RKP 341-350

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Episode 341

The doppelganger suddenly stopped moving.

Rosaria's power.

Mind control had been activated.

As battles usually go.

The pause was brief, but the price was heavy.

[Come here!!]

The fist of the Giant King Typhon fell on the doppelganger's head.

No, it would be more accurate to say it slammed down.

Surrounded by the power of lightning, it was a speed that didn't suit its massive size.

Bang!!!

The barely created jaws of Devour blocked the fist.

Pazzijijik!!

The jaws engulfed in lightning writhed and burned.

As Typhon swung his fist at the doppelganger once more, the doppelganger's body melted into the ground.

It was Taehyun's skill, 'Apostle of Darkness'.

Ssssseut.

It reappeared behind Rosaria.

Whoo-oong.

Rosaria swung her tentacles as if she had been waiting.

Jjeo-eong!!

With an unpleasant sound, the tentacle bounced back.

The doppelganger's body, reinforced with the power of the Demon race, had blocked the tentacle.

Chiiik. Chiiik.

Belzebub's poison, which rose belatedly, melted three or four tentacles.

[You're using the powers of other guys, uncharacteristically.]

Rosaria mocked the doppelganger.

[Isn't it more plausible than two archdukes joining forces?]

The doppelganger said, unconcerned.

It wasn't an empty boast.

The Queen of Succubi, Rosaria.

The Giant King, Typhon.

The cooperation of the two archdukes, who seemed to have no common ground, was truly plausible, even if it was awkward, and no different from the players in a well-organized party.

It was because of this that they could confront the doppelganger in the mental world, even though they couldn't use their original powers.

[Of course, the time you have to do that is also running out.]

The doppelganger was also unable to use its full power.

Since Taehyun had left.

Gorfel's magic power, which was maintaining the spell, had become unstable.

Therefore, to prevent it from stopping halfway, it had to replenish a significant portion of the magic power with its own.

It was obvious that the efficiency was not good.

[A bug is being annoying without knowing its place...]

It was then.

The deep blue magic power that had been flowing through its body disappeared as if evaporating.

Kwaang!!

The Giant King's fist, wrapped in flames, sent the doppelganger's body flying.

The doppelganger's arm, which had guarded, exploded along with the impact.

[......]

The spell that had reached the very end of completion disappeared without a trace.

There was only one thing that could be guessed.

[I see. So he's dead.]

The doppelganger muttered.

Rosaria, who realized the meaning, burst into laughter.

[As expected of my contractor. Now you're the only one left.]

Cheolssuk. Cheolssuk. Cheolssuk.

The tentacles struck the ground as if taming a ferocious beast.

Thinking that it had ruined the doppelganger's plan, which had always been arrogant.

[It's your destiny to quietly parasitize in the contractor's body. What's the point of using the power of the Great Demon...]

[Shut up. You insignificant pawn.]

Jjeo-eok.

Kwaduk!!

[......!!]

It was different from the devouring so far.

An unidentifiable jaws rose from beneath Rosaria's feet.

In an instant, nearly a hundred tentacles were swallowed.

[Rosaria!! My queen!!]

Typhon shouted from afar and swung his fist.

Whoo-oong!!

A huge wind tore through space, aiming for the doppelganger.

However.

Kwaduk!!

The jaws that rose like a curtain chewed up Typhon's attack.

[I have no reason to play with you guys anymore.]

[What?]

[Wouldn't it be better to eliminate you here and deal with Kim Taehyun?]

The corners of the doppelganger's mouth went up.

It meant that it would eliminate Rosaria, who was protecting Taehyun's mental world, and control her mind.

[You're talking like you can do it anytime you want!!]

Typhon exclaimed, fuming.

Thinking that he had been ignored in front of Rosaria.

[I can do it.]

Kwaaaaaa.

The doppelganger unleashed its magic power.

There was no need to worry about Gorfel's spell, and no need to worry about the body collapsing.

The magic power, which was on a different level than before, covered the mental world.

[......!!]

[......!!]

Typhon and Rosaria couldn't hide their surprised expressions.

[Even if it doesn't matter how many archdukes there are outside. It doesn't matter here.]

The doppelganger's eyes met Rosaria's.

There was an arrogance in them, as if looking at its subordinates.

Rosaria knew it well too.

That day when they met for Taehyun's training.

[I was in a bad shape.]

It thought it would be worth a try this time.

It had taken out some of its original power hidden in the subspace, and even brought in Typhon, albeit incompletely.

But it was a misjudgment.

The guy in front of her had also become stronger than ever before.

The very last moment.

Now was the time to make a real gamble.

To do that, Taehyun was needed.

[The contractor will be here soon. If we hold out until then, won't it be 'our' victory?]

Typhon burst out laughing at the expression 'our'.

[I won't let anyone touch a hair on my woman's head.]

Khahahaha.

Rosaria looked at Typhon, who was shaking his huge body, with pity.

[That won't happen.]

With the doppelganger's words, the red sky split.

And.

Jjwaaaaaak!!

From the cracked sky, the jaws of Devour in the shape of a dragon plunged down.

Typhon stood in front of Rosaria.

Various parts of his body were reinforced with the five elements.

Typhon's fist and the dragon's jaws collided.

Kwadududud!!!

[......!!]

The jaws that had withstood Typhon's fist swallowed not only his arm but also half of his upper body.

Kwajik!! Kwajik!! Kwajijik!!

Teeth that chew up the Giant King's strong body?

More than anything.

[This is interesting magic power.]

Super-speed regeneration was not happening.

[Typhon!!]

It was when Rosaria shouted and swung her tentacles.

Jjieiiiik.

This time, jaws that could swallow the entire area were created beneath the feet of the two archdukes.

[......!!]

Rosaria hurriedly turned the direction of her tentacles downwards.

Red sky and desert-like land.

In a place where there was no way to avoid it, the two archdukes unleashed their magic power with all their might.

Looking at that, the doppelganger sneered.

[Accept it.]

Jjeo-eok. Jjeo-eok.

Kwaduduk. Kwadududuk.

From top to bottom, from bottom to top.

Two Devours swallowed the two archdukes.

The result was terrible.

Chwareureuk. Chwareureureuk.

Huge chains hung around the necks of Typhon, who had lost half of his body, and Rosaria, who had lost her lower body.

It was no different from the image of traitors kneeling before the judge.

The doppelganger walked towards them.

[Puhuhu. This is not how I imagined my own face to look.]

Typhon let out a hollow laugh at this absurd situation.

He had acknowledged that he had been defeated.

[You. Next time we meet, you'll pay the price for touching Rosaria's beautiful tentacles...]

Before he could finish speaking.

Kwaduk!!

The jaws of Devour bit off Typhon's head.

Koong.

The Giant King's body, which only had its torso left, was wrapped in chains and hung limply.

Then, dozens of jaws began to devour Typhon's remains.

Jjeogeok. Jjeogeok. Jjeogeok.

The Giant King's strong body was torn apart as if it were soft meat.

The doppelganger's gaze turned to Rosaria.

She was also not in good condition.

[Didn't I tell you? I was just playing for a while.]

[Don't underestimate my contractor.]

Rosaria warned, spitting out her words as if unable to contain her resentment.

[He's back, just in time.]

Taehyun was where the doppelganger's gaze was directed.

But already.

[It's too late.]

As if not allowing any reunion.

Kwaduk!!

The predator's jaws swallowed Rosaria's body whole.

The first thing he saw was Typhon's body being torn apart by the jaws of Devour, and Rosaria, who had become a wreck.

Before he even had time to super-speed regenerate, Typhon's torn body disappeared.

Then, at the moment Rosaria turned her head following the doppelganger's gaze.

Kwaduk!!

The jaws of Devour swallowed Rosaria's body whole.

The two archdukes had disappeared right in front of Taehyun.

"Crazy bastard."

Taehyun muttered quietly.

It was because he had not thought that Rosaria and Typhon would be defeated in that short amount of time.

[I can feel Gorfel's energy from that body. You couldn't have eaten him, could you?]

"......"

Looking at Taehyun, who did not answer, the doppelganger tilted its head.

[Well, it doesn't matter.]

Now that he had dealt with Rosaria, who had been his backer, let's finish what he was doing.

The doppelganger said so and moved its feet.

From Taehyun's perspective, it felt like a huge mountain was approaching with each step it took.

He quickly sorted out his thoughts.

'It's not a complete annihilation.'

If it were a normal demon, death in the mental world would have a great impact on its existence.

Rosaria and Typhon were archdukes.

Among them, they were those who had made a pact of summoning with Taehyun.

There would be some risk, but annihilation in the mental world did not mean annihilation outside.

Of course, for the time being.

'I won't be able to enter the mental world.'

It also meant that one of the cards Taehyun could use had been reduced.

[Is that great trick of yours over?]

The doppelganger asked mockingly.

If he had anything else to show, it would wait for him to do it.

If not now, there would be no chance.

It was as if Taehyun's future was already decided.

"You've put a leash on a monster."

It was a situation that would not have happened if he had not been caught by Gorfel from the beginning.

If he couldn't fix it here, it wouldn't just end with losing control of his body.

[It doesn't look like you have anything else to show. Hand over your body and rest here.]

"......"

With a bitter smile, the doppelganger continued.

[Eternal rest, that is.]

Taehyun took a deep breath, looking at the guy walking towards him.

"...This is troublesome."

[......?]

"Thanks to you, I got a good skill."

[If you're going to try to play tricks, this is your last chance. I'll wait.]

Tting.

[The skill Ruler of Desire (SSS) has been activated. Targeting the subject.]

Deep blue magic power rose from Taehyun's body.

[Hooh.]

Deep blue magic power.

That was clearly Gorfel's.

Taehyun had imprinted the power of the Great Demon on his body without Devour, using his own method.

The doppelganger did not reject Gorfel's magic power that was touching its body.

[This is interesting.]

The corners of its mouth went up involuntarily.

With this power, it could start the spell from earlier again.

To do that, it would need Taehyun's permission, but that was a law that did not apply to the strong.

"If you want this power, I have a proposal."

Before the guy could answer.

Taehyun spoke what he had been thinking about.

As expected.

[Good.]

The doppelganger did not reject the offer.

At the same time.

Tting.

[A pact of desire has been made. The Great Demon's spell is being applied.]

Taehyun and the doppelganger smiled, without knowing who was first.

From the doppelganger's perspective, it was because it could continue the spell that Gorfel had been performing.

From Taehyun's perspective, it was because he could prepare a foothold for a comeback.

"Now I have to settle the score."

Hwaaaaaaa.

Taehyun unleashed his magic power with all his might.

He activated 'Blood Frenzy', used 'Apocalypse', and strengthened the 'Heart of the Superior Species'.

The magic power in his body was boiling.

[That's not enough.]

The doppelganger said as if evaluating, but.

"I'm not the one who's going to fight you."

[......?]

Taehyun played his last card.

Tting.

[The summoning skill Orgal (SSS) has been activated.]

He felt a sense of exhaustion as a huge magic power was drained.

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

His mental strength was being consumed, and he felt dizzy.

[The summoning skill Belzebub (SSS) has been activated.]

Blood flowed from his eyes, and his magic power began to reverse.

Even so, he finally.

[The summoning skill Jormungandr (SSS) has been activated.]

Taehyun succeeded in his last skill.

In the place where Rosaria and Typhon had disappeared.

Taehyun couldn't help but smile at the huge beings that had newly appeared.

"If you won against two archdukes."

Walp.

Blood was coughed up due to the symptoms of magic power reversal.

"How about four?"

[......]

Unlike the silence.

Warack.

The doppelganger's expression contorted.

Chapter 342

A place Taehyun calls the 'Mental World' and the doppelganger calls 'My World.'

Four enormous magical powers appeared there.

A monster with a muscular 2-meter body and two horns growing on either side of its head looked around. Its two fangs, capable of piercing even the dragon race's hard scales and the giant race's strong body, protruded from its mouth.

[This is absurd.]

The monster saw three beings around it emitting similar presences.

Archduke Orgal spoke as if dumbfounded.

The one emitting purple magic was the demon king Beelzebub, the one with pale skin and short blond hair was the vampire lord Igmun, and the blue-haired man with heterochromatic eyes was Jormungandr, who reigned over the Demon Sea.

[I agree.]

Next, Igmun spoke.

Because he knew where this place was.

His absurdity was beyond comparison to Orgal's.

[You summoned us all?]

Beelzebub asked belatedly, confirming what had happened to him.

[Interesting.]

Lastly, Jormungandr chuckled and shook his body.

As an observer, he never expected to be on stage, along with three archdukes of similar caliber.

The four archdukes, realizing the situation, fixed their gazes on the two men who had created this situation.

Kim Taehyun, the Key of the King.

The monster dormant within him, the doppelganger.

Their appearances were identical, but their essence was different.

The four archdukes immediately recognized that Taehyun was the one who had created the current situation.

The doppelganger's expression was distorted, not because he had called in a few more reinforcements.

'Complete possession of the body.'

Taehyun had to survive in order for the doppelganger to achieve what he wanted.

Especially here in this mental world.

That is, that ferocious attack that threatened Taehyun's life.

'Now, he'll have to do his best to protect me.'

Taehyun provoked him with his gaze.

[Tch. Useless.]

The doppelganger clicked his tongue.

He had the upper hand against two archdukes, but against four, it was uncertain.

It was fortunate that, unlike Rosaria and Typhon, who were favorable due to their contracts, not all of them were favorable to Taehyun.

They wouldn't unite to divide the prey.

No, even if they had contracts, those arrogant archdukes wouldn't form an alliance.

