RKP 331-340

     ----------------------------

331st episode

Ding.

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

Krrr.

A massive aura was emitted.

Gorper's expression, which had remained unfazed by 'Knight King's Aura', 'Monarch's Aura', and 'Apocalypse', changed.

He felt it instinctively.

The Dragon Lord residing within the skill.

Hajad's magic.

[Are you truly using Hajad's power!!]

Despite shouting.

Gorper smiled at the rare sight of his prey.

'It's not enough.'

Taehyun realized the reality.

Despite the concentration of four auras, Gorper's smile showed no signs of fading.

He glanced at the quest progress.

60 percent.

It was a meager progress rate considering the restoration of sealed skills and a significant portion of his power.

'The progress rate isn't proportional to the damage he's taking. Could it be….'

A thought flashed through his mind.

To confirm that thought, Taehyun enhanced all the skills in his status window.

And that wasn't all.

Ding.

[Skill Chains of Binding (SSS) has been enhanced. Mana consumption is accelerated.]

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

All usable lower-tier skills that had already been fused and disappeared from the status window were poured out without hesitation.

Swish. Swish.

Tzzzz.

[Not only the lord's, but the authority of Igmun and Hajad. No matter what Rosaria did, the magic that can be contained in a worm's body shouldn't be possible.]

But that existence was right before his eyes.

Gorper mocked the chains wrapping around and melting his body as he asked.

What kind of body was he?

Was he Rosaria's lover?

"Where did you hear such scary things?"

[What does it matter?]

Whatever Taehyun's identity was.

The 'desire' that had been dormant within him was awakened by the long-awaited excitement.

He could clearly see the future where this strange worm would become his minion and offer up humans.

Taehyun knew what he was thinking.

"For a Great Demon, your intelligence is terrible."

[What do you mean?]

Unlike his frivolous laughter.

Gorper showed an unusually magnanimous demeanor.

"Someone like you. There's no way you could easily break a contract with a Grand Duke."

He wasn't sure about the last part.

He wasn't sure how high the Great Demon's position was.

What was certain was that it was impossible to completely extract the Grand Duke's magic with the magic of a top-tier species.

Even though all the Grand Dukes looked down on Rosaria.

To completely break the contract, like Beelzebub had done.

It was necessary to slowly erode the body over a long period.

Even that was impossible unless it was at least a Grand Duke-level being.

Gorper was unusually strong, but he wasn't Grand Duke-level.

'He doesn't seem to be in his right mind.'

So he planned to induce a psychological warfare to find out about him.

[That's none of your concern. Come here.]

Contrary to his words, Gorper walked towards Taehyun.

Even though four auras were pressing down on his whole body and binding him.

Even though 'Demon's Saliva' was melting away parts of his body.

Even though 'Energy Drain' and 'Chains of Binding' were extracting a considerable amount of magic.

It only slowed down his steps for a moment.

It couldn't stop him from coming closer.

That's when it happened.

Just in time, the cooldown of a new skill was released.

Ding.

[Skill Eye of the Superior (SSS) cooldown has been reset.]

[Skill Eye of the Superior (SSS) is available.]

[Skill Eye of the Superior (SSS) has been activated. Identifying target.]

Taehyun's red eyes turned crimson as they scanned Gorper's body.

He saw things he hadn't seen before.

Three horns protruding from his forehead and a tail.

From there, a massive amount of magic was pouring out and gathering in the huge magic stone located in his chest.

It felt like seeing Bordor with three dragon hearts.

'This isn't just top-tier level.'

Taehyun was slightly taken aback by the unexpected internal organs.

Gorper didn't miss that sight.

[The same 'heart' and 'eye' as us. The worm's shell was a deception, I see.]

Hehehe.

Gorper spread his huge wings.

Ignoring the auras that were in effect.

His massive body floated up lightly.

"Guild Leader Seo Sang-ik would be happy to see this."

Taehyun showed a false sense of composure as he looked at his wings.

[Didn't you dare say you would make the Great Demon kneel?]

"The higher the animal with wings, the faster it falls."

[……?]

"It's a Shinhan saying."

Gorper pointed his index finger at Taehyun's taunt.

Swish.

His fingernails aimed for Taehyun's red eyes and pierced towards them.

Clang.

Taehyun's hand blade, infused with magic, deflected the awl-like fingernails.

That was the beginning.

Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang.

From top to bottom.

Ten awls aimed for Taehyun's body.

He dodged many of them and deflected those he couldn't avoid.

Even so, his hands were tingling.

Despite the significant increase in physical stats due to the effects of 'Apocalypse' and 'Blood Frenzy', it was difficult to counterattack.

'I need Beastification.'

It seemed that Orgal's authority would be needed to have a battle that was even remotely close to a close combat with him.

As if mocking Taehyun's worries, Gorper ran rampant in the area of 'Apocalypse'.

The original true cyan magic was unleashed.

Then, despite being affected by gravity, its speed was unusual.

If it weren't for the enhanced 'Eye of the Superior', he would have been skewered by his awls a long time ago.

Above all, he was being relaxed even though he could cancel Taehyun's 'Apocalypse' at any time.

He was waiting for Taehyun's will to be broken by showing off his power.

That alone was an arrogance worthy of the highest tier.

'It's hard to get information this way.'

Information is exchanged in an equal situation.

In a situation where one side is unilaterally looking down like now.

Even Taehyun couldn't provoke him to find out information.

Eventually.

'I have to break that guy's wings.'

At the same time, he would have to hold on tight so that ultra-high-speed regeneration wouldn't manifest.

The moment he thought that.

Ding.

[Skill Beastification (SSS) cooldown has been reset.]

[Skill Beastification (SSS) is available.]

'Bingo.'

The last puzzle to bring him down was completed.

Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang.

While watching the movements of the guy who was stabbing down with awls as if judging from the air.

Taehyun used the skill.

Ding.

[Skill Beastification (SSS) has been activated. Identifying target area.]

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

Rumble. Rumble.

Taehyun's limbs swelled.

Not only his arms and legs, but also his central torso transformed into that of a beast, instantly becoming a massive body over 2 meters tall.

The pressure felt from the filled muscles was comparable to the massive body of Gorper, the Great Demon.

[……!!]

Gorper's expression, which had been teasing Taehyun in the air, changed.

Orgal's authority was enhanced.

Unlike Beelzebub, Igmun, and Hajad's, which he had used before, the enhancement of power was clearly felt.

Moreover, from Taehyun's point of view, the four buffs he was confident in were completed.

'Apocalypse', 'Blood Frenzy', 'Beastification', 'Heart of the Superior'.

Although the order was different, the physical stats increased by as much as all stats 500 due to the synergy effect of the four skills.

'It would have been better if the elements of the source were added.'

It was a blessing that Gorper hadn't canceled 'Apocalypse'.

[That… that's Or….]

Taehyun controlled his magic without answering.

Swish. Swish.

In response to that will, the chains of 'Apocalypse' surrounded Gorper all at once.

The chains that touched Gorper's body melted easily as if they were futile.

The time it took for hundreds of chains to melt was about 1 second.

It was enough time for Taehyun, who had taken a true step, to jump right in front of Gorper.

Shinhan Ancient Martial Arts 5th Form Goryeo.

Taehyun's foot aimed for Gorper's head.

The moment he thought the beast race's leg had touched his head.

Kwaang!!

The sudden cyan magic blocked Taehyun's foot.

It didn't completely negate the shock even though it blocked it.

Clang!!

Gorper's massive body plunged to the ground.

Thud.

Taehyun's massive body fell a beat late.

Two pairs of red eyes met.

Even though they were facing each other on two legs.

"Now we can have a conversation."

Unlike Gorper's twisted mouth.

Taehyun's mouth, who had brought him down, was smiling.

Hehehe.

Gorper let out a frivolous laugh.

A mere human dared to talk to a Great Demon.

If it were before, he would have enjoyed teasing him and enjoying his pleas for mercy before tearing him apart.

But now.

Gorper wasn't feeling bad.

[How did he get Orgal's authority?]

He just wanted to know a little more about this rare worm.

"Let me make a suggestion. We ask each other one question, and answer one question. How about that?"

A human making a suggestion to a Great Demon.

Hehehehehehe.

[Interesting fellow. Ask anything. After all, you're going to be my minion.]

Gorper, who had decided Taehyun's future on his own, said so.

As if there was no need to wait, Taehyun opened his mouth.

There were mountains of things he wanted to ask.

The more it is, the more important it is to break down from the biggest.

"Is this the deepest part?"

[That's right.]

"I didn't hear that Beelzebub had 66 stars."

[That doesn't seem like one question.]

Gorper imitated Taehyun's tone.

"Isn't that the same meaning? If you're going to keep your mouth shut this much, I'll have to do the same."

It meant that Taehyun's answer would change depending on the sincerity of the answer he was seeing now.

Hehehe.

The audacity to threaten the Great Demon.

Gorper lifted his body and opened his mouth.

[In the deepest part, each Grand Duke has their own hidden area. This place is the same.]

'……!!'

He understood it at once.

The area where Asmodeus was in his previous life was exactly the place that fit.

In other words, this place is.

'You can't enter unless you meet special conditions.'

The reason Taehyun was able to enter was through Kasim Zolt's skill.

The reason why he wasn't caught by the information network of the incubus or giant race was understood.

Taehyun nodded.

It meant to ask if there was anything to ask.

[You. Rosaria's contractor. What is your real identity?]

"Rosaria's contractor. If you want to know the name, it's Kim Taehyun."

Taehyun said as if he was doing a favor.

[I'm asking why you're using the power of the Grand Dukes.]

"Because I made a contract."

[What?!!]

Gorper's big eyes were torn horizontally.

He was thinking that Taehyun was lying.

"Ask that next time. I'll give you plenty of proof."

[…….]

"Is there another Great Demon like you?"

Gorper pondered for a moment at Taehyun's question.

He showed his fingers wide open.

It meant there were five more.

Before Taehyun could say anything.

[Prove it. That you accepted the power of the Grand Dukes.]

"Proof isn't difficult. Before that, I'd like to borrow some magic power."

Taehyun answered playfully.

[What are you up to?]

"Did you think it was easy to maintain the power of the Grand Dukes?"

Gorper made an absurd expression.

"I'll take that as a permission."

Swish. Swish.

The chains touched Gorper's body.

Tzzzzzzzz.

With just that, some of his massive magic was absorbed into Taehyun.

Instantly, more than 300 magic power was filled.

At the same time.

Ding.

[Unique Skill Predation (SSS) cooldown has been reset.]

[Unique Skill Predation (SSS) is available.]

"How can this be so coincidental."

Taehyun said with a face that he hadn't expected.

[If you can't prove it, I'll put a curse on you right now and make you crawl on all fours….]

"Don't worry, Gorper."

[……?]

"There will be no more certain proof than this."

Ding.

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

In the dark.

Riiiiip.

A huge mouth showed its teeth.

Chapter 332

The scary thing about 'Devour' isn't just its ferocious teeth.

'Colorless, odorless.'

Like that expression, it appears without a trace and bites.

Gopher was no different.

Crack.

[……!!]

It was the moment Gopher realized that a huge maw had unfolded behind him.

Crunch!!

Devour's maw swallowed both arms.

Just as Gopher did to Tae-hyun.

It was as if tearing off the body of a lower species was not a big deal.

Crunch. Crunch.

The ferocious maw ravenously chewed on the two arms of the great demon.

"Is it proven now?"

Tae-hyun asked mockingly.

He wanted to target his whole body, but he saw clearly with the 'Eyes of a Higher Being.'

In his current state, he could not devour anything but his two arms.

Even using Devour, this was the best he could do.

'He's an unbelievable monster.'

Tae-hyun thought so without showing it.

Gopher was just as surprised.

[What is this power….]

"……?"

Tae-hyun tilted his head at Gopher's reaction.

Like the other archdukes.

He thought that he would recognize that Tae-hyun was the key to the king when he saw Devour.

Clearly, a moment ago.

He heard him muttering about the king.

The top member of Beelzebub and knowing the king but not knowing the existence of the key?

Something didn't add up.

And what could affect such a creature.

'The law of the Abyss?'

[Why is this power proof that I can use the power of the archdukes?]

"……."

Tae-hyun was speechless.

He never thought that Gopher wouldn't recognize 'Devour.'

The ambush a moment ago was used because he thought he would take away his arms even if he revealed the information that Tae-hyun was the key.

There was no way to prove that he was the key without 'Devour.'

[You were aiming for a surprise attack. I didn't think you were that kind of guy.]

Heh heh heh.

Gopher laughed and regenerated his arms.

[The negotiation is over. Do you have anything else to say?]

"Key."

[……?]

"Don't you know about the key to the king?"

[What is the king and what is the key? What nonsense are you talking about?]

"……!!"

Tae-hyun was surprised without realizing it.

A guy who had been recognizing the king until just now is not recognizing the king for a moment.

'The highest species can't have dementia.'

A plausible possibility is that the 'law of the Abyss' is interfering with his memory.

It didn't matter to Tae-hyun.

'I have no choice but to find out the rest myself.'

Gopher's body was specified everywhere in Tae-hyun's red eyes.

It would be impossible to inflict damage that would not allow ultra-high-speed regeneration, but he could inflict a little shock.

For now, it was enough to just raise the progress rate of the quest.

"Chew it up."

Crack. Crack.

Maws unfolded everywhere.

[The joke is too much.]

Pooh.

Poisonous magic took the form of a maw.

Soon several maws were tangled.

In the meantime, Gopher flapped his wings again and floated in the air.

"Where are you going."

Four auras and chains were focused on him.

At the same time, Tae-hyun's giant body, which stepped on the true awakening, sprang up.

Ding.

[Skill Dark Apostle (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the form.]

Tsuzzzzzz.

A giant scythe was held.

'Demon saliva' dripped onto the black blade.

Chiiiik. Chiiiik.

