RKP 301-310
----------------------------
Episode 301
How long has it been since my Doppelganger has interfered?
Certainly, it hasn't happened recently.
There are many reasons why the Doppelganger can't freely take over Taehyun's body, but the biggest reason is that Taehyun has grown stronger beyond comparison to the past and is always ready to deal with it.
Even this time, the Doppelganger suddenly froze Taehyun's body, but Taehyun only allowed the initial attack.
He was soon able to break free from the interference.
'This crazy bastard. Why is he suddenly interfering again?'
Taehyun cursed inwardly.
It wasn't a life-or-death battle.
But Erebus was attacking Taehyun as if to kill him.
Calling him a brother, and saying he would help Taehyun use his skills.
The sound of his hearty laughter reached Taehyun in the crater.
Erebus was attacking with murderous intent while claiming to help, and the Doppelganger, sharing the same body, was letting him get attacked.
'Both of them... are out of their minds!!'
Kwarung!!
An even stronger lightning bolt struck Taehyun's body.
It was Erebus's original power, having revived Typhon and regained all the power of the elements.
Pazzzik. Pajik.
'Stone Skin' and the ancient martial art 'Diamond Body'.
And the body, strengthened by 'Beast Transformation' and 'Blood Rage', became sluggish.
A message popped up, indicating that physical stats were dropping in response to the sluggish body caused by the lightning's effect.
'Dangerous.'
Just as Taehyun was about to use 'Apostle of Darkness' to escape.
[The opportunity to understand the power of the Giant King doesn't come often, you know?]
'What?'
[Don't avoid it, accept it. That will be the key to using Typhon's power.]
The Doppelganger's words were different from usual.
It wasn't mocking, but rather had a hint of advice.
'Bullshit.'
Rather than believe his words.
'I'll subdue Erebus and find out myself.'
Taehyun thought so and used the skill.
Tting.
[Skill Apostle of Darkness (SSS) has been activated. Specifying form.]
A giant scythe was held.
Kwarung!!
Pajijik!!
The moment the lightning struck.
The scythe Taehyun swung cut through the lightning.
The lightning flowed through the hand holding the scythe.
The sensation of the entire body being electrified was still there, but it was a much lesser impact than being directly hit.
[You have so little faith in me.]
'That's obvious.'
Once again.
Kwarung!!
The scythe split the lightning.
Pajik!!
Sparks flew as lightning seeped into the body.
Taehyun frowned.
Even though he had suffered through it countless times in the previous battle with Erebus.
He couldn't get used to the pain.
'What good is this supposed to do?'
Kwarung!! Pajijik!!
Kwarung!! Pajijik!!
Kwarung!! Pajijijik!!
How many times had he split the lightning falling from the sky?
He felt a growing numbness and a loss of sensation in his hands.
'Damn it, he's gotten stronger. Erebus.'
He couldn't help but be amazed by the power of Erebus, who was pouring out so much lightning at such intervals.
But he too, would have his limits.
The moment the lightning stopped.
Taehyun planned to use 'Apostle of Darkness' to get away and then knock him down.
Ten times. No, twenty times?
He was instinctively swinging the scythe when he suddenly.
Felt a sense of déjà vu.
'It doesn't hurt?'
That's when Taehyun realized.
Tting.
[Skill Primordial Element (SSS) has been activated.]
[Understanding of the skill is insufficient. The skill's effect is reduced.]
[Absorbed the power of lightning. Speed temporarily increases.]
Pazzzzzit.
Sparks flew from Taehyun's body.
It wasn't due to Erebus's power.
It was mana that Taehyun's body was generating on its own.
"Ha."
Taehyun let out a hollow laugh.
The skill 'Primordial Element', which would contain Typhon's authority.
He seemed to know what it meant.
Just a moment ago, his body was numb, but now it was starting to feel lighter.
How much speed stat had risen?
Before Taehyun could even think about it.
Kwarung!!!
Lightning of a different power struck down.
Taehyun didn't bother to avoid the power.
Tting.
[Skill Primordial Element (SSS) has been activated.]
[Understanding of the skill is insufficient. The skill's effect is reduced.]
[Absorbed the power of lightning. Speed temporarily increases.]
This made it clear.
Poook.
The crater created by the lightning.
In the very center of the depression.
Taehyun plunged the scythe made of 'Apostle of Darkness' into the ground.
Holding the handle of the scythe.
He quietly looked up at the red sky.
Incongruously, it was full of dark clouds.
Erebus was gathering power to prepare for the next lightning strike.
'This is the last one.'
He was sure of it.
No matter how strong Erebus had become, he couldn't use this much lightning in succession.
So the current lightning was Erebus's last strength.
Tting.
[Skill Eye of the Superior Species (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Heart of the Superior Species (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Apostle of Darkness (SSS) has been enhanced. Target has been identified. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
Kiiiiing.
He felt magic stones being created in his body and glared with his red eyes.
At the same time, he poured mana into the scythe made of 'Apostle of Darkness'.
Flash.
Just for a moment.
The red sky seemed to brighten for a moment.
Kwarung!!!
Lightning of a different class struck down.
If he had been hit directly, it would have been a power that Taehyun would have had a hard time handling.
The scythe stuck in the ground acted as a lightning rod.
Was that all?
Pajijijijik.
In his hand.
The scythe, filled with lightning, sparked.
If he used this scythe now, he could subdue Erebus in an instant.
He had that conviction.
But that wasn't what Taehyun chose.
Kkwaak.
Pajijijijik.
Taehyun put strength into the hand gripping the scythe.
The power of the lightning residing in the scythe rushed in as if it would burn Taehyun's body at any moment.
Taehyun didn't refuse that power.
Instead.
Tting.
[Unique Skill Devour (SSS) has been activated. Specifying target.]
Jjeoeok.
Kwadeuk. Kwadeudeuk.
The jaws of Devour, released from Taehyun's body, bit into the scythe.
'Apostle of Darkness' containing a great power.
It didn't take long to devour his own skill.
Tting.
[Skill Primordial Element (SSS) has been activated.]
[Understanding of the skill has increased.]
[Absorbed the power of lightning. Speed temporarily increases.]
His mind felt blank.
He heard a laughing voice from somewhere.
The one inside was the Doppelganger, and the one outside was Erebus.
'Both of them.'
It was hard to believe they were on the same side.
Taehyun tried to erase the laughter from his mind and focused on the message in the status window.
He focused on NoName's voice.
[Absorbed the power of lightning. Speed temporarily increases.]
[Absorbed the power of lightning. Speed temporarily increases.]
How many times had he seen that message?
When he no longer heard the message.
The scythe made of 'Apostle of Darkness' had been canceled.
All of the lightning that had been in the scythe had been absorbed into Taehyun's body.
'Light.'
Taehyun opened the status window.
Besides the increase from 'Beast Transformation' and 'Blood Rage'.
His speed stat had increased by 20.
It was a temporary increase, but an unbelievable increase.
Now he seemed to know how to use this power.
'If I use ancient martial arts with this power?'
Kkwaak.
He instinctively clenched his fist.
Above him, Erebus was waiting.
With the Giant's strong body.
A 'brother' who was more confident in speed than anyone else.
Hehe.
Taehyun smiled and raised his head.
"You'll make a good sandbag."
[Brother. You're not dead, are you?]
Erebus said, shaking his body.
Contrary to his words, he didn't really think he was dead.
Kim Taehyun was someone he acknowledged.
More than that.
[It's an amazing power.]
Erebus clenched his fist.
Pazzzik.
Lightning let out an angry cry along his muscles.
His father.
The Giant King had been resurrected, and his authority had become unbelievably strong.
It was still lacking compared to the power of the Archdukes.
[Even if two other direct descendants came at me, I could handle it.]
Direct Descendants (直系).
Children or top-level species who, like himself, had inherited the power of the Archduke particularly strongly.
Each of them was a strong candidate for the next Archduke, and each was notorious in the deepest parts of the dungeon.
That's when Erebus thought.
Thuck.
A man jumped out of the crater.
It was Taehyun.
Aside from the blood-red mana rising from his body.
Pajijik. Pajijijik.
The yellow sparks scattering were different from before.
[Hehe. Brother, it seems you've finally awakened.]
Erebus smiled and congratulated Taehyun's awakening.
"Yeah. It was a 'pretty' painful power."
[......]
Bulge.
Erebus's muscles twitched.
How could he have such composure even after being hit directly by his full-force lightning?
Taehyun smirked at the sight.
"I'd like to ask for some teachings."
[It's a brother's request, how can I refuse?]
Erebus started grinning.
Even if Taehyun had awakened to the use of power, he wouldn't be able to handle it right away.
That's what he thought.
Typhon's authority, the elements.
It would take quite a bit of time just to contain that power.
By the time he got used to it and manifested it, Taehyun would already be defeated.
His thoughts didn't last long.
Pajijijijik.
Pajjeujeujeujeuk.
Lightning scattered from Erebus's giant body and Taehyun's 'Beast Transformation' body.
Taehyun moved first.
Chinese ancient martial arts, First Form, Issuance of Power.
Kkwang.
Taehyun's fist struck Erebus's leg.
[That's not enough. Brother.]
Erebus crouched down.
And.
He spread out his huge palm as if to say, 'Do more.'
'It's a problem if you're so relaxed with just the Issuance of Power.'
Erebus was also a top-level species.
It couldn't be helped that he was becoming arrogant with his strengthened power.
'Well, I'm thankful for that, though.'
Without answering, Taehyun immediately continued his next attack.
Second Form, Inch Power. Third Form, Elbow Power. Fourth Form, Shoulder Power. Fifth Form, Penetrating Power.
The ancient martial arts, acting on the principle of rise.
'Beast Transformation' and 'Blood Rage'.
Added with 'Primordial Element', pounded Erebus's palm.
Each time, Erebus's face seemed to stiffen more and more.
Sixth Form, Divine Power.
Kkwang!!
[......!!]
Divine Power, taking full advantage of the increased speed, was strongly embedded in Erebus's palm.
Kuoong.
Erebus couldn't withstand the power and ended up sitting on his butt.
His appearance was truly unsightly.
[I can't believe it.]
"Brother, you'll be in trouble if you sit down like that."
Pajijik.
The lightning still hadn't gone out from Taehyun's body.
Tting.
[Endures the immense power. Stamina increases by 1.]
[Endures the immense power. Speed increases by 1.]
Messages that permanently increased stats were a bonus.
"You'd better deal with this one a little more carefully."
Taehyun took the stance of White Wolf.
[Hehahaha. It will be a long night.]
Along with the scattering lightning.
Taehyun and Erebus clashed once again.
It didn't take long for the two top-level species to become battered.
Kuoong.
Thud.
Taehyun and Erebus.
Neither of them could say who sat down on the floor of the labyrinth first.
[Brother. It seems you have already surpassed me.]
"That's obvious."
[...What's the next plan?]
Erebus asked, trying to gather his broken pride.
"Orgal, Igmun, Beelzebub. They won't be able to move for a while."
[Then Lucifer and Hazard?]
Taehyun nodded.
He hadn't decided on the order yet.
He would propose an alliance, and if that didn't work, the Nightmare Clan and the Giant Clan would have to cooperate.
'It wouldn't be bad to contact Cody Cruise and Asissat Avie first.'
That's when Taehyun thought.
[Erebus-nim. I've caught a human who was loitering nearby.]
[Human?]
"......?"
Normally, he would order to kill them immediately.
Erebus met Taehyun's questioning gaze.
[Bring them.]
A little later.
A human woman, surrounded and guided by five giants.
It was.
"Huh...?"
A face that Taehyun also knew.
302
What appeared was Asishat Ebi.
"You... No, you are..."
Taehyun, upon recognizing the person, wore an absurd expression.
He never imagined he would see her here.
"Haha... Hello~ Player Kim Taehyun."
Asishat Ebi, also recognizing Taehyun's face, gave an awkward smile.
The deepest part of the dungeon.
A place that had been Orgal's territory until recently, where she had been brought by the giant race.
Yet, she didn't seem particularly surprised to see Taehyun there.
'Could it be that this girl...'
Taehyun's eyes narrowed as he stared at Asishat Ebi.
Undeniably.
Her eyes were trembling.
Like a hunting dog given an irresistible command.
"Did you come to find me?"
It was phrased as a question.
But it was a voice full of conviction.
Asishat Ebi didn't deny Taehyun's question.
"Haha... Luckily, I found you properly."
She glanced at the giant race surrounding her as she spoke.
"You shouldn't have the ability to roam the deepest part alone yet, should you?"
SS-rank skill, 'Azure Dragon's Scales.'
A skill that increases the strength of the body like the tough scales unique to the Dragon race.
As the SS rank suggests.
Few players or fiends would be able to break through that skill.
But that was only true on Earth.
Belatedly, her appearance caught his eye.
Blood flowed between the torn clothes, and there were traces of forcibly repositioned bones.
This was likely due to facing numerous high and top-tier species on the way here.
Perhaps noticing Taehyun's gaze.
"Haha. Seriously... I thought I was going to die~."
Asishat Ebi acted with her characteristic cheerful voice.
"You say you thought you were going to die, but what's the nerve to come all the way here? No, before that, how did you know I was here?"
It wasn't surprising that it was known Taehyun was in the deepest part.
What was surprising was how she was loitering in this place, even among the deepest parts.
The location of Orgal's 20th Star.
'What impeccable timing.'
The answer was as expected.
"I couldn't help it either, under Hazard's orders."
Unlike Taehyun, who calmly nodded at the mention of Hazard.
The giant race monsters who were watching flinched.
Erebus did as well.
"It seems like you need a pretty plausible explanation."
Taehyun said, sitting down.
It seemed like the story would be quite long.
As expected, her lament wasn't short, but to summarize, it was as follows.
On Earth, they were taking advantage of handling the Gray Plague to drive the fiends and monsters to near extinction.
Similarly, an Ancient-class Dragon race approached her, who was faithful to her duties as a player.
They took her to the deepest part and conveyed Hazard's command.
It was a simple command.
'Bring Kim Taehyun before the Lord.'
Taehyun pondered the meaning and asked back.
"Why suddenly?"
"If you think about it, it's not sudden."
"......?"