Rosaria and Typhon were just special cases.

[In the end.]

Swish.

Igmun's fingernails pierced Beelzebub's back.

[Didn't I say he was my prey?]

Whoosh. Whoosh.

Crimson magic rose from Igmun's body.

He was using the power of absorption.

[How dare you...]

Crack. Crack.

Purple poison spread as if it would melt everything around it.

[Don't get involved, you weakling.]

Orgal, who had yielded the first attack despite his appearance, moved his neck.

Snap. Snapping.

With a chilling sound, his right arm was surrounded by brown magic.

Bang!!

He sent Igmun flying.

[Orgal, don't touch my prey...]

Before Beelzebub could finish his sentence.

Bang!!

Orgal swung his fist again.

Beelzebub's body flew in the opposite direction from where Igmun had flown.

[Don't order me around, Bug King.]

Orgal's red eyes met Jormungandr's heterochromatic eyes.

[Are you going to interfere too?]

Jormungandr shrugged.

[Good choice.]

Only then did Orgal approach Taehyun.

[Long time no see, meat sack.]

"How have you been, Beast King?"

[You still speak carelessly.]

"My body is my asset."

Taehyun retorted without backing down.

Crack. Cracking.

The magic rising from Orgal's body became thicker than before.

Past memories of being provoked by Taehyun resurfaced.

[I've been waiting for a day like this.]

'How very honored.'

[Don't worry, I won't take your life.]

"With that kind of arrogance, what kind of mess were you in again?"

Without answering, Orgal's fist swung.

It was a power that Taehyun could only block with all his might.

But again.

Crack!!

Just like Beelzebub's thorns, Orgal's fist didn't reach Taehyun.

[Did you want a free-for-all?]

The doppelganger asked, devouring Orgal's fist with gluttony.

Snap.

As he snapped his fingers.

Crunch.

The maw of gluttony swallowed Orgal's entire body.

Crackle. Crunch.

The chilling sound of crushing the archduke's body echoed.

Taehyun, who had been quietly watching, answered the doppelganger's question.

"Don't tell me."

[You would have died if I hadn't stopped it.]

"But I'm alive as a result."

[Have you become insensitive to death after causing so much madness?]

"Rather than that, shouldn't you be careful?"

[......?]

Crackle. Crunch.

The maw of gluttony that had swallowed Orgal wriggled.

Splat.

Suddenly, a huge arm burst through the crimson magic.

Orgal's limbs were not intact, but he had clearly broken through the doppelganger's gluttony.

[Hooh.]

The doppelganger watched Orgal's regeneration as if he were looking at an interesting object.

That gaze was no different from the archduke's gaze towards Taehyun.

Orgal, who had reigned as the king of the beast race, couldn't tolerate that kind of gaze.

[So it's you. The meat sack hiding inside the key.]

[So it's you. The guy who runs wild relying on his body.]

As if he had never lectured Taehyun.

The doppelganger mocked Orgal.

[Don't worry. I'll take care of both of you nicely.]

Crackle. Crunch. Cracking.

Following his right arm, the muscles of Orgal's left arm and two legs swelled.

He had used the power of enhancement.

[Use that disgusting maw again.]

Thud. Thud.

It was as if a giant was walking.

Orgal, exuding a murderous aura, closed the distance between himself and Taehyun and the doppelganger.

[If you want, I'll play with you.]

Crunch.

Following the doppelganger's gesture, the maw of gluttony bared its teeth.

Even in front of that maw, Orgal didn't show any fear.

The power of gluttony and the power of enhancement.

Crimson magic and brown magic.

It was the moment the two magics were about to touch.

Stab.

[......!!]

[......]

Red thorns pierced Orgal's abdomen.

Igmun was rising with the thorns at the end.

He had extended his fingernails and attacked from afar.

[Don't interfere either, Orgal.]

He hadn't been able to dominate Beelzebub's body earlier, but there was no problem using his power.

Whoosh. Whoosh.

Just by touching it, brown magic began to be absorbed into crimson magic.

[Shall I kill you first?]

It was the moment Orgal roared and tried to pull out Igmun's fingernails.

Thwack. Thwack. Thwack.

On the opposite side, another thorn pierced Igmun's back.

It was Beelzebub's fingernails, who had risen on the opposite side as well.

Chiiik.

Poisonous magic flowed along the thorns, which had been sharpened like needles.

Part of Orgal's body that had been pierced was stained purple.

It meant that poisoning had begun.

[Don't get carried away, Beast.]

Beelzebub said, exuding poison.

As the monster who had held the position of Archduke for the longest time among the four archdukes here.

Crack. Cracking.

His arrogance, comparable to his fly-like split red eyes, was deeply rooted.

[Insects...]

Grind.

Orgal gnashed his teeth.

He was confident against anyone in a one-on-one fight, but this wasn't his territory.

Moreover, there was a guy in front of him with power that couldn't be compared to the Key.

Excluding Jormungandr, he had to consider a 3-on-1 situation.

Logically speaking, the possibility of defeat was high.

But even so.

[I am the strongest.]

Cracking!!

Brown magic exploded from Orgal's body.

He had wrapped the power of enhancement around his entire body.

The others were instantly overwhelmed by his presence.

Thud. Thud.

Crackle. Crackling.

Igmun and Beelzebub's fingernails bounced off, unable to withstand the intensity of the expanding muscles.

Enhancing muscles to block the archduke's attack?

It was barbaric, but an undeniable defense.

Clomp. Clomp.

With each step Orgal took, the desert-like ground trembled.

Eventually, Orgal stood in front of the doppelganger.

The giant body, having grown from 2 meters to nearly 4 meters, looked down at the doppelganger.

[I don't need you. You die here.]

At Orgal's assertive words.

Grin.

The corners of the doppelganger's lips curled up.

[Try it.]

Crunch.

The maw of gluttony opened.

Beelzebub's body, who had been watching, stiffened.

He thought he had overcome it.

But when the power of gluttony was recreated before his eyes, past trauma resurfaced.

It was no different for Igmun.

[It's... stronger?]

He had been drawn into the mental world in the form of an avatar in the past.

The power was incomparable to the doppelganger he had fought back then.

The gluttony he was using now.

The hundreds and thousands of teeth attached to that maw were more compressed, sharper, and capable of piercing even the Archduke's main body.

If he were attacked by that attack, even the Archduke.

[Will be annihilated.]

Igmun muttered.

It was definitely not a delusion.

Crunch!!!

The maw of gluttony tore at Orgal's enhanced body.

Crackle. Crunch.

Orgal's giant body was chewed up by gluttony.

Tendons were severed, and muscles became lumps of meat.

Even so.

[Not enough.]

Cracking!!

Grip. Cracking. Clench.

Even while his body was being torn apart.

Orgal managed to grab both sides of the maw's teeth.

He stretched his arms out to both sides.

Tear!!!

The maw of gluttony was torn apart easily.

He had given up his flesh and torn apart the gluttony.

His arms, reduced to rags, dangled from his giant body.

[......]

[How barbaric.]

[Hehe. What a masterpiece.]

Those were the reactions of Igmun, Beelzebub, and Jormungandr, who were watching.

The doppelganger frowned and snapped his fingers.

Tear. Tear. Crunch.

Maws with the same power as the previous ones were created one by one in various places.

[......!!]

[......!!]

[......]

[You maggots.]

Before long, more than ten maws rushed at the archdukes.

As he watched the archdukes take out their powers to deal with them.

'Now it's finally starting to heat up.'

Only Taehyun was smiling.

Episode 343

"Crazy bastard."

Taehyun muttered to himself without realizing it.

The target of the curse was the Doppelganger.

Contrary to the expectation that he would be overwhelmed by the four Archdukes' attacks,

he was putting up a fierce fight.

No, assuming it was a chaotic battle, the situation was slowly turning in favor of the Doppelganger.

The Jaws of Gluttony fearlessly bared its teeth against the Archdukes, and Orgal, Beelzebub, and Igmun also countered with their powers.

The Jaws, digging into muscles with the power of Enhancement, were torn apart.

The Jaws, devouring wings with the power of Poison, melted away.

The Jaws, swallowing limbs with the power of Absorption, vanished.

Only Jormungandr, far away, was out of the Jaws' range of influence.

Meanwhile, Beelzebub and Igmun targeted Taehyun several times, and had to be stopped by the Doppelganger and Orgal.

[The key is mine!!]

Beelzebub, consumed by madness, shouted and spewed toxic fog.

Beelzebub and the Underworld King.

To Taehyun, who knew the connection between them, it looked like a struggle to overcome trauma.

Clang!!

Beelzebub's claws, aimed at Taehyun, were blocked by Igmun's red claws.

Clang!! Clang!! Clang clang!!

Graaaah!! Graaaah!!

Claw against claw. Thorn against thorn. Spike against spike.

As the leaders of the Demon and Vampire races, the two Archdukes fiercely grappled with each other.

Beneath their feet.

Crack.

Suddenly, a huge maw soared upwards.

[……!!]

[……!!]

Crunch!! Crunch!!

The two Archdukes, who instantly lost one limb each, retreated.

Just as Orgal was about to attack Igmun,

Crack.

A new maw blocked Orgal's path.

[…….]

It wasn't the Doppelganger's.

[What are you doing?]

Orgal asked Taehyun, the owner of Gluttony.

In that gap, Igmun and Beelzebub regenerated their torn limbs at super speed.

They were still radiating murderous intent.

Staring at Taehyun.

They had all been caught off guard once, so they were wary of his sudden actions.

Jormungandr was the same.

He also shone his odd-eyes and focused on what Taehyun would say.

'Now is the important part.'

Taehyun met the eyes of each and every Archduke and Doppelganger, who were displaying formidable presence.

None of them could guarantee victory.

Archdukes.

The gap between them was palpable.

'I have to make a covenant with these guys. My future looks bleak.'

Taehyun focused mana into his voice and opened his mouth.

"Orgal. Igmun. Beelzebub. Jormungandr. I don't have a formal contract with any of you. But the reason I can summon you like this is because I am the key."

Even without shouting.

There was no problem with communication because it had become quiet.

[What trick are you planning now?]

The Doppelganger clicked his tongue and shook his head.

It had already happened.

From his point of view, no matter what happened here,

he would have to eliminate the Archdukes who had already stepped in, and the Archdukes would not be able to resist their greed for the key.

He thought no words would elicit a reaction.

Because they all had a clear goal.

He was wrong.

"That guy."

Taehyun pointed to the Doppelganger.

The Archdukes' gazes naturally turned to the Doppelganger.

"The one who defeats that son of a bitch first. I will only contract with that one."

[Huh.]

The Doppelganger let out a dumbfounded laugh, and Igmun, Beelzebub, and Orgal growled simultaneously.

[How dare a mere piece of meat force a covenant.]

[I should just soak you in poison.]

[Don't be mistaken. You just need to wait quietly for your disposal.]

Orgal, Beelzebub, and Igmun.

The Archdukes' ridicule continued.

[Is that all you wanted to say? Don't play tricks and just stay put.]

The Doppelganger also took it similarly.

Then.

[From this one's point of view, that's not a bad offer.]

Everyone's eyes turned to Jormungandr, who had been quiet all along.

He had only been fending off the approaching Jaws of Gluttony from a distance.

He hadn't attacked even once until now.

'Got it.'

Taehyun's lips twitched.

Whatever the reason.

Jormungandr's actions had created a subtle war of nerves.

The Doppelganger frowned, and Taehyun's lips rose in proportion.

[Just get rid of that guy?]

Jormungandr asked with a sinister face.

"Yes. Just get rid of 'that guy'."

[That's a tough job.]

Contrary to his words, Jormungandr chuckled and laughed.

[What are the conditions?]

"I will make a subservient contract with the one who eliminates the Doppelganger."

Everyone was surprised by Taehyun's statement.

The method would be different, but.

It was the same as disregarding the summoning covenant they had made so far and accepting a new master.

The fire was lit.

Now it was time to confirm the kill.

"If you're scared, just die."

Whoa.

Taehyun unleashed the mana of Gluttony.

It was a chaotic battle from the start.

Even if Jormungandr took Taehyun's bait, the situation didn't suddenly change.

Orgal, Igmun, Beelzebub.

The proud Archdukes were still busy fighting among themselves for the prey in front of them.

They knew.

To capture the Doppelganger and get the key called Kim Taehyun, to not be played by Taehyun's disgusting tongue, there was only one way: to dominate.

The problem was that the beings they had to fight were all Archduke-level, and the Doppelganger, who was more than Archduke-level in the mental world, wasn't just watching quietly.

'It's a mess.'

Taehyun thought as he watched the three Archdukes and the Doppelganger mixed together, biting, regenerating, and fighting.

At this rate, no matter who came first,

it seemed inevitable that they would eventually be eaten by the Doppelganger.

Unlike the Archdukes, whose presence was consumed as they used mana, the Doppelganger's presence was becoming clearer and clearer.

[That's more than I thought.]

Jormungandr, who was still observing the battle from a certain distance, said.

"You're not going to join in?"

[Puhuhu. You dare try to use even this one?]

"Are you waiting for the final player?"

[Of course not. There's no reason to join that dirty fight. The Archdukes don't seem to be able to do anything here.]

"You're more timid than I thought."

Jormungandr's lips twisted.

[No one with a long tongue has lived long.]

"……?"

[Didn't you know? Rozaria and Typhon have already disappeared here?]

"……."

At those words, the other three Archdukes stopped moving.

[What the hell are you talking about?]

Orgal asked as if scolding him.

[Orgal, you've always been bad at detecting mana.]