The scythe, dripping with poisonous magic, was swung at Gopher's wings.

Clang.

Gopher's tail slammed Tae-hyun's scythe.

It was Tae-hyun who was bounced off with the sound of metal.

[It's useless.]

From top to bottom.

Gopher said as he looked down as if he was pushing.

The purple magic was sinking from his body, and the original true blue magic was boiling.

[I'm starting the spell.]

Immediately, an unknown language came out.

'It's not like the language of monsters.'

It felt so creepy just listening that he shouldn't be still.

That's when it happened.

Ding.

[The cooldown of skill Ataraxia (SSS) has been lifted.]

[Skill Ataraxia (SSS) can be used.]

Following Beelzebub, Igmun, Hazard, and Orgal.

It was a message that the seal of the last main skill had been lifted.

'I bought enough time.'

There was no need to stick to close combat anymore.

Ding.

[Skill Apostle of Gate (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the location.]

[Unique skill Devour (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the target.]

[Skill Dark Apostle (SSS) has been activated. Specifies the location.]

Kwaaa.

Crack.

A giant gate was created above Gopher, and the maw of Devour surrounded the area.

Magic drained away in lumps, and a feeling of exhaustion was felt.

Gopher flapped his wings as if he was annoyed and moved his giant body to a place where the two skills could not reach.

At the same time.

Swoosh.

Tae-hyun's scythe, who moved with 'Dark Apostle,' touched Gopher's right wing.

It was incomparably flimsy compared to before.

'It's soft!!'

It was because most of the magic had been drained out while starting the spell.

Koong.

Gopher's feet touched the floor once again.

As soon as Tae-hyun belatedly touched the floor, his fingernails pierced through.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

Should it be called thorns?

Should it be called awls?

Before he could block the relentless onslaught of various sizes even ten times, the scythe was broken.

The moment five thorns were aiming for his limbs.

Crash!!

The maw of 'Devour' ate his fingernails.

In the meantime, he was able to approach him once again.

Korean Ancient Martial Arts Form 1 Taebaek.

The arm of a giant monster was swung towards Gopher's neck.

Bang.

"……!!"

Gopher's tail struck out Tae-hyun's hand.

The strengthened hand was numb because of the intensity that could not be compared to the fingernails.

Chinese Ancient Martial Arts Form 1 Palm Strike.

Kwang!!

Once again, the tail struck out Tae-hyun's fist.

Even so, an unknown language was flowing out of his mouth without a break.

Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang. Bang.

Baekrang and Sansha, which were unfolded in a state where the body was strengthened to the limit, were continuously blazing.

Unlike Tae-hyun, whose whole body was soaked in sweat, Gopher seemed to be dealing with only his tail with his arms crossed.

It was to concentrate on the completion of the spell.

Palm Strike. Inch Strike. Elbow Strike. Spiral Strike. Penetrating Strike.

Taebaek. Mountain Strike. Bagua. Goryeo. Sipjin.

Attacks that would have sent the limbs flying long ago if they were ordinary top species were fired indiscriminately.

Chinese Ancient Martial Arts Form 6 Mythical Strike.

Kwang!!!

Drip.

Gopher was pushed back.

The maw of Devour, which had been preparing behind him, bit off his tail.

No, the moment he was about to bite.

Clang.

Surprisingly, his tail bounced off the maw.

But Tae-hyun already knew that Devour would fail with the 'Eyes of a Higher Being.'

In the meantime of buying time.

Korean Ancient Martial Arts Form 7 Plains.

His tightly clenched fist and straight palm were already touching Gopher's abdomen.

[……!!]

Crash!!!

[Cough…!!]

Gopher stopped the spell for the first time and groaned.

It was because of the fist, which was the principle of Palm Strike, and the palm, which was the principle of Bagua.

It was because the two techniques were overlapping in a state where the body stats were maximized.

In the 'Eyes of a Higher Being,' Gopher's magic was shaking.

He couldn't cause a backflow.

But it was enough to make him stop the spell he was chanting.

Rustle. Rustle.

The 'Chains of Binding' touched Gopher's body.

It was to replenish the insufficient magic.

The chain faithfully played its role even as it melted down.

Puck.

Gopher's tail pierced Tae-hyun's abdomen.

"Cough…."

Gush.

Blood, which he didn't even know what color it was anymore, was vomited out.

Gopher's mouth recited an unknown spell again.

Tae-hyun took a step closer to him.

Thud. Thud.

His tail stuck out from behind.

It was not strange to die right away.

But the ultra-high-speed regeneration of crimson magic made Tae-hyun's movements possible.

It was at the same time that Tae-hyun reached the front of the great demon.

And that Gopher stopped the spell.

[The spell is complete….]

"Don't talk nonsense."

Ding.

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

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

"Look into my eyes."

Hwaaa.

Purple magic wrapped around the two giant bodies.

When he first faced Gopher, he couldn't use a single skill.

But now, Tae-hyun was in a state where he could use all of the main skills he used, except for 'Memorize' and 'Elemental of Origin.'

While regaining the skills one by one.

The momentum of the great demon, which was like a mountain, had weakened compared to before.

It was still an existence stronger than Tae-hyun.

But the fact that he couldn't stand the curiosity and allowed several attacks, and that he used a large amount of magic to complete a more perfect spell, was effective.

That was why 'Ataraxia' worked.

It was an incomplete memory.

He was born as a great demon who stood shoulder to shoulder with Diablo and Beelzebub.

But he couldn't take another step and couldn't rise to the position of archduke.

Similarly, while Diablo disappeared and Beelzebub was sharpening the sword of revenge.

He didn't grow at all.

"Cough."

Tae-hyun opened his eyes while vomiting blood.

It was because he was pierced by Gopher's tail that 'Ataraxia' was canceled in the middle.

'Damn it.'

Unlike the curse, there were gains.

He was able to find out that this place was a part of Beelzebub's hidden territory, and that the demon race to carry out the territory war was being cultivated not far away.

Puck.

Tae-hyun belatedly pulled out Gopher's tail.

[Cough… Kick… Hehehe….]

Gopher, who was also released from the skill, made an eerie laugh.

He wriggled his body.

'Ataraxia' was incomplete, but the mind was not completely destroyed due to the unique magic resistance.

Hehehe.

[That guy… you were the key to the king!!]

Madness was written in Gopher's red eyes as he said that.

While Tae-hyun was groping for his memories.

The incomplete memory briefly returned completely.

Creepy.

[……!!]

A huge momentum was emitted enough to suppress the four auras.

[The key!!]

Gopher shouted, unable to contain his joy.

Like the other archdukes.

Gopher, who had regained his complete memory, showed a reaction that was not much different from his initial thoughts.

"Beelzebub would be happy to hear that."

[No one can stop desire. Even if it's an archduke.]

Gopher revealed his true colors.

The desire that had been suppressed by hunger awakened, and the memory that had been erased by the king returned.

He fully recognized the value of the treasure in front of him.

[I won't tear it apart, and I won't give it to Beelzebub.]

The title referring to Beelzebub changed from lord to plain.

Snap. Snap.

The chain that was wrapped around Gopher's body was cut off.

Just as Tae-hyun was about to strengthen his aura.

[The great demon will become an archduke.]

Gopher said as if declaring and emitted poison.

The magic inside his body began to boil as if the skill had gone berserk.

"……!!"

Tae-hyun's magic was pushed back in an instant.

A message popped up that the skill 'Demon Saliva' was resisting the poison.

His vision flickered due to the poison that he had not been able to block.

Pain followed as if his red eyes were burning.

[The great demon will jump into the territory war.]

There was an irresistible force in the words he spat out as if declaring.

Tae-hyun strengthened his aura while fixing his blurred focus.

Gopher's appearance changed to the forms of the humans he had eaten.

He saw the figures of humans who were suffering from Tae-hyun's skills.

He was mocking him.

"What a bad taste…."

[That's a demon.]

Hehehe.

Gopher's lips curled up.

[Key. The spell is complete.]

'When…!!'

Despite the interference of dozens of skills.

Gopher's giant body approached Tae-hyun.

Ding.

A message popped up that 'Devour' was resisting the ominous magic.

Even so, his magic, which he had not been able to block, was boiling inside his body.

No, the magic that he had allowed when he was attacked by him for the first time was belatedly stirring inside.

[The beginning is weak.]

Puck.

Gopher's fingernails pierced Tae-hyun's two eyes.

[The end is huge.]

Kugugugugu.

The purple magic that was rising from Tae-hyun's body turned true blue.

It was Gopher's own magic, not Beelzebub's.

His ominous voice was heard in his darkened vision.

[The spell has begun.]

[Beelzebub's contractor. Kashim Zolt didn't last long.]

[Rosalia's contractor. The key to the king.]

[What about you.]

Crash.

Gopher's tail was stabbed into Tae-hyun's magic stone.

"Cough…!!"

One, two.

The skills that Tae-hyun had unfolded began to be canceled.

In proportion to that, a message that the progress rate of the quest was rising struck his ears.

[Progress rate: 75… 77… 78… 79%]

'Why….'

Ding.

[You have been taken over by great magic.]

With that message as the last.

Thud.

Tae-hyun's body collapsed.

Chapter 333

Shinhan Kuk, Seoul.

Despite the late hour, the Player Association was in an uproar.

This was because of Bang Chae-soo, who had been found collapsed in the Association's courtyard.

"Is he alright?"

Go Tae-wook asked as he belatedly entered the Association's intensive care unit.

His gaze was fixed on Bang Chae-soo, who was wearing an oxygen mask.

"When he was first brought in, his body was full of poison... but we've managed to extract most of it now. If we had been five minutes later, I couldn't have guaranteed anything."

This meant that they had barely managed to overcome the critical moment.

Go Tae-wook sighed in relief at the healer's words.

Bang Chae-soo was an indispensable resource for the future plans that Shinhan Kuk was drawing up.

'It's a good thing I didn't tell the Association President.'

All information from the Association was reported to him before it reached Ji Jin-hee.

If he had told Ji Jin-hee?

Given his personality, he would have dropped everything he was doing and come here.

Go Tae-wook didn't want to burden him with unnecessary worries, as he was already carrying a lot.

"Who on earth did this? I didn't receive a report that any traces of a demon were found."

Go Tae-wook belatedly asked after confirming Bang Chae-soo's safety.

Bang Chae-soo's laboratory was located inside the Association, and his residence was located inside that laboratory.

If someone wanted to harm him, they would have had to bypass the triple or quadruple security of the players that Shinhan Kuk boasted.

In response to Go Tae-wook's question, the first discoverer, who was standing next to the healer, stepped forward.

It was a player who had been standing guard.

"I haven't been able to make a report because I was flustered..."

A small gate suddenly opened, spitting out a battered Bang Chae-soo before disappearing.

He reported the circumstances he had belatedly witnessed.

The surrounding healers and players flinched at the mention of a gate.

They were reminded of Har Sultan's two previous attacks.

The player's next words were even more astonishing.

"At first, I suspected a gate break... but none of the security equipment or skills were triggered... It's definitely the mana of a player registered with the Association."

A player who possessed gate skills and was registered with the Association.

A figure flashed through Go Tae-wook's mind at those words.

Now that he thought about it, he was the one who had contacted Bang Chae-soo to tell him that Tae-hyun would be visiting.

"Player Kim Tae-hyun?!!"

"There's been no separate contact."

"There's no record of him entering the Association either."

Go Tae-wook swallowed hard.

He had allowed Tae-hyun to use 'stealth' to come and go without being overly observed.

He was also the one who had secretly arranged for the security equipment not to react to Tae-hyun's mana.

That point had now led to a situation where he couldn't grasp any clues.

Go Tae-wook manipulated the earring he was wearing and tried to contact Tae-hyun.

As expected, there was no response.

This meant that he had either deliberately turned off notifications or was in the Abyss.

Tae-hyun always informed Go Tae-wook or Ji Jin-hee of his approximate whereabouts when he was moving.

He wasn't the type to enter the Abyss without saying anything.

'Should I report this to the Association President?'

Now that Tae-hyun's whereabouts were unknown.

The Association also had to make corresponding preparations.

He was thinking that when.

"Everyone, please be quiet."

The healer who had treated Bang Chae-soo said in a firm tone.

His gaze was directed at Bang Chae-soo, who was just opening his eyes.

"Where is this...?"

Bang Chae-soo asked, feeling the gaze looking down at him.

"Elder, are you conscious?"

It was Go Tae-wook who asked that.

"......"

Bang Chae-soo frowned, trying to focus his blurry vision.

He felt dizzy because the poison hadn't completely disappeared yet.

"You still need rest. Please refrain from asking questions."

Despite the healer's words, Go Tae-wook opened his mouth again.

"Is this related to Tae-hyun?"

"......"

Bang Chae-soo nodded with difficulty.

"Director Go Tae-wook. The patient needs rest now."

The healer said firmly once again.

"If you're going to mention the Hippocratic Oath, I know it."

"If so..."

"All disasters happen in unexpected moments."

"......?"

"If we can't prevent the coming disaster because we're keeping the oath, what's the point of the Association?"

"......!!"

He spoke softly, but it meant that now was not the time to consider the patient's stability.

"Everyone, please leave. I think I need to talk to the Elder alone."

Go Tae-wook said emphatically.

"I'll give you... 10 minutes."

"That's enough."

A little later.

Only Go Tae-wook and Bang Chae-soo remained in the intensive care unit.

"Elder. It looks difficult for you to answer, so I'll ask the questions. Just nod or shake your head, that's enough."

Bang Chae-soo nodded.

"Is Tae-hyun in the Abyss?"

Nod.

"Is it in the deep layers?"

Bang Chae-soo shook his head with difficulty.

"Is it in the deepest layer?"

Nod.

"Is it by his own will?"

Shake.

"Is Tae-hyun... in danger?"

Nod.

"......!!"

Go Tae-wook was momentarily surprised.