"I told you from the beginning. Hazard told me to bring Player Kim Taehyun."
"Ah."
Only then did Taehyun recall what she had said at their first meeting.
He had been too busy thinking about how to use her, and had forgotten the situation she was in.
"Tch... You always come out like that, don't you? How much I went through because of that..."
"So? Hazard told you to catch me no matter what this time, is that it?"
"...Yes. They suddenly dragged me to the Abyss and pushed me into the deepest part. If I can't bring you this time, they told me to prepare to offer my head. Of course, that doesn't just include me."
They were already successful in creating un-conquered dungeons.
It wouldn't be difficult for them to obliterate Nigeria.
"What's the reason?"
"I don't know that either. I'm not an equal contractor enough to ask such a thing."
She said playfully.
But Taehyun could read the feeling behind Asishat Ebi's expression.
It was bitter.
The reality that she had no choice but to follow the Archduke's words with her countrymen held hostage.
'Come to think of it, Rozaria is simple.'
He thought of Rozaria, who had been stroking him with her tentacles more often recently.
In terms of information sharing, she was more austere than other Archdukes.
But at least she didn't take anyone from Earth hostage to use Taehyun.
Compared to other contractors, she was an equal partner.
'Come to think of it...'
Listening to her, there was something strange.
"Didn't you make the Covenant of Summoning with Hazard?"
'Covenant of Summoning.'
It was a ritual that the Awakened made with various birds of prey and monsters using the Summoning skill.
The equal relationship Taehyun had with Rozaria and Typhon also originated from that.
This imposed a minimum restraint, making it impossible to harm each other.
"Is there any reason to make such a thing? It's just a contractor in name, but they'll treat me like a bug... Could it be... Did Player Kim Taehyun make one? With Rozaria... Archduke...?"
"......"
At Taehyun's silence, Asishat Ebi had an expression as if she had been struck on the head.
A human making a contract with an Archduke?
"That can't be!"
She unknowingly spoke her thoughts out loud.
It was something she had never imagined even in her dreams.
But there was such an existence in front of her.
Taehyun was just as surprised.
'If you can use the power of an Archduke without making the Covenant of Summoning...'
That also means that contractors can be mass-produced.
'No, is that going too far?'
While Taehyun was thinking that, Asishat Ebi's face went from surprise to gloominess.
"Whether it's humans or monsters... they only try to use me."
Her voice was so serious.
That it seemed like something terrible would happen if he didn't take care of her now.
"Who said they only used you?"
Taehyun said that and straightened her disheveled clothes.
"......!!"
"I'm not such a cold-blooded person as to betray a partner."
Asishat Ebi's eyes welled up at the plausible excuse.
Hazard.
How much had she been tormented by that damn Archduke?
So even these formal words were enough to feel comforted.
"After all, humans should stick together."
Her appearance, as if she had realized the truth of life, was truly pitiful.
"So, you came to take me on Hazard's orders. Is that the answer?"
"Before that... I should ask Player Kim Taehyun's intentions first, right?"
She really had no intention of forcing Taehyun.
Because she admits that she is several steps behind in terms of strength and strategy.
'I see.'
Only then did Taehyun realize why Hazard sent Asishat Ebi, not a top-tier Dragon race.
'They must have thought that sending a monster would just get it hunted.'
On the other hand, Asishat Ebi has the position of Taehyun's colleague.
Even if he rejects the offer, he won't kill her, and not being able to kill her means it's easier to grasp Taehyun's weaknesses.
That wasn't wrong.
As long as Asishat Ebi's value wasn't exhausted.
Taehyun would have tried to save her even if she had been kidnapped by another Archduke.
'Hazard. How far are you looking ahead.'
Taehyun was thinking that when.
"What are you going to do?"
She asked for his opinion again.
"What to do..."
Hazard knows that Taehyun led the giant race and occupied Orgal's twentieth Star.
Yet, he sent Asishat Ebi here.
Even though the giant race could have killed her as soon as they found her.
'If I hadn't completely dominated the giant race, that would have been the case.'
And Asishat Ebi doesn't have the ability to face top-tier species, especially Aether or Erebus-class monsters.
There is a risk to the Archduke if the contractor dies.
'Is it a gamble? Is it confidence?'
Either way, it was an issue that Taehyun couldn't just ignore.
"First of all, there's a way for you to give up being an Archduke contractor."
"......"
"But that's not a good way."
"Then...?"
She met Taehyun's eyes as if asking if there was another option.
"Let's go."
"......?"
"That means guide me to the place where Hazard's Star is."
"......!!"
Erebus, who had been quietly listening to the two people's conversation, interrupted.
[Brother. Hazard is not an existence to be taken lightly.]
"I know."
[Knowing that, are you answering so easily?]
"Erebus. There's a saying in Shinhan that if you want to catch a tiger, you have to go directly into the den."
[......?]
"Asishat Ebi. Let's move as soon as your wounds heal. I need time to recover too."
Taehyun said with an expression as if he was going for a walk.
"Any other preparations...?"
"There's no way petty tricks will work in front of an Archduke anyway, right? In times like this, frontal breakthrough is the answer."
"......"
[......]
Asishat Ebi and Erebus were speechless.
"But just in case. I hope you can promise me just one thing."
Taehyun put one condition on the table, and she seemed to hesitate a bit before nodding.
Not only that, but the Awakened's oath was made.
"Then, I'll go say hello to Rozaria for a moment."
Swish.
Taehyun's figure disappeared using 'Stealth.'
Using the skill in a place that has already become the giant race's territory.
It was out of the excessive thought that someone might be watching.
But that thought wasn't wrong.
[Hazard is approaching first.]
Jormungandr muttered, looking at the figures of the giant race reflected in the gate.
The place the gate was reflecting was where Orgal's 20th Star used to be.
[Now it's the giant race's base. It's right to call it Terra. What an amazing human.]
Jormungandr acknowledged Taehyun's skill in creating the current result.
Subjugating the remnants of the giant race who had succumbed to Orgal, and releasing the seal of Typhon sleeping beneath Orgal's 2nd Star.
And finally succeeded in completely destroying Orgal's 20th Star.
Without borrowing the Archduke's hand.
And Hazard was the first to approach Taehyun.
[Unexpected. I thought Lucifer would be the first to make a move.]
No, he did make a move.
It's just that the contractor was like the Archduke.
Lucifer's contractor was more difficult to handle than he thought.
Jormungandr thought of another existence in Hazard's Star.
Taehyun doesn't know it.
Hazard's call isn't just a proposal for an alliance.
[How long has it been since I was so excited.]
What will happen when the two keys meet.
What will Hazard do with the two keys in his hands.
Jormungandr's odd eye, shaking his body, shone even brighter.
A week had passed since Taehyun arrived at Hazard's territory with Asishat Ebi.
Because they started from Rozaria's territory and kept running.
Surprisingly, there were no monster attacks when they entered Hazard's territory.
"It's over there. The place where Hazard told me to bring Player Kim Taehyun."
Asishat Ebi pointed to a huge cave in the distance.
"It's more like a lair than a Star."
"The inside is worse than a labyrinth, it's definitely not lacking."
Asishat Ebi said that based on her own experience.
"More than that. The welcome is too flashy."
Taehyun pointed to the Dragonmen at the entrance of the lair.
There were about a hundred of them.
The Dragons behind them were also not small in number compared to their strength.
Asishat Ebi stepped forward.
"I brought Rozaria's contractor Kim Taehyun by the order of Lord Hazard. Open the way."
[Wait.]
"......?"
[Lord Hazard is meeting a guest.]
"Hmm."
Taehyun smelled something.
"How long do we have to wait?"
Asishat Ebi asked with a stiff expression.
[Until Lord Hazard orders.]
"......"
'It's that, isn't it.'
Taehyun chuckled, realizing the situation.
It's a situation that he's so used to that it's boring.
It's smelling the smell of the moment before a battle breaks out.
Instead of Asishat Ebi, who was speechless, Taehyun stepped forward.
"What are you doing calling someone over?"
Then he lightly emitted fighting spirit.
The Dragonmen's bodies twitched.
The leader Dragon flashed red eyes.
[Human. Do you think you're something just because Lord Hazard found you?]
"Wow. I didn't know monsters would have a sense of superiority."
The Dragonmen who were watching emitted fighting spirit at Taehyun's taunt.
[Watch that insignificant mouth. Contractor of the Succubus race.]
"You're full of it."
Kwaaaa.
Taehyun released magic power.
Crimson magic power surged as if it would carry out his orders at any moment.
"P, Player Kim Taehyun?"
Asishat Ebi looked at Taehyun with a flustered expression.
To reveal his fangs so openly in the enemy's base?
But this too.
It was a familiar situation for Taehyun.
"Asishat Ebi. Let me teach you one thing."
"What...?"
"Monsters prefer the logic of power rather than conversation."
Tring.
[The skill Knight King's Dignity (SSS) has been activated. The target is not specified.]
The released magic power spread quickly.
And.
Kugugugung.
A huge gravity acted on the area.
"Everyone bow your heads."
Dragon Lord Hazard.
In one area of her territory, who has the power of Dignity.
Taehyun showed the power of an arrogant top-tier species.
Okay, here's the translation of chapter 303:
Chapter 303
Skill ‘Knight King’s Presence’.
That was the skill Taehyun acquired by devouring the Death Knight Lord in the first double dungeon.
Its attribute was gravity.
Gravity enhanced by magic restrained the opponent's body and turned the situation to Taehyun's advantage. After skill fusion, it disappeared from the status window.
However.
'Just because it disappeared from the status window doesn't mean I can't use it.'
Taehyun was confident that his understanding of magic had already surpassed that of the past Ricky Hallis.
Even skills that weren't registered as skills, ones he'd used before...
Now that he was SSS-rank, he could use them with even less magic power.
'More powerfully.'
He could use them as much as he wanted.
Just like now.
Ding.
[Skill Knight King's Presence (SSS) has been enhanced. Output: 50%]
Kugugung.
[Kua….]
[Why does a human have Presence….]
Some of the dragonkin groaned under the crushing Presence.
It was incomprehensible.
That a human who wasn't even Hazard's contractor could emit this level of Presence.
Thud. Thud.
Dragonkin who could be called high-ranking kneeled one by one.
But Taehyun wasn't satisfied with just that.
"I told you. Slam your heads."
Ding.
[Skill Knight King's Presence (SSS) has been enhanced. Output: 100%]
[Keok….]
[Keuhak….]
The dragonkin screamed and rolled around on the floor.
Even the captain-level dragonkin were no different.
The sight of them slamming their heads...
They looked no different from the low-level monsters Taehyun had faced.
However, unlike the dragonkin mixed with various bloodlines...
There was a group that endured 'Knight King's Presence' without any difficulty.
Taehyun could immediately tell that they were not dragonkin with mixed blood but of pure dragon lineage.
'Even among the same high-ranking species, there's a difference in level, huh?'
It wasn't surprising.
Even Kaiselin, whom he met in the Tower of Dragonkin, was using excessive power compared to the years she had lived.
It wasn't for nothing that the Dragon race was considered the strongest among monsters.
The pure-blooded dragons who were watching seemed to find the sight of a human using Presence novel.
[How interesting.]
[How can a human use Presence?]
[I don't remember Rosaria having such a technique.]
[He's not the Lord's contractor either, is he?]
Some of the pure-blooded dragons chattered amongst themselves.
'Is Knight King's Presence only effective against dragonkin?'
Just as Taehyun was thinking that.
[Hey, you. Where did you get that power?]
A red-haired dragonkin stepped forward and asked.
His appearance was that of a dragonkin.
But inside, he was a polymorphed Red Dragon.
'The power I'm feeling is definitely that of a mature dragon…'
He felt a strength that couldn't be possessed by a mature-level dragon, something indescribable.
And Taehyun could easily tell that this feeling was the aura emitted by monsters who had inherited authority.
The same authority that had instantly turned Asisat Ebi, who was only an A-rank player, into an SS-rank player.
Some of them might even grow to be called direct descendants.
'Interesting.'
His purpose in coming here was to meet Hazard.
But he suddenly became curious.
Not the power he had obtained through his contract with the Archduke.
But the achievements he had built up on his own.
He wanted to know how far that power would reach.
[Can't you hear me?]
If he was a mature dragon, he was still young among the dragon race.
There was a hint of immaturity in his tone.
Ding.
[Skill Monarch's Presence (SSS) has been activated. Output: 50%]
Kugugung!!
[……!!]
The expression on the face of the red-haired dragonkin changed instantly.
Because of the pressure that couldn't be compared to 'Knight King's Presence'.
"Why aren't you kneeling?"
[How dare you, where do you think this is….]
[Comparing us to mere dragonkin….]
[I'll kill you….]
The fact that they felt threatened by the Presence of a human they had looked down upon made them furious.
Of course, Taehyun didn't care about their feelings.
"I don't care. Slam them."
Ding.
[Skill Monarch's Presence (SSS) has been enhanced. Output: 100%]
Kugung!!
[Keu…a….]
Fangs flashed from the red-haired guy's open mouth.
Polymorph was dissolving due to the unexpectedly strong pressure.
The same was true for the other guys.
Unlike the single skill 'Knight King's Presence'.
The skills fused into 'Monarch's Presence' were being applied together.
[This is….]
[Unbelievable…!!]
The sound of mature-level purebloods denying reality rang in his ears.
Kung. Kung. Kung.
Due to the pressure that made it impossible for them to even think about returning to their true forms.
The proud purebloods kneeled.
"You guys should step up too, shouldn't you?"
Taehyun said, looking at the other purebloods with his hands behind his back.
He was looking at the dragon race above worm-level.
'Five worm-level. Three ancient-level, huh?'
Compared to the mature-level dragons, who were in their 20s to differentiate themselves.
The worm-level dragons were polymorphed into appearances in their 40s, and the ancient-level dragons were in their 60s.
'Saying they're less than worms... but imitating humans….'
That sight looked quite funny to Taehyun.
But it seemed like they were looking down on him too.
[Withdraw your insignificant Presence.]
[Still, he's quite something for a human, isn't he?]
[He seems more useful than Hazard's contractor.]
The three ancient-level dragons who had been watching evaluated 'Monarch's Presence' like that.