[That….]

Unlike the growling Orgal.

Igmun and Beelzebub were quietly detecting mana.

Even though it was a mental world with many mana mixed together, it didn't take long to detect the mana of the two disappeared Archdukes.

[It's true. This isn't the mana that the key used.]

Igmun muttered quietly.

[…….]

Beelzebub also affirmed with silence.

[He must have taken care of those two.]

Jormungandr's odd-eyes turned to the Doppelganger.

Unlike them, who had already regenerated several times,

the Doppelganger only looked slightly disheveled.

"Now do you understand the situation?"

He didn't intend to hide it from the beginning.

He just didn't realize that they would be so confident in their victory even with the Doppelganger in front of them, that he didn't take into account the depth of their arrogance.

[You'll have to do your best.]

Jormungandr, who was the first to understand the situation, said.

[Don't order me.]

[Are you suggesting that we join hands? That's an uncharacteristic proposal.]

Beelzebub and Igmun showed the obvious reaction.

[Of course not. This isn't our castle. Even if you fight each other here, I'm just saying that you won't be able to get what you're aiming for.]

[Don't talk nonsense. We can just destroy them all and drag you away.]

Orgal said lowly.

He was warning the three Archdukes again not to interfere.

[You'll be the first to die, Orgal.]

[What!!]

Jormungandr didn't allow Orgal, who was excited, to shout.

[I don't care if you disappear here or not. But at least you shouldn't interfere.]

[You were just looking for a chance like a rat….]

Before Orgal could finish speaking.

Flash.

Jormungandr's odd-eyes flashed.

Tring.

[Great mana dominates.]

[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated.]

[Skill Memorize (SSS) has been activated.]

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

[Skill Heart of the Superior Species (SSS) has been activated.]

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

[Skill Ataraxia (SSS) has been activated.]

[Skill Blood Rage (SSS) has been activated.]

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

[Skill Beastification (SSS) has been activated.]

[Skill Saliva of the Devil (SSS) has been activated.]

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

[Skill Ruler of Desire (SSS) has been activated.]

"……!!"

Except for summoning skills.

Not only the skills registered in the status window, but also the lower-level skills that had been fused and disappeared were forcibly activated.

"Cough…."

Taehyun grabbed his body as the suddenly exploding power overwhelmed him.

It was different from Fukuoka.

He had summoned four Archdukes, and his mana and mental power had reached their limits.

In that situation, excessive skills were used, and both reverse flow and collapse began.

Jormungandr's power was not only used on Taehyun.

Not only the Doppelganger.

The other three Archdukes were also struggling to control the suddenly overflowing power.

Only Jormungandr was moving leisurely, spewing blue mana.

[There was also this method.]

Jormungandr, who had already approached, looked down at Taehyun and said.

It looked like he could take Taehyun's body at any time.

Jormungandr's hand reached for Taehyun's head.

At that moment.

Crack.

[……!!]

A huge maw soared from beneath his feet.

Crunch!!

The Jaws of Gluttony bit off one of Jormungandr's arms as he twisted his body.

[You're still using interesting tricks. Thanks to you, the seal has been broken.]

The Doppelganger said, unable to control his trembling body.

Unlike his body, which couldn't hold on, his face was smiling.

[Did this one touch a monster?]

Grin.

[But what a pity? This one's power is not just this much.]

Jormungandr, who said that, strengthened his power.

The bodies of the Archdukes and the Doppelganger began to explode with the power that had exceeded their limits.

Blue mana seemed to wrap around the area.

At some point, the Sea of Mana was wetting their feet.

[I told you not to interfere!!]

Orgal shouted and rammed into Jormungandr's body.

Jormungandr's body bounced back with a roar, and the surface of the rising Sea of Mana lowered.

That was the beginning.

They detonated their rampaging mana without saying who was first.

'Just die.'

Taehyun gasped for breath as he struggled to control his body, which was repeatedly exploding and regenerating.

Fortunately.

It didn't take long for the Doppelganger to kneel.

Chapter 344

Yormungandr's ability, 'Rampage.'

Having experienced it thoroughly in Fukuoka, Taehyun's understanding of its power was considerable.

Despite joining the battle belatedly.

Using that power on everyone in the mental world was unexpected.

'An interesting trick…!!'

Unlike the emotions swaying with the rampaging body.

Taehyun evaluated Yormungandr's actions that way.

'That guy can specify targets and use his power.'

He could choose words he liked to strengthen and request alliances, or conversely, he could strengthen only his own power to dominate the situation.

But why?

He chose to overturn the board.

The Archdukes balanced themselves in the disadvantage of an area where they couldn't fully unleash their original powers, and the power used by the Doppelganger was also beyond comparison to before.

The rampage of Calamity-level monsters.

It was like watching the end of the world.

Devour was eating away at the Archdukes' bodies like a wild horse let loose.

The Archdukes extinguished such maws, feeding their respective powers to the Doppelganger.

No matter how strong a being may be.

There is a limit to the vessel that the body can contain.

Not only the Doppelganger and the Archdukes.

The price of using excessive power was not light for Taehyun either.

"Cough…"

Black blood was vomited.

Vomiting blood in the mental world?

That meant that the mental strength was depleted to the limit.

'From the beginning, it was a battle with a set deadline.'

It was just that Yormungandr's intervention had brought that time forward a little.

Taehyun raised his head.

Mutual destruction.

The result fitting that description was before his eyes.

The first to be extinguished was Beelzebub.

He couldn't abandon his desire for Taehyun and attempted to approach recklessly, only to be struck by the Archdukes' joint attack.

Next to be extinguished was Igmun.

He succeeded in prolonging his life tenaciously with the power of absorption, but ultimately, the vessel was the problem.

The vessel maintaining the mental world was fractured by the power that had rampaged beyond its limits.

Contrary to Yormungandr's declaration that he would die first.

It was Orgal who endured the power of Devour and Rampage until the very end.

The guy who exuded his presence by surrounding his body with the power of enhancement pushed the Doppelganger to the brink.

Though he couldn't ultimately prevent the collapse of his body.

[I admit it. It was a bothersome trick.]

The Doppelganger, kneeling with one leg gone, said so.

It was the part blown away by the strike that Orgal unleashed as he was being extinguished.

Not just the leg.

The right arm was melted by the power Beelzebub poured out as he was being extinguished, and the left arm was withered and looked as if it would crumble at any moment due to Igmun's power.

[Wasn't it that bothersome trick that defeated you?]

[Wouldn't it have been better to use it on the other guys and attack?]

The Doppelganger asked, as if unable to understand Yormungandr's taunt.

If he had only rampaged the other Archdukes besides himself, the odds of winning would have been much higher.

[All I saw was mutual destruction. Weren't we destined to be extinguished here anyway?]

As if seeing the future.

His odd eyes were sparkling.

[Interesting eyes.]

The Doppelganger chuckled.

He understood that Yormungandr was a more sinister guy than he thought.

[Hehehe. In the end, you were defeated as I thought.]

[But you couldn't hold out either.]

[Hehehe.]

Yormungandr burst into laughter.

Unlike his confident demeanor.

He was also being consumed by the magic stone, and his limbs were crumbling.

Yormungandr looked at Taehyun.

[How about it? Is the contract still valid?]

To make a contract of servitude with the guy who defeats the Doppelganger.

He was asking if he intended to keep that promise.

"Well, it looks like you're going to be extinguished before that guy?"

Taehyun drew a clear line, stating that the promise could not be fulfilled.

[You have a meticulous personality. I'll be waiting in my castle.]

"I'll try to clear my schedule."

Those were his last words.

Crack.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

Yormungandr was completely devoured by the maw of Devour.

The last Archduke to visit the mental world was extinguished.

He looked at the owner of this place, the one who had extinguished the six Archdukes.

"Confident, were you? You look pathetic."

[This is not your victory.]

"A contract is a contract."

He told him once again the details of the contract through the skill 'Ruler of Desire.'

The face of the guy who had maintained his composure even in front of Yormungandr was distorted in a flash.

[You only use dirty tricks.]

"To deal with a guy like you, I have no choice but to get dirty. One chance. I'll make good use of it."

He used all his energy to maintain the summoning of the Archduke.

He had no more power left to use Devour.

Crack. Cracking.

Just like Yormungandr.

He watched the Doppelganger, who had begun to crumble.

He burst into mad laughter.

[The day you're so confident won't be far off.]

Thud. Thud.

Thud, thud, thud.

Along with his body.

The mental world collapsed.

"An unbelievable presence…"

Ahyeong muttered involuntarily.

It was a presence on a different level from when Taehyun released magic power alone.

She knew, having heard it from Taehyun.

Mental world.

"What on earth happened there…"

She shook her head.

There was no point in thinking about the cause now.

What was certain was that a clash had occurred there.

Not just one or two people, but a multitude of at least three or more with immense presence.

Great demons.

No.

"Archduke-class…"

Objectively and rationally.

She couldn't win.

Originally, she would have thought so.

Not now.

'If it's Taehyun.'

If it was Taehyun, who was now in front of her, composed of a monster's body, and had annihilated great demons with absurd ease, wouldn't there be some way?

Even if just a little.

Wouldn't there be a glimmer of hope?

'But what if he fails?'

Squeeze.

Ahyeong squeezed the potion bottle she was holding.

She imagined the worst situation.

If.

'If that guy I saw on Jeju Island comes out.'

With her current skills, she could confidently say that she was stronger than when she had cooperated with Riki Harris back then.

Nevertheless, her arms and legs were numb.

It was because she still couldn't forget those crimson eyes.

A monster disguised as Kim Taehyun.

Against that guy.

'Can I win?'

It was when Ahyeong had reached such realistic concerns.

Boom!!

"……!!"

Suddenly, Taehyun's right arm exploded.

Crack.

The exploded right arm regenerated with that of a red monster.

Before she could even grasp what had happened.

Boom!!!

This time, his left arm exploded.

Crack.

The left arm regenerated with that of a fur-covered monster, a Beastkin.

That was the start.

With the explosion, the left leg regenerated with that of a Demonkin, and the right leg with that of a Seakin.

Clench.

Ahyeong bit her lip involuntarily.

The impact from the mental world was affecting even the external body.

She could only think that it had failed.

She hadn't told Taehyun, but.

If he lost consciousness.

She knew that the monster would come out.

It was the same with her, if she went berserk, her consciousness would disappear.

'My body has recovered enough.'

She tried to draw up magic power.

Tzzzzz.

Potions and scrolls that she hadn't even had time to use when fighting Gorper.

Her condition was sufficiently improved through those.

With this much, she would be able to use the purple magic power once again.

She looked at her hands.

The tattered Unique item came into view.

Even if the item was intact, there would be a clear limit to containing magic power.

'A hardness that surpasses Unique items. A weapon with sharpness like a knife.'

She covered her body with green magic power and raised purple magic power.

Sparks flew due to the magic power that hadn't yet been mixed.

She recalled how Taehyun had dealt with Gorper.

Had he absorbed the magic power of the great demon with tentacles?

The tentacles were no different in appearance from what Ahyeong used, but.

Clearly, the application method was similar to what Riki Harris had used.

Even though they used the same weapons and techniques, their power was vastly different.

She didn't know how to reproduce Riki Harris's technique using tentacles.

'I don't have such a technique.'

Ahyeong admitted her shortcomings.

It didn't matter.

She would just detonate it all at once.

'Just once.'

She intended to end his life with a single swing.

'Aim for the vital spot.'

Her gaze turned to Taehyun's neck.

She condensed the tentacles.

Tzzzzz.

She condensed and condensed, making the end as sharp as a dagger.

Pazzzz.

The purple magic power created above the green magic power vibrated.

She hadn't yet made it like Taehyun did.

Just maintaining it made her feel that magic power and energy were waning.

Stomp.

Ahyeong took a step towards Taehyun.

She could say with certainty.

She had now taken a step further from SS-rank.

Although temporary.

Kasim Zort and Min Jihong, known as the most heinous fiends and Archduke contractors.

Cody Cruise, the strongest player and Archduke contractor.

She could recognize that she had gained power equivalent to theirs.

She aimed the tentacles, sharpened like Gorper's thorns, at Taehyun's neck.

Now, the moment she commanded.

Taehyun's neck would fall.

'Sorry.'

Ahyeong closed her eyes tightly.

'Sorry, Kim Taehyun.'

Thinking that, she swung the tentacles.

Thwack.

She heard such a sound.

Not the sound of something being cut.

But a feeling of being pierced.

She opened her eyes.

What she saw.

Was the sight of the tentacles piercing the monsterized hand, being held by another hand.

Taehyun had twisted his body at the last moment to avoid it.

Wriggle. Wriggle.

The tentacles struggled back and forth in Taehyun's hand.

Drip. Drip.

Droplets of blood flowed down the tentacles.

They seemed to be red, but also black, and also purple.

"I'll die someday, but."

Taehyun let go of the tentacles he was holding.

Thud.

Swoosh.

The tentacles, having all their magic power absorbed in that brief moment, disappeared.

Thump.

Ahyeong, exhausted, involuntarily collapsed.

"Tentacles are not my thing."

Taehyun said with a tired expression.

There wasn't a single part of his body that was intact.

But he was smiling.

He regained consciousness.

'Did I pass out…'

For some reason, his eyes wouldn't open.

Where was he?

Did he safely cross the gate?

His last memory was of crossing the gate created by the return scroll that Ahyeong used.

At the same time, he lost consciousness.

It seemed that the law of the Abyss had acted.

Otherwise, there was no way to explain suddenly passing out like this.