"The coordinates of the gate. Do you remember them?"

Bang Chae-soo nodded with difficulty.

"That's enough. I'll assemble an exploration team right away. Preparation time is one hour. I'll bring you back then."

Nod.

That was the end.

Go Tae-wook, who had left the intensive care unit, ordered his adjutant.

"Send official requests for support to Onsemiro, Magicians, and Night Walker."

"How much would be enough?"

"Tell them that if only three guild leaders come, it will be enough. They'll understand enough."

"......!!"

The surprised adjutant immediately withdrew.

He realized that the situation was unusual if they were going to mobilize three SS-rank players.

Go Tae-wook, who had silenced the other players, headed straight to Bang Chae-soo's laboratory.

He had equipped the laboratory with the latest recording system when he expanded it, in preparation for times like this.

Tae-hyun's mana was being extracted in chunks by a large gate, and immediately after, a skill was activated and the gate swallowed the two of them whole. The scene was captured completely.

"What on earth is going on this time, Tae-hyun?"

Go Tae-wook said with a sigh.

Because the words that Bang Chae-soo had uttered with difficulty before leaving the intensive care unit had come to mind.

Top species. Skill. Seal. Danger.

With just that, he could easily understand what situation Tae-hyun was in.

It was still difficult for the existence of the top species to be known to the public.

The same was true for the fact that Tae-hyun's skills were related to demons.

"The Association President might follow along as well."

The deepest layer was not yet a place where S-ranks could enter.

Excluding Park Seong-jin, who was in Taiwan, the SS-rank players available were Kwon Gang-hyeok, Kwak Si-yang, Yoo Ah-young, Im Ah-young, and Ji Jin-hee.

The deepest layer, which was like a death zone where the SS-rank players, who could be said to be Shinhan Kuk's greatest power, had to form a party to go to.

Go Tae-wook shook his head.

He had an ominous feeling.

The hidden area of the deepest layer.

Gorper cackled as he folded his wings.

He landed on the castle and threw down the body he was holding carelessly.

It was the human who had been entangled with each other, exploring each other's limbs until just now.

It was the body of Kim Tae-hyun, Rosaria's contractor and the King's Key.

[And now it's mine.]

How long has it been since I felt this sense of fulfillment?

The fire that had been lit in the desire that had been forgotten for a long time was burning brightly.

It was an emotion that couldn't be compared to when Kasim Jort offered humans.

[A Grand Duke.]

Hee hee hee.

Gorper laughed frivolously, not befitting his massive size.

A Great Demon is the highest species among the demon race that can reach the position of Grand Duke.

The only thing that he, who was born a Great Demon, lacked to reach the Grand Duke was one thing.

Authority.

He calls the power he possesses authority, but in reality, that power was far from the authority wielded by the Grand Dukes.

A long time ago.

The reason he lost to Diablo and Beelzebub was also for that reason.

Unlike innate physical strength, authority cannot be easily grown.

Specific conditions were required.

In Gorper's case, the growth requirements were particularly 까다로워.

'Desire' is a type of spell, and it has the property of equivalent exchange.

Instead of reading the desires of the contracted party and strengthening them with his own power.

Gorper could take some of the opponent's power and force one thing they wanted.

Kasim Jort desired the coordinates of the 66th star and the power to summon demons, and Gorper demanded a large number of humans to satisfy his hunger.

Pooh-ook.

Gorper stabbed Tae-hyun's red eyes with his fingernails.

It was to examine his desires.

The deep blue mana that resided in Tae-hyun's body flowed into Gorper.

As with most humans, he felt a variety of desires.

Among them, there was a desire that felt particularly strong.

To awaken and become the best player.

[Is that all it was?]

Hee hee hee.

Pooh-pooh-pooh-pooh.

Gorper poked Tae-hyun's body with his fingernails as if he were playing with a toy.

At that time.

Gorper's face tilted.

It was because he sensed something was wrong.

It didn't take long to figure out the reason.

[I see, this desire is from his past life.]

Hee hee hee.

It was an interesting fact the more he learned.

To think that the key he had obtained was a being who had returned to the power of the King.

The desires of his past life are useless for the immediate contract.

Gorper explored Tae-hyun's desires in this life.

[Hee hee... to end the racial war and meet the King. He has a grand dream.]

To dare for a mere human to desire the end of the racial war following the territorial war.

If he hadn't realized that Tae-hyun was the King's Key, he wouldn't have even laughed.

Because that was a desire that even the Grand Dukes couldn't easily utter.

It was when Gorper's spell was nearing its end, searching through Tae-hyun's memories.

[I can't watch any longer.]

Someone's voice flowed into Gorper's head.

Gorper instinctively released his mana.

Hwa-ah-ahk.

Deep blue mana surrounded him.

There was no perceptible energy.

Gorper's eyes turned downwards.

[......!!]

There was Tae-hyun, who had perfectly regenerated the red eyes he had crushed there.

Hoo-oong.

Gorper quickly moved his body back.

It was because the mana felt in his red eyes was unusual.

[What is it? Who are you?]

Tae-hyun supported himself on the floor and got up.

[Gorper of Desire.]

[......?]

[A bug-like creature has had an unjustifiable greed.]

Gorper tilted his head without panicking at the sudden provocation.

[The spell should have worked perfectly?]

[You're as dull-witted as ever. Or has your head gone strange from the constant restrictions?]

Gorper's expression became puzzled at Tae-hyun's words.

Judging from his current attitude, it was as if he knew him well.

Was that all?

Apart from the mana he felt, his existence was different.

He felt a sense of pressure as if he was standing in front of a Grand Duke.

Crimson mana bloomed from Tae-hyun's body.

The mana of predation swallowed Gorper's body.

It was then.

[......!!]

Forgotten in Gorper's memory.

The ancient existence was brought to mind.

[No way... could it be... why in the body of the Key...]

Tae-hyun's words echoed in Gorper's surprised head.

It was closer to an order than a conversation.

[Indeed...!! So you were using that kind of trick!!]

The King of the Lower Realm.

Gorper burst into laughter, guessing his thoughts.

Undoubtedly, no Grand Duke would know the thoughts of the King of the Lower Realm.

No existence would know the desires of the King of the Lower Realm.

[Only I, Gorper, know.]

Gorper's eyes, full of desire, were torn to shreds.

Towards that Gorper.

[I'll have to make the spell again. Gorper.]

Tae-hyun, who had already completely healed his body, said with a smirk.

His massive body slowly lowered.

And.

[I will follow the order.]

Koong.

Gorper knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

[True King.]

'How pathetic.'

That was the first thought that came to Taehyun's mind as he regained consciousness.

To be precise, it would be more accurate to say he regained awareness rather than consciousness.

Because this place was closer to an inner world than the outside world.

By now, Taehyun's real body would be consumed by Gorper's magic.

No.

'The Doppelganger might already have taken over.'

That guy was just waiting for the moment Taehyun lost ownership of his body.

Now was the perfect time to reveal himself.

'This is hopeless.'

He couldn't help but grumble.

The stronger Taehyun became, the stronger the Doppelganger also became.

The problem was that the magnitude of strength was different.

If Taehyun grew stronger.

It would be more appropriate to say that the Doppelganger was regaining his original power.

And that power was estimated to be at least at the Archduke level.

He hadn't even solved the Gorper problem, and now he had to worry about a battle with the Doppelganger.

It was only natural that he felt regretful.

The Great Demon, who seemed out of his mind belatedly.

Gorper's face came to mind.

He hadn't let his guard down just because Gorper wasn't an Archduke.

At first, he couldn't use his skills, so he couldn't go all out.

But in the end, Taehyun had regained all of his main skills.

And yet, he was here in this state.

Beelzebub's authority, Poison.

He had somehow endured the Archduke's authority.

'But to be defeated by the authority of a Great Demon who is considered one step below.'

What would Rozaria say if she saw this?

'She'd nag me, no doubt.'

He chuckled at the easily imaginable future.

[You know it well.]

'……!!'

Taehyun turned his head at the sudden voice.

There was the Queen of Nightmares, hiding her tentacles.

'Rozaria, how did you get here...?'

[Hehehe. Did you really think that I wouldn't have taken any measures on that body?]

'…….'

He understood the meaning immediately.

Just as she had done with Yoo Ah-young.

She must have planted her magic somewhere in Taehyun's inner world.

'I've been had.'

As he thought so, a chuckle escaped his lips.

Not only he had been tricked, but so had the Doppelganger.

There was no way that guy could have taken measures that even he hadn't noticed.

Should he be happy that she was thorough?

Or should he feel sad that she didn't even trust her contractor?

[Wouldn't it be both?]

Rozaria, who had read Taehyun's thoughts, smiled and said.

'Thank you.'

[Didn't I tell you? That if you act so recklessly, there will come a day when you'll get into big trouble.]

'…….'

When Taehyun couldn't say anything, Rozaria's scolding continued.

Why did you suddenly seal your magic?

A human body has clear limitations.

The way you use my power has become very clumsy.

Every word she said pricked his heart.

He would have argued if it were any other time.

But this time, Taehyun listened carefully to all her words.

Because everything she said was true.

[Tsk, tsk. It breaks my heart to see you so dejected.]

'What's my situation now?'

He asked belatedly, after the scolding had passed.

[You've met a nasty one.]

As if she had been watching the situation here all along.

Rozaria mentioned Gorper right away.

[Gorper of Desire. A being who was once called a Great Demon like Beelzebub. I heard he went under Beelzebub, but I never expected him to be in a place like this.]

'You seem to know him well.'

[Of course, I do. I was once defeated by him in the past.]

'……!!'

[Don't be so surprised. It was before I ascended to the position of Archduke. Of course, it's also true that our compatibility isn't good.]

'More than I thought. He was quite a formidable one.'

Only then did he understand the composure Gorper had shown.

It wasn't just arrogance.

Gorper.

'Didn't use his full strength.'

This also meant that Taehyun's defeat wasn't due to carelessness or coincidence.

[Yes. Be thankful that he's not in his right mind. If he had truly intended to kill you, you wouldn't have even faced this moment.]

Unlike the Archdukes who knew that Taehyun was the key and tried to capture him at all costs.

Gorper wasn't in his right mind and could do something unexpected.

[So, it can be more dangerous.]

There was something he didn't understand in her words.

'What do you mean by not in his right mind?'

[Didn't you feel it as the contractor?]

Rozaria mentioned the conversation between Taehyun and Gorper.

It wasn't just that his memories weren't intact.

The 'Law of the Abyss' was working excessively, causing a problem somewhere in his existence.

He was like a bomb that could explode at any moment.

'So, what does he want from me?'

[He seems to be trying to use you to become an Archduke.]

Rozaria explained about Gorper's authority.

It encourages the target's desires and enhances the power that corresponds to those desires.

[I also gain a certain amount of power to fulfill my desires. We call it ritualistic authority.]

'That means...'

[He would have tried to use the magic of the Archdukes dwelling in your body. He has already inherited Beelzebub's authority, so he would have been thinking of making the power of other Archdukes his own. If he did, it wouldn't be impossible for him to grow to the Archduke level. At least, theoretically.]

'That's a terrifying ability.'

[Yes. It seemed like he entrusted himself to Beelzebub, who could bring the greatest power, but now it seems like he betrayed him. I guess you could call it a demon-like way of survival.]

There is a clear difference between becoming an Archduke and using the power of an Archduke.

Gorper, who failed to become an Archduke, became a vassal of an Archduke as a second-best option and inherited his power.

[Why wouldn't he be greedy? When there's such a great prey like you right in front of him.]

'…….'

Only then did Taehyun realize what kind of situation he was in.

Moreover, according to Rozaria, it seemed that it would take time for Gorper's ritual to fully take hold.

'He said it would be quite painful.'

Before losing consciousness.

He recalled the words Gorper had said mockingly.

[I don't want to see you in pain. If you want, I can create such an environment right now?]

In short, Rozaria was blocking Gorper's ritual.

[But it seems like it's only a matter of time.]

'Gorper's ritual must be stronger than I thought.'

The mental presence of Rozaria dwelling in Taehyun's body has limited magic that she can use compared to her main body.

[There's that too. But a bad guy has awakened.]

'...The Doppelganger.'

Taehyun's eyes sank deeply.

[Yes. I thought he was quiet, but he's revealing his true colors. He's cooperating with Gorper.]

'That crazy bastard...'

He couldn't even get rid of Gorper, but he's cooperating with him.

What the hell is in that head of his?

Rozaria, who read Taehyun's thoughts, answered for him.

[He must think that the vessel has been made enough.]

'He joined hands with Gorper?'

[He seems to have promised to make Gorper an Archduke with his magic. You might feel unfair, but it's a deal that's not bad for either of them.]

That's not wrong.

From Gorper's perspective, he can grow into an Archduke by forming a ritual with a being much stronger than Taehyun.

And the Doppelganger can gain a useful force, so it wouldn't be bad.

[I don't want you to be defeated. I'll buy you as much time as I can, so recover your body.]

'After that?'

[We have to get the body back.]

'You're talking about a difficult task too easily.'

[You're uncharacteristically lacking confidence. I think what you said before was even more absurd?]

Rozaria said mockingly.

'…….'

Taehyun knew that she meant the words he had said after returning from Hazard's domain.

Before returning to Earth.

[I'll give you a piece of advice. Skills no longer mean anything to you.]

'You're making it difficult when you could just say it easily.'

[Don't you know by looking at Gorper? Sometimes knowing too much can be more difficult.]

She drew a line, saying that she would only spoon-feed him up to this point, and he had to figure out the rest himself.

[Ten hours. That's how much time I can buy you.]

'That's enough.'

[What's your plan to catch him?]

Taehyun thought for a moment.

He said a plan that even he thought was absurd.

Rozaria laughed out loud.

[I don't know if it's possible.]

'If it doesn't work, we're all going to die.'

[You're a violent man.]

'I hear that often.'

