RKP 311-320

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Okay, here's the English translation:

Episode 311

Thwack.

Another one of Asmodeus's claws pierced the Green Dragon's neck, who was barely clinging to life in the corner.

Each one skewered by the long spikes, gasping for air.

Resembling chickens skewered on a skewer.

Not only had he single-handedly taken on five of the highest-ranking familiars, but he had also left them in a near-death state.

That alone was enough to make him a poisonous existence.

But what surprised Taehyun was something else.

The familiar energy that could be felt in Asmodeus's red eyes.

Madness.

The immature energy commonly displayed by those intoxicated with power, witnessed countless times crossing the line between life and death.

'Has he gone berserk?'

He wouldn't have used it if there were no risks involved.

In other words, there must be a risk to using this power.

'Hajad's plan is half successful.'

If Chronos hadn't specifically targeted Taehyun.

If Asmodeus hadn't put up a plausible fight against the many dragons.

Taehyun might have had to rely on 'Devouring' by now.

So all the more.

The stance from now on was important.

Using Devouring here would really play into Hajad's intentions.

It wasn't hard to guess how Hajad would react once he achieved his goal.

'Those guys are going to die if I leave them like that.'

The five dragons behind Asmodeus, gasping for air.

Even the scales that Taehyun could only penetrate by using 'Demonification' and 'Devil's Saliva' were pierced so cleanly that it felt futile.

Belatedly, the 'Eyes of a Higher Being' captured the magical power contained in the claws.

Belzebub's poisonous magical power.

A toxicity worthy of it resided in the claws.

'How could that guy...?'

Taehyun, while keeping Bordeaux in check.

Once again, he enhanced his skills.

Ting.

[Skill Eyes of a Higher Being (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

[Skill Heart of a Higher Being (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

[Additional effect Insight (洞察) is activated.]

He scanned Asmodeus's approaching body.

Was it because his reason had partially flown away?

Asmodeus's body, unprepared for Insight, was thoroughly exposed inside and out.

"......!!"

Taehyun was surprised by the unexpected sight that was revealed.

'Three magic stones...?'

His eyes trembled as he watched without realizing it.

On both sides of the guy's chest.

And another magic stone was forming below that.

To be exact, black and purple magic was being emitted from the magic stones formed on both sides of his chest, mixing into the remaining magic stone.

Three hearts.

Three magic stones.

'How...?'

It was a different dimension of the problem than Taehyun drawing on the power of the Archdukes.

As far as he knew, the highest-ranking species gained authority when they became Archduke-level.

There were cases where they were born as Archduke-level from the beginning, and cases where they grew little by little to the realm of authority.

But he had never heard of a guy who imitated the Archduke's authority with three magic stones.

Erebus momentarily contained the authority of Typhon and Orgal, but.

Even that was because Typhon's revival strengthened his original authority, and Orgal's authority was not completely gone.

But no matter how he looked at it, that power.

'It resembles Belzebub's magic.'

He felt a power even more intense than the 'Devil's Saliva' that Taehyun used.

There were two possible hypotheses.

One was that Belzebub was already cooperating with Asmodeus.

But he heard that Asmodeus had bad relationships with both Orgal and Belzebub.

'Was the rumor distorted?'

Considering his hatred for the King, it wouldn't be strange for Belzebub to join hands with the Upper Realm King.

Unless there was something Taehyun didn't know between them.

The second was that the power Asmodeus received from the Upper Realm King was helping him use the power of other Archdukes.

'This is also not certain.'

Above all, if that were the case, it wouldn't explain why he was using Belzebub's authority now, or what the connection was to having three magic stones.

Everything was uncertain.

Nevertheless, one thing was certain.

'Am I also within that guy's attack range?'

There was no way the berserk guy would have the same reason as before.

Taehyun glanced at Bordeaux.

The guy's expression didn't look good either, as if he was thinking the same thing.

"I think you're thinking the same thing. Shall we call a truce?"

[You're talking nonsense.]

Bordeaux snarled and glared with his red eyes.

"Well, we're not exactly in a relationship where we need to ask for permission."

Ting.

[Skill Stealth (SSS) has been activated.]

[Skill Stealth (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

Swish.

Taehyun's body disappeared as if melting into the void.

He passed the task of dealing with Asmodeus onto Bordeaux until he finished grasping the power.

It was a skill that had become strong enough to deceive the eyes of a highest-ranking species.

Even Bordeaux wouldn't find it easy to grasp Taehyun's movements unless he concentrated.

The boasting spirit was not working.

[That guy is not even worth grinding into powder.]

He wanted to cover the entire vast void with the magic and spirit of lightning.

But even while grinding his teeth, he did not move according to his emotions.

This place was a space prepared to explore the fate of the clan and test the power of the key.

He couldn't do anything unsightly while she was watching.

[It would have been better to bring the leaders.]

Bordeaux belatedly regretted his lax response.

It also included contempt for the elders of the six tribes who had been defeated without fulfilling the Lord's command.

Kim Taehyun and Asmodeus.

[I admit it.]

He thought there was no need for two leaders to step forward to test the power of the guys who were still in the highest-ranking species.

The leaders of the dragon tribes were all leading their respective tribes and fighting territorial wars.

[The elders were enough to test you, but it was a mistake.]

The position of the elders was by no means light.

Right below the Lord.

There were seven leaders representing each tribe.

Excluding the leaders, there were a small number of elders called the pillars of each tribe.

Some of them would become the leaders of the tribe over time.

So he thought that even bringing one from each tribe was an excessive measure.

But now that he saw it.

[To capture you alive, two leaders would have been needed.]

Bordeaux evaluated Asmodeus's power as equal to his own and said.

It was rare for a proud dragon to recognize another race as equal.

[......]

Asmodeus only flashed his mad red eyes without answering.

[Your situation is different from Kim Taehyun's.]

Bordeaux ignited his magic.

Anyway, what Hajad wanted was to see the reaction when the powers of the two keys collided.

In Asmodeus's case, it seemed that he was having a hard time controlling his power anymore.

And Kim Taehyun was also hiding now, but he would eventually have no choice but to use his power.

Clang.

Asmodeus's poisonous claws touched Bordeaux's scales.

But unlike the previous five dragons, Bordeaux's scales were not penetrated.

Bordeaux also seemed surprised.

He had suffered the humiliation of having his scales torn off by Taehyun's attack a while ago.

If what Asmodeus was using was related to Belzebub's authority.

He thought he would give up a little bit of his skin this time as well.

Bordeaux's red eyes scanned Asmodeus once again.

[I see. It seems that your body is not normal either.]

Bordeaux smiled and polymorphed into a human form.

Regeneration was not perfect due to the injuries he suffered in the battle with Taehyun.

He was going to save his magic for the time being.

Once again, poisonous claws aimed at Bordeaux.

This time it was his face.

[Do you think I will keep getting hit?]

Clench.

Bordeaux caught the thorns right in front of his nose.

And.

Fzzt.

The unique properties of the Blue Clan.

He sent the spirit of lightning attribute through his fingertips.

[Kee...ah....]

Asmodeus showed a reaction for the first time.

The spirit was just the beginning.

Magic that he had always considered insignificant and had not used.

Each one was a series of attribute magic suitable for the highest-ranking species.

Asmodeus endured the power and narrowed the distance.

Poisonous claws were lashed out at Bordeaux.

He was going to stick it in as it was and melt his body.

Smirk.

Crunch.

At that moment, claws similar to Asmodeus's grew from Bordeaux's hand.

The length was similar, but.

Clang!!

In one exchange, Asmodeus's claws broke.

[There is no way that the bones of the demon race can be compared to those of the dragon race.]

Slash.

Bordeaux cut through Asmodeus's chest as it was.

Fzzt.

Sparks flew and Asmodeus's body began to explode.

[Kee... ah....]

Leaving Asmodeus, who was screaming, behind.

He headed to the five elders who were dying from the thorns stuck in their necks.

[The Lord is watching. You are showing a pathetic appearance.]

Even while saying that, Bordeaux directly pulled out the poisonous claws.

Only then did the five dragons' painful screams turn into groans.

[Recover your bodies. Kim Taehyun is hiding, so you must be careful.]

It was then.

[Kee... ah...!!]

Flap.

A pair of wings unfolded with Asmodeus's cry.

It had been torn countless times by the six dragons.

But now it was in a form that had been regenerated at super speed and was impossible to find any abnormalities.

No, one side was a bat-like wing unique to the demon race.

The other side was.

[It's from our clan.]

Bordeaux frowned and said.

A hybrid of the demon race and the dragon race at the leader level.

It was a sight he had never heard of, even after living for a long time.

[You will have to take out everything you are hiding.]

Fzzt.

The spirit of lightning raged on Asmodeus's body.

Was it because it had been piling up because he couldn't use it on Taehyun?

[Good!!]

Bordeaux rarely became excited and burst out laughing.

[Kieaaaack...!!]

Asmodeus screamed.

Poof.

For a moment, purple magic soared from his body.

Sizzle. Sizzle.

Poisonous mist spread throughout the void.

Then Asmodeus lowered his waist.

Crack. Crack.

His spine bent and both hands touched the floor.

And suddenly.

Magic gathered in his mouth.

[......!!]

He was momentarily flustered by the unexpected sight.

Kwwaaa!!

The purple magic that was fired targeted the five dragons who had barely survived from their injuries.

[You!!]

Belatedly, Bordeaux's spirit suppressed it.

But the breath had already struck the five dragons.

[This... hybrid...]

Bordeaux became excited and released his polymorph.

He realized that he shouldn't be dealing with it for the purpose of capture anymore.

Such a battle between two of the highest-ranking species.

"......"

Taehyun was quietly watching.

Taehyun captured this absurd battle in his enhanced 'Eyes of a Higher Being'.

One thing he learned.

Asmodeus's power originated from the demon race and the dragon race.

'He's spewing out magic endlessly.'

It seemed like he would have to pull out the magic stone or use Devouring to calm him down.

'It's hard to see the effect even if I use Devouring now.'

He had to wait.

Until the moment came when he could overturn the board that Hajad had set up.

At that time.

[Kuh...]

"......!!"

One of the Gold Dragons, who had half of his lower body blown away by Asmodeus's breath, rolled over.

He was in a near-death state to the point where super-speed regeneration was not being activated, but somehow he seemed to be alive.

"What a windfall."

[You...]

"Shhh."

Taehyun raised a finger to his mouth.

It was temporary, but.

His stats had dropped significantly due to Hajad's interference.

He didn't want to attract the attention of those around him for no reason.

Ting.

[Skill Chains of Entrapment (SSS) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

[Skill Energy Drain (SSS) has been activated. Targeting the target.]

"I'll finish it quickly."

312

[The Upper World King. He's granted an interesting power.]

Hajard muttered, watching Asmodeus's figure floating in the crystal ball.

He might have lost his mind for a moment, but.

Asmodeus's magic stone is visible even to Taehyun.

There was no way Hajard wouldn't have noticed the three magic stones implanted in his body.

From the start, she knew that Asmodeus possessed three magic stones.

Asmodeus was a hybrid, born of the demon race but also possessing the power of the dragon race, having been chosen by Baal.

And the magic power created by the two magic stones mixed once again.

Becoming a new race that even Hajard had never seen before.

[A demon race with a dragon race. Are you trying to create a magic dragon to succeed you?]

In the past, when Hajard wasn't even an Ancient,

Baal and his army of magic dragons.

Their power was extraordinary, and their presence was unlike that of ordinary dragons or demons.

What more could be said when even the seven tribes of the dragon race, who prided themselves on being the strongest among the many monsters, were treated as defective?

And Asmodeus is using the magic power that the magic dragons used at that time.

No, he's using demonic energy.

Of course, it seems that only he and Beelzebub have noticed it.

[But the Lower World King's arrangement is not inferior either.]

Kim Taehyun.

He has endless growth potential, but considering the path he has to walk, his power is less than that of a fly.

Even so, the reason why he can't be ignored is because of the existence in his inner world.

He has grasped the approximate power of Asmodeus and Kim Taehyun.

The sacrifice of six Elder-class dragons is not small, but.

With this much gain, it can be said that there are more advantages than disadvantages.

[The more I know, the more difficult the choice becomes.]

Hajard muttered as if troubled.

Inside the crystal ball, Bordeaux was engaged in a battle of equals with Asmodeus, who had unleashed a new power.

Bordeaux, the leader of the Blue Dragons.

He had ordered them to limit their tribe's unique nature because they were not compatible with Kim Taehyun, but.

Against Asmodeus, he was revealing his full power without hesitation.

It seemed that there was no need to worry about him being easily defeated like the other elders.

No, even if they were defeated, he had cast separate spells on the leaders.

That's why even more.

It was a pity that Kim Taehyun didn't use 'Devour'.

Hajard's red eyes caught Taehyun's figure.

He was hiding and waiting for an opportunity, something that ordinary top-tier species wouldn't do.

[He's playing tricks.]

Just a moment ago, he was fighting Bordeaux to the death, but.

Now, he's watching the situation unfold calmly, as if it's none of his business.

Sometimes he seems to have pride and arrogance that surpasses even the top-tier species, but.

At times like this, he shows a tendency to pursue practicality without end.

It was a refreshing sight for Hajard, who had been living mixed with the top-tier species all along.

That's when it happened.

Asmodeus finally transformed into the appearance of a dragon and shot a breath.

Coincidentally, the location was where the five elders were rolling around.

[It seems that your lives end here.]

Hajard calmly predicted the death of the five elders.

He could save them if he wanted to, but.

Hajard didn't do so.

They were the guys he had already chosen to use as bait.

He just hoped they would do their best in their role until the end.

Kwaang.

A thunderous roar shook the lair.

And after a while.

[Hmm?]

An unexpected scene unfolded in the crystal ball.

Kim Taehyun.

The guy who had been waiting for an opportunity all along was starting to lay his hands on the Gold clan's elder.

'Energy Drain'.

It was a skill that had grown to be as efficient as Igmun's authority.