He had already exhausted his mental strength beyond the limit in the mental world.

Without proper rest, he had been subjected to such pressure, so it wasn't strange that he had passed out.

His stamina, magic power, and fatigue were all at rock bottom.

'That monster bastard…'

Taehyun cursed.

Towards the Doppelganger.

Even if it was his domain.

Thinking of the guy who had extinguished two Archdukes, and then four Archdukes in a row, those words were all that came to mind.

The helpless battle in the mental world came to mind.

'Ruler of Desire.'

The skill he obtained by completing the quest.

No, he obtained it by defeating Gorper.

'That guy's power.'

If it hadn't been for that power, the result would have been very different from what it was now.

It was the power that the guy, who had no interest in the power of the Archduke, had shown interest in, even to the point of keeping him alive.

Even if incomplete, it was enough to act as a shackle for the time being.

Even if it wasn't the main body, the limit of power was released to the point that four Archdukes had to attack together to be his opponent.

If the shackles were released.

'I can't guarantee it next time.'

He had obtained the power of the great demon, but he felt like he had taken on an even greater burden.

Was that all?

What should he explain to the Ji Jinhees about this incident?

'There are many measures to take, but.'

His consciousness faded again.

He wanted to rest.

With that thought as his last, he fell into a deep sleep.

Taehyun woke up a month later.

345화

Perhaps they were checking on my condition at that moment, or maybe they knew I would wake up.

When Taehyun emerged from the capsule, he was watched by many people.

"Player Kim Taehyun. Are you alright?"

A white-haired man approached and asked.

He was the head of the intensive care unit, the only one in Shinhan with an S-rank healer license.

Taehyun nodded and looked around.

"There are a lot of people."

"It's a significant matter."

As a man who had witnessed countless deaths, he calmly responded while checking Taehyun's condition.

Meanwhile, a man who seemed to be his subordinate cleared away the gathering crowd.

"I don't know what skill you used... but all the demonic tissues that made up your body have been restored to their original state."

The head of the intensive care unit cautiously spoke after confirming that there were no abnormalities on the chart.

Only then did Taehyun examine his own body.

Unlike before he lost consciousness, he had human arms and legs, not demonic ones.

His muscles were also well-defined, so there seemed to be no need to worry about stat drops.

"The mental fatigue was the main issue, but even that didn't take as long to recover as I thought. As expected of an SS-rank player's body..."

Taehyun sensed something strange in the head of the intensive care unit's words.

"How long has it been since I returned?"

"One month and two days. When you first arrived, you were practically in a vegetative state..."

"......"

Taehyun could no longer hear the head of the intensive care unit's words.

A month?

It must have been the aftereffects of the Great Demon Summoning.

Even though it was a mental world, he had summoned two Great Demons, then four more, and even went berserk.

He had thought it was natural to faint, but now he realized it was a miracle his brain hadn't burned out.

"How are Elder Bang Chaesu and Guild Leader Yoo Ayoung... no, how are the others?"

"Head of the Fusion Strategy Office Bang Chaesu was discharged twenty-one days ago, and Guild Leader Yoo Ayoung was discharged fifteen days ago. Association President Ji Jinhee, Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk, Guild Leader Kwak Siyang, Player Park Sungjin, and Player Im Ayoung are all living their daily lives after receiving the Saintess's treatment a month ago. They are all busy people..."

Taehyun sighed in relief at the head of the intensive care unit's words.

At that moment, a man approached the head of the intensive care unit.

It was the healer who had cleared away the crowd earlier.

"Association President Ji Jinhee is on his way."

"Oh dear, the treatment room is going to get noisy."

Knowing how much Ji Jinhee cherished Taehyun, he sighed.

Sure enough.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

The sound of a beast running towards them could be heard from afar.

A moment later.

Bang.

"Taehyun!"

Ji Jinhee, who seemed twice as big as before, burst through the door.

"It's been a while, Association President."

Taehyun greeted him with an awkward smile.

Contrary to the head of the intensive care unit's recommendation that he should still rest, Taehyun's body felt lighter than ever.

This was because the fatigue that potions and scrolls couldn't solve had been completely recovered in the intensive care unit over the past month.

As a result, Ji Jinhee and Taehyun were able to talk alone for the first time in a while.

Pour.

Ji Jinhee poured an unidentified tea in front of Taehyun.

"Drink this. It's made by brewing Cubic Herbs made from refining Hydra's magic power hundreds of times."

Hydra Herb Tea.

It was a tea bag made using the corpse of a Hydra, which possessed regenerative abilities.

Not only did it provide healing and fatigue recovery, but it also gave a sense of mental comfort, so it was popular among the wealthy and named players about three years before Taehyun's regression in his previous life.

'Was this product already developed?'

Taehyun had regressed and it hadn't even been two years yet, but things that were supposed to happen 12 years later were already occurring.

The problem was that the scale of the events unfolding behind the scenes was larger than he had anticipated.

'I need to stay focused.'

Like with the Gorfer incident, he could end up harming others if he wasn't careful.

The risks were unknown from the moment he entered the deepest part of the Abyss.

"Taehyun. I have a lot of questions to ask you."

"I'm sorry."

"No. Although you belong to the Association, who knows what Shinhan would be like now if it weren't for you. That's why we allowed independent activities."

Some of the top rankers in each country are allowed to conduct independent activities with permission from the Association.

However, none of them had been guaranteed as much autonomy as Taehyun.

This was because their individual power did not exceed the power of the Association.

Conversely, in Taehyun's case, he was in a position where he could return his player license at any time.

He was an existence who was more suitable than anyone else for the symbolic meaning of national power.

The existence of Kim Taehyun, both in terms of force and symbolic meaning, had become someone the Association could not afford to lose.

Of course, that was the same for Taehyun as well.

'There is a limit to what an individual can do.'

Sometimes, help from organizations such as guilds or associations, or even the state, is needed.

Considering the battles that would take place in the deepest parts of the Abyss, national-level support was essential.

"I had no intention of hiding anything."

He had many dreams in the capsule of the intensive care unit.

He did a lot of thinking unconsciously and organized his thoughts sufficiently.

"I'm going to call some people you should meet now."

Taehyun mentioned the names of a few people.

People with whom he would share many things in the future.

'Secret friends.'

Because of the considerable number of people, the meeting was moved to a conference room within the Association.

"Everyone's here now."

Ji Jinhee said as he looked at the faces seated in the conference room.

Including him, the president of the Player Association.

Head of Future Strategy Planning Office Go Taewook.

Head of the Association Security Department Park Sungjin.

Abyss Team 5 Leader Im Ayoung.

Head of Fusion Strategy Office Bang Chaesu.

Onsaemi-ro Guild Leader Kwon Kanghyuk.

Magicians Guild Leader Kwak Siyang.

Alchemist Guild Leader Seo Sangik.

Night Walker Guild Leader Yoo Ayoung.

Doje Yanghaeng Director Kim Jongho.

They were all people who had a connection with Taehyun and were helping Ji Jinhee in key positions.

While some held the same positions they had when they first met Taehyun, others had changed significantly.

Mainly players belonging to the Association, which showed that the Association had undergone reform after reform and grown in size.

Taehyun stood up from his seat and bowed to them.

"First of all, I would like to apologize for what happened because of me."

"It's not your fault... it's my fault for overestimating your skills..."

"It's not Elder's fault."

Go Taewook stopped Bang Chaesu's words.

"Dongsaeng. Being a player is a matter of risking your life. None of us here resent Dongsaeng's 'exploration'."

Kwon Kanghyuk corrected all of their actions as part of the exploration process.

As a player representing Shinhan, he knew that being at the forefront was not simply due to a desire for fame.

"Taehyun. This is not a place created to receive your apology."

"Hehe. You can't call yourself a player if you don't take on that level of risk."

Ji Jinhee and Kim Jongho gave strength to Kwon Kanghyuk's words.

"More than that. An explanation seems necessary, Player Kim Taehyun. What were you doing there..."

Kwak Siyang, who had been lost in thought, asked.

He had demanded an explanation from Yoo Ayoung while Taehyun was in the intensive care unit, but she refused to answer, telling him to listen when he woke up.

The others had similar thoughts.

They had no idea how Taehyun had ended up in such a place.

"First of all, I think I should tell you about the deepest parts of the Abyss."

Taehyun mentioned the difference between the deep and deepest parts of the Abyss that he had identified.

The biggest difference was the level of the inhabiting monsters.

If the ones you could see in the deep parts of the Abyss were S-rank monsters, you could frequently encounter SS-rank monsters in the deepest parts.

"SS-rank... then what about the top-tier species...?"

"There aren't many known individuals yet, so the World Player Association hasn't specified a proper rank, but... most of them should be assigned at least SS+ to SSS rank."

Sighs erupted from all over.

It was a stark realization of how far behind humans' power was.

Taehyun continued, unfazed.

"Among them, there are those called top-tier species."

Taehyun mentioned the monsters that had gathered under the Great Demons. Among them, he mentioned a few well-known species.

"Gorfer. What you met was the top-tier species of the Demon race. Among them, a Great Demon comparable to the existence of the Great Demons."

"Great Demon..."

Only Ji Jinhee's mutterings could be heard in the silent conference room.

Half of the players here were experienced people who had faced Gorfer and gone to the brink of death.

"I have one question."

Park Sungjin, who had not met Gorfer, opened his mouth.

"I don't think your exploration of the deepest part of the Abyss is simply a sense of duty as a player?"

Players are human too.

Unless they have multiple lives or are psychopaths.

Death is bound to be scary.

Although Taehyun is the number one player in the world rankings.

It's too risky to explore the deepest part of the Abyss alone without proper power.

Park Sungjin was curious about the reason for such an unreasonable move.

"There is someone who helps me."

Excluding Yoo Ayoung.

The eyes of the people looking at Taehyun were full of questions.

"If you're talking about Guild Leader Yoo Ayoung..."

That's not enough.

Just as Park Sungjin was about to say that.

"It's a Great Demon."

Taehyun opened his mouth first.

For a moment, everyone's faces froze as if time had stopped.

"......!!"

"What..."

"It's difficult to tell you who it is due to contractual reasons. But one thing is certain, I can come and go from the deepest part of the Abyss with the help of the Great Demon."

"It's dangerous!!"

Ji Jinhee shouted.

He had been dealing with monsters and demons all his life.

He knew how dangerous it was to join hands with a monster stronger than him and how it would end.

"This is not an issue that can be easily decided."

"Whatever the reason!! A Great Demon like that can take Taehyun's life at any time!!"

"Association President, let's hear Taehyun's story."

Go Taewook, who had calmed Ji Jinhee down, made eye contact with Taehyun.

It meant to continue.

"As some of you here know. There are currently eight Great Demons identified. Isn't it strange? Even if one SSS-rank monster appears, we have to talk about the destruction of the country, but why don't the Great Demons appear here? As a result, I would like to say that it is not that they do not appear, but that they cannot appear."

The sound of swallowing could be heard from all over.

They realized the seriousness of the situation behind the exploration of the deepest part of the Abyss.

Taehyun mentioned the 'territorial war' and 'the law of the Abyss'.

There was information missing about the king, but there was no problem in conveying the message.

"If that law is broken..."

"Higher grade Gate Breaks can occur without restriction...?"

"An SSS-rank break happening simultaneously..."

"F*ck... what is this crazy..."

Unlike their expressions of disbelief, they all knew it was true.

Because it came from Taehyun's mouth.

"When the territorial war is over, the Great Demons will start looking for ways to break the law in earnest."

"A way to break that restriction. Maybe the monsters won't be able to find it?"

Taehyun shook his head at Im Ayoung's hopeful opinion.

"The rank of the monsters that appear in the Gate Breaks is getting higher and higher. It also means that someone among the Great Demons has found a way to loosen the restrictions."

"......"

"Then the way to break that 'law of the Abyss' is in the deepest part of the Abyss?"

Kim Jongho, who had been listening quietly, asked as if summarizing the situation.

Half right and half wrong.

"I'm not sure either. I just learned about it while tracking down Kasim Zolt and Min Ji-hong."

"Kasim Zolt...!!"

"Min Ji-hong..."

"Surely with demons...?"

"That's right. There is a Great Demon behind them as well."

Sighs erupted.

Those heinous demons were in league with the Great Demons.

This explained why the players had been chasing them together but hadn't been able to catch them.

"As long as they are alive, you should keep in mind the possibility of an unprecedented Gate Break."

"What can we do to help?"

Ji Jinhee asked.

It was the question Taehyun had been waiting for.

He said things he had only been thinking about.

While maintaining the 'law of the Abyss'.

A way to control the restrictions.

"Before the Gate Break happens. We're going to strike first."

Episode 346

"Hoo... Ha..."

How many push-ups had he done?

Sweat poured like rain down his back, shoulders, and neck.

A hundred. Five hundred. A thousand.

After that, he stopped counting, so he didn't remember.

He had been doing them non-stop for an hour, so he must have done over five thousand.

"Hoo."

Taehyun breathed out and stood up.

Awakening Grade SSS.

The time when his stats would increase from bodyweight exercises was long gone.

Even so, Taehyun occasionally did bodyweight exercises to clear his head.

He felt like his mind was organized when he was working out like a machine.

He looked around.

The house he had returned to after a long time was equipped with various new equipment.

Taehyun only came here occasionally to sleep, but his aunt and uncle and Secretary Yoon Miso cleaned and filled it with things as if someone actually lived here.

He stood in front of a full-length mirror on one side.

Developed muscles caught his eye.

It was a much more solid body than when he was training at the Blackhead Training Center.