[Okay. I'll set the stage.]

A pure white space.

A personal space created by Rozaria to avoid the Doppelganger's eyes.

Waiting for the Doppelganger to show an opening there.

Taehyun sat cross-legged.

It was time to focus all his efforts on recovery.

[What do you think?]

Gorper asked, pointing to the thousands of monsters lined up.

They were demon race monsters that Gorper was training under Beelzebub's orders.

There were higher species, and even the highest species were rarely mixed in.

Besides, monsters of at least A-rank according to human standards were emitting fighting spirit.

[Not bad.]

Taehyun replied nonchalantly, enjoying the brown magic rising from the body of the beast race he had regenerated.

[They are enhanced with my authority using Beelzebub's magic. Now they are all your Majesty's.]

Gorper emphasized the usefulness of the newly trained monsters once again to prove his loyalty.

[These guys won't be of much help if a race war breaks out.]

[…….]

[But they'll be useful in a territory war.]

Taehyun said that and snapped his fingers.

At the same time.

Crack.

The suddenly created jaws of predation devoured one of the highest species lined up.

[……!!]

It happened in the blink of an eye.

It was a power that couldn't be compared to what Gorper had faced earlier.

[Finally, I can use a decent amount of power on this side too.]

Taehyun muttered, seemingly satisfied.

The body created by mixing Orgal's beast race and Igmun's vampire race was quite pleasing to him.

Just then.

A higher species monster flew in from afar and prostrated itself.

[Lord Gorper. There is an intruder.]

The higher species monster hesitated to report, glancing at Taehyun.

[Speak.]

[Five humans have appeared at the border of the domain. It seems they came through a gate.]

Gorper and Taehyun showed interest at the word human.

[I will take care of them immediately. I will capture them and offer their bodies to Lord Gorper...]

[No. I'll go myself.]

Gorper interrupted the monster's words.

If they came all the way here, they couldn't be opponents that a higher species could handle.

He couldn't show such a weakness in front of his new master.

[I hope you enjoy the entertainment.]

[It will be a good sight to see.]

Gorper flapped his wings at Taehyun's permission.

It was the moment when the higher species tried to follow him.

[You wait here.]

[……?]

Crack.

[……!!]

Crackle!!

In an instant, the higher species monster was swallowed by the jaws of predation.

[This isn't even a snack.]

Taehyun said that, his gaze turned to the monsters trained by Gorper.

There was about an hour left until Gorper's ritual was completed.

[Annoying.]

He recalled Rozaria, who had created a personal space within his body.

Even though she was diminished, the space she had created by making the most of her authority had a troublesome complexity that even he couldn't easily conquer now.

[What kind of scheme is she plotting this time?]

It didn't matter.

No matter what she did.

[It just needs to be trampled on.]

He grinned.

The Doppelganger who had taken over Taehyun's body let out a laugh.

He was confident that even if Rozaria and Taehyun worked together, he could overcome them.

It was all thanks to the vessel that Taehyun had cultivated.

The Doppelganger unleashed his magic power.

Dark red magic power spread rapidly towards the hidden domain.

And five intruders were detected at the end of the domain.

[Humans.]

The Doppelganger, who had identified who they were, laughed once again.

Chapter 335

Deepest part of the Abyss, a hidden area.

KWAH-AH-AH!

A large gate opened at the boundary between Beelzebub's 66th Star and the deepest area.

Soon, five players appeared.

SS-rank players of Shin-Hanguk, gathered under the leadership of Go Tae-wook.

Ji Jin-hee, Kwon Kang-hyuk, Kwak Si-yang, Yoo Ah-young, and Im Ah-young.

A party hastily formed to save Tae-hyun, it was the full force of Shin-Hanguk, excluding Park Sung-jin, who was in Taiwan for the P20 incident.

Ji Jin-hee, with his experience and seniority, was the appropriate party leader.

"Fucking hell. The air is so damn suffocating."

Kwon Kang-hyuk grumbled, feeling a stabbing sensation in his lungs.

It wasn't his first time entering the deepest part, beyond the inner layers.

But the toxicity felt here was on a completely different level than usual.

It wasn't hard to guess why Bang Chae-soo was in such a state, without even being attacked by monsters.

The other four SS-rank players felt the same suffocation.

"I never imagined I'd come to the deepest part with this party. I'll start scanning right away."

Kwak Si-yang said, unleashing his mana.

Aside from Kwon Kang-hyuk, a tank, and Ji Jin-hee, a close combat fighter.

And Yoo Ah-young and Im Ah-young, balanced in offense and defense, his mana control as a magician was the best in the party.

The position of the head of the Magicians Guild wasn't obtained for nothing.

HWAH-AH-AH!

It took about an hour for his mana to sweep through the deepest part.

A considerable amount of time, but.

In such an uncertain place, scans like this were essential.

Experience varied, but the other four were also professionals.

They refined their mana, raising their senses to prepare for any unforeseen events.

Yoo Ah-young and Im Ah-young spread their mana in different directions to help Kwak Si-yang.

"……!!"

Kwak Si-yang's expression became serious as he scanned the area.

"There are multiple mana reactions not far away…"

"What's so strange about monsters being in the deepest part?"

Kwon Kang-hyuk patted Kwak Si-yang's shoulder like he was a close friend.

Don't be scared.

I'll protect you.

That was the nuance.

"At least upper-tier beings," Im Ah-young added, having detected the mana a beat later.

"There are quite a few top-tier ones too," Yoo Ah-young added another line.

Silence fell upon the area at the mention of top-tier beings.

They hadn't encountered them directly, but.

Tae-hyun had told them before.

That the six SS-rank players of Shin-Hanguk would have to risk their lives to barely survive against one top-tier being.

So, if they encountered those top-tier beings, they should run.

Ji Jin-hee broke the silence.

"What about Tae-hyun's mana?"

"Faint but... it's felt inside."

Ji Jin-hee and everyone else breathed a sigh of relief.

Having confirmed he was alive, they avoided the worst-case scenario.

"Was my brother captured?"

Kwon Kang-hyuk belatedly muttered in disbelief.

"Looks like it."

"Kim Tae-hyun…"

"He's always like this."

Kwak Si-yang, Im Ah-young, and Yoo Ah-young replied in turn.

They knew that even if all five of them ganged up, they couldn't subdue Tae-hyun.

If the goal was to hunt the monster that created the current situation, it would be impossible, but.

The purpose of this mission was to safely return Tae-hyun to Shin-Hanguk.

With the current party composition, it was definitely possible.

"Well, I expected it wouldn't be easy."

But he didn't expect it to be a place teeming with so many monsters.

Unless Tae-hyun was crazy and walked into the death zone himself, it was right to assume he was captured.

"How many top-tier beings are there?"

Kwak Si-yang's face furrowed as he focused on the mana detection.

"Five... six... eight... ten... beings."

"……!!"

"……."

"Hmm…"

"Shit."

"Looks like we need a plan."

At Kwak Si-yang's words, everyone except Yoo Ah-young took a deep breath.

If they made a mistake, the full force of Shin-Hanguk's best party could be annihilated.

"Tch. I should have brought more guild members."

"If you had, the damage would have been greater."

Kwak Si-yang responded to Kwon Kang-hyuk's words.

"Guild Leader Kwak is right. It's better not to bring anyone unless they're at least Player Park Sung-jin's level."

Just then.

"……!!"

"……!!"

KWA-WOO-WOO!

TSUZUZUZU.

Kwak Si-yang acted first, with Im Ah-young a beat later, using their skills.

A condensed mana spike flew, followed by an ice spear.

SWAE-AEK.

POOK.

KOONG.

KOONG.

Two monsters hit by the skills fell with a slight time difference.

"Shit, what is this?"

"Boundary monsters," Yoo Ah-young said, severing the heads of the two monsters.

She had also sensed them.

"Damn it. I missed one."

"Judging by the speed, it was S+ rank. It'll be here soon."

Ji Jin-hee said calmly at Kwak Si-yang's frowning report.

Although he was a strengthening-type player specializing in ancient martial arts.

His body abilities, having surpassed the limits, also enhanced his eyesight.

Compared to Kwon Kang-hyuk, whose mana sensitivity was low and strength and stamina were abnormally high, Ji Jin-hee's physical stats were well-balanced.

In other words, Kwon Kang-hyuk was the only one among the five present who hadn't noticed the boundary monster earlier.

"Hmph. We came here to wipe them out anyway, right?"

Kwon Kang-hyuk scoffed, grumbling.

He was embarrassed.

At that moment, Kwak Si-yang raised his voice again.

"Something huge is coming this way!!"

"It's fast!!"

"Prepare!!"

Im Ah-young and Yoo Ah-young shouted, raising their mana.

"What's with all the fuss!!"

Kwon Kang-hyuk also shouted, using his skill.

His body transformed into the form of a Great Fenrir, greatly increasing his physical abilities.

In his current state, he was confident he could withstand five or six attacks from a top-tier being.

"I'll hold it off, so in that gap…"

Before Kwon Kang-hyuk could finish his sentence.

KOONG.

Something huge fell in front of the five players.

It was Gorperl.

"Shit…"

Kwon Kang-hyuk spat out a curse at the unbelievable mana.

Even for him, whose mana sensing was poor, he could feel an immense presence.

It wasn't like the SS-rank monsters he had experienced.

"Danger…"

Before Kwak Si-yang could shout.

KWAANG!!

Gorperl's claws, like awls, aimed for Kwon Kang-hyuk's giant form.

His confidence that he could withstand five or six attacks from a top-tier being was overshadowed.

His giant form was sent flying pathetically.

[The King will be pleased.]

At the great demon's voice, like scratching metal.

"……!!"

"……!!"

"……!!"

"……."

Only Yoo Ah-young gritted her teeth.

KWANG. KWANG. KWANG. KWANG.

A roar echoed wherever Gorperl's claws reached.

Kwon Kang-hyuk was struggling to block them.

His body, having already blocked numerous attacks, was battered.

Just as Gorperl's claws, which had been tapping playfully, were about to target Kwon Kang-hyuk's head.

CHWAJAZAJAK.

Im Ah-young's "Ice Age" froze Gorperl's body.

In that gap, Ji Jin-hee and Im Ah-young, approaching from both sides, threw their fists.

PUH-UCK.

A sound like splitting firewood with an ax, and.

KWADEUK.

A sound like bones twisting.

It was due to the Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts First Form, Taebaek.

And the attack wrapped in 'Amazoness' Ferocity'.

Gorperl belatedly broke out of the ice and was about to swing his arm when.

KWADEUDEUDEUD.

A mana spike, compressed to the limit, struck Gorperl's chest.

The mana spike, nearly a meter long, couldn't pierce the great demon's strong body, but.

DEUDEUDEUDEUD.

Rotating, it sent his giant body flying two meters.

Ji Jin-hee, Yoo Ah-young, and Im Ah-young chased after Gorperl from three directions.

Ji Jin-hee's fist, preparing the Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts Second Form, San Kyung, was engulfed in mana, Yoo Ah-young used Ferocity to detonate Gorperl's wounds, and Im Ah-young, leaping up, planned to pierce Gorperl's head with the ice spear in her hand.

PUH-UNG!!

KWAANG!!

POOK!!

However, only Yoo Ah-young's attack hit.

Gorperl had spread its wings for a moment and flew into the air.

Ji Jin-hee's fist and Im Ah-young's spear only struck the unfortunate ground.

[Interesting fellows.]

Gorperl said, chuckling.

Not as good as Kasim Zolt, but.

Not bad, one by one.

If it were him before meeting Tae-hyun.

[I would have captured them all and made them my toys.]

But now it was difficult.

It was difficult to say he was in a normal state because he had used his authority in succession.

Not only that.

He was still using a considerable amount of mana for his new master.

If he overcame all of this and the spell was completed, he would finally be worthy of being called a Grand Duke.

Therefore, he couldn't waste his strength unnecessarily on such insects.

He shouldn't miss the big picture by coveting small things.

[So, I have no choice but to tear them apart moderately here.]

KILKILKIL.

Gorperl laughed and lowered his mana level.

The mana he could use was about a quarter of what he used against Tae-hyun.

Even so, he still had the power to tear apart any ordinary top-tier being.

"You bastard!! Can't you come down?!"

Kwon Kang-hyuk shouted, looking at Gorperl, who was moving his body all by himself.

"A monster wouldn't understand human words."

Kwak Si-yang said, creating dozens of spikes above Gorperl.

To induce a ground battle.

Im Ah-young created ice barriers to prevent Gorperl from escaping.

"Humans wouldn't understand monster words either."

Green mana soared from Yoo Ah-young's body for a moment.

Gorperl's wing was torn off.

Ferocity had struck.

Gorperl, seemingly enjoying it, endured the three people's skills and reached out its hand.

SSOOK.

Three claws targeted Kwak Si-yang, Im Ah-young, and Yoo Ah-young.

He planned to take out those who could attack from a distance first.

"Where do you think you're going."

"You bastard."

JJEO-EONG.

KWANG. KWANG.

Ji Jin-hee and Kwon Kang-hyuk quickly knocked away Gorperl's claws.

In that gap, the other three strengthened their skills.

Gorperl chuckled and folded its wings.

The torn wings regenerated quickly.

It was somewhat slow compared to super-fast regeneration since he had lowered his mana.

[It's just a shame about the situation.]

If this continued, the humans would run out of mana first, but.

He couldn't make his master wait to enjoy the current battle.

[If the King wasn't watching, I would have savored them one by one.]

Gorperl said regretfully, knocking away Kwon Kang-hyuk, who was rushing at him first.

As Kwak Si-yang, Im Ah-young, and Yoo Ah-young's skills focused.

Ji Jin-hee prepared his secret technique.

Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts Seventh Form, Pyeongwon.

Ji Jin-hee's tightly clenched fist and straightened palm touched Gorperl's abdomen.

JJEO-EO-EONG!!

[……!!]