At that moment.
Ding.
[Magic power usage has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Hot Presence'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
[Magic power usage has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Cold Presence'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
[Magic power usage has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Heavy Presence'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
[Magic power usage has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Ominous Presence'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
[Magic power usage has been detected. You have been afflicted with 'Venomous Presence'. Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance successful.]
Five Presences pressed down on Taehyun's body.
It was the doing of the worm-level dragons glaring behind the ancient ones.
'Purebloods. They're all cheats.'
Being worm-level, they had power that was more than enough to be called top-tier species.
But that wasn't enough.
'I can't break through the magic of Devour.'
Rather, it only provided Taehyun with information.
Silver was ice. Green was poison. Red was fire. Black was chaos. Blue was lightning. Gold was metal. White was colorless and odorless wind.
Information that countless players in his past life had learned while losing their lives.
So, looking at the power pressing down on Taehyun now.
'The worm-level dragons are Red, Silver, Gold, Black, and Green. I don't see White and Blue.'
Taehyun could easily distinguish the types of Presence.
Even the hair color was noticeable.
The Presence wasn't only used on Taehyun.
Asisat Ebi, who had guided Taehyun here.
She was using the skill 'Dragon Demon's Presence' next to him with a stiff expression.
Although she could also use the power of Presence.
It was impossible for her to withstand all five of the pure-blooded worm-level dragons' Presences.
"Player Kim Taehyun... It's better to stop around here…"
She said in a trembling voice, her face pale.
30 seconds.
If she faced the same Presence as now for longer than that, her flesh would be destroyed.
"Didn't I say? In this world, power is the law."
Taehyun said, taking a step forward.
[Hoh. He withstood the children's power?]
The white-haired old man said that.
'White.'
[There was a reason the Lord was interested in him.]
The black-haired old man said that.
'Black.'
[He created the alliance between the Succubus tribe and the Giant tribe, didn't he? If he wasn't confident in his skills, he wouldn't have come here.]
The green-haired old man said that.
'Green.'
He scanned the three ancient dragons.
Their expressions still didn't think of Taehyun as a threat.
They were merely emitting Presence quietly to fend off 'Apocalypse'.
"That's why top-tier species are no good."
Ding.
[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic power consumption is accelerated. Output: 100%]
[……!!]
[……!!]
[……!!]
The three dragons' expressions changed at the same time.
Chwarleuk. Chwarleureuk.
The chains were wrapping around their bodies, breaking through the emitting Presence.
It wasn't at a level that could be easily brushed off like before.
'Has the power increased quite a bit?'
It was a different power than when he used it at SS-rank.
The corners of his mouth naturally rose.
[You…!!]
Without anyone saying it first, magic power befitting their species bloomed.
They were trying to polymorph into their true forms.
But.
"Too late."
Ding.
[Skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been activated. Target is specified.]
[Skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic power consumption is accelerated. Output: 70%]
Keureureu!!!
A Presence that couldn't be compared to before was emitted from Taehyun's body.
A Presence that was enough to shake even 'Apocalypse' was focused on the three ancient dragons.
[Kua….]
[Kaa….]
[Kie….]
They momentarily made bizarre groans, widening their bloodshot eyes.
In that gap, the approaching chains bound the limbs of the three top-tier species.
"They say the bones of the dragon race are very strong, right?"
Ding.
[Skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic power consumption is accelerated. Output: 100%]
Kwajik!!
Kwadeuk!!
Kwaang!!
The three top-tier species finally kneeled to the skill that Taehyun used with all his power.
Geugeuk.
Geugeugeugeuk.
Deudeudeudeu.
They could no longer return to their true forms and give their all.
They couldn't even undo the binding chains.
Even so, the sight of them resisting by putting their hands on the floor while trying not to slam their heads was pathetic.
'Anyone would think I'm abusing the elderly if they saw this.'
The subjugation was already over.
But Taehyun had no intention of ending it here.
If you draw a sword, you have to cut it properly.
'So the opponent can't climb back up again.'
Taehyun was planning to devour all the dragon race here as a warning to Hazard.
Kwaaaaaaaa.
Just as Taehyun, who had unleashed his magic power, was about to use 'Devour'.
[Stop.]
A woman's voice was heard in Taehyun's head.
'It wasn't detected by Apocalypse…?'
That meant the opponent was outside Taehyun's range of perception.
What could be guessed was.
'Hazard.'
It was already a sufficient accomplishment to have drawn out the guy who had been looking down on the current situation.
'I'll take those three.'
Just as Taehyun was about to ignore Hazard's words and take out the jaws of Devour.
[No one. Can disobey the words of the Dragon Lord.]
Pazzzzzz… Pazzzz.
Taehyun's magic power was rapidly decreasing.
"……!!"
Surprised, but only for a moment.
Pajik. Pajijik.
'Apocalypse' was released with sparks.
In front of such Taehyun.
There was a young woman with hair of various colors.
[It's the first time I've seen you, Kim Taehyun. Rosaria's dog.]
Archduke Hazard.
She said Taehyun's name, her red eyes shining more arrogantly than anyone else.
Episode 304
"Hazad."
Taehyun murmured the name.
He scrutinized Hazad's face.
A human woman.
With the face of a woman in her twenties.
Though from a different perspective than humans.
Even demons possessed genders.
Especially the highest-ranking ones, most could handle both super-speed regeneration and the ability to polymorph.
So, it wasn't surprising that Hazad had the appearance of a Western woman.
[Kim Taehyun. You possess quite an interesting spirit. Where did you acquire such a trick?]
Taehyun responded to Hazad's question with silence.
'I didn't even feel her approaching.'
'Apocalypse' is Taehyun's territory.
The moment someone steps into that range, they cannot escape Taehyun's senses.
That should be the case.
But she spoke directly into his mind, and even approached right in front of him without him sensing any presence.
'Was I also arrogant?'
He shouldn't have sneered at the demons for being arrogant.
Just because he had defeated consecutive highest-ranking demons, and had become an SSS-rank.
Perhaps it was Taehyun himself who had been conceited.
At that moment.
[Doesn't the Lord ask you!!]
A man with blue hair, standing behind Hazad, shouted.
The power contained in his voice was incomparable to the Ancient Dragons who were struggling to rise to their feet.
'That guy… at least a pure-blooded Ancient-class or higher… a top-tier subordinate.'
Judging from the color of his hair and the lightning infused in his voice, he was definitely a Blue Dragon.
There was no need to start a fight with the Archduke, who wasn't even being hostile.
"Spirit. I acquired the skill from a Red Dragon named Kaiselin in the Abyss depths."
To be exact, he had devoured her and obtained the power, but.
He didn't bother to mention that part.
At Taehyun's answer, Hazad looked at the blue-haired man.
Bordeaux.
She was asking about Kaiselin.
[She was a member of the Red Dragon clan, inheriting a weak part of its authority. She boasted about building her own lair… and seems to have been hunted down by that human.]
To be accurate, she was hunted after her spirit was broken by Rozaria, who Taehyun had summoned.
But he didn't bother correcting that either.
[I see. Our dragon kin being hunted. It doesn't sit well with me.]
Hazad said that with a calm face, contrary to her words.
[Lord!!]
[I will tear off the limbs of that bug and offer them to you immediately!!]
[We will take care of it!!]
The three old men, who had by now fully recovered from Taehyun's power.
The pure-blooded Ancient Dragons transformed into their true forms.
The other dragons, who had been holding their breaths and watching, did the same.
The area instantly transformed into a dragon field.
'If the current situation is made known, the Earth will be in an uproar.'
Despite the obviously dangerous situation.
He chuckled at the ridiculous thought.
Because he was certain.
That Hazad wasn't pleased with the current situation.
[Deal with it, you say. You're mistaken about something.]
One of Hazad's seven-colored hairs.
The bleached white strand seemed to move.
And suddenly.
Swish. Swish. Swish.
The wing bones of the three dragons were simultaneously severed.
"……!!"
"……!!"
Taehyun and Asisat Ebi couldn't hide their surprise.
They couldn't understand what power had been used.
"A colorless, odorless… Spirit."
Taehyun spoke of that power, which was the same yet different from his own.
[Oh ho. Quite perceptive, that one. It seems those eyes aren't just for show.]
Hazad examined Taehyun's face with interest.
'You bet they aren't.'
After learning about the Archdukes' authority, Taehyun had constantly delved into it.
It was the weakness of the enemies he would have to face immediately.
And the source of the power that Taehyun would have to obtain someday.
In that sense.
'Dragon Lord Hazad.'
The power she possessed was beyond what he had imagined.
'She uses all the characteristics of the seven dragon races.'
That was the information that Rozaria, worried, reluctantly gave him when Taehyun said he would meet Hazad.
The number was greater than the five elements that Typhon controlled.
'And because it manifests in the form of Spirit, it's an even more troublesome ability to face as an enemy.'
In that respect, the authority she had just used was the characteristic of the White Dragon, known as the Wind Dragon.
Colorless and odorless for sure.
[A missed opportunity never returns.]
Hazad spoke as if she were delivering a sentence to the three Ancient Dragons.
[I will keep that in mind….]
[This will never happen again….]
[I will stake my life for the Lord….]
The three dragons lowered their tails like beaten dogs.
Ancient Dragons bowing their heads to the command of a young woman.
It was a truly bizarre sight, even while witnessing it firsthand.
Hazad's red eyes turned to Taehyun.
[Rozaria's contractor, Kim Taehyun. Key of the King.]
"……?"
[Your reverence for me seems low.]
“…Reverence?”
[Indeed. It's already absurd for a mere human to be facing an Archduke, don't you think? Isn't that right, Asisat Ebi. My contractor.]
Hazad's gaze turned to Asisat Ebi behind Taehyun.
At the same time.
Thud.
Asisat Ebi collapsed where she stood.
"Haa… haa…."
Judging by the way she was breathing heavily, it was clear that her actions weren't voluntary.
"Such petty taste doesn't suit the title of Archduke."
[It seems to be an action you also enjoy.]
Hazad looked at Taehyun with a sly smile.
The meaning was obvious.
Before going any further.
To clarify their superior-subordinate relationship.
The logic of power.
[Kneel.]
Hazad spoke as if stating an obvious fact.
Kugugugung.
Tting.
[‘Great power’ is in effect. Resisting with a mysterious power. Resistance failed.]
[‘Great power’ is in effect. Strength is reduced by 20.]
[‘Great power’ is in effect. Stamina is reduced by 20.]
[‘Great power’ is in effect. Speed is reduced by 20.]
[‘Great power’ is in effect. Mana is reduced by 20.]
This was the message that constantly appeared whenever he met an Archduke.
He should be used to it by now.
'Tch.'
The face that was making that noise hardened.
SSS-rank.
To reduce the stats of Taehyun, who had reached the pinnacle among the highest-ranking demons, to such a degree meant.
That her authority was beyond what Taehyun had imagined.
His legs trembled under the overwhelming Spirit.
He wanted to escape from this fear, which made him feel like he would suffocate at any moment.
'I want to break free.'
From this pressure that felt like it would crush his entire body.
'I want to be liberated.'
That thought made Taehyun's knees bend.
If not for.
One message that popped up.
Tting.
[Encountering a great being. Stamina increases by 1.]
It was a message that didn't provide much practical help.
Because the gap between him and Hazad couldn't be closed by simply increasing a few stats.
But even so.
The faint hope that he could grow made Taehyun move.
Tting.
[Skill Heart of the Highest Rank (SSS) has been activated.]
[Skill Eyes of the Highest Rank (SSS) has been activated.]
[Additional effect Insight (洞察) is manifested.]
Kiiiing.
Kuaaaa.
It felt like mana was pouring out of his chest and red eyes.
That faint power resisted the power of Spirit, even if only a little.
'‘Apocalypse’ means nothing to this one.'
If so.
Tting.
[Skill Demonic Transformation (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the affected area.]
[Skill Blood Frenzy (SSS) has been activated.]
[Great power awakens. Strength increases. Strength is now 380(395).]
[Great power awakens. Stamina increases. Stamina is now 385(395).]
[Great power awakens. Speed increases. Speed is now 375(390).]
[Great power awakens. Mana increases. Mana is now 550.]
Pajijik. Pajijijik.
Sparks flew from Taehyun's body as he tried to resist Hazad's Spirit.
[An interesting struggle.]
She smirked.
Her beautiful lips curled up.
Contrary to what was seen.
The results created by that action were not light.
Swish.
One of Taehyun's arms, enhanced with 'Demonic Transformation', was severed by something.
"Hup."
He bit down hard on his teeth at the pain that belatedly came.
Kwaddeudeuk.
The severed arm instantly regenerated at super speed.
[That a mere human can contain this much mana. Truly an interesting body.]
She wasn't being polite.
Hazad smiled elegantly, as if she was genuinely amused.
It was a smile that inspired a different kind of dread than Rozaria's.
He stood.
Taehyun propped himself up, his knees half-bent.
The pressure of Spirit was still there.
'But I can handle this much.'
He fully rose to his feet, meeting Hazad's gaze.
He knew that she didn't intend to harm him.
If she did, he wouldn't have his head on his shoulders by now.
'There's no way they would kill the key that the Archdukes are crazy about.'
In other words.
All of this process was.
'A test.'
He didn't know where the test was coming from.
'An examination.'
He didn't know what intentions were behind this test, but he intended to see through those intentions and even seize the rewards.
Kwajik. Kwajik.
His two feet dug into the ground where he was standing.
The power was incomparable to the Spirit that Taehyun used.
What was even more astonishing was Hazad's presence.
The Archdukes he had seen so far.
Rozaria. Iggmoon. Orgal. Belzebub. Jormungandr. Typhon.
A different kind of pressure than them pressed down on his entire body.
Just moments before, he hadn't felt any presence at all.
'Is it because of the authority's uniqueness?'
That was all he could guess.
This was what it was like in her polymorphed state.
If she were to reveal her true form, he would be captured without being able to do anything.
Before he knew it, everyone around him except for Taehyun and Bordeaux was kneeling and bowing their heads.
His contractor, Asisat Ebi, was the same.
She was trembling with her face buried in the ground, in a humiliating posture.
Only Taehyun was barely enduring the power.