Height 182 and weight 80.

These were the figures recorded on the chart that the head of the intensive care unit had given him.

In addition, all sorts of other figures were marked as being above the standard.

But what good were they all?

Maybe against the Minds.

Taehyun's battles were no longer in the realm of what a human body could do.

A demon's body.

And it had to be the body of a top-tier species.

Perhaps this exercise was also to prevent himself from forgetting that he was human.

That was the thought that came to him.

"I've gained a secret friend."

It had only been a few hours since he woke up from the intensive care unit and left the conference room.

'Make the first move before the Gate Break occurs.'

To execute that, he needed time, and until then, they would each make their own preparations.

The association's task was to establish a pan-national organization that could replace the World Player Association through P20, and Taehyun's task was to conduct the territory war in the Abyss and understand the movements of the Archdukes.

'It's already been a month.'

He should go to Rosaria's castle as soon as possible.

But Taehyun couldn't do that.

For some reason, he couldn't pass through the gate to the Abyss.

'The laws of the Abyss have become stronger.'

That was the only reason he could think of.

Whether using a physical gate, or using skills like 'Apostle of the Gate'.

He had tried all the methods he had used before, but the Abyss was not allowing Taehyun to enter.

Other players were just as bewildered by this extraordinary situation, and Seo Sang-ik was currently trying to figure out the situation to find a solution.

Taehyun had visited the house to do things he hadn't been able to do in the meantime.

'The items I commissioned should be completed within this week…'

The items he had commissioned from the Alchemist with the Dragon scales and Bordeaux's red eyes would be completed within this week.

If he was already late, it would be better to return with proper equipment.

Taehyun, having visually confirmed that there was no problem with his body, opened his status window.

"What has that guy done?"

In the brief moment when his body was taken over.

Taehyun's body was reassembled with demon parts as if it were Lego.

The stats that had temporarily risen due to that influence had mostly returned to their original positions, but the magic stat alone had increased significantly.

With this much, he could forcibly summon an Archduke without a proper contract.

'But there was a gain.'

Looking at 'Ruler of Desire' in the skill window, he couldn't help but smile.

It wasn't like Kasim Zolt's 'Devil Gate' strengthened by Gorper's authority.

A Great Demon.

'Gorper's Authority.'

That power, the cyan magic that the guy was emitting, he absorbed it as it was, not just a part of it.

The skill, which could be said to be an enhanced version of 'Oath of the Awakened', had already been used on the Doppelganger.

'With this power, I can supplement the loopholes in the oath.'

While 'Oath of the Awakened' was an oath that could be made between Awakened, and could be broken by excellent players like Ricky Hallis.

'Ruler of Desire' could exert a coercive force that even the Doppelganger had no choice but to comply with.

That meant.

"It works on the Archdukes too."

Before summoning the Archdukes in earnest in the mental world, the conditions he made with the Doppelganger were one at a time.

The guy claimed ownership of the body, and Taehyun offered just one condition.

That he would manifest and lend his power when he needed it.

He knew that he could not enforce permanent restrictions in his current state of immaturity.

As a result, Taehyun was the winner of the bet, and he was able to use the guy's power once at any time.

He could be sure.

He had a way to put leashes on the Doppelganger and the Archdukes.

"Gorper, you lucky guy."

Although he was definitely a guy who made things difficult for Taehyun.

He had given him the coordinates of the hidden area and his authority, so he no longer felt resentful.

Taehyun organized the situation in his head.

'Checking the situation of Rosaria and Typhon is first. Dominating the hidden area is next.'

Since Gorper, who was like a lord, was dead.

Beelzebub might have sent a new subordinate.

'The coordinates are stored in 'Apostle of the Gate', so it won't be difficult to go back in.'

'Next time, I'll prepare properly and invade.'

Whoever becomes the next lord.

Even if there is a Great Demon who surpasses Gorper, they will have to be prepared.

Taehyun started lower body exercises, burning with fighting spirit.

The ordinary day of an SSS-grade player was passing.

Taehyun, who stayed at home the next day, was engrossed in training.

Lying at home like a loafer, feeling each and every muscle in his body without time constraints, wasn't so bad.

Of course, he also occasionally wore his earring to deal with the backlog of work.

Player Association, Onsaemi-ro, Nightwalker, Alchemist, Doje Yanghaeng, etc.

He had a lot of work going on.

After finishing core exercises and putting on his earring, he received a call from Secretary Yoon Miso.

Taehyun called her back and listened to the report.

[There are no new reports regarding the Hanbit Guild.]

Secretary Yoon Miso said in her usual disciplined voice.

"Please continue to work hard on the Hanbit Guild matter… How is P20 coming along?"

[China and the United States have not yet expressed their intention to participate, but… we will be able to match a suitable facade.]

"Please provide appropriate support to the association president's work, without getting caught."

[Understood.]

Various other reports followed.

Most of them were things that could be known through Nightwalker.

But it wasn't bad to get a briefing on the overall situation in this way.

Above all, the ability of Yoon Miso, whom he had hired as a secretary, was more outstanding than he had thought, and the scale that had started as a small company had grown into a medium-sized company.

It was all due to the capital that Taehyun had earned through his player activities.

'Still, it's an amazing business acumen. She might not be inferior to Yoo Ah-young if she does well.'

The Hanbit Guild was growing as much as Taehyun's company.

At the current rate of growth, it would grow to a level similar to its previous life within the next two years.

After listening to all the reports, Taehyun turned on the screen that Yoon Miso had installed.

The leaders of each country were announcing the end of the Gray Sickness.

'Come to think of it, I haven't checked the quest.'

He had forgotten about the existence of the quest because the changes in stats and skills were too noticeable.

Then.

Ting.

[Progress: 100%]

[Quest 'Gray Sickness' has been completed.]

"Has it finally ended?"

The Venom of the Gray Sickness.

It was a plague-like epidemic that started with his magic.

This time, there were a lot of casualties, but they were able to prevent it with a much smaller number than in his previous life.

"It's a pity there are no quest rewards."

Since the Gray Sickness had been registered since the quest function was first created, he had never thought about the rewards.

Moreover, since it wasn't a one-off quest like the ones he had done so far, it was unreasonable to expect stat or skill rewards.

As he was thinking that, suddenly.

Ting.

[Recognizing a great existence.]

[A great magic is awakening.]

The purple magic and cyan magic that were dwelling in Taehyun's body flickered.

"……!!"

He was momentarily flustered by the sudden situation.

Messages appeared one after another in front of his eyes.

[The yokai power of the skill Devil's Saliva (SSS) has changed.]

[The yokai power of the summon skill Beelzebub (SSS) has changed.]

[The skill Superior Species' Eyes (SSS) has changed to Supreme Species' Eyes (SSS).]

[The skill Superior Species' Heart (SSS) has changed to Great Demon's Heart (SSS).]

[The skill Demonization (SSS) has been registered.]

"What is this…"

It was an unexpected reward.

'Demonization' after 'Beastification'.

Moreover, 'Superior Species' Eyes' and 'Superior Species' Heart', which could be said to be his main skills, had also been upgraded to the next level.

'Not a bad skill.'

He could fully guess its power just by reading the description of the skill.

"There's one more reason to go back to the Abyss quickly."

The deepest part.

There would be a guy in there who was worth testing this power on.

At that time.

He received a call from Seo Sang-ik.

[Have you found a way to get to the Abyss?]

Taehyun asked, unable to hide his expectations.

[No. The reason I contacted you this time is because of the items you ordered earlier.]

[Is that so.]

He unwittingly revealed his disappointment in his voice.

[There are still some left… but the lineup that Taehyun-nim will use is complete. Would you like to check it out?]

[I'll go there now.]

[Welcome.]

As soon as he entered the Alchemist, Seo Sang-ik, who had been waiting, immediately led him to the product laboratory.

There, the items that Seo Sang-ik and the artisans had made over the past month were on display.

There was an improved Bag of Infinity, a long black belt that could be wrapped around the upper body, a thin scale-shaped armor, a white suit, and shoes.

"Because the materials were so precious, we handled them carefully… it took longer than expected."

"Quality is more important than time."

"Would you like to try them on?"

Seo Sang-ik said with a confident expression.

"Of course."

Taehyun took off his training clothes and put on the scale-shaped armor.

As if it were not armor but part of his body from the beginning, it clung to his body.

Immediately, a message popped up that his stamina had increased.

"Dragon Scale Armor. Made from the scales of the Gold Dragon. Needless to say, its durability is excellent, and the size does not change according to the wearer's body type."

Seo Sang-ik continued to explain the other items in order.

All of them were top-tier among unique grade items, and since they used Dragon scales, they would not be scratched by most impacts.

"If the wearer's magic power is sufficient, it also has a self-healing function. This is a technology patented by our Alchemist."

It was a bonus that he occasionally revealed his pride in the guild.

The climax was the sword made with Bordeaux's red eyes.

The sword had a blue blade and a red eye embedded in the handle.

"Dragonslayer Sword."

Seo Sang-ik said the name of the sword with a overwhelmed expression.

"A sword that kills dragons…"

The name was so straightforward.

Taehyun smiled.

"The magic power of the Blue Dragon is imbued in the red eye. Thanks to that, it has the property of lightning."

"With this much…"

"Yes. It's a legend grade item."

Seo Sang-ik said, straightening his shoulders.

Taehyun picked up the sword and infused it with magic.

Pazzzzz. Pazzzz.

The sword, reacting to the magic power, sparked.

Its power was so unusual that Seo Sang-ik, who was next to him, stepped back.

His hair stood on end due to the influence of lightning.

Was that all?

Ting.

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

"……!!"

His stats increased just like when he received the power of Erebus and Bordeaux.

The skill was activated just by infusing the sword with magic power.

'This is amazing.'

Taehyun was satisfied with the unexpectedly discovered skill usage.

He wanted to test these new items right away.

Then, one thought came to his mind.

"Guild Master. What is the biggest dungeon right now?"

347

Two months ago.

A massive gate break occurred in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Shortly after Tae-hyun finished his work in Fukuoka.

It was an incident that occurred not long after he crossed into the Abyss.

Compared to Europe and Asia, the power of African and South American players is relatively low.

The Brazilian Player Association failed to stop the gate break in time, and it was judged to be SSS grade, becoming an uncaptured dungeon.

After that, it was not much different from what associations with insufficient power do.

The Brazilian Player Association requested support from the World Player Association, and the World Player Association in turn requested support from the American and New Korean Player Associations.

Two players with strength that is different even among SS-grade players.

It was to get help from Kim Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz.

It had already been verified that the strength of the two players worked even in SSS-grade breaks.

Two SSS-grade breaks before Rio de Janeiro.

This is because Tae-hyun and the Saintess stopped the break in Fukuoka, and Cody Cruz's party stopped the break in London.

The problem was that the heads of the New Korean and American associations did not easily release Kim Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz.

Association heads Ji Jin-hee and Kevin Lee did not reveal the location and mission of the two players, and each time the media criticized the two association heads and players.

The World Player Association issued a lockdown order, judging that the attack party that did not include the two players was likely to fail.

They chose a method of dispatching players of an appropriate level to remove monsters from the entrance of the dungeon to prevent the dungeon from breaking.

This is based on the analysis that it alone can prevent the monsters inside from multiplying and the dungeon from breaking.

Dungeon subjugation was held once a week, and at that time, Lucas Dos Santos, a Brazilian SS-grade player, led the attack party along with a large number of A-grade and S-grade players supported by the World Player Association.

Nine S-grade players supported by the World Player Association and hundreds of mercenaries are entering and leaving the dungeon every week.

To Tae-hyun's question about finding the largest dungeon.

It was not strange that Seo Sang-ik recommended that place.

"There are Asians among these mercenaries."

Lucas Dos Santos.

An SS-grade player and Brazilian hero.

And he is also the captain of the attack party for this uncaptured dungeon.

He said indifferently.

The nine S-grade players around him reacted.

They were all members of the World Player Association and were responsible for the main axis of the attack party.

"What country are they from?"

The mercenaries recruited for life-threatening attacks are usually motivated by money.

Therefore, the recruitment process was not that difficult.

Since they were recruited without much effort, the attack captain was not greatly responsible in case of death.

"Looks like a Chinese person?"

"Those guys make me feel uneasy."

"Could they be infected with the Gray Plague?"

The ten players, including Santos, looked at the man openly and said.

It is no longer a secret that China is behind the Minds and the Gray Plague.

From their perspective, where most Asians look like Chinese, it was not unreasonable to immediately associate them with the Gray Plague.

"Gray Plague my foot. How long has that damn epidemic been over?"

"Asians all look similar."

"Who knows? Maybe he's hiding his strength and making money. I heard many Japanese players do that?"

"Hehe. Those islanders. They boasted about being a developed country, but now they're making a living as mercenaries?"

A burst of laughter erupted.

At that time.

"Hey, you!! Asian!!"

One of the group called out to the man.

"Are you calling me?"

The Asian man, who had been singled out, asked back with an indifferent expression.

His shabby clothes were covered by a cloak, and his unkempt hair and unshaven beard were common among professional mercenaries.

"Are there any other Asians here besides you?"

The man made monkey gestures and made ridiculous movements.

Eight S-grade players nearby snickered at the mocking behavior.

"……."

The Asian man stared at them silently.

"What's your grade?"

"...B grade."

The man replied curtly.

"B grade, huh...."

"Hmm... not bad for a monkey, is it?"

"Still, in a place like this, it wouldn't be strange if he died without anyone noticing."

"It's a good level to work as a mercenary now, not like before."

"Why don't you stop showing off with your mediocre skills and become my personal porter?"