That power was drawing out the magic power of the elder who had fallen into a near-death state.

The scales of the dragon who had claimed to be the pillar of the clan in his lifetime were crumbling.

Only for a moment.

Soon, the Gold Dragon Setien died, leaving only skin and bones.

Not only did he steal his magic power, but he also absorbed his life force.

He felt that his aura, which had been acting on Kim Taehyun, was fading slightly.

Hahaha.

Hajard burst into laughter at the unexpected situation.

Absorbing Setien was just the beginning.

Black Dragon Tales, Green Dragon Zamas, White Dragon Duhail, Silver Dragon Lugo.

While Bordeaux and Asmodeus were fiercely exchanging attacks, Kim Taehyun took all five of the elders' magic stones.

No, even Red clan Cronies was similarly defeated.

It was as if he had taken all six of the elders he had called as bait.

[It seems that this dragon has brought in a crazy guy.]

A hollow laugh came out involuntarily.

The dragon race's magic stone is called Dragon Heart and is coveted by many monsters.

Although they were in a near-death state.

The magic power possessed by the elders' Dragon Hearts would be of considerable help.

Especially if his power is limited like it is now.

He used aura to make him use the king's power, but he was escaping in an unexpected way.

[How long do you intend to endure this dragon's aura with such petty tricks?]

Hajard clicked his tongue.

He wanted to strengthen his aura so that he wouldn't run away like a rat.

But if he intervened any further, he might be subject to the restrictions of the law.

There is also the possibility that Kim Taehyun, feeling a threat to his life, will summon Rosaria and Typhon to wage an all-out war.

If that happens, his plan to confirm the collision reaction of the keys would be ruined.

Neither was good for Hajard.

[How detestable.]

How can he break through Taehyun's petty tricks?

What kind of bait should he throw to draw out the king's power from him?

It was when he was thinking that.

Thud.

He turned around at the sound of a presence.

There, his contractor Ashisat Evi was unconscious.

It was caused by not being able to withstand the aura that she was unconsciously emitting.

Normally, he would have clicked his tongue at her pathetic body, but.

[Yes. You were here.]

Hehe.

Hajard raised his beautiful lips.

Now, her body looked very desirable.

Ting.

[Skill Shackles of Restraint (SSS) has been activated. Identifying the target.]

Chrarararak.

Chains wrapped around the near-death dragon.

Following that.

Ting.

[Skill Energy Drain (SSS) has been activated. Identifying the target.]

Pazzzzzzzz.

Magic power was absorbed through the chains.

Unlike the previous Red Dragon, he was taking the magic power of the living guy to the limit.

The heart of the guy called Dragon Heart was squeezing out magic power to the limit to refuse 'Energy Drain'.

[K…uh….]

The elder of the Silver clan.

Lugo let out a moan like a scream.

The scales that had been shining silver had long since faded and turned black.

And.

Persuck. Perseosuck.

When he sucked up the magic power to the limit, cracks began to appear in the scales that had been so hard.

Not only the scales.

He could feel that the Dragon Heart, which contained enormous magic power, was also cracking.

Even so, Taehyun's skill showed no sign of stopping.

It was his intention to suck up even his life force.

Just like he did with the other four elders before.

[You… I curse… you….]

Those were his last words.

쿵.

The convulsing giant body slammed its head into the ground.

The skin, which was no longer recognizable as scales, stuck to the floor.

"Curse me. You're saying scary things."

Unlike his words, he didn't take it seriously and took out a capsule from his waist.

Kwaaaa.

When he held the capsule and poured magic power into it, a backpack appeared with a bright light.

Infinite Backpack 3rd Generation.

It was a custom-made item from the Alchemist at a high price, and its capacity and size were smaller than previous generations.

Above all.

The biggest advantage was that it could be carried in capsule form depending on the user's magic power.

Taehyun swept the injured Lugo's scales into the Infinite Backpack.

Even though he had only put in a few potions and scrolls that were already inside, and five dragon scales, the capacity was quickly filled.

"If I sell it, I can easily get a few buildings in Seoul."

He had become a national-level power and wasn't financially lacking, but the more money, the better.

That's why Taehyun was also working as a former porter whenever he could collect the corpses of monsters while working in the deepest part of the Abyss.

He quickly checked his status window.

He had devoured six dragons from different clans.

It didn't have the overwhelming power of 'Devour', but it was good to use as a substitute skill if he was simply sucking up magic power.

'Energy Drain isn't bad either.'

A considerable number of physical stats had permanently increased.

The stats that had been cut down had also been restored to some extent.

The rest could be made up for by using skills to raise his physical stats, and he would be able to exert about the same power as before.

"These monsters."

He said, watching the battle unfolding in the distance.

Bordeaux and Asmodeus.

Asmodeus, who could now be called a dragon, was tearing apart Bordeaux's wings.

Bordeaux seemed to be using the authority of aura to counterattack.

Asmodeus, who freely went back and forth from the demon race to the dragon race, was a monster, but.

Bordeaux, who manifested in his true form and fired aura and magic, was no different from a disaster in himself.

"If only one of them appeared on Earth, the world map would change."

If two of them appeared together, it wouldn't end with a few countries disappearing.

'I'll wait for them to get tired.'

Just a moment ago, Bordeaux didn't use his authority on purpose, so they were fighting equally.

But now the situation is different.

If he jumped into that fight without Devour, he would be caught in the middle of a whale fight.

It was the moment Taehyun was thinking that and trying to strengthen his stealth.

[How long do you intend to hide?]

"……!!"

He turned around at the sudden voice.

There, Ashisat Evi was with her red eyes activated.

The presence he felt even though he was just looking at her was extraordinary.

It was a situation he had felt from Yoo Ah-young sometime ago.

"Hajard, is it."

[You have good eyes as expected. You are good enough to pass this dragon's test in a row.]

"That test. Wasn't it over?"

Taehyun said, raising his magic power.

Although he had grown, he knew that stealth didn't work on the Archduke.

If he wanted to run away, he would have to find another way.

[Don't worry. This is the last test. If you pass it, I will give you enough reward.]

"What if I can't pass it?"

[You'll have to become this dragon's dog here.]

Ashisat Evi's lips twisted bitterly.

It meant that she would make him into a doll.

"Really. Rosaria was a gentleman."

Kwaaaa.

Taehyun released his magic power without waiting.

Bordeaux and Asmodeus were fighting on one side.

Hajard, who had taken over Ashisat Evi's body, was blocking him right in front of him.

He had come expecting that they wouldn't let him go easily anyway.

Apart from the fact that Taehyun had taken personal gain.

'The alliance with Hajard hasn't been concluded either.'

So he needed to make it clear here.

[Kim Taehyun. Use the king's power. That's the only way to pass this dragon's test.]

"Can you even call it a test from the moment the proctor intervened?"

[This dragon can also subdue you.]

"If you could, you would have done it long ago. Aren't you being careful because of the laws of the Abyss?"

[…….]

The silence was as good as a yes.

"I'll make an offer you can't refuse. Subdue me. Then I'll forget all the illegal acts you've done so far."

Especially when he put emphasis on the word illegal act.

[Hmm. There's nothing this dragon particularly cares about.]

Hajard, with Ashisat Evi's face, just smiled shamelessly.

"I've seen a lot of guys who were cheating go down. The Archduke is no exception."

[……?]

"No need to say much. It means that the one who subdues has everything."

Hehe.

Ashisat Evi's lips curled up.

[Excellent. I'll make you kneel with this body….]

Before she could finish speaking.

Ting.

[Skill Aura of the Knight King (SSS) has been activated. Identifying the target.]

[Skill Aura of the Monarch (SSS) has been activated. Identifying the target.]

[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated. Identifying the target.]

[Skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been activated. Identifying the target.]

Kugugugugung.

"Kneel. Hajard."

A huge aura pressed down on Hajard.

Chapter 313

The deepest part of the Abyss, where the Archdukes' castles were located.

In such a vast place, rumors don't spread easily.

In that regard, Taehyun had accomplished something difficult.

His actions and personality had reached even Hazar's ears.

[Arrogance that surpasses even the highest-ranking species. Audacity that transcends even that arrogance, they say. Not a false rumor, it seems.]

Asisat Evi.

Hazar, who dominated her body, assessed Taehyun's actions that way.

"Arrogance is the highest praise among demons, isn't it?"

Ding.

[Skill 'Aura of the Knight King (SSS)' has been enhanced. Mana consumption has been accelerated. Output: 100%]

[Skill 'Aura of the Monarch (SSS)' has been enhanced. Mana consumption has been accelerated. Output: 100%]

Kugugugung.

The aura pressing down on Asisat Evi intensified.

Yet, there wasn't the slightest waver on her face.

Just...

A smirk.

[Magnificent aura.]

She was merely evaluating Taehyun's power.

That appearance was no less arrogant than Taehyun's.

'To endure this much power, huh.'

Taehyun thought as his crimson eyes flashed.

With the strengthening of the 'Heart of a High-Ranking Species' and the 'Eyes of a High-Ranking Species,' insight was manifested.

He could see Asisat Evi's body.

Just like Rosaria.

He didn't know how Hazar had taken over Asisat Evi's body.

But one thing was certain: the mana flowing through her body was incomparably stronger than before.

To the extent that Bordo, who was revealing his full power against Asmodeus in the distance, wasn't even using his Authority.

'If this much power is dwelling within her...'

Taehyun tried to estimate the limit of that power.

'About the level of Bordo using his Authority?'

In other words, if she pulled her power to the limit, she would be strengthened to the same extent as the rampaging Asmodeus.

It was a risk that would be difficult to handle without using 'Devour.'

[The price for scanning the body of the Main Dragon is not light.]

Asisat Evi's hair fluttered.

Aura was manifested just from that.

Kugugugung.

The same technique that Taehyun used.

A technique that strengthened gravity, which was the nature of the Gold Clan.

"Aura battle, huh... How far can you use it with that body?"

Ding.

[Skill 'Apocalypse (SSS)' has been enhanced. Mana consumption has been accelerated.]

Chrarara... Chrararak...

Kugugugung.

All sorts of skills were fused together, and the power pressing down on Asisat Evi became even stronger.

[That's not something you should be concerned about.]

As if to prove those words, Asisat Evi took a step towards Taehyun.

Kwaduk. Kwaduk.

With each step, the bones throughout her body cracked and regenerated.

Taehyun frowned at that sight.

He didn't show it, but it was because he considered her a partner.

Hazar was the same, not showing it.

Although her magic was compatible with his.

In the first place, the human body was clearly limited.

Even though he strengthened it with the power of aura, this was the limit.

As Taehyun thought, she might be able to temporarily use power to the level of Bordo.

But with that risk, Asisat Evi's mind and body would have to be discarded due to irreversible shock.

He had no intention of losing the body he had barely obtained in such a way.

For Hazar, Asisat Evi's body, which could cross Earth, was more valuable than the six Elders.

Of course.

[If I were to find a new contractor, my thoughts might change.]

Hazar's intense gaze turned to Taehyun.

He had tempered the body of a human, like a bug, and turned it into the body of a highest-ranking species.

If he could just get that body, it would have various uses.

If he could just handle that body, he could tear apart the restrictions of the Abyss created by the Lower World King.

Now that he was actually using Asisat Evi's body, greed struck him belatedly.

Even at the risk of disposing of this pathetic body.

He wanted to obtain that body.

To do that, it was necessary to confuse Kim Taehyun, who was scheming like a rat.

[How much do you know about aura?]

"......"

Taehyun didn't answer and watched her next move.

He thought it was a trap typical of the Archdukes.

Asisat Evi continued, as if not caring.

[The previous two auras. They resemble the nature of the Gold Clan.]

"You're playing tricks."

Even at Taehyun's words, she didn't care.

[You artificially made the third aura like that of the Black Clan. But all of these are just mere imitations.]

Kugugugugu.

"......!!"

Suddenly, enormous mana surged.

As if the ink was running out.

Asisat Evi's hair began to turn white.

And slowly.

Her hair was dyed in seven colors.

Taehyun also knew that those colors symbolized each of the Dragon clans.

Ding.

[Skill 'Aura of the Demon Dragon (SSS)' has been detected.]

[Skill 'Aura of the Knight King (SSS)' has been overwhelmed. Skill has been canceled.]

[Skill 'Aura of the Monarch (SSS)' has been overwhelmed. Skill has been canceled.]

[Skill 'Apocalypse (SSS)' has been overwhelmed. Skill has been canceled.]

"......!!"

In an instant, three auras were canceled.

All that remained was 'Wrath of the Dragon.'

[Yes. In the end, all that remains is that, huh? I heard you devoured a guy from the Red Clan to get it?]

She asked, savoring the aura as if appreciating it.

Taehyun looked at her, examining the status window.

[You swallowed a guy from the Red Clan, but you haven't digested that nature.]

Asisat Evi looked at him with knowing eyes.

If Taehyun really understood the aura, the nature of the Red Clan.

The burning flames should have been contained in the aura.

"I don't need advice."

Ding.

[Skill 'Wrath of the Dragon (SSS)' has been enhanced. Mana consumption has been accelerated. Output: 70%]

Kreureureu!!

A massive aura swirled.

Asisat Evi's hair fluttered in that momentum.

Her body was tingling, and she clicked her tongue.

[Tsk tsk. To have your body stiffen with just this much. The more I use this body, the more I feel it's lacking.]

"Shouldn't you be doing that with your own body?"

[Skill 'Wrath of the Dragon (SSS)' has been enhanced. Mana consumption has been accelerated. Output: 100%]

Krararara!!

Asisat Evi's face was scratched as if cut by something sharp.

Drip.

She licked the blood that flowed down her cheek.

[It seems the amount of aura I can use is about this much. Now it's the Main Dragon's turn.]

Black mana rose from her body.

A little different from what the Black Clan used.

A power closer to the abyss.

[Behold.]

Kugugugu.

Ding.

[Skill 'Fragment of the Demon Dragon (???)' has been detected.]