[How far can you hold out with that infamous skill? It's making this old dragon look forward to seeing the real you.]
Their roles had changed from before.
Kugugugung.
Hazad's Spirit, mimicking Taehyun's skill, became even stronger.
Jeojeok. Jeojeojeok.
The ground Taehyun stood on.
Cracks formed around it.
She was focusing her Spirit.
Kwadeuk. Kwaddeudeuk.
'For a test… this is a lot!!'
Tting.
[Skill Heart of the Highest Rank (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Demonic Transformation (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Blood Frenzy (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
Kiiiiiii.
The sound of the magic stone inside his chest rotating could be heard even in his ears.
Even so.
It was still not enough to shake off Hazad's Spirit.
[Now, if you've revealed all your cards, use them.]
He knew what she wanted to hear, even if he didn't hear the rest of the sentence.
Hazad wanted him to use the power of the King.
'Devour.'
He didn't like how they all thought of Devour as some kind of zoo monkey.
'Devour is my last bargaining chip.'
Unless they had a trauma like Belzebub, Hazad wouldn't be threatened even if he unleashed the power of the key.
'It would be bad if that card was read now.'
Was that why?
He became stubborn.
He decided to go as far as he could, whether it was a test or not.
Tting.
[Skill Eyes of the Highest Rank (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]
Jururuk.
His vision was dyed red.
It was because blood tears were flowing down due to the overloaded skill.
"If you want to see it that badly."
He raised Orgal's brown mana from his arms and legs, and raised Iggmoon's blood-red mana from his torso.
[Hmm?]
Hazad tilted her head at the unexpected reaction.
[Skill Ataraxia (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the target.]
"Go and experience it for yourself."
Rozaria's purple mana rose from his red eyes.
Hazad could tell at once.
That Taehyun was using Rozaria's authority, not the power of the King.
Even so.
[I wonder what kind of gift you've prepared. I'm looking forward to it.]
Hazad smirked with her beautiful mouth.
And visited Taehyun's mindscape.
305
Taehyun's crimson eyes flashed open.
'That bastard…'
He cursed.
Not at Hazard, but at the doppelganger within his mental world.
'Ataraxia' had worked successfully.
Whether it was due to Taehyun's skill, or Hazard's voluntary acceptance, she had entered Taehyun's mental world.
The fact that Hazard before him remained motionless proved it.
The problem was...
'Why am I being rejected?'
Originally, Taehyun should have entered the mental world as well.
He planned to seize the creature's lifeline and make a deal there.
He intended to find out its intentions and exploit its weaknesses as cards.
But all of that went down the drain.
Because the doppelganger was not allowing Taehyun's entry.
He quickly organized his thoughts.
Since the first plan had failed.
'I must somehow salvage the situation and create a stepping stone for a reversal.'
He looked around.
He saw the dragonkin staring at him with hardened expressions, on Hazard's orders.
Their faces no longer held the same ease as before.
Fear, or tension.
They were all anxious about what punishment Hazard would inflict.
'Perhaps this is a good thing.'
If he went to the mental world, his physical body would be defenseless.
Devouring all the remaining dragonkin before Hazard regained consciousness was not a bad option.
'Or dispose of that one.'
Taehyun glanced at Bordo, who was supporting Hazard from behind.
Just then.
[You!! What have you done to the Lord!!]
Bordo roared, noticing something was amiss.
The force of his power was so intense that Taehyun's entire body tingled.
"You're quick to notice."
A surprise attack had failed.
Taehyun readily acknowledged that he had awakened.
[I'll ask again. What have you done to the Lord?]
Crackle.
A spark flashed from the dragonkin's crimson eyes.
He looked ready to unleash his aura at the slightest provocation.
"Done? I just gave Hazard what she wanted."
It wasn't a lie.
Even at this moment, his head was throbbing.
That meant a fierce battle had taken place between him and the doppelganger in the mental world.
Given its nature, it would have used 'Devour.'
"A being of the Great Evil shouldn't be defeated by a human who's less than a bug, right? Ah, if she happens to lose… does that mean Hazard is even less than a bug?"
It was a clear mockery.
How did it feel to be at the mercy of a human they so despised?
[You!!!]
Crackle crackle crackle!!!
As sparks flew from Bordo's eyes.
Ting.
[Use of magic detected. You have been afflicted with 'Lethal Aura.' Resisting with a mysterious power. Resistance partially successful.]
['Lethal Aura' is in effect. Stamina decreased by 10.]
['Lethal Aura' is in effect. Speed decreased by 10.]
'This one is not to be trifled with.'
Drip.
Blood dripped from Taehyun's nose under the oppressive aura.
Though he was exhausted from the repeated use of skills.
Bordo was also a powerhouse capable of contending with Erebus alone.
Especially since he wielded a similar lightning attribute.
"Shall we do this then?"
He gestured with his chin towards Hazard, who was still motionless.
It was a threat he thought was reasonable.
But Bordo's aura did not diminish in the slightest.
[Get away from the Lord!!]
Crackle crackle crackle.
The aura emanating from the dragonkin's body grew even stronger.
He hated to admit it, but it was an excellent response.
If he had shown even the slightest sign of flinching, Taehyun would have exploited the opening.
'Troublesome.'
At this rate, he looked ready to attack regardless of whether Hazard was involved.
He had never been attacked while maintaining 'Ataraxia.'
What was certain was that being attacked like that would not end with just a backlash.
'No choice then.'
Kwaaaaaa.
Magic erupted from Taehyun's body.
The 'Superior Species Heart' throbbed because he was extracting magic twice over.
'This is not enough.'
Because he was pushing himself, 'Apocalypse' was still on cooldown.
The magic to maintain 'Beast Transformation' and 'Blood Frenzy' was also significant.
He needed something that could subdue the dragonkin in one go.
And prevent the other dragonkin, who were glaring menacingly, from interfering.
The new skill, 'Primal Element,' naturally came to mind.
Since the dragonkin's aura had the attribute of lightning, he intended to maximize his physical abilities at once and subdue him with ancient martial arts and Devour.
But then.
"……?"
Drip.
Bloody tears streamed down from Taehyun's crimson eyes.
Drip.
The same from his nose.
The throbbing in his head intensified.
'The battle in the mental world is escalating…'
Time flows differently from reality.
While his body could still endure it even a little.
'I need to get rid of that troublesome one as quickly as possible.'
Kwaaaaaa.
He released his magic.
So that he could use 'Primal Element' whenever the dragonkin's aura struck.
But then.
[Stop. Kim Taehyun.]
"……!!"
[……!!]
Thud.
The movements of Taehyun and Bordo, who had been poised to strike, came to a halt.
Hazard's crimson eyes were now fixed on Taehyun.
'Already… out?'
Even if what was in front of him was the original body.
The doppelganger that Taehyun knew would not easily let go of prey that had come its way.
[Indeed. It was an amazing encounter.]
Hazard's crimson eyes were gleaming with amusement as she spoke.
"That's faster than I expected?"
Taehyun asked, trying not to show his bewilderment.
[Everything has its cause and effect.]
Hazard lifted her beautiful lips.
It was a smile that anyone would fall for if they didn't know that the being was a dragon.
[However. You are somewhat impudent.]
One of Hazard's seven-colored hairs.
The green hair quivered.
Ting.
['Great Power' is in effect. Resisting with a mysterious power. Resistance failed.]
['Venomous Aura' is in effect. Afflicted with Poisoning (???). Stamina decreased by 20.]
['Venomous Aura' is in effect. Afflicted with Poisoning (???). Speed decreased by 20.]
His body felt hot, as if he had been poisoned with a potent toxin.
[Why do you not use the power of a true king?]
One of Hazard's seven-colored hairs, the golden hair, quivered.
Ting.
['Great Power' is in effect. Resisting with a mysterious power. Resistance failed.]
['Heavy Aura' is in effect. Afflicted with Suppression (???). Stamina decreased by 20.]
['Heavy Aura' is in effect. Afflicted with Suppression (???). Speed decreased by 20.]
Creak. Creak.
[Why are you so eager to experience the power of a true dragon?]
One of Hazard's seven-colored hairs, the black hair, quivered.
Ting.
['Great Power' is in effect. Resisting with a mysterious power. Resistance failed.]
['Ominous Aura' is in effect. Afflicted with Chaos (???). Stamina decreased by 20.]
['Ominous Aura' is in effect. Afflicted with Chaos (???). Speed decreased by 20.]
Ping.
His vision reversed, and his eyes blurred.
It was because of the concentration of the three types of aura Hazard had used.
[Will you endure even now?]
Taehyun racked his brain.
Hazard had escaped too quickly even though she had met the doppelganger.
She must have also used the power of Devour.
Yet, she was telling Taehyun to use that power again.
That meant only one thing.
'It's not just that she fought with the doppelganger.'
There must have been some kind of deal.
That was why she had blocked Taehyun's approach.
'I still don't like it.'
Taehyun thought as he endured the three types of aura.
Hazard seemed to want something from Taehyun.
Such attacks would continue until she got it.
He didn't like that.
'No choice then.'
Summoning skill.
It was time to activate Plan B.
Kwaaaaaaa.
[Hoh.]
Hazard's eyebrows rose, as if Taehyun's choice was unexpected.
Because she knew that he had not chosen 'Devour.'
"You started it first."
It was the moment Taehyun flashed his crimson eyes and was about to use the skill.
Suddenly.
All the oppressive aura disappeared.
[Kim Taehyun. Your knees seem quite expensive.]
"What kind of trickery is this?"
Taehyun asked, not letting his guard down.
[If I kill you, that monster will come out. There's no need to create such a tiring situation.]
"……."
[I wanted to meet you. The key chosen by the king.]
Looking at Taehyun, who was drenched in sweat.
Hazard gave a gentle smile.
That appearance reminded Taehyun of some crazy women in his memory.
[You have passed the test of the true dragon admirably.]
Hazard said, with a satisfied expression.
"At this point, I can't even laugh. So what?"
[I will not harm you.]
"You expect me to believe that?"
Taehyun looked around.
Dragonkin. Great Evil-class, Worm-class, Ancient-class pureblood dragons.
And following the top-tier Blue Dragon Bordo, even the Dragon Lord Hazard.
In comparison, Taehyun was exhausted, and his only force was Asisat Avi.
Even she was not at full strength.
[Weren't you planning to summon Rosaria and Typhon anyway?]
He didn't show it.
But Taehyun was surprised inside.
Because the main plan of Plan B was the summoning skill.
[Summoning Iggmuns would also be good. I heard you escaped from Beelzebub's castle that way?]
"……."
She had thoroughly investigated Taehyun.
He could see a meticulousness that was different from the other Great Evils he had met so far.
If he had to compare.
'Is she similar to Jormungandr in personality?'
It was when Taehyun was thinking that.
[I, the true dragon, will make a not bad suggestion.]
"You want me to become your contractor?"
[Other fellows have made similar suggestions, I see.]
Hazard showed a reaction that wasn't surprising.
"If so, you know my answer, right?"
Hazard laughed heartily.
That appearance was frightening in a different sense from Rosaria.
[Rosaria and Typhon. Those fellows are only half-Great Evils. Swear allegiance to me. If you do, I will help you fulfill your duty as the key of the king.]
It wasn't a bad offer.
If Taehyun's first summoning covenant had been with someone other than Rosaria.
If he had been able to proceed with his plans from the start, backed by a force like a heavenly army.
Territorial war and race war.
It would have been easier to carry out this unknown quest.
'The time to meet the king would have been shortened as well.'
But then.
As before, the answer was already determined.
"I refuse."
[Hoh.]
"How about making a summoning covenant with me instead? If you accept, I'll increase the dragonkin's territory twice the size it is now."
He rather made an absurd offer in reverse.
Hazard burst out laughing again.
She was falling for the audacity that her contractor, Asisat Avi, did not have.
[That tongue resembles Rosaria, at least.]
Taehyun shrugged his shoulders.
"What's your answer?"
[There's no reason not to. I can eliminate that weak contractor and use you instead. But before that.]
Click.
Hazard flicked her beautiful fingers.
Whirrrrr.
The surroundings began to change.
What appeared was a huge cave.
The many dragonkin and Asisat Avi were nowhere to be seen, and only Taehyun and Hazard existed.
'Could it be… was all of this an illusion from the beginning…?'
No, there were too many strange things to say that.
Taehyun concluded that the current situation was one of the types of aura that Hazard possessed.
Or the power of the barrier.
[You seem to have a lot on your mind.]
"……."
[Since you passed the test, I should give you a reward. Come.]
With those words, Hazard entered the entrance of the cave.
Taehyun followed her.
He moved his steps to the inside of the lair.
Episode 306
Dragon.
Or, Yong (龍).
It was a word representing the strongest race among the countless races existing in the Abyss.
Similar to the giant race in that their numbers were not large.
One difference was that unlike them, who mainly lived in groups.
The dragon race moved with thorough individualism.
Once they possessed a certain amount of power, the dragons scattered throughout the Abyss, creating their own castles.
Lairs.
Their tastes were unique, but.
Kaiselin's 'Dragonkin Tower' was no different.
The lair took various forms depending on the power and influence it had, and the entire area created in that way became Hazard's territory.
And now.
The place Taehyun was walking, following Hazard, was a cave reminiscent of a maze.
The perceived time was no less than any archduke's castle Taehyun had visited.
'Damn, it's long.'
It had been over an hour just following along and walking.
There had been dozens of forks in the road in that time.
And yet, the destination hadn't appeared yet?
He didn't realize just how large this place was.
[You seem tense.]
Hazard looked back with an alluring smile.
The deeper they went, the harder it would be for Taehyun to get out.
Just thinking about how far they'd come, it was likely to be larger than even a 2-star Orgal.
"Weren't we growling at each other just a moment ago? There's no telling what you might be planning again."
Taehyun didn't bother hiding his true feelings.
Adding.
"Why didn't you subdue me?"
He spoke the thought he had been having all along.
Hazard was one of the top archdukes.
If she wanted to, subduing Taehyun would be easy.
But she went to the trouble of using less than 10% of her power in the name of a test.
There must have been a reason.
[Don't look at me like that. I've thought about subduing you and making you this Dragon's contractor hundreds of times.]