The fist, the principle of Gyung, and the palm, the principle of Palgwae.

The two techniques, which he had experienced before, overlapped, shaking Gorperl's giant body.

Only then could he realize.

That all of them.

[Are insects related to Kim Tae-hyun.]

Only Yoo Ah-young understood those words.

"That guy. What happened to him?"

The four people tilted their heads at Yoo Ah-young's sudden address to the monster.

[Hehe. What if he's dead?]

"That can't be."

[A fascinating fellow.]

Gorperl's red eyes scanned Yoo Ah-young's body.

[I can feel Rozaria's mana from you too. What is your relationship with Kim Tae-hyun?]

Gorperl asked in a whisper.

"You're a hard of hearing fellow."

"What is that guy saying?"

At Ji Jin-hee's question, Ah-young shrugged her shoulders.

"He said Tae-hyun died."

"……!!"

"……."

"……."

"That son of a bitch. What kind of bullshit is that!!"

"Certainly."

Mana soared from Yoo Ah-young's body.

She had overdriven her skill.

"It's been a while since I agreed with Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk. Buy me some time. Let me concentrate."

The four blocked her path.

They knew she was trying to use the power that had driven back Kasim Zolt.

After a while.

TSUZUZUZU.

Purple mana bloomed from Yoo Ah-young's body.

336화

The Deepest Part

The deepest part of the hidden realm.

Beelzebub's 66th Fortress, located there, was on a different scale from ordinary fortresses.

Because.

It was where Beelzebub had been raising troops to win the territorial war, perfectly organize the archdukes' ranks later, and gain the justification to challenge the Underworld King.

It becomes difficult to completely block magic as you head outside the fortress.

Even aside from that, it was a place capable of raising nearly tens of thousands of monsters.

Monsters, like humans, reproduce, but

The process varies greatly depending on the species.

Some species are genderless, some are hermaphroditic, and some live lives similar to humans.

The Demon race, like the Beast race, encompasses a variety of species and includes all of these forms.

Even at this moment, baby monsters were being born through same-sex mating, some higher species were born fully formed from the beginning, and some monsters close to the highest species were being created.

All of them would later be strengthened by Gorpehr and his authority and become Beelzebub's loyal dogs.

Until Taehyun visited this place.

Before Gorpehr, nested in the mental world, honored the doppelganger as its new master, that was definitely the case.

A huge hall where Gorpehr's throne was located and meals were served.

Taehyun, sitting on the throne made of dragon bones, watched over the entire hidden realm as if overseeing it.

The manifested crimson eyes enhanced his eyesight to the point where he could see even the far ends of the realm.

The huge form of Gorpehr, who had come in person, was seen landing on the ground.

Unbelievable sense of touch and magic detection.

Its appearance was not much different from that in the mental world.

[It has begun.]

The one occupying Taehyun's body.

The one called a doppelganger smirked as he said that.

Gorpehr had arrived in front of the humans who had crossed the gate and started searching, and the battle had begun immediately.

The humans were Taehyun's companions.

Kim Taehyun.

No, he, who was called a doppelganger, had seen them quite a bit as well.

They were some of the top strongmen in their world, and they were organized to find Taehyun, who was his vessel.

Like professionals of battle.

Their movements against the Great Demon were extraordinary.

They had grown excellently compared to when he first saw them.

But with that level.

[They cannot be a match for a Great Demon.]

He watched the battle again.

Gorpehr is using most of his magic to form a pact with him.

He is not able to use the power worthy of being called a Great Demon.

Even so, there was a gap between the humans that was like David and Goliath.

If he could use the power he had when he fought Taehyun?

They would have been pierced by those poisonous claws and died before they could do anything.

[That's what it means to be weak.]

The doppelganger flicked his long fingers.

A scream seemed to be heard from somewhere in the fortress, and the magic within his body deepened.

With just the action a moment ago, the magic of predation spread throughout the fortress had devoured five high-ranking species.

High-ranking species.

They are not even enough to be called a meal for him now, but

At least they were enough to enjoy the regained power.

[How much have I wished for a situation like this.]

The doppelganger smiled and flicked his fingers once more.

Swish. Swish.

Along with the sound of dragging chains, something being pulled urgently was detected.

Soon, with a choking sound, the door to the hall opened.

A highest-ranking monster, one of Gorpehr's confidants, appeared.

Although it was a highest-ranking species.

It was still far lower than a Great Demon.

At most, it would be about the level of the Beast race's Kentamion, whom Taehyun fought for the first time.

The one with bat-like wings looked surprised to see Taehyun sitting in Gorpehr's place.

Because Gorpehr, the lord of the fortress, was not visible, and a human, reassembled from another race, was sitting on the throne.

While holding onto his leash.

Highest-ranking demon.

Goma roared and tried to rush at Taehyun.

But before it could spread its wings, Goma's body was thrown to the floor by the tightening chains.

Taehyun burst into laughter at the sight.

Magic scattered from Goma's body.

As expected of a member of the Great Demon, it had already been granted a part of the authority of desire.

And.

[I chose well.]

The reason Taehyun chose him among the many monsters was for that reason.

Satisfied with his own magic detection ability, Taehyun released the chains.

Swish.

The chains that had been controlling Goma's body disappeared without a trace.

Goma, spewing streams of magic, glared at Taehyun and emitted fighting spirit.

[Who are you.]

[The new master of the fortress.]

[……!!]

Goma's body faltered at the unexpected words.

Taehyun smirked at the sight.

It was only natural for Goma to think that Taehyun was mocking him.

The highest-ranking species produced by Gorpehr.

Goma's wings fluttered.

That alone was enough to reach Taehyun's face.

Just as its sharp claws were about to be swung at Taehyun's neck.

Thud.

There was something piercing Goma's back even faster.

It was a blood sword as red as blood.

[Kuh… cough….]

Goma's sharp claws scratched the floor.

To pull out the blood sword that had pierced through its back and stomach and was stuck in the floor.

[It's pathetic to be weak.]

Taehyun spoke as if looking at a pitiful creature.

His appearance was no different from that of an archduke looking at others.

While Taehyun was lost in such sentiments.

Goma's wings fluttered.

It would be painful, but it was thinking of pulling its body up and out of the blood sword.

[Where do you think you're going.]

Taehyun chuckled and pointed his finger at Goma's wings.

Puff puff puff.

Three blood swords pierced both wings, as well as Goma's neck, and slammed it back down onto the floor.

Thick blood soaked the floor.

[Cough….]

Goma twisted its body, but it seemed impossible to escape.

It was surprising that it had pierced its hard skin, but ultra-high-speed regeneration was not manifesting either.

That meant that the opponent's magic was far higher than his own, and that something that interfered with regeneration was imbued in the magic.

Belatedly, Goma's expression hardened.

He had thought of him as simply an intruder while Gorpehr was away, but when he realized that he was not his opponent, his thoughts changed.

He's not a highest-ranking species.

At least the level of a Great Demon like Gorpehr.

Or else.

[Archduke….]

With the exception of the higher species that bring in prey, going outside the realm is strictly restricted.

Therefore, Goma, who was born and raised here, had no idea about the outside world.

He looked at the blood sword that had pierced his body.

It was similar to that of Igmun, called the Vampire Lord.

It can't be.

It was impossible for an archduke other than Beelzebub to visit this place.

[Who… are… you… why….]

[Can't you grasp the situation?]

With those words, Taehyun flicked his fingers once more.

Tzzzzzzzz.

Before Goma could ask anything, magic was being sucked out.

It was a technique Taehyun called 'Energy Drain'.

It was mimicking Igmun's authority, 'Absorption'.

Sluuuurp. Sluuuurp.

Goma's body, which had been deprived of its magic in an instant, withered like a mummy.

Soon.

Crumble.

The body of the highest-ranking monster, which had not left behind even a little magic, crumbled.

The absorption was so thorough that even the hard magic stone of the highest-ranking species crumbled.

Taehyun's 'Energy Drain'.

It was at a level that could not be compared to that.

[It's really not bad.]

It was not comparable to its original power.

Even so, there was no major problem in moving around.

Rather, from now on, he had to capture even the famous ones among the highest-ranking species and expand his vessel.

Great Demon Gorpehr.

He was the first stepping stone for that.

The doppelganger, enjoying the magic of the body, suddenly cursed.

Towards the king who had been confining him in the mental world all along, even though he ridiculed the archdukes.

It had taken less than two years for Taehyun to create a vessel like the one he had now.

In the mental world, it was a time so long that it was difficult to express it in words.

Damn king.

Damn guys.

While cursing like that, he observed the current situation.

Even in the short time that he was dealing with Goma, the battle was in full swing.

[Rosaria has created a spare.]

A woman's figure came into Taehyun's eyes.

Yoo Ah-young.

A human woman whom he had fought once before in Jeju Island.

Back then, she was no different from a bug who dared to rush in without knowing her place, but

He was scattering faint purple magic and withstanding Gorpehr's attacks, having somehow obtained Rosaria's power.

If it hadn't been for her, the party would have been wiped out long ago.

Gorpehr was momentarily flustered by the unexpected power.

Soon, when he used the power of the Great Demon, a heavily injured guy appeared among the humans.

[Was it just a needless worry?]

The life of the weak is always miserable.

And there was one human struggling within him.

When the ritual was over, Gorpehr would become an archduke, and his desire to have a body would be realized, and he would seize control of the body even more strongly.

That was the time.

He heard someone's voice in his head.

The original owner of the vessel.

It was Kim Taehyun.

[Shall we start over here as well?]

The doppelganger opened his eyes.

A pure white space came into view.

Personal Space.

Similar to the mental world, but different.

It was a realm that only archduke-level beings could handle.

[So you were hiding in a place like this.]

The doppelganger said, looking at the two beings in front of him.

Taehyun and Rosaria.

"It seems like you knew, didn't you?"

Taehyun, who had fully recovered from the fatigue of his body and mind, said that.

[Didn't I tell you? It's impossible to completely deceive that guy's sense of touch.]

Rosaria clicked her tongue and replied.

To have such confidence even with an archduke in front of her.

It seemed that the battle would be even fiercer than he had thought.

[Isn't it your last struggle? Is everything ready?]

The doppelganger smirked and asked.

He had already known that he had not been completely devoured by Rosaria's power.

He also knew that they were not hiding in the mental world, but in the personal space that Rosaria had created, looking for an opportunity, fearing that he would find out.

Even so, he had waited.

To completely devour Rosaria and Taehyun.

The fact that he had revealed his identity meant that the stage to defeat him was ready.

[What trick have you prepared this time?]

[Trick? You're the one who robbed me, and you have such bad manners.]

Rosaria criticized the doppelganger, saying that he was shameless.

[Personal Space. Indeed, it's an interesting structure.]

As the doppelganger said that, his magic began to harmonize with the surroundings.

[Contractor! That guy is reading the structure of the space!!]

"What…?"

Taehyun asked back as if he was dumbfounded by the unheard-of behavior.

[Did you think that you would have a chance if you recovered your body?]

Huaaaaa.

The pure white realm was covered with crimson magic.

[Did you think that you could do something if you put only one archduke forward?]

Tzzzzzzzz.

Crimson magic swallowed up purple magic.

Snap.

The doppelganger flicked his fingers.

The personal space formed by Rosaria.

That space began to flicker unstably.

[……!!]

"……!!"

It was instantaneous.

The pure white space.

Like a desert under a red sky.

It had turned into the original mental world.

[Now you know for sure, right? Who has the leadership.]

Smirk.

The corners of the doppelganger's mouth rose.

[I am the master of this world.]

Crack. Crack.

The mouths of predation revealed themselves as if serving their master from all over the place.

A fighting spirit that could not be compared to before was emitted from his body.

[I am also the master of this body.]

Episode 337

"Damn it."

Yoo Ah-young spat out a curse.

Just a moment ago, she was sure they had a chance.

But after that bastard's mana surged, the battle unfolded in an unbelievable way.

'Gorperra…'

A demon who introduced himself as a Great Demon.

Not just a high-ranking species or something like that.

If it were a normal high-ranking species, the five players that Shin-Hanguk boasted of, including herself, who had unlocked some of Rozaria's power, wouldn't be so mercilessly crushed like this.

'Even this guy isn't an Archduke…?'

Yoo Ah-young bit her lip and swung the green sword created from her glove.

Clang!!

The sword shattered just from blocking one of his fingernails.

The unique-grade item specially crafted by the Alchemist wasn't even buying them decent time.

It was fortunate that she could create new blades whenever her mana was sufficient.

If not, the item would have been destroyed long ago, and she would have had to endure that monstrous fingernail with her body.

"……!!"

Yoo Ah-young quickly twisted her body.

The massive form of Kwon Kang-hyuk, struck by two of Gorper's fingernails, came flying toward her.

Thud!!

"Cough…"

Kwon Kang-hyuk, partially demonized, coughed up a mouthful of blood.

It was a sorry sight, considering he had strengthened his skill to show his ultimate technique.

But it was only because it was Kwon Kang-hyuk that he was enduring this venomous attack to this extent.

Not to mention the enhancement-type Ji Jin-hee.

Kwak Si-yang and Im Ah-young.

If the two of them were hit directly.

'They would die instantly.'

It wasn't an exaggeration.

Kwak Si-yang, who had only been grazed by that venomous fingernail, was already in bad shape.

While dealing with the poisoning, Im Ah-young was focusing most of her power on protecting Kwak Si-yang.

There was no way that Ji Jin-hee and herself, without proper support, could fight a Great Demon head-on.

'This isn't good.'

Yoo Ah-young acknowledged the disadvantage of the situation.

She had brought plenty of potions and scrolls.

They weren't as good as the Saintess's super-fast regeneration, but they were made to the highest standard, at least as good as the support of an A-grade healer.

However, even those were only being used to prolong this grueling battle.

And that was only because Kwak Si-yang and Im Ah-young were using their skills and not using their wings.