The man's words caused another wave of laughter around him.

"……."

"Stop it, guys. Your jokes are going too far."

At the intervention of the attack captain, Santos, the laughter stopped as if nothing had happened.

This is because even though they belong to the World Association, they cannot be compared to Santos, who has a promising future.

"Captain~ I was just joking to relieve some tension before entering the dungeon."

"I know, but aren't they comrades we have to work with anyway? Entry permission has been granted, so let's go in."

Santos said this and patted the Asian man on the shoulder.

"Understand. It's because they have bad feelings about Asians because of the Gray Plague."

"What does that have to do with me?"

"……!!"

"This bastard has a bad attitude towards the captain...."

"Monkey. Do you want to die?"

Someone was angry, and someone whistled at this interesting situation.

Santos raised his hand and stopped all their actions.

He didn't want to create unnecessary conflicts before entering the dungeon.

"You said you were a B-grade Awakened?"

"That's right."

"It's common for mercenaries to lose their lives in dungeons."

Santos put his hand on the man's shoulder.

Squeeze.

He put strength into his hand.

"I'm warning you. Don't show off and just stay out of the way."

"……."

The area became silent at the oppressive warning.

"Enter the dungeon!!"

Santos tapped the man's shoulder again and shouted.

With a shout, nearly 500 people entered the dungeon.

"Just stay out of the way...."

The man muttered quietly.

Tae-hyun also moved his steps towards the huge gate.

"I expected it... but it's not going smoothly."

Ji Jin-hee said quietly, looking through the negative reports that had come up from various places.

It was about forming P20.

Go Tae-wook, who was also looking through another report, met Ji Jin-hee's eyes.

Ji Jin-hee, who had returned to active duty, had become larger in stature as he trained while Tae-hyun was unconscious.

It was to maximize the power of ancient martial arts.

"We've already won over all the politicians in New Korea. But if the pressure is this high, we should assume that the United States and China are also involved."

Even though the country was unified, national power was improved, the economy was developed, and it became a powerful nation.

Politicians still hold the power.

Even if its power is great, the Player Association is only one of the pillars that make up New Korea.

"There are more bad people in the world than good people."

"And bad people usually play in the mud."

Ji Jin-hee hated getting involved in the mud.

Therefore, despite being in the position of chairman, who should be closer to politics than anyone else, he kept them at a distance.

However, P20 is an organization that transcends national boundaries.

To succeed, the help of politicians in one's own country was essential.

Ji Jin-hee, who had been walking a middle path, had no talent for winning over politicians from the ruling and opposition parties.

His choice was a hard-line approach.

Blackmail through information.

Using Yoo Ah-young's Nightwalker, he scraped up information related to corruption, bribery, and sex crime concealment of famous politicians.

Negotiations went smoothly.

"It's no different from the Minds that you have to use dirty tricks to solve things."

"Who can stop people's greed?"

Go Tae-wook replied bitterly to Ji Jin-hee's grumbling.

"More than that, I heard that a large gate break has occurred in India."

To change the sunken atmosphere, Go Tae-wook changed the subject.

Ji Jin-hee, who was skimming through the report Go Tae-wook handed him, showed interest.

"Is the measurement value SS...."

"The problem is that an SS-grade gate has opened when an SS-grade dungeon has already been created."

"Two SS-grade dungeons have merged... an unprecedented situation...."

Ji Jin-hee sighed as he quickly turned over the back of the report.

"The frequency of SSS-grade gate breaks is increasing. Yesterday, the World Player Association contacted us requesting Tae-hyun's help...."

"Did you refuse?"

"Yes."

"Good job."

"I'm sorry...."

"You don't have to apologize."

Ji Jin-hee knew that Go Tae-wook hadn't finished his sentence.

That the world's criticism of the New Korean Player Association was intensifying.

This was due to the World Player Association's media play.

"Guild Leader Yoo Ah-young is also responding, and once P20 is established, these trivial media plays won't work anyway. How's Brazil?"

Brazil was initially favorable to joining P20, but is now hesitant to join due to pressure from China and the United States.

"There's no reply yet. I'm thinking of sending Player Park Seong-jin."

"Hmm.... If it doesn't work out, we'll have to ask Tae-hyun for help. Clearing an uncaptured dungeon is the only way to get him to bite the bait."

"I agree."

"Is Tae-hyun still resting at home?"

"I... I think so."

"Don't let Tae-hyun know about the current situation. I can't help the child who is suffering in the deepest part... Let's try to solve the problem as much as possible on our own."

"We should."

Go Tae-wook said with an awkward smile.

'Brazil....'

I already heard from Yoo Ah-young that Tae-hyun went to Brazil.

I just thought I shouldn't say it because Ji Jin-hee might worry.

'But where in Brazil did he say he was going....?'

Crack.

Tae-hyun's swordsmanship split the body of the B-grade monster in two.

Chimeras that were difficult to identify from the beginning of the dungeon were pouring out.

Tae-hyun's apparent skill is that of a B-grade mercenary.

Therefore, he was dealing with mid- to low-level monsters appropriately.

'This is a dungeon that didn't exist in my previous life.'

Now, there is overwhelming public opinion that Tae-hyun and Cody Cruz should be issued SSS-grade licenses.

In his previous life, no SSS-grade player was born until right before he regressed.

'Who made this?'

Through Asisat Ebi's words, I know that the reason why the Archdukes cause breaks is because of the Abyss's restrictions.

Even SSS-grade monsters would not be exempt from such reasons.

'Since it hasn't been around for two months... does that mean all the Archdukes are within range?'

Except for Lucifer, the Archdukes will not be in normal condition due to the battles in the Heart World.

There is no way that Archdukes will appear like in Fukuoka.

The possibility is a Great Demon.

'There's no way such a guy would appear.'

At best, it would be a high-ranking subordinate.

When Tae-hyun was thinking optimistically, the association players led by Santos had cleared all the monsters at the entrance of the dungeon.

Five S+ grades.

Twenty S grades.

Except for that, everything was mid- to low-level monsters.

"We'll clean up here and go back!!"

Santos shouted, putting magic power into his voice.

They entered the dungeon with 500 people and caught nearly 300 monsters.

It seemed like they thought it was enough.

At that time.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Kiaaaaa.

Inside the dungeon.

A bizarre sound could be heard in the distance.

'SS grade?'

It was a presence that could be felt familiarly in the deepest part, but it was not the case for others.

"Get into formation!!"

Santos, feeling that something was wrong, shouted and grabbed his weapon.

Whoo-oong.

Bluish magic power rippled on the unique-grade spear.

'Did he say he learned ancient Brazilian martial arts? His momentum isn't bad, but....'

The opponent was not good.

The monster that revealed itself was a Bone Dragon.

Kwaaaaaaak.

The monster shot a breath without any warning.

"Dodge!!"

It was said in vain that someone shouted, and nearly 50 casualties occurred in an instant.

The area became a mess.

"Everyone retreat backwards!!"

Santos shouted.

The Bone Dragon was preparing its second breath.

Everyone is turning their backs and retreating.

If they can't block the breath in the current state, the death toll will be at least 300.

The annihilation of the attack party was obvious.

Even if they fight the Bone Dragon, there will be as many casualties.

"Damn it!!"

Santos, who spat out profanity, turned around and stopped.

It could be seen that he was injecting magic power into his unique-grade spear.

He was trying to buy time.

"You!!"

Santos unleashed his magic power.

The SS-grade skill that made him an SS-grade player.

'Carnival Festival.'

His body began to shine like an ancient warrior.

The monster threw its spear towards the Bone Dragon's neck.

Ssaee-aek.

The spear that flew with a chilling sound hit the Bone Dragon's ribs.

The monster screamed and canceled its breath.

'It looks like he didn't buy his license with money.'

While Tae-hyun was thinking that.

Kwaang!!

"Cough...!!"

Santos, who was hit directly by the Bone Dragon's forefoot, spat out blood and flew in front of Tae-hyun.

'Should I save this guy? Or not?'

348

"You… what are you doing here…."

Splash.

Santos, coughing up blood, looked up at Taehyun.

"……."

Taehyun shrugged, looking at the blood on his shoes.

"Get out…!! Don't die a dog's death!!"

"Looks like you're in the same boat?"

"What…?"

He thought he was doing pretty well, but an SS-rank alone is too much.

Santos stared blankly at Taehyun muttering to himself.

Then, the Bone Dragon emitted a powerful aura.

Santos' body stiffened.

Taehyun saw him emitting his magic power and resisting the aura.

"Still, you weren't completely useless."

He wasn't like those strategy team leaders who risked their lives to buy time until the end.

Just look at the other key players who ran away while Santos bought time.

"What… are you babbling about…!!"

Santos, crushed by the aura, shouted with difficulty.

Then, the Bone Dragon opened its skeletal jaws.

Krrr. Krrr.

A huge magic power gathered and disappeared repeatedly in its mouth.

Due to the aftereffects of Santos' attack, it couldn't use its breath smoothly.

"Hey!!!"

Santos staggered to his feet and strengthened his skill once again.

SS-rank skill, 'Carnival Festival.'

An enhancement ability that maximizes physical stats instantly.

'Judging by the proficiency, it's about the lowest level.'

He had the skills to obtain an SS-rank license, but.

His opponent and the environment were not good.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

Another Bone Dragon appeared from the depths.

"Two SS-rank monsters, huh?"

Thud.

"Crazy."

Santos, cursing, wore a defeated expression.

Dealing with two SS-rank monsters simultaneously was still impossible for anyone in Shinhan, except Yoo Ah-young.

What more to say if there were two dragons, considered a cut above ordinary monsters?

A venomous magic power gathered in the mouth of the newly appeared creature.

The Green Clan's Acid Breath.

The dungeon was in a straight line.

If they couldn't stop that breath here, many of those who had run away earlier would lose their lives.

"Lucas Dos Santos."

Taehyun called the man's name.

"If I save your life, what can you do for me?"

"What nonsense…."

KWAHHHH!!

Before Santos could finish speaking.

The completed breath finally engulfed the two.

Santos involuntarily squeezed his eyes shut.

Ting.

[Skill Energy Compose (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the form.]

A crimson magic barrier unfolded before Taehyun's eyes.

KWAANG!!

Santos, opening his eyes at the sound of the explosion, was momentarily stunned by what he saw right in front of him.

He belatedly looked up at Taehyun.

A mechanical voice from the earpiece announced that the automatic translation function had been set to Shinhan language.

There were quite a few SS-rank players among Shinhan people, but.

Only one name came to mind.

"Could it be… Kim… Taehyun…?"

Santos uttered Taehyun's name with inaccurate pronunciation.

"Tell me, Santos, what will you give me in exchange for taking care of those guys?"

He smirked.

Taehyun, looking down at his prey, asked while feigning a friendly expression.

The fourth Bone Dragon spewed its breath.

The two Bone Dragons had somehow increased to five.

Nevertheless, they couldn't break through the barrier in front of them.

An Asian man blocking the Bone Dragon's breath.

As far as it was known, there was only one such person.

The world's number one ranked player.

"Kim Taehyun…."

Santos uttered the name of the man looking down at him.

"I asked what you can do for me if I save your life?"

Finally regaining his senses, Santos got up.

"What nonsense are you talking about in this situation…!!"

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.

The five Bone Dragons crashed into the magic barrier.

"Doesn't seem to be Saint-level."

Their presence was different from the Bone Dragon Narendran Neru had summoned before.

Dragons made from the corpses of Worm-class dragons.

They were constantly pouring in.

It wouldn't be strange if the dungeon's rank was measured as SSS just by this.

'Is this the work of Hazard?'

Even so, it wasn't a problem.

This dungeon would be conquered by him today anyway.

"But we need to calculate properly."

Taehyun said, looking at Santos who had completely regained his sanity.

"Are you… even suggesting making a pact of the Awakened in this situation?!!"

"Is there anything wrong with that?"

"I… misjudged you!!"

"You didn't seem to recognize me from the start."

"Player Kim Taehyun, that's…."

As Santos tried to explain what happened at the entrance, Taehyun waved his hand.

"Don't you know the saying, 'If you keep being kind, you'll become a pushover'?"

"What…."

"I'm saying choose. Whether you become a Brazilian hero who conquered a dungeon with a minor contract, or you end your life here in vain."

"What are the terms of the contract…?"

"Become my person."

"You're telling me to become a subordinate…."

Santos bit his lip as if he had been insulted.

"There's a saying in Shinhan, 'It's better to be the tail of a dragon than the head of a snake'."

"If this fact becomes known…."

Just then.

Crack. Cracking.

The barrier Taehyun had created began to crack.

Before he knew it, ten Bone Dragons had gathered beyond the barrier.

Sanchez then realized.

That he only had one choice from the beginning.

"What's your answer?"

"…I will. But first, those guys…."

"No. Contract first."

Ting.

[Skill Dominator of Desire (SSS) has been activated. Specifying the target.]

Taehyun spoke the conditions.

The condition was to conquer the dungeon and pass all the credit to Santos.

The price was to become Taehyun's person and carry out orders when necessary.

The contract period would last until the day both of them died.

Santos hesitated at the contract period, but eventually nodded.

[A Covenant of Desire has been formed. The Great Demon's Spell is applied.]

Hwaaa.

Deep blue magic power wrapped around Taehyun and Santos' bodies.

He had never experimented with the risk of breaching the contract.

However, since it was a power that belonged to authority, he only guessed that there would be a risk that could not be compared to the Covenant of the Awakened.

"Hold on tight, Santos. I'll make sure you get on the bus."

Ting.