[Skill 'Wrath of the Dragon (SSS)' has been overwhelmed. Skill has been canceled.]

'Fragment of the Demon Dragon?!!'

It was a skill he had never seen before.

More than anything, it was shocking that the enhanced Wrath of the Dragon was canceled so easily.

[Bugs are said to have something called a status window. What does it say in front of your eyes?]

"......"

[Don't be surprised. This power is, after all, something you will have to face. It is only a small part of the power that the Upper World King has.]

"Could it be..."

[Yes. Baal, the Upper World King. No, it is the source power that the Demon Dragon King Baal possessed. In the Lower World, only the Main Dragon could use this power... but now it seems that's not the case.]

Asisat Evi's gaze turned to Asmodeus, who was fighting Bordo.

A similar mana was flowing from that body, which had grown even larger.

[Well then. The reward for the previous test ends here.]

Trying to get something for nothing.

Before Taehyun could even say those words.

[Shall I make you kneel with this power?]

Kugugugung.

The energy of the Demon Dragon flowing from Asisat Evi.

That fragment of power began to constrict Taehyun's entire body.

Countless messages popped up.

But they were all ominous.

Taehyun knew the limits of Asisat Evi's body well.

Because it was vividly visible in his enhanced crimson eyes.

It was an absurd power.

'The Aura of the Demon Dragon... was it just downgraded to dwell in a human body?'

Otherwise, it didn't make sense that a mere 'fragment' was stronger than an 'aura.'

[Kim Taehyun. You are qualified to have this power.]

'......!!'

[Come. Use the power of the king. Use that power to devour this body. If you do, you can also obtain the power of the Main Dragon.]

Asisat Evi.

She, who had been deprived of ownership of the body by Hazar, said with a smile.

Rationally.

It was a proposal that was not bad for each other.

Hazar can draw out the power of the king and witness the desired phenomenon, and Taehyun can obtain Hazar's power, which is his original purpose.

It would be strange to hesitate.

[Could it be. Are you worried about the owner of this body?]

"......"

Hazar accepted Taehyun's silence as affirmation.

Hahahahaha.

She let out a laugh that was neither demonic nor human.

[You guys call that humanity, right?]

Hazar, who had grasped the human race to some extent, asked that way.

[It's a futile emotion. In the upcoming war, such things will only be obstacles.]

It wasn't wrong.

Territory war. And race war.

Taehyun would kill and lose many people.

[Come. Eat me. If you don't devour me, that body will be taken.]

Kugugugung.

"......!!"

The aura that constricted Taehyun became even fiercer.

At the same time, black blood flowed from Asisat Evi's crimson eyes.

The same was true of her nose and mouth.

The risk of using power was coming.

'At this rate, it's mutual destruction.'

He had to choose.

And Taehyun.

He had already made a choice before receiving the offer.

"I refuse, Hazar."

[You disappoint the Main Dragon.]

"No."

Now that he knew what he wanted.

He would get that power anyway.

Taehyun didn't say those words out loud.

Even so, the meaning seemed to be fully conveyed.

Asisat Evi smiled and strengthened the 'Aura of the Demon Dragon.'

He activated 'Azure Dragon's Scale' to draw out the body's abilities.

It was a heavy power for Taehyun, whose abilities had not fully recovered, to withstand.

'Now it's really the limit.'

If he endured any longer, Taehyun, Asisat Evi, would suffer permanent damage to their mind and body.

[Do you want to have a close combat to be proud of?]

Hazar asked in a mocking voice.

At that time.

Kwaang!!

An explosion occurred.

It was about a second later that he realized that the explosion was the sound of Asmodeus taking a step into Awakening.

Peok!!

Asmodeus rammed into Asisat Evi as it was.

One of Asisat Evi's arms was held in the mouth of Asmodeus, who had become a Demon Dragon in his memory.

Kwaduk. Kwaduk.

Asmodeus chewed and swallowed that arm as if it were a delicacy.

At the same time.

[Now, just a little. My reason. Is returning. It's thanks to you. Hazar.]

Unlike the body, which had been torn to pieces by successive battles.

Asmodeus said, flashing his crimson eyes.

In the place where those crimson eyes were directed, there was Asisat Evi, who was losing an arm.

[Dared. You aim for the Main Dragon.]

Kugugugung.

The aura that had been focused on Taehyun all along pressed down on Asmodeus.

Asmodeus's scales, which had been so hard, began to shatter terribly.

[Kuh... kuh... The answer... I know... Well... Hazar...]

[Lordshi!!]

He could feel Bordo rushing from afar.

But before that, Asmodeus's body was swelling.

He had seen it in Rosaria's memory.

'The power of the Upper World King!!'

Taehyun instinctively wrapped mana around his entire body.

[Let's meet again. Kim Taehyun. Key of the Lower World King.]

At the same time.

Kwaaang!!

A huge explosion occurred.

Okay, here's the translation:

314

[We'll meet again, Kim Tae-hyun. Key of the Lower Realm.]

Those words seemed to be the trigger for an explosion.

콰앙!! (Kwaang!!)

Asmodeus possessed three magic crystals.

One of them shattered, causing a massive explosion.

It was instinct that made Tae-hyun envelop himself in magic.

'Stone Skin' was activated, 'Vajra' strengthened his body, and 'Blood Frenzy' was enhanced on top of that.

Just as there was more than one magic crystal.

The explosion wasn't a one-time event either.

콰앙!! (Kwaang!!)

콰아앙!! (Kwaaang!!)

The chain reaction of explosions turned the area into a wasteland.

Arms. Legs. Ears. Nose.

He could feel parts of his body being blown away and regenerating due to the explosion.

Even though it wasn't a direct attack on Tae-hyun, the shockwaves alone were displaying that much power.

콰앙!! (Kwaang!!) 콰앙!! (Kwaang!!)

The impact, like being hammered, continued for quite some time.

The poisonous fog created by the explosion.

Tae-hyun tumbled around inside it for a while.

When the explosions subsided.

Asmodeus, the person responsible, was nowhere to be seen.

He had disappeared without a trace.

It was a tactic he had seen once before in Rozaria's memories.

'It's possible to move from the deepest part... from the Grand Duke's domain....'

Perhaps it's a more efficient ability than the 'Apostle of the Gate'.

That's what he thought.

'What about Hazard...?!'

Back then, Rozaria had easily blocked that explosion, but.

For Hazard, possessing Asishat Ebi's body instead of its true form, it would be a force to be reckoned with.

And.

'I landed a good hit.'

Tae-hyun chuckled wryly at the situation revealed when his crimson eyes regained their function.

Her body, which had been the primary target of the explosion, was tattered, rendering the scales of the Azure Dragon meaningless.

For some reason, ultra-fast regeneration wasn't manifesting properly.

콰드드. (Kwaddeud.) 콰드드드. (Kwaddeuddeud.)

Only the two arms that had been torn off and another arm lost due to the explosion were intermittently starting to regenerate.

Moreover.

[Cough.]

Asishat Ebi coughed up black blood.

She had suffered considerable internal injuries.

'Does she not even have the energy to regenerate?'

There would be a risk to having unleashed such power with Asishat Ebi's body.

In that situation, having taken an explosion like that head-on.

'It might be a miracle that that body is even being preserved.'

It was an ironic situation where Asishat Ebi saved her life because Hazard was inhabiting her body.

[Lord!]

쿠웅!! (Kwoong!!)

Bordeaux, who arrived late, examined Asishat Ebi's body.

His expression clearly showed he was astonished.

[No need to make a fuss.]

Contrary to her pallor, she calmed Bordeaux with a composed voice.

In any case, she had survived.

Was that all?

She was able to confirm a significant amount of the power Asmodeus possessed.

It was a shame that she hadn't been able to confirm the collision of the keys even after sacrificing six elder dragonkin.

But it wasn't a bad harvest, as she had achieved about half of her desired goal.

That's why she was smiling despite bleeding.

It was Bordeaux who was anxious.

[Lord, forgive my impudence.]

파즈즉. (Pajeujeuk.) 파즈즈즉. (Pajeujeujeuk.)

Sparks flew from Bordeaux's massive body as he raised his magic power.

He was transferring the power of dominance.

That alone caused Asishat Ebi's battered body to begin to recover quickly.

The manifestation of ultra-fast regeneration was a bonus.

[You're doing unnecessary things.]

[To me, the Lord's precious body is the top priority.]

As he said that, Bordeaux's massive body polymorphed into a human form.

Following the consecutive battles against Tae-hyun and Asmodeus.

He had used a considerable amount of magic power to revive Asishat Ebi's body just now.

His energy would recover quickly.

But right now, it was necessary to maintain a human form.

[To make me use my subordinate's magic power. Truly a weak body.]

Hazard said that and released the magic power that was enveloping her body.

It was a skill registered to Asishat Ebi as 'Azure Dragon's Scales'.

If it weren't for these tough scales.

It was an explosion that even Hazard wouldn't have survived unscathed.

[Good work, Bordeaux.]

[If you command it….]

[Yes. There was a harvest.]

씨익. (Ssieeuk.)

Asishat Ebi curled up the corner of her lips.

Bordeaux also knew what that meant.

In the moment of the explosion.

He had noticed that Hazard had grasped something new.

[What shall we do with that guy?]

Bordeaux asked, looking at Tae-hyun, who had been pushed far away by the aftermath of the explosion.

Initially, they had intended to keep him alive to test the collision of the keys.

But with Asmodeus gone, his purpose had become unclear.

So it wouldn't be strange to capture him as he was.

If Hazard gave the order.

He would thoroughly repay the debt from earlier.

It was when Bordeaux was thinking that with gritted teeth.

[He used rat-like tricks, but. He's a guy who passed all of this Dragon's tests. We can't punish him, can we?]

[…….]

[This Dragon will give a reward.]

Asishat Ebi flashed her crimson eyes and gave an arrogant smile.

[Understood.]

Bordeaux's gaze turned to Tae-hyun.

He was getting up and taking out a potion to drink.

[That guy has a tenacious life.]

Just as Tae-hyun finished emptying the potion, he began to approach them.

He must be coming to receive his reward.

He had passed the Lord's tests several times.

He would demand a reward befitting that.

If he made an unreasonable request, Bordeaux was planning to crush him mercilessly.

He was also quite annoyed from dealing with Tae-hyun and Asmodeus.

Finally, Tae-hyun stood before the two dragonkin.

His posture, with his chin raised and a smile on his lips.

He looked self-assured, just like when they first met.

[You are before the Lord. Bow your head.]

Bordeaux threatened, as if growling.

It was as if the moment at the entrance of the lair was being replayed.

Tae-hyun took out a new potion from his belt and drank it as if he didn't care.

And suddenly.

띠링. (Ddiring.)

[The skill Eye of the Superior Species (SSS) has been enhanced.]

With a surge of magic power, his crimson eyes became even darker.

[You bastard….]

Bordeaux, who knew that his actions were to scan them, was about to lash out.

[Stop.]

Asishat Ebi raised her hand to stop Bordeaux's actions.

Tae-hyun, who quickly scanned the two dragonkin, grinned as if satisfied.

"So it's back to square one."

[Kim Tae-hyun. You have excellently passed this Dragon's tests. The final test was not entirely satisfactory, but….]

"You talk too much, Hazard."

[You! You dare speak while the Lord is….]

"You shut up too."

콰아아아. (Kwaaaaa.)

Magic power was unleashed from Tae-hyun's body as he said that.

[Are you showing insolence in front of this Dragon?]

Asishat Ebi laughed as if it were absurd.

"Don't act tough, Hazard."

띠링. (Ddiring.)

[The skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated.]

[The skill Heart of the Superior Species (SSS) has been enhanced.]

[The additional effect Insight has been manifested.]

[The cooldown of all skills has been reset.]

[Magic consumption is accelerated.]

[Fatigue accumulation is accelerated.]

Darkness descended on the cavern for a moment.

'Eye of the Superior Species', with its enhanced Insight,

Tae-hyun's lips curled up as he once again scanned Asishat Ebi's body with that power.

"Right now, I'm the most superior."

[……!!]

[……!!]

Asishat Ebi and Bordeaux's expressions hardened.

Because they understood the meaning of Tae-hyun's words.

"I'll make an offer you can't refuse. Before that."

띠링. (Ddiring.)

[The skill Beast Transformation (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the imitation area.]

[The skill Apostle of Darkness (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the form.]

[The skill Saliva of the Devil (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the target.]

츠즈즈즈. (Cheujeujeujeu.)

치이익. (Chiiek.) 치익. (Chiik.)

The dagger created in Tae-hyun's hand exuded poisonous magic power.

And.

띠링. (Ddiring.)

[The skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been enhanced. Magic consumption is accelerated. Output: 100%]

쿠구구궁. (Kugugugung.)

"One of you will have to die."

Tae-hyun's sword was aimed at Asishat Ebi.

At Hazard, who would be beyond her.

[You… you… you…!!]

Bordeaux trembled with anger and his body shook.

Tae-hyun's skill 'Apocalypse'.

This unpleasant power, like a mixture of the dominance of the Gold and Black clans, was one thing.

But if he tolerated that disrespectful sword aimed at the Lord, he would no longer be able to hold his head high as the highest-ranking subordinate.

[I'll kill you. Kim Tae-hyun. I'll crush you.]

Bordeaux raised his dominance without considering the circumstances.

파지직. (Pajijik.) 파지지직. (Pajijijik.)

He was so agitated that he was about to unleash the power of the forbidden attribute, which Hazard had forbidden in front of Tae-hyun.

[Calm down! You're being played, unlike you!]

Hazard, borrowing Asishat Ebi's body, shouted.

"……!!"

[……!!]

Dragon Language.

Although she was in a human body, the power contained in those words was not light.

'She was still hiding this kind of power.'

Tae-hyun inwardly clicked his tongue and didn't let his guard down.

Bordeaux's dominance, which seemed like it would tear 'Apocalypse' apart at any moment, subsided.

But like Tae-hyun.

He was ready to attack at any time, if he so chose.