The moment he floated into the air.

The battle would tilt sharply.

'Even if Park Seong-jin was here, the situation wouldn't improve much.'

They would need at least five more SS-rank players to risk fighting him.

The demon in front of them possessed that level of presence.

'Should I… unleash the power?'

Yoo Ah-young thought of the purple mana sleeping inside her body.

The power of Archduke Rozaria.

Even though she had devoted herself to training every day, she still couldn't control it perfectly.

If she were to fully unleash this power.

There was a high chance of being consumed by madness again.

Even now, she was only mixing it in with her green mana occasionally.

This wasn't a dungeon, but the deepest part of the Abyss.

The risk of using that power here, beyond a rampage, was unimaginable.

Even then.

'I can't be sure if it will turn the tide of the battle.'

She hesitated to attack, thinking that.

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young. I'll support you."

Ji Jin-hee, who had retreated to her side to avoid the venomous fingernail, was looking at her.

"……."

There was a resolute determination in his eyes.

He knew.

That she was hiding something up her sleeve.

As the party leader, he quickly gave orders.

"Guild Leader Kwon Kang-hyuk, create a brief opening. I'll create a secondary opening. At that time, Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young, shove something big in there."

"……."

Easier said than done, it was an attack that required risking their lives.

"I will support you as well."

Im Ah-young, who had been withdrawn to keep watch on the sky and protect Kwak Si-yang, stood up and said.

"……."

There was nowhere to retreat.

If they hesitated any longer, the party would be wiped out.

"This is troublesome. Hold on for 10 seconds."

Saying that, Yoo Ah-young concentrated on the two mana within her body.

First, she wrapped her body in the skill 'Amazoness's Ferocity' to strengthen her body.

She felt her physical abilities rapidly increase as she was enveloped in the power of Ferocity.

In the past, this would have been her ultimate technique, but.

'One more.'

A fragment of the enormous mana sleeping deep within her body.

She brought out the purple mana.

Pazzzzzz.

The Archduke's power, which had been used little by little, was completely mixed with the green mana.

Even though she was wrapped in mana that had grown to SS-rank, her body trembled.

Perhaps the only way she could fully control this power while maintaining her sanity was.

'Only for a very short time.'

In the meantime, 10 seconds had passed quickly.

Kwon Kang-hyuk, who had his arm cut off, screamed and charged, only to have his stomach pierced.

Just as the venomous fingernail was about to take his life.

Clang. Clangclang.

Im Ah-young's mana froze the Great Demon's hand.

Sizzle. Sizzle.

The ice melted in less than a second.

Dozens of ice spears rained down on him from above.

None of them pierced his thick muscles.

Not even a scratch with SS-rank mana.

Ji Jin-hee was just about ready to unleash his ultimate technique in that gap.

Shin-Hanguk Ancient Martial Arts 7th Form.

Unlike before, it seemed he had poured his entire mana into it.

The mana contained in his fist and palm was extraordinary.

Two opposing techniques struck Gorper's back.

Kwaddeudeuk!!!

The Great Demon's muscles stiffened, and his movements stopped.

A wide-open chest was visible.

It was known that demons usually have their magic core in the opposite place of a human's heart.

Tzuzzzzzzz.

The form of a sword was once again materialized on Yoo Ah-young's glove.

Sparks flew from the mana pushed to the limit.

Whether this attack succeeded or failed.

This unique-grade item would never be used again.

Swish.

Lowering her stance, she aimed the sword at the location of Gorper's magic core.

Tzuzzz.

Her body, stepping on Jingwei's steps, shot out at a speed that was incomparable to anything before.

It was like an arrow fired from a powerful bow.

And.

Thwack.

Her sword pierced Gorper's muscles and was deeply embedded in his chest.

There was a feeling of something catching on the end of the sword.

'I'll destroy the magic core with this.'

Tzuzzzzzzz!!

She poured green and purple mana into the sword with all her might.

Bang!!!

With the sound of an explosion, her body was thrown back.

It was the recoil caused by the item breaking from not being able to withstand the excessive mana.

'The magic core?!!'

She checked Gorper's condition.

There was a large hole in his chest.

And there was a magic core that was half-destroyed.

The attack was a success.

The magic core, which was like a heart to the demon, was destroyed, so death would be approaching.

Even if he didn't die, she could be sure that his power would be reduced to half of what it was before.

Sighs of relief came from everywhere.

Everyone was thinking the same thing as her.

"I need to make sure the life force is cut off…"

Yoo Ah-young, who had lost her weapon, was about to shout that.

Kwaddeuk. Kwaddeudeuk.

Gorper's body began to regenerate at an extremely high speed.

"……!!"

"What…"

"Shit…"

"How…"

"……."

The expressions of the five players watching the scene hardened.

Even though the magic core was destroyed, the speed of super-fast regeneration was faster than before.

As if representing the feelings of those players.

Gorper's laughter spread throughout the area.

[Were you surprised that I didn't die?]

She was the only one who understood the demon's language.

Even if the reason why the demon who had his magic core destroyed didn't die was that way.

The other players could understand that he had been playing around until now.

"Crazy… monster…"

Yoo Ah-young, catching her breath, spat out a curse.

[The power from a moment ago. It must be Rozaria's.]

Saying that, Gorper tilted his head.

It was as if he had to solve his curiosity before the caught fish ran away.

[No matter how crude a succubus's power is, isn't it too weak? It's laughable compared to Kim Tae-hyun….]

Gorper, muttering to himself, suddenly lit up his eyes.

[I see. You're a spare.]

Smirk.

The Great Demon's lips curled up.

"……."

Spare.

She knows the meaning of it.

But what she was curious about wasn't that.

"Kim Tae-hyun. Where is he?"

[Didn't I say he was dead?]

It's an obvious lie.

If it were true, there would have been some change in the Archduke's mana within her.

And above all.

"Who in the world would believe a demon's words?"

She taunted the Great Demon, as if venting her anger.

[The game is over.]

Saying that, Gorper's hand pointed to the party.

He waved his hand.

With just that.

Rustle. Rustle.

Thud. Thud.

"……!!"

In the blink of an eye, Kwon Kang-hyuk and Ji Jin-hee's arms were cut off.

She heard the voices of Ji Jin-hee groaning from the side and Kwon Kang-hyuk cursing.

"Evade…"

Before she could finish speaking.

Swoosh.

Eight thorns brushed past Yoo Ah-young's body.

Crack!!

Thwack!!

A chilling sound came from behind.

She saw Kwak Si-yang and Im Ah-young, who had been pierced and lacerated after penetrating the magic barrier and ice curtain.

Kwak Si-yang was coughing up blood after being pierced in the abdomen, and Im Ah-young had managed to twist her body to avoid serious injuries by being pierced in the shoulder and leg.

The size of the wounds varied.

All the players except her were in a state that was as good as incapacitated.

"Crazy!!"

[Don't worry. I plan to take you alive. The Grand Duke will be pleased.]

Gorper scanned Yoo Ah-young's body with a lewd gaze.

She felt like insects were crawling on her body every time his gaze touched her.

She quickly grasped the situation.

Tae-hyun was clearly alive, but the mission to save him had failed.

"Im Ah-young!!"

She called out the name of her half-sister.

Hearing the voice filled with mana, Im Ah-young, who was panting, raised her head.

She was sweating profusely from the invading poison and looked like she was about to faint.

"Take everyone and go!!"

"……!!"

Im Ah-young's eyes trembled.

Why.

Even though such words welled up in her throat, she couldn't utter them.

Because she knew what her sister, Yoo Ah-young, was saying.

What kind of determination she had to have.

Im Ah-young took out a scroll from her pocket and tore it.

A gate scroll that everyone carried, one each.

It was a return scroll that the Alchemist had urgently created with coordinates at the request of the association.

Just like when they appeared.

Kwaaaa.

A large gate opened in front of her.

Stumbling, Im Ah-young gathered Kwak Si-yang, Kwon Kang-hyuk, and Ji Jin-hee in one place.

[There's no way I'd miss the prey I've already caught.]

Im Ah-young's body stiffened at the chilling voice.

Puff puff puff puff.

"……!!"

She turned around at the unfelt pain.

There was Yoo Ah-young, enduring even after being pierced by ten fingernails.

Her half-sister, who was always confident.

Was being toyed with in front of the Great Demon.

"Close the gate and get lost, you're in the way!!"

Yoo Ah-young shouted, spitting out blood.

"...Sorry."

There was no time to hesitate.

Im Ah-young crossed the gate with the three men in critical condition.

The gate that had swallowed the four players quickly disappeared.

With the Great Demon's roar at missing his prey as the last thing she heard.

She lost consciousness.

338화

[It was mine!! How dare you!! You little bug!!]

Gorpher shouted with a voice full of rage.

"Looks good~."

Ah-yeong chuckled and bluffed.

Each time she laughed, a handful of blood poured from her mouth.

It was such a large amount that it made you wonder if she would die from excessive bleeding.

It was the Great Demon who had been treating them like toys all along, but.

[……!!]

This time, the provocation worked.

The thought of losing four high-quality prey had taken away his composure.

Thud. Thud.

The ten embedded claws.

The poisonous magic-filled claws tore apart the inside of her body.

Fwoosh. Fwoosh.

Ah-yeong's arms couldn't withstand the poison and rotted away.

"Cough… Hack…."

It wasn't easy to spit out blood because she was so battered.

Her vision was blurry from the poisoning.

Even so.

"You tried to… cough… eat four people… by yourself?"

She didn't stop mocking him.

Gorpher, whose gluttony was insulted in his excited state, snorted rarely.

The gluttony that had subsided after serving a new king had revived.

Clench.

Gorpher picked up her head.

She seemed to have no strength left to resist.

Ah-yeong's body limply followed.

That appearance was no different from what Tae-hyun had suffered just a few hours ago.

[I've changed my mind. I will eat you myself. I will cut off your limbs, tear you apart, regenerate you, tear you apart again, and use you for an eternity without being able to die.]

It was like a curse.

Since it came from the mouth of a Great Demon, not just an ordinary demon, it would not be a lie.

Even so.

"You… didn't eat… Tae-hyun?"

[…….]

Ah-yeong's lips curled up at Gorpher's inability to answer.

Why is that?

She was facing death in a place she had never been to before, in front of a demon she was meeting for the first time.

Even so.

She could be sure.

If she could deal with this guy, it would help Tae-hyun escape from that place.

No, even if she couldn't kill him, it would be fine.

Simply inflicting a significant shock and weakening him would surely help.

Because Kim Tae-hyun, as she knew him, wouldn't miss such a moment.

Now that she had already sent the other players, the choice was not difficult.

"Ka… Heu… Ha…."

In a situation where she couldn't spit out blood or laugh, she let out an unknown groan.

She released the faint thread of consciousness she had been focused on to control her magic.

Her vision went dark for a moment.

Pazzzzzzzz.

Deep inside her body.

The purple magic that Rosaria had planted.

Tae-hyun had prevented it from being activated recklessly.

The immense power that she had consciously avoided.

She could feel a fragment of that power leaking out.

Tzzzzzzz.

The purple magic covered the original green magic.

At the same time.

Crack. Crack.

The super-fast regeneration of her severed arms began.

It wasn't just the outer appearance that was restored.

The battered internal magic was covered with Rosaria's.

Unlike her fading consciousness, the sensation of her body became clearer with the onrushing pleasure.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Three tentacles writhed behind her back.

[So you finally took it out.]

Drip.

Gorpher drooled as if looking at delicious prey.

Fwoosh.

The poison flowing from his saliva seemed to engulf her body at any moment.

Thud.

Gorpher grabbed and tore off Ah-yeong's regenerated arm.

He put it in his mouth and chewed.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

The magic of the Great Duke, overlaid on human magic.

The taste of chewing was exquisite.

Meanwhile, Ah-yeong's arm regenerated again at super speed.

[Excellent.]

Gorpher expressed satisfaction with the prey that didn't decrease.

He realized that Ah-yeong's body would regenerate no matter how many times he tore it apart.

The regeneration would not stop until her magic ran out.

At that moment.

Ah-yeong's eyes opened.

Unlike the slightly reddish eyes from before.

Clear red eyes were meeting the Great Demon's eyes.

[Naughty girl. It wouldn't be too late to taste you a little more and offer you to the king.]

Kihkihkih.

As if forgetting the anger from before.

Which part would be good this time?

Thinking that, Gorpher scanned Ah-yeong's body.

His gaze stopped at her face with the red eyes glaring up.

Even if super-fast regeneration was possible, the efficiency was different for each individual.

What about the bug in front of him?

[Will it regenerate even if I tear off her head?]

He was worried.

He was afraid that the food might spoil if he carelessly indulged in the delicacy.

As if relieving the Great Demon's worries.

Ah-yeong opened her mouth.

"How about this kind of play?"

[……?]

It was the moment Gorpher was about to express his doubt.

Poopoopook.

Three tentacles were embedded in Gorpher's chest and abdomen.

Tzzzzzzz.

Drip. Drip.

Drip.

Gorpher's blood dripped down the tentacles.

"Tentacles. Do you like them?"

Slurp.

Ah-yeong's red eyes, licking her lips, were filled with madness.

How lovely that appearance was.

Kikkikkik.

Kilkikkikkil.

Gorpher, mindful of his dignity as a Great Demon, couldn't help but shake his body.

His laughter stopped when the three tentacles increased to five.

[I love them!!]

Gorpher shouted with satisfaction.

Tting.

[Unique skill Devour(SSS) has been activated.]

Crack.

Crunch!!

A giant maw devoured the Doppelganger's arm.

It was an attack that started without a sound, but.

The Doppelganger reached out with his remaining hand as if it were no big deal.

Crack.

The same size, the same shape.

It was the same shape that Tae-hyun had created without any difference.

The Doppelganger's Devour devoured Tae-hyun's Devour.

It looked as if two beasts were entangled and tumbling around.

