have my own plans.]
[…….]
[Queen….]
[My lord….]
Ignoring the familiars' expressions, Rosaria turned her head.
In that short time, Orgal's ferocious energy had gotten even closer.
[Lead the children and safely return to the fortress. I will follow soon, and this is an order.]
With that said, Rosaria involuntarily twitched her body.
It was something that anyone would see as crazy.
But why.
Her heart, which had risen to the rank of Archduke and rarely beat, was throbbing.
The magic stone was pulsating.
Just like when she was fighting the territory war with the King in the past.
The only difference was that Taehyun, his proxy, was fighting the territory war with her.
And the only thing that remained the same was that the situation was not very good, just like back then.
[Contractor. If you come back empty-handed, I won't let you off.]
Clack. Clack. Clack.
Some of the tentacles she had been hiding all along revealed themselves from behind her back.
Feeling the approaching presence of Orgal.
Rosaria, who had released her magic power, burst into laughter.
Deepest part of the Abyss.
A place surrounded by the Sea of Magic, where ordinary monsters could not approach.
Center of the Sea of Magic.
Yormungandr resided in a huge castle that towered high.
Yormungandr, who had polymorphed into a human form, smiled at the sight unfolding beyond the gate.
The gates spread around were not just one.
At least ten.
And the gates were reflecting various parts of the Abyss, as if they were mirrors.
[The situation is unfolding in an interesting way.]
In the first gate, Rosaria was smiling and the succubi were preparing to retreat.
In the second gate, Orgal and his triumphant army were visible.
Soon, the third gate would capture the images of Rosaria and Orgal together.
[I never thought Rosaria would move first.]
Yormungandr chuckled at the situation he hadn't even anticipated.
There was no particular movement in the gates he had planted in the territories of other Archdukes.
Igmund and Beelzebub were probably recovering from the aftereffects of the battle.
Lucifer and Hazard seemed to be watching as they always had.
And.
The figure of another monster was captured in a gate in the corner.
[Asmodeus.]
A being with the power of a top-ranked species, who wouldn't be strange to possess the rank of Archduke someday.
He also knew that he had recently caused a commotion in Rosaria's fortress.
He also knew that he had gone into hiding to recover from the aftereffects.
[He's usually a meticulous guy, but.]
He probably didn't know that he was being watched every move by his gaze.
If the other Archdukes knew Asmodeus's location, they would send top-ranked familiars to capture him immediately.
But Yormungandr didn't do that.
Because he knew.
That Asmodeus would be the trigger for the great upheaval that would happen in the future.
Even if he cooperated with the other Archdukes.
He should not be captured by the other Archdukes and ruin the grand scheme.
[If you had entrusted yourself to me, I would have helped you. You're going through unnecessary hardship.]
Yormungandr flashed his odd eyes as he looked at Asmodeus, who was quietly recovering.
Unlike his words, he knew very well that he wouldn't do that.
He was the one chosen by the Upper World King.
Kim Taehyun, whom he had met before.
Just as the Lower World King, who was a former human, chose the human Kim Taehyun as the key.
Only he and a few other Archdukes knew that the Upper World King, who was a former Archduke, had chosen the monster Asmodeus as the key.
[Key.]
A king who conquered the Lower World with a human background.
A king who conquered the Upper World with a monster background.
The collision of the two kings was not far off.
Even at this moment, the two kings were working hard in unseen places to wage the next war.
The key was a kind of proxy for the kings who could not show themselves.
And the grown key was.
[The trigger for the king to take advantage of the war.]
Naturally, the collision of the keys would be unavoidable.
Yormungandr recalled Taehyun's power, which he had competed with on Earth.
The power he possessed was still weak.
He was at a level where he could face a few top-ranked species, but he was still far from reaching the rank of Archduke.
Not only that.
The doppelganger he had seen in the Mind World.
It would be impossible to handle that guy with the rank of a top-ranked species.
It wouldn't be much different for Asmodeus, who had inherited the power of the Upper World King.
Yormungandr was truly curious to the point of madness.
What kind of monsters would the Lower World King and the Upper World King's choices create?
What kind of impact would that monster have on the race war?
[I'm looking forward to it.]
The thought of what kind of waves that impact would bring to the Sea of Magic made him tremble.
Yormungandr's odd eyes turned to the third gate.
Just now.
Orgal and Rosaria's magic power were colliding.
Taehyun was truly impressed.
Gort and Bert.
The coordination of the two top-ranked monsters had become more fierce, as if it were threatening, unlike before.
The weapon, which was embarrassing to even call a club anymore, was striking Taehyun's body every moment.
The weapons made of "Apostle of Darkness" were easily broken because they could not withstand two attacks.
And the ancient martial arts did not work properly on the bodies of those who were surrounded by the Authority of Enhancement.
It was a situation where it wouldn't be strange to be frustrated.
But Taehyun was not just being beaten unilaterally.
Tting!
[Skill Bloodlust(SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Beast Transformation(SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Dragon's Wrath(SS) has been activated. Target specified. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Demon's Saliva(SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Ataraxia(SS) has been enhanced. Target specified. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
The skills created through the magic power of the Archdukes were pressing the two top-ranked species every moment.
Not only that.
Tting.
[Unique Skill Devour(SS) has been activated. Target specified.]
Jjeo-eo-eo-eok.
Jjeo-eo-eo-eok.
The maw of Devour revealed its teeth.
If he penetrated the magic power of the Archduke, the magic power of Devour was always protecting Taehyun.
[You!!]
[Kuaaaa!!]
Gort and Bert roared once again.
They didn't want to admit it.
The human in front of them was scheming against Typhon while dealing with them.
If they continued to waste time like this, it would be disadvantageous for them.
At that time, dozens of higher-ranked monsters who had followed the two top-ranked species arrived at the pit.
Gort and Bert's red eyes flashed.
[Destroy that magic stone!!]
[Immediately!!]
The two top-ranked species abandoned their pride and ordered the monsters.
It meant to destroy the heart of Typhon, which was being artificially created by Taehyun.
But.
"How thankful I am."
The higher-ranked monsters who were hurriedly climbing onto Typhon's body.
The corners of Taehyun's mouth went up as he watched the scene.
Tting.
[Skill Energy Drain(SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Chains of Restraint(SS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Heart of the Higher Species(SS) has been enhanced. Fatigue is accelerated.]
Chareureureureuk.
Pupupupupuk.
Tseujeujeujeujeuk.
Tentacles and chains wrapped around the bodies of the higher-ranked monsters.
He glanced at the status of the quest.
[Progress - 2.5%]
It wasn't a bad number.
Taehyun smiled bitterly and raised his magic power even further.
"All of you. Will be good nourishment."
All kinds of Archduke's magic power scattered in the pit.
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