[I said I would give a reward. But you're still causing this kind of trouble… even if this Dragon is tired. What makes you think you can do anything?]

Asishat Ebi asked as if she was genuinely curious.

Even if Bordeaux was defeated here, and she, who was taking the contractor's body, was defeated.

She could just step on Tae-hyun again in her true form.

The same was true even if Rozaria and Typhon came by some means.

Even if Rozaria, the weakest of the Grand Dukes, and Typhon, who had not regained her original power, came all the way out of their domains.

It was difficult to exert proper power in Hazard's domain.

It was natural that Tae-hyun's attitude seemed forced.

[This is your last chance. It's extremely rare for this Dragon to give such an opportunity. Devour this body and become this Dragon's contractor.]

She had grasped the power Asmodeus possessed, and even the power Kim Tae-hyun possessed.

The collision of the keys could be tested later by making Kim Tae-hyun a contractor.

Thinking that way, she had lost nothing here today.

Rather, she could pressure the other Grand Dukes with information about the keys.

It could be said that she had gained an unparalleled benefit.

'This is absurd.'

Tae-hyun shook his head at the offer that seemed like a favor.

Sweet talk without the core of making a 'Pledge'.

With this, he would only meet the same end as Asishat Ebi.

That's why he was coming on strong.

"Hazard. I'm tired of the tests."

콰아아아. (Kwaaaaa.)

Crimson magic power rose from Tae-hyun's body.

And.

띠링. (Ddiring.)

[The unique skill Devour (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the target.]

쩌어어억. (Jjeoeeoek.)

A huge maw appeared.

[Hooh.]

[……!!]

Hazard and Bordeaux showed different reactions.

Hazard, who had already seen the Doppelganger's one in the Mental World, didn't care, saying he was using it only now, and Bordeaux, who was facing Devour for the first time, began to tense up at the presence beyond his expectations.

[Now. The evaluation is over. Devour this body and become this Dragon's new contractor.]

Asishat Ebi stretched out her arms as if enjoying the current situation.

The maw of Devour grew large enough to swallow Asishat Ebi in one bite.

Bordeaux anxiously watched the scene.

Even though it was the Lord's will.

He was not comfortable with having to watch that mysterious power swallow Hazard.

Tae-hyun grinned as he looked at Bordeaux.

"Don't worry. From now on, it's time for me to evaluate you guys."

[……?]

[What nonsense….]

Bordeaux hadn't even finished his words.

띠링. (Ddiring.)

[The unique skill Devour (SSS) has been enhanced. Specifying the form. Magic consumption is accelerated.]

쩌억. (Jjeoeok.) 쩌억. (Jjeoeok.) 쩌어억. (Jjeoeeok.)

쩌어어어억. (Jjeoeeoooek.)

The maws of Devour increased in number one by one.

And.

"This is the first test. Try to survive."

Tae-hyun declared a trial for the two dragonkin.

315

Asmodeus disappeared.

Taehyun didn't intend to use Predation from the start.

Initially, he simply planned to use Predation to gain an advantageous position in the negotiation.

That's what he intended to do.

[This is your last chance. The Original Dragon rarely offers such an opportunity. Devour me and become the contractor of the Original Dragon.]

Those words stimulated Taehyun.

'He still doesn't even consider the Oath of Summoning.'

Isn't he just trying to transfer from Asishat Evy's body to Taehyun's body?

And he's only looking out for his own interests under the guise of a test.

Additional effect 'Insight' manifested when using 'Eye of a Superior Species' and 'Heart of a Superior Species' simultaneously.

He could clearly see the condition of Asishat Evy and Bordeaux in that eye.

'Asmodeus is gone too.'

He didn't have to worry about the risks associated with the collision of the keys.

'I refuse to be taken advantage of.'

That's why Taehyun decided to fight one last battle against Hazar and Asishat Evy.

Tring.

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

When Hazar used the 'King's Power' he so desired.

An unexpected message appeared before his eyes.

Tring.

[Quest 'Oath of Summoning - Hazar' has been created.]

[Reward for Success - Skill Hazar (SSS) Yoma Power fluctuation. Skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) Yoma Power fluctuation.]

'……!!'

Quest.

His eyes involuntarily shook at the unexpected message.

Until now, quests only appeared when a minimum probability of success arose.

Whether that was due to the influence of the status window with No Name involved, or something else Taehyun didn't know.

What was certain was that the conditions for the quest had been met due to Asmodeus' variable and Taehyun's actions.

'Devouring Asishat Evy here won't lead to an Oath of Summoning.'

There are two ways to make an 'Oath of Summoning.'

Either give the demon what they want, or subdue them.

But subduing Hazar inside Asishat Evy's body wouldn't have the same effect as subduing the main body.

That doesn't mean Taehyun has any chance of winning against the main body right now.

Why did the quest window pop up?

'Think, Kim Taehyun.'

Taehyun accelerated the speed of thought while controlling the mana of Predation.

At that time.

An unidentified giant maw.

Hazar and Bordeaux showed different reactions to seeing 'Predation.'

Unlike Bordeaux, who was nervous to avoid repeating the same mistake as with Asmodeus earlier.

Hazar, who had already encountered Predation in the mental world, just smiled pleasantly.

Something flashed through his mind.

And.

'Mental world…?'

It felt like an unsolved puzzle was being put together.

[Now. The evaluation is over. Devour me and become the new contractor of the Original Dragon.]

Asishat Evy stretched out her arms as if enjoying the current situation.

Such arrogance in thinking she controls everything.

That appearance looked quite ridiculous.

Hazar kept saying that Taehyun showed an unhuman-like arrogance.

But isn't he himself showing a 모습 that is no different from others?

'If you want, I'll eat you. But not here.'

The maw of Predation grew large enough to swallow Asishat Evy in one bite.

Although the opponent had lost health.

They were still on a different level from typical high-ranking species.

He needed to trample them a little more to bring them to the main stage.

Of course, he had to use his specialty, provocation.

"Don't worry. From now on, it's my time to evaluate you."

[……?]

[What nonsense….]

As if there was no need to hear an answer, Taehyun enhanced the skill.

Crack. Crack. Craack.

Craaaack.

The maws of Predation increased in number one by one from various places.

"Try to survive."

Taehyun sentenced the two dragonkin to trial.

Clang!!

Crunch!!

The maw of Predation bit off Asishat Evy and Bordeaux's limbs.

[You!!]

Crackle. Crackle.

Bordeaux, who had manifested into his true form to resist, unleashed lightning.

But that was only for a moment.

The once-bared maw ignored the electrocution and snapped its savage jaws.

Clang. Clang. Clang.

[Kuaaa!!]

He let out an instinctive scream at the maw that clung to him without regard for his aura.

Wings were torn, and scales that had barely regained their luster were ripped off.

Unlike Bordeaux's efforts, Hazar just laughed.

[Yes, Kim Taehyun. Devour them. Without leaving anything behind.]

[Lord…!!]

Bordeaux shouted, looking at Asishat Evy being devoured.

Even though his own arms and legs were not safe.

His 모습 of worrying about his lord first was quite plausible.

It was several seconds later that Hazar noticed something was wrong.

Predation was no longer advancing from the arms and legs.

It was natural that the torn limbs were not regenerating.

[What are you trying to do?]

Hazar asked.

There was bewilderment and anger mixed in that voice.

"I told you. From now on, it's my time to evaluate you."

Saying that, Taehyun clenched his hand.

Swish. Swish.

Swiiiiish.

[……!!]

The chains of Apocalypse tightly wrapped around her limbless body.

Bordeaux also realized that things were going strangely.

[You!! I'll kill you!!]

A huge mana pulsated from his excited body for a moment.

Crackling.

An aura of lightning attribute burst forth.

[Stop, Bordeaux!!]

Hazar shouted belatedly.

Even in the burning pain, Taehyun's lips did not turn downward.

'You've weakened considerably too.'

Tring.

[Skill Element of Origin(SSS) has been activated.]

[Understanding of the skill is lacking. The effect of the skill is reduced.]

[Fatal Aura: Absorbed the power of lightning. Strength temporarily increases.]

[Fatal Aura: Absorbed the power of lightning. Speed temporarily increases.]

[Fatal Aura: Absorbed the power of lightning. Health temporarily increases.]

[Accepting 'Great Power.' Mana consumption is accelerated.]

[Accepting 'Great Power.' Accumulation of fatigue is accelerated.]

Quite a few stats went up.

'Apocalypse', 'Blood Rampage', 'Demonization', 'Element of Origin'.

Taehyun used all the methods he could to raise his physical stats.

Squeeze.

He clenched his fist.

He was using skills unreasonably for a long time.

There was no good in dragging out the time.

'Let's go for a quick end.'

Tring.

[Skill Chains of Binding(SSS) has been enhanced.]

Swish!!

Swiiiiish!!

The chains within 'Apocalypse' began to shake wildly.

They were easily extinguished by the electricity flowing through Bordeaux's body upon 접근, but.

It was enough time to draw his attention.

First Form of Ancient Chinese Martial Arts, Fa Jin.

Wham.

The gap-allowing 거구 shook.

That was the beginning.

Second Form. Third Form. Fourth Form. Fifth Form.

Wham. Wham. Wham. Whaam.

As a craftsman forges a weapon, Taehyun's fist began to strike Bordeaux's scales.

Was that all?

Craaack.

Crunch!!

The maw of Predation that had been baring its teeth everywhere.

Bit into his chest without regard for the aura surrounding his body.

[Dirty tricks…!!]

Pazzzz!!

The aura grew stronger each time he unleashed his anger.

Taehyun's physical stats also went up accordingly.

[Stop!!]

Hazar kept shouting, but.

He was already cornered to the point where he couldn't hear her words.

It wasn't just Bordeaux who was pouring out his grievances.

It was Taehyun who was frustrated because he couldn't use his full power as soon as he arrived in Hazar's territory.

"The meat is quite tough!!"

The crazy laughter he let out while provoking Bordeaux.

There was no lie in that laughter.

[To dare deceive the Original Dragon.]

Even while saying that, Hazar couldn't move an inch.

The 'Chains of Binding' wrapping around his entire body.

That power was taking away even the last bit of strength he had.

[To dare with this kind of thing….]

If he pushed himself any further, the body of his contractor, Asishat Evy, would collapse.

If that happened without getting a new contractor named Kim Taehyun, it would be a great loss for Hazar.

Wham!!

Following Mythic Realm, Ten Extremes.

Bordeaux's body, struck by two Secret Arts, rolled terribly across the ground.

His two wings and arms had already been torn off by Predation long ago.

[Kua… kra… you….]

Bordeaux let out a sound that was neither a groan nor a scream.

Fifth Form of New Korean Ancient Martial Arts, Goryeo.

At that time.

[Kim Taehyun!!]

The attack that seemed to be possessed by madness stopped at Hazar's Dragon Word.

Taehyun's gaze turned to Asishat Evy.

Blood flowed from her mouth and eyes as a side effect of using Dragon Word with her unhealthy body.

[Asishat Evy. Your friend, right.]

"A threat. You've gone too far, Hazar."

As if Taehyun's words were not wrong, Asishat Evy's body trembled.

Her pride, which was higher than anyone else's, had been broken.

Taehyun admired that 모습 and continued.

"If the contractor dies, there is a risk to the Archduke. Asishat Evy said that."

[That risk can be eliminated if there is a new contractor. Isn't there a new body right in front of you.]

It was a threat that if he didn't stop here, he would somehow get his hands on Taehyun's body here in the main body.

"If I can make an Oath of Summoning. Well, that's not bad either."

Hazar laughed, not caring that blood foam was boiling.

[You're obsessed with the oath. Good. Rozaria. Bring me that bitch's head and I'll seriously consider it. But you can't do that.]

"There are always those who try to cheat during negotiations."

[…….]

He didn't know the term 'cheating', but.

He was certain that the meaning was negative.

[Accept it. That's the only way for you to live.]

"Coincidentally, all the Archdukes I've met were like that. And each one implanted good mana."

Kwaaaa.

New mana boiled from Taehyun's body.

Igmun's bloody mana.

Orgal's brown mana.

Belzebub's purple mana.

Rozaria's crimson mana.

Typhon's five-colored mana.

[……!!]

[Y…ou…!!]

Five Archdukes.

Among them, the crimson mana soared endlessly.

Tring.

[Skill Ataraxia(SSS) has been activated. Designating target.]

[Skill Ataraxia(SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

"Dragon Lord. I wonder what color you have."

Hwaaaak.

The realm of darkness was turned upside down.

A new world unfolded.

[Tsk. He's a guy who doesn't know moderation.]

Another Taehyun, who was enjoying rest lying on the throne.

The being called Doppelganger clicked his tongue and opened his eyes.

It hadn't been long since he had chased Taehyun out.

He sensed the energy trying to enter the mental world again.

Was that all?

This time too, that delicious-looking dragonkin.

He could feel Hazar's presence.

He had made some kind of promise with that guy.

He was planning to kick Taehyun out again this time.

But.

[Hmm?]

The Doppelganger's expression changed strangely.

He sensed that it wasn't just Taehyun and Hazar who had entered the mental world.

[Hoo… Kim Taehyun, this guy… brought quite a good gift.]

There was a dragon in front of him whose battered body had been neatly restored.

Bordeaux, the leader of the Blue Clan.

The Doppelganger got up from the throne.

[Shall I let it go this time for the sake of sincerity.]

[You!! Did you use Rozaria's tricks!!]

Sparks flew from Bordeaux's body.

He had been dragged from 'outside' to 'inside' in a battered state.

Therefore, unlike usual.

His mental strength, which was especially important in the mental world, was in disarray.

Tee hee.

The Doppelganger smiled as if he had seen a cute animal's trick.

[You'll be fun to tear apart.]

[What…?]

Taehyun pointed to Bordeaux's fully regenerated wings without answering.

[Shall we tear off the wings first?]

Translation:

Chapter 316

Beneath the red sky.

A vast, desert-like terrain stretched out.

Taehyun, having arrived in the Mindscape, checked his condition.