"……."
[But haven't the others already failed?]
Orgal. Igmun. Belzebub. Jormungandr.
Four archdukes had tried and failed.
And as a result, Rosaria and Typhon.
Taehyun became a simultaneous contractor of two archdukes.
Hazard was aware of this fact.
[I hate to admit it, but you'd get out somehow. You wouldn't have come here if you didn't have confidence in that.]
"……."
She wasn't wrong.
[Don't worry. This Dragon will never 'harm' you.]
Words from an archduke he hadn't even contracted with.
'I don't believe it.'
Above all, he couldn't believe Hazard's words, who saw humans as insects.
Taehyun was thinking that when.
[We've arrived.]
Suddenly.
Hazard stopped walking.
Just a few steps ahead was a huge hollow.
The lowest floor of the place where Typhon had been sealed.
It was twice the size.
Dragon-shaped statues were placed everywhere.
And.
"……!!"
In the center of the hollow was a familiar face.
[Surprised?]
As if expecting Taehyun's reaction.
Hazard's lips curled up.
Unlike her, who was smiling, Taehyun's body tensed more than ever before.
Various emotions rushed in, complexly.
"Asmodeus."
The person who brought Taehyun to his death in his past life.
Taehyun spoke the name of the vile demon before him.
"What are you doing?"
Taehyun quietly gathered his magic power.
Even during the long walk, 'Superior Species Heart' and 'Superior Species Eye' were still active.
Therefore, all skill cooldowns had disappeared.
Magic power and fatigue had also been replenished with potions from time to time.
He had enough strength to fight again.
'I need to buy time with Gluttony and Apocalypse, use Energy Drain, and then summon Typhon first.'
Rosaria's authority was not well suited against Hazard.
He had gathered enough magic power.
Now, the skills would be used depending on Hazard's answer.
[You have a look of incomprehension on your face. Perhaps you think you've fallen into a trap?]
Hazard asked with a bitter smile.
"It's too obvious to say no."
Before he knew it, Taehyun's words had also become shorter.
Hazard shook her head.
[Didn't I say earlier that if I summoned Rosaria and Typhon, my lair would be destroyed? There's no need to go to all that trouble here.]
"There are crazy guys like that sometimes."
And unfortunately, all the archdukes he had met had that side to them.
Even as he said that, Taehyun didn't neglect to keep an eye on Asmodeus.
It wouldn't be strange if he had already noticed Hazard and Taehyun's presence, but.
'There's no reaction?'
It wasn't that there was no movement.
Even at this moment, he was standing still and swaying his body.
In human terms, he would be sitting cross-legged and meditating.
Only then did Taehyun notice something strange.
'That guy... he can't feel us at all?'
It wasn't difficult for Hazard to read that doubt.
[Yes. Surely you didn't think this Dragon would prepare something as trivial as a trap.]
"...An explanation seems necessary."
Prepared to unleash his magic power at any time.
His gaze still on Asmodeus.
Taehyun asked crookedly.
Even so, his mind was still spinning, trying to analyze the current situation.
'Did Asmodeus collude with Hazard?'
'Did Hazard join hands with Baal?'
'What about the territory war?'
'What about the race war?'
'What does obtaining the Upper Realm King's Key mean to the archdukes?'
In a moment, countless thoughts came and went.
The answer was one.
'Hazard deliberately created the current situation.'
The Lower Realm King's Key and the Upper Realm King's Key.
Whether by chance or plan.
Hazard had done what no other archduke had been able to do.
[You seem to be thinking a lot.]
Hazard smiled, raising the corners of her mouth.
[There's nothing to worry about. The barrier installed in Lord's lair can't be that lax, can it? Now. It's time for this Dragon to say what it wants.]
"……."
[Lower Realm King's Key, Kim Taehyun. The reason I wanted to meet you was to add this Dragon's strength to your future plans.]
"……!!"
Unexpected words.
No, he had thought about it.
As the best-case scenario.
The archdukes voluntarily participating in Taehyun's plan.
Now, that best-case scenario was being said by Hazard herself.
[Do you think this is also a trap?]
"Our trust isn't that thick, is it?"
[I thought you might think that, so I prepared something for you.]
Hazard said, looking at Asmodeus.
"……."
There was silence for a moment.
"Don't tell me... you're calling that guy a gift?"
[A gift. Humans share such things to strengthen their trust, don't they? Surely you haven't shrunk so much that you can't even recognize that.]
"……."
As Taehyun was silent in the face of the incomprehensible situation, Hazard let out an unprecedentedly vulgar laugh.
[There's nothing to worry about. Asmodeus hasn't fully recovered from Rosaria's mind control. You should be able to handle him now.]
"I don't like sophistry. Tell me your real purpose."
[You're a cold human. That look is cute, unlike Asisat Ebi.
"Purpose."
Taehyun urged Hazard once more.
[Do you know why Asmodeus is going around meeting archdukes?]
I know that it is to seize the victory in the preliminary battle that will be held at the time of the upcoming race war between the Upper and Lower Realms.
[That's not wrong. He is the one who received the power of the Upper Realm King. No matter how much time passes, he will take the position of archduke. And someday, he will become strong enough to defeat this Dragon. Just like when the former Demon Dragon King was called the strongest archduke.]
"……."
The words coming from Hazard's mouth were by no means light.
Taehyun quietly listened to those words.
[Kim Taehyun. I tested you to find out the gap between you and Asmodeus.]
"You don't seem to have any loyalty to the Lower Realm King."
Every time she mentioned the king.
Taehyun felt a different emotion from Hazard than from Rosaria.
At Taehyun's words, Hazard laughed once more.
[Loyalty? My origins are too humble to follow with such a thing.]
"So. Did you join hands with Baal at Asmodeus' request?"
[If you, the Lower Realm King's Key, were below expectations, I was going to do that.]
"……."
[But don't worry. Didn't I tell you? You passed the test. This Dragon will not betray the Lower Realm King. Only.]
"……?"
[Rosaria. I can't just sit back and do nothing like that bitch forever.]
Those words were filled with animosity towards Rosaria.
"When you make a proposal to someone, you have to speak easily. It goes without saying that there must be no lies."
Taehyun's attitude was confident, having grasped the general flow.
He wouldn't be surprised no matter what he heard now.
Or so he thought.
[This race war is the last chance for the Lower Realm King. It means that if you don't do it properly, the entire Abyss could collapse.]
Taehyun couldn't help but be surprised at those words.
[You have a look of not knowing.]
"……."
Taehyun said nothing.
That reaction indicated that Hazard's words were not wrong.
[That damn Rosaria must have kept her mouth shut. She has had a tendency to blindly believe in the will of the Lower Realm King too much since before. A very vulgar habit.]
"If you hate her so much, you should follow the Upper Realm King. Why are you following the Lower Realm King instead of the Upper Realm King? It wouldn't be bad to have the dragon race, the former Upper Realm King, as your backing."
It was a reasonable suspicion.
From now on, he couldn't just gloss over anything.
Hazard's answer was, again, something he hadn't expected.
[Because the Upper Realm King no longer cares about race. He is no longer a demon.]
"What...?"
[The outside is the shell of a demon, but the inside is no different from the disgusting celestial race of the Upper Realm.]
Taehyun also knew the words that followed.
The Upper Realm is the celestial race.
The Lower Realm is the demon.
And Baal is a chaotic being who has the soul of a celestial race in the body of a demon.
And he even holds the title of king.
"Even if he transcends race... it shouldn't be bad for the dragon race?"
[That's wrong. It would be good if such normal thinking were possible, but he wanted to erase the dragon race, which resembled him, for that very reason. Asmodeus. The Upper Realm King's Key is the proxy to eradicate the dragon race.]
"……!!"
Murderous intent was lodged in Hazard's red eyes, glaring at Asmodeus.
"So. Are you going to kill Asmodeus or something?"
Hazard shook her head at Taehyun's question.
[Didn't I say earlier? Just like you have cards you're hiding against the archdukes. The same is true for that guy.]
That's obvious.
He wouldn't have gone around visiting the archdukes without such insurance.
[It's not easy to catch you guys right now, with the restrictions of the Abyss. Drawing a sword rashly is something only a stupid Orgal would do.]
"So. You want me to take care of that guy for you instead?"
Use the Lower Realm King's Key to deal with the Upper Realm King's Key.
From her perspective, caught between the Upper and Lower Realm Kings, there would be no better way.
'She wouldn't want self-destruction.'
[Who knows. What about that?]
The nuance is strange.
[Kim Taehyun. This is the last test. If you satisfy me this time too, I'll give you a proper reward. I might even consider contracting with you if you want.]
'What bullshit...'
Before he could even finish that thought.
Click.
Hazard snapped her fingers.
At the same time, the view reversed.
No, it was the lair that was reversing.
As if two separate spaces were merging.
The distance between Taehyun and Asmodeus narrowed.
Hazard was nowhere to be seen around.
And.
[Long time no see.]
Asmodeus, who had already gotten close to his nose, opened his mouth.
What is there to fear?
"Yeah. It's been a while."
Taehyun casually accepted the greeting.
In the quiet silence.
Two pairs of red eyes met.
Okay, here's the translation of chapter 307:
Chapter 307
[It's been a while.]
The Asmodeus in front of me spoke.
Impossible to forget.
It was a voice like scraping metal.
What is there to fear?
"Yeah. It's been a while."
Taehyun casually greeted him back.
[…….]
“…….”
In the silent stillness, two pairs of red eyes met.
He was probing Asmodeus, and at the same time, racking his brain to figure out Hazard's intentions.
'He said he'd give a reward...'
A wild beast.
No, he threw me in front of a being that couldn't even be compared to that.
Like a trainer deliberately inciting a fight.
Hazard has power that ranks among the Great Dukes.
Even though he hasn't shown all of his power yet.
With just the power he has shown so far, it wouldn't be difficult for him to subdue both Taehyun and Asmodeus at the same time.
But why?
'Why go through the trouble of staging this?'
Brief encounters and clues began to intertwine in his head.
'Hazard prioritizes the well-being of the Dragon race above all else.'
He's stuck in a position where he can't choose between the Upper Realm King, who wants to erase his origins, and the Lower Realm King, who wants to use him as a force.
He says he follows the Lower Realm King, but...
'He probably hasn't made up his mind yet.'
Or maybe he's planning to make up his mind after checking the performance of the two keys.
Either way, it would be a good choice for her.
'He's too greedy.'
Unlike simple Orgal or Typhon,
he's like watching a cunning politician.
But regardless,
'I need to take care of this guy first.'
In the uncomfortable atmosphere, Taehyun's red eyes scanned Asmodeus.
Two horns.
A forked tail.
A pair of wings sticking out from his back.
His appearance was close to a demon, but his outer skin was covered in Dragon scales.
He was born a demon, but he seemed to have gained the Dragon race's tough body through Baal's power.
Taehyun, who was a porter in his previous life, didn't know it, but now he knew how much that fact transcended common sense.
The advantages of two races combined.
'A new species.'
If he had a clan, he might have become the king of that place and carried out territorial wars.
Thinking such absurd thoughts, he met the creature's red eyes.
He had imagined this happening hundreds of times.
It had been visualized in dreams dozens of times.
'I thought I'd be able to stay calm when I met him next time.'
But it wasn't so.
When he remembered his tragic end in his previous life, it wasn't as easy as he thought.
'Devour him? Should I?'
Just as Taehyun was thinking that and remaining vigilant,
Asmodeus was also finished with his reconnaissance.
[Hehehe.]
The creature suddenly let out a gloomy laugh.
“…….”
He quietly waited for the creature's next words.
[Human. Kim Taehyun. The bug has become an existence that can't be compared to back then.]
"So you do remember."
Through Rosaria, he knew that Asmodeus had memories from before the regression.
Even so, it felt strange to confirm that fact directly from the person in question.
An enemy who took his life in his previous life, and a comrade who regressed with him.
It must be because of such complex emotions.
[Rosaria. Did that damn bitch tell you?]
"Think whatever you want. Were you also the Upper Realm King's key back then?"
Taehyun, not feeling the need to share information, asked back.
[Do I have to tell you that?]
Just like Taehyun.
Asmodeus answered without a moment's hesitation.
With a gloomy tone and a voice that sounded like scraping metal.
He's an unpleasant guy, then and now.
"I was just asking. You monster."
Taehyun shrugged as if he hadn't expected anything.
[Hoh. It's hard to believe you're the same bug as before. Was the power you obtained quite sweet?]
"There's a saying in Shin-Hanguk that even an earthworm squirms when stepped on."
He didn't think Asmodeus would even understand Shin-Hanguk's proverbs.
Even so, the reason he bothered to say such a thing was...
[You're still just a bug.]
To see the reaction.
'Arrogance.'
He knows that Taehyun can use the power of the highest species,
and he knows that power comes from the Lower Realm King and Rosaria,
'He's still looking down on me.'
There are many reasons, but
the biggest reason is probably because he remembers the way Taehyun was wailing in his previous life.
Asmodeus's lips curled up as he read Taehyun's expression.
[Just because you were chosen by the Lower Realm King. Just because you made a contract with Rosaria.]
Asmodeus took a step towards Taehyun.
He emitted the fighting spirit he had been suppressing.
Just that alone made him feel the same pressure as when facing at least five or more of the highest species.
'This guy is still injured?'
It made him realize once again that the creature had been going around fighting the Great Dukes.
[Tell me. Do you dare think that you, a mere bug, are on equal footing with me?]
"Well, I'll find out if I check."
[If you're acting up because you trust Rosaria...]
"It could be because I trust Hazard."
[…….]
After being silent for a moment at Taehyun's wordplay,
[You joined hands with Hazard?]
"That's why I came here."
Heh.
Taehyun curled up his lips and looked as relaxed as possible.
He was planning to drive a wedge between the two, making them completely separate.
Divide and conquer.
'Hazard. I'll make you regret putting me in here.'
At that moment.
Smirk.
Asmodeus's lips curled up.
[Then there's no reason to keep you alive here.]
"Can you do it?"
Taehyun and Asmodeus simultaneously drew up their mana.
Hunting Asmodeus.
That was one of the goals Taehyun had set after his regression.
At first, it was simply out of revenge.