In that gap, Tae-hyun created another Devour maw, and the Doppelganger regenerated his arm and waited as if telling him to try.

Tting.

[Unique skill Devour(SSS) has been enhanced.]

There was no mention of magic consumption being accelerated.

It was the Imaginary World anyway.

From now on, the lack of magic would be filled directly by mental power.

Crack.

The maw that Tae-hyun newly summoned swallowed all of the Doppelganger's.

[Well done, Contractor.]

Rosaria, who had been standing back, waved her hand.

It was as if the empty space was splitting.

Kwaaaa.

A new sub-space was created in the Imaginary World.

The amazing thing happened immediately after.

Hundreds of tentacles poured out from the sub-space.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

It was different from what had been in her body all along.

It was bigger, thicker, and longer.

Formidable power was felt from each bundle of tentacles.

They were some of the things she had hidden in the sub-space to unleash her true power.

Crack. Crack. Crack.

The surging tentacles fell.

[Your tricks have improved.]

The Doppelganger waved his hand.

A new maw appeared in front of him.

Bigger than Tae-hyun's.

He felt a presence that could swallow hundreds of Rosaria's tentacles without any problem.

'When did he get this strong?'

Tae-hyun thought so and used Aura.

He turned his gaze with 'Knight King's Aura' and 'Monarch's Aura'.

Tting.

[Skill Apocalypse(SSS) has been activated.]

He unfolded Tae-hyun's domain in the Imaginary World.

Just like Rosaria had done.

Tae-hyun was also trying to minimize the area that the Doppelganger could affect.

[Is this all you've prepared? Disappointing.]

Hwaaaak.

Suddenly, the Doppelganger's magic spread widely.

The spread magic permeated Apocalypse and Rosaria's sub-space.

It was instantaneous.

The maw that sprang from the magic devoured 'Apocalypse' and 'Sub-space Gate'.

[……!!]

Rosaria seemed to be taken aback by the unexpected attack.

She pulled back the tentacles.

Super-fast regeneration was possible, but since the gate had disappeared, she couldn't receive magic infinitely like before.

'Has he really become an untouchable monster now?'

He was fighting together with Rosaria.

However, he was not gaining an advantage against him.

No, maintaining the balance was all he could do.

'I have to throw a gambit.'

When Tae-hyun was thinking that, the Doppelganger opened his mouth.

[Humans from outside have come to find you.]

"……!!"

Tae-hyun's face hardened at the unexpected words.

He had sent Bang Chae-soo to Earth.

The humans who had found this place in that situation were obviously someone.

Just as the time on Earth and in the Abyss was different.

The time in the Imaginary World was vastly different from the outside.

If he wasted time against the Doppelganger like this.

'Everyone will die.'

His hesitation was not long.

"Rosaria."

Tae-hyun called her name.

[Contractor. Don't forget that our lives are also in danger.]

"I know."

[Then what are you hesitating about?]

One of her tentacles tapped Tae-hyun's head.

It meant to act as he had decided.

Tae-hyun nodded.

The stage he had prepared to catch the Doppelganger.

The hidden card was not Rosaria.

'I was going to use it after taking a little more of his strength….'

The situation had changed.

There was no more time to hesitate.

Tting.

[Summon skill Typhon(SSS) has been activated.]

The operation of the enormous magic caused fatigue and headaches at the same time.

It was not a good feeling, but.

The skill did not fail.

Koo-oong.

A monster larger than any other appeared in the Imaginary World.

[Rozari~a.]

Typhon roared, calling Rosaria's name.

As if to emphasize his masculinity.

Boom. Boom. Boom. Boom.

He even hit his chest with both fists.

"……."

[…….]

Tae-hyun and Rosaria were at a loss for words at the sight.

[Cough… Hmm….]

As if it wasn't the reaction he had expected.

Typhon coughed awkwardly.

Then he looked around.

Tae-hyun and Rosaria.

And the Doppelganger was looking at him with the same gaze.

Immediately grasping the situation, Typhon burst into laughter.

[Kuhahahaha. Contractor. According to the oath of summoning, this body has come.]

"Yeah."

Tae-hyun nodded, acknowledging that the summoning was successful.

He had consumed most of his magic and a considerable amount of mental power to summon Typhon.

If he pushed himself, he would be able to summon Azathoth.

Tae-hyun gently shook his head.

'It's too early for Azathoth yet.'

Even though he had made the oath of summoning.

Before, the Doppelganger and Azathoth had seemed to have made some kind of promise.

What if he summoned him now and he sided with him?

The balance of power that had been barely maintained could get worse.

Besides, even though it was the Imaginary World.

It was not easy to maintain the summoning of two Great Dukes.

[Go quickly. With Typhon, it will be worth trying this time.]

"I won't be long."

Tae-hyun will be back soon.

He promised.

[Where are you going?]

Crack.

[……!!]

[……!!]

"……!!"

The maw of Devour was created right above Tae-hyun.

Crunch!!

Rosaria's bundle of tentacles blocked the onrushing maw.

Crack. Crack.

In return, dozens of tentacles were torn off in an instant.

[No!!]

Typhon shouted and swung his giant fist.

Kwaang!!

The Giant King's fist broke the teeth of the maw that was chewing on the tentacles.

Crack!!

The maw didn't care and began to chew on the Giant King's arm.

[How dare you!! Touch Rosaria's beautiful body!!]

Cold air swirled around Typhon.

Crunch.

The maw froze in an instant.

And with the fist that followed.

Crack!!

The maw of Devour shattered into pieces.

The power of the elements.

He had used the cold among them.

[You!!]

Sparks flew from Typhon's massive body as he roared.

He looked similar to Erebus, who used the power of lightning.

But the power was incomparable.

Kwaang!!

The Doppelganger's body bounced back as if it was an unexpected speed.

[Now is the time, Contractor.]

Poof. Poof. Poof.

Ten of Rosaria's tentacles were embedded in the ground.

The purple magic began to resonate.

"Don't overdo it."

[It's enough for that big lump to worry about this woman. Go.]

Kwaaaaa!!

In the Imaginary World.

Rosaria forcibly created a gate.

Without hesitation.

Tae-hyun jumped into the gate.

Episode 339

I opened my eyes to find myself sitting on a massive throne.

There was no way I could have escaped the deepest floor in that short amount of time.

Clearly, I was still within Gorper's territory.

"That crazy bastard. Did he subdue Gorper in that short time?"

Taehyun muttered in disbelief.

Unlike the Doppelganger, Taehyun couldn't see outside when his body was taken over.

Even so.

If it were the Doppelganger, wouldn't he devour the monsters like he did in the Mental World?

That's what I thought.

But it wasn't.

For some reason, instead of devouring Gorper, he had subdued him.

'There's no way that guy would submit easily.'

He was a Great Demon in name.

He possessed power worthy of being called authority, and he was trying to become an Archduke with that power.

'Was there a deal?'

Taehyun's body was here, and Gorper had gone to capture humans.

Right now, that's all I could think.

The humans who had found this place came to mind.

The Doppelganger didn't tell me who each individual was.

Besides Kasim Zolt, could there be a human with ties to such a monster?

'No.'

More likely, they were players sent by Go Tae-wook, who had received Taehyun's situation through Bang Chae-soo.

If they were sent to the deepest floor, they would be SS-rank, and their names were easy to guess.

'I don't have much time.'

I had to deal with Gorper and return to the Mental World.

Rosaria and Typhon.

They were Taehyun's greatest assets, fighting the Doppelganger.

Normally, I would have been confident in victory.

But why?

Just before leaving the Mental World.

The Doppelganger's composure bothered me.

'He didn't look flustered at all.'

Facing two Archdukes at the same time.

Even in the Mental World.

It was unimaginable.

But the problem was that it seemed like the Doppelganger might have a way to do it.

I hadn't fully escaped yet.

I had to quickly join forces while Rosaria and Typhon held out and finish this.

'First, I'll take care of things outside.'

Taehyun released mana for detection.

Whoosh!!

"……!!"

Surprised by the surging mana, Taehyun belatedly examined his body.

Crazy.

I was in a body that deserved cursing.

Arms and legs mixed with those of Beastkin and Vampires, and Dragonkin scales covered my skin.

Who could call this appearance human?

'It's true that I get stronger as I become more monster-like.'

That must be why mana was boiling inside me.

Taehyun looked at his status window.

"……!!"

His slightly open mouth wouldn't close.

All stats 600.

Even though I couldn't use any buffs.

My stats had increased significantly due to the bodies I had replaced with those of monsters.

'This is the original….'

Compared to the incomplete 'Beastification' used as a skill, the increase in physical stats seemed much greater.

Above all, along with the mana of the Archdukes flowing through my body, a deep azure mana, presumably Gorper's, flowed thickly.

Taehyun's face frowned as he looked at the skill window.

Among the dense skills, the use of 'Devour' and 'Summoning Skills' was marked as unavailable.

Summoning skills were impossible to use even before I lost consciousness, so that was understandable.

"Why can't I use Devour…?"

The Doppelganger might have been up to something.

Everything was full of unknowns.

But now wasn't the time to waste time on this.

Just in time, the search to the distant location was complete.

I could vividly feel the mana of Yoo A-young and what was clearly Gorper's.

And not only that.

I could feel an enormous number of monsters around the castle where Taehyun was standing.

"What the hell is this…."

No, there wasn't time to think long.

"First, I move."

Taehyun hurriedly used a skill.

Ding.

[Skill Apostle of the Gate (SSS) has been activated. Locating the position.]

Kwaaaa.

Using the unstable mana of Yoo A-young, which was shaking even at this moment, as coordinates.

A massive gate opened.

Chijijijijik.

Gorper's body was pushed back by five tentacles.

Kilkilkik.

Gorper chuckled from behind the tentacles.

[Is your strength exhausted?]

He asked, tearing off the tentacles he was holding.

Two tentacles were torn off in an instant.

[I was quite surprised.]

Unlike the frivolous laughter.

Gorper's voice deepened.

It wasn't mockery.

It was genuine.

Not many humans can be recognized by a Great Demon.

At this rate, it would be similar to Kasim Zolt, who hasn't fully digested Belzebub's power.

Of course, you can't compare that guy to ordinary humans, but.

Even putting that aside.

[It was quite an interesting power.]

Rosaria, who possesses the authority of mind control.

Even though she inherited that power, the only power she can use is her physical body, not mind control.

An average high-ranking species would be able to challenge even with this, but.

Gorper was far from such a high-ranking species.

"I want to tear that mouth apart~"

A-young strengthened her mana as if she didn't care about the torn tentacles.

[There's no need to overdo it. Super-speed regeneration isn't working, is it?]

That meant that mana wasn't being supplied properly.

A-young laughed, as if it was none of her business.

That appearance was no different from when she first saw Kasim Zolt.

Madness.

The desires they held were different, but.

The means of expressing those desires were the same.

[I want it.]

Gorper's crimson eyes glistened with desire.

At first, he tried to fill his hunger, later he tried to offer it as a sign of loyalty to the new king, and until just a moment ago, he tried to tear off its limbs and keep it by his side to play with.

But now it was different again.

It was a different feeling from Kim Taehyun, who made him feel a similar change.

This woman, what should I say.

It was like a mix of Kasim Zolt when they first met.

And Kim Taehyun, who made him seethe.

[I'll give you a chance.]

Gorper whispered about his authority, his desire.

If you make a pact, you can get what you want.

You won't regret it.

Unlike Kasim Zolt or Kim Taehyun, who had proposed it earlier.

He was seducing a human for the first time.

"Bullshit~."

A-young said, squinting.

Bang!!

An explosion occurred on Gorper's shoulder.

[…….]

Although the crimson mana inflicted damage that exposed the skin.

The Great Demon's body quickly regenerated at super speed.

[Too bad.]

Pupuput.

Three tentacles were stuck in Gorper's chest, abdomen, and legs.

Pappapapang.

The green mana flowed through the tentacles.

'Amazoness's Aura' caused a chain reaction of explosions.

[It's impossible.]

Pook.

"……!!"

A-young's body was pierced by a fingernail.

A venomous mana flowed through the fingernail.

Unlike A-young, who couldn't inflict meaningful damage.

Chiiiik. Chiiiik.

Purple mana was eating into A-young's insides.

It was Belzebub's power, 'Poison.'

"Cough."

A-young spat out blood once again.

Unlike madness.

Her body no longer had the power to drive out the poison.

The opponent was not good.

Gorper said so.

Seureureuk. Seureuk.

The three tentacles disappeared as they were.

[Don't worry. After the contract with the King is over, I will make a contract with you right away.]

Gorper said definitively.

[You won't need your limbs.]

Pupuput.

It was the moment when he was about to cut her off as he was with his fingernails.

Kwaaaa.

[……?]

A gate opened between Gorper and Yoo A-young.

It was Taehyun who appeared.

[Your Majesty.]

Gorper knelt down and bowed his head.

He thought that the king had come all the way here because he had taken too long.

"King, huh."

Jeobeok. Jeobeok.

Taehyun quietly walked towards Gorper.

[…….]

Gorper belatedly raised his head.

Taehyun was taking a familiar stance there.

New Korea Ancient Martial Arts Seventh Form, Plains.

It was a technique that had already been used several times.

Even so.

Jjeooooeong!!!

[Kak…!!]

Power that was incomparable to before struck Gorper's face.

His crimson eyes burst, and his insides shook.

Taehyun looked down at Gorper, whose limbs were twisted by the impact of the Plains.

He smirked.

Stats that had rapidly increased due to the monsterized body.

Conversely, Gorper's body was weakened beyond comparison for some reason.

"This is doable."

Taehyun continued the next attack.

New Korea Ancient Martial Arts First Form Taebaek. Second Form Sankyung. Fourth Form Palgwae. Fifth Form Goryeo. Sixth Form Sipjin.