Entering "in" had instantly restored his tattered body to perfect health.

This was because his body was reconstructed with Existence and Mental Power.

At that moment.

Kaaak.

A scream seemed to echo from somewhere.

'It's starting.'

Taehyun chuckled.

He knew it wasn't his imagination.

Among monsters, the Dragon race possesses a naturally strong physique.

And among the Dragons, the Clan Leader is considered the strongest aside from the Lord.

Someone like Bordeaux, the Blue Clan's leader...

Might he alleviate the Doppelganger's complaints a little?

With that thought, he had even abandoned feasting 'outside' to bring him into the Mindscape.

'Fortunately, the bait seems to be satisfactory.'

It was a shame he couldn't devour it.

But now, he needed to focus on devouring the one before his eyes.

[Mindscape, huh. So you intend to eat the Main Dragon here.]

Asisaat Ebi cackled, asking.

She understood what Taehyun was thinking, bringing her all the way here.

"I hate being played with."

[Don't think I'll go down easily. Thanks to you, the Main Dragon has regained his strength.]

As she said that, Asisaat Ebi drew upon her Mana.

Unlike 'outside'.

The Mindscape is a place where Mental Power has a greater influence.

The fact that all the wounds she had sustained outside were completely restored proved that.

The chains that had bound her entire body were also gone.

[You underestimated the Great Duke's existence.]

Swish.

Asisaat Ebi's seven-colored hair fluttered wildly.

She intended to unleash all seven Attributes at once, which she couldn't use outside due to the risk of her weak body.

"Weren't you bored of fighting outside?"

Clap.

Taehyun clapped his hands together.

Simultaneously.

Crack. Crack.

Without warning.

A huge maw revealed its teeth.

[Devouring. It would have been nice to use this when Asmodeus was around.]

Asisaat Ebi clicked her tongue as if regretting it.

It was infuriating how he used it so freely as soon as Asmodeus disappeared.

Perhaps that was why.

[The Main Dragon will not allow it here.]

Kugugugu.

A massive Attribute pressed down on Taehyun.

It was the trait of the Gold Clan.

Following that, Red, Silver, Black, Green, White.

All six Attributes, except for the Blue Clan's trait, were used, mindful that Taehyun might activate 'Source Element'.

But why?

Taehyun's expression, enduring the Attributes, seemed nonchalant.

Asisaat Ebi's face frowned.

It wasn't the result she had expected.

[What trickery did you use?]

"No need to be surprised. It's not a problem for you."

[What?]

"Mindscape. How many monsters have visited this place?"

[...]

"How many Great Dukes do you think were among them?"

[...!!]

Only then did Asisaat Ebi's face harden.

She recalled the true master ruling this place.

[But you're not...]

Wasn't he that guy?

Hajad wanted to ask that part, using Asisaat Ebi's body.

Reading her thoughts, Taehyun shook his head.

"I've fought that guy countless times. And the current you. You're not even in the top five among the invited ones."

[...!!]

Snap.

Taehyun snapped his fingers.

The maw of Devouring closed the distance.

[How absurd.]

Tzzzzzz.

Asisaat Ebi chuckled in disbelief and unleashed her Attributes.

It was directed not at Taehyun, but at Devouring.

Crack.

Several maws were crushed by the Gold Clan's Attribute.

Crack.

Several maws were frozen by the Silver Clan's Attribute.

Fwoosh.

Several maws were set ablaze by the Red Clan's Attribute.

Sizzle.

Several maws melted by the Green Clan's Attribute.

Slice.

Several maws were sliced off by the White Clan's Attribute.

Crackle.

Several maws trembled and disappeared by the Black Clan's Attribute.

Zap.

A significant number of maws were electrocuted and paralyzed by the Blue Clan's Attribute.

Nevertheless.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

More maws were created around her than the number she had destroyed.

[I don't understand.]

Even if he was in a human body.

There couldn't be such a difference in Existence.

At that moment.

Crunch!

One of the maws that had endured the seven Attributes bit her arm.

Crunch. Crunch.

The scales of the Dragon race that covered her entire body were rendered useless as her arm was torn off.

It was an incomprehensible difference.

Her power had no effect.

But Kim Taehyun's power was working too well.

She, who had always considered herself more rational than anyone.

"The scales the Dragon race boasted about aren't anything special, are they?"

Smirk.

She fell for Taehyun's obvious provocation.

Rumble.

The power of the Mad Dragon that only Hajad among the Dragon race could use.

She had unleashed the power of the Upper Realm King.

[Receive the Main Dragon's eighth Attribute!]

It was an inexplicable situation.

Nevertheless, one emotion was clear.

[I will subjugate that arrogant attitude.]

That was the thought with which she had unleashed the power.

But then.

Thud.

Suddenly, Asisaat Ebi's knees buckled.

Drip. Drip.

Black blood flowed from her nose and mouth, staining the desert sand.

[What...?]

It was when Hajad was unaware of the changes happening in her body.

"It's finally arrived."

Fssssss.

Taehyun, having deactivated 'Devouring', stood before her.

He enjoyed the expression on her face, which showed that she didn't know what was happening. Then, Taehyun opened his mouth.

"Rebound."

[...!!]

"It's what's happening in your body. Some people also call it backflow, but... well, the name doesn't matter, I guess."

Taehyun nonchalantly said and gathered Mana.

[The Main Dragon couldn't possibly fall victim to backflow... Could it be...?]

"That's right. Didn't you say it yourself? That it's a pathetic body."

[...!!]

"I was definitely surprised. Asisaat Ebi. To be able to exert this much power with her body."

It wasn't a lie.

Her body, possessed by Hajad, momentarily became Erebus.

It even exerted more power than that.

If it had been Taehyun just a few months ago, he would have been subdued.

[Ha...]

Only then did Hajad realize her mistake and scoffed.

Hajad's attention had been focused on the collision of the keys.

Whether 'outside' or 'inside'.

She had overlooked what would happen if someone other than a Key wielder used the power of a King.

"Someone with your Existence using the power of an Upper Realm King twice in a human body. You were too greedy."

[...]

"To be eliminated from the first test. How pathetic."

Despite Taehyun's mockery, she couldn't say anything.

It was because she couldn't believe the reality of kneeling before a human she had always considered inferior.

And because she couldn't admit this absurd blunder.

Either way.

It was irrelevant to Taehyun.

"Now, it's time for the second test."

Tzzzz.

Purple Mana flared in Taehyun's crimson eyes.

Asisaat Ebi chuckled at his confident demeanor.

[You're not satisfied with dragging me into the Mindscape and you're going to use Rozaria's authority again?]

"Can't I?"

[You're insane.]

"That's quite the compliment."

As Taehyun's crimson eyes became redder than ever.

Ding.

[Skill Ataraxia (SSS) has been activated.]

That was the sound Asisaat Ebi.

No, Hajad thought she heard in her mind.

The first thing that came to mind when he opened his eyes was a cave.

"So it's a place like this."

Taehyun said as he took a step forward.

The ground, which had been like a desert, was now soft and squishy.

"A unique taste."

What came into view was Asisaat Ebi's Mindscape.

Based on its general structure, it seemed to be inside something's body.

That something was probably a Dragon.

Drip.

Thud.

Something fell from the ceiling, which was ten times taller than Taehyun.

Sizzle.

Smoke rose from his melting shoulder.

Strong acidity.

It was poison.

"I should give up on the idea of taking my time."

Ding.

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

Fzzz.

Mana extended out in the form of tentacles.

It didn't take long to find the target.

"You hid it far away."

If he could, he would have liked to use 'Apostle of Darkness' or 'Apostle of the Gate'.

But this was a Mindscape within a Mindscape.

He might end up in a strange place.

Taehyun quickly moved his feet.

Soon, he was able to find Asisaat Ebi embedded in seven teeth.

She looked quite pathetic.

"So even the Mindscape was being devoured."

It was the moment Taehyun said that and took a step towards her.

[Stop.]

Asisaat Ebi opened her mouth.

"Hajad."

Taehyun, not surprised, uttered the name of the being residing within her.

It was a situation he had expected from the moment he dragged her into the Mindscape.

[So you've finally come this far.]

There was a strong sense of absurdity in that voice.

Because she knew that Taehyun had come here to make a 'Pact of Summons'.

"I received a report that the Contractor was being treated too harshly."

[The Main Dragon underestimated you.]

The seven Mana of the Dragon race could be felt in the molars.

It must have been a method created to make a one-sided contract.

The seven Mana were flowing into one heart located in Asisaat Ebi's body.

Not an ordinary heart.

Dragon Heart.

Already, her heart was emitting an alien power that was comparable to it.

[Certainly. If you devour this, the Main Dragon will have no choice but to make a Pact of Summons with you. But are you sure you want to do that? That also means that this body will no longer be useful to the Main Dragon.]

It meant that he would kill Asisaat Ebi if Taehyun devoured her.

It was quite a plausible threat, but.

"I already got permission from the person in question. Take care of the aftermath."

[...]

The first thing Taehyun asked before coming to Hajad.

Taehyun foresaw a situation like this, and she relieved the burden by agreeing to the proposal.

Above all.

'There's no way you guys would easily throw away a body like this.'

He knew how rare a body that could accept the Mana of the Great Dukes was.

Even if Taehyun forced it.

Hajad would not easily dispose of her body.

Looking at the case of Yoo Ah-young, there was a high possibility that it would be used as a spare.

[I've really gotten caught up with a madman. Devouring the Main Dragon means bearing that burden. Are you sure you can handle it?]

Hajad asked as if it were something grand.

"As long as you don't betray me. I'll cooperate to some extent."

[…You are an arrogant human to the end. Fine. Devour m...]

Before Hajad could finish speaking.

Crack.

Crunch!!

A huge maw devoured Asisaat Ebi's body.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

Ding.

[Quest 'Pact of Summons - Hajad' has been completed.]

[The Youma Power of Skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been readjusted.]

[The Youma Power of Summon Skill Hajad (SSS) has been readjusted.]

In addition to this, the stats increased quite a bit along with the message that he had devoured a huge power.

"Shall we go out now."

It was when Taehyun was about to leave the two Mindscapes without regret.

He hadn't felt it because he was dealing with Hajad.

A huge Existence was detected.

It was a familiar Mana.

But it was also the Mana of an Existence that had become unbelievably weak.

Thud.

The tattered Bordeaux knelt down.

[Shall we stop eating now?]

The Doppelganger looked down at such Bordeaux and gestured.

Crack.

The maw of Devouring opened its mouth behind him.

It was then.

[Hmm?]

The Doppelganger stopped his actions.

"I didn't expect you to still be alive."

Taehyun was standing where he had turned to look.

[I'm in the middle of a meal. Get out if you're done with your business.]

The Doppelganger waved his hand as if dealing with an annoying guest.

"How can I do that?"

Crack.

Taehyun also took out the maw of Devouring.

[What are you doing?]

Without answering.

Taehyun felt the Mana.

The feeling of controlling a huge power enveloped his entire body.

[Did you become attached to a prey you've already passed on once?]

"I was hungrier than I thought. Before I knew it."

The Doppelganger didn't like that answer very much from his perspective.

[You're crossing the line.]

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The maw of Devouring appeared behind Taehyun.

Even though he was in a situation where he could be torn apart immediately.

Taehyun didn't back down.

"I'm going to eat that."

Could it be that he had devoured Hajad and the Mana hadn't been fully digested yet?

Crack.

An unprecedentedly huge maw unfolded beneath his feet.

[You crazy bastard.]

It was the second time he had heard those words in the Mindscape in a short time.

"If you're scared, die."

Smirk.

His appearance, speaking arrogantly, was no different from that of a Great Duke.

Episode 317

The fight between 'Predation' and 'Predation.'

Hyper-regeneration occurred dozens of times over.

Normally, Taehyun wouldn't stand a chance.

But the Doppelganger was merely toying with Taehyun's predation, intoxicated by 'hunger,' and for some reason, didn't reveal his full power.

The seemingly endless battle came to an end when Bordeaux met his demise in the jaws of Predation.

[Tch. Get lost.]

The Doppelganger clicked his tongue and waved his hand.

He was satisfied to have confirmed Taehyun's growth, but displeased that he had given up some of his prey.

Before Taehyun, intoxicated by hunger, could say anything, his vision reversed.

He could hear his exhausted body's heartbeat through his ears, and when he opened his eyes, he saw a vast cavern.

He knew he was back outside.

Not far away, Asishat Ebi and Bordeaux, who had entered the mindscape, were collapsed.

Both were in human form; Asishat Ebi was unconscious, but Bordeaux was already dead.

"Did I only eat about half?"

He murmured, looking down at the old man whose life had ceased.

He recalled the final moments when he was torn apart by the two Predations, not even leaving a single scale behind.

A being of the highest tier, surpassing Erebus, had been wiped out like a shrimp caught in a whale fight.

Only then did the battle in the mindscape feel real.

"Doppelganger."

He had fought evenly, albeit briefly, with that being who wielded such absolute power.

A hollow laugh escaped him.

"Giving and then taking back isn't really my style."

He couldn't help but laugh because the trigger for it all was so absurd.

He could understand why the guy was angry and kicked him out.

'Has my personality become more aggressive?'

Power changes people.

If that power transcends humanity, what more needs to be said?

He had always paid attention to mental growth in addition to physical growth.

He tried not to get caught up in the emotions while acting out the arrogance of a top-tier species, and even when he used a transcendent body through 'Demonization,' he tried not to forget that he was human.

To remind himself of that, he practiced ancient martial arts from time to time.

But since when?

Regardless of his efforts...

The growing power began to corrupt Taehyun.

This incident was the same.

The mindscape was essential to making a Summoning Pact with Hazar.

Bordeaux was bait to buy time from the increasingly sensitive Doppelganger, a kind of toll.

Predating on Hazar, who resided in Asishat Ebi's mindscape, was as expected.

But until then, the Doppelganger had spared Bordeaux, which was unexpected.

He belatedly became greedy and snatched the prey.