[Skill Energy Compose (SSS) has been enhanced.]

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

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

The cracking barrier was reinforced as if nothing had happened.

Chains extending from the barrier wrapped around the Bone Dragons' bodies.

Charrrr. Charrrr.

Pazzzzzzzz.

The Bone Dragons that touched the chains screamed.

Even the creatures who only had instincts left felt fear as their immense magic power was drained.

Even though he had absorbed most of their magic power, there was no increase in even 1 stat point.

Stats wouldn't increase even if he devoured them now anyway.

So.

'Shall we experiment once?'

Taehyun pulled out the dagger he had tucked into the belt at his waist.

A masterpiece of an alchemist made from the red eyes of the Blue Dragon Bordeaux.

Legendary-grade item, Dragonslaying Sword.

The belt was enchanted with skills for weight reduction and miniaturization.

The Dragonslaying Sword, which was in the form of a dagger, regained its original size as he infused it with magic power.

Ting.

[Skill Primal Element (SSS) has been activated.]

Pazzzt. Pazzzt.

A message popped up that his stats had increased.

Among them, the increase in speed stat was unusual.

Taehyun fully infused the Dragonslaying Sword with magic power.

Unlike the Unique-grade items he had used so far.

'It's constantly devouring it.'

Drddddd.

It was when Taehyun had injected about 400 magic power.

The handle of the Dragonslaying Sword vibrated slightly.

Taehyun swung the sword in the air.

Pazzic!!

The moment it seemed like sparks flew in the air.

Ten near-death Bone Dragons were electrocuted.

Bones torn to shreds by the huge magic power flew into the air, and before they even touched the ground, lightning burned everything away.

Ten SS-rank monsters had disappeared without a trace from a single strike.

"Wh-what the heck…."

Santos' voice trembled at the sight he couldn't believe even with his own eyes.

"It's best to keep what you see and hear from now on a secret."

Taehyun patted his shoulder, looking at him in a daze.

"Let's go. Subordinate."

It took about 5 hours to reach the place where the dungeon's owner was expected to be.

It was because Taehyun dealt with the rushing Bone Dragons one by one.

It was to test the performance of the newly acquired item.

The Dragonslaying Sword was more than satisfactory, and the Dragonscale Armor only had slight scratches even from the Bone Dragon's claws.

He could realize once again how hard the scales of an elder-level dragon were.

What was most satisfactory was the seemingly ordinary suit and dress shoe design.

He had thrown away more than one or two outfits every time he had a life-threatening battle.

However, the suit-type clothes and shoes could be transformed according to Taehyun's body shape, and even if they were damaged by breath, they quickly regenerated to their original form.

'I just need to fix the color a little more.'

Taehyun thought as he opened the door to the boss room.

Kugugung!!

A huge gravity pressed down on Taehyun and Sanchez.

There was a Dragonkin shining red eyes in front of him.

[Who are you?]

Ting.

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

"Someone like this."

The Dragonkin's expression hardened.

"You. You're holding out pretty well?"

Ting.

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

Thud.

Santos couldn't withstand Taehyun's aura and fainted as he was.

[You. What are you?]

"You. What's your name?"

[I asked what you are.]

"A Dragonkin using power comparable to a pureblood dragon… you don't seem like an ordinary dragon…"

[You!!!]

Ting.

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

Krrrr!!

The aura emitted from Taehyun's body wrapped around the Dragonkin.

Thud.

The Dragonkin knelt as easily as if it were futile.

"You, what's your relationship with Hazard?"

Taehyun approached him.

[Could it be… Hazard-nim's contract….]

"That's enough. I'll just find out myself."

Ting.

[Skill Ataraxia (SSS) has been activated.]

He read the Dragonkin's memories.

He was a demonkin monster of about SS-rank, but.

Hazard strengthened him with his power to imitate Asmodeus.

But in the end, he failed and threw him to Earth along with the other failures as if abandoning them.

"Hazard, how are you going to deal with all this resentment?"

Taehyun clicked his tongue and muttered.

[I see… the magic power felt from that sword is Bordeaux… could it be that you have become Hazard-nim's new contractor….]

The Dragonkin, whose mind was not completely destroyed, muttered to himself.

'Quick-witted.'

Taehyun worried about the disposal of the Dragonkin trembling.

It was a waste to dispose of it through devouring.

Then, an idea flashed through his mind.

Bordeaux's territory managed by the Dragonkin Vigo.

He was already thinking it was not enough to leave it to one Dragonkin.

"Don't you want to take revenge? On Hazard, who made you like that."

[…….]

Taehyun glimpsed the desire in his memories.

Unlike his fate that he could only obey, a fierce desire for revenge on her.

[What… are you saying….]

"I think I can help with that revenge."

Taehyun raised deep blue magic power.

[That power… could it be… a Great Demon….]

"The story will be faster."

[You can enter Hazard's territory by using this gate.]

The Dragonkin who was the owner of the dungeon.

He said, pointing to the rift in space that was spread out on one side.

Because the power of the dragon race was mixed with the demon race, it could be less restricted by the laws of the Abyss, and the whole story of the Break was that he was growing power here to cause a Break.

It was a gate that deceived the laws of the Abyss.

"It's enough."

Ting.

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

Taehyun's magic power was sucked into the rift in space.

[The location has been specified.]

Kwaaaa.

A huge gate was created.

"Come to think of it, what's your name?"

[I don't have one.]

It seemed he had forgotten even the name he used when he was a demonkin after being modified by Hazard.

A hybrid with the power of the demon race and the dragon race mixed together.

Hybrid.

"How about Breed?"

The Dragonkin seemed satisfied with the name given to him.

[I will follow the master's orders.]

"Let's go. Breed."

[What do you plan to do with that human?]

The Dragonkin Breed looked at Santos, who had collapsed.

"You can leave him alone."

Anyway, the dungeon was being maintained because of the existence of Breed, the boss.

If he were to return to the Abyss again, the dungeon would naturally be broken.

Leaving the fainted Santos alone.

Taehyun and Breed crossed the gate.

Episode 349

Lucas Dos Santos.

When the man called the hero of Brazil opened his eyes, he was surrounded by a multitude of people.

There were players who had led the raid party with him, mercenaries he had hired, and reporters who had rushed in after hearing the news of the Break.

He heard that an hour had passed since the dungeon broke.

Even if you considered the time immediately after entering the boss room, he had been unconscious for at least an hour.

His skin all over his body stung as if he had been gnawed by something's teeth.

"Player Santos!! Is it true that you cleared the dungeon alone?!!"

"We heard that many casualties occurred due to the sudden appearance of the Bone Dragon!!"

"Please say something about those who died!!"

"Were there any unusual symptoms at the beginning of the dungeon?!!"

"What was the identity of the boss-level monster!!"

Unlike the players who were busy fleeing and in a daze.

The reporters cornered Santos, who had just regained consciousness.

For them, the scoop in front of them was more important than human lives.

If players hunt monsters and gain honor, reporters build their careers by reporting their news.

Santos was also a veteran player, so he wasn't offended.

He was just bewildered.

'Really… the dungeon was cleared?'

It was like a dream.

And he was at the center of this dreamlike event.

"Is it really true that Player Santos cleared the dungeon alone?"

That made him realize the reality.

'Kim Tae-hyun!!'

He remembered the sight of him not only defeating dozens of Bone Dragons single-handedly but also not losing his composure against the dungeon boss.

He didn't remember their battle, but.

Kim Tae-hyun must have won after a fierce battle.

"Kim… no… what about the Asian mercenary…."

"……?"

"Asian mercenary…?"

"Was there anyone else in the dungeon?"

The reporters expressed their doubts when Santos, who was about to ask something, swallowed his words.

On the other hand, Santos, who kept his mouth shut, had to swallow his embarrassment alone.

He remembered Kim Tae-hyun saying that he shouldn't be associated with the dungeon raid.

He said he would give all the credit for the dungeon to Santos, so he should keep the oath he made with him.

'I made a contract….'

He belatedly remembered the deep blue magic power that resided in his body.

It felt like a different kind of oath than that of an Awakened, yet he felt an irresistible force.

'Did he clear the dungeon and leave alone?'

Many of the reporters had detection skills.

But to deceive this huge crowd and escape?

It would usually be impossible, but.

'If it's Kim Tae-hyun, the stealth skills he uses wouldn't be ordinary either.'

Even he hadn't recognized him, who was 'disguised' as a mercenary.

Was it because he had watched his incredible strength from the side?

Santos was unknowingly in awe of everything about Tae-hyun.

'Kim Tae-hyun… what exactly are you trying to ask of me?'

Even if he was an SS-rank player and called the hero of Brazil.

In the end, he was just an individual.

What was Kim Tae-hyun trying to achieve by conceding his achievements to him?

Santos struggled to guess the reason, wracking his confused brain.

Even as he did so, the surrounding reporters were fiercely firing questions.

"Player Santos!! Do you have anything to say?!!"

"If a Bone Dragon appeared, was the boss also a dragon?"

"Hey, a Bone Dragon appeared. If a guy like that isn't the boss, what is he?"

"Was there even a living dragon?"

"What?!! Then Santos will now get the title of Dragon Slayer?"

"Does it work like that?"

"Dragon Slayer… sounds plausible?"

The reporters chuckled among themselves, speculating.

"……."

He used to enjoy the attention of the media, but right now he was confused, annoyed, and irritated.

If he said something unnecessary here, he could get caught up in unnecessary gossip.

Just as Santos was about to get up on his own, a man approached and supported him.

It was an employee of the Brazilian Player Association.

"Are you alright?"

"You're late."

"We will take you to the Association's intensive care unit right away."

The Association players who came out to meet him with the man broke through the crowd.

The two boarded the car waiting for them.

"What happened to the other players?"

He asked the Association employee about something that he, as the raid leader, should have been aware of.

"There are 89 dead and 23 injured."

"……."

"I heard that the suddenly appeared Bone Dragon fired its breath…."

"That's right."

"Did you really… clear it alone?"

"Are you doubting me?"

Santos asked back with a dark look.

"A, no. How dare I…."

The man, sensing that there was something going on, didn't ask any more questions.

"I need to meet the Association President."

"He's already waiting."

The car with the two men boarded quickly departed, receiving the spotlight from the reporters.

Unlike the car, which was accelerating more and more.

Only one question filled Santos's head.

Kim Tae-hyun.

The world's best player, capable of raiding an SSS-rank dungeon alone.

'What does that man want from me?'

"It's getting tougher."

Tae-hyun took a breath as he passed through the gate.

The blood-red sky told him that he had arrived in the Abyss.

'Still, how did I get through the gate?'

Although the laws of the Abyss left his body battered, it wasn't bad to get through with this much of a price.

"So the dungeon was the solution."

A dungeon is like a huge gate in itself.

It wouldn't be strange to say that a non-broken dungeon straddles the boundary between the Abyss and Earth.

If it's a gate judged to be SSS-rank.

'I can minimize the laws of the Abyss.'

It was a hypothesis he came up with while recalling how Jormungandr had crossed over to Fukuoka before.

And now.

Tae-hyun, who had been constantly rejected, had succeeded in crossing the gate.

'At least the minimum possibility has been proven.'

There were other achievements as well.

Tae-hyun examined his body.

His clothes were just as battered.

This was because most of the equipment he was wearing was made by processing dragon scales.

The things made of their scales were also damaged by the laws of the Abyss, but they were quickly being restored to their original state through Tae-hyun's magic power.

This alone meant that the performance of the equipment was合格(gō gé: up to standard).

"Anyway… where is this?"

Breed, who had received relatively less restraint than Tae-hyun, but was similarly disoriented by the laws of the Abyss, raised his head.

[This is the edge of the Blue Clan's territory.]

"Blue?"

[Originally, it is the leader of the Blue Clan who serves Lord Hazard closely….]

Breed glanced at the Dragonslayer Sword, which was hanging in the form of a dagger on Tae-hyun's waist.

Bordeaux, the leader of the Blue Clan.

As Hazard's henchman, he secretly planned various things.

One of the reasons he created gates connecting to Earth throughout the clan's territory was for that reason.

"Bordeaux. Helping me even after death."

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that his territory was Tae-hyun's.

If there were more dungeons like this one, it wouldn't be bad for Tae-hyun to use them.

[What are you going to do now?]

Breed asked carefully.

"Since I've come all the way here, I should see the butler's face."

[……?]

Without answering, Tae-hyun took out the Bag of Infinity that was attached to his belt.

It was full of the best potions and scrolls that he had brought from the Alchemist, all sorted and categorized.

Among them, he took out a bottle of the best magic power potion and a healing scroll and used them.

His damaged body and depleted magic power were quickly restored.

Tring.

[The skill Apostle of the Gate (SSS) has been activated. Locating the position.]

Kwaaaa.

A gate opened in front of him once again.

"Let's go. You're the first housewarming guest."

[Th, thank you. Master.]

Breed, who belatedly understood the meaning, bowed his head.

When he raised his head, Tae-hyun had already thrown himself into the gate.

Breed hurriedly followed and crossed the gate.

"Looks like you need an explanation."

Tae-hyun asked, looking at the battered Vigo.

[That's….]

He was once Bordeaux's butler, but now he was appointed as Tae-hyun's butler, a High-Rank Dragonkin.

High-Rank species can basically use Super-Speed Regeneration.

However, one of his torn-off arms had not been regenerated, and there were new scars all over his body.

There aren't many beings in the Abyss who can play with a High-Rank monster like this.

"Who's here?"

[It's Elder Reziel of the Blue Clan….]