Chinese Ancient Martial Arts First Form Balgyeong. Second Form Chonkyung. Third Form Cheokgyeong. Fourth Form Seongyeong. Fifth Form Chimtugyeong. Sixth Form Sinhwagyeong.

Taehyun's body moved ceaselessly with 600 strength and speed.

Kwang!!

Woojik!!

Kkadeuk!!

With Sinhwagyeong as the last, Gorper's body was knocked far away.

Instead of preparing a follow-up attack, Taehyun approached A-young, who was lying down.

He took out a healing potion from her belt and poured it over her body.

Not satisfied with that, he rummaged through his pockets, found two healing scrolls, and used them.

A white light enveloped her.

"As expected… Cough… You were alive…."

A-young gushed out black blood.

Unlike Bang Chae-soo, she had regained her strength with this level of first aid.

"Are you alright?"

Taehyun belatedly asked.

"There's no way I'm…."

Yoo A-young said, taking out a new potion and drinking it herself.

It was a potion with detoxification properties.

She seemed to have regained her sanity from the previous shock.

"Where are the others?"

"I sent them back. I was attacked by that guy."

A-young gestured towards Gorper, who was getting up in the distance.

"Don't worry. Their lives won't be in danger."

"Is that so."

Taehyun looked relieved.

"Are you okay?"

"There isn't much time."

"I'll draw his attention, so…."

"There's no need for that. I'm enough alone."

"That guy isn't an ordinary high-ranking species…."

Suddenly, A-young closed her mouth.

High-ranking species.

Great Demon.

Archduke.

When it came to such things.

She thought that Taehyun knew better than anyone else.

"Concentrate on recovery."

Taehyun got up.

Gorper had already come close to them.

[It doesn't seem like the King has been possessed…. Did you escape by looking for a brief opening?]

"What do you need to know that for."

Ding.

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

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

[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated.]

Kugugugung.

Chwareureuk. Chwareureureuk.

Taehyun poured out skills from the start.

Because time was short, but mana was sufficient.

[…….]

This time, Gorper's expression wasn't good either, as if he was also struggling.

"You seem to have gotten a lot weaker in the meantime. Or have I gotten stronger?"

[Don't be presumptuous. A bug that will only be consumed as the King's vessel….]

Ding.

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

Krrreur!!

The skilled Dragonkin's aura pressured the Great Demon's body.

"You want to become an Archduke?"

[…….]

"Don't use me for such trivial desires."

[……!!]

Ding.

[Skill Beastification (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the mimicking area.]

[Skill Superior Species' Heart (SSS) has been activated.]

[Skill Superior Species' Eye (SSS) has been activated.]

[Skill Devil's Saliva (SSS) has been activated.]

[Skill Blood Rampage (SSS) has been activated.]

I used every skill I could use.

"You won't become an Archduke."

[You!!!]

Ignoring the resisting guy's fighting spirit.

Ding.

[Skill Chains of Restraint (SSS) has been activated.]

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

[Skill Stone Skin (SSS) has been activated.]

As if delivering a judgment.

Taehyun strengthened all skills.

"Die. Demon."

Okay, here's the translation of chapter 340:

Chapter 340

The Deepest Level.

At the boundary of the hidden area, the battle between the human and the Great Demon intensified.

Chinese Ancient Martial Arts, 5th Form: Penetrating Force.

Koo-oong!!

The Great Demon's massive body shuddered from the impact of the enormous fist.

Following up.

Chinese Ancient Martial Arts, 6th Form: Mythical Force.

A highest-tier monster.

No, a body that wouldn't be strange to call a Great Demon's.

Gopher was helplessly flung away by the martial art executed with such a body.

Shwa-ack!!

[That's enough!!]

Gopher spread his wings, stopping his massive form, while Taehyun didn't lessen the intensity of his pressure.

Tring.

[The skill Chain of Restraint (SSS) has been enhanced. Targeting the subject.]

Chwa-ruru. Chwa-rururuk.

Hundreds of magical chains, created in an instant, crashed down from all directions.

Gopher swung his poison-tainted claws, elongated to great lengths.

Scratch!!

The magic that made up the chains was shredded in a single strike.

He'd canceled the skill itself.

Tring.

[The skill Energy Drain (SSS) has been enhanced. Targeting the subject.]

Following the disappearing chains, hundreds of tentacles continued their attack.

It was the moment Gopher was about to swing his claws once more.

Tring.

[The skill Dragon's Wrath (SSS) has been enhanced. Targeting the subject.]

Krrr!!

[……!!]

Gopher's body froze for a brief moment under the immense aura.

In that brief gap, he allowed three tentacles.

Poo-pook. Poo-ook.

Tsszzzzz.

The tentacles began to suck Gopher's magic dry.

Sucking magic in between attacks, replenishing the magic needed to use skills.

Once again, he severed the three tentacles, canceling the skill.

In the meantime, Taehyun's figure, using 'Stealth,' had disappeared.

Ancient martial arts used with a monster-ified body and a barrage of enhanced skills.

And targeting the Great Demon's body with attacks that inflict fatal wounds, hiding the body.

Obvious.

That's why it was an even more difficult tactic to execute.

He was nibbling away at the Great Demon without using 'Predation.'

"No... way."

Yoo Ah-young, who was watching the battle from afar, murmured in disbelief.

Kim Taehyun and Gopher.

She knew because she'd intertwined with both of them.

Taehyun, who was being discussed as the best in the world.

If Gopher decided to use his power seriously, even Taehyun would have a hard time staying safe.

Regenerating even when magic stones were broken, controlling poison that couldn't be compared to Kasim Zolt, and weakening vigor just by facing him.

'A living disaster itself.'

Taehyun had overcome unbelievable situations until now.

But unless he brought out that monster she saw in Jeju Island, she thought it was impossible this time.

She was planning to help, watching for an opening as her body recovered.

She was thinking of creating an opening by exploding purple magic once more and tearing a gate scroll to escape with Taehyun.

However.

'He's overwhelming him.'

Gopher's poisonous claws couldn't keep up with Taehyun's movements, and the poison he spewed out, for some reason, failed to inflict fatal wounds.

Was that all?

The ancient martial arts of Shinhan were clearly the same movements as Ji Jinhee's.

But there was a clear difference in that they were damaging the Great Demon's bones and muscles.

'Just how much has he grown? No, did he hide this power from the start….'

Ricky Hollis, now deceased.

That day, when she formed a joint front with her to stand against Taehyun.

She felt fear for the first time against a monster.

She faced a wall that she felt she couldn't overcome no matter what she did.

Afterward, she thought she had gained some of the Archduke's power and approached the realm Taehyun had stepped into by a step.

It was a delusion.

The player she was trying to chase was growing and growing.

He obtained a body and power of a realm that could no longer be considered 'human.'

'Damn it.'

Ah-young cursed and clenched her fist.

The reality that she couldn't be of any help, the reality that she had come to help but was receiving help, made her hate herself.

But at this moment.

The one who couldn't accept the situation more than anyone else was Gopher himself.

[Fall back!! You are not a body that should be moved by a bug like you!!]

Gopher roared once more.

The voice was mixed with the magic of a huge being.

The Great Demon who was once on the shortlist for Archduke.

For him, who still flaunted his power among them, to be driven to this extent.

Gopher quickly detected the magic.

It was a skill he'd already broken through several times, but the cooldown release was getting shorter and shorter.

[Don't hide!!]

It was different from when he showed composure a little while ago.

He knew the reason for this.

Gopher's Authority, 'Desire.'

Unlike the completed Authority of the Archduke.

The Great Demon's Authority is not absolute enough to be used recklessly.

He used such power twice in just one day today.

As a result, he had consumed a considerable amount of his being, and even now, he was using most of his magic to form a spell.

Compared to before meeting Taehyun once.

Compared to before meeting the doppelganger once.

Gopher's power had fallen to what could be called a steep decline.

But Taehyun's situation was the opposite.

As much as Gopher was declining.

A body that was incomparable to before was created.

Transcend the species of the weakened Great Demon and approach the body that could be said to be the Great Demon's original.

If there was a reason why he had no choice but to be pushed back, he could give several more.

Even so, the reason he was so angry was.

Because of the pride of being born and raised as a Great Demon.

He had never even imagined being trampled on by a human he thought was a bug in any situation.

Even now, teal magic was flowing through Taehyun's body to complete the spell, and if he wanted, he could convert that power into an attack at any time.

But he couldn't.

If he did, the spell would not be completed.

There was not much time left until the spell was completed.

The moment all these processes come to an end.

The new lord and true king.

By gaining some of his power, the Great Demon will become an Archduke.

Ironically, if he cancels the Authority now, he will never get that chance again.

It was the only risk of the Authority that only Gopher knew.

Diablo and Beelzebub, who were called tyrants and reached the pinnacle among the Great Demons.

Even the hateful Underworld King, who put them under his feet.

[How long have I lived bowing my head?]

Even while daring to touch the memories of the Great Demon with the origin of a bug.

Haven't you been unable to even lift your head?

Now, the moment to gain equal power with them is just around the corner.

No matter what he does.

[The spell will not be undone.]

Gopher said as if asserting.

"Yeah."

Poo-ook.

Something sharp pierced Gopher's side.

Only then did he see it belatedly.

Taehyun, who was 'Stealth', was holding.

The sharp sword in his hand.

Skill 'Apostle of Darkness'.

The skill that was canceled just by blocking his nails before was now threatening Gopher's life.

Gopher screamed and detonated purple magic.

Poo-hwa-ack.

Beelzebub's poison swept through the area.

Sss-sss-ss.

Taehyun's 'Stealth' was released.

He protected his body from the poison with 'Demon's Saliva'.

But he couldn't stop several other skills from being canceled.

'It doesn't matter.'

Was it because that guy's being weakened?

He could see it clearly with the enhanced 'Eye of the Superior Species'.

The magic stone embedded in his chest, as well as the horns and tail that were emitting magic no less than that.

'I have to deal with it all at once.'

Otherwise, that guy will regenerate several times.

Magic Stone, Horns, Tail.

Taking three hearts at once.

It would be clean if he used 'Predation', but coincidentally it was impossible now.

'Thank you, Ricky Hollis.'

He recalled the skill 'Energy Drain' that he obtained by preying on her.

'If I suppress him enough.'

It would also be possible to absorb the magic of the three places at the same time with 'Energy Drain'.

Before that, he needed to incapacitate him for sure.

Poo-ook.

Gopher's claws dug into Taehyun's skin.

[Consider it fortunate that you were the vessel of the Lord.]

The two magics that Gopher handles.

Purple and dark blue magic pushed into his body.

It was from the idea of incapacitating Taehyun with Beelzebub's Authority and continuing the spell with his Authority.

It was no different from the first battle.

Heeshik.

The corners of Taehyun's lips turned up.

"Curse that you won't die in his hands."

Tring.

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

[The skill's proficiency has improved.]

The cooldown of the skill that had been released to him quickly returned.

'Apocalypse'.

An area of darkness spread throughout the area.

'Chains of Restraint' wrapped around Taehyun and his body.

Poo-poo-poo-pook.

Dozens of tentacles dug into Gopher's body.

Just as he used Authority on Taehyun.

Taehyun used 'Energy Drain' on him to draw out magic.

Magic Stone, Horn, Tail.

He could feel a huge amount of magic being supplied from what could be called the heart.

So that he couldn't belatedly release the spell.

Poo-ook.

Taehyun's hand, which pierced Gopher's body, grabbed Gopher's magic stone.

Seureureuk.

Kwa-ack.

Two tentacles wrapped around the tail and horns, respectively.

"Authority comes from the heart."

[……!!]

Gopher, who belatedly noticed something was wrong, tried to pull his body away.

"It's already too late."

With words like a death sentence as the last words.

Taehyun poured magic into 'Energy Drain' and 'Chains of Restraint'.

Tring.

[A huge amount of magic has been absorbed. Magic increases by 1.]

[A huge amount of magic has been absorbed. Strength increases by 1.]

[A huge amount of magic has been absorbed. Stamina increases by 1.]

How many times did such a message appear with Gopher's struggle?

Tring.

[Progress: 100%]

[Quest 'Gopher's Spell' has been completed.]

[Skill Devil Gate (SSS) has been registered.]

[Skill Devil Gate (SSS) has been changed to Ruler of Desire (SSS).]

Taehyun withdrew his magic at the message he had been waiting for.

"Tough bastard."

The Great Demon who had troubled Taehyun in front of him was nowhere to be found.

Only the leather that would have been his remained.

Taehyun looked at the status window.

He immediately checked the skills first.

'Devil Gate', which he had obtained by preying on Kasim Zolt, had disappeared, and 'Ruler of Desire' was registered.

"Forcing an irresistible covenant…."

Taehyun, who read the general explanation, sighed.

Judging from the explanation, it seemed to be an enhanced version of 'Awakener's Covenant'.

It wasn't the skill he expected, but since he got it by suffering like this, it certainly wouldn't be an ordinary skill.

Yoo Ah-young approached from afar.

Her gaze couldn't be taken away from Gopher's leather.

"Is it... over?"

"There's still one left."

"……?"

If he went back to Earth like this, he wouldn't be able to control the doppelganger.

He had to see the end here, where there would be no problem even if he used magic to the limit.

"I'll follow you."

"No."

Ah-young refused outright.

She didn't know what else he would do.

But she would stand guard.

She raised her voice, saying that her mission would only end when she took Taehyun safely.

Taehyun couldn't help it when she came out like this.

"If you judge it to be dangerous, escape with the scroll. I'll leave the decision to Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young."

She would.

Ah-young reluctantly promised.

'There's no time to delay.'

Taehyun used 'Ataraxia'.

He didn't need a mirror like he did in Jeju Island.

When he entered the mental world again, the first thing he saw was.

Tteo-eo-eok.

Kwaduk. Kwaduk.

Rosaria and Typhon being devoured by predation.

And.

[Too late.]

The doppelganger, who made eye contact with Taehyun, declared death.

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