It was an action he wouldn't normally have taken, but...

The elation immediately after obtaining Hazar's magic.

It was difficult to control the 'hunger' that numbed his reason.

He needed a place to vent, and the Doppelganger became the target.

'Well, thanks to that, I was able to test my growth.'

In the end, it wasn't such a bad attempt.

Taehyun approached Bordeaux's corpse.

Although he died in human form...

Here and there on his skin, blue scales, devoid of their former dignity, appeared.

Ding.

[Skill Energy Drain (SSS) has been activated. Identifying target.]

Stab.

A sharp tentacle pierced Bordeaux's chest.

Originally, it wouldn't have been easy to penetrate due to the tough scales, but...

Piercing the body of a guy who had already lost his energy was no different than handling tofu.

Pazzzzz.

Bordeaux's magic flowed through the tentacle.

Even though he was already dead...

Unlike the six dragons he had sucked up earlier...

He felt a magic power that couldn't be compared to them.

'Is it different for the leaders?'

Strength increased, stamina increased, and magic power increased.

Was that all?

Ding.

[Proficiency of Skill Elemental Origin (SSS) has increased.]

It seemed that fighting in the mindscape had some effect after all.

"What a lucky guy."

He turned his gaze away from the guy's corpse, which was beginning to shrink, and opened his status window.

[Physical Stats]

Name: Kim Taehyun

Age: 20

Rank: SSS(???)

Strength: 385 Stamina: 390 Speed: 375 Magic Power: 550 Charm: 350

Fatigue: 80%

Remaining Magic Power: 30/550

[Quests]

Race War(???) - ???(1%)

Territory War(???) - ???(12%)

Gray Disease(C) - Create a vaccine for Gray Disease. (97%)

[Unique Skill]

Predation(SSS) - Can predate on a desired target. Yokai Power: 130

[General Skills]

Apocalypse(SSS) - Forms an infinite field. Yokai Power: 190

Memorize(SSS) - Activates recording magic. Yokai Power: 290

Apostle of the Gate(SSS) - Forms a gate made of magic power. Yokai Power: 60

Superior Species' Heart(SSS) - Forms a magic stone in the body. Yokai Power: 20

Superior Species' Eye(SSS) - Sees through the opponent. Yokai Power: 10

Ataraxia(SSS) - Dominates the opponent's mind. Yokai Power: 80

Blood Frenzy(SSS) - Activates physical stats. Yokai Power: 90

Dragon's Wrath(SSS) - Emits magic-enhanced aura. Yokai Power: 70

Beast Transformation(SSS) - Transforms the body. Yokai Power: 150

Devil's Saliva(SSS) - Imbues magic with poisonous properties. Yokai Power: 110

Elemental Origin(SSS) - Accepts the elements imbued in magic. Yokai Power: 150

Devil Gate(SSS) - Opens a gate to the Abyss. Yokai Power: 300

[Summoning Skills]

Rosaria(SSS) - Summons the Queen of Succubi, Rosaria. Yokai Power: 300

Hazar(SSS) - Summons the Dragon Lord, Hazar. Yokai Power: 600

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

Orgal(SSS) - Summons the Beast King, Orgal. Yokai Power: 7,800

Beelzebub(SSS) - Summons the Demon King, Beelzebub. Yokai Power: 8,000

Jormungandr(SSS) - Summons the Sea Serpent King, Jormungandr. Yokai Power: 7,000

Typhon(SSS) - Summons the Giant King, Typhon. Yokai Power: 530

There were quite a few changes.

First, ??? was added next to the rank of Awakening.

It definitely wasn't there before he came here.

'Come to think of it, SSS rank. What should I call the next level?'

In his past life, only monsters were given the SSS rank.

An SSS-rank player had never been born.

Because Taehyun regressed, the appearance of SSS-rank monsters and players was advanced, but...

It was difficult to predict what would happen after that.

"I should stop by Doje Yanghaeng."

The craftsman Kim Jongho upgraded Taehyun's status window.

If he talked to him, he might find out something.

He continued to examine the changed status window.

The four major stats increased significantly due to the overuse of 'Energy Drain' and 'Predation,' and the progress rate of the Territory War and Gray Disease quests also increased slightly.

It was natural that the Yokai Power of the skills 'Dragon's Wrath' and 'Hazar' had changed.

It was the biggest achievement Taehyun had gained by coming here.

"I should buy her a meal."

Taehyun muttered, looking at the collapsed Asishat Ebi.

Even though she had given her permission...

He had taken away the title of Archduke Contractor.

The power wouldn't disappear completely, but there would definitely be a difference from before.

At that moment.

"Hmm?"

Something was sparkling in Bordeaux's corpse, which had dried up like a mummy.

It was a fist-sized sphere with a reddish color.

"This is... an eye...?"

Taehyun tilted his head and muttered.

Tigers leave their skin behind when they die, but...

To leave behind the red eye of the main body even though he died in human form?

It was an unexpected situation.

"Surely he wasn't so frustrated that he couldn't close his eyes even in death, was he?"

While having frivolous thoughts, he put the red eye into his Infinite Backpack.

His condition isn't good enough to do Predation right now.

He intended to slowly decide on the disposal later.

"I should take her out soon."

Taehyun picked up the collapsed Asishat Ebi.

She had predated on Hazar within her, so she would need stability for a while.

He intended to get out of here before the unconscious Hazar showed up for an exam.

'I hope Apostle of the Gate works.'

The moment Taehyun took out a magic potion from his belt.

[You have gained much. I won't harm you, so leave that girl behind.]

'……!!'

Startled by Hazar's voice ringing in his head,

Kugugugung.

A huge aura exploded on Taehyun's body.

"Are you trying to start something again..."

[The price for becoming the Dragon's contractor will not be light. Stay put until I send a child separately.]

Ding.

[Magic power usage detected. You have been afflicted with 'Heavy Aura.' Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance is partially successful. Magic power is penetrating.]

[Magic power usage detected. You have been afflicted with 'Ominous Aura.' Resisting with mysterious power. Resistance is partially successful. Magic power is penetrating.]

Kugugugung.

Kwarururu.

Darkness fell before his eyes due to the sudden pressure.

It was because he couldn't completely block the mixed auras of the Gold Clan and the Black Clan.

The moment he opened his eyes again.

The place where Taehyun was standing was no longer the cavern.

Asishat Ebi, whom he had been carrying, had also disappeared without a trace.

"Someone's sulking."

He made a 'Summoning Pact,' but...

The process was so unconventional that it seemed to take time to calm down the emotions.

It was unexpected that Asishat Ebi was taken hostage, but...

"She probably won't recklessly hurt her."

There was a high possibility that it would be used as a spare for emergencies.

Taehyun turned around without hesitation.

Two people came, but...

He was returning alone.

Even so.

"There's no time to feel lonely."

Now that he had become Hazar's formal contractor, he also needed to understand her territory.

Taehyun turned around and walked in the opposite direction.

Reminiscing about his porter work in his past life, he intended to tour Hazar's territory as much as possible.

[This is unusual. For you to contact me first.]

A being who emits radiance even without releasing power.

The Fallen Angel Lucifer asked the being beyond the gate.

[A rather interesting thing has happened.]

The one answering was the Dragon Lord, Hazar, who rules the Seven Dragon Clans.

[Let me hear it.]

[The Key of the Upper Realm King has found its way to this dragon.]

[Is that so?]

[The Key of the Lower Realm King has also found its way here.]

[...If it were a coincidence, it would be an excessive one. Did you orchestrate this?]

Lucifer immediately realized that Hazar was involved.

[Yes. I was curious. The result that the collision of the keys would create.]

[You have done a useless thing.]

Lucifer evaluated firmly, as if there was nothing more to consider.

He doesn't know the definite result of the collision either, but...

He knows that it could potentially trigger a 'Race War.'

[Isn't this something that the fate of the race depends on? What about you? Have you made up your mind?]

[That is not for you to interfere with.]

Lucifer answered indifferently.

[Between those who were 'once' allies. I'm about to feel disappointed.]

[……?]

Lucifer expressed doubt at the word 'once.'

[This dragon has formed a Summoning Pact with Kim Taehyun, the Key of the Lower Realm King.]

[……!!]

[This will be the last time I contact you directly. Well, judging from the actions of the new contractor, you'll probably meet him soon anyway.]

[…….]

[Lucifer. Whatever you are planning, don't be careless.]

Whether Taehyun comes to him, or Lucifer draws Taehyun in.

It was a warning not to take it lightly.

That was the end.

Hazar's figure disappeared beyond the gate.

Silence continued for a while.

How much time had passed?

Lucifer, who had organized his thoughts, opened his mouth.

[Kim Taehyun... He's a more interesting fellow than I thought. Don't you agree?]

He asked a man who was far away.

A man whose limbs were bound to the wall of the sky.

The battered Cody Cruz was there.

[Was the order to capture Kim Taehyun that difficult?]

"……."

Cody Cruz remained silent.

[Certainly, I don't like chatty fellows. But.]

Pazik.

Suddenly, an ashen sword was created in Lucifer's hand.

[I also don't like fellows who defy me.]

Swoosh.

Thud.

Following the trajectory of the sword, Cody Cruz's arm fell off.

Gritting teeth.

Cody Cruz didn't even groan.

[Good spirit.]

The corners of Lucifer's lips turned up.

His sword tapped Cody Cruz's head.

[It takes plenty of time to train a beast.]

Hwaaaaa.

Ashen magic power rose from Cody Cruz's body.

"……!!"

His arm had returned to normal before he even realized it.

'It's not like hyper-regeneration...'

Of course, it would be the result of using 'Authority of Regeneration.'

Stab.

Lucifer's sword pierced Cody Cruz's abdomen.

"Keuh..."

Blood flowed down from his mouth.

As if he didn't care about the contractor's situation,

[I'm curious. How much of this power can your mind accept?]

Lucifer's red eyes, which were raising the ashen magic power, curved like crescents.

318

Hajard's territory was more vast than expected.

It was definitely incomparable to Rosaria's, and slightly larger than Orgal's.

And this was just from skimming a part of it.

Taehyun could once again feel how vast the Abyss was.

He used 'Stealth' to avoid any possible collisions.

He had only intended to briefly tour a part of the territory, but since most of the dragonkin were holed up in their residences, there was little chance of encountering them.

It was when he was passing a place where a huge tower and a lair were built side by side.

A man blocked Taehyun, who was hurrying along.

It was a middle-aged man with blue scales.

'He saw through Stealth?'

He didn't seem like just anyone.

[Are you from the 'clan'?]

The dragonman scanned Taehyun from head to toe.

Even as he said that, his red eyes were full of suspicion.

It wasn't just him who was scanning.

Since he had been using 'Eye of the Superior' all along, he could see right through the guy's insides.

Judging from the felt bodily organs and mana, he wasn't a pureblood dragonkin.

It seemed like he was made by modifying a monster of another species that Taehyun didn't know about.

Even so.

'This guy is pretty strong.'

If divided by grade, he would be a top-tier species.

He seemed to be at least a wyrm-level pureblood.

[I ask again. Are you from the clan?]

The suspicion in the man's eyes deepened.

Even if he had a human form, he was still a monster.

For such a monster to ask him so politely again.

Taehyun almost laughed at the unexpected situation.

Taehyun thought about the reason.

Hajard's territory.

He must be mistaken for a pureblood using Polymorph since he was wandering alone in its deepest part.

'Interesting.'

The corners of Taehyun's lips went up.

He had three archdukes with whom he had directly made a Summoning Covenant.

Now, even without using 'Devour,' his physical grade had reached that of a direct line top-tier species.

He wondered what he looked like to the monsters.

That's why he uttered the language of monsters that he didn't usually use.

[A clan... Then?]

It was clearly the voice of a monster to anyone who heard it.

The dragonman didn't seem to find it strange either.

[You may or may not know... This is the residence of Bordo, the head of the clan. Even members of other clans cannot pass through without a valid reason.]

Bordo.

Taehyun's body flinched at the unexpected name.

The dragonman didn't miss that sight.

He seemed to think that Taehyun was surprised to hear Bordo's name.

[If you don't mind me asking, may I know which clan you are from?]

He was asking with quite a bit of politeness.

In reality, it meant that if you weren't the 'head' or 'elder-level' of a clan, you should quickly say your name and leave.

'A clan.'

The seven clans that make up the dragonkin.

He remembered what Asisat Ebi had said before.

'They are now working together under Hajard, but they seem to have their own competition.'

That was probably why the dragonman in front of him was asking.

'I heard that the power of the clans is equal.'

In other words.

No matter which clan you promote, it would eventually be the difference in grade that would have the prestige.

In a fleeting moment.

The dragonkin he had fought so far came to mind.

The first one he dealt with was the Red clan, but the most impactful one was definitely Bordo of the Blue clan.

However, since he had swallowed all seven clans evenly, it was ambiguous to impersonate any one clan.

'I can't say I'm a contractor either.'

Right now, the guy was being polite because he thought he was a pureblood who had used Polymorph.

The moment Taehyun revealed that he was Hajard's new contractor, that is, a human, he might be looked down upon.

To these top-tier species, being an archduke's contractor was nothing more than a slightly outstanding bug.

Nothing more and nothing less.

It seemed better to act like a pureblood dragonkin for now.

Among them.

'If I'm going to vaguely gloss over it, that side is better after all.'

Taehyun opened his mouth with a solemn expression.

[I'm directly under Lord.]

[……!!]

The dragonman's red eyes shook at the unexpected words, but only for a moment.

[Hajard-nim's direct subordinate... Can you prove it?]

The dragonman dared to say the word 'prove' to a pureblood dragonkin.

Being directly under Hajard meant being at least an elder-level, but as the one managing the territory, he couldn't just blindly believe it.

The dragonman was taking a risk and demanding it from Taehyun.

As proof, the top-tier dragonman Vigo, who was managing Bordo's territory.

His voice and red eyes were noticeably shaking.

He was afraid that Taehyun might find fault with his current rudeness and kill him.

[Proof.]