The moment of death he had dreamed countless times since his regression.
He wanted to completely overcome that nightmare.
But he learned the secrets of the world,
and he also learned the secrets of the Abyss.
The endless race war between the Upper and Lower Realms.
He was the one chosen by the Lower Realm King to end that war, and Asmodeus was also given a similar role by the Upper Realm King.
That's how Taehyun's vague desire for revenge became a cold reality.
War continues until one side is defeated.
He didn't have any grand sense of mission, but
at least he had to meet the person who had caused his regression.
He thought that only by checking if there were any risks to the regression and what its true intentions were, would he be able to live a life of his own.
Someday he would have to risk his life and clash with Asmodeus, but
"That's not today."
Taehyun quietly poured out his sincerity.
It's not that he wasn't confident in the match.
It's just that the stage wasn't good.
In the end, only Hazard, who obtained the two keys, would benefit.
Only then did the puzzles floating around in his head come together as one.
'Now I understand.'
Why Hazard created a situation like this.
What Hazard, caught between the two kings, wants to test.
'The race war after the territorial war.'
What kind of reaction will occur when the two keys that will determine the direction of that war meet?
What kind of impact that reaction can have on the Dragon race.
'So you want to check it now.'
As of yet, unlike Hazard's expectations, there was no reaction.
'The collision of the keys... I shouldn't use Devour recklessly.'
It's best to minimize the risks.
If they collide for no reason and he gets captured, it would be a waste of coming here.
It seemed that Taehyun wasn't the only one thinking that.
[It seems that your head isn't just for decoration.]
Suddenly, Asmodeus calmed his fighting spirit.
"There's a good expression called insight."
Taehyun also maintained only the minimum amount of mana release and moved away from the creature.
He sat down in a suitable place and circulated the mana in his body.
It's not that he didn't have potions and scrolls in his belt and pockets, but
he thought it would be better to save them as much as possible for now.
Asmodeus chuckled at Taehyun's appearance of sitting in a lotus position and controlling his mana.
Soon, the creature also sat down in place and took a similar attitude to Taehyun.
He had decided to endure, rather than fighting according to Hazard's intentions.
[It wasn't a wasted effort.]
He captured the image of Taehyun, whom he would have to deal with someday, in his red eyes.
He also knew that the Upper Realm King was trying to eliminate the Dragon race.
But his goal was to meet as many Great Dukes as possible in order to lead the race war to victory.
Now that he knew Hazard's intentions, there was no reason to stay here any longer.
He's an interesting guy.
He was killed by me, but he's sitting there so calmly and controlling his mana.
Asmodeus belatedly became interested in Taehyun.
A little more and the mana analysis of this lair will be finished.
Then he can escape this place with the power of the Upper Realm King.
Taehyun had similar thoughts.
He was planning to use 'Apostle of the Gate' to escape as soon as his mana was restored.
But.
[…….]
“…….”
Without either of them saying it first,
Taehyun and Asmodeus's red eyes scanned their surroundings.
"It seems Hazard has a slightly different idea."
Having said that, Taehyun released his lotus position and stood up.
The huge hollow located inside the lair.
Clearly, there were only the two of them there, but
Dragon race members emitting fighting spirit had entered.
'Are they all purebloods?'
Seven elders with different hair colors.
The color of their hair caught his eye.
Among them, there was a familiar face.
Ancient-grade pureblood.
Blue Dragon Bordeaux.
The other six were also emitting a presence that was no less than Bordeaux's.
That meant they were Hazard's top retainers.
Taehyun's guess was correct.
They were all elders of the seven Dragon races.
Although they were a step below Bordeaux, the head of the Blue Dragons, they each had power no less than Erebus's.
In other words, it was as if seven or more Erebus were surrounding them.
'Now I know why?'
Just as Taehyun had that question,
[Fight.]
Bordeaux said as if ordering.
Taehyun and Asmodeus quietly waited for the next words.
[Fight at the risk of your lives. The Lord desires it.]
“…….”
[…….]
It was an absurd order.
"What a forced reward."
Taehyun couldn't help but laugh at the situation.
Asmodeus was the same.
A sound like scraping metal flowed out from between the creature's shifting teeth.
And.
Kwarururu.
Black mana surged from Asmodeus's body.
It was the power he had seen in Rosaria's memories.
[Hazard is too lenient. To try and test my power with the likes of you.]
Asmodeus chuckled and his red eyes flashed.
The seven Dragons also flashed their red eyes and released their mana.
[Asmodeus. How dare a mongrel run your filthy mouth.]
[The Lord's command is absolute.]
[Didn't I say that I wouldn't follow easily.]
[If so, we'll have to make you obey, even if we have to subdue you.]
[Don't be careless. The Lord is watching.]
[Is that human the one who hunted Kaiselin?]
[It's a matter for our clan. I, Chronos, will take care of the human.]
They chattered among themselves and emitted their aura.
All sorts of aura crushed the huge hollow.
All sorts of ominous message windows appeared before his eyes.
But that was only for a moment.
[It's been a while since I've chewed on such delicious meat.]
Kwarururu.
Black mana exploded from Asmodeus's body, changing the atmosphere.
At the same time, the old men transformed into their true forms one by one.
In an instant, the breath and aura emitted by the six Dragons aimed at Asmodeus.
The open space turned into a battlefield.
And.
[You are mine.]
As if he had no interest in the battlefield in the back,
A red-haired old man walked towards Taehyun and said.
"Red Dragon. I heard you have a bad temper?"
There was no change in the old man's expression even at Taehyun's words.
[I am Chronos, the elder of the Red Clan. I heard you hunted a child of our clan?]
"Hunted."
[Where is that child's skin? I will decide your fate depending on your answer.]
Such arrogance as if he were the judge himself.
Unlike the serious situation on the battlefield,
he couldn't help but laugh.
"Skin... The guy who was eaten whole couldn't have left something like that behind, could he?"
[What did you say…?]
Tring.
[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated. The target has been identified.]
"I'll eat you too."
308
Abyss Depths.
Once one of the many residences used by the former Dragon Lord.
Now just an abandoned lair.
There, a Western woman in her twenties was looking at a giant crystal ball.
It was Hazard, still not having released her Polymorph.
The crystal ball was the former leader of the Blue clan, also known as Blue Dragon.
It was an item Hazard had created by extracting his magic stone.
[Kim Tae-hyun is fighting Chronos.]
Hehehe.
Hazard's beautiful voice echoed in the lair.
Humans, whom demons call insects.
That a human would fight a pureblood dragon, the most lineage-conscious of all demons?
Moreover, Chronos is one of the elders, second only to the leader of the Red clan.
Asmodeus, maybe.
For a human like Tae-hyun to fight was unimaginable until recently.
[But times are changing. Aren't they?]
Hazard asked Ashisat Ebi, who was kneeling on one side, panting.
Submerged in Hazard's aura, she could only breathe heavily through her open mouth.
[Yes. That's how it should be.]
Although she is a Great Duke Contractor, their status cannot be equal.
No matter how much they fly and crawl among humans.
In front of the Great Dukes, they are no different from insects.
Except for Kim Tae-hyun.
The key chosen by the King.
Contractor of Rosaria and Typhon.
His appearance is abnormal.
Mutation.
Tae-hyun had become an incomprehensible being, both in the human world and from the perspective of demons.
[It seems we are in a similar position.]
Hazard laughed to herself.
Innocence.
A side she had never shown to her subordinates.
As a Lord, she couldn't easily reveal such a side because of her dignity.
[It reminds me of the distant past.]
Dragon Lord Hazard.
She was a mutation.
A dragon with difficult interactions between clans.
Especially born between the Black and White clans, who were not on good terms.
Dragons value lineage.
Therefore, in both the Black and White clans.
Hazard's existence was a shameful secret they wanted to hide.
Was that why?
Before she even became a sacred dragon.
She was sent as a servant to Baal, who was then called the Dragon Lord and held the seat of the Great Dukes.
Just because she was sent as a servant didn't mean Hazard particularly served Baal.
Baal was away from the castle more often than he was in it.
Even when he returned to the castle, he would lock himself in his room and have secret conversations with his subordinates.
Baal's forces were special.
He would take talented individuals from the seven clans and grant them authority.
The dragons who were granted authority no longer belonged to their clans and became Demon Dragons.
Hazard was ostracized even by those Demon Dragons, but fortunately, the castle was large.
Although abandoned by both clans and Baal's forces.
The demons who knew her history did not touch her.
However, no one took care of her either.
She merely survived by filling her stomach with the scraps of the demons that were caught.
A mutation abandoned by two clans.
Hazard endured such humiliation and became a sacred dragon.
Although she became a sacred dragon, no one paid attention to her.
Even in such isolation, there was one thing she could understand.
Dragon Lord Baal.
He had overwhelming power even among the many Great Dukes who ruled the Abyss.
Like the giants, their numbers were small, and they did not engage in group activities.
The fact that other demons were wary of the dragons was purely due to Baal and his forces, who reigned over the Great Dukes.
Hazard was just one of the many dragons offered to Baal's castle, and she had never even seen his face properly.
But she truly respected him.
Pride.
Despite being a mutation, she was still a dragon.
The incident happened suddenly.
It was when Hazard had passed being a sacred dragon and was called a wyrm-class dragon.
The castle became chaotic.
Rumor had it that there were signs of a territorial war in the Abyss.
There were also rumors that the dragons were struggling with a newly emerged strongman.
But Hazard thought that would also be temporary.
When Baal stepped in, no top-tier species or Great Duke would be able to resist.
However, the owner of the castle unexpectedly left his position.
He abandoned the seat of the Great Duke and led his forces to the upper world.
There was no place for Hazard there.
At first, she thought he would be back soon.
Until then, she would protect this castle.
How many years had she spent with such a naive thought?
She was hungry.
There was no one to share the captured prey with, and her appetite had increased as she grew into a wyrm-class.
It was difficult to solve the problem with the corpses of demons rolling around in the castle.
Now she had to hunt alone to procure food.
Hazard was the only one left in the castle, and she went outside for the first time due to starvation.
As far as the deepest part.
Just as she had come out to hunt demons.
Many demons rushed to hunt her.
She was stronger than she thought.
She wandered around the depths, hunting demons and returning to the castle.
How much more time had passed?
Before she knew it, the castle was hers.
Demons in the area gathered under the name of Hazard.
There was no need to worry about food anymore.
Tedious times passed.
And.
She realized that Baal would not return.
That he had abandoned the seven clans that had succumbed to him.
She realized that those weak beings were useless in the war with the upper world and had been abandoned.
Around that time, a human came to Baal's castle.
"Baal has abandoned you."
The man spoke of the fact that Hazard was desperately denying.
[Who are you?]
"A human. The race you despise."
[An insect.]
The upper and top species that had gathered under Hazard.
They rushed in without anyone saying anything first.
Surprisingly.
The human, whom the dragons had regarded as insects, easily dealt with all of them.
No, it would be more accurate to say that he devoured them.
Hazard was no different.
Her torn wings did not regenerate at super speed for some reason.
"A wyrm-class is this strong... You have the potential to grow?"
The human said that and let Hazard live.
That day's match was the starting point.
It was not difficult to find out about him.
Red eyes and red hair not allowed to humans.
Right after Baal left the lower world.
He seemed to be leading the succubus race and subjugating the Great Dukes.
She learned that his goal was another title that Baal once had.
To become the King of the Lower World.
She had a goal, and Hazard's red eyes sparkled with life.
How much more time had passed once again?
Hazard was now convinced that Baal's residual magic left in the castle had already settled in her body.
The authority of intimidation.
It was the first time she recognized that power.
She completely left the castle.
Around that time, the territorial war was already in full swing among the Great Dukes.
When Baal disappeared with his forces, a war began among the seven dragon races to take the throne.
The proud dragons wanted to put the leader of their clan forward as the next king.
The already small number of individuals was dying in the clan war.
Even if a king was decided, the dragon race would not be able to maintain the same castle as before.
[What a pathetic thing to do.]
Did they know?
That Baal had abandoned them in the war with the upper world because of that pathetic appearance.
Were they aware?
That they were not good enough to succeed the Dragon Lord.
That was why she decided to replace Baal.
The first to succumb was the Black and White clans, which could be said to be her origins.
It was such a ridiculous battle that she laughed in vain.
She realized then that if she wanted, she could start a war in her polymorphed state, or even against all the clans.
Spending a long time in the Dragon Lord's castle, she herself had come to possess the status of a Great Duke.
Next, she subdued the Red, Blue, Green, Silver, and Gold clans.
The one who had caused the confusion so far.
She killed all the leaders of each clan.
She extracted the magic stones and took them as spoils of war.
Then she appointed the elder-class members below them as leaders and granted them authority.
Everyone in the clan acknowledged Hazard's strength.
The dragon race's unique intimidation.
Added to her power, an absurd individual was born.
The dragon race would soar once again.
Around the time Hazard was cleaning up the dragon race.
The territorial war was already coming to an end.
It was time to deal with the guy who was now called the King of the Lower World.
But there was no need to go looking for him.
Red hair and red eyes.
He came looking for the dragon race as his last stop.
"I thought you would be able to unite the dragon race."
The man called the King of the Lower World said, flashing his red eyes.
Next to him was the queen leading the succubus race.
Rosaria, who had newly taken the seat of the Great Duke, was standing shyly.
"All the other Great Dukes have surrendered. It's a pity Baal is gone, but it looks like you're the next Lord?"
[The dragon race does not go under humans.]
"Everyone says that at first."
[Don't think it will be the same as before!!]
Hazard, who had shouted, manifested her true form.
When she became a Lord, when everyone in the clan acknowledged her.
The colors of the seven races were embedded in her scales.
It was natural that the intimidation she could use also increased.
She was confident that if given time, she could subdue many other Great Dukes at the same time.
"Rosaria. Watch my back."
[Understood.]
Originally, it would have been absurd for the succubus race to face the dragon race.
However, a farce unfolded in which the seven leaders of the dragon race struggled with Rosaria's tentacles.
"I heard you wield the authority of intimidation? I'm looking forward to..."
Before the King could finish his words.
Seven intimidations erupted.
And it didn't take Hazard a day to be defeated.
[This is really interesting.]