He stuttered at Tae-hyun's question, looking like he wasn't in his right mind.

"I see."

[…I'm sorry.]

Vigo explained the situation immediately after Tae-hyun left.

Reziel, Bordeaux's son and also the clan's elder.

He came here to inherit his father's legacy, and almost killed Vigo for handing over the territory to a human.

Even Hazard has suddenly entered hibernation, making it difficult to know the truth.

Because of this, Reziel called in the clan's elders and forcibly occupied this place.

He thought that if he stayed here, he would eventually meet Tae-hyun.

The reason he kept Vigo alive was to guide Tae-hyun.

Nothing more, nothing less.

"Unauthorized occupation… I'm experiencing all sorts of things while living."

The Blue Clan's elders reside in the tower, and Reziel resides in the lair, waiting for Tae-hyun to come.

There are five Blue Clan elders including Reziel.

Normally, it would be right to run away and promise a later day, but.

Tae-hyun didn't need to do that now.

"That's good instead. It saved me the trouble of finding them."

[…….]

Vigo had a look on his face as if he didn't understand what he was saying.

"More than that, greet each other. This is a partner you'll be working with in the future."

Tae-hyun introduced Breed.

[I can feel Lord Hazard's… aura?]

It seemed that it wasn't just Vigo who was surprised.

Breed had also recognized Vigo's strength.

Two High-Rank Dragonkins that were modified by the Dragon Lord and the leader of the Blue Clan.

'I feel reassured.'

There are only two of them now, but.

It wasn't difficult to predict that many Dragonkins would gather under them.

"Settle the pleasantries later, and guide me to that Reziel guy for now."

There was no need to enter the lair.

A young man with blue hair was waiting for Tae-hyun's party at the entrance.

It was Reziel, the elder of the Blue Clan.

[Vigo. Is that guy Kim Tae-hyun?]

[Yes….]

Reziel lowered his head and paid his respects.

[Human. I heard you are Lord Hazard's new contractor?]

"The rumors are fast."

[Asmodeus. If that damn guy hadn't been plotting, my father wouldn't have died. Even if you witnessed that fact, you can't set foot here.]

"I think you're misunderstanding something…."

Tae-hyun looked at Vigo.

He couldn't make eye contact with Tae-hyun and lowered his eyes.

Tae-hyun sighed at the situation he had grasped.

It seems like an explanation is needed, but the logic of power must precede it.

"I killed Bordeaux."

[……!!]

"Asmodeus helped, but. Well, he ended up running away."

[…….]

[…….]

Reziel's eyes widened, Vigo had a troubled expression, and Breed was ready to throw his body in front of Tae-hyun at any moment.

"It was a fair fight."

[How dare… trash like you… speak lies….]

"He's a suspicious guy, just like his father."

[I'll spare you until Lord Hazard wakes up… but there's no need for you to have limbs.]

"Can I make a suggestion?"

[How dare trash like you speak to someone like me….]

Before Reziel could finish his words.

Tae-hyun took out the Dragonslayer Sword from his waist.

The Dragonslayer Sword, imbued with magic power, transformed into its original form.

[……!!]

Pajik!!

Sparks flew in Reziel's red eyes.

He felt Bordeaux's aura from the red eyes gleaming in the sword.

[You!!!]

Pajijik!! Pajijijik!!

A huge magic power swirled from Reziel's body.

"I didn't mean to excite you."

Unlike what he said.

He grinned.

The corners of Tae-hyun's mouth were raised.

350

[Skill Dominator of Desire (SSS) is activated. Target is identified.]

True cyan mana surged from Taehyun's body.

It was due to the activation of the Great Demon's power, 'Dominator of Desire'.

"A life-or-death gamble. How about the winner takes all?"

The emitted true cyan mana surrounded Rejiel.

Normally, one would have sensed something special at that point.

Why he wasn't showing any intention to attack.

How a human could use such dense mana.

Why the contractor of Dragon Lord, Hazard, smelled so disgustingly of demons.

But Rejiel was already too excited.

Without answering.

Rejiel unleashed his aura.

Crackling, crackling.

It was as if a bolt of lightning struck from the red sky.

No, the lightning emitted from his body was connected to the sky.

An aura of lightning covered the area.

Just breathing made the lungs tingle.

'Look at this guy?'

I definitely thought Bordo was the strongest in the Blue Clan.

I was wrong.

He's not at all inferior to his father, Bordo.

At least an Elder-level.

Maybe he had reached the next chieftain level not just because of his bloodline, but also with his power.

'Like father, like son.'

It was when Taehyun was thinking that, chewing on the sparks that were digging into his mouth.

[Skill Primal Element (SSS) has been activated.]

Along with a message that stats had increased due to Rejiel's aura.

[Desire Pact has been established. The Great Demon's spell is applied.]

Whoosh.

The true cyan mana that was floating around enveloped Taehyun and Rejiel's bodies.

The skill had accepted his actions as a yes.

"Smart skill."

He had just unilaterally used the skill and stated the terms of the contract.

But the skill accepted it as a yes just because the other party didn't refuse and attacked first.

A despicable yet demon-like power.

Taehyun accepted the aura and released his mana.

Kwaaaa.

[……!!]

Rejiel's body flinched at the massive mana.

Even if he was Hazard's contractor, he was still in a human body.

He thought his aura was unusual because he was at most a top-tier species.

He must be temporarily enduring it because he inherited the Lord's power.

That's what he thought.

But it wasn't.

The more aura he used.

The more messages appeared in Taehyun's eyes that his stats were increasing due to the activation of Primal Element.

'Not bad.'

There wouldn't be a better situation than now to check how much the current body, which had become stronger after the battle with Gorper, could withstand the stat increases.

But continuing to take it like this wasn't good for the body.

Taehyun had just arrived in the Abyss, and there were still many things to do before pushing his body to the limit.

'I'll play along only this far.'

Taehyun gripped Dragonslayer Sword again.

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

Buzz. Buzz.

Bordo's red eye was embedded in the hilt of Dragonslayer Sword.

Lightning, no less than what Rejiel was emitting, flowed from there.

It had transformed into a sword form, so he couldn't use aura anymore.

[Skill Energy Drain (SSS) has been activated. Form is specified.]

[Skill Energy Compose (SSS) has been activated. Form is specified.]

Kwaaa.

A mana sphere formed at the tip of the sword.

Instead of simply using Taehyun's mana, it released the lightning mana flowing through the entire sword to the tip.

A massive mana ball was created in an instant.

A chunk of mana that could be called a lightning breath.

Rejiel's eyes wavered at the created mana ball.

[You!! How dare a mere insect….]

As if there was no need to listen to the end, he pointed Dragonslayer Sword at Rejiel.

"I don't need your limbs to be intact, do I?"

Crackling.

The lightning sphere was fired at Rejiel as it was.

It was an impromptu combination and still an incomplete technique.

If he tried to dodge, he would have been able to dodge at any time.

But how could the proud Elder of the clan dodge an attack from a mere human?

Rejiel's pride didn't allow that action.

Crack. Crack.

The guy who released the Polymorph on both arms caught the mana ball with his two arms with blue scales.

Buzz.

Crackling.

The mana ball that was sparking was being crushed and extinguished in his hands.

'A tough guy.'

Pshhh.

With the smoke, parts of the blue scales were charred black.

It was insignificant damage compared to the size of the mana.

"Elemental resistance... impressive?"

The blue mana that bloomed from Rejiel's body restored his body.

A super-fast healing magic that wasn't even super-fast regeneration.

In an instant, the scales regained their original brilliant light.

[How dare a mere insect use the power of our clan.]

There was anger in the voice that said that.

"I bet your clan died a lot to such insects, right?"

[……!!]

Without reply.

His body was surrounded by lightning.

He had manifested into his true form, which could raise his strength to the highest level.

'Is this because he's pureblood?'

The pressure was different from the Elder-level opponents he had faced before.

Not only in Polymorph state, but also in his true form, his strength far surpassed that of a typical Elder-level.

'Is this guy even a next Lord-level?'

He wasn't up to the Great Demon, but he was definitely a strongman.

'Of course, even so.'

He was just a weak existence compared to the Archduke now.

The guy who had manifested into his true form floated into the air.

Massive mana gathered in the mouth of the guy located above the lair.

Lightning breath.

He was trying to return the technique that Taehyun had used a while ago.

[Take this.]

Even though it was clear that he had become stronger by leaps and bounds.

The way he dealt with Taehyun was no different from Bordo.

On the other hand, Taehyun didn't have the simple personality to accept the attack head-on, saying he would have a pride fight like him.

He wanted to avoid it with 'Apostle of Darkness' and take one of his wings, but he couldn't guarantee the safety of Vigo and Breed, who were watching with stern expressions from behind.

He couldn't lose two excellent butlers just to avoid one attack.

'I can't help it.'

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

Rumble.

A huge maw rose from under Taehyun's feet.

It was the same time Rejiel spewed his breath.

Crackling.

The crimson mana that devoured everything collided with the lightning mana that tried to destroy everything.

A bizarre thing happened after a while.

The breath that seemed to be about to incinerate the maw of Predation began to be chewed and eaten like a tangible object.

Crunch. Crunch. Crunch.

How could mana chew mana?

[What….]

Rejiel couldn't hide his confusion in this bizarre situation.

He had trampled on many species so far, but he had never experienced an attack like this.

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

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

[Skill Dragon's Fury (SSS) has been activated.]

Three auras were concentrated in one place.

"Come down."

[……!!]

Bang!!!

Along with the immense gravity, the pure aura of the Dragon Clan pressed down on his entire body.

Rejiel's huge body, which had been bewildered by the power of 'Predation', crashed to the ground.

[What the hell is this….]

The guy who had crashed staggered and raised his body.

Maybe he didn't know in the sky.

The appearance of a dragon that fell to the ground.

"Fat lizard."

It was nothing more, nothing less.

[You…!!]

Crackling.

All sorts of electric magic manifested around him.

Aura, breath, magic.

Each and every one of them was a power that symbolized the strength of the Dragon Clan.

It wasn't scary to someone who had already figured out how to attack.

[Skill Apocalypse (SSS) has been activated. Target is specified.]

The chains in the descending darkness collided with the magic he was preparing, causing an explosion.

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

Chains of mana wrapped around Rejiel's body.

Chains were seen disappearing as if they were being incinerated by the lightning the moment they touched his body.

Infinite regeneration and infinite destruction.

That was just the beginning.

[Skill Apostle of Darkness (SSS) has been activated. Location is specified.]

The moment he thought his body was melting into the darkness.

Swish.

Taehyun revealed his appearance right above Rejiel, who was enduring Apocalypse.

Dragonslayer Sword in hand.

The sword, covered in 'Demon's Saliva' and exuding poisonous mana, touched Rejiel's left wing.

Rip.

[……!!]

The Dragon Clan's unique, hard scales were torn like paper.

Thanks to its huge size, he could only cut off about a third of the wing, but that was enough.

[Skill Demon's Saliva (SSS) has been enhanced.]

[Skill Poisoning (SSS) has been enhanced.]

Sizzle. Sizzle.

The purple mana that had penetrated inside shook Rejiel's body.

The blue scales began to be stained purple.

The lightning aura that had been fiercely emitted was gradually weakening.

[You… just with this….]

"It's just the beginning?"

[……!!]

[Skill Demonification (SSS) has been activated. Mimicry area is specified.]

Crack.

Orgal's power 'Enhancement'.

Taehyun's body, surrounded by brown mana, became even larger.

The fighting spirit he exuded was no different from that of a top-tier demon beast clan.

"Let's lightly knead it first."

Shin Han Guk ancient martial arts, 1st form, Taebaek.

Smash. Smash. Smash.

Like an axe chopping wood.

Rejiel's scales were torn off by Taehyun's hand blades that struck down without a break.

Darkness within Apocalypse.

The screams of Rejiel, who had been earmarked as the next chieftain-level of the Blue Clan, echoed.

The two butlers, Vigo and Breed, were watching that figure while holding their breath.

Whoosh.

The darkness cleared away in an instant when 'Apocalypse' was released.

[Cough… Kiya….]

Rejiel, who had his scales, one arm, leg, and tail torn off, let out a rough groan.

The guy who had been hit by 'Ataraxia' even had difficulty regenerating and tried to release Polymorph.

The 'Chains of Binding' that were binding his entire body made that even impossible.

"Hazard went into hibernation."

It was information he had learned by skimming through Rejiel's memories through Ataraxia.

There was no lie as it was the memory of a guy who was earmarked as the next chieftain-level in the clan.

"Still, it's annoying. There's a landlord, yet he's illegally occupying it."

Originally, it was right for Rejiel, who was the next chieftain and bloodline following Bordo, to inherit it.

There was no such thing for Taehyun, who thought it was a reward for the hard work in the process of making a summoning pact with Hazard.

"It's necessary to educate the other Elders as well. You said they were staying in the Tower?"

Taehyun asked Vigo, who was far away.

"Y-yes, that's right!!"

Vigo answered loudly, startled.

"Bring them all."

[Y-yes? All… of them?]

"What's the point of dragging out time?"

[T-then… what about Rejiel-nim….]

Vigo asked, glancing at Rejiel, who was tied up in a miserable state with the Chains of Binding.

It was because he expected that the other Elders would rush at him as soon as they saw that figure.

"Originally, education requires an example."

Tap tap.

Taehyun said, touching Rejiel's head, which was slumped over, with Dragonslayer Sword.

[…….]

[…….]

Vigo and Breed realized it only then.

They had come to serve a demon that was worse than the demon race.

A monster that was worse than a monster, as their master.

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