Taehyun stroked his chin.

The gesture was quite plausible.

Ding.

[Skill Knight King's Aura (SSS) has been activated.]

Kugung!!

An aura that was incomparable to before was emitted from Taehyun's body.

This was the level just from emitting it without specifying a target.

[Kuh... What is this...]

The dragonman could be seen trying to use mana to resist the sudden aura.

If he started a fight here, it would easily attract attention.

If that happened, Taehyun's plan to quietly look around the area would be ruined.

'I'll stomp him down firmly so he can't think of anything else.'

Ding.

[Skill Monarch's Aura (SSS) has been activated.]

Kugugugung.

The even stronger aura pressed down on Vigo.

[This is... definitely Gold clan's...]

Vigo's complexion hardened.

It wasn't to the point where he couldn't break through it if he gave it his all.

But the existence in front of him wasn't giving it his all either.

[Is this enough of an answer?]

Vigo couldn't easily answer Taehyun's question.

It was certain that he had the power of a Gold clan elder, but that didn't prove that he was Lord's direct subordinate.

Vigo was wondering how to act when it happened.

[You're quite a spirited dragonman. Is this not enough?]

[I know that you are a noble Gold clan member, but...]

Ding.

[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated.]

Kugugugung.

Chwaruk. Chwareureuk.

[……!!]

Vigo's eyes widened at the suddenly darkened space.

Because he knew that this power was similar to the aura of the Black clan.

A clan that used two auras?

Except for Lord Hajard, there was no such existence even among the purebloods.

No, he remembered that Bordo once downplayed that Lord's contractor had received the auras of several clans.

He had dismissed it as insignificant because he couldn't properly digest that power.

An existence that used the auras of the Gold clan and the Black clan at least at the elder level.

Of course, the man in front of him wouldn't be a contractor.

Vigo organized his thoughts.

Let's calm down the aura for now and listen to more of the story.

[Is it still not enough?]

[No, that's not...]

Taehyun used a new skill as if he didn't intend to listen.

Ding.

[Skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been activated.]

Krara!!

[Cough...!!]

Vigo screamed and knelt down.

It was just that he had activated a skill, but just being within the range of the four skills Taehyun had used was enough to feel a threat to his life.

덜덜덜덜.

Vigo's body trembled at the aura emitted by an existence of a higher grade.

An existence that handled him, who was one of the top seven among the dragonmen of the seven clans, like this.

An existence that handled more than three kinds of auras.

Did that mean he was Hajard's hidden son?

It was natural for Vigo to have such an impudent thought.

[I ask you. Is it still not enough?]

Looking down at Vigo.

He grinned.

Taehyun showed a haughty expression of a top-tier species.

From Vigo's point of view, that appearance felt more terrifying than his master's.

[It's enough... Please... withdraw your power...]

At Vigo's plea, Taehyun canceled the skills.

The four skills disappeared, and the area became quiet again.

Vigo staggered and got up.

[Lord's direct subordinate... What brings you here...]

It was a valid question.

And now it was time to create a new lie.

[Did you say this is Bordo's territory?]

[...Yes.]

Vigo flinched again at Taehyun's attitude of saying Bordo's name so casually.

[I've come to the right place.]

[...Bordo-nim is away to see Lord...]

[Don't worry. Bordo will never find this place again.]

[What... do you mean...]

[Bordo. That bastard died while carrying out Lord's orders.]

[……!!]

[His appearance of trying to complete the order to the end was impressive.]

[What...]

Everything Vigo was hearing was like a bolt from the blue.

Taehyun's bitter smile deepened as he watched the surprised dragonman.

[You. What's your name?]

[V, Vigo... I am...]

[Yes, Vigo. What's your position?]

[I... manage Bordo-nim's lair.]

[Guide me.]

[Yes...?]

[Didn't I tell you? Bordo is dead.]

[Surely...]

[Yes. From now on, this territory is mine.]

[……!!]

[Since a new owner has come, I should properly receive a report.]

As Taehyun said that, his gaze was toward the huge tower.

Real estate in the deepest part of the Abyss?

'I hit the jackpot.'

It was a situation that he couldn't help but smile at.

[A Summoning Covenant...]

A woman with seven colors of hair.

Hajard said that and showed her hand.

Swish.

A huge magic crystal was held in her hand.

The strongest heart of any dragonkin.

It was her own dragon heart that Hajard was keeping in subspace.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Just holding it in her hand, the pulsating magic crystal emitted a powerful mana.

The seven colors symbolizing the clan were combined to look like a work of art.

Without a doubt, even if you combine the mana of all the hearts of the entire dragonkin, it would not reach one of Hajard's.

But why.

Hajard's expression wasn't very good as she looked at her heart.

[You've made a nasty contract.]

A heart that exudes brilliant mana.

A new mana was mixed into one side of it.

Kim Taehyun.

It was that of her new contractor.

By making a Summoning Covenant, that ominous mana had flowed into Hajard's heart as well.

[Tsk.]

Tsujujujuju.

The dragon heart that had been held in her hand disappeared.

There was no solution even if she kept looking at it.

She belatedly looked at the former contractor she had stuck in one wall.

Asisat Ebi came into view.

[A spare. That's not bad either.]

The elders of the six clans and Bordo, the head of the Blue clan, had disappeared.

Thanks to the spell she had cast, she could have revived at least Bordo as a bone dragon.

But because of what he had suffered in the mental world, the spell was not activated, and Kim Taehyun ate him as he was.

The elders were one thing.

Losing the head would be a big blow to the Blue clan.

They had to pick the next guy to succeed Bordo from among the elders.

[Well, there's plenty of time, so let's take our time.]

Bordo was a famous existence even among the heads, excluding the fact that he was Hajard's top subordinate.

There would be no big problem even if she left that territory alone for a while.

Whether it was intentional or unintentional.

Now that she had made a Summoning Covenant with the key to the Lower World King, a battle with the other archdukes was inevitable.

She needed a good rest.

It wasn't long before Hajard regretted her complacent response.

It had been a considerable amount of time when he returned to Rosaria's castle.

The succubi gossiping throughout the castle informed him that the giants were attacking Orgal's 19th castle.

'Typhon bastard. How much did he want to prove to Rosaria...'

A chill ran down his spine as he thought of Typhon's lewdly smiling face.

At the same time, he had to hide the conditions he had set with Typhon somehow.

[Hmph~ Contractor. I feel a nasty energy from your body.]

Rosaria said, sensing the even stronger Hajard's mana from Taehyun's body.

It was a playful tone, unlike her words.

"Then it's a success."

[Judging by your expression, things went well. To bring that picky bastard into an alliance.]

"An alliance. It's a bit ambiguous."

[Hmm?]

"I did get Hajard's mana, but it's ambiguous to see it as an alliance."

Rosaria was about to make a face as if to say what nonsense he was talking.

[...No way.]

"Yeah. I'm saying I made a third Summoning Covenant."

Taehyun enjoyed Rosaria's embarrassed expression and released mana.

All kinds of archduke's mana.

Among them, he could vividly feel Hajard's mana, which had become stronger than ever.

[……!!]

"Get ready. Rosaria."

Kwaaaa.

Taehyun gathered the released mana into one.

Ding.

[Skill Ataraxia (SSS) has been activated.]

[Skill Memorize (SSS) has been activated.]

"I have a lot of things I want to ask you."

Chapter 319

'Ataraxia' and 'Memorize.'

The two skills provided Rosaria with information in the form of memories.

From Taehyun provoking the dragonkins, suppressing the pureblood dragons, meeting Asmodeus, and subduing Hazard.

The events in the lair were organized like a panorama in her mind.

Leaving aside the battles with the six elders and Bordeaux.

A mental world within a mental world.

Showing memories of Bordeaux and Hazard together is no easy task.

All this was possible because Taehyun and Rosaria were bound by a 'covenant' and they could use the same mental power.

If a typical high-ranking species had received the same information, their head would have exploded.

[Indeed. To drive Hazard into a corner like that… you have the guts of a contractor.]

He turned Hazard's contractor into a spare and took his place.

Was that all?

Even in a situation where it wouldn't be strange to summon Rosaria, he managed.

He endured and endured, creating the optimal situation to use mind control.

The Queen of Succubi, whose power of mind control has reached its peak.

Even she did not have such wit.

No, who else but Kim Taehyun could have pulled something like this off?

Taehyun, the person in question, didn't seem to think much of it.

"It's not like I've only dealt with Archdukes once or twice."

Although not all of them were the real body.

He had met all the existing Archdukes except for Lucifer.

Hazard was no exception.

Although they have absolute power.

If you understand their purpose, they are as easy to handle as humans or Archdukes.

Perhaps reading Taehyun's thoughts.

Rosaria shook her head.

[You are the third to make a covenant with three Archdukes. So you can be proud.]

As if she was proud of her contractor.

Rosaria's tentacle stroked his head.

Taehyun frowned and removed the tentacle.

This was because the excessive affection caused a sticky liquid to flow from Rosaria's tentacle.

"More than that, Rosaria."

[Hmm?]

"I want you to start telling me."

[What are you talking about.]

Rosaria pretended not to know.

Knowing what Taehyun wanted to ask, she hid her meaning behind a smiling face.

This was a method she had consistently adhered to.

But this time, Taehyun had no intention of just letting it go.

"I'm disappointed. Wasn't the information from earlier enough?"

[It is enough for me to see your growth. But that question is a little premature.]

"Premature. Well, I guess it could be."

[……?]

Rosaria reacted unexpectedly when Taehyun gave up so easily.

She thought that Taehyun would try to squeeze information out of her no matter what.

But that was Rosaria's mistake.

"The giants are attacking the 19th star, right? I should go see Typhon. He seems to be very curious about you because he almost died."

[……!!]

Rosaria's face hardened.

Typhon.

She thought that the cunning giant king might find out her weaknesses from Taehyun.

[Calm down, contractor.]

"Don't worry. We've spent so much time together."

[You are petty to the point of being mean.]

"I want to see Typhon today. It wouldn't be bad to leave right now to check the war situation."

I don't think the giants led by Typhon will fail to capture Orgal's 19th star.

The blackmail worked well enough.

In the end, Rosaria surrendered.

[You really only learn bad things as you grow up, contractor.]

"That's too much praise."

[I didn't really intend to hide it. I just thought it was natural for you to find out on your own.]

Rosaria said the word 'natural' with emphasis.

The sight of a demon discussing natural order was quite amusing.

"Natural order. It must be a pretty painful word for Typhon, who wants love that transcends race."

All the Archdukes I've met so far, except for Typhon, looked down on Rosaria.

It was too much to simply ignore her as the weakest.

Rosaria wouldn't be unaware of the meaning of those words.

[…….]

She sighed.

She thought that if she kept refusing, Taehyun would really head to Typhon.

After taking a long time to organize her thoughts, she finally opened her mouth.

[It's a long story. It was a long time ago that I became involved with the King.]

"I have plenty of time. You can use your power. No, it would be better that way."

Mauve magic scattered from Rosaria's body.

Taehyun also strengthened 'Heart of a High-Ranking Species', 'Eye of a High-Ranking Species', and 'Ataraxia' so that he could withstand the burden of the skill at any time.

[In the past. There was a being called Lilith.]

At the same time.

Past memories were replayed.

It was before Taehyun was even born.

It was before Rosaria became an Archduke.

A huge castle located in the deepest part of the Abyss.

That was where it was happening.

[Report.]

Lilith, the Queen of Succubi and the Sea of Demons.

At her words, hundreds of high-ranking species raised their heads.

Among them, the vampires.

Igmun, the highest-ranking species leading the group also called Incubi.

Took a step forward.

[Queen. The infighting among the dragons is unusual.]

[Tell me more.]

[The leaders of the seven tribes are meeting with the Archdukes to take the place of the Dragon King who left for the Upper World.]

At those words, the high-ranking species began to murmur.

The first Archduke, the Dragon King Baal.

It is no longer a secret that he led his forces to the Upper World.

The power of the existing seven dragon tribes and the dragon king strengthened by Baal was incomparable.

As a tribe that maintained the seat of the Archduke, they thought that the next strong person would claim to be the next king.

But this is what they are doing.

From the perspective of the high-ranking species who were born weak but rose to the limit of their species.

The dragons' actions were ridiculously ridiculous.

Igmun spoke again.

[The leader of the Black Tribe wants to meet Lilith through our vampires.]

[What about the others?]

[It seems that the Gold Tribe has approached Beelzebub, and the White Tribe has tried to approach Lucifer. I don't know about the others.]

Igmun bowed after reporting.

[There are signs of a domain war.]

Lilith muttered to herself as if she was interested.

The death of an Archduke means the birth of a new Archduke. Conversely, someone must accept death in order for a new Archduke to be born.

In that regard, Baal, who was said to be the strongest of the Archdukes, disappeared on his own.

The Archdukes would inevitably fight to take over his territory and power.

The leaders of each dragon tribe are also trying to make contact with the Archdukes, foreseeing this future.

[Rosaria. What do you think?]

Lilith quietly stroked her tentacle. A young succubus.

Asked Rosaria.

[How dare I offer my opinion.]

Rosaria bowed her head and devoted all her strength to the hand stroking Lilith's tentacle.

The high-ranking species who were watching chuckled at the sight.

This is because they know that their lord, Lilith, is up to mischief.

[Rosaria, my child. Tell me. I'm curious about your thoughts.]

Suddenly, one of Lilith's tentacles wrapped around Rosaria's body.

Rosaria's body was lifted up without even having a chance to resist the great force.

Squeeze.

Power went into the tentacle.

Nevertheless, Rosaria did not groan.

This is because she knows that if she shows even a little bit of reluctance here, Lilith will tear her body apart.

Crack. Crack.

Her bones all over her body were breaking one by one due to the tentacle's grip.

[As the Queen wishes.]

Rosaria showed an attitude of submission without paying attention to the pain.

Only then did Lilith's tentacle put Rosaria's body down.

Thud.

[Excellent. I wish the other children were as virtuous as you.]