Hazard muttered, recalling the past for a moment.
It was something from the distant past that she thought she had forgotten, but it came to her so vividly.
It must have been because of Kim Tae-hyun and Asmodeus reflected in the orb.
Asmodeus was using the magic of the Upper World King whom she had once served.
Kim Tae-hyun was using the magic of the Lower World King, the only being who had subdued her.
With just the two of them.
The elders of the clan who had inherited Hazard's authority were struggling.
Especially Asmodeus's power was amazing.
Most demons are born with resistance to poison.
He was using that advantage to break through the Green clan's acid breath and inflict a fatal wound.
After that, the other elders' breaths continued.
But no one could penetrate Asmodeus's scales.
The same was true of intimidation.
The ability granted by the Upper World King.
That absolute power was not working properly.
The leader of the Blue clan, not the elder class.
Only Bordeaux was giving Asmodeus's body meaningful damage.
[Should I have brought the leader class from the beginning?]
If so, the two keys would not have hidden the King's power from the beginning.
What Hazard wanted to see was the reaction that occurred when the two keys' powers collided.
However, Kim Tae-hyun had not been using the King's power.
'Devouring' since the moment he entered the domain.
However, she couldn't kill the keys either.
That would awaken the 'monster' inside the mental world.
If so.
[The main dragon has to help.]
Hazard's seven-colored hair.
The blue hair among them fluttered.
The lightning that is a characteristic of the Blue clan.
She emitted that power as intimidation.
Of course, the targets were Asmodeus and Tae-hyun.
Pazzzzzzzzik.
Hazard's intimidation flowed through the orb.
It was a brief obstruction, but Asmodeus and Kim Tae-hyun would have to give up at least one or two limbs.
The elders would not miss that opportunity.
In the end, they would have no choice but to run wild with the King's power.
[Come on. Show me.]
The moment Hazard was watching the orb with anticipation.
As expected, Asmodeus, who had lost one arm and one leg, began to be trampled by the five dragons.
And Kim Tae-hyun was.
Pazzzzzzzzik.
[……!!]
Engulfed in lightning.
He was extracting the magic stone of the Red Dragon's elder, Chronos.
309화
띵.
[스킬 아포칼립스(SSS)가 강화되었습니다. 출력:40%]
[스킬 상위종의 눈(SSS)이 강화되었습니다.]
[스킬 상위종의 심장(SSS)이 강화되었습니다.]
[부가효과 통찰(洞察)이 발현됩니다.]
The moment he was about to use the skill, Chronis's tail came crashing down.
The movement was clearly visible in his enhanced crimson eyes.
콰앙!! (Kwang!!)
[You only run away like a rat.]
콰앙. 콰앙. 콰앙. (Kwang. Kwang. Kwang.)
The red tail lashed down fiercely.
The cavern was so large that it didn't feel small even with the seven dragons revealing their true forms.
However, Taehyun didn't bother running far away.
Because he had confidence.
He could overwhelm him at any time, if he wanted to.
'Should I just eat him?'
He smacked his lips without realizing it.
The magic stone of the dragon was visible in the eyes of the superior species.
The amount of magic power that the red heart was emitting was considerable.
He didn't know about the other stats.
He was certain that if he devoured it, his magic power would increase significantly.
It had only been a little while ago that he had resolved not to use Devour in order not to be played by Hazard.
콰앙!! (Kwang!!)
The explosion was on the opposite side of where Taehyun was.
Asmodeus, clad in black magic power, was confronting the six dragons.
He clicked his tongue as he watched.
'No. That's not right.'
His mind, which had been momentarily clouded by his desire for growth, snapped back to attention.
The magic power that Asmodeus was using was black.
That was a similar color to what Baal used in his memories.
The six dragons were struggling against that power.
The ferocity seemed no different from 'Devour.'
'No, one of them looks incapacitated, so now there are five, right?'
Taehyun thought as he looked at the green dragon who was groaning.
That power might not be directed at Taehyun right now.
But if Taehyun were to use Devour as well.
There was no telling what kind of situation might arise.
'A way to take the magic stone without using Devour...'
Come to think of it, there was a way.
At that moment.
Hwaruk. Hwareureureuk. (Whoosh. Whoosh whoosh.)
Flames flared up on Taehyun's body.
It was because he was caught in the aura of the Red Dragon Chronis while he was thinking about something else for a moment.
[Human. Why aren't you going all out?]
Chronis asked as he burned away the chains that were rushing at him.
He had been watching how Taehyun handled the three ancient purebloods.
So he knew that this wasn't his full power.
The order he had received from Hazard was to draw out the power of the key.
He couldn't afford to hold back like this.
"This seems like enough, though."
[How insolent.]
Hwaruk. Hwareureureuk. (Whoosh. Whoosh whoosh.)
The flames on Taehyun's body grew stronger.
Originally, the aura wouldn't have worked unless it was a Bordeaux-level being.
It was happening because Taehyun was consciously trying not to use Devour.
'It's also the perfect opponent to practice my new skill.'
띵. (Ting.)
[스킬 근원의 원소(SSS)가 발동되었습니다. (Skill Origin of Elements (SSS) has been activated.)]
[스킬의 이해도가 부족합니다. 스킬이 취소됩니다.(Skill understanding is insufficient. Skill is canceled.)]
His eyebrows furrowed.
'Is this not enough?'
He had roughly learned how to accept the power of lightning through Erebus before.
'Origin of Elements can be activated if even a little element is mixed into the magic power.'
The dragon race's authority is aura.
But the nature contained in that power is fire.
Considering Typhon's authority, that applied to all of them except Gold and Black.
Yet the skill wasn't properly activating against Chronis.
'Understanding is lacking.'
Unfortunately, Taehyun didn't feel the same sense of crisis from Chronis in front of him as he did from Erebus.
Perhaps that was why his understanding of the skill was lacking.
[You rat-like bastard. Stop running away!!]
Magic power gathered in Chronis's mouth.
A special skill that dragons can use in their true form.
He was preparing to breathe fire.
Flames flickered in his mouth.
"You lizard bastard, watch your language."
Taehyun said as he prepared to use Origin of Elements once again.
At that moment.
띵. (Ting.)
['거대한 힘’이 작용 중입니다. 불가사의한 힘으로 저항하지 않습니다. 마력이 침투합니다. ('Great Power' is in effect. Do not resist the mysterious power. Magic power penetrates.)]
['치명적인 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 감전(???)에 걸렸습니다. 근력이 20 감소합니다.('Deadly Aura' is in effect. Electrocution(???) is applied. Strength is reduced by 20.)]
['치명적인 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 우레(???)에 걸렸습니다. 체력이 20 감소합니다.('Deadly Aura' is in effect. Thunder(???) is applied. Stamina is reduced by 20.)]
['치명적인 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 뇌전(???)에 걸렸습니다. 속도가 20 감소합니다.('Deadly Aura' is in effect. Lightning(???) is applied. Speed is reduced by 20.)]
['치명적인 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 봉뢰(???)에 걸렸습니다. 마력이 20 감소합니다.('Deadly Aura' is in effect. Thunderclap(???) is applied. Magic power is reduced by 20.)]
"……!!"
An electric current flowed through Taehyun's body.
In a situation where he was consciously limiting Devour, he was caught by a huge aura.
He could tell right away that it was Hazard's.
In that gap, Chronis's breath was completed.
If he were to block that attack in this state, Taehyun would have to endure a considerable amount of damage.
He was about to use 'Beast Transformation' and 'Blood Rage' out of necessity.
Regardless of his will.
띵. (Ting.)
[스킬 근원의 원소(SSS)가 발동되었습니다.(Skill Origin of Elements (SSS) has been activated.)]
[스킬의 이해도가 부족합니다. 스킬의 효과가 감소합니다.(Skill understanding is insufficient. Skill effect is reduced.)]
[치명적인 패기: 감전의 힘을 흡수하였습니다. 근력이 일시적으로 상승합니다. (Deadly Aura: Absorbed the power of electrocution. Strength is temporarily increased.)]
[치명적인 패기: 뇌전의 힘을 흡수하였습니다. 속도가 일시적으로 상승합니다.(Deadly Aura: Absorbed the power of lightning. Speed is temporarily increased.)]
[치명적인 패기: 우레의 힘을 흡수하였습니다. 체력이 일시적으로 상승합니다.(Deadly Aura: Absorbed the power of thunder. Stamina is temporarily increased.)]
[치명적인 패기: 봉뢰의 힘을 흡수하였습니다. 체력이 일시적으로 상승합니다.(Deadly Aura: Absorbed the power of thunderclap. Stamina is temporarily increased.)]
['거대한 힘’을 받아들입니다. 마력 소모가 가속화됩니다.(Accepting 'Great Power'. Magic power consumption is accelerated.)]
['거대한 힘’을 받아들입니다. 피로도 누적이 가속화됩니다.(Accepting 'Great Power'. Fatigue accumulation is accelerated.)]
'What?'
Taehyun's body felt lighter than ever before.
He could confidently say that it was even more refreshing than when he stacked the stats of 'Beast Transformation,' 'Blood Rage,' and 'Apocalypse.'
He had converted the aura that Hazard used into stats through 'Origin of Elements.'
'Bingo.'
He steadied himself.
At the same time, Chronis's breath engulfed Taehyun.
He moved his body to the side as if stepping to the beat.
The movement was incomparably faster than before.
[……!!]
Chronis was momentarily taken aback by Taehyun's sudden increase in speed.
Chinese ancient martial art, Penetrating Force Fifth Form.
The moment Taehyun's figure seemed to disappear.
푸욱. (Pook.)
A hand wrapped in lightning pierced into Chronis's scales.
[칵….(Kak...)]
Chronis groaned.
[말도…….(No way...)]
"I'll enjoy this."
콰직. (Kwajik.)
Taehyun pulled out Chronis's magic stone.
And then.
쿠웅.(Koong.)
The power-deprived giant fell forward helplessly.
파지직. 파직.(Pajijik. Pajik.)
Standing in front of the fallen Chronis, Taehyun examined the magic stone in his hand.
It was similar to Kaiselin's, but at least twice the size.
Naturally, the magic power it contained was incomparable as well.
Taehyun was thinking that when.
띵.(Ting.)
['거대한 힘’이 작용 중입니다. 불가사의한 힘으로 저항합니다. 저항에 실패했습니다. ('Great Power' is in effect. Do not resist the mysterious power. Resistance failed.)]
['무거운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 제압(???)에 걸렸습니다. 체력이 20 감소합니다.('Heavy Aura' is in effect. Suppression(???) is applied. Stamina is reduced by 20.)]
['무거운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 중력(???)에 걸렸습니다. 속도가 20 감소합니다.('Heavy Aura' is in effect. Gravity(???) is applied. Speed is reduced by 20.)]
A new aura exploded on Taehyun's body.
Hazard, who belatedly realized his mistake, used the aura of the Gold clan.
He hadn't relaxed his guard after the surprise attack earlier.
Even so.
The magic power that had penetrated Devour reduced the stats that he had painstakingly raised.
Was that all?
띵.(Ting.)
['거대한 힘’이 작용 중입니다. 불가사의한 힘으로 저항합니다. 저항에 실패했습니다. ('Great Power' is in effect. Do not resist the mysterious power. Resistance failed.)]
['독살스러운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 중독(???)에 걸렸습니다. 체력이 20 감소합니다.('Venomous Aura' is in effect. Poisoning(???) is applied. Stamina is reduced by 20.)]
['독살스러운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 산화(???)에 걸렸습니다. 속도가 20 감소합니다.('Venomous Aura' is in effect. Oxidation(???) is applied. Speed is reduced by 20.)]
['불길한 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 혼돈(???)에 걸렸습니다. 체력이 20 감소합니다.('Ominous Aura' is in effect. Chaos(???) is applied. Stamina is reduced by 20.)]
['불길한 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 환각(???)에 걸렸습니다. 속도가 20 감소합니다.('Ominous Aura' is in effect. Hallucination(???) is applied. Speed is reduced by 20.)]
['차가운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 빙결(???)에 걸렸습니다. 체력이 20 감소합니다.('Cold Aura' is in effect. Freezing(???) is applied. Stamina is reduced by 20.)]
['차가운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 경화(???)에 걸렸습니다. 속도가 20 감소합니다.('Cold Aura' is in effect. Hardening(???) is applied. Speed is reduced by 20.)]
['뜨거운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 발화(???)에 걸렸습니다. 체력이 20 감소합니다.('Hot Aura' is in effect. Ignition(???) is applied. Stamina is reduced by 20.)]
['뜨거운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 기폭(???)에 걸렸습니다. 속도가 20 감소합니다.('Hot Aura' is in effect. Detonation(???) is applied. Speed is reduced by 20.)]
['날카로운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 풍화(???)에 걸렸습니다. 체력이 20 감소합니다.('Sharp Aura' is in effect. Weathering(???) is applied. Stamina is reduced by 20.)]
['날카로운 패기’가 작용 중입니다. 무음(???)에 걸렸습니다. 속도가 20 감소합니다.('Sharp Aura' is in effect. Silence(???) is applied. Speed is reduced by 20.)]
As if determined, he instantly implanted six auras.
Moreover, they only lowered the stamina and speed stats.
'He wants to show that he can crush me anytime he wants.'
Arrogant.
On the other hand, it was surprising that he could play with Taehyun to this extent.
Not only the benefits of the stats he had gained with 'Origin of Elements' earlier.
Even with 'Apocalypse' activated, Taehyun's body felt unbelievably heavy.
'Is there no other choice?'
띵.(Ting.)
[스킬 에너지 드레인(SSS)이 발동되었습니다. 대상을 특정합니다.(Skill Energy Drain (SSS) has been activated. Target is specified.)]
파즈즈즈즈. (Pazzzzzzz.)
Taehyun absorbed all the magic essence contained in Chronis's magic stone.
After all, he was only taking the heart of the guy who was already dead.
He thought that the effect wouldn't be much different from Devour.
As expected, several messages appeared in front of him.
A considerable number of physical stats have permanently increased.
It was only a drop in the bucket compared to the stats that had been reduced, but it was a decent growth for now.
'Should I help Asmodeus?'
Far away.