Laughter erupted from all over at those words.

The same goes for Igmun, the leader of the vampires.

The people gathered here are all leaders of the species who are obeying Lilith.

This is because they know that the word virtue does not suit them.

Rosaria returned to her seat and stroked Lilith's tentacle.

The reports of the high-ranking species continued.

The report that lasted until late at night ended, leaving only Rosaria and Igmun.

Rosaria was still stroking Lilith's tentacle, and Lilith and Igmun were doing official business without paying attention to Rosaria.

A mixture of excitement and moans echoed through the room.

How much time passed again?

[Lilith. Your taste is as bad as the rumors say.]

[……!!]

[……!!]

[……!!]

Lilith and Igmun, who were having sex, and Rosaria, who was stroking Lilith's tentacle, were startled by the sudden voice.

[Damn… show yourself!]

Igmun glared with his red eyes and shouted.

Whoosh.

Magic swept through the area.

Pazzuk.

A man appeared with a spark.

[To break stealth like this. You're quite good?]

The man praised Igmun's detection ability and clapped.

The three demons were at a loss for words at his confidence.

Lilith was the first to come to her senses.

She didn't seem to like the current situation very much.

[Unless you're crazy… How dare you come here without permission….]

Before Lilith could finish speaking.

[I'm seeing you in this form for the first time.]

The man looked around and opened his mouth.

That appearance stimulated Lilith.

Kiiing.

Lilith's red eyes flashed.

The power that unified the succubi.

Mind control that turns even the highest-ranking species into slaves in an instant.

Rosaria thought that the unidentified man would kneel down and beg for his life any moment now.

This is because she has never seen anyone who has maintained their sanity even after being subjected to this power.

However.

[The power of mind control. Did you think that power used without preparation would work on me?]

The man said with disappointment.

It was mockery.

Igmun and Rosaria's expressions hardened when they realized that Lilith's power was not working.

This is because it means that the opponent is also an Archduke.

Lilith, who had separated Igmun, got up.

Her naked body was revealed over the wriggling tentacles.

[Who are you?]

The tentacle wriggled.

The Queen, who was recognized for part of her territory by the Sea of Demons. It was her other power.

[I didn't come to fight. I want to talk about the racial war.]

Lilith's red eyes twitched at the word racial war.

Soon, a smile spread across her lips.

[So it's you. The young punk who's been building up his power to catch Baal.]

[If you know, then things will be quicker.]

That was the moment the man said that.

Swish.

Lilith's tentacle pierced the man's head in a straight line.

It was so fast that Rosaria couldn't even see it, but the man dodged the tentacle nonchalantly.

Swish. Swaaek.

Whoosh. Whooosh.

Lilith's tentacles missed the man's movements several times.

[You little rat.]

Lilith took out thousands of tentacles that she had hidden in the subspace.

Drip. Drop.

Driiiiiip.

In an instant, the huge room was filled with tentacles.

It seemed like there was no place for the man to escape in the confined space.

A look of bewilderment did appear on his face, as if he hadn't expected this many.

[I said I came to talk.]

But there was no wavering in his voice or eyes.

[You disturbed my official business, so wouldn't it be enough to cut off your limbs and listen?]

Thousands of tentacles that had blocked the escape route all aimed at the man.

That was then.

Crack.

Something unidentifiable.

It was the appearance of a huge mouth.

320

Screeeeeech.

A maw made of crimson magic revealed its teeth.

Lilith's tentacles belatedly changed their target to the maw.

Thousands of tentacles wielded by the Grand Duke and one enormous maw used by the unknown man.

Not only Lilith, but Igmun and Rosaria also had no doubt that the maw would tear the man apart and his body would be butchered.

It was supposed to.

Crunch!!

The massive maw began to devour the tentacles.

Crunch!! Crunch, crunch!!

[……!!]

[……!!]

[……!!]

A maw that nonchalantly chewed up the Grand Duke's magic-infused attacks.

It was no wonder the three demons doubted their eyes.

It was a power that even Lilith, who had been the Grand Duke for a long time, had never seen before.

Naturally, it was a power that Igmun and Rosaria could not possibly know.

[Tentacles, huh? So it was true that you were having a thing with the Sea Demon King. Then that incubus is....]

The man, who had shifted his gaze from Lilith to Igmun, nodded to himself as if he understood.

It seemed as if the things he had been thinking about alone had been pieced together in his head after the attack earlier.

[I think that's enough for the exchange of blows. How about we have a conversation now?]

For the intruder to say such a thing so casually.

Grind.

That sight irritated Lilith.

[My Queen, I will handle this.]

Igmun said, stepping forward naked.

Kwaaaaaa.

He unleashed his magic all at once.

A Supreme Being.

Rosaria, who was next to him, was pushed back by that overwhelming power.

Igmun, called the head of the vampires.

He was already a Supreme Being, and he had accumulated magic by mingling with Lilith.

Naturally, he could be called the best blade among Lilith's Supreme Beings.

Interest dawned on the man's face, which had been relaxed all along.

[So he wasn't just a gigolo.]

Tzzzzz.

Crimson magic gathered in Igmun's hand, and in an instant, a blood sword was created.

The man created a sword as well.

Surprisingly.

Pazzazz.

The sword with crimson magic flowing through it was exactly the same shape as the blood sword created by Igmun.

He had imitated exactly what he had seen once.

[How dare you....]

Igmun, who thought he was being insulted, bared his fangs.

The man tilted his head as if telling him to come at him first.

It was a very short battle.

Igmun's blood sword was shattered, and the fangs and nails he had hammered in to absorb the man's magic were broken.

The unknown magic surrounding the man's body blocked all of Igmun's attacks.

Or rather, it would be more accurate to say that it interfered.

And.

Crunch. Crunch, crunch.

Without exception, the unknown maw tore off Igmun's arms.

It was as if it was giving him a reward for showing off his skills; it all happened in an instant.

Thud.

The man, who kicked the staggering Igmun, turned his gaze to Rosaria.

There was a look of ease on his face, the kind that an absolute powerhouse shows, telling her to come at him if she dared.

I can't win.

Rosaria thought so and trembled without realizing it.

Igmun, a Supreme Being, had suffered such a fate.

What could she, just an Advanced Dream Demon, possibly do?

That sense of defeat filled her head.

The man, realizing that she had no hostility, turned his head back to Lilith.

Even in the moment Igmun was being subdued.

Lilith was looking for a chance to use mind control, but surprisingly, there was no such opening for the man.

No, it would be more accurate to say that Igmun had failed to create a proper opening.

[You. What are you?]

[An upstart building power to catch Baal. Didn't you say that a little while ago?]

There was no mockery in his voice.

But Lilith, who had wielded absolute power, seemed to feel differently.

The tentacles imbued with purple magic surged.

[Oh dear. I didn't intend to see this through to the end.]

[Do not worry. You will live the rest of your life as my slave. Igmun.]

At Lilith's command, Igmun, who had failed to regenerate his arms, charged at the man once again.

He knew there was no chance of winning.

But he couldn't refuse the Queen's command.

Crackle. Crackle, crackle.

After that, the tentacles transformed into a net.

The man clicked his tongue.

He realized that Lilith was trying to seize a single opportunity by betting Igmun's life.

[What a pointless act.]

With those words, the man snapped his fingers.

Snap.

Screeeeeech.

[……!!]

[……!!]

[……!!]

The massive maw that filled Lilith's room made the three demons amazed once again.

Dribble.

An unknown saliva dripped from the maw.

[Don't move. This guy isn't as merciful as I am.]

[You... Nonsense...]

The moment Igmun said that.

Crunch!! Crunch!! Crunch!!

The maw began to chew on Igmun's legs.

A scream that was a mix of pain and fear escaped Igmun's lips.

The man trampled on Igmun's torso, who had lost his limbs in an instant.

Even so, he looked pathetic as he tried to sink his fangs into the man's leg.

Crunch!!

As the man put strength into his foot, Igmun's chest shattered.

That scene was repeated several times.

Crunch!! Crunch!!

He wouldn't die right away.

But he had clearly inflicted enough shock that it wouldn't be strange for him to be demoted from a Supreme Being to an Advanced Being.

[He's too good to kill. Don't you think?]

The man met Lilith's eyes.

At the same time.

The smile disappeared from the man's face.

Rosaria's gaze naturally turned to Lilith.

Magic like a blazing fire was overflowing from the Queen's eyes.

She was using the power of mind control.

It was over.

Subduing Igmun and creating this absurd situation was certainly a great feat.

But once she was caught in Lilith's power, her mind would eventually be destroyed.

No, she might not even be able to die and would be forced to live like a slave.

But that too was a delusion.

Drip.

Red blood flowed from Lilith's crimson eyes.

Then, the man's body seemed to twitch, and the corners of his lips turned up.

[Did you think you could win by dragging me into your mental world?]

[Cough....]

Blood spurted from Lilith's mouth.

Rosaria only watched for a fleeting moment.

But during that fleeting moment, Lilith and the man had fought a long and arduous battle in the mental world.

[If Baal seizes the Upper Realm, the next will be the Lower Realm.]

[…….]

[Surely you don't think you'll be able to enjoy the same power as you do now even then?]

[Shut that mouth up...]

Gulp.

Lilith vomited blood once again.

The man made a proposal to Lilith like that.

[Join hands with me. I will guarantee your life, as well as your position as Grand Duke.]

Hahaha.

Lilith let out an eerie laugh.

[Rejection.]

With those words, thousands of tentacles surrounded the staggering man.

At that moment.

Thud.

Igmun, who she thought had fainted, grabbed the man's leg with one arm that he had struggled to regenerate.

Tzzzzzzz.

Igmun's unique ability, absorption.

The moment that crimson magic sucked in the man's magic.

Crunch.

The man slammed Igmun's head into the floor.

[I didn't think you would agree right away. I'll give you time.]

It was a warning.

Telling her not to create any more unnecessary sacrifices.

The man's gaze, as he was about to leave, met Rosaria's.

And.

Crunch.

[……!!]

A crimson maw that appeared from somewhere tore off Rosaria's arms.

That was all.

Just like when he had come.

Swish.

The man suddenly disappeared without a trace.

After the man left, Lilith's castle was turned upside down.

Many Supreme Beings were beheaded for allowing the intrusion.

The reason Rosaria was able to save her life was because Lilith liked her skills.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Unlike Igmun, who was regaining his strength as a Supreme Being with Lilith's magic and taking a rest, Rosaria had to regenerate her arms and return to her daily life of massaging Lilith's tentacles.

After the purge of Advanced Beings continued.

It was when she was massaging Lilith's long, drooping tentacles as usual.

[Where are the others?]

Lilith asked nervously in front of the gate.

Rosaria focused on massaging the tentacles, holding her breath and lowering her gaze.

[We weren't a very close-knit group anyway.]

[After Baal disappeared, even the little solidarity we had disappeared.]

[So tell me. I hope it's not a pointless business.]

Rosaria's hands naturally tightened.

She realized that the owner of the voice coming from beyond the gate was someone called the Grand Duke.

With difficulty, she controlled her trembling body.

Rosaria focused even more carefully on Lilith's tentacles.

But she couldn't block out the voices of the Grand Dukes that she could hear.

[Lucifer. Beelzebub. Diablo. I guess you're the only ones who care about me.]

[You're too conceited, Lilith.]

[Kekeke. Such embarrassing words from the start.]

[You must have something to ask of us.]

Rosaria could tell that the owners of the voices were Lucifer, called the Fallen Angel, Beelzebub, called the Great Demon, and Diablo.

Leaving aside Lucifer, who was shrouded in mystery.

Beelzebub and Diablo were Great Demons who had each gathered demon races and were building considerable power in the Lower Realm.

While Rosaria was thinking such things, Lilith brought up her business.

The man who had invaded the castle.

The two Grand Dukes burst into laughter when they heard that he had disappeared without suffering any damage.

It was Beelzebub and Diablo.

[Lend me your armies. I will pay you handsomely.]

Diablo and Beelzebub poured out obscene remarks at Lilith's proposal.

Lilith calmly countered.

She judged that it would be a profit if she could use the power of the two Grand Dukes' armies for just that much.

[I'll pass.]

It was Lucifer's voice, who had been quiet all along.

Lilith tried to persuade him with a sweet voice.

[It seems more interesting to watch Baal's conquest of the Upper Realm.]

Lucifer's answer was the same.

[Our disgraced archangel seems to be more interested in the Upper Realm than the Lower Realm.]

[Kekeke. Don't forget, Lucifer, you're one of us now.]

[…….]

Without answering the jeers, Lucifer's voice disappeared.

Diablo and Beelzebub offered to send their armies to help Lilith.

In addition to that, there was also useful information from Lilith's point of view.

The man was of the Human race from another dimension, and his power was still weak.

The idea was to assess his strength with the armies of the three Grand Dukes.

The conversation ended with the two Grand Dukes promising support in the near future.

Lilith burst into laughter with a satisfied feeling, and Rosaria simply massaged the tentacles quietly.

It wasn't long after that day's conversation that news came that Diablo's castle had been half destroyed.

Grand Duke Diablo.

The lord of terror, who, along with Beelzebub, was constantly surrounded by bad rumors.

News spread that he had lost a large number of Supreme Beings and suffered serious injuries due to someone's invasion.

It was similar to Lilith's case.

The difference was that the man had taken a more hardline approach.

Lilith rarely got angry.

So enraged that she twisted, squeezed, and shattered the limbs of the innocent Rosaria, who was massaging her tentacles.

That was probably because Beelzebub had refused to support her army the day before, saying that he would strengthen his territory in preparation for the man's invasion.

[How dare you....]

It was the moment when the excited Lilith was about to tear off Rosaria's neck.

Lilith's expression changed subtly when she faced Rosaria's unresisting crimson eyes.

Suddenly, the corners of her lips turned up.

[That's right. There was that method. My lovely child.]

Lilith stroked Rosaria's head and said with a benevolent expression.

Inevitably.

[…….]

Rosaria could only lower her eyes.

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