Asmodeus was visible, confronting the five dragons.
The balance of power was so broken that it was embarrassing to even call it a confrontation.
It was because he had been toyed with by Hazard's aura and had allowed many attacks that could be considered fatal wounds.
Bordeaux had just torn off one of Asmodeus's wings.
At this rate, eventually.
'He'll have no choice but to explode his authority.'
He wanted to watch that power, but if that happened, the balance of power would be scrambled once again.
Whether the winner was the dragon race or Asmodeus.
In the end, Taehyun might be targeted last.
'That would be a problem.'
띵.(Ting.)
[스킬 은신(SSS)이 발동되었습니다.(Skill Stealth (SSS) has been activated.)]
스스스슷.(Sssseuseuseut.)
Taehyun hid his body.
And then.
띵.(Ting.)
[스킬 마수화(SSS)가 발동되었습니다. 의태 부위를 특정합니다.(Skill Beast Transformation (SSS) has been activated. Specify the mimicry area.)]
[스킬 어둠의 사도(SSS)가 발동되었습니다. 형태를 특정합니다.(Skill Apostle of Darkness (SSS) has been activated. Specify the form.)]
A huge scythe was gripped in his hand.
He swung that scythe at the wing-root of Bordeaux, who was leading the battle among the five dragons fighting Asmodeus.
푸욱.(Pook.)
The end of the scythe was only slightly embedded.
'Was it too shallow?'
He was planning to make up for his lack of physical stats with 'Beast Transformation.'
Because the dragon was moving, he couldn't properly penetrate the scales.
[놈!!(You!!)]
Bordeaux swung his tail.
콰앙!!(Kwang!!)
He barely managed to block it, but his body floated up.
Was that all?
The tail was swung down again above Taehyun, who was trying to get up.
Taehyun hurriedly raised the scythe to block it.
까앙!!(Kkaang!!)
The Apostle of Darkness was easily canceled.
His wrist throbbed.
[크로니스를 죽인 건가…. 터무니없는 녀석이군.(You killed Chronis... You're an outrageous guy.)]
Bordeaux, who had grasped the situation, glared at Taehyun.
Even though he wasn't of his own clan.
It was the same as reducing the overall strength of the dragon race.
"How can you be so shameless, all you grown-ups ganging up on one 'weakling'?"
[찢으면 로드가 원하시는 힘을 사용하겠느냐.If I tear that mouth, will you use the power that the Lord wants?]
"Try it."
Taehyun provoked Bordeaux.
The Blue Dragon clan, also known as the Azure Dragon.
Beneath the blue shining scales.
A magic stone that couldn't be compared to Chronis's was located there.
How much would his stats increase if he took that power?
How strong could he become if he ate all those guys behind him?
He felt grateful to Hazard for arranging the current stage.
'Hazard. In the end, you'll cooperate too.'
Of course, before that.
Taehyun pointed to Bordeaux's pulsating magic stone.
"That's mine."
310
[How impertinent.]
Bordeaux growled at Taehyun's declaration.
It must be absurd.
A human he had treated like a bug until recently.
That human became a contractor of a duke, was chosen by a king whom even dukes couldn't treat lightly, and was now making fun of their dragon race.
Ironically.
That appearance resembled the arrogance of the top species more than anyone else.
[In the end, you'll spit out what the Lord wants.]
"Looking forward to it."
Taehyun provoked Bordeaux.
He was luring him to use his Aura.
'If he's from the Blue Clan, he'll definitely handle lightning-attribute Aura.'
Currently, the only attribute he could handle with the 'Source Element' was lightning.
Crackle. Sizzle.
Ominous sparks flew from Bordeaux's body.
'It's coming.'
An Erebus-level electric shock.
He would instantly convert that Aura into physical stats and covet that blue magic crystal.
Just as Taehyun was thinking that and preparing a skill.
Abruptly.
Bordeaux's massive body, which looked like it would ram any moment, stopped.
Thud. Thud.
Crunch. Crackle.
Meanwhile, in the distance, Asmodeus was engaged in a fierce battle against the four dragons.
After a moment of silence, Bordeaux's mouth opened.
But the technique was not Aura, but Breath.
It was clear that Hazard had given some kind of instruction.
Probably something telling him not to use Aura.
'Hazard is interfering until the end.'
Taehyun clicked his tongue and immediately prepared another skill.
The reduced stats were not insignificant.
He deliberately didn't use it to draw out Bordeaux's carelessness, but.
In this situation, he couldn't afford to keep the skill idle.
The skill cooldowns had already ended with 'Heart of the Superior Species.'
To take the magic crystal without 'Devour,' he would have to take some risks.
Ding.
[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 100%]
[Skill Beast Transformation (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
[Skill Blood Rampage (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]
Brown magic and crimson magic intensified, and the insufficient physical stats were improved by a certain amount.
But with this much.
'I can't block the Breath.'
Ding.
[Skill Energy Compose (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the form.]
[Skill Energy Drain (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the target.]
Whoooooosh.
A huge sphere of magic was created in the center of Apocalypse.
The magic, taking the form of a sphere, gradually increased in size within Apocalypse.
It was absorbing Taehyun's magic that was forming Apocalypse.
Whoooooooooosh.
The magic bullet, having absorbed the enhanced Apocalypse, rotated and emitted an overwhelming presence.
The condensed power was not lacking even compared to Bordeaux's Breath.
The two magics collided.
Crack. Crackle.
The ground cracked as they began to struggle.
Boom!!
An explosion occurred.
The aftermath of the Breath and magic bullet disappearing was not only in the physical environment.
[…How can a human have such power.]
Bordeaux muttered as if he couldn't understand.
He didn't use Aura due to Hazard's sudden order.
Likewise, he didn't include the clan's unique attribute in the Breath.
The Breath he used a moment ago was a pure mass of magic.
Even so.
[It was a power that even elder-level dragons couldn't easily cut down.]
Such an attack.
[He blocked it with tricks.]
No, the expression "offset" would be more accurate.
Therefore, the expression "tricks" would no longer be appropriate either.
"As expected, it's a tricky attack."
Taehyun checked the cooldown of Apocalypse while controlling his magic again.
Unlike his words, however, his expression didn't seem to care much.
That fact made Bordeaux feel empty.
[Is this the power of the Key?]
He had only heard that Kim Taehyun and Asmodeus had inherited the power of the king.
He had never heard properly about the reality of that power.
Even Asmodeus didn't properly exert his power until the moment his whole body was riddled with wounds.
He could understand that guy.
Because he was born with power befitting the top species among the demons.
His origin was different.
But the human, Kim Taehyun, who withstood his Breath and stood calmly without showing any particular shock.
Kim Taehyun was different.
[You are a human.]
"Yeah, I'm human."
[But how can you contain that much power?]
This isn't a matter of being chosen or not.
The power he's using now.
[It's not a power that a human can handle.]
Bordeaux said with a confident tone.
Taehyun didn't bother to deny it.
Because he knew it.
That there was a limit to getting stronger with the limitations of the human body.
To go beyond that, whether by choice or by force.
It was necessary to cross the boundary.
'I don't know what the King thinks, but.'
"It's necessary to transcend the species."
That was the conclusion Taehyun had reached.
Bordeaux burst out laughing as if he couldn't believe it.
The massive body surrounded by blue scales shook.
Taehyun's red eyes sank as he watched the scene.
Ding.
[The cooldown of Skill Dark Apostle (SSS) has been reset.]
[Skill Dark Apostle (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the form.]
[Skill Demon's Saliva (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the target.]
Hiss. Sizzle.
A poisonous magic flowed into Taehyun's hand, and a scythe was grasped.
[Even… Belzebub's power… are you using…?]
Bordeaux missed the timing to attack due to the absurd situation.
Taehyun did not miss that moment.
Ding.
[Skill Knight King's Aura (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the target.]
[Skill Monarch's Aura (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the target.]
The two Auras pressed down on Bordeaux.
[Useless짓을!!]
Whooooosh.
Bordeaux once again held magic in his mouth.
At that time.
[Skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been activated.]
[Skill Apostle of the Gate (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the location.]
Quarre!!
It was an Aura at an unexpected timing.
For a moment, Bordeaux's body froze.
Boom!!
The Breath that could not be expelled burst inside his mouth.
Flesh that had fallen off splattered in all directions, and at the same time, ultra-fast regeneration began.
[Gah!!]
Crackle. Sizzle.
Sparks flew in all directions, and began to search for Taehyun's movements.
And surprisingly.
Thud.
Hiss. Sizzle.
The poisonous scythe had already reached Bordeaux's neck.
Taehyun, who was holding the scythe, smiled bitterly.
"Die."
The poisonous scythe.
Thwack.
Pierced through the blue scales and embedded itself.
Bordeaux's scream echoed in the cave.
It was a scream that shook the cave.
Even though such a scream echoed from nearby, the four dragons and Asmodeus did not stop fighting.
Their battle was also a matter of life and death, so they couldn't stop with just that.
Tear.
Asmodeus tore the gold dragon's wings like paper.
Without time to admire the scream.
Tear. Tear.
The remaining three dragons grabbed Asmodeus and tore off one wing each.
Instead of gaining any real advantage, the wounds only deepened.
In addition, the four dragons.
Black, gold, white, silver.
The Aura of the four dragons was interfering with Asmodeus' ultra-fast regeneration even at this moment.
Being hindered in ultra-fast regeneration in such a disadvantageous situation makes a big difference.
[It seems like the end is in sight.]
[It seems like you haven't used the power the Lord wants to see.]
[Still, to push us this far alone.]
[It's not over yet. Didn't Zamas end up like that because he was careless?]
White dragon, the wind dragon Duhail.
He mentioned the green dragon Zamas, who was being treated for his injuries after being attacked by Asmodeus.
[He's a terrible guy.]
Key of the Upper World King Asmodeus.
If he hadn't suddenly shown an opening, if Bordeaux, the leader of the Blue Clan, hadn't reduced his stamina to the limit.
They would have certainly suffered the same fate.
Nevertheless, as Asmodeus showed a near-death appearance, a unique arrogance was spreading among them.
[Duhail. You worry too much.]
Tales, the elder of the Black Clan, clicked his tongue and said.
[That's not wrong. There's no harm in being careful.]
[I agree.]
[Asmodeus. He's more of a monster than I thought.]
It was Setien, the elder of the Gold Clan, and Lugo, the elder of the Silver Clan, who said that.
At that time.
Asmodeus, who had been quietly listening while being crushed by Aura, stood up.
[Lizard bastards are just showing off because they have numbers.]
The four dragons strengthened their Aura at Asmodeus' provocation.
[Kiyaaa….]
Asmodeus made a sound that was neither a groan nor a scream.
Just as his unique black magic was about to rise.
Sizzle.
Quark.
Crack.
Cough.
The four dragons' Aura buried that hideous sound.
[Come on. Show me.]
[Bring out that power the Lord wants to see.]
[Surely you haven't used it already?]
[If you have, it wouldn't be bad to leave you half-dead like this.]
The four dragons said that and did not release the strengthening of their Aura.
Asmodeus' skin, which had been made of dragon scales.
Cracks began to appear on that armor-like skin.
And.
[Ki… ah… a….]
[……!!]
[……!!]
[……!!]
[……!!]
The four dragons were embarrassed by Asmodeus' eerie cry.
It wasn't just because of that scream.
[The Aura… is disappearing….]
Tales, the Black Dragon who first spoke the words.
He couldn't finish his words.
Thwack.
Because something sharp pierced his neck through the scales.
The origin was from Asmodeus, and that hideous thing was his fingernail.
Hiss. Hiss.
It wasn't an ordinary fingernail.
Purple magic from the thorn-like fingernail.
Poison flowed down.
[Kuhuk…!!!]
Tales screamed in unexpected pain.
He tried to pull out the fingernail stuck in his neck.
The more he did, the worse the poison became.
Duhail used Aura to cut off the fingernail.
Setien and Lugo unleashed Breath at Asmodeus.
But.
[It's impossible.]
Having already removed the fingernail stuck in Tales' neck.
Asmodeus had returned behind the three dragons.
It was an unbelievable speed.
And.
Thwack. Thwack.
Likewise, two long fingernails were stuck in Setien and Lugo's necks.
[Cough….]
[Cough….]
It was a familiar movement as if a butcher were handling livestock.
Duhail shuddered as he watched the scene.
An ominous magic.
Besides, that poisonous magic that had neutralized the three elders was clearly Belzebub's, wasn't it?
[You… what the hell….]
Duhail couldn't finish his words.
Thwack.
Likewise, he also had a long fingernail stuck in his neck like the other elders.
[It's a little quieter now.]
Asmodeus, who said that, turned his red eyes to Taehyun and Bordeaux, who were fighting in the distance.
[Kill.]
[Devour him with this power.]
Such voices were circling in his head.
An attack created by overlapping 'Demon's Saliva' on 'Dark Apostle'.
That attack was successful only once.
Because Bordeaux strengthened his magic and destroyed the scythe with Breath.
Chinese ancient martial arts, 6th style, Mythical Realm.
Thud.
The attack didn't properly go in due to insufficient stats and hard scales.
"Tch."
Taehyun didn't hide his disappointment and widened the distance.
His body was in tatters.
It was a trace of having taken Bordeaux's attack.
Cough.
Bordeaux had stopped moving as well.
In a situation where he couldn't use Aura, he had engaged in an incompatible close combat, so scales were cut and torn off everywhere, making it difficult to find the previous brilliance.
At that time.
"……!!"
[……!!]
Taehyun and Bordeaux simultaneously turned their heads at the chilling energy.
There were dragons suffering with thorns stuck in their necks.
[Did you finally use it?]
Bordeaux muttered lowly.
"I don't know. It's like you've awakened a monster."
[It is what the Lord wanted.]
"Crazy bastard."
[To hear such words from a human. It seems like it's worth living long and seeing it all.]
Bordeaux laughed as he said that.
He thought he had succeeded in half of the mission Hazard had given him.
Taehyun's expression, which corresponded to the remaining half, frowned.
Asmodeus was approaching towards this way.
What was in his red eyes was a familiar energy.
Madness.
'It's going to be a hassle.'
He quietly prepared to use a skill.
Comments
Post a Comment